She began her professional life as an actress, then moved from acting to directing and producing, founding The Pasadena Shakespeare Company, which she ran for nine years. Gillian Bagwell has had a life-long love of books, British history, and theatre, and united these passions in writing ‘The Darling Strumpet’, her first novel. Nell would have applauded in approval and probably done a little jig to celebrate her tribute.” – Kayla Posney, Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner

The Darling Strumpet is an absolutely brilliant addition to the historical fiction genre and might be the best novel on Nell Gwynn ever….

“… an absolute triumph as a debut novel…. A vivid portrait of an age that makes our own seem prudish, told with verve, humour, pathos… and not a little eroticism.' – C.C. 'Hard to resist this sort of seduction – a Nell Gwynn who pleasures the crowds upon the stages of London and the noblest men of England in their bedrooms. 'Bawdy and poignant … an ebullient page-turner!' – Leslie Carroll, author of Royal Affairs 'Richly engaging portrait of the life and times of one of history's most appealing characters!' – Diana Gabaldon Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Tessa Dare. But can she keep him enthralled when the country’s finest Ladies are vying for his attentions at court?Ī captivating historical fiction novel that will lead you through the streets of 17th century London to the court of King Charles II. It isn’t long before Nell takes centre-stage herself and her saucy wit and ambitious temperament soon catch the eye of the young King Charles II. With London’s theatres flourishing, Nell seizes an opportunity to change her luck and takes a job selling oranges at The King’s Playhouse on Drury Lane. But Nell learns the hard way that to be at the mercy of unscrupulous men is no life at all. Growing up in the bawdy atmosphere of 17th century Covent Garden, Nell Gwynn is little more than a girl when she enters the world of the courtesan. ‘A richly engaging portrait of the life and times of one of history's most appealing characters!’ Diana Gabaldon, creator of the Outlander series. She sold her innocence … and captured the heart of a king.

The darling strumpet