Here Comes the Brides of Banff Springs by Stuart R. West

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Rarely do I read romance. Even rarer? Rereading a book. But that's exactly what happened with author Victoria Chatham's elegant and entertaining historical romance novel, Brides of Banff Springs. The first time I read the book, I sat back with a sigh, wishing I could spend more time with Ms. Chatham's wonderful characters.

Books We Love LTD recently rereleased an extended second edition of Banff and, of course, I dug right into it. I loved it all over again.

The title refers to a myriad of "brides" of varying social and economic fortunes, a sort-of "brideacopia" of Downton Abbey-styled colorful characters. There's Fliss, a poor, sad maid at the ritzy Banff Springs Hotel in Canada, who's married to a bellhop, but has to keep their unity a secret in order to maintain her job; on the flip side, there's Burma, a brassy, sassy spoiled brat of a socialite who's engaged to a truly cretinous gold-digger; hey, how about the mysterious ghost bride who haunts the Banff Springs Hotel?; finally--and best of all--there's the heroine, Tilly, a down-on-her-luck poor girl who begins her backbreaking duties as a maid at the hotel while maintaining a never give in attitude and upbeat spirits. She's also being pursued by amorous trail guide, Ryan, but holds her own.

I'm certain you'll agree after checking out the following excerpt:

* * *

To Tilly, it was the loveliest evening of her life. Just before Ryan left her, he chucked her on the chin, and she smiled up at him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said. “Wear pants if you’ve got them. I’m taking you trail riding.” Tilly choked back a groan. There it was again, that proprietary streak that gave Ryan his take-charge attitude. It might work for guides and packers, but it sure wasn’t going to work for her.

She fisted her hands on her hips. “I’m going to marry you. I’m going to take you riding,” Tilly said. “Doesn’t it ever cross your mind that a girl might like to be asked what she wants?”

Ryan looked at her in mild astonishment. “Don’t you want to go riding?”

“That’s not the point,” Tilly sputtered. “Why can’t you just ask me, instead of telling me? I do have an opinion of my own you know.”

His easy-going shrug infuriated her even more. “All right. Would you like to go trail riding with me tomorrow?”

“Thank you.” Tilly tilted her chin up as she glared at him. “I would very much like to go riding with you. And I do have pants and boots.”

“Hmm.” He appeared to be considering her response. The gleam of humour in his eyes put her on edge and she looked up at him warily, waiting for the comeback she knew would trip off his tongue. “So, if you’re coming with me anyway,” he said, “why make all that fuss? Why not just say okay?”

 “Because you can’t just take it for granted that I’ll fall in with your plans.” Tilly pulled away from him. “What if I’d wanted to do something else?”

“Do you?”

“Ryan!” She threw up her hands in despair. “I can see that arguing with you will be like trying to catch a cloud.”

“Don’t waste your time then.” He kissed the tip of her nose, wished her goodnight, and walked off leaving her laughing.

* * *

I adore the character of Tilly. And I think that's the secret to the book's success. Hands down, she's one of the best heroines I've come across lately in fiction. She puts the pluck in plucky. But the other characters are just as vividly drawn by Ms. Chatham's exquisite prose. And did I mention there's a ghost story involved? Something for everyone. Hey, if this ol' persnickety codger fell for the book's charms, ANYONE can.

I give it 5 enthusiastic thumbs (or...um, something like that)!

Check into the lovely Banff Springs Hotel today. Tell 'em I sent you.

Book your reservations now!

Brides of Banff Springs by Victoria Chatham

AVAILABLE HERE

 VICTORIA CHATHAM is a young-at-heart senior who has written short stories, newspaper and magazine articles on a variety of subjects from beer festivals to jousting. She credits the economy rather than her submissions for the subsequent demise of several of those publications. Her particular passion is for historical fiction, especially Regency romance. She has no time for wimpy heroines so her novels have a strong element of adventure in them. She is a member of the Calgary Chapter of Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, Victoria relaxes by reading from a main menu of historical or contemporary romances with hefty sides of thrillers by various authors. She loves to travel and visits her family in England as often as she can.

BRIDES OF BANFF SPRINGS came into being because of the ghost bride stories that abound at the Banff Springs Hotel, now the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The story had to include accurately researched historical facts blended with a sweet romance. Even though this was a more recent history than my first historical novels, this was set in 1935, I still had to do a great deal of research. What better place to do that than in Banff itself.

In the Dirty Thirties jobs were hard to come by. Having lost her father and her home in southern Alberta, Tilly McCormack is thrilled when her application for a position as a chambermaid at the prestigious Banff Springs Hotel, one of Canada’s great railway hotels, is accepted. Tilly loves her new life in the Rocky Mountain town and the people she meets there.

Local trail guide Ryan Blake, taken with Tilly’s sparkling blue eyes and mischievous sense of humor, thinks she is just the girl for him. When a bride-to-be, whose wedding is being held at the Hotel, disappears, Tilly has an idea where she might have gone and together with Ryan sets out to search for her.

Will they find the missing bride and will Tilly accept Ryan’s proposal?

Tilly McCormack is thrilled when her application for a position at the prestigious Banff Springs Hotel, one of Canada’s great railway hotels, is accepted. Local trail guide, Ryan Blake, is sure she is the girl for him. When a bride-to-be, whose wedding is being held at the Hotel, disappears, Tilly has an idea where she might have gone. Will they find her, and will Tilly accept Ryan’s proposal?

Find out more about Victoria Chatham at:

http://bookswelove.net/authors/chatham-victoria/

www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaChatham

www.victoriachatham.com

BWL Red Carpet - Casting Your Characters: Actresses

This month's behind the Cover Artist's Curtain is a special edition.  Today we will be Casting Characters.

This morning, the gentlemen had their turn down the red carpet - now it is the ladies who we will be meeting with.

The first one heading towards us now is Sarah Collins.

Character Name: Sarah Collins

Book(s) Featuring the Character: Sarah's Heart and Sarah's Passion

Author: Ginger Simpson

About Sarah: Sarah is brave, passionate, but she detests people who judge others.  She's a beauty, but doesn't flaunt it, and she loves Wolf like she's loved no other even though he's a half-breed.

Ginger's Casting Pick: "I pick Nicole Kidman because she looks the part and I've seen her in many roles and she so adaptive.  I think she'd make a wonderful Sarah."

Book Blurb:  Sarah Collins set her sights for California and a new beginning, but never imagines a war party's attack on the wagon train she joins. A sole survivor, Sarah must find her way back to civilization, and a man of half-blood happens along at just the right time and becomes her hero...or is the whole scenario only a dream driven by all the romance novels she reads as an editor?

Sarah wakes, her cheeks damp with tears. Like a dust devil in a dying windstorm, all traces of her handsome rescuer vanish with a farewell kiss and the annoying blast of an alarm clock...until he appears at her door as a new neighbor. Will Sarah find a way to win the love she tried so hard to capture in her dream without being declared insane, or will the sexy woman living an apartment away beat Sarah at her own game? 

A Shining Moment for Sarah:  

Stopping at the table where Sarah stood, the woman fingered an array of ribbons.

Sarah smiled at her. “Good morning. I couldn’t help but overhear your mention of an

upcoming social….”

The matron peered down her angular nose. “Yes, it’s a yearly affair, but…” Her cold,

gaze raked over Sarah’s attire. “Surely you aren’t inquiring for yourself. It’s usually only

attended by those able to dress for the occasion.”

Sarah gasped at the woman’s rudeness, but wasn’t about to let it pass. Cocking her head,

hands on her hips, Sarah drew up to her full height. “Oh, then there’s no worry. My mother

taught me to dress myself when I was quite young. She also taught me not to be rude to my

elders, so I’ll overlook the fact that you’re a snobbish old biddy.” Surprised by her own outburst,

Sarah stared at the woman with wide eyes, waiting for a response. None came.

With mouth agape, the older woman huffed out of the store. Sarah went back to perusing

the dresses and heard Clarence chuckling behind the counter. She giggled, too, pleased that she’d

stood up for herself. People who judged others by their appearance deserved the same disrespect.

Next is Emmeline Deveraux.

Character Name: Emmeline Deveraux

Book(s) Featuring the Character: His Dark Enchantress

Author Name: Victoria Chatham

About Emmeline: An intelligent, independent, adventurous young Regency lady who has survived intrigue in the Peninsular Wars. Dislikes the restrictions placed on women by the dictates of the period, especially when it comes to marriage.   

Victoria's Casting Pick: "Rachel Weisz as she most closely resembles my image of Emmaline. She also has starred in some action type roles as in The Mummy and The Bourne Legacy."

BLURB: A London season is the last thing bright, beautiful Emmaline Devereux wants. But her grandfather knows he is dying and insists that she find herself a husband and secure her future. But Emmaline has a past that, if revealed, will undoubtedly bring disgrace on her and those with whom she associates.   

Lucius, Earl of Avondale, has sworn to not marry until he is forty, but fate brings Emmaline to his door. Intrigued by her, Lucius swears to unravel her mystery even if it does mean a marriage of convenience with her to appease her grandfather. But then Emmaline’s past catches up with her and she is abducted. Will Lucius want to find her and will the truth tear them apart or strengthen their love?

A Moment Where Emmeline Shines:

Juliana started, her face as white as her sibling’s for she had now seen what Lucius must have seen. A curricle on the road ahead of them approached at a spanking trot. Her fingers plucked nervously at her brother’s sleeve.

“Lucius, you cannot! This is madness,” she cried.

“I said spring ‘em,” repeated Lucius.

Emmaline could not believe Lucius’ command. Had he gone mad? From her seat on the box she mentally measured the distance between her team and the curricle and swiftly assessed the likely gap between the two vehicles. 

Her decision made, she shouted back at him. 

“You may cripple your cattle if you wish, my Lord. While they are in my charge, I will not.”

And now, we have our next actress - Courtney Cox.

Character Name: Christine Scott
Book(s) Featuring: Pieces of the Past, Time To Kill
Author Name: Jamie Hill

About Christine: Christine is the mom of two whose husband embezzled money and was caught. She and her children are thrust into the Witness Security program and spirited away from Chicago to Topeka, Kansas. Her number one concern is her children, but the US Marshal who is sent to protect them captivates her interest, too.

Jamie's Casting Pick: "Courtney Cox Arquette has the look and personality of Christine. Pretty, sassy, smart."

BLURB: Pieces of the Past, Witness Security, Book 1

The past is closing in on Christine Scott. Uprooted from her pleasant life in Chicago, she and her two children are thrust into the Witness Security Program when the mistakes of her husband catch up with him. He lands in prison, while she and the kids are transplanted to a quiet Kansas town. Christine does her best to keep life normal for her active ten-year-old son and persistently moody seventeen-year old daughter. But when they start receiving gifts from an anonymous sender, reminders of their old life, it becomes obvious that someone has found them.

Doug Jackson’s been in service with the US Marshal’s office for fifteen years. He hasn’t lost a witness yet, and doesn’t intend to start with Christine or her family. If he can get them to cooperate, his job might be easier. Unfortunately, no one seems concerned about making Doug’s life easy. Not the man in the white sedan who eludes him, nor the pretty Christine, thoughts of whom he can’t seem to shake. Their lives depend on Doug keeping his head in the game, and he’s determined to do just that.

“Ms. Hill is one of my favorite authors and I’m reminded of that each time I read one of her books. She has a talent for taking the reader on a journey with unforgettable characters while developing a plot line that is highly entertaining.” ~ Val, You Gotta Read Reviews

“Jamie Hill tells a wonderful story that sucks you in from the very first page.” ~ Alisha, Two Lips Reviews

A Moment When Christine Shines:

Doug asked, "So what did little Christine White want to be when she grew up? Somebody’s wife and mother? Or did you have grander plans?”

“Well, being a mother is about as grand as it gets. But I started college to be an accountant. That’s where I met Larry. I got pregnant and dropped out, while he went on to get certified. So I guess I had grander plans, but they got sidetracked. And I decided I liked the whole ‘wife and mother’ business. Is that so wrong?”

“It’s not wrong at all. I’m sorry you got sidetracked, though.”

She looked at him. “I’m not. It brought me to where I am today.”

Doug chuckled. “In a safe house, on the run from a Columbian drug cartel?”

Swatting his chest, she shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking of the big picture. I was thinking more along the lines of sitting here on the sofa with you.”

“Hold that thought.” Doug rose and killed all but the dimmest of lights. He listened in the hallway, then crept back over to the sofa.

“All quiet?”

“Seems to be. Ben’s crushing candy on that stupid game. Whatever, as long as he’s occupied.” He returned to his spot and drew her into his arms. “Now, where were we?”

“We were discussing grand plans.”

“No, I think we were getting ready to do this.” He touched her chin and drew her face forward for a kiss.

Christine melted into him. Each time he kissed her she fell a little more in love. She wrapped her arms around his neck and instead of climbing on his lap, she pulled him down on top of her until they were prone.

He kissed her hungrily and their bodies shifted, his leg pressing between her thighs. She felt the firm ridge of his erection and bucked against it to feel more.

Groaning, he rested his forehead against hers. “Damn it, Christi. I want you in the worst way.”
“I’m right here.”

He chuckled. “You know who else is right here? Two US Marshals with guns, your parents and your kids.”

She grinned. “Which of those pairs worries you the most?”

And finally here is Rose.

Character Name:  Rose 

Book(s) Featuring:  ROAN ROSE
Author Name: Juliet Waldron

About Rose: Raised by a healer on the Yorkshire Dales, Rose is impulsively taken by the Countess of Warwick to serve her daughter Anne. Rose is glad to escape from her violent father, but misses the calm strength of her mother. Anne and her new servant bond; Rose will faithfully serve Anne until the latter’s death—and beyond. This places her at the center of a War of Roses story, where she is servant and confidante.  She is also childhood companion to the crippled lord, Richard of Gloucester. Rose is a strong woman who makes up her own mind about things. She hates cruelty and duplicity, but she’s surrounded by it. Though she loves her mistress deeply, she’s also fatefully drawn to Richard, a prince far above her station. Rose values loyalty above all else; whether her masters actually do, proves to be another matter.

Juliet's Casting Pick: Tatiana Maslany. If she can play 10 clones believably in Orphan Black, and in every role come across as a strong, smart woman, she'd be my perfect Rose.

BLURB: Loyalty Binds Her.  Poppet, playmate, servant, lover—Rose Whitby gave her heart and a lifetime of service to Lady Anne Neville and to the House of York.
 
A Moment Where Rose Shines

"I thought you would never keep pigs," Hugh teased, proudly leaning on his tall bow. "I thought you said they were dirty."
            
"They are and I did, but I have thought again."
           
"Changed your mind?  You?"
            
"Yes, Fletcher, I have."
            
"Humph. And it's a good idea now that you're that one that’s thought it?"
            
"No," I replied, annoyed by his eternal teasing, but determined for once not to show it. "Raising pigs was always a good idea, even when I didn't think so."
            
He played to his friends, rolling his eyes. Women!

Obligingly, the men around us chuckled. I shrugged. He must do what he must do after such a wonderful feat of arms, but I would have my sow, now that I understood the matter.

So what do you think?  Which of these lovely ladies deserve the best actress award?  Which character deserves her own award?  

BWL Red Carpet - Casting Your Characters: Actors

This month's behind the Cover Artist's Curtain is a special edition.  Today we will be Casting Characters.

First up on the Red Carpet - we have Tyler Bishop.

Character Name:  Tyler Bishop  

Book:  Ellie's Legacy

Author: Ginger Simpson

About Tyler: Handsome and rugged, Tyler is totally bamboozled by Ellie.  One minute she's a flirt, the next minute she acts like she's angry with him.  Although he wants to please her father and show he can be the best foreman ever, Ty's being there seems to be a burr under Ellie's saddle and he's really attracted to her...just not sure if the feelings are mutual.  He tries looking out for her best interest, but that just makes her think he's bossy.  No matter what he does, he's damned.

Ginger's Casting Pick: "I pick handsome country western singer, Blake Shelton to play the role.  He's definitely a good ol' boy with the looks, charm, and definitely the witt to try to do battle with Ellie."

Tyler's Shining Moment: 

It appeared as though Ellie had turned into a full-grown woman overnight, kind of like the newborn foals in the spring. One minute they were awkward and gangly and the next they had filled out and turned into something spirited and beautiful.

Oh, Ellie wasn’t a horse, but she did have spirit, and she certainly was a beauty. The thought of all those curves in the right places and the memory of her luscious lips awakened a distinct part of his body. He tugged at the crotch of his trousers and moved back to the mirror to put on his tie.

If luck was on his side, in a few hours he’d be holding her in his arms, and maybe on the way home, he’d steal another kiss or two.

With that in mind, Ty went outside, stopping at the flowerbed next to the porch. It was only fitting he give his lady something special, but only a few late bloomers remained. Luckily one stood out among the wilted. Carefully, Ty plucked a pale pink rose to give to Ellie in celebration of the occasion.

BLURB:  Tomboy, Ellie Fountain is determined to stop the conniving neighbors from their plot to take her father’s land. She’s an only child, Fountainhead is her legacy. The handsome ranch foreman, Tyler Bishop, is a burr under her saddle and a barrier to her future. Her pa treats him like the son he never had, and Ellie is jealous. She’s out to prove she’s as good as any man at ranching… but her biggest threat may not be the polecats that are killing the cattle and taking potshots at her….it might be her heart. 

And now here comes Stuart Montgomery.

Character Name: Stuart Montgomery

Book(s) Featuring the Character:  Cold Gold (Book 1 The Buxton Chronicles), On Borrowed Time (Book 2 The Buxton Chronicles)

Author: Victoria Chatham

About Stuart: Intelligent, moral, loyal, career oriented. Would like a woman in his life but realizes he is too single minded to be a good husband. His chosen profession is his life. 

Victoria's Casting Pick: "William Baldwin because he is capable of playing two sides of the same coin as shown by his roles in playing a killer in The Preppie Murder and a firefighter in Backdraft.  He has that lean, dark look that I imagine Stuart Montgomery to have."

Stuart's Shining Moment: 

They boarded the steamer berthed at the end of the pier without incident. The purser directed them to the lounge and reminded them of their departure time. Randolph thanked him and chose a table with a fine view across the Bay. Serena fiddled with the buttons on her jacket but smiled when Randolph took her hand.

She looked at the backs of hands, still hairless but pink with healthy new skin. His singed hair had been cropped back almost to the scalp but already grown back into its normal thick brown thatch. His face still bore signs of the damage done in the fire, but Dr. Miller was sure he would sustain no lasting signs of his ordeal. The only reservation he held was for the strength of Randolph’s lungs and strongly advised him to see his own physician once they were back in England.

“Here he is,” Randolph said quietly and rose to greet Montgomery.

Serena steeled herself to look at him and was shocked at what she saw. Montgomery, so similar to Randolph in height and build, had lost some weight and his face looked raw and gaunt. In spite of her misgivings at seeing him again, her heart went out to him. He had, after all, risked his own life by racing after Randolph into a burning building.

BLURB: Lord Randolph and Lady Serena Buxton’s orderly lives are upset by Pinkerton Agent Stuart Montgomery’s unexpected arrival at their estate in England. And this is no ordinary social call!

Montgomery is investigating four suspicious deaths at an American aviation company, and of the two remaining partners one is the old friend of Lady Serena’s. Can Montgomery convince his friends to return to America with him in hopes of finding the missing piece to the puzzle that will help him close the case?

Serena has her doubts. Her concern for her friend, Sir Hilary, is overlaid by her fear that Randolph may once again find his life in danger from an old adversary who once left him for dead. Does Montgomery really want their assistance? Or is his case just an excuse to renew a potentially scandalous association with her?  Time is running out as events escalate revealing more secrets than ever suspected.   

Coming down the carpet now is Alexander Hamilton.
That's right - the US President.

Character Name: Alexander Hamilton

Book(s) Featuring: A MASTER PASSION: Love and Liberty, A MASTER PASSION: Glory Passes

Author: Juliet Waldron 

About Alexander: Born illegitimate in the West Indies, orphaned early, grows up in poverty, Hamilton is determined to change his life. He’s energetic, passionate, intelligent, idealistic, utterly driven to recast himself as a gentleman/knight-in-shining-armor. He’s sensitive, sensual and has a temper, which  sometimes gets him into trouble.

Juliet's Casting Pick: "Ryan Gosling has the look, but he's also got some range as an actor."

Alexander's Shining Moment: 

"Thompson," Alexander asked the sergeant who was wading through the crusted snow beside him, "have you got any idea how much farther?"

    "No, Captain." The provincial's half-expected reply. "Never been west of the Hudson 'til the run we just took ‘cross Jersey."

    "I hope we get there soon." Hamilton muttered inside his frozen, sodden muffler. He was giddy with misery, suffering a terrible catarrh. His head and chest ached. His hands, feet and face stung and burned. He tried to rouse himself by focusing upon the upcoming battle.

    One again we'll fight the British. Fight them -- by God -- after all this running!

    Nevertheless, the pumping thrill of anticipation he'd felt as they'd met the enemy in summer was nearly impossible to muster, a dead horse incapable of being flogged to life. It was as if his mind was as frozen as his feet.

    We will fight -- eventually. We will be killed, or not be killed --eventually. I shall never give up...

            In the meantime, they were on an endless march in an icy hell, putting one aching numb foot in front of the other...

Book Blurb: Betsy's passion is Hamilton, but while he adores his wife and children, there are times when he loves America more.

And here is Jack Dunlevy walking towards us now.

Character Name: Jack Dunlevy

Book(s) Featuring: Family Secrets, Family Ties and Family Honor

Author: Jamie Hill

About Jack: Jack Dunlevy is a handsome, burnt out cop who smokes too much and drinks too much. He has a penchant for pretty women and little kids, and rescuing them makes him feel worthwhile again. 

Jamie's Casting Pick: "Adrian Pasdar has the look that I believe Jack has, dark, scruffy handsome, masculine with deep, soulful eyes."

Jack's Shining Moment: 

Inside Jack’s room, Crystal looked through his closet for another sweatshirt. “I need to do some laundry. Things are getting desperate here.” She found a shirt and pulled it over her head, and then watched him grab the hamper and shove his wet clothes in it.

“Let’s gather it all up and we’ll do it now.”

She gave him a small smile. “Yeah?” She had never met a man willing to help with the laundry. Sure, Jack had done it once, but that was before. Crystal generally found relationships changed after ‘the deed’ was done.

He looked at her and shrugged. “What? It’s just laundry.”

She shrugged back and tossed her towel into the hamper. She glanced out to where the boys were and then back at him quickly. “So you really think I have what they need?”

He smiled slowly at her and replied, “I know you have what they need. You just have to convince yourself of that fact.” He carried the hamper out the door in front of her and added in an offhand tone, “I also know you have what I need. I guess it’s up to me to convince you of that.”

Crystal followed him, not really aware she was smiling until she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror in the boys’ room as she picked up their laundry. “Hell’s bells,” she muttered to herself, and wondered why she felt so happy.

BLURB: Family Secrets A Cop in the Family, Book 1

As if stumbling over a dead body isn’t enough, Crystal Cartwright finds herself playing surrogate mother to two small boys when their father–her neighbor–doesn’t come home. The kids aren’t much trouble, but the thieves, drug dealers and kidnappers they’re about to encounter are.

Detective Jack Dunlevy, a cop down on his luck, draws the cases no one else wants. A simple investigation involving a dead homeless man quickly changes as Crystal enlists Jack’s help with the children. Drawn into a mystery that none of them could have anticipated, they’re faced with a situation that will change their lives forever.

“Ms. Hill is a genius! The plot line was AMAZING. It was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. Ms. Hill has become a favorite author of mine and I consider her to be an automatic add to my “to be read list”. If you are a serious suspense loving reader who loves to form bonds with the characters, this is definitely the book for you! I loved it and can’t wait to read more of Ms. Hill’s books, she has the gift of knowing what the reader wants and then hitting you with an ending you certainly don’t expect. Two thumbs up!” ~ Val, You Gotta Read Reviews, 5 Stars

So what do you think?  Which of these handsome men deserve the best actor award?  Which character deserves his own award?  

Stay tuned for the next episode of Casting Your Characters when the ladies get their turn down the red carpet.