“The Keys to Corfe Castle” is not your ordinary historical romance novel, although there is plenty of history and a warm touch of romance. In an age of Knights and Castles the starring warrior is -- well – a “Lady.” A very real Lady Mary Hawtrey Bankes inspired a war-weary nation, including even her foes, with her spirited defense of the Castle her husband (a Knight) gave her when England’s world turned upside down 400 years ago. Intensively researched and lavishly illustrated, an abundance of four-centuries-old art treasures now in the public domain authenticate Lady Mary’s saga.
Who better to tell this tale of military daring by – yes -- a Lady – than retired United States Air Force Colonel, Linda Sindt? An early trailblazer in toppling barriers to upward mobility for today’s military women, Linda says, “Lady Mary’s voice demands to be heard. In a war that was a prelude to the beginnings of the United States of America, she dared to engage in fierce face-to-face combat with mightily armed Parliamentary forces with her young daughters by her side. Not exactly a then socially OK role for ‘proper’ Ladies! Who could blame them? The enemy (their neighbors) not only wanted to destroy their Castle, but to abolish Christmas!”
Lady Mary’s story is one of tender romance in an era of arranged marriages. It exultantly celebrates family at a time of paramount fear and despair. It is a (slightly) fictionalized but mostly true tale of heartbreaking loss and betrayal – and also of fervent love and hope. The pre-teen to great-grandmother “Ladies” on any gift list will especially enjoy this easy read.
