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A Black Swan Historical Romance #1
Pushin' Up Daisies
Catherine O'Shea is the oldest and most responsible of the three O'Shea sisters. She has just buried her mother, one of the last victims of the flu epidemic of 1918. Her father had been one of the first to succumb to the flu and her fiance was killed in the war. And now there is a detective living at her hotel, the Black Swan, looking into the disappearance of her abusive brother-in-law. He is entirely the wrong person and it is absolutely the wrong time for her to be giving Detective Massey a second look, much less a third and fourth. She'll simply have to control the sparks that fly every time they are together. Quincy Massey just wants to get the little job of finding Ralph Contiello done and go back home to Little Rock, Arkansas. The small town of Huttig is friendly enough but it sure isn't his type of town. And Catherine O'Shea with her smart remarks and red hair is getting under his skin entirely too much. Quincy's unstoppable quest for the truth and Catherine's unflappable determination to keep it hidden immediately sets the two of them at odds. In order to look towards a future with its offer of unconditional love they'll first have to bury the past.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2009
556 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,130 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 27, 2018
Fairly sloppy grammar. Used my lest favorite romance story troupe of being immediately attracted to each other despite thinking each other to be unlikeable.
January 3, 2021
Cute book but I felt it was all over the place. Many of the storylines I felt pushed the social acceptability of the time. I’m sure some of it happened, but it didn’t feel authentic to me. The characters were likable and you rooted for them by nature, but I felt they were never truly developed.
February 6, 2018
Back when
The O'Shea sisters, Catherine, Alice and Bridget run the Black Swan Hotel now that both of their have died in the great flu epidemic. The hotel is in the town of Huttig and has a sawmill where most of the residents work.
A detective comes to stay at the hotel looking for Bridget's husband who has disappeared. Taking a vow of silence about the subject, the sisters tell the same story about knowing where he went. He beat Bridget a lot so no one misses him.
This is story of life in the mountains of Arkansas in the early 1900's. It is interesting to read all the things women were allowed to do back then. A tale well told by an expert storyteller.
The O'Shea sisters, Catherine, Alice and Bridget run the Black Swan Hotel now that both of their have died in the great flu epidemic. The hotel is in the town of Huttig and has a sawmill where most of the residents work.
A detective comes to stay at the hotel looking for Bridget's husband who has disappeared. Taking a vow of silence about the subject, the sisters tell the same story about knowing where he went. He beat Bridget a lot so no one misses him.
This is story of life in the mountains of Arkansas in the early 1900's. It is interesting to read all the things women were allowed to do back then. A tale well told by an expert storyteller.
April 11, 2022
Started out pretty good, to the point that I considered finishing the series. The H and h were likable and I was rooting for them. Then about 90 percent of the book in, the two of them behaved so oddly about their being together and married, so uncomfortable with their feelings that it just seemed out of place. I also didn't care for the idea that couples should hide their past from each other. It's bullshit and I don't know what Brown was thinking. I started out wanting to try Brown's other works but after this ending, I think I'm gonna pass.
July 12, 2022
This was a little bit disappointing. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I loved the story development around the investigation into the sisters and their murder mystery, but then, just as it got interesting we were suddenly pulled in a completely new direction. Plus I really felt the way our MCs ended up on a train together, with yet another odd side plot in Florida, was really a little too convoluted and convenient to feel natural. But it was a lovely sweet Southern romance, deserving of 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 12, 2021
Do not miss!
This is the story of three sisters running the Black Swan Hotel in the aftermath of the Spanish Flu epidemic that isn’t took their parents. When the husband of the youngest sister, Bridget, suddenly disappears, a detective comes to investigate and sparks fly between him and the oldest sister. As always, Carolyn Brown has written an entertaining story of life in the times just after World War I.
This is the story of three sisters running the Black Swan Hotel in the aftermath of the Spanish Flu epidemic that isn’t took their parents. When the husband of the youngest sister, Bridget, suddenly disappears, a detective comes to investigate and sparks fly between him and the oldest sister. As always, Carolyn Brown has written an entertaining story of life in the times just after World War I.
July 23, 2024
Wonderful story
In keeping With the author’s ability to research a location and a history, then weave in romance and mystery, you get a masterful tale of the period just after WW1. Everything is there: Spanish flu decimating families and small towns lots of men returning from war looking for jobs, right up to the red scare at the end; which was also historically accurate. Do you suppose she ever told him what really happened to Bridget’s abusive husband?
In keeping With the author’s ability to research a location and a history, then weave in romance and mystery, you get a masterful tale of the period just after WW1. Everything is there: Spanish flu decimating families and small towns lots of men returning from war looking for jobs, right up to the red scare at the end; which was also historically accurate. Do you suppose she ever told him what really happened to Bridget’s abusive husband?
November 4, 2017
Another Good One from Ms. Brown
As with all her books I've read so far, this is another entertaining story from a really good writer. I can hardly wait to get to the other two books in the trilogy. I'm going to OD on Carolyn Brown for a while and love every minute of the trip. I want to be a writer just like her when I grow up!
As with all her books I've read so far, this is another entertaining story from a really good writer. I can hardly wait to get to the other two books in the trilogy. I'm going to OD on Carolyn Brown for a while and love every minute of the trip. I want to be a writer just like her when I grow up!
January 11, 2020
Romance with Sparks
This was a great book to read. I thought it was going to be a mystery crime story. The author gave it a romantic twist with the two main characters, Catherine and Quincy. And then to give the story a backdrop of family and loyalty with much humor, just a fun read.
This was a great book to read. I thought it was going to be a mystery crime story. The author gave it a romantic twist with the two main characters, Catherine and Quincy. And then to give the story a backdrop of family and loyalty with much humor, just a fun read.
March 15, 2020
Sisters make a pact to keep a secret. What really happened to Bridgets abusive husband. He came to the hotel on the very day her Momma was buried to beat her for disobeying him. He was never seen again. His rich family hired a private detective to find him and solve the mystery.
It never gets solved but the detective gets a bride and the abusive husband is “pushing up daisies.”
It never gets solved but the detective gets a bride and the abusive husband is “pushing up daisies.”
April 5, 2020
Stunning Characters
I loved the characters portrayed in this story. Their reactions to life, home and family made me become part of the story. The story, for me, started out slow, but as I kept reading, the momentum of the times and people involved, picked up. I began to hope that Catherine and Quincy would find d a life together, in spite of their differences.
I loved the characters portrayed in this story. Their reactions to life, home and family made me become part of the story. The story, for me, started out slow, but as I kept reading, the momentum of the times and people involved, picked up. I began to hope that Catherine and Quincy would find d a life together, in spite of their differences.
February 15, 2019
Good historical book.
I love Carolyn books. She writes with enthusiasm, honesty and integrity. The story was captivating. Also a little different turn from her other books. Whatever this author writes, I will read. A page-turner for sure. Should be read by all
I love Carolyn books. She writes with enthusiasm, honesty and integrity. The story was captivating. Also a little different turn from her other books. Whatever this author writes, I will read. A page-turner for sure. Should be read by all
July 18, 2019
Awesome,
She loved him and he loved her. He is a detective and wanted to finish his case. Love intervened. The case was put in the past. Love won.
Daisies cover the ground and are also pushed up from under the ground.
She loved him and he loved her. He is a detective and wanted to finish his case. Love intervened. The case was put in the past. Love won.
Daisies cover the ground and are also pushed up from under the ground.
June 6, 2020
Push in Up Daisies ( Black Swan Historical Romance Book1)
This is a good story about three sisters that are suspected of having murdered a man but one sister and the investigator fall in love
This is a good story about three sisters that are suspected of having murdered a man but one sister and the investigator fall in love
July 27, 2020
It's an easy read. Historical romance etc. Very relevant to partly what is going on in life now.
I am not a person of many words . An easy read. Historical romance,etc. Very relevant to partly what is going on in life todsy.
I am not a person of many words . An easy read. Historical romance,etc. Very relevant to partly what is going on in life todsy.
December 3, 2020
Daisies are the friendliest flower
Three Irish women, unknown sorry lads. I love the O'Shea ladies, their spunk and Sass. No man, detective, wife beater or preacher can tame them. Made me laugh out loud. Thank you Carolyn !!
Three Irish women, unknown sorry lads. I love the O'Shea ladies, their spunk and Sass. No man, detective, wife beater or preacher can tame them. Made me laugh out loud. Thank you Carolyn !!
December 31, 2020
Murder mystery turns into romance
A fun read that I couldn't put down. Excited to read the second book now. Carolyn Brown knows how to entertain with interesting twist that makes you want to read on to see what happens next.
A fun read that I couldn't put down. Excited to read the second book now. Carolyn Brown knows how to entertain with interesting twist that makes you want to read on to see what happens next.
August 24, 2021
Easy Summer Read
Love these characters and how they relate to each other and accept each other, quirks and all. I would have enjoyed a few more pages to this one but alas a happy ending.
Love these characters and how they relate to each other and accept each other, quirks and all. I would have enjoyed a few more pages to this one but alas a happy ending.
April 19, 2022
Delightful read
Mrs. Brown's stories draws you into every scene. Its like sitting on a porch listening to a story being told with such awe as to the people, places and things. Anxious to read the other books in this series
Mrs. Brown's stories draws you into every scene. Its like sitting on a porch listening to a story being told with such awe as to the people, places and things. Anxious to read the other books in this series
August 15, 2022
Predictable but enjoyable
Predictable but sweet slice of post WWII life; independent women and displaced men. A sweet romance accompanied by excellent food so terrific you can taste it.
Predictable but sweet slice of post WWII life; independent women and displaced men. A sweet romance accompanied by excellent food so terrific you can taste it.
December 31, 2022
The oldest sister
I really enjoyed this book. Things were so restrictive back then and women had to fit in. And there were women that tried to make them fit the accepted mores of the times.
I really enjoyed this book. Things were so restrictive back then and women had to fit in. And there were women that tried to make them fit the accepted mores of the times.
November 27, 2023
Pushing g Up Daisies
This is a new story that I was not sure if I wanted to read. It had a mystery that w never solved. It made an interesting read. Looking for the next book in the series.
This is a new story that I was not sure if I wanted to read. It had a mystery that w never solved. It made an interesting read. Looking for the next book in the series.
January 21, 2025
Disappointed. This book has a good rating, and now I’m not sure how or why. The writing is weak. I loved the set-up: 3 strong-willed sisters, running the Black Swan Inn. But the dialogue was stilted and so cheesy, and the character development was generic. Would not recommend.
August 14, 2025
This had so much potential but it missed the mark. It felt like thoughts and scenes weren't fully completed before moving on to the next scene. The story is cute and interesting but it felt unfinished. The ending felt abrupt, too.
May 4, 2018
Different
I enjoy Ms. Brown's books, but this one was different. It is set in the early 20th century with an element of suspense. It was ok, but not one of my faves.
I enjoy Ms. Brown's books, but this one was different. It is set in the early 20th century with an element of suspense. It was ok, but not one of my faves.
May 26, 2018
Another winner!
I keep thinking that they can't get any better, but Carolyn keeps me coming back for more. I'm downloading the next in this series right now
I keep thinking that they can't get any better, but Carolyn keeps me coming back for more. I'm downloading the next in this series right now
January 10, 2019
Great as expected
As always this is a winner this author never disappoints she will give great characters and a story line that keeps your interest.
As always this is a winner this author never disappoints she will give great characters and a story line that keeps your interest.
January 20, 2019
Nice romance/mystery taking place in the south just after WWI. The characters were quirky and likeable. Clean.
June 21, 2019
Great story!
The story was fast paced and the characters very believable. It was funny and suspenseful all at the same time!
The story was fast paced and the characters very believable. It was funny and suspenseful all at the same time!
August 18, 2019
Another great romance
I love the way all of the characters are included in the story. It makes me able to relate to the main characters and even feel like I've been to these towns.
I love the way all of the characters are included in the story. It makes me able to relate to the main characters and even feel like I've been to these towns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews