Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

One of June's Books of the Month is Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd!

Goodreads Summary:

In the first of a brand new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her… and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives–does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, would she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

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Chime in if you think you'll join in!

I am going to try to read this one this month. it sounds so good!

I may drop by for this one. I read it a few months ago and am going to try to read the next in the series as part of the June new-books challenge.

I'm in! About halfway finished.

I will join in with you as well...just picked up from the library...

I devoured this in two days this past weekend - I loved it! :)

I'm in! It's next for me to read. I will start this week hopefully.

Okay, just to kick off a little discussion...

Who has read any of Sandra's books before? And do you have a favorite of hers?

So far, I've read the first book in her Tudor series - To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, and then the first two books in the French Twist trilogy, Let Them Eat Cake and Bon Appetit.

This one is probably my favorite of hers so far, although I'm really eager to read the last book in the French Twist series, and I have the other two Tudor novels on my shelf to read as well.

Hi Beth (and everyone!)

Thank you for choosing to read Mist of Midnight. I'll drop by every now and again to answer any questions you may have and just to enjoy the fellowship.

Sandra

Beth wrote: "Okay, just to kick off a little discussion...

Who has read any of Sandra's books before? And do you have a favorite of hers?

..."

This is my first time reading Sandra Byrd. I have heard good reviews from friends. I was going to try the Anne Boleyn series but then this one came up for a BMO. I have the book now and hope to start this evening or at lunch if I can sneak in a half hour.

Sandra wrote: "Hi Beth (and everyone!)

Thank you for choosing to read Mist of Midnight. I'll drop by every now and again to answer any questions you may have and just to enjoy the fellowship.

Sandra"

Thanks for stopping by, Sandra! :D

Rosina wrote: "Beth wrote: "Okay, just to kick off a little discussion...

Who has read any of Sandra's books before? And do you have a favorite of hers?

..."

This is my first time reading Sandra Byrd. I have h..."

This is a great one to start with, in my opinion! Although I did really enjoy the first novel in the Tudor series and am eager to read the other two. :)

There is just something about the mystery and setting of this one that is totally my cup of tea.

This was my first book by Sandra. Definitely won't be my last.

I've had this book to read for awhile, so plan on taking it with me to the beach next week. As far as other books I have read, I also read Let Them Eat Cake & Bon Appetit. I enjoyed those, though I was pretty disappointed with the second for not having a satisfying conclusion. I enjoy reading books in a series, but don't like it when too many things are left unresolved. That said, I know this is a different type of book & have heard only good things about it.

Patricia, you do know there is a third book, Piece de Resistance in the French Twist books, right? :) I believe therein lies the conclusion you're looking for! Although I haven't read it yet, so I can't speak for it specifically (although I hope to read it this year, too).

You're right, Mist of Midnight doesn't leave any loose ends for it's characters, whereas the French Twist books follow Lexi throughout.

I know there is a third book, but I think books like that (the second one; I didn't feel as dissatisfied at the end of the first one) should include a warning on the cover. Something like 'this story is incomplete. Read at your own risk!'

Patricia wrote: "I know there is a third book, but I think books like that (the second one; I didn't feel as dissatisfied at the end of the first one) should include a warning on the cover. Something like 'this sto..."

Ah, gotcha. I thought maybe you thought that was "the end" the end. I think I had looked at each book already and knew that Lexi's story continue through all of the books, so it wasn't as unexpected to me that things were still a little up in the air, but I agree it definitely didn't tie things up for her! I didn't mean to let so much time pass in between reading book two and three because now I think I'll have to go back and read a bit of the end of book two to remember where it left off for Lexi.

Hello! I just started Mist of Midnight. This is my first Sandra Byrd novel. So glad Sandra is joining our book chat. Love that!

Yay! Glad you're joining, Staci! Hope you like the book.

Thank you for inviting me, Beth!

Patricia, I definitely understand your thoughts about continuing books in a series, when all story threads are not wrapped up. From an author's point of view, there is an overall *series* question: what will Lexi's life look like, professionally, faith-wise, and in romance? That is not wrapped up till the end of the series. But each book has its own *story* question. Book 1: Will Lexi risk what is safe to follow her dream? Book 2: France or USA, which love and professional calling will she choose because she loves them both? Book 3: What does her ongoing life with love and God look like, all threads wrapped up? For me to choose her romance before her spiritual life and professional life was settled felt like putting the cart before the horse. She was growing into womanhood and exploring them all.

That said, everyone has their own viewpoint on ongoing series with unfinished story threads, and I respect them all. I enjoy different kinds of books and series at different times, myself! My historical books all stand alone, so if that is your preference, it might be a better fit. Thank you for reading my books!

Glad to see you here, Sandra. I really enjoyed the book, and the second in the series is in my read-very-soon pile on my dresser.

What was your favorite scene to write?

Hi Hannah! Thank you for reading Mist and putting Bride on your TBR stack!

My favorite scene to write was the one where the hero declared himself because you know, I love a good romance and a worthy hero and heroine. (Don't want to give much away!) I like heroines who *earn* their HEA by coming into their own, first. Rebecca was a grief- and culture-shocked young woman who had to reach out and grasp everything she wanted, if she wanted to keep it. She did. Writing her coming into her own was super rewarding, too!!

I love it when books have that satisfying a HEA. :)

I loved how there was the continual question of whether or not the Captain could be trusted. You managed to pull off making a pretty likable character despite the constant question of his motives and intentions...not going to say whether he was good or not, for the benefit of those just starting...but that doubt added to the fascination. There were a few times, too, that it almost seemed like Rebecca was staring to doubt herself as well.

Anyway, great job on the characterization!

Thank you, Hannah. One of the elements of Gothic fiction is the "Byronic hero", a man who you don't know if you can trust. And, since the book is written in first person, the heroine doesn't know, either. I just love first person. I know not everyone does, but to me, I love "being" the character and for me, that's the best way I know how to do it!

Beth, I just read your review (thank you!!) and wanted to comment on this:

"There were a few times where I wish she would just say things outright, but this is always how I feel with books set during this time period - speaking out just wasn't done, especially if you were a woman, so it feels very true to the setting."

I know the time it can take 19C women to act can frustrate us modern women sometimes. But one of the reasons I *love* writing in the era is because they had so few tools at hand, and had to be most clever in how they could bring things about!! If I were to give them too-modern clothing, actions, motivations, and such, it would almost feel disrespectful, to me, of the way they were able to move and shake things with such a limited tool box. Thank you so much for recognizing that and pointing it out!!

I hope to never write pushover heroines, though. They just go about things, I hope, with era-specific cleverness!

I used to have a hard time with first person, but it's really grown near and dear to my heart...like reading an animated diary. I find it harder to write, personally, because you have to cut out so much stuff that can go in with 3rd person, but I do enjoy reading it. It was a perfect choice for Rebecca's situation.

I think you're right, Hannah. Different POVs are better suited to different stories and genres. I have written both!

Sandra wrote: "Hi Hannah! Thank you for reading Mist and putting Bride on your TBR stack!

My favorite scene to write was the one where the hero declared himself because you know, I love a good romance and a wort..."

Oh, yes! That scene is so beyond satisfying. I totally loved it. I basically loved every scene between the two of them.

Sandra wrote: "Beth, I just read your review (thank you!!) and wanted to comment on this:

"There were a few times where I wish she would just say things outright, but this is always how I feel with books set dur..."

Thanks so much for reading my review, Sandra!

I thought Rebecca's cleverness was very era-specific. Like you said, as a "modern woman," holding back seems so odd, but in the case of the story, it completely fits. It bugs me when historical characters step out of their time. I think Rebecca had enough going on with having lived in India for so long, anything more would have pushed the boundaries of being believable.

Era specific believability is really important to me, as an author and as a reader. When I choose a genre to read, I want to slip back into that time and be enveloped!!

Sandra wrote: "Era specific believability is really important to me, as an author and as a reader. When I choose a genre to read, I want to slip back into that time and be enveloped!!"

Me too. I rate books really low if they don't provide that historical escape. That's the whole reason I read historical fiction—to be transported to another world—and if it's full of modern thought, speech, and action, it robs me of that expected experience.

My thoughts, too, Hannah!!

I've had issues with people saying I'm "too stiff" when I critique their work, if I say something is inaccurate for a time period...it's always refreshing to find historical fiction that actually studies the time period right. I used to only read vintage/period fiction because so many of the modern authors I'd tried failed in that department. It's great to see so many CF authors that are getting it right.

Not too stiff at all. Keep the faith, sister! :D

I've just finished reading Mist of Midnight. I definitely enjoyed it!

Sandra, I especially appreciated the Afterward. I LOVE when authors share what details in the novel are fact and based on fact. That really amplifies the meaning of the novel for me.

Thank you, Staci, both for reading and for that comment. It's really fun for me to write up the Author's Note, too. It's a place I can show the story behind the story! :)

Sandra wrote: "Era specific believability is really important to me, as an author and as a reader. When I choose a genre to read, I want to slip back into that time and be enveloped!!"

Sandra, I am sure you did a ton of research of missionaries in India. This is a fascinating topic. What inspired you?

Kerstin - if you can read the Author's Note at the back of the book you might really enjoy it. I started out being interested because I'd read a biography of Dorothy Carey - who was the first wife of missionary William Carey. It did not go well for her, and because my husband's family has a lot of missionaries in it, I started thinking about that. That all led me to the Maults, and they are who the missionaries in this book are modeled after.

When my husband and I went to London to research the book, I applied well in advance with the School of Oriental and African Studies, which holds the archives for the London Missionary Society. I was able to have boxes pulled of letters written by and to the missionaries in India at the time, including the Maults. It was amazing and gave me such insight. The whole topic was fascinating and exciting to explore. Thank you for asking!

Sandra wrote: "Kerstin - if you can read the Author's Note at the back of the book you might really enjoy it. I started out being interested because I'd read a biography of Dorothy Carey - who was the first wife ..."

Sandra, thank you for the wonderful reply, and I'll make sure I'll read the Author's Note once I get there. I'm still very much in the beginning chapters, but I have a hunch this will be a fast read, you have a real gift of keeping the reader engaged :)

I'm glad you're engaged in the book - my fondest hope for my readers!! Enjoy!!

I'll post some discussion questions tonight! :)

Here are a few discussion questions - potential spoilers, so beware! ;)

1. What were your initial thoughts regarding who exactly the impostor Rebecca was? How did that change over the course of the story?

2. Did you find Rebecca's character convincing and believable? What about Captain Whitfield?

3. What secondary characters stood out to you the most? Who, if anyone, in the household surprised you most in their support of Rebecca?

4. How did the inclusion of snippets of Rebecca's life in India shape the story for you? In what ways did it magnify her problems of adjusting to life in England once again?

5. Did you expect the ending or were you surprised? Or, if you did expect it, were you surprised with the way that the mystery was resolved?

6. What did you think about the character of Mrs. Ross? (of possible interest in regards to this question, is this personal experience of Sandra's - read about it here: http://www.sandrabyrd.com/angels-amon...)

7. At the end of the novel, Rebecca and her family are traveling to India. What type of life do you foresee for them?

1. Initially and until the imposter was revealed, I thought that Captain Whitfield had a sister and there was no one actually buried in the grave.

2. I found both characters to be believable.

3. I liked Mrs. Ross, the chaperone and the butler, Mr. L (?). There wasn't a great deal of support for her initially so no one stands out to me as a supporter.

4. The snippets of life in India added credibility for who she was. It was in the back of mind that perhaps Rebecca wasn't really the true Rebecca. I was fascinated by the religions and what was "in" and what was on the "periphery". It made perfect sense that the missionaries would be Methodist.

5. I was completely surprised and could fully believe the details that were shared at the end. Loved that! Sometimes with a suspense novel or mystery, the ending isn't realistic, but I felt everything was.

6. I liked the very light sprinkling of an angel in the story. It made me think of Clarence in It's a Wonderful Life.

7. Of course, a happy one! They will live their lives in England with occasional visits to India. The family will be helpful to others and an integral part of the community.

1. I thought from the beginning this may be somebody whom she knew from India or someone they had regular correspondence with.

2. Both main characters were delightful!

3. Mrs. Ross – she inserted just the right amount of encouragement and made timely comments to guide Rebecca along. And in the end, we understand why!

I thought the way the staff slowly warmed up to her was done very nicely as well

4. India is really all she knows, though great care had been given for her to know her English heritage as well. So for her to go back and compare situations, memories being invoked, etc. would be very natural. Sandra Byrd did a great job here.

5. I was surprised Luke knew of the identity of the imposter. Rebecca’s acceptance by him and him moving into the guesthouse, etc., was a little jarring at first. I thought this was just a bit too convenient. He still had to convince himself of Rebecca’s identity, but it prevented him from slamming the door in her face.

6. Mrs. Ross was the most delightful surprise!

7. Both Rebecca and Luke are very well matched. He values her input, and so her expertise will help them accomplish the common goal. She has a chance of connecting with people whom she left behind, and share with him first-hand how her life had been shaped.

I always love when authors include some kind of textile arts. I had never heard of Honiton Lace. I looked at some pictures online and it is gorgeous!

I love it that Sandra has stopped in to give us the background on Mist of Midnight- what a treat- I just finished which is another great book by Sandra as well so if you liked you will love Bride of a Distant Isle as well. :)

Thank you so much, Sandra, for stopping by the thread! I love the "behind-the-scenes" stuff. And thank you for those who stopped by to discuss! :)

A few of us are going to do a buddy read for starting July 1, so anyone who would like to join us is welcome!

I haven't broken down to purchase the 2nd July book (it's not available at my library) so thought I would read the June selection. I am so excited this group includes the authors in discussions!