Tides of War

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An epic novel about love and war, set in Regency England and Spain during the Peninsular War (1812-15), opens with the unconventional Harriet bidding farewell to her husband, James, as he joins the Duke of Wellington's troops. Their interwoven tales of love and betrayal drive this sweeping narrative, contrasting Regency London—a city enamored with science and money—with the brutal realities of war in Spain. The author skillfully examines the war's impact on men at the front and the newfound freedoms for women at home. Harriet's friendship with the protective Kitty, Lady Wellington, leads to unexpected changes in her life. Meanwhile, James becomes captivated by the chaos of battle and a new love in Seville. As the story shifts between war and peace, Spain and London, it features a diverse cast, including the Duke of Wellington, a serial adulterer and war hero, and émigrés like Nathan Rothschild and Frederic Winsor, who shape a future illuminated by gaslight and financial speculation. Through vivid portrayals of strong female characters and the horrors of battle, this novel stands out as a remarkable fiction debut of the year.