The characters were well-developed, and I found myself invested in their journeys. The setting was vivid, creating a wonderful backdrop to the story. The writing kept me hooked throughout. Overall, a satisfying and uplifting novel that I would recommend for a cosy weekend read.

I thought I would love this, however I found the detailed description of the legal proceedings and the social context somewhat dense.
I did love the attention to social detail, it did however slow down the pace for the more interesting scandalous aspects of the story rather than its broader implications.

Overall, I found it a fascinating read that offers insight into a scandal that rocked early American society. Braithwaites thorough research and compelling storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to the genre of historical biography.

This book started off slow and there were lots of characters introduced within the first 3 chapters which I found hard to keep everyone straight in my head.
Iloved that this story was based on a true story as it gave a great insight into what life was like in the 1700's.
The book is very fast paced until about half way through, and I lost interest for a few chapters.
I wasn't very fond of Nancy either, I felt that she let life just happen to her and didn't take control of her own destiny, maybe things would have turned out different if she had.
Overall a good read that kept me somewhat entertained.

Book Review: The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph by Kate Braithwaite

Rating: 4 Stars

First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous cover of this book? It's so eye-catching!

Now onto my review...

The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph is a gripping historical retelling that dives into one of America's first great scandals that rocked the nation in October 1792. The story begins at Glentivar Plantation in Virginia, where enslaved workers discover the body of a white baby hidden among logs. This shocking discovery leads to whispers and rumors that sweep through Virginia society, particularly surrounding young Nancy Randolph, who is believed to have had an affair with her brother-in-law Dick. The gossip escalates, suggesting that Nancy and Dick murdered the child to protect their family’s reputation.

As the tale unfolds, we are plunged into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and complex family dynamics. The trial that follows Dick's arrest becomes a sensational event that not only captures the public's attention but also shakes the very foundations of the fledgling American nation. The question lingers: Who is Nancy Randolph? Is she a calculating seductress and murderer, or merely an unwilling victim caught in a web of familial manipulation?

I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing about the history surrounding these people and events, but I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the story turned out to be. Kate Braithwaite does an excellent job of immersing readers in this tumultuous period, weaving together the ups and downs of the Randolph family with skill and finesse. My heart truly went out to Nancy, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the pacing—especially in the first part of the narrative. Braithwaite keeps the reader invested with well-executed tension and drama. Plus, she thoughtfully includes a detailed character list at the beginning, which proves invaluable when navigating the intricate family relationships. It’s a clever touch that I wish more historical fiction authors would consider.

Overall, The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph is another well-researched and beautifully written book by Kate Braithwaite. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a compelling story filled with scandal and intrigue, this book is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

As a historical fiction enthusiast, I knew I would enjoy this book thoroughly. As an Australian, I don’t know as much as I’d like about life in late 18th/early 19th Century, particularly for women and indentured servants. The writing was evocative and meticulously researched, and kept me invested in every page. It gets a 3.75 out of 5 for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.

"The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph" by Kate Braithwaite, is a historical fiction. I was drawn in by the intriguing premise of this novel, which tells the story of the first great scandal to shake America.
The story takes place in 1792 at Glentivar Plantation in Virginia, where the Randolph family is staying. The tension is palpable as we learn that Judy and Richard Randolph, along with Judy's 18-year-old sister Nancy, are at the centre of a mysterious and scandalous event. The discovery of a hidden baby's body amongst logs sets off a chain reaction of events that shakes the wealthy and influential Randolph family to its core.
As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself wondering: was Nancy a calculating seductress and murderer, or an unwilling victim groomed and manipulated by her devious brother-in-law? Braithwaite's research is meticulous, and she weaves together multiple perspectives to create a compelling narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
One of the things that impressed me most was the author's attention to detail. The inclusion of a character guide was a lifesaver for me, as I found it easy to get lost in the web of relationships between the various Randolphs. The pacing was deliberate and measured, making it easy to absorb the complex story without feeling overwhelmed. The writing is superb, and Braithwaite's ability to bring this true story to life is impressive.
As I finished the book, I couldn't help but wonder what happened to Nancy's baby. While Braithwaite presents a compelling case for what may have transpired, I'm left with more questions than answers. Nevertheless, this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction or true crime stories.

I enjoyed this historical book very much. Braithwaite's writing was so easy to read. I was attracted by the beautiful cover. A list of characters can be found at the beginning of the novel, which I found to be extremely helpful. This book will appeal to history buffs, mystery lovers, and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, thought-provoking tale. Prepare to be transported back in time.

Loosely based on true events. I truly enjoyed THE SCANDALOUS LIFE OF NANCY RANDOLPH, finding that Braithwaite's research was conscientious and I was impressed as she shared Nancy's story in a compelling way with perspectives from Nancy, Judy (Nancy's sister), and Phebe (Nancy's slave). I was glad that the author included a character listing given that so many families at the time married within their own families and with cousins marrying cousins the last name Randolph got a bit confusing to keep everyone straight when their were so many Randolphs.

Braithwaite's pacing and writing made the story interesting and given the time period involved, I can only imagine the strain and rift that such a scandal could cause a family when it was not only a publicly known scandal, but involved an affair between one sister, Nancy, and the other sister's husband along with a mysterious pregnancy.

Not knowing anything about who Nancy Randolph was, I went into the book blind after being intrigued by the description and after finishing the book I found myself Googling more information on Nancy Randolph, her family, and her life. While Braithwaite weaves a compelling and believable case for what happened, I can't help but wonder about the relationship between Nancy and Dick and most importantly what happened to Nancy's baby.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine


This was an absolute revelation !!
I had no idea about this and found the write up intriguing

Totally loved it

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't my usual go to genre of book but I was drawn in by the title and beautiful cover. The book was so well written and you could tell how much research the author had put in to make this story as from doing research myself after finishing the book I could see how close the author kept to the true story with the addition of some extra characters to help build depth and mystery.

Luckily there was a character guide in the book as a lot of characters are from the same families so have the same surname and for someone like me can easily get confused as to who is related to who so was a great help! This is also more of a slow paced book so wasn't gripped for the story but I read it at a leisurely pace and finished it within a few days.

I honestly hate to do this, especially giving that it’s an ARC, but I’ve been struggling with this book for weeks and I’ve barely hit the 30% mark. I think it’s time to be truthful with myself: this isn’t for me.

I think it might be partly my fault because I got attracted by the pretty cover and the flashy title without actually reading what it was about, but it wasn’t just that. I think this book needed more editing, for starters. For the most part I felt like I was reading an essay instead of a work of fiction. I couldn’t connect to the characters at all. And that’s the key point for me. I might dislike the plot, but if the characters make me feel any type of emotion, I’ll stick to it. Otherwise, I just can’t.

Thank you so much NetGalley and the author for the opportunity. I’m really sorry this isn’t a more positive review.

A well plotted and entertaining historical romance: vivid historical background, fleshed out characters, good storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Excellent historical fiction that created a well rounded look into a family severed by scandal and gossip in early America. As a descendant to the Randolph's of VA, the author did her research and brought these real people to life again. The story was told in multiple perspectives, which will give you pause on who really was the victim of this supposed crime? Highly recommend to lovers of history and Revolutionary-era America. #thescandalouslifeofnancyrandolph #katebraithwaite #netgalley #goodreads

The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph by Kate Braithwaite

In 1792 on a plantation in Virginia, the body of a baby is found abandoned. A scandal ensues which ricochets throughout the eminent Randolph family and all those related to them. At the heart of it is Nancy Randolph and her sister's husband Dick. But what really happened?

This was such an interesting read - based on a true story, the meticulous research by the author is very impressive. The book is also very entertaining - at the start you think you know what has happened, but as the book goes on you wonder if you really do! Very highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this book, historical fiction isn't usually my go to genre and the history in this book isn't one I have any prior knowledge of but it was very interesting to get a look into life in such a different time. The fiction weaved into real events was compelling and I did find myself wanting to know what the resolution would be. Knowing the resolution is a work of fiction does make me curious as to the factual history that we will never know the answers to. A good read.

Although this is an easy to read novel, it seemed like there was too many characters, naturally they are all related in some way shape or form. Even with a character guide I felt like this was a bit much.

DNF around 30%, which I hate doing. Unfortunately it was just not for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Lume Books for my DRC in exchange for my honest review.

A well-written historical novel that is full of mystery and intriguing secrets of the Randolph family. One is captivated by the story and right when you think you know you find yourself questioning the events that occurred. The events of one night lead you down a mysterious path to family secrets and murder. I enjoyed the history of this novel and the way it was written brought it to life on every page. This was my first Kate Braithwaite novel and I think I am hooked and will need to read more from here. A portrait of secrets and forbidden love crafted with the finest pen.

This is a take on the true story of Nancy Randolph. Nancy goes to live with her sister and her husband Richard, but when a baby is found dead it’s rumoured that it was Nancy’s child and that she was having an affair with Richard. Richard is then accused of murder and a scandal ensues.

This is a very well researched novel and it was interesting to learn about Nancy who I knew nothing about prior to this book.

The underlining mystery of what really happened keeps you reading but the book is quite slow paced and took me a while to get through.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this eCopy to review

The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph was an interesting insight into a period of history I am not familiar with Virginia in the 18th century. Some slaves discover a white baby dead in the reeds, gossip soon sees Nancy Randolph and her sister's husband Richard accused. What follows is a sensational trial.

Whilst a little confusing at times, and the pace could be a bit quicker in places this was an intriguing story exploring how far reaching the effects of a crime are on families, communities and through time.

My review for The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph by Kate Braithwaite (4 stars): A great historical fiction novel

Thank you Joffe Books for sharing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed this epic family drama set in the late 18th and early 19th century US. The story follows the lives of two Randolph sisters, Judy and Nancy. Their love for each other and close friendship are uncanny, though they could not be more opposite in character. Practical and thoughtful Judy is so different from the passionate and fun Nancy. In their younger years their differences seem to complement their relationship, but as the events of their lives unfold these exact differences are the cause of the shocking dramatic events of the Randolph family.

The story is loosely based on true events, though Kate Braithwaite included new untold perspectives of those whose voices haven’t historically been heard or documented. As the strain in the Randolph family begins (it’s impossible to share more details without spoiling anything), as a reader we’re faced with questioning our characters’ motivations, true thoughts and feelings. If you like an open-ended novel that isn’t prescriptive of whether you should like the characters or not, you’ll enjoy this novel. This is moral greyness at it’s best.

It is sometimes shocking to read realistic historical fiction because of the harsh realities of the times, and this novel is no exception. I strongly recommend you check your trigger and content warnings before going into this one, as the novel has some language and events that might affect the reader negatively.

I enjoyed the pacing of the first part of the book and found the events and the story extremely interesting. I’m glad the author has included a detailed list of all the characters, which I had to go back to a few times before I got the gist of the complicated family trees. Once you get on board with all the characters, the story is easy to follow. I did struggle with the second half of the book as I thought the pacing slowed down quite a bit, hence why I reduced my rating to 4 stars.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who like historical fiction.