My Husband

Inspired by real bloodstains and from detailed research comes a refreshingly different historical romance between a god-fearing woman and a known murderer

My Husband: The Extraordinary History of Nicholas Brome combines fifteenth century imagery with themes of morality and forgiveness in a historical novel that takes inspiration from a true story of love and murder. It explores the life of Nicholas Brome, a Warwickshire lord with a violent, blood-soaked past, through the soul-searching of his third wife and widow, Lettice Catesby. Their residence, Baddesley Clinton, features prominently in the novel, and still stands as a historical property people can tour today - including Nicholas’ grave where he demands to be buried standing up. An enduring punishment - but is it a just one?

When Lettice married Nicholas, 25 years her senior, she believed she knew all there was about his violent past and the murders he committed. He had pleaded to the King and the Pope for pardon and both Lettice and God had long ago forgiven him. But on his deathbed, Nicholas confesses once more and this time there can be no forgiveness. Shocked, desperate, Lettice examines all she knows of his life for an explanation: his childhood torn apart by the power struggles between Yorkists and Lancastrians, the promise and pain of his marriages, his love of family and his amends for his violent behaviour. An inspiring story of love and loyalty in the face of a very real fear of Hell.