The Long Shadow is the sixth book in the Morland Dynasty series written by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. The series follows the lives of the Morland family through several centuries of English history. Set in the 16th century, this particular installment delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and the challenges faced by the Morland family during this tumultuous period.

The story begins with Eleanor Courteney, a young and beautiful widow who captures the attention of Sir Richard Morland, head of the Morland family. Despite their age difference, they marry and Eleanor becomes Lady Morland. However, their marriage is not a happy one as Richard is a cold and distant husband.

Meanwhile, their son, Robert Morland, is growing up and becoming more involved in the family business. He is ambitious and determined to expand their wealth and influence. Robert’s relationship with his father is strained, as Richard does not approve of his son’s choices and ambitions.

As Queen Elizabeth I ascends to the throne, England faces religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. This tension affects the Morland family directly, as they have members on both sides of the religious divide. Robert’s sister, Ursula, converts to Catholicism and marries a Catholic nobleman, causing further strain within the family.

Robert’s ambitions lead him to become involved in politics and he eventually becomes a Member of Parliament. He uses his position to further his own interests and gain favor with influential figures at court. However, his actions also bring him enemies who seek to undermine him.

Throughout the book, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles weaves together historical events with the personal lives of the Morland family. The characters face challenges such as political intrigue, religious conflicts, and personal betrayals. The author provides a vivid portrayal of life during this period in English history.

As the story progresses, Eleanor becomes increasingly disillusioned with her marriage to Richard. She finds solace in a passionate affair with a younger man, which further strains her relationship with her husband and causes turmoil within the family.

The Long Shadow also explores the lives of other members of the Morland family, including Richard’s illegitimate son, Edward, who struggles to find his place in society. Edward’s journey takes him from the countryside to London, where he becomes involved in the theater scene and encounters both success and heartbreak.

As the book reaches its climax, tensions rise within the Morland family and their relationships are put to the test. The religious conflicts intensify, leading to violence and persecution. The characters must navigate these challenges while also dealing with their own personal struggles and desires.

In conclusion, The Long Shadow by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is a captivating historical novel that delves into the lives of the Morland family during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It explores themes of ambition, love, betrayal, and religious conflict against the backdrop of a turbulent period in English history.

• The Long Shadow

• By: Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
• Narrated by: Terry Wale

1670: The reign of King Charles II brought peace and prosperity to the Morland family, but the ascension of James II would disrupt their restored fortunes. In Yorkshire, Morland Place flourished during the Restoration, and in London, the beautiful and alert Annunciata, now the Countess of Chelmsford, a wealthy and well-connected woman close to the Royal Family . But storm clouds rolled in to cover them all as James II’s reign brought rebellion and discord. Trouble is never far from Annunciata in these turbulent times. Jealousy, betrayal, and violent death threaten her children, and for Annunciata herself, the anguish of love lives in the enduring darkness of secrecy, a love that can only lead to tragedy dramatic.

As I said about the previous books, I have been reading Morland Dynasty Books for over 20 years. I read the whole series about five times and never got bored of the book. I bought new books every November when they hit number 34 or 35, now I’m slowly buying them on Kindle and re-reading them. I learned more history from these books after 12 years at school! You should start at number one, but can start reading these books from any number as they are clearly explained. Her other books are also worth reading.

I must say I am addicted to the Moreland Saga books. I’ve read each of them… and now I’m replacing my “Used Books” with new ones. I’m looking forward to the time when I can read them all in a row…. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy these books. They are not available in bookstores in the US, so I am always grateful to Amazon for keeping them in stock and letting us know when new books are available. I usually wait for the paperback and I’m on the waiting list for the latest. I passed them on to a colleague…usually 5 clips…and her husband said they should be grounds for divorce because she couldn’t stop reading. I am so particular about the books that I recommend and these books are so well researched that no one would call them a “historical fiction trilogy”. My only regret is that Cynthia Harrod Eagles is so close to the present that there may not be any more books before I die.

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