The Bridled Tongue

The Bridled Tongue was an enjoyable read but I was profoundly bothered by the fact that when a woman made a truthful statement that man could not bear to hear, she was viewed as having an unbridled tongue. There were numerous references in the plot. Each time I read one it stung my heart. I am soooo glad I did not live during those times. There were just as many men with "unbridled tongues" but they never paid a price for it. This unjustness bothered me enough to affect how much I liked the book.

The publisher's summary:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.  England 1586. Alyce Bradley has few choices when her father decides it is time she marry as many refuse to see her as other than the girl she once was - unruly, outspoken and close to her grandmother, a woman suspected of witchcraft.

Thomas Granville, an ambitious privateer, inspires fierce loyalty in those close to him and hatred in those he has crossed. Beyond a large dowry, he is seeking a virtuous and dutiful wife. Neither he nor Alyce expect more from marriage than mutual courtesy and respect. 

As the King of Spain launches his great armada and England braces for invasion, Alyce must confront closer dangers from both her own and Thomas's past, threats that could not only destroy her hopes of love and happiness but her life. And Thomas is powerless to help.

The real action in the book began at the midway point with the early part of the book setting up the plot. The author nailed it with her story idea on the dangers of the tongue. While showing both male and female characters with uncontrolled tongues, the historical fiction part of the story centered on an era when women were believed to be unable to tell the truth or were at least accused of not telling the truth.  It is not too different today than in the sixteenth century as women who accuse a man of rape are perceived to be liars by law enforcement and the courts. Our protagonist Alyce had learned to control her tongue during an 8 year stay with a family friend during her childhood. Her tongue, which she believed was bridled, was not believed to be bridled by enemies of her father and husband. Her enemies were interested in obtaining property belonging to both of them by making false accusations against her.  In addition, gossipers in her family and community added to her problems. They, too, had unbridled tongues but were perceived as being believable by men with monetary interests.

As I was reading, I thought that this shocking book would only rate 3 out of 5 stars. After reading the ending I saw that the plot was really about the dangers of the tongue and admired author Catherine Weyrick for putting together this exceptional plot. 5 out of 5 stars!