Renewing the cover for The Craigsmuir Affair prompted me to renew the cover for The Gybford Affair. Here it is on the right.Claire Lyons recently published her review of the story, and I have added it below. Now that I've redone covers for two of my romances, I may as well think of improvements for the others!
I purchased an upgrade to Photoshop towards the end of last year, and it certainly makes doing them easier and more pleasureable. I suppose since I first puchased the software, there have been seven or eight upgrades and no doubt each upgrade made using the applications easier. Technology moves so fast in the area of digital and graphic art. If I were leaving school now and choosing a career, I think I would look for something in this area. Conservation also appeals, but I'm not sure if I would choose Art Conservation, or conservation of house and furniture. There are so many careers available today that were simply not possible when I left school
Wednesday,
9 January 2019
Claire Lyons reviews The Gybford
Affair by Jen Black
Today Claire Lyons reviews The Gybford Affair by
Jen Black. The author has very kindly offered an e-book as a
giveaway. To be in with a chance of winning this wonderful prize, simply
leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.
Good luck!
The quiet life of Frances, Lady Rathmere, is
disrupted forever the day Jack, 4th Marquess of Streatham, arrives from London
and almost rides her down. At the same time a stranger arrives in the locality,
makes a play for her young cousin and scandalous letters accusing Frances of an
illicit liaison appear in the national press. Is Jack their author? Frances is
convinced he is, and has no idea the trouble those letters are going to bring
in their wake.
How liberating for a young woman to become a widow in the
Regency era – no more need to marry, a certain financial independence and still
welcome in Society. That is unless you have the sort of fortune that would make
you a target for a despicable forced and violent marriage…
The Gybford
Affair has a number of storylines, but the situation of a young widow is at its
core. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced and exciting historical
romance. There was a good balance of drama and everyday life to give
a real flavour of the period. There are plenty of characters to add moments of
humour and see variety of opinions on issues of the day.
Although I
felt quite confident who the main romance would be between, there is great
tension as to ‘how’ these two will ever get together, and in an unusual twist
marriage in itself is not the end or even the start of their story. I felt a
great sense of transformation, especially of the male lead, during the book,
there is a darkness that slowly lifts and it’s a very positive and happy tale
despite moments of great sadness and grief. It was interesting to see the
different ways the difficult topic of maternal care were discussed and
experienced. It is still fascinating to me how the situation of women has
changed over time, and I’m always intrigued to read about women in history and
the lives they led. Although this story is focused on the wealthy in Society,
their money does not prevent great some of the toughest of life’s hurdles and
these are dealt with sensitively.
Of course
there is a rogue who brings deceit, fear and drama to the story, and he has
been created with care and subtlety. His character creates some of the more
tense situations in the book and you can’t always be sure how they will end. I
enjoyed the changes in pace and tension as the different threads of the story
weaved together.
This book
would suit those who enjoy historical romance, it’s a great romp and would be
fun to read while travelling as it’s very engaging.
About the Author: I’m an ex-academic library manager who lives in the Tyne valley, north east England, with my husband and 6 year-old Dalmatian. I came to writing late, and stay fit (sort of) roaming about Northumberland with my dog. It is a wonderful county for history lovers (and dog walkers!). Everyone knows about the Roman Wall, Vindolanda and all their wonderful Roman finds, but it is equally amazing for castles, bastles, fortified farms and the occasional peel tower. I’ve walked and ridden over a good deal of it. The wall is barely five miles away from my home and we have met people of all nationalities walking there. I take lots of pics when I’m out and pop them on my blog. When I write I’m not out to enlighten, but to entertain and I think I’m always going to have a happy ending. I may have a few tragedies and deaths along the way, but the ending will always be upbeat.
I don’t play music as I never notice when
it stops, so I can’t be listening, can I?
About the Reviewer:
Claire has run Mrs Average Evaluates for five years now, and still
writes a regular book review in a local magazine. Her passion is to share great
writing and encourage wide reading for learning, pleasure and escapism. She
also runs her own business, has four young children and a dog to keep her busy.
You are most welcome to join her friendly FB Group, and she’s always on the
lookout for Guest Posts on the website.
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