Art & Grace
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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 familyâs children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the householdâs 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, Bessâs 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 Artemisiaâs 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, itâs hard to fathom who can be trusted and whom to love.
"This isn't your normal Regency novel. Itâs something different: well-written, with plenty to love throughout, itâs a story that will have you hooked," (Goodreads).
"The narrative flows with vitality, despair and every nuance of Bess through her eyes, thoughts, and words. She battles societal prejudice and embraces men and women of integrity; kindness her forte," (5-star review).
"Recommended; a thoroughly enjoyable Regency period novel," (5-star review).
"A good book; a nice, easy read," (Bookshelf Adventures' Review).
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Catherine E. Chapman is a UK-based author of women's fiction and contemporary and historical romantic fiction.
Some of Catherine's longer works have been described as accessible character fiction; humour is often an important ingredient.
Catherine's historical romances range in setting from Medieval times to the Twentieth Century. Her seven short historical romances are available individually and in digital and print anthologies.
All of Catherine's publications are available digitally. Many are also available in print and as audiobooks.
Catherine values feedback from readers and would like to thank all those who have taken the time to read, review, rate and recommend her fiction.
