A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Carol Lehr Johnson and Margurite Martin Gray is just the book to read this holiday season.
An antique shop ties the three stories together by highlighting three items and thus three notable authors: Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter.
These modern day authors crafted sweet romances of fictional people who had a connection to the famous authors. And there is a hint of another romance about to bloom in the contemporary tie in.
The authors each captured the flavor of Austen, Dickens and Potter in their segments, giving each one a friend who brought out exceptional qualities. The stories conveyed a true message of faith in a natural way.
It was hard to choose a favorite story because they all felt so cozy and true to life. A Very English Christmas was a real joy to read. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Flowing Streams Books on behalf of the authors.I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb: Celebrate the season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter.
When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers.
In A Portrait of Faith, devoted daughter Violet Walford longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint a portrait of lively Regency-era author Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage.
In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud.
And in A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—as well as artist and children's author Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path.
Blending romance, inspiration, and literary nostalgia, A Very English Christmas is the perfect holiday escape for fans of historical fiction and classic English authors.
Flowing Stream Books, October, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook
Louisa is a merchant’s daughter who is escaping an arranged marriage and makes a Big Mistake. She seeks employment and eventually becomes a companion to Lady Halverton who sees the gentlewoman that is hiding in Louisa. At Lady Halverton’s tutelage, she becomes well read and capable. She captures the attention of Lord Halverton, son of Lady Halverton. Lord James is following in his father’s legacy until he finds a flaw in his father’s character.
With an authentic voice, the author takes us to Georgian England following a hero who is searching for his true calling and a heroine who is trying to overcome her past. Louisa and James grow and subjugate the constraints of society to seek the good they can offer to others.
This was a sweet, clean historical romance with likeable, honest characters and a setting that puts you in the story. Lessons include righting wrongs, taking responsibility, standing up yourself and furthering worthy causes. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars, clean read, faint faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
United by love, two hearts must confront the secrets that threaten to unravel their bond.
Louisa Thorpe is determined to leave her past mistakes behind and forge a new path as an independent woman free from her family, who is eager to see her wed. To this end, she obtains employment as a lady’s companion. Despite her aversion to marriage and her firm resolve not to fall in love, she cannot deny the magnetic connection she develops with her employer's son, James Halverson.
James recently inherited his father’s title and is focused on fulfilling his duties in the House of Lords, leaving no time for romance. However, he can't help but be captivated—and delightfully unsettled—by Louisa's unconventional manners. When shocking revelations about his father's past challenge his perception of trust and duty, James finds himself questioning everything, including Louisa's loyalty. In this heartfelt tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for independence, will Louisa and James's love withstand the storm of secrets that may destroy them?
I was immediately pulled into this intriguing story. The setting reminds me of Father Brown mysteries in a small English village of 1956. Louisa Everly is a twin to Paul and feels as if he is dead.
Paul is missing and accused of burning down Rosemont Abbey, the Everly home until their vicar father died. Louisa has a a lot at stake and sets off to sleuth much to the consternation of Malcolm Sinclair, a childhood friend who is now a detective inspector.
The story moves quickly as Louisa finds clues, and as a result gets into trouble more than once. But never fear, Malcolm is close at hand to rescue or thwart her. A killer is still on the loose and the author did an admirable job of giving us lots of suspects.
A favorite character is Mrs. Watson, the elderly housekeeper to the vicar, who has an opinion about everything. The vicar was a solid man of faith and dispensed solid spiritual advice.
I always admire this authors writing. *I won a NetGalley copy of this book from Library Thing and received a print copy from Bethany House for review. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread
BackCover Blurb: Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she's about to uncover their secrets.
1956: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.
Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.
Bethany House Publishing, October, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:
Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews is the 4th story in the Somerset Stories series. While this could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the entire series because all of the stories are not only great, but it will add so much more depth to this story.
Appointment in Bath is everything I’ve come to expect from a Mimi Matthews story. The forbidden romance between Ivo and Meg was very sweet. I liked how they became friends first. Both characters were very likable which made me root for them from the start. There were times that they were both a bit immature, but that makes sense considering their ages, Meg is only 18 and Ivo is 23. Without giving away anything, I liked how Ms. Matthews wrote Meg’s father in this story.
I’m looking forward to the next story in this series. If you’re looking for a well written sweet, clean romance, this is the story for you! *I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read, but there is a small amount of mild language.
BackCover Blurb: A chance meeting between the sheltered daughter and the forward-thinking son of rival Victorian families sparks a forbidden romance in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s fourth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.
Shy and stammering Meg Burton-Smythe has spent the whole of her life living on the fringes of local society. She’s more comfortable with her daydreams than she is with people. But when a dashing, golden-haired hero rides to her rescue one morning, she dares to hope that her dreams might finally come true. There’s only one problem: her handsome rescuer is the son of her father’s sworn enemy.
Ivo Beresford doesn’t believe in clinging to the past. Freshly returned from a lengthy grand tour, he’s looking to the future, eager to spearhead the building of a new railway extension in Somersetshire. But an unexpected encounter with Meg Burton-Smythe, the isolated only daughter of his parents’ oldest foe, sets the past and the future colliding.
Resolved to put ancient grudges to rest—at least where innocent young ladies are concerned—Ivo encourages lonely Meg to embark on a secret friendship. After all, what harm can a friendship do? It isn’t as though there’s any danger of the two of them falling in love…
Perfectly Proper Press, June 27, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
I absolutely love this series by Sarah Eden! All the books center around a group called the Dread Penny Society. This group of authors, who all write Penny Dreadfuls, also fight for the rights of the less fortunate. Each story focuses on a different member of the group, so they can be read as stand-alones, but they are all so good that I would start at the beginning and read all three.
This story was a bit different from the first two in that Brogan sort of went “undercover,” so the members of the society did not play as prominent of a role. While I missed that interaction, I still really enjoyed this story. Brogan and Vera are both great characters and I loved their story. I also really enjoyed the added additions of the Penny Dreadfuls throughout the story.
I actually listened to this and the narrator is fabulous, so I highly recommend the audiobook. I am really hoping Ms. Eden continues this series! I’d love to read Stone’s story next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read.
BackCover Blurb:
London, 1865
Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her the freedom and income to employ and protect the poverty-stricken Londoners she's come to care about, and it gives her father something to do other than long for their hometown of St. Petersburg. She is grateful for the stability in their lives, but she often feels lonely.
Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he's built a career as a Penny Dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. His membership in the secretive Dread Penny Society allows him to feel he isn't entirely wasting his life, yet he feels dissatisfied. With no one to share his life with but his sister, he fears London will never truly feel like home.
Brogan and Vera's paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at her print shop is aboveboard. When the growing criminal enterprise run by the elusive and violent Mastiff begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they've both grown to love. But that means they'll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.
Shadow Mountain Publishing, August, 2021
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
What fun to travel back to Cornwall in Deborah M. Hathaway’s newest book, In the Waves of Tristwick! Her books just keep getting better and better. The mermaid theme was fresh and creative, and the story gave insight into the prevailing thoughts and customs of 1815 Cornwall. The characters were colorful, layered, and intriguing. Trevik Honeysett is an industrious, considerate, likeable hero who seems to carry the weight of the entire fishing community on his shoulders. The heroine, Morvoren Hollow, is spunky, courageous, and longing for a different life away from her controlling uncle. What she finds is a warm, mostly welcoming, stay with the Honeysett family. The chemistry between Trevik and Morvoren was perfect as they slowly got to know each other and their relationship and perceptions changed and grew.
Filled with adventure, intrigue, romance, and wonderful historical detail, this story is a fantastic journey back in time to a small Cornish fishing village you won’t soon forget. It’s a delightful read for those who enjoy visiting other countries through historical fiction. *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars
BackCover Blurb: What is a fisherman to do when he catches a mermaid in his net? Let her go—or fall in love?
A Regency Romance Cornwall, 1815 As a well-respected fisherman in the Cornish seas, Trevik Honeysett provides a living for many poor families in the southwest of Cornwall. Despite the most powerful fishing companies attempting to cut off his own ability to fish, Trevik refuses to give up. However, when he discovers a mysterious, injured woman entangled in his net, things become much more complicated—especially when suspicions arise that she is, in fact, a mermaid. Knowing he might very well lose his workers to their superstitious beliefs, Trevik decides to uncover just who the woman is. The only problem is…she can’t remember.
In truth, Morvoren Hollow knows exactly who she is. She merely needs to keep her identity a secret long enough to accomplish what she’d set off to do. Fortunately, pretending to be a mermaid will keep Society away long enough to do just that. Her lie becomes harder to manage, however, as her injury takes longer to heal—and as the nosy but handsome fisherman reels closer to the truth.
The two clash head-to-head as Trevik refuses to believe Morvoren is actually a siren from the sea. But such a thing would be easier to imagine than what he finally discovers about her past. Fearful of what might happen next, Morvoren must decide her next step. She can either learn to trust again—or end up truly alone.
This is the fourth book in the clean Regency Cornish Romance series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.
THE SIREN OF SUSSEX, BELLES OF LONDON Book One Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?
DEBRA'S REVIEW: When
I begin a Mimi Matthews story, I expect to be highly rewarded. After all, I’ve
never been disappointed. Is it trite to say that her stories transport
me? (They do, but that’s supposed to be the point of fiction and, for
me, the draw of historicals… I want a long trip!)
Not
only is the cover of “The Siren of Sussex” an immediate eye-catcher for
style and color--and of course, that horse and that riding habit—but the title is a surprise. A
siren, you say?
Now, I admit that I listened to the
audiobook and I know that gives any story an advantage when narrated
well (they aren’t all, sadly), but this truly was an effort in
self-control. I did not listen to it at bedtime because I do need to
sleep. The narrators were excellent. But from the start Evelyn
Maltravers and her goal (how I love a practical heroine) grabbed my
heart. And did I mention the horse? The details in the clothing design and creation?
We knew where this
was going the first moment Evelyn heard the voice of the man behind the
curtain. And what a hero! Ahmad Malik fits in nowhere, so he makes his
own place in society. Even so… this can’t end well…
I’ve
authored a few stories of my own, and I can say that my greatest
compliment to any novel is that twinge of both fascination and jealousy
at an astoundingly clever plot. Evelyn’s need of a wardrobe that would
catch the attention of a suitor and Ahmad’s need to have his fashion
creations displayed around town did indeed make for a good partnership.
And what else could they have? Certainly not a romance or at least a
happy ending? There were parts of this story where I had to stop
listening because I was so emotionally caught up in ‘waiting for the
other shoe to drop’…. Again, that ‘this can’t end well’ feeling. How
does an author do that so convincingly even when we know it will. Ms.
Matthews shows us how.
Marketed as historical fiction, I'll note here that The Siren of Sussex is not from a Christian Fiction publisher. However, Mimi Matthews is a fan
favorite among that particular audience for both her skill and that lack of graphic
romance… what we call ‘clean fiction’. However, the glances, the light
touches, the emotions were about as clean-steamy as one could find!
If
you’re a fan of Victorian fiction, the mix of ‘haves and have-nots’,
London society, fashion details, horsemanship (a girl and her horse! right?) and being swept away in a
story, I strongly recommend “The Siren of Sussex”. I’m in line
for book two. **I'm adding this note from the author: "Why did I
include a plot thread about Victorian Spirtualism in Siren? In my novels, I write about
real history. It doesn’t mean I endorse the beliefs or practices; it
simply means they were a historical fact. In Siren’s case, the
spiritualism plot thread served two very particular purposes (both
directly related to class crossing)."
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
Don't forget to enter the giveaway Rafflecopter below!
ADVANCE PRAISE “…a
tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian
London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and
horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Matthews
brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched
details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”—
Booklist, starred review
“Matthews deftly underscores racial and
gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to
‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the
romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight
in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in
future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review
"Unflinching,
tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might
just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my
favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today
bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman
GIVEAWAY DETAILS Mimi
has generously offered a fabulous giveaway package: Terms & Conditions: Giveaway
hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18
years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.
1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following: Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex, Horse scarf , Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!), The Siren of Sussex tote bag, Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride, Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors), The Siren of Sussex bookmark
The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22. The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.
“I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers. Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance? ~Laura pg. 8.”
I think we all have asked this at one time in our life or another; is there truly a plan God has for us, or is it all happenstance? Julie Klassen explores this in her newest novel where she takes our heroine, Laura Callaway, on a journey to discover the answer to that very question. She feels adrift after the deaths of her parents and never really a part of her uncle’s family, though he cares a great deal for her. Until one day she finds a barely alive stranger washed ashore after a shipwreck, thus changing the course of her life as she sets out to discover who he is.
Alexander Lucas is our hero; a mysterious, dark stranger who keeps hold his secrets. I don't blame Laura for being a bit wary of him! The more she begins to get to know and trust him, the more tangled this story got, all in a good way. I enjoyed peeling back the layers of who his character was to get a deeper understanding of his life. I fell in love with him the moment Laura brought him into her care and just had a feeling he was one of the good ones.
This story had a definite Poldark feel that I very much savored! There's not a character in here that I didn't like, with the exception of our villains, who truly made my skin crawl. There's plenty of mystery in A Castaway in Cornwall along with danger, secrets, and an immersive atmosphere that will take you on an adventure through the pages. Julie Klassen is already one of my top historical writers and I really liked the feel of her latest installment. It's a bit more suspenseful than her usual Regencies, but definitely a good change! Oh and you can't forget the romance, it sizzles and sparks so when our hero and heroine are finally able to get together...wowser....pure magic! The faith message is strong with many deeply rooted truths and reminders of God's promises in our lives. Watching Laura taking those truths in her heart and finding her place in the Lord was very encouraging to me. I recommend this book to inspirational historical fans, Julie Klassen fans and those who love all things Cornwall or Poldark!
“I used to wonder if there was a plan in all the loss I experienced. Now I know the answer. Yes. Once, I feared I would never belong anywhere again. But I no longer ask myself if I am flotsam or jetsam, cast off and unwanted. I finally understand that in God's hands, and now in Alexander's arms, I am truly home. ~Laura pg. 378” *I received a complimentary digital copy through Netgalley and wasn't obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are mine. * See Winnie's Review!
BackCover Blurb: Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left
wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his
disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway,
always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.
While
wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known
for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to
the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return
keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck,
Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to
destroy him.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they
discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful,
educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and
Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence
against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to
discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them
from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will
Laura ever find the answers she seeks?
Bethany House Publishers, December 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Rich in historical detail and populated with colorful, interesting characters, Julie Klassen’s book, A Castaway in Cornwall, whisked me away to the wild Cornwall shores and kept me captivated to the end. I enjoyed learning more about the history and customs of Cornwall, and I could tell that Klassen had done her research on the area. Set in the early 1800s, this tale featured Laura Callaway and a shipwreck survivor named Alexander. I enjoyed the interaction between the two.
With plenty of intrigue, suspense, adventure, and a dash or two of romance, this novel has something for everyone. Themes of family and home, belonging, and forgiveness add to the satisfaction of the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb: Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left
wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his
disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway,
always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.
While
wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known
for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to
the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return
keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck,
Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to
destroy him.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they
discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful,
educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and
Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence
against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to
discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them
from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will
Laura ever find the answers she seeks?
Bethany House Publishers, December 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
"Mortified hardly described Evelyn's current state."
Meeting the new master of Wyndcliff estate while knee deep in mud, trying to rescue her bog-stuck pony, wasn't on Evelyn Bray's list of accomplishments for the day; how humiliating! Although Liam Twethewey seemed to take the unexpected encounter in stride, Evelyn got the distinct feeling that things were about to change, and "as far as Evelyn was concerned, any change to Wyndcliff's sleepy patterns was welcome".
"Twenty two years was a long time to wait for life to begin", and yet Liam Twetheway had waited his entire life for this very moment . . . . stepping onto boundless acres of beautiful Cornish coastline that finally belonged to him. If the lovely steward's granddaughter was any indication of local pleasantry, maybe the separation from family and friends wouldn't be so difficult after all. But it soon becomes apparent that nefarious activities are taking place on the long abandoned property, both on land and at sea. Smuggling is nasty business, Liam is unsure who to trust, what does Evelyn Bray know about it all, and would she even confide in him? Liam fears it's too late to be impartial, his heart is already entwined.
With her lovely, companionable style, this author has penned a story filled the kind of danger and intrigue that will command readers' attention, while she effortlessly slips the characters into the deepest recesses of their hearts. *I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
BackCover Blurb:
In the small Cornish village of Pevlyn, secrets are as treacherous as the rocky English shores.
Cornwall, England, 1820
Raised
on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast
of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a
once-wealthy man now reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still
grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing
ship is dashed against the rocks.
Liam Twethewey is a mere two and
twenty when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His
optimistic plans of opening a china clay pit to employ the estate’s
tenants meets unexpected resistance, and rumors of smuggling and illegal
activity challenge his newfound authority.
Brought together by
troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover
even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truth
from deception, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love
might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.
This latest
Regency romance from Sarah E. Ladd evokes the captivating worlds and
delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier, and Winston Graham.
Thomas Nelson Publishing, October 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
"I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents . . . . Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance . . . ?"
Laura Calloway's life mirrors the seashore in many ways, for the ebbs and flows of the her life tides have managed to forever reshape the shoreline of her future. Living with her uncle, a parson in North Cornwall, she has endured the whispers and stares of those who, after ten years, still consider her an outsider. Even her uncle's wife and daughter politely maintain their own lives apart from Laura.
Quite unexpectedly on one fateful night, another castaway, a near death stranger, washes up on shore after being cast into the sea during a terrible storm, his ship torn to pieces along the rocky coastline. Alexander Lucas is who he eventually claims to be, but Laura has her doubts, for there are many who arrive along the wicked Cornwall coast hiding their true identities. As attraction ignites between Laura and Alexander during his convalescence, each of them must decide on which side of the English Channel they will call home.
" . . I realize that I no longer feel like a castaway. . . . I am where I was always meant to be. "
Fans of romance, danger, and intrigue; tucked comfortably within an historical setting, will most certainly enjoy this story which travels in multiple directions before reaching its own safe harbor.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
BackCover Blurb: Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left
wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his
disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway,
always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.
While
wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known
for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to
the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return
keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck,
Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to
destroy him.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they
discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful,
educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and
Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence
against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to
discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them
from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will
Laura ever find the answers she seeks?
Bethany House Publishers, December 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
In London, Ontario, Canada, Joy Ibsen, a British-born mother raised her children with stories of noble blood running through their veins. An amateur genealogist, she traced her family lineage back to Ann Spooner (1780-1873) before losing the trail.
But one evening in 2004, Joyce received a phone call from English historian John Ashdown-Hill who confirmed her lineage by saying she was a 15th generation descendant of King Richard III's sister, Anne of York, and they want to test her DNA to confirm the possibility that bones found in Belgium belong to another sister, Margaret.
At the time, Joyce thought it was a crank call, but later agreed to have a mouth swab taken for a DNA test. Under the auspicies of The Richard III Society and the genetics lab of the University of Leicester, the test confirmed that the bones found in Belgium do not belong to a sister of Anne of York and Richard III. On the other hand, it could mean that Joyce was not a direct descendant after all.
In 2008 in London, Ontario, the Ibsen family mourns the loss of Joy, their British-born wife and mother.
In 2009, Philippa Langley, a Scottish historian working on a script about the life of King Richard III has the ambitious idea to search for Richard's remains. An argument put forward in 1986 by a University of Leicester tutor David Baldwin and presented in the paper, King Richard’s Grave in Leicester suggested that Richard III was buried in the Grey Friars area. No one had seemed to take notice at the time.
Philippa Langley, Grey Friars
Credit - University of Leicester
But now, thanks to the DNA testing done with Joy Ibsen, a positive match might be made if they could only find the notorious king's remains.
Philippa's gut feeling is that David Baldwin is right and that Richard is buried in the Grey Friars complex. She's determined to prove it, except the location of the friary is beneath an urban parking lot. Better a parking lot than a building, though. She goes to check it out.
According to the Richard III Society website, Philippa says, "...The moment I walked into that car park in Leicester the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and something told me this was where we must look. A year later I revisited the same place, not believing what I had first felt. And this time I saw a roughly painted letter 'R' on the ground (for 'reserved parking space', obviously!)."
But even with funding from the Universtiy of Leicester and the Richard III Society, it takes over three years and several hurdles before enough money is raised and the path is cleared for the project to go ahead.
Finally in Aug 2012, Joyce's son, Michael, is invited to attend a media promotion for the start of excavation of the Grey Friars complex. Michael is the 16th generation nephew and closest living relative of King Richard III, and so part of the media event is a new and very public cheek swab.
Michael Ibsen (genetic descendant of Richard III) and geneticist Dr. Turi King. CREDIT - University of Leicester
The next day excavation on the first of two trenches begins and soon halts when human bones are found. The team is amazed that the discovery is so quick, but what's really astonishing is that not only are they suspected of belonging to Richard III, but they are found in close proximity to where Philippa Langley had stared at the painted R on her first foray to the site.
If you want to see the excavation process that unearthed Richard III's bones, watch it below or check it out on YouTube at Richard III -The Archaeological Dig.
A month later the team announced that circumstantial evidence of the bones showing curvature of the spine, battle wounds, and carbon dating all pointed to the remains being those of Richard III, but it wasn't until a press conference was held at the University of Leicester on Feb 4, 2013 when it was announced that together with the physical evidence, DNA testing of a living relative was a "perfect match" and proved "beyond reasonable doubt" that the human remains found at the Grey Friars site were indeed those of King Richard III.
Suddenly, Canadian-born Michael Ibsen had more interview invitations than he ever dreamed possible. And in his quiet, humble way, he accepted almost every one of them. He could have passed them off to his Canadian siblings, but according to a recent Maclean's article, "In doing so, he’s taken pressure off the others, who are, like him, very private."
When Michael moved to London in the mid-80's, he set aside his music and took up his second love, woodworking. Since then, he's become an accomplished cabinetmaker who takes pride in the old style of hands' on craftsmanship. Even so, it was a surprise when he received a call from a Leicester Cathedral official with a request to make the coffin that would enclose Richard III's remains in his memorial tomb.
Stunned and honoured, he set to work on designing a casket fit for a king. But after thinking it through, he realized dignified simplicity would have a more profound impact. In the aforementioned Maclean's article, Michael goes on to say,
“I’m not producing some sort of woodworking masterpiece, as much as I might be capable of it. Because I don’t think it’s about me,” the cabinetmaker explains. “It’s about Richard.” He’d decided early on the type of timber: “It really had to be English oak. Traditionally, oak would have been used for a high-status funeral if there was a coffin.” The internal framework is of yew, used for English longbows and often found in rural churchyards. “Those are the sorts of things that people can relate to, as opposed to some cabinetmaking bit of genius,” Ibsen says.
This past March 26th was the televised reburial of King Richard III, this time inside Leicester Cathedral. As part of the tomb team, Michael was there for each private and public event.
The following photo shows Michael and his 14th cousin Wendy Duldig, who along with his siblings, make up the only living descendants of King Richard III. They are placing a wreath of white roses on the oak and yew coffin finely crafted by Michael Ibsen.
Michael Ibsen and Wendy Duldig place a wreath of white roses on Richard III's coffin
There are two side notes I want to end this post with. The first is a profound statement by Michael who has said in interviews, "They caught this particular link just in time," in reference to the fact that neither of his siblings, nor their cousin, Wendy Duldig, has any children. It really is the end of this royal line.
And finally, these words are also from the Macleans article written by Patricia Treble on Mar 22, 2015: All three siblings and their father, Norm, who is in Leicester as well, keep mentioning the one person who would have most loved to be there: Joy Ibsen, who died four years before the king’s remains were discovered. Leslie recalls that when she heard that Richard III had been genetically identified, “My first thought was, ‘Oh, I wish she could have been here.’ It was bittersweet. It would have meant so much to her.” The coffin made by Michael is, Leslie says, “part of history, and part of our family. It’s kept my mom’s memory going. It’s a tribute to her.”
One more thing... if you have a hankering to learn about medieval life, you might be interested in this final video because in an effort to prove/disprove Richard's fighting skill with his scoliosis while wearing armour, we get to see all manner of medieval life including what they ate and drank. Fascinating stuff here.
Did you happen to see Richard's reburial? Any thoughts on the matter?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anita Mae Draper is
retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and lives on the prairie of southeast
Saskatchewan, Canada with her hubby of 30 plus years and the youngest of their
four kids. Anita's stories are set, but not limited to the western prairies. She
is blessed to be included in Guideposts Books A Cup of Christmas
Cheer collection. Anita is represented by Mary Keeley of Books & Such
Literary Management. You can find Anita Mae at www.anitamaedraper.com
It's time to drag out the old family recipe and present PLUM PUDDING aka Christmas Pudding.
If you're a Downton Abbey fan, you might have seen the Crawleys enjoying one during the Christmas special. It's been awhile, but I have also had the pleasure of seeing one set on fire. As I'm the only one in my family left who enjoys them, there hasn't been much call for flaming the brandy sauce.
I can't promise where this recipe came from but it's the one my grandmother made and perhaps she got that from her mother who was from Lancastershire, England.
Yes, steamed puddings are a staple from the UK, like shortbreads and Christmas crackers.
Wait. Notice a theme here? Plum Pudding doesn't look like a pudding, nor does it have plums in it. Shortbread is a cookie not a bread, and Christmas crackers aren't edible at all.
I'll give you the recipe in steps with photos. Cool, huh?
PLUM PUDDING!
4 slices of white or
wheat bread torn into pieces
1 cup milk
SOAK BREAD IN MILK and
set aside.
Forgot to mention the importance of watching British Costume Dramas.
In another bowl, STIR
TOGETHER, (then put aside):
2 beaten eggs,
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup orange juice
¾ cupCrisco(originally “finely chopped suet”)
1 tsp vanilla
(I used an elec.mixer
to incorporate the Crisco. It’s okay if it’s chunky)
It's okay. Chunks are okay.
In a big bowl: SIFT
TOGETHER:
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon each: baking
soda, cloves
TO DRY INGREDIENTS ADD:
2 cups raisins (regular
and golden is nice)
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup glazed fruit
(that fruitcake stuff)
½ cup chopped walnuts
or pecans (optional)
(the recipe is
forgiving so you change the amounts of fruits and nuts)
the flour, seasonings, soda, nuts and fruits
STIR ALL ABOVE TOGETHER
Here's the three bowls prior to mixing.
Batter in the greased can. Ready to be steamed.
POUR into a well-greased
METAL coffee can or 2 qt mold
Now comes the fun part.
Cover the coffee can with aluminum foil and wrap it on well and tie around it
with string. Place the coffee can inside a big pot on top of a small heat proof
rack and add water to the pot until the water level is at least one third to halfway
up the pot. Do not get water in the coffee can. If your coffee can wants to
float, you have too much water! The idea is you are creating a little steam
bath for your pudding-in-a-can.
The can is on a rack, and water is about halfway up the can.
Cover the entire big
pot with a lid and turn on burner. You want the water to be very hot, turn it
down after it starts to boil and you will let it cook for 3-3.5 hrs. Add water
as needed if it evaporates.
IT will look like a
very moist bread when cooked- solid but moist.
3.5 hrs of bubbling and steaming!
Cool 10 minutes and
then try to remove from the can. Put a plate on top and flip. It should slide right out. (if you used a coffee can that curves in at
the top—barrel shape—or has a big lip at the top, you are out of luck.)
The sauce is ready and the pudding is ready to come out of the can
Slice as you see fit.
Best eaten warm or re-warmed with a nice amount of sauce soaked in.
NUTMEG OR BRANDY SAUCE
In a saucepan, combine
1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of butter and 2
tablespoons of nutmeg. Warm it up to a boil or until it begins to thicken. It
will continue to thicken as it cools and will be a nice clear brown sauce.
You can add brandy
flavoring or brandy when it has cooled, if desired. NOTE: Don’t let the paper
hats from your Christmas Crackers catch on fire. If you'd like to try a lemon sauce instead, don't add nutmeg and start with a few tablespoons of lemon juice.
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