Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland

Publication Date: March 3, 2015
NAL Trade
Formats: eBook, Paperback
416 Pages

Series: Renegades of the American Revolution (Book 3)
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance



British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jenny Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere.

Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jenny Leighton…

Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. With Jenny’s name now on the hanging list, Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward an uncertain future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…

My Review

Five Stars

Copy Received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review

"Mistress Firebrand" by Donna Thorland was an easy five star read for me. This story had all the parts that work for me.  I really enjoy historical fiction but love historical romance and this book had equal parts historical fiction and historical romance.  I really enjoyed learning about the late 1700's in early U.S history and I thought I knew a lot about it but I learned so much more by reading "Mistress Firebrand."  For example, for some reason in my mind the rebels and the English were very intertwined, which makes perfect sense, but in my mind I imagined that the lines were more clearly drawn between. It was very enlightening to see that that was not the case and it was also very enlightening to see the struggles that the rebels had to endure.  The heroine, Jennifer Leighton was fantastic. I absolutely loved her, admired her and was completely fascinated with her and her mission.  The female characters in this book were very impressive and refreshing to read about.  Not to be outdone by a fantastic heroine, Thorland also creates a fantastic hero, Severin  was so enjoyable. I enjoyed reading about him, I loved the tension and struggle with him and Jenny and I really enjoyed the historical perspective he provided.  His lineage is part Mohawk and part English. Although I've read my historical romances, I can say he was a completely original and refreshing character.

Finally, I thought that storyline was fantastic. The time period Thorland focuses on is so rich with history, information and really so insightful into what we know as present day.  It was very humbling to read about the struggles that the early "rebels" endured, not to mention how crafty they were.  Jenny's aunt was a great example of resourcefulness.  How can the theater and  writing help the early residents of this country form the nation?  It was clear that the author did tremendous research and I found it very intriguing.  Also, although this is part of a series it is easily a stand alone. I didn't feel I missed out on anything but I definitely want to read more by her.  I strongly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys history, historical fiction, historical romance or just a great story, by a great author about great characters.  Loved!

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About the Author

A native of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Donna graduated from Yale with a degree in Classics and Art History. For many years she managed architecture and interpretation at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, and wrote and directed the Witch City’s most popular Halloween theater festival, Eerie Events. She later earned an MFA in film production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Donna has been a sorority house mother, a Disney/ABC Television Writing Fellow, a WGA Writer’s Access Project Honoree, and a writer on the ABC primetime drama, Cupid. Her screenwriting credits include episodes of the animated series, Tron: Uprising. Her short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Albedo One. The director of several award-winning short films, her most recent project, The Night Caller, aired on WNET Channel 13 and was featured on Ain’t It Cool News. Currently she is a writer on the WGN drama SALEM. She is married with one cat and divides her time between the real Salem and Los Angeles.

For more information visit Donna Thorland's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Mistress Firebrand Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 6
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Excerpt & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, April 7
Review & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, April 8
Interview at The Maiden's Court

Thursday, April 9
Guest Post & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing

Friday, April 10
Spotlight at Broken Teepee

Sunday, April 12
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, April 13
Spotlight, Excerpt, & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Thursday, April 16
Review at Caroline Wilson Writes

Friday, April 17
Spotlight at I'd So Rather Be Reading

Saturday, April 18
Excerpt & Giveaway at A Dream Within a Dream

Monday, April 20
Review at Book Nerd

Tuesday, April 21
Guest Post & Giveaway at Book Babe

Wednesday, April 22
Guest Post & Excerpt at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, April 23
Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Friday, April 24
Review at Back Porchervations

Monday, April 27
Review at Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, April 28
Review at Historical Readings & Views

Wednesday, April 29
Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Guest Post at Boom Baby Reviews

Thursday, April 30
Review at Bookramblings

Friday, May 1
Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway at Drey's Library
Spotlight at Genre Queen

Sunday, May 3
Review at Forever Ashley

Monday, May 4
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Guest Post & Giveaway at To Read, or Not to Read

Tuesday, May 5
Excerpt at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, May 6
Review at Unabridged Chick

Thursday, May 7
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, May 8
Interview at Scandalous Woman