Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 7

An Author’s Not-So-Random Musing: NaNoWriMo

It’s the beginning of a new month, and not just any month. It’s November! And that means National Novel Writing Month!

30 days. 50K words. What could possibly go wrong?

I will admit. This year is more out of habit than a pressing urge to get another novel onto the page. Let’s just call it a little hint of “normal” in a crazy, messed up world.

And while the first two days started brilliantly, I have already fallen behind. Life has already hit harder than I expected. Personal life demanded my attention and though I tried to squeeze in words when I could, I also needed sleep.

This year, I am attempting a fairy-tale retelling. I am setting it in my favorite time period, the Regency. I actually plotted this one out earlier this year. For some reason, this story just wouldn’t leave me alone until I had the outline on paper. I hoped this would help keep me on track this month, but it hasn’t worked so far.

For the first time, I am attempting two tell the story with alternating characters. Our first character is Alexander, the new steward at Berdwell Manor and cousin to the Earl of Berwell. He is a young man trying to find his place in the world, and our hero for this journey.

Our second character is Ellie, an orphan who has been raised by the servants at Meadowbrooke cottage. She is a sweet girl, who dreams of a life more than keeping the cottage from going to ruin.

Have you guessed the fairy-tale yet?

I’ve enjoyed retellings like this in the past and am excited to see what I can do with this one.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. This isn’t the first retelling I have done. Earlier this year, I wrote a short story for an anthology with the theme of Beauty and the Beast. Again, I set it in the Regency era and it was a ton of fun to write. The difficulty was trying to keep the story contained within ten thousand words. I will let you know when the anthology is released next year!

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What is your project? Are you planner? Pantser? Plantser?

The Fourth Horseman (Gareth and Gwen Mysteries #3)

The Fourth Horseman

by Sarah Woodbury

Edition: Kindle, 2013

Synopsis: May 1144. Newly wedded, Gareth and Gwen travel across the border into England on a diplomatic mission with Prince Hywel of Wales. But when the mission goes awry and a murder case drops (literally) at their feet, Gareth and Gwen race to uncover a plot that threatens not only their lives, but the life of the future King of England himself.

Set in a climate of civil war and constantly shifting political alliances, murder, intrigue, and treachery take center stage in The Fourth Horseman, the third Gareth and Gwen medieval mystery.

Guests in a strange court, newlyweds Gwen and Gareth have a mystery dropped, quite literally, at their feet. In a place where the people they can trust steadily dwindles, they must work what is the truth and what is a lie.

As ever, I adore this couple. They each have their strengths when it comes to approaching a mystery, and together they make a formidable crime-solving force. I especially appreciated how their married state didn’t change them, save for Gareth’s concern for what his wife is exposed to.

This mystery happens in an area where they have no authority. The politics of this one extends to what was happening at the time, with the war between Empress Maud and Stephen of Blois. The only thing I struggled with is the Welsh names and history, which I will be the first to admit I am not well versed in. 

This series is a definite read for fans of the medieval era and lovers of a good mystery.

A Study in Death (Lady Darby Mystery #4)

A Study in Death

by Anna Lee Huber

Edition: Kindle, 2015

Synopsis: Scotland, 1831. After a tumultuous courtship complicated by three deadly inquiries, Lady Kiera Darby is thrilled to have found both an investigative partner and a fiancé in Sebastian Gage. But with her well-meaning—and very pregnant—sister planning on making their wedding the event of the season, Kiera could use a respite from the impending madness.
 
Commissioned to paint the portrait of Lady Drummond, Kiera is saddened when she recognizes the pain in the baroness’s eyes. Lord Drummond is a brute, and his brusque treatment of his wife forces Kiera to think of the torment caused by her own late husband.
 
Kiera isn’t sure how to help, but when she finds Lady Drummond prostrate on the floor, things take a fatal turn. The physician called to the house and Lord Drummond appear satisfied to rule her death natural, but Kiera is convinced that poison is the real culprit.
 
Now, armed only with her knowledge of the macabre and her convictions, Kiera intends to discover the truth behind the baroness’s death—no matter what, or who, stands in her way…

Leaving all the wedding planning to her sister, Lady Darby has been commissioned to paint the portrait of Lady Drummond. Lady Drummond hints she has something she would like to say, but is interrupted by her brutish husband. When Lady Drummond dies suddenly, Kiera knows that it is not natural as the summoned physician claims. As she and Sebastian Gage seek the truth, matters are complicated when Lord Gage arrives.

I love that the relationship between Kiera and Sebastian continues to grow, even now that they are engaged. They still have much to learn about each other and their trust is tested by the secrets they each hold. And even when this impedes the investigation, they communicate and talk through the problem. Like a couple should do!

The mystery itself was intriguing. We know Lady Drumond, kind and whom no one thinks ill of, has been murdered. Her death is too suspicious for it to be otherwise. But it takes some time for Kiera and Sebastian to find the proof that clears the way for their investigation. Lord Gage is on hand to take over the situation and express his disapproval of everything.

Fans of the series will not want to miss this one.

Dangerous Deceptions (Palace of Spies #2)

Dangerous Deceptions

by Sarah Zettel

Edition: Kindle, 2014

Synopsis: As a lady in waiting in King George’s London court, Peggy has survived a forced betrothal, royal scandals, and an attempt or two on her life. And now she has a new problem: her horrible fiancé has returned to claim her! To save her neck, or at least her hand in marriage, Peggy joins forces with her cousin Olivia and her sweetheart, Matthew. But if she doesn’t play her cards right, her career as courtier and spy might come to an end at the bottom of the river Thames . . . 

Peggy Fitzroy has taken her place as a lady in waiting, this time under her own name. However, everything she endured before is nothing to the trouble that now awaits her. Her betrothed has returned to claim her, there are rumors of another Jacobite plot, her fellow ladies in waiting are plotting, and she still is unsure where her father is.

This book had a lot packed into it. Our rather reluctant spy is not taking well to the fashion of the time and as a lady in waiting she has to be seen at her best. (While I did find her complaints about corsets of the time being so terrible, I did appreciate that there is a part where said corset provided some protection.) She has a few tentative allies and more enemies than she can keep track.

While I do admit that Peggy is clever and resourceful, I do think she is a terrible spy. She’s learned some tricks since the first book but she flounders under the weight of everything she is dealing with.

Still, it was enjoyable so I round my 3.5 up to a four. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light-hearted historical adventure.

The Light at Wyndcliff (Cornwall #3)

The Light and Wyndcliff

by Sarah E Ladd

Edition: ARC, 2020

Synopsis: In the third book of this sweet Regency Cornwall series, one young man must search for truth among the debris of multiple shipwrecks on his newly inherited property.

When Liam Twethewey inherits the ancient Wyndcliff Hall in Pevlyn, Cornwall, he sets a goal of fulfilling his late great-uncle’s dream of opening a china clay pit on the estate’s moorland. When he arrives, however, a mysterious shipwreck on his property—along with even more mysterious survivors—puts his plans on hold.

Evelyn Bray has lived in Pevlyn her entire life. After her grandfather’s fall from fortune, he humbled himself and accepted the position of steward at Wyndcliff Hall. Evelyn’s mother, embarrassed by the reduction of wealth and status, left Pevlyn in search of a better life for them both, but in spite of her promise, never returns. Evelyn is left to navigate an uncertain path with an even more uncertain future.

When the mysteries surrounding the shipwreck survivors intensify, Liam and Evelyn are thrown together as they attempt to untangle a web of deceit and secrets. But as they separate the truths from the lies, they quickly learn that their surroundings—and the people in it—are not as they seem. Liam and Evelyn are each tested, and as a romance buds between them, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their growing differences.

Evelyn Bray has lived her entire life in Pevlyn, enduring the fall from fortune her grandfather brought on the family. Liam Twethewey has intherited Wyndcliff Hall and is surprised by how much work is instore to restore his new home and open up the china clay pit his grandfather had hoped to do. Attraction blooms, but Evelyn’s grandfather warns them both away from the other. All clues lead to the shipwrecks that happen off Liam’s beach.

This was an intriguing read. I am always fascinated with stories that have ‘wreckers’ in the plot and it was especially interesting learning about china clay pits. The details of the time and place were fantastic and made the story come alive.

Evelyn cannot believe that the grandfather who has cared for her all her life might be doing anything less than honest. Her loyalty was understandable, which made the truth that much harder for her to grasp. Liam was, by far, my favorite character. His optimism and determination to do what was right despite pressure from his new neighbors to just let matters lie made him a relatable character.

Overall, this was a fun Regency romance. Although third in a series, it can easily be read alone. I received a free review copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Artist’s Healer (Grace-by-the-Sea #3)

The Artist’s Healer

by Regina Scott

Edition: Kindle, 2020

Synopsis: Grace-by-the-Sea: Where romance and adventure come home.

Spunky artist and entrepreneur Abigail Archer is determined to see her friend, Jesslyn Denby, restored as director of the spa at Grace-by-the-Sea, even if that means ousting the news physician who took her place. A shame she was recently injured and requires him to dance attendance on her. But if he thinks she’ll meekly accept his orders, he’d better think again!

Doctor Linus Bennett came to the little coastal village with his young son to escape a troubled past. He’s not about to lose his post to some crusader, but the pretty painter awakens feelings he’d thought long buried. When it appears the French are about to invade, Abigail and Linus must work together to save the village. In doing so, the doctor may just find that falling in love with the outspoken Abigail is the best prescription to heal his wounded heart.

Artist Abigail Archer has no kindness for the new doctor who ousted her friend from director of Grace-by-the Sea’s spa, and she has no patience for him when he must tend to her injury. Linus Bennett has moved to the coastal village with his young son for peace and the outspoken artist the not peaceful at all. With rumors of the French about to invade, they find themselves working closely together and falling in love.

It was a delight to be back in Grace-by-the-Sea, a tightknit community where everyone knows everything about everyone. Abigail grew up with an abusive father, and this has led to her not trusting anyone knew. It was slightly irritating that she blamed Dr. Bennett for Jesslyn’s dismissal and makes a plan to see him leave. This seemed like a short-sighted plan because why would the council bring Jesslyn back and not look for another physician? Her character shifted easily and made it difficult to like her.

Dr. Bennett, on the other hand, I really liked. His past haunts him: his wife had never settled down to married life and their son suffered for it. He feels over his head trying to adjust to the ways the visitors to the spa expect. Though he wishes for peace, he is soon drawn into the threat of a French invasion.

The plot is well-paced and never lags. The supporting characters were delightful as usual. The only thing keeping me from all 5 stars is my personal dislike for Abigail. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet Regency romance.

An Author’s Random Musing: Enola Holmes

When I first heard that Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes series was getting a film adaptation, I was both thrilled and apprehensive. Thrilled because seldom do the books I love (mostly Historical Fiction as readers of my blog are aware) ever get adapted to film, unless they are classics like Jane Austen. Apprehensive because….

THE BOOKS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE.

And, quite honestly, I’ve seen YA books get massacred in the process of being made to fit the big screen.

So I approached Enola Holmes with some trepidation. 

Enola Holmes Movie Poster

First, we will start with the obvious differences. The book series was written for a more middle grade audience. (Yes, I was the twenty something year old lurking the children’s shelves at the library, waiting for each new book to release.) Enola had just turned fourteen years old in the first book, and the series began in 1888. When her mother goes missing, she turns to her two estranged older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes, for help. The threat of being sent to a boarding school to be turned into a lady is a looming threat through the whole series.

The film starts out with the same premise, however: Enola is aged up two years to sixteen and the film is set in 1884. In the course of the film, she is sent to a hilariously strict boarding school. (Honestly, the collars on those school uniforms are the funniest things in the movie and I’m not sure what historical basis they have?)

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On the whole, however, as an ADAPTATION, the film works. They made the changes they needed regarding age in order to work for a YA audience. Millie Bobby Brown captures Enola’s complicated mixture of charm and awkward teen. 

Millie Bobby Brown as Enola

 There were two points that annoyed me in the film. First, aging up Lord Tewksbury to be Enola’s age, from the two years younger in the first book to facilitate a romance that really wasn’t needed. And just how much of a villain they made Mycroft Holmes.

Mycroft Holmes was stuffy in the books, but he was so unlikable in the film. Which is a shame because I was always fond of him in the original series. Henry Cavill, on the other hand, shines as Sherlock Holmes: logical, standoffish, but still concerned for his sister, which is what he was in the series. 

And can I just say, Enola’s outfits through the film are gorgeous, even if not historically accurate. She is showing far too much chest for a day dress. And the corset she has is the prettiest one I have ever seen!

I would definitely recommend this, even if you haven’t read the books. It is a lot of fun and I am curious to see if they can hold onto the magic to adapt the second book, which is one of my personal favorites of the series.

The Bride of Ivy Green (Tales from Ivy Hill #3)

The Bride of Ivy Green

by Julie Klassen

Edition: Kindle, ebook, 2018

Synopsis: Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain–and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn’t who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Don’t miss this romantic, stirring conclusion to Tales from Ivy Hill.

Mercy Grove had contented herself to a life teaching, but now she has lost her school with the arrival of her brother and his new wife. The man she is attracted to seems out of reach and she must decide what she is going to do. Should she leave her brother’s house and be a governess? Or is there love waiting for her still?

This was a sweet conclusion to the Ivy Hill trilogy. There are many threads that find their conclusion, chief among them is happiness for Mercy Grove. Her sister-in-law is not pleased to have two spinsters in her house, and Mercy feels unwanted. Though she hesitates at first, she becomes governess to Mr. Drake and is happy to be close to her favorite pupil, Alice. 

Jane must make up her mind. Gabrielle Locke has made his intentions clear, but she still hesitates, unwilling to risk heartbreak again. When tragedy occurs, she knows she must follow her heart come what may. 

The arrival of a mysterious dressmaker, Jane’s father, and a circus make this a lively conclusion. The plot moves at a good pace, though at times it has a stronger Christian message than the previous two books.

For anyone looking for a sweet and calm Regency read, I would recommend this trilogy.

Rivals in the City (The Agency #4)

Rivals in the City

by Y. S. Lee

Edition: Kindle, 2014

Synopsis: Convicted fraudster Henry Thorold is dying in prison, and the Agency asks Mary to take on one last case: to watch for the return of his estranged wife. Mrs Thorold is an accomplished criminal and will surely want to settle scores with Mary’s fiancé, James. With the additional complications of family and conflicting loyalties, the stakes for all involved are higher than ever.

Nine months have passed since Mary Quinn has left The Agency and begun her own inquiry profession with James Easton at her side. When she is approached by one of her former mentors, she reluctantly agrees to take on the case since it involves those involved in the first case she took on. Will she make it through this danger or has she finally met her match?

Though I adored the first three books, I felt this one fell a bit flat. I can’t quite pinpoint why I feel this way. Mary and James are the same. In fact, they are stronger than ever with their partnership. Mary still hesitates to give up her independence, but she loves James dearly. Their interactions are normal and easy to believe taking place.

The plot moves at a good pace, but at times is predictable. We get to meet a member of Mary’s family who appears unexpectedly. Overall, while this is a fun read, it is missing an undefinable spark that the other three had.

For fans of Victorian mysteries, I would recommend this series.

A Grave Matter (Lady Darby Mystery #3)

A Grave Matter

by Anna Lee Huber

Edition: kindle, 2014

Synopsis:

Scotland, 1830. Following the death of her dear friend, Lady Kiera Darby is in need of a safe haven. Returning to her childhood home, Kiera hopes her beloved brother Trevor and the merriment of the Hogmanay Ball will distract her. But when a caretaker is murdered and a grave is disturbed at nearby Dryburgh Abbey, Kiera is once more thrust into the cold grasp of death.

While Kiera knows that aiding in another inquiry will only further tarnish her reputation, her knowledge of anatomy could make the difference in solving the case. But agreeing to investigate means Kiera must deal with the complicated emotions aroused in her by inquiry agent Sebastian Gage.

When Gage arrives, he reveals that the incident at the Abbey was not the first—some fiend is digging up old bones and holding them for ransom. Now Kiera and Gage must catch the grave robber and put the case to rest…before another victim winds up six feet under.

Weeks have passed since Kiera witnessed the death of her dear friend, and her world still feels upside down. She accompanies her brother to the Hogmanay Ball in the hopes she can be distracted from her grief. However, a man is murdered, and a grave is disturbed. It thrusts her into the middle of another inquiry. Sebastian Gage is summoned, and they must face their attraction for each other as they chase grave robbers.

I really love how each book builds on the previous ones. We have Kiera still grieving for her friend, trying to find some way to move forward with her life. She is reluctant to summon Gage, but for the sake of the case, she does so. She struggles with her feelings for him until she cannot deny she wants him in her life.

The mystery is an interesting one. There are suspects aplenty and it takes effort for Gage and Kiera to find the clues they need to press forward. Though at times things did feel repetitive, I found it difficult to put the book down.

For fans of the series and readers looking for a historical mystery with a slow burning romance, I would recommend this.