What I’m Reading

I’m currently reading Jane Eyre and I’m really enjoying it.

I probably won’t be posting a review when I’m finished it, because I can never find the right words to describe great classics.  Just read the book for yourself if you want to see what it’s about.

By the way, I reading a lot of classics these days and I have several books on my TBR shelf.  The include – Bleak House, The Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Persuasion, and Charity Girl (By Georgette Heyer.  It will be the first book of hers I’ve read.) 

October Song

Author: Beverly Lewis

Genre: Amish Fiction

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 7

Type: Christian Fiction

Time Period: Modern

Main Characters: Katie, Daniel, Sarah, and lots of others

My Review: I enjoyed reading October Song because it included sequels to two of the books/series I’ve read – The Redemption of Sarah Cain and The Heritage of Lancaster County series.  My favorite part of the book (there are three parts) was probably the first one – Hickory Hollow.  I also enjoyed the last section, a sequel to The Redemption of Sarah Cain, but I skipped the middle part because I had not read the book(s) it was a sequel to.

My overall opinion:  A great read for anyone who has read and enjoyed B.L.’s works should read this.  However, if you have not read the books they are a sequel to, I suggest you read the originals first.

What I’m Reading

After watching the wonderful Little Dorrit 2008 miniseries, I resolved to read the book.  I had heard such good reviews of it from other bloggers and so far I’ve not been disappointed.  It’s a very interesting book.  When I’m done it, I will definitely post a review.

Another Charles Dickens Birthday Week Tag!

All these wonderful CD birthday celebrations!  This one is hosted by Alexandra of Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows.

1.       How were you first introduced to Dickens?  Watching the old black and white A Christmas Carol was my first introduction to Dickens.  This year is the first year I’ve ever read an unabridged copy of one of his books.

2.       Which is your favorite Dickens novel?  Little Dorrit

3.       How many Dickens adaptations have you seen?  2008 Little Dorrit, The black and white version of A Christmas Carol, and a musical Oliver Twist 

4.       Which Dickens adaptation is your favorite?  2008 Little Dorrit wins hands down

5.       Have you seen multiple versions of A Christmas Carol? Which version is your favorite?  I’ve only seen the black and white version.  I kind of like it

6.       Who is your favorite Dickens hero and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of him?  Arthur Clenam.  I’ve only seen him played by Matthew Macfayden but I think he does a really good job

7.       Who is your favorite Dickens heroine and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of her?  Amy Dorrit (do you see a theme here).  I’ve only seen Claire Foy’s portrayal but she did an excellent job.

8.       Who is your favorite Dickens villain and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of them?  How can you have a ‘favorite’ villain?  Fagin would probably win out…

9.       Have you seen any musical adaptations of any of Dickens’ stories? If so, which is your favorite song from it?  I’ve seen the Oliver Twist musical – my favorite song is Who Will Buy?

10.   Do you have a favorite Dickens quote? If so, what is it?  

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

~~A Tale of Two Cities

Thanks for reading!

 

Sense and Sensibilty

Sense and Sensibility is a story about two girls – Elinor (sense) and Marianne (sensibility).  When they move to Barton cottage with their mother, Marianne is swept off her feet by a dashing stranger, Willoughby.  Meanwhile, Elinor must mask the love she feels for Edward Ferrars because it is impossible for them to marry.  When Willoughby leaves suddenly, Marianne is heartbroken and succumbs to her ‘sensibility.’  How the two sisters find their own true loves makes and interesting and enjoyable read for anyone.

This S and S graphic novel is not the best Jane Austen graphic novel I have seen.  On one hand, it stays true to the book – often directly quoting it in places.  On the other hand, the artwork is atrocious.  The characters heads swell out of proportion with warning, Elinor is unattractive to say the least, and the overall appearance is quite shabby.  However, it did follow the book closely.

I love Colonel Brandon’s Diary by Amanda Grange.  I have read all her ‘diaries’ except Henry Tilney’s and this one is the best one.  It goes far back into Colonel Brandon’s life and recounts how he fell in love with the first Eliza, lost her, found her, and how he took care of her daughter when she died.  It tells the story of S and S skillfully and believably.  I love reading this book over and over again.

2012 Charles Dickens Reading Challenge

Miss Abby from Newly Impassioned Soul is hosting a Charles Dickens Reading Challenge since 2012 is the 200th anniversary of his birth.  She challenges you to read 3, 5, or 10 of Dickens’ books.  I have decided to read five books seeing as I am only just now being introduced to his work.

1.  Oliver Twist – I’ve already started reading this and it is really interesting.

2.  Great Expectations – I’ve read an abridged version of this novel and I enjoyed it so I think it’s time I read the full version.

3.  Little Dorrit – I am going to be watching the miniseries in a few days, so I thought I should read the book too.

4.  The Olde Curiosity Shop – I’ve heard of this book and it sounded interesting.

5.  Our Mutual Friend – This is my mom’s favorite Dickens so I want to see for myself what it’s like.

I hope that you will join the challenge – Dickens’ books are well worth it.  

For more info on Dickens’ 200th birthday check this website.

The Highborn Governess

My new novella is going along quite well.  I’ve decided to answer a novel tags and sketch my characters.  However, my characters change so much, this information might not always be acurate.

What is your current word count? About 3,000 words, but I still have lots more to write.

What would you consider is best about your novel: plot, dialog, characters, or description?  My characters are really developing in this novella, even better than the first one.  But my dialogue is really good too (In my humble opinion).

Which of the above would you consider your weakest point?  Description.  I’m pretty bad at that so I hardly ever incorporate it into my stories.  It sounds unnatural and forced.

Of all your characters who do you like the best?  Edmund Troppe, the hero, is probably my favorite character.  But I like Emma too.

What was the inspiration for your novel?  My first novella, Eleanor and Catherine: Tender Hopes and Dreams.

What other writing projects have you completed or are in the process of writing?  I don’t have anything planned right now.

What would you consider the funniest line in your novel?  They both shyly greeted her and then they all stood there, feeling uncomfortable.Go to the 11th page of your novel and paste the last paragraph here.  

“Oh, it’s just that Fan and Lydia have not been behaving as well as they ought, or that Mother thinks they should,” he said.  Then, conjecturing rightly that she was shy and did not wish to talk, at least not at the moment, he bowed and exited the schoolroom.  Emma, lingered a few more moments and then went out.

What time period is your novel set in?  The mid-1800′s, Regency England

Please paste here the paragraph you consider the best.  The maid left her alone in the schoolroom.  She walked down the room to the large, handsome oak desk that was to be hers.  She noted that Fanny and Lydia’s desks were, though not the same size, still as well crafted and of the same material.  Emma looked at the different titles of the many, handsomely-bound books that were in the room.

What are you planning to do when your novel is all written and edited? Writing wise, that is.  I want to do another story, perhaps a sequel to this one.

My story is constantly changing in little details but here is the rough synopsis.

Emma Ashby is left an orphan upon her father’s death.  Her mother died several years ago.  She becomes a governess at the Troppe household and teaches their two girls, Fanny and Lydia.  Emma develops an affection towards the Troppe’s only son, Edmund.  When her rich aunt and uncle, Eleanor and Henry Davrille find her and take her to their home, will she see Edmund again?  Does he have feelings for her?

The Characters

Emma Ashby – Emma Ashby is a bit shy, accomplished, intelligent, and kind.  She is unsure at first about being a governess, but even though she is not treated well by many of the servants and family members, she adjusts quickly.  Emma is probably my favorite female character I’ve created.

Edmund Troppe – Edmund Troppe is a handsome young man of five and twenty.  He enjoys a variety of pastimes, one of the first of which is reading.  He posesses a sense of humor and teases his sisters, Lydia and Fanny.  He is attracted to Emma’s shyness and her plight.

Eleanor Davrille – Eleanor Davrille is Emma’s aunt.  I wrote her story in Eleanor and Catherine.  She is kind and warm towards everyone she meets.

There are a lot more characters than who I’ve shown, but those are the main ones.

Lady Vernon and Her Daughter

Author: Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

Genre: Novel

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 5

Type: Historical Fiction

Time Period: Late 1700′s 

Main Characters: Lady Vernon, Miss Vernon

My Review: I recently read Lady Susan by Jane Austen, so I borrowed this book from the library.  Even in it’s letter form, Lady Susan had been entertaining, so I had high hopes for this book.  Boring.  I got through the first twenty chapters to where it really starts following the book (the other chapters had been background).  I did like the middle, then it got boring again, and then the last few chapters were interesting.  They included letters throughout the book – some from Lady Susan, others that weren’t.  If you are a die-hard Austen fan and you have lots of time on your hands, this book is for you.  Includes excerpts from Lady Susan.  I’m reading a continuation of The Watsons right now, and I hope to give it a more favorable report.  

My overall opinion:  A (in my opinion) bit boring.  I probably won’t read it again, but it was interesting enough.

The Inheritance

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Genre: Historical Fiction

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 7

Type: Juvenilia

Time Period: Mid-1800′s

Main Characters: Edith Adelon

My Review: This is the first full-fledged novel that L.M.A. wrote.  She was only seventeen when she penned this novel and it is obvious that it is an early work.  Nevertheless, it is very interesting and well written.  Edith Adelon is a poor governess with a mystery surrounding her birth.  When she saves the life of Amy, her pupil, she is given a higher place in the heart of the family.  When a poor stranger gives her a mysterious parcel, which reveals her true identity, will Edith claim her rightful inheritance?

My overall opinion:  With its flowery language and lots of description, the Inheritance is not the most enjoyable book to read, but it does give a good story and interesting characters.  I’ve read it several times.

FINISHED!

I finished revising, polishing, and editing Eleanor and Catherine: Tender Hopes and Dreams today.  I started on a new novella called The Highborn Governess.  It’s a kind of sequel to E and C.  It’s really taking off and I can’t wait to see how it develops.

An excerpt from E and C:

Robert’s mind was made up.  He would propose to Miss Harcourt.  His reasons were simple, mercenary, and base.  He was a younger son and as such he would not inherit the estate upon his father’s death and he would only receive a small sum of money since most of it would go to his brother.  He needed an heiress to make his way in the world (or so he thought).

Eleanor was such an heiress.  She had thirty thousand pounds to her name, the Harcourt family was well-respected, and they would welcome an alliance with the illustrious Davrille line even from a younger son.  Of this he was sure.

Eleanor’s beauty, accomplishments, and intelligence of mind meant little to him.  If she had been one and thirty, had warts, and a sour disposition it would have made no difference to him.  He needed an heiress and one was as good as another.  Eleanor was an easy choice since the Davrilles and Harcourts were intimately acquainted.

She had given him no encouragement, but when she had given him only as much attention as courtesy demanded, he had thought her modest.  When her sister Catherine had openly scowled at him, he thought that she knew Eleanor was in love with him, and did not wish her sister taken away.  When Eleanor had pointed him out he was angry at first, but soon came to look at it as a sign of her admiration in wanting to show him to her friends.  Such were Robert Davrille’s vain, blind thoughts.

Eleanor knew nothing of Robert’s intentions.  She was certainly not looking for an offer from him and did not even think there was any possibility of such a thing.  Therefore it came to her as an unpleasant shock when Robert called that morning, without any of his family and almost demanded from Lady Harcourt a private audience with her eldest daughter.

Lady Harcourt had not seen as much of Robert as Eleanor and Catherine had and so had not formed an unfavourable opinion of him.  Most of what she knew of him she had heard from Lady Davrille and one of Lady Davrille’s habits was to speak highly of all her children.  Therefore, Lady Harcourt knew nothing bad of him and acquiesced to his request.  Had she seen Eleanor’s look of keen distress she probably would have changed her mind, but she quickly swept out of the room calling Catherine to follow her.

Catherine saw Eleanor’s face change and would have given anything to be able to stay with her, but Lady Harcourt was not to be disobeyed, so with an anguished look in Eleanor’s direction she quietly left the room.

Eleanor rose up as if to leave but then sat down again, resolving to sit through Robert’s talk with as much grace as she could muster.

“My dear Miss Harcourt,” Robert began grandly, “You cannot have mistaken the many attentions I have shown you over the past week or so.  I wish you to marry me and am prepared to offer you all the luxuries you are accustomed to.”  So ended his stiff speech.

Eleanor sat silent for awhile, thinking out what she should say.  She resolved to be gracious, yet polite, and unswerving in her meaning.  “Thank you for the proposal you have made to me.  I am, however, not able to return your affection and I am not able to accept you,” she said as calmly as possible.

Robert stared at her.  Then, turning swiftly, he left the room, quite angry.  Eleanor sank down on a chair.  In a few minutes she had recovered and calmed herself and went in search of Catherine.  Finding her, she spilled out all that happened.  Catherine was, of course, not shocked that he had proposed, since it was obvious he had meant to do so when he called.  She was also not amazed that he had chosen to propose to Eleanor.  She was an heiress, beautiful, charming, and accomplished.  And although Catherine was all of these, she had a smaller fortune than Eleanor.

They then went and told Lady Harcourt.  She was surprised that Eleanor had turned him down, but when they told her all that he had done to try Eleanor’s patience, she no longer was surprised but instead was thankful that Eleanor had refused him.

An excerpt from T.H.G:

Amy Ashby was alone in the world.  She had been alone in the world since night before last when her father passed on.  She had ran to her chamber, bursting into tears and it had taken the combined efforts of Mrs. Tirrod, the kindly housekeeper and Amy’s favourite maid to persuade her to eat something.

She only just managed to choke down a piece of bread and a bowl of chicken broth before bolting the door and falling on her bed, bursting into tears.  Mrs. Tirrod could only listen outside the door sorrowfully and wait for Amy to open it of her own accord. 

Next morning she calmed herself with great effort and ventured outside her room.  The undertaker had made all the arrangements of which she was thankful.  She had breakfast brought up to her room and spent the day with her needlework, sad and silent.

Now this present morning she stood in the spacious drawing room, looking sadly out the window at the lawn and gently sloping hills beyond it.

“Letter for you, Miss Ashby,” a maid said, handing it to her.  Amy broke open the seal.

I did it!

I did what I set out to do!  Reach 15,000 words in my novella.  I want to reach 20,000 now which that may be slightly beyond my scope although I do have a few more plot twists to add to the story.  You can read more about my novella here and here.

Sorry the picture is cut off a bit.  I got it from here.

While Mortals Sleep

Author:  Jack Cavanaugh

Genre:  Christian Fiction 

My rating on a 1-10 scale:  9

Type:  Fiction 

Time period:  Pre-WWII Germany

Main characters:  Josef Shumacher, Mady Schumacher 

My Review:  Josef Shumacher struggles to resist the ever-increasing tide of Nazi propaganda and lies.  Working with six youth from his church, he tries to refute the Nazi regime.  He and his wife Mady are expecting their first child.  When Josef is called to save some crippled children from a hellish psychiatric/death facility he accepts the challenge and almost dies because of it.  Suddenly four youth from the church and Mady are given a difficult decision that involves everything they know.  Will they be able to rescue Josef in time?  

My overall opinion:  A suspenseful read with surprises at every page.  I would highly recommend this book.

Two Proposals and Two Weddings

I have worked on my novel for some time now (you can read about it here and here.)  And the big news is…I finished it last night!  Since it only has about 15,000 words it would be called a novella or short story, but I’m really pleased with what I’ve accomplished and to celebrate I’m going to give you three chapters of my novella – the two proposals (since there’s two sisters) and the double wedding.  These chapters do not come one after the other in the full novella.

Eleanor

Eleanor was taking another morning walk the next day when again she met Henry.  Had he purposely sought her out? she wondered.  They talked comfortably together, although all the time Eleanor’s heart was beating fast.  They scarcely noticed where they were going, but by some chance finally found themselves in front of Eleanor’s home.  She was about to go inside when Henry spoke.

“Miss Harcourt, Eleanor…wait.”

She turned around eagerly and waited.

He faced her and awkwardly said, “Eleanor, I have observed you for these past few days, in Wollington, and in London and each time, I have been more impressed by your beauty, charm, and musical ability.  I would like to…I want to ask you something.”  He paused.

“Yes, do go on,” said Eleanor, hardly breathing.

“Will you…will you marry me?”

Eleanor stopped breathing.  “Yes, Henry,” she said, and burst into happy tears.

She ran into the house with Henry close behind her.  Luckily, her mother and Catherine were both upstairs which gave Eleanor a few moments to dry her tears.  They came down quickly upon hearing Henry’s voice and in a few joyous words, Eleanor and Henry told all.  Great were Catherine’s and Lady Celia’s joy when they heard.  To Catherine it was not such a complete surprise because of the talk she and Susan had had yesterday, but to Lady Celia it was total surprise. 

After they had given the news to the Catherine and Lady Celia, Henry and Eleanor went over to the Davrille’s house where Henry introduced his future wife to them all.  The joy was no less great there and Jane especially welcomed Eleanor warmly into the family. 

After mutual happiness on both sides, Lady Davrille discreetly left the two lovers alone and they had a long conversation.

“When did you first start to fall in love with me?” Henry asked Eleanor.

“I am not sure.  I think it was the night of the party (so long ago it seems!) in Wollington, but I cannot say for sure.  I know I was most definitely in love when you came to the party in London.”

They continued talking for some length over many different subjects and settled the wedding date to three months from that day.

Eleanor and Catherine talked about several things that evening.

“Eleanor, I’m so happy for you!” exclaimed Catherine.

“I know, Catherine.  It seems like a wonderful dream, but perfectly real,” Eleanor replied.

“If only William…but never mind.  When is your wedding taking place?” she asked with a slight sigh.

“Three months from today.  But why are you distressed?  I am sure William feels for you.  Have you heard anything in the contrary?” Eleanor asked gently.

“Just this,” said Catherine, displaying a letter.

Eleanor snatched it up and this is what she read.

Dear Catherine,

How are you finding Bath?  I write to tell you that my brother William will be arriving in Bath soon for a few days.  I hope he will pay your family a call shortly after he finishes up his business.  Please write back.

Your dearest friend,

Julia Ashby

“Why would Julia write to you just about William’s coming?  Does she know about your attachment?  I’m sure there’s some mistake and that William will be here.

“She must have discovered my feelings for him.  Oh, Eleanor, do you think my feelings were too plain?” Catherine asked.  

“No, Catherine.  You did not show your feelings that much.  Rest assured that William will be here.  If he feels for you he will be here.”

Catherine

Early the next morning Catherine awoke, finished packing and was just about to leave the room and go down to the dining room when William again entered the room.

“Excuse me, Miss Harcourt, but I wish to speak with you,” he said.

“Please sit down,” Catherine said calmly enough, but her heart was thumping.

“Thank you,” he replied, and then hurriedly went on, “I have just had a confidence from my sister that you purposely came here after reading Mama’s letter.  I would like to thank you for coming with my sisters, giving up the comforts of home just to come here and help my family.”  He paused, and then went on, “The more I see of you Catherine, the more I am impressed by your beauty, your talents, and your cheerfulness.  You have become very near and dear to my sisters as you have become to me.  In short Catherine, I am…I am in love with you.  Will you marry me?”

Catherine was overcome with joy.  “Yes, I will,” she managed, and then, like her sister, burst into tears.

Julia had been walking along the corridor, toward Catherine’s room to see if she had everything was ready.  When she heard Catherine burst into tears she quickened her pace and came into the room.  When she heard the happy story she could hardly contain her joy and the all three of them, beaming happily, went down to the breakfast table.

The news was shared among all the Ashbys and everyone was extremely happy with the news.  It was soon arranged that William and Julia would go back to Woodland Manor.  William, as a trustworthy escort, and Julia because she wished to extend her stay at Wollington.  Fanny chose not to go.

The Wedding(s)

When the Harcourts heard the news they were very, very happy.  Eleanor was so happy that her sister was to be married that she and Henry agreed to put off their wedding until arrangements could be made for a double wedding.

All the Ashbys traveled to Wollington to be present at the wedding.  By mutual consent, the families had agreed to have the double wedding in Wollington not London.  For one, both brides and one of the grooms came from there, and Lady Harcourt disliked London.  The Lord and Lady Ashby wished to see Wollington so the arrangement was very agreeably made.

“Oh, Eleanor, I’m so happy!” Catherine exclaimed.  “William and I will be living in his house in London but he is also thinking of taking a house near Wollington so we can be close to you and Henry.”

“Henry and I will be living on his estate.  It is only a few miles from Woodland Manor.”

Both couples looked forward to their wedding excitedly and at last the day arrived. The brides looked very pretty and no-one who was there, except the grooms could tell which was prettier.  Of course the grooms where partial.  The grooms were handsome, the ceremony went well, and so did the wedding breakfast after.  Both couples set off for the same honeymoon destination where they would stay for several weeks even months before coming back to their homes.  They were both as much in love when they came home as when they had left and the two couples lived together happily ever after.

**********************************************

I hope you enjoyed reading these excerpts.  I had fun writing the story and I hope you will have as good success with your stories.

Here’s the ‘cover’ I made for my novella:

 

My Novel Writing Progress

My novel is coming along well.  I really am getting into the story and it is developing well.  You can read more about it here and here, and I’m giving you an excerpt.

**************************************************

They walked on in silence for some time.  Eleanor’s feelings were of the happiest sort.  She could scarcely believe her own heart, being young and inexperienced in such matters, but she knew enough of her happiness and enjoyment of Henry’s company.  Whether Henry felt them also was yet to be determined.

At length he spoke.  “Where are you headed to Miss Harcourt?”

“I am going to Lushings Hall to pay a call on Lady Marlin.  I want to know the particulars of her proposed trip.”

“Ah, yes.  I would advise you to go, Miss Harcourt.  It is not likely that you will have too many more such chances.  Your mother, I have heard, does not like London.”

“No, she does not like it at all,” was Eleanor’s only reply, “Oh, we are at Lushings Hall.  I must bid you good-bye Mr. Davrille.”  How unwillingly she spoke those words!  But suppressing her true feelings the bid him good-bye again and walked up the little garden path leading to the front of the house.

 

Eleanor and Catherine

I’ve decided to do this novel tag that I found on Miss Georgiana Darcy’s blog.  Here are the rules.

1. Put your novel title in the title of your blog post.
2. ‘Tag’ to people who are doing NaNo by commenting on their blog and telling you that you linked to them – Here are my two tags: Miss Georgiana Darcy and Writing Maiden.
3. Answer all the questions below.

What is your current word count? I haven’t written much so I blush to tell you (so I won’t).

What would you consider is best about your novel: plot, dialog, characters, or description?  Plot – I used Jane Austen as a semi-inspiration and took off from there

Which of the above would you consider your weakest point?  My weakest point is probably my dialogue.  I can’t get it sound natural most of the time, but I’m working on it.

Of all your characters who do you like the best?  I would say Eleanor.  She’s very elegant and beautiful.  I just like her.

What was the inspiration for your novel?  Jane Austen

How long have you been doing Nano?  I just started it/discovered it this year.

What other writing projects have you completed or are in the process of writing?  I don’t have anything planned right now.

What would you consider the funniest line in your novel? “Eleanor, I have received an invitation to Mr. Davrille’s dinner party tomorrow.  May I accept?” Catherine eagerly waved an elegantly penned invitation in front of Eleanor.

Eleanor finally was able to remove the now slightly tattered invitation from Catherine’s grasp.

************************************************************************************************

More then one line, but you get the picture.

Go to the 11th page of your novel and paste the last paragraph here.  

Dinner was announced soon afterwards and all sat down for the meal.  Both Eleanor and Catherine soon noticed a tall, handsome stranger sitting near Lord Davrille.  Eleanor concluded it was Henry, whilst Catherine, who had heard nothing of the previous conversation, was convinced that it was Robert sitting there. *************** You’d have to read it in context to fully understand it.

What time period is your novel set in?  The mid-1800′s, Regency England

Please paste here the paragraph you consider the best.

Eleanor was like her mother, in that she had a intelligence of mind and calm disposition.  This made her the perfect counterbalance to her sister’s flighty nature.  Eleanor was considered the prettier of the two even though she was nothing remarkable at first sight.  Her clear grey eyes and light brown hair were perhaps not as attractive as her sister’s bright looks, but she possessed a certain quality about her that made her appear in a better light.

What are you planning to do when your novel is all written and edited? Writing wise, that is.  Maybe another Regency story.  I’ll have to wait and see.

My NaNoWriMo Novel – Characters and Excerpt

Yes!  I’m writing my own novel/story and I decided to share some of it with you.

First the synopsis:  Eleanor and Catherine are the rich daughters of Lady Celia Harcourt.  When she leaves for Bath, Eleanor falls in love with a handsome young man named Henry Davrille.  A neighbor then invites Eleanor and Catherine to London and after much deliberation they accept.  Catherine falls in love in London with a man named William Ashby.  When their mother sends for them, Catherine is reluctant because she will have to leave William, but she goes to Bath with Eleanor.  Meanwhile, Eleanor must fend off unwanted attentions from Robert Davrille.  William suffers an accident, and Catherine is beside herself with worry.  In time he recovers, but with a leg permanently broken.  The Harcourts finally return to their home and Elinor and Henry marry.  But how will Catherine and William overcome his disability and let their true love come through again?

The Characters

Eleanor Harcourt – Eleanor is a beautiful, rich, intelligent twenty year old.  She loves her mother and sister dearly and would do anything for them.  Eleanor is quiet and always finds something to keep herself busy.  She also helps her sister deal with her sometimes impetuous nature.

Catherine Harcourt – Catherine Harcourt is three years younger then her steadfast sister.  She loves doing many things with her sister and going to social events.  Catherine is perhaps not as pretty as Eleanor, but still has a sweet face.  She is very bright and cheerful.

Lady Celia Harcourt – Lady Celia is loving to girls but firm at the same time.  Eleanor is the one that takes most after her.  She loves Bath but has never traveled there and left the girls, until the time when the story opens.

Henry Davrille – Henry Davrille is twenty-two.  He’s very handsome and charming.  He and Eleanor fall in love very quickly and happily.  He is much more genteel. than his older brother, Robert.

William Ashby – William Ashby is handsome, kind, and as in love with Catherine as she is with him.  A nice young man with good manners.

Robert Davrille – Robert is very irritating.  He thinks he’s in love with Eleanor so he makes himself a nuisance by hanging around her and trying to be nice to her when in fact he is quite the opposite.

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Lady Marlin – Lady Marlin is the one to take the girls to London.  A kind, motherly lady, she is always ready to help the girls in any trouble that they come across.

Now for the excerpt:

Lady Celia, beautiful, highborn, and rich was also the widow of the late Lord Harcourt.  They had married early in their lives, and because of that, Lady Celia was still quite young when Lord Harcourt had died, leaving her with two daughters.  Eleanor, was then fifteen, and Catherine, at that time was twelve.  The two girls still remembered their father but spoke of him seldom because their mother was pained to be reminded of it.  Lady Celia was a good mother, and although stern and cold at times, the girls loved her.  Lord Harcourt had left Lady Celia a large sum of money which was more than enough to provide for her, the girls, servants, and the upkeep of Woodland Manor.

Eleanor was like her mother, in that she had a intelligence of mind and calm disposition.  This made her the perfect counterbalance to her sister’s flighty nature.  Eleanor was considered the prettier of the two even though she was nothing remarkable at first sight.  Her clear grey eyes and light brown hair were perhaps not as attractive as her sister’s bright looks, but she possessed a certain quality about her that made her appear in a better light.

Catherine, seventeen years of age, was a light hearted and happy girl.  She did not, it was true, have her sister’s calm and clear-headed traits of her sister, but she made up for it in being bright and cheerful.  Eleanor did have a cheerful disposition but with a graver temperament.