Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 27

An Untimely Frost (Lilly Long #1)

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An Untimely Frost

by Penny Richards

Edition: paperback, 2016

Synopsis: In 1881 Chicago, the idea of a female detective is virtually unheard of. But when famed crime buster Allan Pinkerton opens his agency’s doors to a handful of women, one intrepid actress with her own troubled past is driven to defy convention and take on a new and dangerous role. . .

Since the age of eleven, when her mother was murdered, the life of the theater is all Lilly Long has known. Now twenty-two, she has blossomed into an accomplished Shakespearean actress. But after her innocence–and her savings–are taken from her by a seductive scoundrel, Lilly vows to leave the stage, enter the real world, and save others from a similar fate. Following in the footsteps of the country’s first female detective, Lilly persuades Allan Pinkerton to take her on.

Lilly’s acting skills are a perfect fit for her real-life role as a Pinkerton operative. But her first case is a baptism by fire as she is sent to the small town of Vandalia to solve the mystery of a pastor who disappeared with his family–and the church’s funds. When Lilly arrives, she finds the mere mention of the reverend’s name provokes enmity or suspicious silence. Shadowed by a second Pinkerton agent with an agenda of his own, Lilly begins to uncover Vandalia’s sordid secrets. But she’ll have to deliver the performance of a lifetime to survive the final act of this drama.

In the wake of discovering the duplicity of her new husband, Lilly Long decides she can use her life to help other women who are victims of unscrupulous men. She is hired, after some hesitation, by Allan Pinkerton and is off on her first assignment as an operative. Can this young, former actress handle the danger and mystery?

I wold say “poor Lilly” but this is not a character to pity. Despite the horrible things that have happened in her life, she keeps going and wants to help other women. She is clever, but emotional. Her reactions to the things she discovers are true to life and made me like her even more.

The mystery itself was well executed and kept me guessing. The reader is led along at just the right pace and the facts discovered in just the right way.

In short, this is a fantastic addition to historical fiction and I cannot wait to follow Lilly into more mysteries.

Lady Maybe

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Lady Maybe

by Julie Klassen

Edition: paperback, 2015

Synopsis: One final cry…“God almighty, help us!” and suddenly her world shifted violently, until a blinding collision scattered her mind and shook her bones. Then, the pain. The freezing water. And as all sensation drifted away, a hand reached for hers, before all faded into darkness…

Now she has awakened as though from some strange, suffocating dream in a warm and welcoming room she has never seen before, and tended to by kind, unfamiliar faces. But not all has been swept away. She recalls fragments of the accident. She remembers a baby. And a ring on her finger reminds her of a lie.

But most of all, there is a secret. And in this house of strangers she can trust no one but herself to keep it.

After awakening from a carriage accident, a young woman is confused when she is called Lady Mayfield. When her memory returns, she makes a decision and then must endure the consequences.

From the start, I guessed the identity of the young woman. The reader is not left in suspense for long. The majority of the novel focuses on her past, which she is anxious to keep quiet for obvious reasons. Her conflicting feelings are understandable, and the consequences that she bravely faces.

The book is clean, although there is a scene where two characters get into bed together. This is written in a discreet manner and is not graphic. Though I did not like it, I don’t think it very offensive.

Every few chapters -it varies-, we have the viewpoint of Lord Mayfield’s solicitor, which adds an interesting layer to the story.

This Regency tale is entertaining and one I could recommend to fans of the era.

An Author’s Random Musing: Release Month!

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So, it’s a new month. Not only that, it’s the month my latest book shall be released!

Now, I know I haven’t talked all that much about this one. Editing drained me so much that I cannot stand to even think about Lucas Bywood, the hero of this new series. Yes, you read that right. I have begun a series. I must be completely out of my mind.

Set in the Regency era, A Gentleman of Misfortune Series shall follow the misadventures of twenty two year old Lucas Bywood. He is the second son of a well to do family, and an unexpected inheritance has left him more or less independent. He is very much his mother’s son, and he enjoys teasing his sisters.

Not My Idea will see Lucas through his first misadventure wherein he finds himself in a  courtship with a young lady he dislikes. Whichever way this poor young man turns, he finds himself in trouble.

I am a cruel author like that.

The inspiration for this novel came from a day where nothing seemed to go right. When I looked back the next day, I had to chuckle because it was just ridiculous. I began to think how I could torture a character, and Lucas was born. When it seemed cruel to dump too much on him in one book, the series was born.

So, I hope you all will enjoy Lucas’ tale as much as I enjoyed writing it. (I think at this point, given my opening, I should assure you that I did enjoy writing it. My own health made editing a pain and has nothing to do with the story itself.)

Of course, this book expands on the Regency world I first created in A Chaotic Courtship. Familiar characters visit, so if you haven’t read A Chaotic Courtship, I highly recommend you do so. In that line, my book is going to be discounted later this month so now is the time to catch it if you haven’t.

Here’s looking to what June brings!

 

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Finding Kate

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Finding Kate

by Maryanne Fantalis

Edition: ebook, 2017

Synopsis: Kathryn’s strong will and sharp tongue have branded her a shrew in her small town. Now, not even the generous dowry offered by her wealthy father can tempt any man to court her. But when Sir William rides into town on his magnificent war horse, Kathryn’s world turns upside down.

William is like a burr in Kathryn’s side from the very beginning. Even the way he insists on calling her “Kate” irritates her thoroughly, yet she can’t keep from listening for his voice. Though he claims he is the only man for her, she is certain he only wants her rich dowry. When he proposes marriage, she accepts as a way out of her miserable home.

Freed from her cruel family and judgmental town, Kathryn must decide whether she will continue her battle of wills with the sometimes charming, often maddening Sir William. Will she remain the shrewish Kathryn or find a way to be Will’s Kate?

Kathryn isn’t like the other women in her small town. She has a mind and she isn’t afraid to use her tongue when the opportunity arises. When Sir William comes into town, though, things change as she never expected.

I have been fond of Shakespeare for some time now, and The Taming of the Shrew is one that many know. This retelling is respectful of the source material but cleverly retold in a fun way that illuminates ‘Kate’ as never before.

Like other readers before me, the second part of the book was difficult to get through and Sir Williams explanation for his behavior (his method of ‘taming’ his new wife) makes me want to slap him. But it does make sense and of course I forgive him.

All in all, this is a fantastic and fun read for anyone!

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story

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The Last Sherlock Holmes Story

by Michael Dibdin

Edition: paperback, 1996

Synopsis: In 1888 Sherlock Holmes is languishing for a criminal case worthy of his powers, then one materializes, heralded by the spatter of gore and the shriek of headlines. For in vice-ridden Whitechapel, three female paupers of dubious morals have been murdered, their bodies hideously defiled. And in taunting letters their killer announces his intention to strike again—and signs his name “Jack the Ripper.”

As conceived by the award-winning mystery writer Michael Dibdin, The Last Sherlock Holmes Story is a brilliantly inventive updating of the Holmes legend. Pitting master detective against archfiend, steely rationalism against satanic depravity, Dibdin gives us a Holmes who is more complex, more human, and ultimately more fascinating than the one imagined by Arthur Conan Doyle. Here is a riveting combination of history and fiction that confirms Dibdin’s reputation as one of the most imaginative and atmospheric crime writers now at work.

In this pastiche, Watson follows his friend into the investigation that surrounded Jack the Ripper. With lives at stake and things not as they seem, Watson must make a difficult decision.

There seem to be two groups of readers: those who thought it brilliant and those who hate it. I come somewhere in the middle, to be honest. The tone of the story is very much the Watson I’ve come to know from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Logically, everything falls into place. It is EASY to see the conclusion that is reached.

On the other hand, as much as I could understand the ending, it broke my heart. This was not the Holmes I know and love.

For a Holmes fan with an open mind, this is a definite read.

Twice Betrayed

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Twice Betrayed

by Gayle C. Krause

Edition: ebook, 2017

Synopsis: The thread of friendship is stretched to the breaking point…

With the spark of independence crackling in Colonial Philadelphia, Perdy Rogers chafes under the strict rule of her Quaker grandmother and the endless duties of her apprenticeship in Betsy Ross’s upholstery shop. So when her best friend shares a secret and invites Perdy to help plan an elopement, she’s thrilled to be with her friends again. But Perdy has no idea that one favor will unravel the stable fabric of her life and involve her in a tangled web of deceit, lies and treachery.

Prudence Rogers is apprentice in Betsy Ross’ upholstery shop. This young teen longs to have the freedom to spend time with her friends. When the opportunity arises to lend them a helping hand, she takes it, little realizing the consequences that will come her way.

I found the historical details of life in Colonial Pennsylvania to be the most interesting part of the book. Prudence, or Perdy as she is commonly known, was not especially memorable in any way. I felt like shouting at her, though, to stop telling lies and to tell her grandmother what happened. My favorite character had to be her much younger sister, who was adorable in every scene.

There were two points I did not like: the first person present tense telling of the book, which I’ve just never liked. And then the romance. I may be mistaken but I thought Perdy was thirteen, which made the romantic interest from the kind sailor who helps her through the book a little distasteful.

True As Fate

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True As Fate

by Laurie Alice Eakes

Edition: paperback, 2017

Synopsis: Lady Chloe Ashford detests going to balls, loathes social pretense, and finds the very idea of hunting for a husband obscene. But she has an even more scandalous secret: she once helped an American—the enemy—escape from Dartmoor Prison. Now it’s three years later, and Ross Trenerry is back—and in trouble again. So is her traitorous heart. He doesn’t know she’s the one responsible for sending him to a second prison, and she has no intention of telling him.

A former privateer, Ross’s legendary luck has finally run out. Only one woman lies between him and freedom. He desperately needs Chloe’s help to prove he hasn’t committed treason, but he’s distracted by the passion that flares between them.

They set out on a cross-country adventure together to prove Ross’s innocence, but peril soon dogs their heels. As they race to reach their appointed rendezvous on time, they must fight their growing attraction and focus on discovering who is behind this deadly plot. Will they finally admit their love and put the pieces together before it’s too late?

Lady Chloe’s heart broke when an American man she helped save falls for her sister instead. When Ross Trenerry reappears in her life, Lady Chloe fights to make up for past actions that have brought terrible consequences into her life.

This is an action packed, highly detailed novel. Although it is the second book in the Ashford Chronicles (which I have not had the chance to read yet), it stands on it’s own with ease. Lady Chloe is a relatable character and I was behind her every step of the way. My heart ached to see her struggling with her feelings for Ross as she helped him.

The plot of True As Fate moves at just the right pace. I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the book!

I would recommend this to any reader of the Regency Era, who enjoys a clean plot.

I was given a free copy from the author.

An Author’s Random Musing: What Happened to Romance?

Lady Beautiful is independent and not like other ladies of the time meets Lord Arrogant, who is cold on the outside but has a kind heart hidden inside. Arguments ensue, and they both part ways irritated with the other. Of course, though, they cannot stop thinking about each other, but every time they meet, all they do is argue. Friends declare they are in love, and family members smile knowingly. Lady Beautiful and Lord Arrogant deny it until that moment when they realize it is true love….and jump into bed together.

Such is the scenario, or variations thereof, that I’ve come across A LOT lately, especially in historical fiction. Once was vaguely amusing. The second was less so. And by the third time, I was nothing but irritated with these characters who should know better!

I’m sorry, but to me, there is nothing romantic about it. In fact, I find several things off putting. First of all, so many ladies are ‘independent, forward-thinking, and not like other ladies’. I find that..unlikely. Second, what part of arguing is romantic? Sure, communication helps a relationship, but constantly bringing up a person’s flaws, mistakes, etc, is just asking for trouble. Third, this one won’t come as a surprise, but that sudden moment when the couple realize it is ‘love’ but don’t know if the other feels the same, but gives themselves to the other person (this is mostly on the ladies side).

How can this be considered romantic?

Now, to be honest, I’m probably alone in this thinking. My idea of romance is a couple taking time to know each other, who give small demonstrations of their feelings, who trust the other person.

But, carry on fellow authors. I suppose there are many ideas about what makes a situation romantic, but I’m do not support most of them.

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The Suspect’s Daughter (Rogue Hearts #4)

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The Suspect’s Daughter

by Donna Hatch

Edition: ebook, 2015

Synopsis: Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Grant Amesbury, her dreams of true love reawaken. But his secrets put her family in peril.

Grant goes undercover to capture conspirators avowed to murder the prime minister, but his only suspect is the father of a courageous lady who is growing increasingly hard to ignore. He can’t allow Jocelyn to distract him from the case, nor will he taint her with his war-darkened soul. She seems to see past the barriers surrounding his heart, which makes her all the more dangerous to his vow of remaining forever alone.

Jocelyn will do anything to clear her father’s name, even if that means working with Grant. Time is running out. The future of England hangs in the balance…and so does their love.

In the fourth book of Rogue Hearts series focus in on Grant Amesbury. He is investigating the main suspect of a planned assassination of the prime minister, and that puts him right in the company of Jocelyn Fairley.

When I started reading this series, this is the Amesbury brother I really wanted to find happiness. His experience with his father and in the war have left him hardened. Jocelyn, a character I identified with from the start, is the perfect compliment to him, being cheerful and happy most of the time. How they come to love each other, amidst an investigation and search for the truth, is a wonderful read.

Anyone who has read the first three books, or just enjoys a sweet romance, will love this book.

Progeny (Regeneration Chronicles #2)

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Progeny

by Ellison Blackburn

Edition: ebook, 2015

Synopsis: Emery Kidd is one of two historians for her community. As a Chronicler, she is aware of the minute details of a society dramatically changed over the course of the two hundred years since cellular regression began. She also knows why the population of the planet has dwindled in that time and how history tends to repeat itself.

No one lives forever …

Very soon, the human race will come face-to-face with their true inheritance. The question is how the consequences of this legacy will be received. Once again, mankind has become complacent and their ignorance could lead to extinction this time.

Emery and her friends must somehow remind the world that survival requires conscious effort. Yet, even if they were to succeed, it may be too late to turn the disappearing path of civilization around—too late to save peoples’ lives, including their own.

The second book in the Regeneration Chronicles is also a character-driven, speculative, science fiction tale. However,Progeny includes time-travel adventure while continuing the story of regeneration and its impact on humanity.

The sequel to Regeneration X is set over two hundred years after the first book. The world has changed a great deal since Charley, the most famous ‘regen’. It’s possible to generate multiple times, to have multiple lifetimes, and doing so has consequences that are felt worldwide.

Progeny focus on Emery Kidd, who just happens to be Charley’s daughter. Her journey to save the world is fast paced and engaging. This book made me rethink everything I thought I understood from the first book, and I enjoyed it more than Regeneration X. It will be interesting to see where the author takes the rest of the series in the books to come.

Fans of sci-fi will definitely enjoy this one!