by Crystal Caudill | Jun 11, 2024 | Book Reviews
To Catch a Coronet
by Grace Hitchcock
Review:
I was blessed to read Grace Hitchcock’s debut Regency romance for endorsement last Thanksgiving. Here is my official endorsement:
With ingredients of romance, history, danger, and her signature humor, Grace Hitchcock has baked up a delectable treat with her debut Regency Romance. Long-time Regency fans will devour this fresh take on ballroom romance as eagerly as Captain Erik Draycott did Muriel Beau’s creations. Picking up this read won’t add to your waistline but it will leave you pleasantly satisfied and craving the next installment of Hitchcock’s take on Regency romance. ~ Crystal Caudill, Carol Award Finalist and author of Counterfeit Love
But that is not all I want to say about her book. After all, you’re only allowed so many words in an endorsement. This probably has to be my favorite Grace Hitchcock book so far. And that is saying something because I absolutely adored The White City, now renamed Miss Wylde in the White City.
Muriel’s baking history and insecurities were ones I could identify with. I cannot tell you how horrified I felt for her in the first chapter (you’ll just have to check out the preview HERE to see what I mean). And then her first meeting with Erik? Oh my goodness!! I was rolling with laughter. Without giving too much away, I was thrilled by the adventure and danger aspect of the romance story. You know me. There is nothing I like more than a good villain or two, and this one had me guessing until the reveal–although I did have my suspicions.
Believe me, this is a story you don’t want to miss. AND Grace included a scone recipe at the end!!! You better believe that I’ve cooked up a batch or two by now. You can learn more about the story below.
Genre: Regency Romance, England, 1813
Plot:
Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it.
Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can’t stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes in Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it’s possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade–one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.
After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle’s title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain now finds himself in dire need of a wife.
But while his pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the Kent brides have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers’ wealth. When he encounters the unconventional Muriel Beau and she becomes embroiled in his risky undertaking, Erik is torn between staying put to protect this enchanting country lady and heeding the call of the high seas.
Author Website: https://gracehitchcockbooks.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble
What do you like most about a good Regency novel?
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 9, 2024 | Author Interviews
Hannah Linder is a new author to me, and I had the privilege of reading her upcoming release, The Girl from the Hidden Forest, early. I’ve reached the age, where she feels like a youngling, but she is already a successful cover designer AND author. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to her. And she’s generously offered to giveaway a signed copy of The Girl from the Hidden Forest, just be sure to visit the bottom to enter.
Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Hannah with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
HL: Hands down, pineapple pizza! Literally my favorite—especially with hand-tossed crust and onions. Yum!
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
HL: Test the waters!
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
HL: Salsa!
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
HL: Silly hats! I actually collect antique hats, and I have to admit, as cool as some of them are with their flowers and nets and feathers, they are rather silly. I wish they were still in style!
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
HL: Passwords!
That is so fun about the hats! I LOVE old hats, too, but you’re right. There really aren’t many occasions to wear them anymore. Lets find out a bit more about you and your writing life.
What fiction book has most impacted you?
HL: The Stonewycke series (book one and two) by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella had me sobbing and unable to get the story out of my mind, even weeks after it was over. I think it really showed me the power of fiction.
CC: Fiction really does have the power to transform and impact people. That is probably why I read so much of it. LOL
Aside from the Bible, what is one book you think everyone should read?
HL: I want to say “Pride and Prejudice” because, let’s be real, everyone needs Mr. Darcy at least once in their life. But in all seriousness, I love that you pose this question because I was just pondering this yesterday. I think it would benefit every Christian to read “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs”. It’s mind-blowing and heart-altering to read real stories about real people who died for the Savior they believe in. It truly sheds a new light on everything, makes you appreciate the religious freedoms we enjoy today, and challenges you to stand stronger and firmer for Christ.
CC: Oh, I’ve not read that one. I will have to check it out. We could all use a little bit of light and appreciation for the religious freedoms we have here in the United States, as well as a challenge to stand stronger and firmer for Christ.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
HL: I first discovered my passion for writing when I was twelve years old. My mom had received a Christmas letter from family, and we were standing in the kitchen when she said, “Your second cousin is writing a novel.” I shrugged, thought about it for a minute, and said, “I think I’ll do that.” The first chapter in, I was hooked. I’ve never wanted to stop telling stories since.
CC: Oh that’s funny. Your cousin inadvertently got you started on this path. That is pretty cool.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
HL: I always feel like the strongest advice to anyone dipping their toes into the world of writing is to simply READ and WRITE. Those actions are the best teachers you can get. But going a step further, something I wish I had done earlier on in my writing journey is seek critique. After I began going to conferences, taking writing classes, working with an editor, and listening to critique partners, my craft developed so much faster. So while you’re hunkering down with books and scribbling stories onto paper, don’t forget to find your tribe of well-established authors or editors who can help fine-tune your work. And above all, have fun!
That is fantastic advice.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, The Girl from the Hidden Forest.
The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.
Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.
That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.
When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Hall and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?
As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: Where did you get the idea for The Girl from the Hidden Forest?
HL: This is always a hard question, because it’s usually difficult for me to pin-point exact moments or ideas that inspired a novel. I think the main thought that stirred this story was, “How romantic would it be if a girl fell in love with her noble kidnapper?” Thus, we have our first scene. I hope you enjoy being carried off into the adventure as swiftly as frightened Eliza is carried off from her woods.
CC: I’m like you. I struggle to generally pin-point where the ideas come from, other than maybe research for another book. LOL
Who do you think will most love this book?
HL: I think readers who enjoy a strong “enemies-to-lovers” story will enjoy The Girl from the Hidden Forest!
CC: Enemies-to-lovers is definitely a fun book trope.
Which character was the most fun to create?
HL: Felton Northwood! From the beginning, I felt drawn to him, perhaps because he differs from so many other heroes in my books. He’s a little more rugged, a little too quick to pull out his fists, kinda passionate and determined and foolishly brave. But he felt real to me. And his gentleness—although perhaps less mushy than with past heroes—was all the more soft and endearing and precious for its rarity. He was easy to fall in love with. I hope you’ll fall in love with him too.
CC: I personally like how he wrestled with his anger and the feeling of being trapped by the rumors surrounding his family. It made for an interesting character arc.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
HL: As beautiful as stories are, as magical and lulling as our imagination can sometimes be, reality will always be just a little bit sweeter. Sometimes we need to step out of our dreams, put away our books, and embrace the real world around us. We all have a story to live. I hope the reader, like Eliza, can see the beauty in finding it outside of pages.
CC: Life outside the pages. That is definitely something to ponder on. Sometimes, it is a little too easy to want to escape reality every moment we get, but when we look up from our phones, step out of movies and books, and whatever else we escape to, the reality is sweeter than the escape into fiction.
What animal is most like you?
HL: I think a bird—because they always seem so happy, fluttering about in their own little world, playfully building their nests, singing away their cares, enjoying little things like blue skies and spring-budded branches. If I were anything but a person, I would want to be a bird.
CC: I can see that!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Girl from the Hidden Forest and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what do you think about the concept of living life outside the pages?
Giveaway
Hannah has generously offered to give a signed copy away to one reader who enters the Rafflecopter below. Open to U.S. Residents, 18 and over. Giveaway runs from April 9th until 11:59: p.m on April 16th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Crystal Caudill | Oct 10, 2022 | Character Interview
Y’all know I LOVE character interviews, but I’ve never been as excited for one as THIS ONE. SQUEE!!! I get to introduce you to Daniel Swann from Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch. He is the SWOONY hero of the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries. Y’all, I can’t even. (And yes, I turn into a squealing teenage girl when he walks in the room.)
Before we start fan-girling . . . I mean get to know Daniel, allow me to introduce you to his story.
Millstone of Doubt by Daniel Swann
Regency London’s detective duo is back on a new case–and this one is going to be a killer
Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill’s owner dead of an apparent gunshot.
Even though the owner’s daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can’t take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage–and his job as a runner–comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.
Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha’s bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.
When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case–and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Christianbook
Now for our interview with Daniel.
CC: Hi Daniel! For those who don’t know how amazing you are. Would you please introduce yourself and your role to my readers?
DS: I’m a detective, and there’s been a murder. It’s my job to bring the killer to justice. I love a good puzzle, and I feel strongly about people following the law.
CC: And I absolutely can’t wait to watch you do it. Being a detective can bring a lot of different opinions. How do you think others view you?
DS: Depends upon who you ask. My boss scorns me, because he was forced to give me this job as a Bow Street Detective. My partner, Ed, he sees me as a bit of a protege, though as I’ve gained experience we’ve become more equals. Lady Juliette? What wouldn’t I give to know exactly how she sees me…
CC: Ah, yes. Lady Juliette. Women do like to keep their secrets. 🙂 Just how would you describe her?
DS: Lady Juliette…smart, refined, educated, rich…and yet none of those things really encapsulates the real her. She’s brave, sometimes too brave, graceful, honest, and she treats people fairly, whether a baron or a beggar, she’s overall kindly. It’s her kindness…and if I’m honest, also her big, brown eyes, that draw me to her the most. But she’s also unattainable by the likes of me, so I should stop thinking about glossy brown curls, rose-scented skin, and chocolate-drop eyes and just go about my business.
CC: *cue sighing* Well, I wouldn’t be so sure. I’m certainly rooting for the unattainable to become attainable. But it’s time to stop my daydreaming and ask, who is your least favorite person to deal with?
DS: Owen Wilkenson. That kid is a thorn in my side. Insolent, sullen, bright as a new pin, but irritating. And now I have to begin instructing him in the ways of detection? Why can’t he be content to be an office boy and stay out of my business?
CC: Mentoring someone–especially someone who annoys you–can be a very difficult task. I feel for you. What is it you’re afraid of? What’s your biggest fear?
DS: Being rejected. I’ve had enough rejection in my life.
CC: Oh, Daniel. That is so hard, and I can see how that might affect your interactions with others. Especially a certain Lady Juliette. I assume some of that rejection comes from a hard past. What was the worst thing that ever happened to you?
DS: My mother turned me over to a mysterious patron when I was 12. I suppose it was hard on her having an illegitimate son to care for, but she didn’t need to push me out of her life at the first opportunity.
CC: Ouch. I be that means family gatherings are a happy thing for you.
DS: No. Because I have no family. I don’t know who my father was, and my mother had no part in my life after she threw me out.
CC: That has to have affected how you view God in your life. Where do you two stand?
DS: We have a sort of mutual respect, I suppose. It’s hard to see Him as caring when I see so much hardship and have experienced so much hardship. I see Him as stern and dictatorial.
CC: I pray that your view changes. We definitely need to end this interview on a happier note. What’s one of your happiest memories?
DS: Riding the master’s horses on the estate where I was raised. He had some crack hunters, and we flew across the fields and soared every fence. I hadn’t a care in the world when I was riding.
CC: I have to say, as a Kentucky girl who used to work at the Kentucky Horse Park, horses DO make everything better. And I’m biting at the bit (pun intended 😉) to dive into your story once we finish this interview. Oh the benefits of having no deadlines again.
Readers, do walk, RUN to check out Millstone of Doubt.
About Erica Vetsch:
Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!
Connect with Erica: Website | Facebook – Inspirational Regency Readers | BookBub
Readers, do you enjoy Regency fiction? Which books are your favorite? Have you read any of Erica’s before?
