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Art & Grace
Bristol, England, in the early Nineteenth Century. The slave trade has been abolished but slavery itself has not yet been outlawed.
Bess, a young woman of mixed heritage, has an ambiguous position in the home of the once-eminent Liston family. Raised and educated alongside the family’s children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the household’s head.
When Richard Liston instigates an introduction between Captain Adam Bryce, a Royal Naval officer of repute, and his sister, Artemisia, Adam shows greater interest in Bess. Pressed by Artemisia to stalk Adam, Bess’s problems begin. And when the ailing matriarch, Elizabeth Liston, presents Bess with an impossible choice, the weaving of a web of deceit commences that will ultimately push Bess and Artemisia’s friendship to the brink.
As the scene shifts to rural Somerset, things are far from serene: Sebastian Weston, occupant of the grand Milton Abbey, means to hold both Bess and Artemisia in his thrall. Rivalries ensue, the bond between Artemisia and Bess being strained by their allegiances to the men in their lives.
Charting the turbulent waters of family commitments and amorous liaisons, it’s hard to fathom who to trust and whom to love.
Bess, a young woman of mixed heritage, has an ambiguous position in the home of the once-eminent Liston family. Raised and educated alongside the family’s children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the household’s head.
When Richard Liston instigates an introduction between Captain Adam Bryce, a Royal Naval officer of repute, and his sister, Artemisia, Adam shows greater interest in Bess. Pressed by Artemisia to stalk Adam, Bess’s problems begin. And when the ailing matriarch, Elizabeth Liston, presents Bess with an impossible choice, the weaving of a web of deceit commences that will ultimately push Bess and Artemisia’s friendship to the brink.
As the scene shifts to rural Somerset, things are far from serene: Sebastian Weston, occupant of the grand Milton Abbey, means to hold both Bess and Artemisia in his thrall. Rivalries ensue, the bond between Artemisia and Bess being strained by their allegiances to the men in their lives.
Charting the turbulent waters of family commitments and amorous liaisons, it’s hard to fathom who to trust and whom to love.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2019
13 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Catherine E. Chapman
23 books41 followersI'm a writer of women's fiction and contemporary and historical romantic fiction. My longer works have been described as accessible character fiction, humour often being an important ingredient.
My seven short historical romances are available in the anthology, 'Collected Romances,' in digital and print format.
My books are available digitally from Amazon, Smashwords and their retailers (B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc). Some are also available in print and as audiobooks on Google Play.
My latest publication, 'The Knight's Falconess,' is a sensual romance set in Medieval England.
For tasters of my contemporary writing, five short stories are available to download free from Smashwords and their retailers, and four of these are available as audiobooks on Google Play.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the many readers and reviewers at Goodreads, who have taken time and care over reading, rating, reviewing and recommending my fiction. I really value feedback from readers so, if you have any comments to make on my books, please let me know.
My seven short historical romances are available in the anthology, 'Collected Romances,' in digital and print format.
My books are available digitally from Amazon, Smashwords and their retailers (B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc). Some are also available in print and as audiobooks on Google Play.
My latest publication, 'The Knight's Falconess,' is a sensual romance set in Medieval England.
For tasters of my contemporary writing, five short stories are available to download free from Smashwords and their retailers, and four of these are available as audiobooks on Google Play.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the many readers and reviewers at Goodreads, who have taken time and care over reading, rating, reviewing and recommending my fiction. I really value feedback from readers so, if you have any comments to make on my books, please let me know.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 14, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
‘Art and Grace’ is a historical novel by British-based author, Catherine E Chapman. It is written in the first person and the past tense, with the action being seen from the perspective of Bess, a young mixed race woman, who lives with a middle class family in Bristol. From the synopsis, it wasn’t difficult to guess at her relationship to the Liston family. In fact, Mrs Liston gives up the secret in an instant when she is questioned, so it is rather surprising that Bess has not taken the opportunity to do this before.
The plot is focused on the dynamic between Bess and Artemisia, however both young ladies have their own love interests and as the story develops, we witness the trials and tribulations which beset them.
I like the cover of this book as it is simple but eye-catching and its relevance becomes apparent once the story unfolds.
We know this is a Regency novel, which narrows the parameters but there is little in the story to anchor it in either time or place. I think the author missed a trick here because she could have used some of the fascinating historic landscape that this era provides, to her advantage. I wanted to feel a sense of Georgian England with all hustle and bustle, injustices and inequalities and this would have given the cast a richer backdrop. The author gives her characters very little help so, for me, they lacked depth. Multi-layering would have enabled me to award a higher star rating.
Bess appears to be a detached young woman who deals with every calamity to befall her, in a matter-of-fact sort of way. Because she doesn’t seem to particularly care, it made it difficult for me to care either. Richard, Artemisia’s brother, is a rogue and his character could have been explored further to make him into a well-rounded hate-figure but again, he fell rather flat. I found Sebastian Weston confusing; he seems fairly cynical but then inexplicably benevolent.
I found the continual use of the word ‘quit’ incongruous. This seems now to be accepted in contemporary British-English but I’m not sure people at the time the novel was set, would have ‘quit’ a room or used the term when talking to one another. Devotees of this period of history might well be more knowledgeable in this regard.
On the positive side, this book was very easy to read with a good balance between dialogue and description. If you’re into relationships and historical romance, then you will probably enjoy it. I award three stars.
‘Art and Grace’ is a historical novel by British-based author, Catherine E Chapman. It is written in the first person and the past tense, with the action being seen from the perspective of Bess, a young mixed race woman, who lives with a middle class family in Bristol. From the synopsis, it wasn’t difficult to guess at her relationship to the Liston family. In fact, Mrs Liston gives up the secret in an instant when she is questioned, so it is rather surprising that Bess has not taken the opportunity to do this before.
The plot is focused on the dynamic between Bess and Artemisia, however both young ladies have their own love interests and as the story develops, we witness the trials and tribulations which beset them.
I like the cover of this book as it is simple but eye-catching and its relevance becomes apparent once the story unfolds.
We know this is a Regency novel, which narrows the parameters but there is little in the story to anchor it in either time or place. I think the author missed a trick here because she could have used some of the fascinating historic landscape that this era provides, to her advantage. I wanted to feel a sense of Georgian England with all hustle and bustle, injustices and inequalities and this would have given the cast a richer backdrop. The author gives her characters very little help so, for me, they lacked depth. Multi-layering would have enabled me to award a higher star rating.
Bess appears to be a detached young woman who deals with every calamity to befall her, in a matter-of-fact sort of way. Because she doesn’t seem to particularly care, it made it difficult for me to care either. Richard, Artemisia’s brother, is a rogue and his character could have been explored further to make him into a well-rounded hate-figure but again, he fell rather flat. I found Sebastian Weston confusing; he seems fairly cynical but then inexplicably benevolent.
I found the continual use of the word ‘quit’ incongruous. This seems now to be accepted in contemporary British-English but I’m not sure people at the time the novel was set, would have ‘quit’ a room or used the term when talking to one another. Devotees of this period of history might well be more knowledgeable in this regard.
On the positive side, this book was very easy to read with a good balance between dialogue and description. If you’re into relationships and historical romance, then you will probably enjoy it. I award three stars.
December 6, 2019
My review for Art & Grace and more on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
I read Art & Grace in paperback. I have read a lot of mills and boon romance books, some were regency, so I easily whizzed through Art & Grace a regency novel. I loved how the author thought through of an unusual way for a domestic servant to meet Captain Bryce. One fine morning late April as Bess was cleaning the outside steps, when ouch!! someone no other than Captain Bryce stepped on her hands in his heavy boots. Captain Bryce soon has an interest in Bess. A lovely story with twists that I certainly wouldn't have seen coming, within this beautiful story. I do highly recommend Art & Grace even if you don't read Regency novels, I can assure you that it's most definitely an excellent read.
I read Art & Grace in paperback. I have read a lot of mills and boon romance books, some were regency, so I easily whizzed through Art & Grace a regency novel. I loved how the author thought through of an unusual way for a domestic servant to meet Captain Bryce. One fine morning late April as Bess was cleaning the outside steps, when ouch!! someone no other than Captain Bryce stepped on her hands in his heavy boots. Captain Bryce soon has an interest in Bess. A lovely story with twists that I certainly wouldn't have seen coming, within this beautiful story. I do highly recommend Art & Grace even if you don't read Regency novels, I can assure you that it's most definitely an excellent read.
July 19, 2019
Art & Grace was my second Catherine E. Chapman read, and like my first, The Laird’s Right-Hand Lady, I found it difficult to decide upon a final rating. It was a solid three-point-five-star read, and there were reasons for me to both round up and down. As I said in my review of The Laird’s Right-Hand Lady, I’m an extremely picky person with my reads, and I often round down instead of up. However, this does not mean I did not enjoy Art & Grace. I did, devouring it in a single sitting, and would highly recommend it.
With Art & Grace, Catherine E. Chapman offers something outside the norm of regency novels. Although there is romance to be found throughout this one, the focus is much larger in scope. It is a story of family and the connections with have with people, with the story focusing more on the friendship between the two characters than on the romance that plays a large role in events. With the story focusing outside the norm, I was sucked into the events and friendship between the two and could not get enough.
Although the main focus of the book was not the romance, it did play a large role in the events. It was a pivotal part of the story, and the reason for my rounding down is linked to the reason I opted to round down with The Laird’s Right-Hand Lady as well. The romance between the characters seemed too quick, too close to instalove, and whilst it was an important part of the story, I never felt the connection I would have liked. Yes, the romance was secondary all the other events we experienced, but I would have liked to feel the romance more than I did.
I’m a very fussy romance reader, though. I find myself feeling this way often when the romance is not main focus of the story, as I always expect to be sucked in deeper. People who are less picky about their romance will easily overlook this and will adore the book.
As I said, this is not your normal regency novel. It’s something different, something that will have you hooked. Well-written with plenty to love throughout, it’s a story that will have you hooked.
With Art & Grace, Catherine E. Chapman offers something outside the norm of regency novels. Although there is romance to be found throughout this one, the focus is much larger in scope. It is a story of family and the connections with have with people, with the story focusing more on the friendship between the two characters than on the romance that plays a large role in events. With the story focusing outside the norm, I was sucked into the events and friendship between the two and could not get enough.
Although the main focus of the book was not the romance, it did play a large role in the events. It was a pivotal part of the story, and the reason for my rounding down is linked to the reason I opted to round down with The Laird’s Right-Hand Lady as well. The romance between the characters seemed too quick, too close to instalove, and whilst it was an important part of the story, I never felt the connection I would have liked. Yes, the romance was secondary all the other events we experienced, but I would have liked to feel the romance more than I did.
I’m a very fussy romance reader, though. I find myself feeling this way often when the romance is not main focus of the story, as I always expect to be sucked in deeper. People who are less picky about their romance will easily overlook this and will adore the book.
As I said, this is not your normal regency novel. It’s something different, something that will have you hooked. Well-written with plenty to love throughout, it’s a story that will have you hooked.
October 18, 2019
Art & Grace
Catherine Chapman
https://www.facebook.com/Catherine-E-...
Release date 7/14/2019
Blurb
Bristol, England, in the early Nineteenth Century. The slave trade has been abolished but slavery itself has not yet been outlawed.
Bess, a young woman of mixed heritage, has an ambiguous position in the home of the once-eminent Liston family. Raised and educated alongside the family’s children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the household’s head.
When Richard Liston instigates an introduction between Captain Adam Bryce, a Royal Naval officer of repute, and his sister, Artemisia, Adam shows greater interest in Bess. Pressed by Artemisia to stalk Adam, Bess’s problems begin. And when the ailing matriarch, Elizabeth Liston, presents Bess with an impossible choice, the weaving of a web of deceit commences that will ultimately push Bess and Artemisia’s friendship to the brink.
As the scene shifts to rural Somerset, things are far from serene: Sebastian Weston, occupant of the grand Milton Abbey, means to hold both Bess and Artemisia in his thrall. Rivalries ensue, the bond between Artemisia and Bess being strained by their allegiances to the men in their lives.
Charting the turbulent waters of family commitments and amorous liaisons, it’s hard to fathom who to trust and whom to love.
My review :
Can sisterhood survives life’s circumstances and secrets ...
The beginning was a bit confusing, as the story is at the first person, the premises lacked of details and informations, with some holes from Bess point of view, as we follow her, it was sometimes perplexing to not have full access to all her thoughts.
I felt like it was more a sisterhood story than a romance, a friendship permanently tested upon their different encounters and different interests.
No years is given, but the area period is set as being regency, and while the rules and conventions are often brought up, they are also very easily flouted by those whom shall pay them more attention.
Bess is rather naive and/or selfish, thus she takes inconsiderate risks, seems also blind to her own condition and luckily for her is every time rescued.
I know she was raised among her father’s family, but still, she is no white woman, and alas, it is no 21st century but early 19th’s so dark skinned persons were not seen as equals. It is the major detail that bothered me, Bess acts with the assurance of a white woman and appears as unaware of her difference in apparence and with no written origins nor money, she expects the same as her half-sister.
Sure she has every right to feel betrayed when the man she had planned to elope with, left her.
After, what could she expect from a short days acquaintance.
Still, she is certain the next man has marriage in mind when he let her know she will be his.
Naive and a bit foolish.
At first she has every right to hold a grudge over Adam’s return, but he did more than groveling and asked for her forgiveness in addition to her hand, yet it was not enough, until she finds herself without a roof her head, then she decides she needs him again.
But as the romance is not the main subject of this book, my rating will be more about the sisterhood Bess shares with her half-sister.
Their relationship is made of up and down, they both are very flawed characters, each seing the other through the peephole of their own vision. Why they have so many failing together, until they share their every secrets and tell one too many.
It is the part I loved the most, they need each other, but at the same time, they use one another. They will have to do a lot of growing up to appreciate the extend of their love for each other but also their shortcomings at not appreciating it sooner.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I was contacted by the author for a honest review, so here is my true and honest opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Catherine Chapman
https://www.facebook.com/Catherine-E-...
Release date 7/14/2019
Blurb
Bristol, England, in the early Nineteenth Century. The slave trade has been abolished but slavery itself has not yet been outlawed.
Bess, a young woman of mixed heritage, has an ambiguous position in the home of the once-eminent Liston family. Raised and educated alongside the family’s children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the household’s head.
When Richard Liston instigates an introduction between Captain Adam Bryce, a Royal Naval officer of repute, and his sister, Artemisia, Adam shows greater interest in Bess. Pressed by Artemisia to stalk Adam, Bess’s problems begin. And when the ailing matriarch, Elizabeth Liston, presents Bess with an impossible choice, the weaving of a web of deceit commences that will ultimately push Bess and Artemisia’s friendship to the brink.
As the scene shifts to rural Somerset, things are far from serene: Sebastian Weston, occupant of the grand Milton Abbey, means to hold both Bess and Artemisia in his thrall. Rivalries ensue, the bond between Artemisia and Bess being strained by their allegiances to the men in their lives.
Charting the turbulent waters of family commitments and amorous liaisons, it’s hard to fathom who to trust and whom to love.
My review :
Can sisterhood survives life’s circumstances and secrets ...
The beginning was a bit confusing, as the story is at the first person, the premises lacked of details and informations, with some holes from Bess point of view, as we follow her, it was sometimes perplexing to not have full access to all her thoughts.
I felt like it was more a sisterhood story than a romance, a friendship permanently tested upon their different encounters and different interests.
No years is given, but the area period is set as being regency, and while the rules and conventions are often brought up, they are also very easily flouted by those whom shall pay them more attention.
Bess is rather naive and/or selfish, thus she takes inconsiderate risks, seems also blind to her own condition and luckily for her is every time rescued.
I know she was raised among her father’s family, but still, she is no white woman, and alas, it is no 21st century but early 19th’s so dark skinned persons were not seen as equals. It is the major detail that bothered me, Bess acts with the assurance of a white woman and appears as unaware of her difference in apparence and with no written origins nor money, she expects the same as her half-sister.
Sure she has every right to feel betrayed when the man she had planned to elope with, left her.
After, what could she expect from a short days acquaintance.
Still, she is certain the next man has marriage in mind when he let her know she will be his.
Naive and a bit foolish.
At first she has every right to hold a grudge over Adam’s return, but he did more than groveling and asked for her forgiveness in addition to her hand, yet it was not enough, until she finds herself without a roof her head, then she decides she needs him again.
But as the romance is not the main subject of this book, my rating will be more about the sisterhood Bess shares with her half-sister.
Their relationship is made of up and down, they both are very flawed characters, each seing the other through the peephole of their own vision. Why they have so many failing together, until they share their every secrets and tell one too many.
It is the part I loved the most, they need each other, but at the same time, they use one another. They will have to do a lot of growing up to appreciate the extend of their love for each other but also their shortcomings at not appreciating it sooner.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I was contacted by the author for a honest review, so here is my true and honest opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 30, 2020
I wanted to like this book a whole lot better than I did. Dealing, as it does, with people of color during the early 19th C., I thought it would be a good change from the constant world of made-up dukedoms and earldoms that we find in historical romance.
Elizabeth Grace is a young woman of color living in the Liston household. Her situation is obvious from the get-go, despite the theoretically dramatic "reveal" of her parentage early in the book. She meets a naval captain, Adam Bryce, who is seeking to marry Artemisia, the daughter of the household. Bess falls head over heels in love with him, and he claims to be in love with her as well. They have known each other for all of about three days. Naturally, he relieves he of her virginity and disappears.
As inevitably happens in these books, Bess finds herself pregnant. She meets other men, but constantly finds herself thinking of Adam. In the mean while, she and Artemisia are shipped off to live with a maiden aunt who is delighted to have another servant in the household and sets about finding an appropriate husband for Artemisia. The primary candidate, of course, falls in love with Bess.
The whole thing becomes more and more ridiculous as the book wears on. Eventually, to the surprise of no one, Captain Bryce finds Bess. He has, of course, been madly in love with her for an entire year and been looking for her so he can explain why he left and let her know that he wants to marry her.
It was silly, at the end of the day. The characters were all flat and two-dimensional; it didn't feel like they were real people about whom I should care. So disappointing.
Elizabeth Grace is a young woman of color living in the Liston household. Her situation is obvious from the get-go, despite the theoretically dramatic "reveal" of her parentage early in the book. She meets a naval captain, Adam Bryce, who is seeking to marry Artemisia, the daughter of the household. Bess falls head over heels in love with him, and he claims to be in love with her as well. They have known each other for all of about three days. Naturally, he relieves he of her virginity and disappears.
As inevitably happens in these books, Bess finds herself pregnant. She meets other men, but constantly finds herself thinking of Adam. In the mean while, she and Artemisia are shipped off to live with a maiden aunt who is delighted to have another servant in the household and sets about finding an appropriate husband for Artemisia. The primary candidate, of course, falls in love with Bess.
The whole thing becomes more and more ridiculous as the book wears on. Eventually, to the surprise of no one, Captain Bryce finds Bess. He has, of course, been madly in love with her for an entire year and been looking for her so he can explain why he left and let her know that he wants to marry her.
It was silly, at the end of the day. The characters were all flat and two-dimensional; it didn't feel like they were real people about whom I should care. So disappointing.
September 8, 2019
An interesting twist on a classic regency romance. We follow the life of Bess, a domestic servant, in a time when slavery has recently been abolished.
A nice, easy read for a soft romance lover.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
A nice, easy read for a soft romance lover.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
June 8, 2021
Written in first person POV.
November 9, 2019
"Art & Grace" by Catherine E. Chapman was a well-written and engaging story with interesting, likeable, and well-developed characters. I particularly liked that the story was set in Bristol and the English countryside, not London, and featured characters that weren't titled members of the ton. Some of them actually had to work for a living and make do without servants, which is very different from a lot of the other historical novels out there. I also liked that I wasn't easily able to predict where the story would go next. Just when I thought I knew what to expect, there would be a twist, so eventually I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.
While there were romantic elements that were central to this story, the relationship between main character Bess and her friend, Miss Artemisia Liston, was equally important. I always enjoy stories featuring strong female friendships, and while this one had its share of ups and downs, Bess and Artemisia were mostly supportive of each other, which I appreciated.
Bess herself was an excellent main character and narrator. There aren't many stories set in this time period that feature mixed-race characters, so it was very interesting for me to get a sense of what life might have been like for her. I admired that Bess didn't apologize for her actions and choices except for her regret at the impact they sometimes had on her relationship with Artemisia. Faced with a sometimes uncertain future, Bess did what she felt was necessary to secure her own comfort and happiness, even if she did make some mistakes along the way. However, she never came across as selfish. She always looked out for Artemisia as well as a number of the other secondary characters, including servants Hannah and Esther.
Overall, "Art & Grace" was a refreshingly different take on a Regency novel, and I recommend it. I would read more of Ms. Chapman's work in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
While there were romantic elements that were central to this story, the relationship between main character Bess and her friend, Miss Artemisia Liston, was equally important. I always enjoy stories featuring strong female friendships, and while this one had its share of ups and downs, Bess and Artemisia were mostly supportive of each other, which I appreciated.
Bess herself was an excellent main character and narrator. There aren't many stories set in this time period that feature mixed-race characters, so it was very interesting for me to get a sense of what life might have been like for her. I admired that Bess didn't apologize for her actions and choices except for her regret at the impact they sometimes had on her relationship with Artemisia. Faced with a sometimes uncertain future, Bess did what she felt was necessary to secure her own comfort and happiness, even if she did make some mistakes along the way. However, she never came across as selfish. She always looked out for Artemisia as well as a number of the other secondary characters, including servants Hannah and Esther.
Overall, "Art & Grace" was a refreshingly different take on a Regency novel, and I recommend it. I would read more of Ms. Chapman's work in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2019
This may be undeniably a Regency Romance, but it is a fresh and modern take for those who like their heroines more active, and in some ways, more cunning, with the ability to look out for themselves in a cut-throat world when necessary. In short, I found this to be another short and engaging read and I would certainly recommend it.
Here's the link to my full review: https://brontebabeblog.wordpress.com/...
Here's the link to my full review: https://brontebabeblog.wordpress.com/...
June 20, 2021
I give this book a 3.5. I enjoyed the book but there were a few glaring holes in the story.
The author, did not include dates in this novel but she did (in a roundabout way) mention milestones in history such as the law that abolished slavery and slavery trade in England. As such, whether she had been freed by the previous Lord of the house or not, by law she was no longer a slave and Richard had no power over her as he intimated. He did, however, still have power over her as her brother and the head of their household since women had no rights at that time other than those given them by the men in their lives and society, but since he refused to acknowledge her...oh well. I think the author should have taken the time to be more accurate with the history of the time period as it pertained with the story.
The explanation of Grace's mother didn't make sense, especially when you refer back to the questions Grace had asked Hannah earlier in the book. Also, when did the Captain tell Grace he was at the tavern looking for someone that night? That wasn't even necessary as a tie in and it's not even true.
As for the relationship between Grace and Artemisia, it was rather fickle on Artemisia's part. She knew, yet she had no qualms sending Grace into dangerous and compromising situations on a panicked whim. When is was convenient to love and be close to Grace she was, but at the first sign of upset, she treated Grace just as badly as Richard and their aunt. Sad really...
The author, did not include dates in this novel but she did (in a roundabout way) mention milestones in history such as the law that abolished slavery and slavery trade in England. As such, whether she had been freed by the previous Lord of the house or not, by law she was no longer a slave and Richard had no power over her as he intimated. He did, however, still have power over her as her brother and the head of their household since women had no rights at that time other than those given them by the men in their lives and society, but since he refused to acknowledge her...oh well. I think the author should have taken the time to be more accurate with the history of the time period as it pertained with the story.
The explanation of Grace's mother didn't make sense, especially when you refer back to the questions Grace had asked Hannah earlier in the book. Also, when did the Captain tell Grace he was at the tavern looking for someone that night? That wasn't even necessary as a tie in and it's not even true.
As for the relationship between Grace and Artemisia, it was rather fickle on Artemisia's part. She knew, yet she had no qualms sending Grace into dangerous and compromising situations on a panicked whim. When is was convenient to love and be close to Grace she was, but at the first sign of upset, she treated Grace just as badly as Richard and their aunt. Sad really...
January 25, 2020
Better than usual romances
This book is about a mixer race woman trying to go through life and love, but her race affects everything. She is strong and persevere and has good friends to help her though.
I enjoyed this book because it deals with real subjects and is not as “fluffy” as many romances are.
This book is about a mixer race woman trying to go through life and love, but her race affects everything. She is strong and persevere and has good friends to help her though.
I enjoyed this book because it deals with real subjects and is not as “fluffy” as many romances are.
November 13, 2019
While well-written, my lack of attachment to the characters and their circumstances significantly impacted the enjoyability of the read. This is hardly the author’s fault and more just what my husband refers to as an “Alana-ism.” I have a strange relationship with classical-style romances. I felt there was a curious lack of emotion from Bess, but again maybe I'm projecting.
Art & Grace proved to be an interesting foray into a softer, classic romance from the regency subgenre. While I’m not sure it has changed my tendency to avoid them, I still plan to pick up more of Chapman's work in the future. Maybe after I finally force myself to read Pride and Prejudice for Romanceopoly. Ultimately, this is definitely for readers that enjoy their regency romances with a classic spin, love and redemption, and a whole lot of dubious actions from a wealth of characters.
Full Review on DCR
Art & Grace proved to be an interesting foray into a softer, classic romance from the regency subgenre. While I’m not sure it has changed my tendency to avoid them, I still plan to pick up more of Chapman's work in the future. Maybe after I finally force myself to read Pride and Prejudice for Romanceopoly. Ultimately, this is definitely for readers that enjoy their regency romances with a classic spin, love and redemption, and a whole lot of dubious actions from a wealth of characters.
Full Review on DCR
July 16, 2019
Warm, compelling and intriguing
This is a romantic historical novel with many ups and downs, twists and turns. It is beautifully written and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. A young woman of mixed race, daughter of a slave from Jamaica, lives with a rich man and his niece in Bristol. Elizabeth discovers that the niece, Artemisia, is her half sister but this is never mentioned and she is treated as a companion and servant. Her exotic looks attract attention from the man whom Artemisia is about to marry. This story will pull you into its warm embrace as each chapter reveals another twist. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
This is a romantic historical novel with many ups and downs, twists and turns. It is beautifully written and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. A young woman of mixed race, daughter of a slave from Jamaica, lives with a rich man and his niece in Bristol. Elizabeth discovers that the niece, Artemisia, is her half sister but this is never mentioned and she is treated as a companion and servant. Her exotic looks attract attention from the man whom Artemisia is about to marry. This story will pull you into its warm embrace as each chapter reveals another twist. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
July 16, 2019
Recommended. A thoroughly enjoyable regency period novel.
October 5, 2021
Terrible book that is labeled as romance.
First, there is the grammar issue.
Second, where is the romance? I see nothing of it. The story is centered on Artimisia (?) rather than Bess. We should see the romance between Bess and Bryce, but there is none because Bess is too busy as a servant for her half-sister Artimisa (?).
1 star because this shouldn't be romance. This should be called Artimisa's Servant.
First, there is the grammar issue.
Second, where is the romance? I see nothing of it. The story is centered on Artimisia (?) rather than Bess. We should see the romance between Bess and Bryce, but there is none because Bess is too busy as a servant for her half-sister Artimisa (?).
1 star because this shouldn't be romance. This should be called Artimisa's Servant.
February 14, 2020
I recently reviewed this book as part of the team at Whispering Stories. To read the post, please follow the link below:
https://whisperingstories.com/art-gra...
I awarded three stars.
https://whisperingstories.com/art-gra...
I awarded three stars.
June 11, 2024
A fast paced regency romance that I enjoyed from start to finish. The characters were believable and there weren’t too many of them. Happy to recommend and I look forward to reading more of this author’s titles.
October 29, 2019
Avid Reader
This Is the first book that I have read by this author, and it won't be my last. Elizabeth 's white half-siblings knew that they had the same father, but she didn't find out until her father 's wife was dying.The father was already deceased Elizabeth 's mother was a Jamaican slave who have birth to her when she 13. We meet Grace towards the end of the book. Grace has many experiences, not all of them positive.
This Is the first book that I have read by this author, and it won't be my last. Elizabeth 's white half-siblings knew that they had the same father, but she didn't find out until her father 's wife was dying.The father was already deceased Elizabeth 's mother was a Jamaican slave who have birth to her when she 13. We meet Grace towards the end of the book. Grace has many experiences, not all of them positive.
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