Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 8

An Author’s Musing: Book Covers

Look. I’m only a day late this time! I’m improving! And be warned, this post contains a lot of images. 

Recently, I have been thinking about book covers. I love book covers. Some are so pretty! They are creative and just gorgeous to look at. One of my favorites is for a series called The Last Year, by Tricia Leigh. It is a sci-fi, YA, dystopian, alien adventure series that I first discovered five years ago. (I don’t read just historical fiction.)

The first cover is interesting and caught my attention.

But it is only when you have all four books, you see the big picture. 

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Now, I don’t think I will ever have the creativity to pull something like that off. But my series does have a theme of my main character slowly turning around so you can see her. That counts as being interesting, right?

Anyway, being an independent author, I have the power to update my book covers. There’s only one of my books that I have done this multiple times for: Emily’s Choice. I was on a small budget so I decided to do this one all on my own. (Disclaimer: don’t do this yourself unless you know what you are doing.)

Be warned. The results are not always pretty.

Let’s start with the first, painful cover I did back when I had no idea what I was doing.

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Yeah. This does not indicate that it is a Regency Romance and I really should have known better. Let’s QUICKLY forget I ever went ahead with this to look at the second cover I tried.

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This one is a little closer to what a Regency cover might look like. The image is a public domain image painting by Vittorio Reggianini. I love, love, LOVE looking at his paintings. They are all gorgeous! Still, I think it is pretty obvious that it’s still boring. So, I made another one.

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I bought the rights for this model and used an online site to play around with it. I thought I was being clever with how she was looking up, almost as though she is thinking about the choice in front of her. It was definitely an improvement over all previous covers I had done. But, when I became more serious about self publishing, I tried again.

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Now, I’m not going to lie. This one I’m very proud of. The model is closer to what I imagine Emily to look like. The cover is bright and eye-catching. As an amateur, it’s far from perfect, but I’m keeping it for now.

My other book covers I commissioned from someone who knows what they are doing, which is the wiser thing to do. Perhaps when I become a very successful author, I will let Emily have a better cover. Oh, that would be a wonderful day…

Have a book cover that you love? Let me know what it is!

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor (Cornwall #2)

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

by Sarah E. Ladd

Edition: paperback, 2020

Synopsis:

Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is sweptit sweeps Julia into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

After having her heart broken, Julie is eager to visit her cousin at Lanwyn Manor. From the start, things do not go as expected when masked men hold her up. She is rescued by a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac. They form a bond, but will circumstances her aunt’s ambition for her ruin her hopes?

This was a lovely follow up to the first book. Julie has grown since we last met her and she has her own concerns weighing on her mind. A mystery surrounds Lanwyn Manor, and she is determined to discover what it could mean.

Isaac made an excellent compliment to her. Steadfast and respectable, he hesitates to overshadow his older brother, even when his brother is not the upstanding individual their father would have wanted. He wants what is best for the people who work for him and for Julie.

The plot moves at a good pace. The characters who made up the cast were interesting.

Overall, I enjoyed this very much and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy clean Regency romances with subtle hints of mystery thrown in.

A Spy’s Devotion

A Spy’s Devotion

by Melanie Dickerson

Edition: kindle, 2016

Synopsis:

In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and tawdriness thrive. Nicholas Langdon is no stranger to reserved civility or bloody barbarity. After suffering a battlefield injury, the wealthy, well-connected British officer returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.

At the home of the Wilherns, one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing, he grows ever more intrigued by the lovely young woman. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray. Will the two succumb to their attraction while fighting to save their country?

Nicholas gave his word to a dying soldier to deliver a diary to the War office. Orphaned Julie Grey knows her non-existant dowry will prevent her from a good match. Can these two save their country and fall in love at the same time?

This was an enjoyable afternoon read. I was hesitant to read it as I haven’t really enjoyed other books by this author. This was clean, had interesting main characters, and an intriguing plot.

The main weakness was the supporting cast, especially Julie’s cousin Phoebe. She was inconsistent and all over the place. I think she was meant to appear immature and selfish, but mainly she annoyed me.

Overall, it was an easy read and if I can find the rest of the series at the library, I will continue reading. I recommend this to readers of Regency readers for a clean, quick read.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill #2)

by Julie Klassen

Edition: Kindle, 2017

Synopsis: Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel’s friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls’ school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what–or who–has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return–but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

Love Continues to Bloom in Ivy Hill

With her father dead and her childhood home in the hands of a new owner, Rachel Ashford must out her mind to providing for herself. She begins a subscription library with the collection of books her father left her. But marriage still becomes. Does an old love hold promise for the future or will her cousin draw her back home?

This is as beautifully told as the first book was. I love how intertwined the multiple story threads are. Jane Bell, becoming more confident as an innkeeper, is uncertain about opening up her heart. Mercy Grove’s family has returned to manage her future. And Rachel… her trust was broken once and she isn’t sure she can let herself be hurt again. All of these are balanced in the story so no one is overshadowed. 

The story is grounded in reality, which I love. It is kept clean and is a calm, peaceful read. The plot is slow, even with a mystery to be solved, but does not get tedious.

For a reader looking for a gentle, afternoon read, I would recommend this.

Apple Blossoms: A Regency Fairytale

Apple Blossoms

by Britain Kalai Soderquist

Edition: Kindle, 2020

Synopsis:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one’s first London Season will always be fraught with intrigue.

Anxious heiress Margaret finds herself the victim of a failed abduction attempt by the roguish Marquis of Halford. Plagued by nightmares and mistrusting her own judgement, she assumes a new identity and flees into hiding deep within the Welsh countryside. Her guardian aunts caution against further romantic entanglements, but Margaret’s heart is put to the test again when Major Philipps, a handsome cavalry officer, returns home to the beautiful Picton Castle.

Back in England, spirited Bianca struggles to learn the desires of her own heart as she takes the role of spy against Margaret’s villainous Marquis. A flirtatious stepmother and a half-dozen bumbling suitors complicate matters further, for without a proper chaperone in London’s gossip-filled ballrooms, Bianca soon realizes the Marquis is ruthless enough to sacrifice her reputation—and both girls’ happy endings—to his search for Margaret’s whereabouts.

When Margaret travels to London, she never expects to have her head turned by the roguish Marquis of Halford and then have him almost abduct her. To keep her safe, she is sent to her three aunts in the Welsh countryside where she takes on a different name. Meanwhile, her close friend Bianca contrives a scheme to also go to London and does what she can to keep the marquis from discovering Margaret’s location. Romance blossoms for them both but will the marquis find a way to ruin them both?

This was a lively and charming read. I have a fondness for fairytale retellings, especially when they are set in the real world. It was fun to see the nods to the original tales as I followed Margaret and Bianca through their stories. It is told through a series of letters exchanged between the pair. At times, the word-for-word recitation of events made my hand ache imagining handwriting that much!

Both girls made me feel so old at times with their impulsive actions. I found myself shaking my head and occasionally tutting, especially at some of Bianca’s antics! They both leap off the page and their personalities made them seem so very real.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings, sweet romance, and Regency era stories.

An Author’s (Blue) Musing

Do you ever get the feeling that you have read too much of a genre? That books you would have adored last year are, this year, dull and uninteresting? Do tropes and details start to get on your nerves?

I feel like I’ve hit that point. Home too much with too much time to read? An overload of the genre I used to love so much? I don’t know what it is, but books I expected to love are all falling flat of late. Characters I’ve loved in previous books have returned and I am…irritated with them. Annoyed by the personalities I cheered for.

And, to be honest, I haven’t read as many books as I did last year or the year before. It is a conundrum that is exceedingly annoying because I have so many books on my Need To Read shelf. Will I rate them negatively because I am in a funk? Should I wait?

Quarantine is finally getting to me, folks!

Another thing that might contribute to my displeasure with some books is I may have done a bit too much research into the Regency and Victorian era. I keep pausing while I read to say, “THAT’S NOT TRUE! NOT ALL LADIES TIGHT-LACED THEIR CORSETS!” Or some such protest of some small detail that really doesn’t matter to the plot.

Do I know all? No. I know I don’t. So I know I should hold my standards for other authors. 

Sorry this is a weird post. I think a lot of my random musings have been odd ones this year.

Yay, 2020.

BUT I am pleased to announce that three of my books are now available on multiple platforms and not just Amazon.

Emily’s Choice, A Chaotic Courtship, and My Hands Hold My Story are now available on Kobo, Apple, Overdrive, Google Play Books, and several others that I have forgotten.

Well. Until next time!

A Reckless Love (Daughtry House #3)

A Reckless Love (Daughtry House Series #3)

by Beth White

edition: paperback ARC, 2020

Synopsis: On the trail of an elusive enemy, cynical, war-damaged lawman Zane Sager crosses paths once more with Aurora Daughtry, the vivacious Mississippi belle he once admired from a distance. As his defenses start to crumble, the criminal he’s been pursuing reminds him that that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

The youngest Daughtry daughter, Aurora, is tired of being treated as the baby of the family. When the opportunity to turn a saloon into a boarding house presents itself, she is eager for the challenge. She is also interested to know what her brother-in-law and future brother-in-law are up to, and sets her sits on getting her information from the cynical lawman, Zane Sager.

Having read the previous two books, I felt a little let-down. While Aurora is a bubbly and cheerful character, she is a spoiled southern belle and those around her just…let her get away with a lot. This made it difficult to like her. Her infatuation with Zane occurred faster than I would have liked and, as my wording hints at, I doubted any romantic attachment.

Zane, on the other hand, was very interesting. We are introduced to him first when he survives the explosion on the Sultana. Before that, he was imprisoned in a southern Rebel prison of war. His drive to catch the man who tortured him and killed his mentor made him relatable. He resisted Aurora’s flirting at first, which made me respect him more.

Had the romance been given more time to grow, I might have enjoyed it more. Overall, the plot moves fast and the book as a whole it well written. Readers who enjoy historical romance set in the years after the Civil War and have followed the Daughtry House series will not want to miss this.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Embassy Row (Mycroft Holmes, #2)

Embassy Row (Mycroft Holmes, #2)

by Quinn Fawcett

Edition: hardcover, 1999

Synopsis: Guthrie, Mycroft’s secretary and his Watson, is accompanying Mycroft to a series of discrete negotiations with Japanese, intended to secure England’s positions in Japanese-controlled waters.

But there are those on both sides who would like to see the talks come to naught, for reasons both political and radical. However, despite many setbacks, misunderstandings, and suspicious accidents, the agreement is near completion.

The night the papers are to be signed and sealed, a British diplomat whose opposition to the negotiations is no secret is found dead with a Japanese dagger in his back. Mycroft and Guthrie must solve his murder, expose the agitators behind it, and see to the finalization of the agreement — without finding themselves on the wrong end of the knife.

An important treaty is being negotiated between Britain and Japan. Mycroft Holmes is unofficially taking the lead. Patterson Guthrie must assist him in maintaining the ruse of Holmes’ sedentary life while unraveling the complicated threads of international politics and intrigue.

I enjoyed this one much more than the first. There were moments when the plot seemed overly complicated, but the writing seemed much smoother for this second instalment of the series. Patterson, Holmes’ secretary, has been working for the man for less than a year. He still has much to learn about trusting the instincts of Holmes’ other support staff, but he valiantly does his best at his job.

I liked the details about Japanese culture that are woven into the story. We get hints of a younger Mycroft Holmes having adventures regarding a brief time he spent in Japan. My favorite part were the journal notes of Tyers, who spends most of the story worrying over his employer.

Overall, I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. I look forward to seeing wht the rest of the series has in store.

Mortal Arts (Lady Darby, Book 2)

Mortal Arts (Lady Darby, Book 2)

By Anna Lee Huber

Edition: ebook, 2013

Synopsis: Scotland, 1830. Lady Kiera Darby is no stranger to intrigue—in fact, it seems to follow wherever she goes. After her foray into murder investigation, Kiera must journey to Edinburgh with her family so that her pregnant sister can be close to proper medical care. But the city is full of many things Kiera isn’t quite ready to face: the society ladies keen on judging her, her fellow investigator—and romantic entanglement—Sebastian Gage, and ultimately, another deadly mystery.

Kiera’s old friend Michael Dalmay is about to be married, but the arrival of his older brother—and Kiera’s childhood art tutor—William, has thrown everything into chaos. For ten years Will has been missing, committed to an insane asylum by his own father. Kiera is sympathetic to her mentor’s plight, especially when rumors swirl about a local girl gone missing. Now Kiera must once again employ her knowledge of the macabre and join forces with Gage in order to prove the innocence of a beloved family friend—and save the marriage of another… 

Having recovered from nearly being killed in her first foray into solving a murder, Lady Keira Darby journeys to Edinburgh with her sister and brother-in-law. Before they reach the city, they are detoured to the home of a family friend. There, rumors swirl, and a girl has gone missing. With Sebastian Gage, Keira works to prove an old friend’s innocence before death strikes again.

This book really builds on the blocks of the first book. Keira is more confident in her own skills, and the attraction between her and Gage grows. Her mental strength is tested when she learns an old mentor has been confined in an insane asylum and is not the man she once knew.

The narrative delves into how someone different was treated way back when. Keira is optimistic, loyal to her friend when others express their concern. The story pulled me in more than the first book did and the pacing was just right: offering information at just the right time and giving the reader time to digest it and put the pieces together.

I would recommend this to fans of historical mysteries

An Author’s (Very Late) Random Musing: Summer

I’M SORRY I’M LATE AGAIN!

July has been…such an interesting month so far. It’s hot. I’m miserable. Someone decided to steal my credit card information. Another one star review knocked my confidence like a truck.

So. yeah. That’s all happened.

I do have some exciting news, though! Two of my books have been moved out of being exclusive to Kindle.

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It has been almost two years since I took these books wide. So now they are on Kobo, Nook, Apple, Scribd, Tolino, and Vivlio. It’s taking a little longer for the sites that libraries use, like Overdrive and Hoopla. I’m hoping I can reach new readers this way, but we will see.

It is also Camp NaNoWriMo this month. Since I’m working on writing every day, I made a small goal. I’m working on a novella to go along with my Sinclair Society Series.

And now I am off to try not to melt….