I am happy to be featuring Eliza J. Scott's novel, The Secret- Violet's Story today. I also have a great extract for you so you can sample a little of the book.
It’s been two years since glamorous and ambitious Violet
Smith fell head-over-heels in love with blacksmith Jimby Fairfax, and moved
back home to the North Yorkshire village of Lytell Stangdale to be with him.
Life couldn’t get much sweeter. Their romance is blooming
and Romantique - the business she set up with Jimby’s sister Kitty, designing
luxurious underwear and burlesque costumes with the odd wedding dress throw in
- is thriving.
But on a romantic weekend break, a face from her past
triggers a series of events which send Violet into turmoil. She finds herself
with no alternative but to reveal a secret she’s buried deep for the past
sixteen years. A secret she hasn’t shared with anyone, not even her best
friends, Kitty and Molly, and they share everything.
With the revelation forcing a wedge between herself and
Jimby, heartbroken Violet fears that he won’t ever be able to think of her in
the same way again and won’t want anything more to do with her.
As ever, Kitty and Molly rally round, offering their advice
and support but Vi is worried that keeping her secret was just a step too far
for Jimby.
Will she succeed in showing him their love is strong enough
to overcome it?
Extract
Here's an extract from the story from Chapter 4 which
finds Violet and Jimby just heading down for dinner at the hotel where Jimby
has booked a surprise night away.
CHAPTER FOUR
After a enjoying a languorous bubble-bath together, Vi and
Jimby were heading down to the restaurant. Vi, glamorous as ever in another
fifties-style dress, this one was in figure-hugging amethyst satin that skimmed
over her voluptuous curves. Her glossy hair was swept back at the sides and
fixed with a pair of vintage marcasite grips in the shape of butterflies. On
her feet were a pair of eye-wateringly high heels that still kept her a good
five inches below Jimby’s towering height of six foot two.
‘Looking rather gorgeous, Miss Smith.’ His eyes roved over
her, his pupils darkening. ‘I could very easily be tempted to take you back to
the room and have you for dinner.’
Her heart soared; she loved that he appreciated her curves,
that she could be herself and not have to deprive herself of sweet treats or
watch her figure. ‘You don’t scrub up so badly yourself.’ She stood before
Jimby who was looking handsome, his usually unruly curls momentarily tamed, his
jeans swapped for a pair of smart dark blue chinos and a newly purchased finely
woven tweed jacket. ‘But my stomach’s rumbling after that walk, and it would be
rude to cancel our reservation this late in the day.’
‘Spoilsport.’ He grinned. ‘I’ll catch up with you later.’
‘Promises, promises.’ With a lopsided smile, she took his
hand and led the way along the corridor, passing the lift. ‘I think we’ll take
the stairs,’ she said, making him laugh.
The restaurant was as tastefully decorated as the rest of
the hotel, with hand-printed wallpaper in shades of pale yellow and off-white
lining the walls above mellow oak panelling. The level of lighting from
burnished brass wall lights was set to create an ambient atmosphere, and gentle
music blended with the discrete hum of conversation. To add to the mix,
mouth-watering aromas of food permeated the air.
They were seated at a table overlooking the garden – Jimby
had asked for a window view when he’d made the original reservation. ‘Mmm.
Everything sounds so delicious,’ said Vi. They were perusing the extensive menu
that had a heavy emphasis on seafood. ‘I think I’m going to have to go for the
hot smoked salmon starter – it sounds so yummy – followed by the monkfish
wrapped in Parma ham.’
‘Hmm, it does sound good, I’m finding it hard to choose, but
I think I’m going to have the crayfish cocktail starter, then it’s got to be
lobster thermidor for me.’
The starters were every bit as good as expected and the
couple were soon tucking into their main courses. ‘Mmm, this is scrummy.
You’ve
got to have a taste, Jimby.’ Vi pushed a chunk of monkfish onto her fork,
followed by a small amount of crushed potato dipped in the roasted red-pepper
sauce, and offered it to him.
‘Mmm.’ He nodded, his eyes betraying his feelings. He
finished his mouthful and spoke, ‘Oh, man, that’s seriously good. That sauce …’
‘I know.’ Vi giggled.
‘Here, try some of this lobster.’ He reciprocated Vi’s
gesture, which was received in much the same way as the monkfish.
‘Well, I’d heard good things about this place, but it’s
outdone every single one of my expectations.’ Jimby took a sip of his crisp
white wine.
‘Me, too. Thank you for bringing me here, Jimby. I feel very
spoilt.’
‘You’re welcome. It’s nice to have some time just the two of
us.’
His smile set his brown eyes twinkling.
My Thoughts
I loved picking up the story in Lytell Stangdale and meeting up with some of the characters again. Violet is a particularly strongly drawn character and I found her to be a vivid character. I could visualise her easily in her shades of purple as she took on the fashion of Elizabeth Taylor and I particularly enjoyed the scene where she had to go against type and wander onto the moors in search of Jimby. You get to understand what makes her tick and how she grew up.
Violet's Story turns out to be a heartbreaking one and it threatens to affect her relationship with Jimby. Through it, you get to understand more about what makes Violet tick and it sheds light on her relationship with Jimby. Totally believable, I love the way the community shelters their own and gives its members a chance.
In short: The past comes back to haunt - but does it matter?
About the Author
Eliza lives in a 17th-century cottage on the edge of a
village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and
two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be
found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden.
Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a
teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and
cake.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to
write heart-warming stories with happy endings.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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