Pretty, witty Nelly Gwynn was an unusual woman for her time, an accomplished, yet illiterate, actress in 17th century London. Nell rose from her dirt-poor childhood to become star of the stage and eventually the beloved mistress of King Charles II, and mother of two of his children.

In her book, THE DARLING STUMPET, debut author Gillian Bagwell delights readers with tales of Nell Gwynn's escapades in historically accurate detail. The story elicits laughter, as well as a few tears, by the end of the final page.

Nell Gwynn escaped her mother's bawdy house to become a young prostitute under the care and guidance of her older sister, Rose. Nell would entertain some of the top in the world of acting, and the men took a liking to the bright, saucy young girl who desired to better her life. Teaching her the ropes of acting, Nell's gentlemen friends encouraged her new-found career, and soon she was attracting the attention of the King himself during her performances.

Nell was taken under the wing of the Duke of Buckingham, the King's cousin, and groomed to become the latest in King Charles' stable of mistresses. Advised to always be cheerful and happy for His Majesty, Nell would outlast all of the women who vied for the King's attention, even his Queen. Nell would become Charles' confident, keeping his secrets during his often tumultuous reign. Nell never forgot where she came from or those who helped her along the way, and was generous with her money and her influences, even helping her old, mean-spirited mother in her final years.

Gillian Bagwell presents this story of the beloved courtesan in a lively manner, giving the character of Nell a quiet dignity and grace. Far from being a dry documentary, Bagwell livens the action up with frequent forays into Nell's famous sexual antics with her beloved King and others, giving the book just the right amount of spice! (I just imagine Nell would have given Madonna and Lady Gaga a run for their money had they been around back then!)

THE DARLING STUMPET is a well-told historical romance that will be enjoyed by Anglophiles and fans of the days of old alike.