Pregnant, Judith abandons her family and goes to Parliamentarian territory on John's instructions, introducing herself as Judith St. During a break in the fighting, John visits Judith and the two consummate their relationship. In 1644, she has her engagement broken off when her family and the Mainwarings find themselves on opposing sides of the English Civil War. Judith Marsh has been engaged since birth to her neighbor, John Mainwaring, heir to the Earl of Rosswood.

She read books on the period and wrote numerous drafts of what would become Forever Amber. Winsor's inspiration for the book came from her first husband, who had written his undergraduate thesis on Charles II, completed while he was serving in the army. Many notable historical figures appear in the book, including Charles II of England, members of his court, and several of his mistresses including Nell Gwyn. The novel includes portrayals of Restoration fashion, including the introduction and popularization of tea in English coffeehouses and the homes of the fashionably rich politics and public disasters, including the plague and the Great Fire of London. The subplot of the novel follows Charles II of England as he returns from exile and adjusts to ruling England. Clare, who makes her way up through the ranks of 17th-century English society by sleeping with or marrying successively richer and more important men while keeping her love for the one man she can never have. It was made into a film in 1947 by 20th Century Fox.įorever Amber tells the story of an orphaned Amber St. Forever Amber (1944) is an historical romance novel by Kathleen Winsor set in 17th-century England.

Book forever amber kathleen winsor