Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 16

Healing Hearts

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Healing Hearts

by Sarah M. Eden

Edition: paperback, 2019

Synopsis: Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara’s message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

Miriam steps off the stage, ready to begin her new job as a nurse. gideon meets her, ready for a wedding. With embarrassment on all sides, these two work together to help the town. But trouble is following Miriam. Can she trust Gideon with her secrets?

This was my first introduction to the town of Savage Wells, and I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the first book. The entire town is filled with delightful characters I am dying to know better.

Gideon is an absolute sweetheart of a doctor. He works himself to the bone for the town. He also has a family who is not exactly supportive of his career choice. As he earns Miriam’s trust, he is gentle and understanding.

From the start, we know Miriam has a secret. Well, several, and I kept turning the page to learn what they were. I loved her more and I learned more about her.

Overall, this was a delightful read and I would recommend it to any readers of historical romance.

Runaway Bride

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Runaway Bride

by Jane Aiken Hodge

Edition: ARC, 2019

Synopsis: ‘An heiress, and a damned bad hat of an uncle. Look after her, George.’

And so George Ferris makes a vow to a dying soldier to wed his sister. Honour-bound, George resolves to keep his promise. 

But Jennifer Purchas has other ideas. Desperate to get away from the money-hungry clutches of her Uncle Gurning, Jennifer refuses to marry a man she has never met. Determined to start her life anew, she runs away and assumes a new identity. 

Acting as a penniless governess, Jennifer tries to keep her status as a rebel heiress under wraps. But as mistaken identities and misunderstandings abound, fate seems to have a way of intervening. Will Jennifer be able to live the life she wishes or will her life be decided for her? 

George Ferris made a promise to look out for the sister of a dying friend. Jennifer Purchas, however, wants nothing to do with the man who waited too long to keep his promise. Will these two see through the personas they present to find true love?

Jennifer was a fun character to follow! After being under the thumb of an uncle, she rebels and takes off to avoid marriage with a stranger. Though some of her decisions were desperate, she did what she thought she had to do to protect herself. George’s high handed manner brings consequences to him, and it brought an air of humor to the story.

The plot moved at a good pace and kept me interested from start to finish. George’s grandmother was a delight and livened every scene she was in.

I would recommend this to any reader who loves Regency romances.

I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.

Damnation Island: Poor, Sick, Mad and Criminal in 19th Century New York

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Damnation island: Poor, Sick, Mad and Criminal in 19th Century New York

by Stacy Horn

Edition: Kindle, 2018

Synopsis: On a two-mile stretch of land in New York’s East River, a 19th-century horror story was unfolding . . .

Today we call it Roosevelt Island. Then, it was Blackwell’s, site of a lunatic asylum, two prisons, an almshouse, and a number of hospitals. Conceived as the most modern, humane incarceration facility the world ever seen, Blackwell’s Island quickly became, in the words of a visiting Charles Dickens, “a lounging, listless madhouse.”

In the first contemporary investigative account of Blackwell’s, Stacy Horn tells this chilling narrative through the gripping voices of the island’s inhabitants, as well as the period’s officials, reformers, and journalists, including the celebrated Nellie Bly. Digging through city records, newspaper articles, and archival reports, Horn brings this forgotten history alive: there was terrible overcrowding; prisoners were enlisted to care for the insane; punishment was harsh and unfair; and treatment was nonexistent.

Throughout the book, we return to the extraordinary Reverend William Glenney French as he ministers to Blackwell’s residents, battles the bureaucratic mazes of the Department of Correction and a corrupt City Hall, testifies at salacious trials, and in his diary wonders about man’s inhumanity to man. In Damnation Island, Stacy Horn shows us how far we’ve come in caring for the least fortunate among us—and reminds us how much work still remains.

In 1828, the city of New York purchased an island for the insane, the sick, the poor, and the criminal. With intentions of being progressive and compassionate, the island became known as hell.

This was a sober read. The author provides examples of lack of care, funds, and employees for just about every building on the island. With exception of those sent to the island for minor crimes, few would escape the island.

At each turn, the conditions on Blackwell Island were nothing short of horrifying. Some went to the island to help, such as Reverand French, but they were limited in what they were able to do.

Nellie Bly feigned insanity to go undercover in the asylum to expose the atrocities occurring. I’d heard of this before, but had never looked into where she had gone, so ti was interesting to learn more about that.

I would recommend this to readers interested in looking at the grim past.

The Truth about Miss Ashbourne

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The Truth about Miss Ashbourne

by Joanna Barker

Edition: ARC, 2019

Synopsis: Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield–with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life.

But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant–and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart. 

WhenMiss Julianna Ashbourne learns her estranged grandfather left her an inheritance with the stipulation she spends a month at the family home, the independent young lady’s first inclination is to refuse. Circumstances compel her to accept, however, and she finds her life change for the better.

Julianna is an independent, stubborn character. When I first began to read her story, I was not inclined to like her. She didn’t feel as though she fit into the era, and made no attempts to do so! She didn’t have an ounce of respect for how her employer wished the children to be educated, making her one of the worst governesses I’ve ever read about with her forward-thinking ideas.

However, as the story progressed Julianna’s personality is softened and I liked her better. She is surrounded by an enjoyable cast who bring out the best in her, from her sweet grandmother to the maid who helps her. The romance was sweet if a bit predictable.

The pace of the book is steady. The details of the period are excellent, save for Julianna’s very modern way of thinking. I look forward to seeing what else this author has up her sleeve.

I would recommend this to readers of Regency Romance looking for a strong female lead. I received a free copy from Netgalley for reviewing purposes.

Miss Prim

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Miss Prim

by Jane Myers Perrine

Edition: Kindle, 2013

Synopsis: At twenty-five, Louisa Walker has carefully laid out the pattern of her life: the season in London, a few weeks at fashionable house parties and the rest of the year spent visiting and organizing the lives of her six siblings and their children. Because of her age, refined nature, and strict moral code she is considered to be “Miss Prim.”

Louisa’s guarded existence is disrupted when she accepts an invitation from her sister. She believes that she is simply helping her sister and brother-in-law by watching the children during their travels. However, upon her arrival she meets William, Viscount Woodstone, and an adventure beyond her wildest imagination begins. Starting with the questionable heritage of a baby in her care, she decides to join Woodstone’s secret quest to outwit French spies and thwart their evil plan.

Despite all Louisa’s beliefs, this refined gentlewoman careens around the back roads of England in an ancient cart, poses as a countrywoman, and even saves Woodstone’s life.

Once the adventure ends, Louisa is concerned that her “Miss Prim” image is shattered, and hopes that Woodstone feels the same emotions for her that she has developed for him.

Louisa has a strict moral code to which she adheres, earning her the title of Miss Prim. When she accepts an invitation from her sister, she is reunited with William, Viscount Woostone, and takes part in an adventure that proves she is not so prim.

I remember reading this several years ago, and I enjoyed revisiting it. Yes, there are some aspects that are a bit unbelievable, but Louisa was a fun character. It was a delight to see her go from a proper lady to one ready for adventure.

it is a quick read with a fast-paced plot. William and Louisa’s history together causes tension at first, but they gradually come to realize how they really feel about each other.

I would recommend this to Regency readers who enjoy a dash of adventure with their romance.

Never Borrow a Baronet

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Never Borrow a Baronet

by Regina Scott

Edition: Kindle, 2018

Synopsis: After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

Patience Ramsey has every expectation her new position as an assistant will be worlds better than being a companion. However, she is dumbfounded when her new employer introduces her as the bride-to-be of Sir Harold Orwell. Has Fortune the cat made a mistake?

We first met Patience in the first book of this series where we saw how browbeaten and overworked she was. Now she has hopes to improve her situation. She is suspicious of Sir Harry, but she carries on the pretense of their engagement.

Sir Harry’s reputation and that of his family precedes him wherever he foes. He is doing what he can to salvage his reputation. He is attracted to Patience, but he has his hands full saving the life of a British ally who has been sending him information from France.

I had expected Miss Meredith Thorn’s story to remain more of a mystery through the series. But she has it out with the barrister from the previous book, Julian, and makes her feelings known.

This is a clean, fun Regency romance that I would recommend to any reader.

A Month of Summer

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A Month of Summer

by Lisa Wingate

Edition: paperback, 2008

Synopsis: For Rebecca Macklin, an ordinary summer brings about an extraordinary change of heart when she discovers that her aging father has been wandering the Dallas streets alone, and his wife, Hanna Beth, has landed in a nursing home. Now Rebecca must put aside old resentments and return to her childhood home. In this moving story of separation and forgiveness, two women will unravel the betrayals of the past and discover the true meaning of family.

Going home is the last thing Rebecca wants. In her mind, her father made his choice when he divorced her mother and remarried. Hanna Beth, trapped in a nursing home, fears what her step-daughter will do once she is there. Can these two find peace from the wounds of the past?

This was a heartwarming story! Rebbeca, who had hoped to make a quick trip (given her own family concerns at home) only to be overwhelmed with difficulties. Her father’s house is a disaster and smells of rot, there’s no food, no medication, no caretaker. She must find some way to put things right, or, at least, as right as they can be when a family member has such a devastating disease as Alzheimer’s.

Hanna Beth, unable to move or speak after a stroke, worries what is happening at home. She is concerned about her son and husband, unwilling to trust her stepdaughter not to put them all in a home and walk away.

This is a must-read for anyone who had a family member with Alzheimer’s. Its also a great read for anyone looking for a contemporary, feel-good book.

The Weaver Takes A Wife

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The Weaver Takes A Wife

by Sheri Cobb South

Edition: Kindle, 2018

Synopsis: Haughty Lady Helen Radney is one of London’s most beautiful women and the daughter of a duke, but her sharp tongue has frightened away most of her suitors. When her father gambles away his fortune, the duke’s only chance for recouping his losses lies in marrying off Lady Helen to any man wealthy enough to take a bride with nothing to recommend her but a lovely face and an eight-hundred-year-old pedigree. Enter Mr. Ethan Brundy, once an illegitimate workhouse orphan, now owner of a Lancashire textile mill and one of England’s richest men. When he glimpses Lady Helen at Covent Garden Theatre, he is instantly smitten and vows to marry her. But this commonest of commoners will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to win the heart of his aristocratic bride. 

Ethan Brundy, a wealthy mill owner, sees Lady Helen and knows he has found the woman he will marry. Lady Helen, a haughty, sharp-tongued woman, has no interest in marriage just yet, though her father’s gambling debts make it close than she knows. Ethan will have his work cut out for him to win the heart of his bride.

This was an absolutely lovely book! I don’t usually care for insta-love, where one person immediately falls in love in the first sight. This, however, was a fun read. I liked that even though Ethan falls in love with Helen, he knows it will take time for Helen to fall in love with him. And he is willing to give her that time.

There is an antagonist who is flimsy in motivation and hardly worth mentioning. The plot is simple and straightforward. It was a perfect afternoon read.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light read.

An Author’s Random Musing: Interview

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This past month, one of my books was part of a Clean Romance Countdown. As part of my day, I did an interview that I am sharing with everyone today.

Name / Pen name & little about yourself:

My name is Bethany Swafford. My first published book was released in 2012. Before that, I wrote heaps and heaps of fanfiction, so I’ve actually been writing for nearly seventeen years now. I love listening to music while I do just about anything. And I have three cats who love to sleep on my laptop when I’m trying to write.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It sort of crept up on me. I have always been a voracious reader, and when I was young, I would read instead of doing what I was supposed to do: Chores, school work, etc. My parents would regularly take my books away as punishment. My loophole became that I could read anything I wrote. Writing became a habit after a while, even when I wasn’t being punished. Now I can’t imagine not writing.

What genre are your books? and what made you write in that genre?

Most of my books are Regency Romance books. (My Hands Hold My Story is actually my first time writing a different time period.) I wanted to write in this genre because I love reading it. From the first time I read Pride and Prejudice and then the works of Georgette Heyer, I wanted to be able to add my part to the fiction of the time period.

4. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in November 2011. I was 23 yrs old at the time. It was the first time I outlined the plot before I wrote. (Most of my fanfiction stories were me freestyling and working out the plot as I went along.) It was the hardest and most fun thing I’d ever done.  

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Everywhere! Music, conversations, the plots of other stories. One of my stories resulted from me having a day where everything went so wrong that it was funny thinking back on it and then I wondered how many things I could make go wrong for a character.

How long does it typically take you to write a book?

About a year from start to finish, give or take a few months. Many times I have the first draft completed through NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month every November), but then rewrites and edits take much more time and effort.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

At this point, I have 7 completed books, although only two are available right now. My favorite is one that I am hoping to rerelease in the next couple of months, A Chaotic Courtship. I drew on my personal family experience to build my characters and I love rereading it.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you overcome it?

I do get writer’s block. I find the best way to overcome it is to step away for a short time, and when I come back, I read through what I have written. Usually, I find some detail that wasn’t working for me. Once I change it and follow it through to where I was stuck, I can continue the story without a problem.

Have you done any collaborations with other writers?

Not yet. A member of my online writing group and I would love to co-write a book at some point, though.

What do you think of reviews?

Honestly, I love them! Even when the reviewer has something negative to say, I can learn how to improve in the future. I always use reviews to judge whether I will enjoy a new book or not.

Finding Dorothy

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Finding Dorothy

by Elizabeth Letts

Edition: ARC, ebook

Synopsis: A richly imagined novel that tells the story behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , the book that inspired the iconic film, through the eyes of author L. Frank Baum’s intrepid wife, Maud–from the family’s hardscrabble days in South Dakota to the Hollywood film set where she first meets Judy Garland. 

Maud Gage Baum, widow of the author of the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, met Judy Garland, the young actress playing the role of Dorothy on the set of The Wizard of Oz in 1939. At the time, Maud was seventy-eight and Judy was sixteen. In spite of their age difference, Maud immediately connected to Judy–especially when Maud heard her sing “Over the Rainbow,” a song whose yearning brought to mind the tough years in South Dakota when Maud and her husband struggled to make a living–until Frank Baum’s book became a national sensation.

This wonderfully evocative two-stranded story recreates Maud’s youth as the rebellious daughter of a leading suffragette, and the prairie years of Maud and Frank’s early days when they lived among the people–especially young Dorothy–who would inspire Frank’s masterpiece. Woven into this past story is one set in 1939, describing the high-pressured days on The Wizard of Oz film set where Judy is being badgered by the director, producer, and her ambitious stage mother to lose weight, bind her breasts, and laugh, cry, and act terrified on command. As Maud had promised to protect the original Dorothy back in Aberdeen, she now takes on the job of protecting young Judy.

In 1938, Maud Baum takes on a Hollywood studio to ensure the character Dorothy is portrayed as her husband would have wanted. As she does what she can to protect a young Judy Garland, she remembers her life before and with Frank Baum.

I didn’t know much about the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, his family life, or even about the filming of the film adaptation. So I found this fiction telling a delight. Maud jumps off the page as a practical, no-nonsense woman who could see the beauty of striving for dreams.

It would have been impossible to empathize with Frank Baum, a dreamer who sacrificed what made him happy to provide for his family. My heart went out to Judy Garland as a young actress under pressure from so many to be a star.

This was well written, and the details shine. I found it to be an excellent telling of a fierce woman who rose above what life threw at her.

I would recommend this to readers with an interest in historical fiction or the life of Maud Baum. I received a copy from NetGalley and my opinions are my own.