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Gaslight Chronicles #5
Cards & Caravans
Belinda Danvers isn't a witch. But that won't stop them burning her at the stake…
Connor McKay can tell at a glance that Belinda's magickal powers are minimal at best. She can't be guilty of murdering village children. There's something suspicious about her arrest and lightning-quick sentence. Unfortunately, telling anyone how he knows would mean revealing his own powers. He's been sent by the Order of the Round Table to help and he can't just let her die.
Escaping from jail and running from vindictive villagers in her grandfather's steam-powered caravan is more excitement than Belinda's had in years. And despite the danger—or maybe because of it—she loves the time spent with her sexy rescuer. But there's more to his magick than he's letting on…
There's something going on that's bigger than the two of them. It's time for good to make a stand.
word count = 52,000 words
Connor McKay can tell at a glance that Belinda's magickal powers are minimal at best. She can't be guilty of murdering village children. There's something suspicious about her arrest and lightning-quick sentence. Unfortunately, telling anyone how he knows would mean revealing his own powers. He's been sent by the Order of the Round Table to help and he can't just let her die.
Escaping from jail and running from vindictive villagers in her grandfather's steam-powered caravan is more excitement than Belinda's had in years. And despite the danger—or maybe because of it—she loves the time spent with her sexy rescuer. But there's more to his magick than he's letting on…
There's something going on that's bigger than the two of them. It's time for good to make a stand.
word count = 52,000 words
129 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 18, 2013
25 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Spencer Pape
84 books252 followersCindy Spencer Pape has been, among other things, a banker, a teacher, and an elected politician, though she swears she got better. She volunteers in environmental education, when she can fit it in around writing. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two teenage sons, a dog, a lizard, and various other small creatures, all of which are easier to clean up after than the three male humans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 18, 2013
I have really, really, really enjoyed this series since book 1 and the further we delve into the series, the more fun it becomes. Family ties going deeper than blood, love that transcends class boundaries, and being true to yourself even regardless of what society will think of you for doing so are all themes that have remained strong from book to book.
This time around we have Connor, who tried to win Wink's heart in book 4 but ultimately lost out to Liam the werewolf, and Belinda, a widowed Rom who has a smattering of magickal ability and a circus wagon they can escape in. I loved seeing Connor come into his own in this book. I *liked* him in the previous book but he wasn't for Wink. Belinda, on the other hand, is the lady for him. She's proud, strong, and she sees him. Just being around him cranks her handle. So to speak. They're sweet and sexy together. I like that.
A dastardly plot, a fiendish villain, and enough steam between Belinda and Connor to keep several steam-powered conveyances running indefinitely made this a very fun read. The cameos by previous couples and hints on what's to come between some of the now-grown-up orphans kept me feverishly thumbing through the pages. I do love revisiting old favorites, you know.
The world continues to expand and the Order continues to thwart the bad guys. Which is as it should be.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This time around we have Connor, who tried to win Wink's heart in book 4 but ultimately lost out to Liam the werewolf, and Belinda, a widowed Rom who has a smattering of magickal ability and a circus wagon they can escape in. I loved seeing Connor come into his own in this book. I *liked* him in the previous book but he wasn't for Wink. Belinda, on the other hand, is the lady for him. She's proud, strong, and she sees him. Just being around him cranks her handle. So to speak. They're sweet and sexy together. I like that.
A dastardly plot, a fiendish villain, and enough steam between Belinda and Connor to keep several steam-powered conveyances running indefinitely made this a very fun read. The cameos by previous couples and hints on what's to come between some of the now-grown-up orphans kept me feverishly thumbing through the pages. I do love revisiting old favorites, you know.
The world continues to expand and the Order continues to thwart the bad guys. Which is as it should be.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 16, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Cindy Spencer Pape's Gaslight Chronicles are tremendously fun. They are a combination of steampunk and fantasy, with mechanical creatures existing alongside the descendants of King Arthur's Knights.
One of the best parts of the series is that she has continued to follow the adventures of one particular group of the Knights. So we get to see the developments of relationships, not just the ones that succeed, but also what happens to those who are not-so-lucky in love.
Or at least not-so-lucky the first time around.
Connor Mackay was the unsuccessfuly contender for Wink Hadrian's hand in marriage. Connor was never going to win that contest, because she had been carrying a torch for Liam McCullough. (The story of their courtship, and their foiling of a plot to bring down the monarchy, is marvelously told in Moonlight & Mechanicals)
But that left Connor at rather dangerous loose ends. So when Zara, a Rom who is trusted by the Order, calls to say that her granddaughter is in grave danger, Connor is perfectly happy to hare off to the north of Scotland to investigate.
What he finds is a beautiful woman in a dank jail cell, convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to be burned at the stake in the morning.
When he can't convince the local magistrate to wait until he can investigate the extremely hasty trial and sentencing, Connor breaks the woman out of jail and runs away with her.
The fact that she is an exotically beautiful spitfire has no bearing on his actions. Absolutely none. (Hah!)
Belinda Danvers is innocent of the crime. She isn't even a witch. However she does have a gift for magick, and an unwillingness to be anyone's mistress just because she's a widow and a Rom.
Of course, what happened to Belinda is not as simple as a jealous man striking out. It's only the tip of a plot to wipe out foreign magick practitioners across Scotland.
And what's happens between Connor and Belinda isn't simple, either. But it does make Connor realize that Wink is not the woman he wanted or needed.
He just has to make Belinda realize that. If he can keep the madman who started this whole mess from killing her.
Escape Rating B+: I couldn't put this down, but it probably works better if you've read the whole series. If you have, it's like catnip. Or potato chips. You can't eat (read) just one. Start with Steam & Sorcery. (And yes, I've said that before. Spencer Pape's Gaslight Chronicles are awesome steampunk!)
The circus setting used to capture the perpetrator was fascinating. Circus caravans would have been much different in the late 19th century, even in this steampunk/magick world, than in our universe. I'd love to have seen more of the circus life that Belinda came from, or how the circus operated with the Knights playing the circus parts.
The plot that captured Belinda was a bit thin to be as big as it was, or the description of it was not as detailed as I might have liked. It might have been better if the book had been just a bit longer. Since so many magick users were killed because of the plot, and so many "innocent" townsfolk were caught up in it, more details would have been good.
Connor and Belinda are terrific together. I'm glad to see a heroine that had some experience, and that Connor found happiness. He'd earned it. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I know who I hope are the protagonists, but we'll see. Hopefully soon?
Cindy Spencer Pape's Gaslight Chronicles are tremendously fun. They are a combination of steampunk and fantasy, with mechanical creatures existing alongside the descendants of King Arthur's Knights.
One of the best parts of the series is that she has continued to follow the adventures of one particular group of the Knights. So we get to see the developments of relationships, not just the ones that succeed, but also what happens to those who are not-so-lucky in love.
Or at least not-so-lucky the first time around.
Connor Mackay was the unsuccessfuly contender for Wink Hadrian's hand in marriage. Connor was never going to win that contest, because she had been carrying a torch for Liam McCullough. (The story of their courtship, and their foiling of a plot to bring down the monarchy, is marvelously told in Moonlight & Mechanicals)
But that left Connor at rather dangerous loose ends. So when Zara, a Rom who is trusted by the Order, calls to say that her granddaughter is in grave danger, Connor is perfectly happy to hare off to the north of Scotland to investigate.
What he finds is a beautiful woman in a dank jail cell, convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to be burned at the stake in the morning.
When he can't convince the local magistrate to wait until he can investigate the extremely hasty trial and sentencing, Connor breaks the woman out of jail and runs away with her.
The fact that she is an exotically beautiful spitfire has no bearing on his actions. Absolutely none. (Hah!)
Belinda Danvers is innocent of the crime. She isn't even a witch. However she does have a gift for magick, and an unwillingness to be anyone's mistress just because she's a widow and a Rom.
Of course, what happened to Belinda is not as simple as a jealous man striking out. It's only the tip of a plot to wipe out foreign magick practitioners across Scotland.
And what's happens between Connor and Belinda isn't simple, either. But it does make Connor realize that Wink is not the woman he wanted or needed.
He just has to make Belinda realize that. If he can keep the madman who started this whole mess from killing her.
Escape Rating B+: I couldn't put this down, but it probably works better if you've read the whole series. If you have, it's like catnip. Or potato chips. You can't eat (read) just one. Start with Steam & Sorcery. (And yes, I've said that before. Spencer Pape's Gaslight Chronicles are awesome steampunk!)
The circus setting used to capture the perpetrator was fascinating. Circus caravans would have been much different in the late 19th century, even in this steampunk/magick world, than in our universe. I'd love to have seen more of the circus life that Belinda came from, or how the circus operated with the Knights playing the circus parts.
The plot that captured Belinda was a bit thin to be as big as it was, or the description of it was not as detailed as I might have liked. It might have been better if the book had been just a bit longer. Since so many magick users were killed because of the plot, and so many "innocent" townsfolk were caught up in it, more details would have been good.
Connor and Belinda are terrific together. I'm glad to see a heroine that had some experience, and that Connor found happiness. He'd earned it. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I know who I hope are the protagonists, but we'll see. Hopefully soon?
March 20, 2013
3.5 star = I liked it - On assignment for the Order, Connor gets to play 'Knight' in shining armor to the widowed Belinda who is sentenced to be burned at the stake for witchcraft. But Belinda's plight is just the tip of the iceberg - turns out there is a conspiracy targeting individuals with small magic and when it's time to bait the trap to catch the culprits there's many a familiar face from previous books there to up to lend a there talent.
It was nice to see Connor get his HEA after the object of his unrequited affection ended up with someone else in the previous book. I liked Connor in this book he is just genuinely a nice guy and I liked him with Belinda. And it is nice that the pair aren't instantly in love, though they are passionate, they like each and hope to grow to love each other. I also enjoyed the idea of the circus setting and seeing the past leads and other supporting characters from earlier books - including the pair who look to be up next. I guess my nits were that I always want these books to be a little more than they are, a little more substance in the background plot - which was really thin and quickly resolved - and since Pape does have this huge continuing cast I always want to see more of them as well. And since I am 'nitting' there was only a whiff of steampunkery this time around.
Still for what this series is, the story was still enjoyable with a nice amount of steam sans punk and I am looking forward the next book and hopefully the forbidden pairing of Tom and Nell.
ARC via Netgalley and I unknowingly preordered this as well, so I am the proud owner of two copies:)
The Gaslight Chronicles:
It was nice to see Connor get his HEA after the object of his unrequited affection ended up with someone else in the previous book. I liked Connor in this book he is just genuinely a nice guy and I liked him with Belinda. And it is nice that the pair aren't instantly in love, though they are passionate, they like each and hope to grow to love each other. I also enjoyed the idea of the circus setting and seeing the past leads and other supporting characters from earlier books - including the pair who look to be up next. I guess my nits were that I always want these books to be a little more than they are, a little more substance in the background plot - which was really thin and quickly resolved - and since Pape does have this huge continuing cast I always want to see more of them as well. And since I am 'nitting' there was only a whiff of steampunkery this time around.
Still for what this series is, the story was still enjoyable with a nice amount of steam sans punk and I am looking forward the next book and hopefully the forbidden pairing of Tom and Nell.
ARC via Netgalley and I unknowingly preordered this as well, so I am the proud owner of two copies:)
The Gaslight Chronicles:
December 1, 2025
Belinda Danvers is not a witch. She is an herbalist and widow, although she was part of a gypsy caravan growing up. But now she has been tried, convicted and to be burned at the stake all in one day. Lucky for her, her aunt and fortune teller, saw that something was wrong and called the Order, Connor McKay.
Connor McKay knows almost instantly that Belinda is innocent of the crimes she has been convicted. Trying to follow the proper procedures to get Belinda free, he discovers that there is a much bigger and maybe sinister plot behind this witch hunt.
Breaking Belinda out of jail and running for his family home, Connor quickly discovers a chemistry with Belinda that can’t be denied.
Connor’s entire family and many friends from the Order must come together to uncover the malevolence hiding in the shadows. Belinda quickly finds her place within this unusual collection of magical people.
Even though it is written in a time where social class separation was prevalent, the characters of the Order don’t hold to those customs...giving more credibility to the family and friendship bonds.
Fabulous, fun, steampunk story! I really enjoyed reading Cards & Caravans. As with the other books in this series, it was a thrilling adventure with twists, turns, and dastardly plots. Gaslight Chronicles is a great series that provides a wonderful adventure into a world filled of magic and mechanics.
This ARC copy of Cards & Caravans was given to me by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
Connor McKay knows almost instantly that Belinda is innocent of the crimes she has been convicted. Trying to follow the proper procedures to get Belinda free, he discovers that there is a much bigger and maybe sinister plot behind this witch hunt.
Breaking Belinda out of jail and running for his family home, Connor quickly discovers a chemistry with Belinda that can’t be denied.
Connor’s entire family and many friends from the Order must come together to uncover the malevolence hiding in the shadows. Belinda quickly finds her place within this unusual collection of magical people.
Even though it is written in a time where social class separation was prevalent, the characters of the Order don’t hold to those customs...giving more credibility to the family and friendship bonds.
Fabulous, fun, steampunk story! I really enjoyed reading Cards & Caravans. As with the other books in this series, it was a thrilling adventure with twists, turns, and dastardly plots. Gaslight Chronicles is a great series that provides a wonderful adventure into a world filled of magic and mechanics.
This ARC copy of Cards & Caravans was given to me by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2015
Okay, first of all, the book kept mentioning the female lead as "dark" and "dusky" but she sure as hell doesn't look that way on the cover. I'm just saying. The issue of her build could just be my own interpretation based on the author's description, so I'll let the tinyness go.
It was...okay I guess? I like Connor getting his happy ending. I like Belinda. The chemistry? Eh, okay I guess. Mystery was interesting to start with but petered out into disappointment. All in all, not awful, but far from my favourite in the series.
It was...okay I guess? I like Connor getting his happy ending. I like Belinda. The chemistry? Eh, okay I guess. Mystery was interesting to start with but petered out into disappointment. All in all, not awful, but far from my favourite in the series.
January 21, 2018
I've been enjoying this series for pretty light reading. This book was particularly so with a presto love story and easy resolution. Many former characters were present, and a lot of fun was had.
Read
April 5, 2022I didn't realize this was 5th in a series when I downloaded it. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more had I started from the beginning but I don't think that was the problem. I didn't feel like I was missing too much backstory so bravo to the author for that. I was expecting a light steam punk romance and this is exactly that. There were a few little things that bugged me. Like a thorn in my shoe. I could not stop being bugged! The age difference between Belinda and Connor. 3 years. He was only 3 years younger than her. And yet the Age Difference was harped on repeatedly. The fact that Belinda was 20 years younger than her first husband wasn't a big deal but heaven forbid the woman be even a tad older than the man. These people were in their 20's but Belinda carried on about her advanced age so much I thought she was in her twilight years. At one point Belinda overheard a conversation that had her believing Connor was still in love with an old flame. I reread that conversation a few times. Even taken out of context I can't see why Belinda would have jumped to that conclusion. Other than added angst. At that point I knew I had better bail. Some books just wind up on my Kindle at the wrong time!
November 14, 2019
Series Info: This is the 5th book Gaslight Chronicles series. I borrowed this book through Audible escapes.
Audiobook Quality (4/5): The audiobook was well done and I enjoyed it. So far this whole series has been narrated very nicely.
Characters (3/5): This story follows Connor McCay and a woman accused of witchcraft named Belinda. Both characters were fine, but nothing special.
Story (2/5): The story here was a bit lackluster. Basically Connor is trying to clear Belinda’s name of witchcraft charges. There is a bigger story around catching the people who are hunting witches/magic users. The whole thing fell pretty flat for me. I thought that Connor’s solution to Belinda’s issue (that they get married) was contrived and a serious case of insta-love.
Setting (3/5): Again this was okay but not great. This steampunk world could be a lot more filled out.
Writing Style (3/5): This was fine, nothing special. The dialogue between characters is well done, the descriptions could be a bit better. Pacing was fine.
Summary (3/5): Overall, this was a mediocre read. Every book in this series is starting to feel the same to me. It seems like these shorter novellas in between the larger books provide decent background but just aren’t that interesting.
Audiobook Quality (4/5): The audiobook was well done and I enjoyed it. So far this whole series has been narrated very nicely.
Characters (3/5): This story follows Connor McCay and a woman accused of witchcraft named Belinda. Both characters were fine, but nothing special.
Story (2/5): The story here was a bit lackluster. Basically Connor is trying to clear Belinda’s name of witchcraft charges. There is a bigger story around catching the people who are hunting witches/magic users. The whole thing fell pretty flat for me. I thought that Connor’s solution to Belinda’s issue (that they get married) was contrived and a serious case of insta-love.
Setting (3/5): Again this was okay but not great. This steampunk world could be a lot more filled out.
Writing Style (3/5): This was fine, nothing special. The dialogue between characters is well done, the descriptions could be a bit better. Pacing was fine.
Summary (3/5): Overall, this was a mediocre read. Every book in this series is starting to feel the same to me. It seems like these shorter novellas in between the larger books provide decent background but just aren’t that interesting.
September 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It was on the shorter side but full of excitement, drama, romance and magic.
I loved the character of Belinda! She has been through a lot but she is not only unbroken, but she has not lost her kindness or ability to trust and like other people. I loved her determination and willingness to help other people. Belinda was such a likable person I connected to her immediately and really enjoyed going along on her adventure.
The world-building was great here! The magical Knights of the Round Table was cool, and Connor and his family are a delightful bunch of kooky lovable people and I enjoyed getting to know them while they got to know Belinda.
The excitement of figuring out who the bad guys were was well done and exciting.
Overall this was just a fun fast easy read and I enjoyed it!
I loved the character of Belinda! She has been through a lot but she is not only unbroken, but she has not lost her kindness or ability to trust and like other people. I loved her determination and willingness to help other people. Belinda was such a likable person I connected to her immediately and really enjoyed going along on her adventure.
The world-building was great here! The magical Knights of the Round Table was cool, and Connor and his family are a delightful bunch of kooky lovable people and I enjoyed getting to know them while they got to know Belinda.
The excitement of figuring out who the bad guys were was well done and exciting.
Overall this was just a fun fast easy read and I enjoyed it!
September 28, 2019
X-rated. Steampunk can be fun and scary. This endless extended family series has Camelot "magyk" (sic), mostly knights saving and wedding commoners. Classics and twists. Oft-used 'he doesn't say he loves me but I'll love him' attitude that doesn't break them up.
Typos:
ch 6 p 3 "part of it to" is too
p 9 "Geneva gave up" is she or Belinda
ch 11 "nibbled her lower lip"
and "licked her lips" gets bo...
Typos:
ch 6 p 3 "part of it to" is too
p 9 "Geneva gave up" is she or Belinda
ch 11 "nibbled her lower lip"
and "licked her lips" gets bo...
July 20, 2019
Way to quick
Way to quick with the set up. Hard to suspend your disbelief with this one. The story would have been much better if only it had been fleshed out a lot more, like few hundred pages more.
Way to quick with the set up. Hard to suspend your disbelief with this one. The story would have been much better if only it had been fleshed out a lot more, like few hundred pages more.
December 15, 2017
Awesome. Love Steampunk and the originality of each story. I see there are more books in this series. I must acquire them!
February 14, 2018
Another in Cindy Spencer Pape's light and frothy reading. Exactly what I like in steampunk romance mystery novels. :>)
October 20, 2018
3.5 stars
May 21, 2020
The books in this series are all fun, easy, quick reads. However, they're also saccharinely sweet and could use better editing as there are quite a few distracting typos in each book.
August 21, 2013
So a couple of quick housekeeping notes:
A) So IBPA and/or Netgalley gave me auto approve rights for all books by IBPA on Netgalley. How do I get me some of that for Carina Press titles? Come on Carina. You know you love me and my crazy ass reviews
B) Netgalley should be liable for all books I must purchase when they give me a later book in a series or they shouldn���t let me read them at all. I���m just kidding Netgalley, please don���t cut me off. I need my fix of new releases.
C) Why have I not read this series before now?!? Seriously? A steampunk series put out by Carina press. How did that��� *goes back and looks at the previous covers* oh right, one of the cover models reminds me of someone I don���t like. I remember now.
Okay, now that I���ve gotten that out of the way. And took some time for the bitter taste prompted by those less than pleasant memories to fade��� Let���s talk Cards & Caravans!
Let me just start (yes, I���m calling it start) by saying that there are two things I never mess with, just in case: Voodoo and Gypsies. It might not be real, but why take the chance? I know better than to poke a bear. As a result to this natural and totally healthy aversion, I read everything I can about them and have a mild obsession with them. So steampunk with a gypsy circus setting? And it takes place in Scotland? FUCK YES, I AM SO THERE.
And man, am I glad that I was.
It starts with a sham of a witch trial, which turns into a prison break, which becomes a middle of the night flight from ���the law��� in the dead of night in a circus caravan. If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now. Instead, I���m doing an absurd little chair dance.
I really liked Connor and Belinda. I felt like not only were they genuine characters, but that they shared a real spark. Because of the situation in which they met and their obvious physical attraction, it���s not hard to believe that affection would���ve developed quickly. Especially taking into consideration the time period and what marriage was like back in ���the day���.
Which is my way of warning y���all right now, this is a case of lust at first sight that develops into love. Now I personally have never had an issue with this kind of plot device, but I know it tweaks some people���s knobs. If you���re one of those people��� well give it a chance anyways because��� Gypsies, circus, steampunk and there���s a kilt.
Oh did I not mention that before?
Yeah, Connor gets all dressed up in a suit coat and kilt. Which is one of my all time favorite outfits and I���m still trying to convince my husband it���s the way to go at formal events.
I honestly did not realize it was book five when I started reading it yesterday. The first inkling I had was when they kept talking about Wink and Liam and I was all ���oh��� I bet they have a book������ Now, I love the world, but I don���t know if I can go back. I like Connor now, and knowing that he was a cog in the wheel of someone else���s romance might sour things for me. Or I might just hate Wink right out of the gate. Hard to say.
That being said, if you pick this book up first, you���ll be able to catch up pretty quickly.
3.5 stars.
A) So IBPA and/or Netgalley gave me auto approve rights for all books by IBPA on Netgalley. How do I get me some of that for Carina Press titles? Come on Carina. You know you love me and my crazy ass reviews
B) Netgalley should be liable for all books I must purchase when they give me a later book in a series or they shouldn���t let me read them at all. I���m just kidding Netgalley, please don���t cut me off. I need my fix of new releases.
C) Why have I not read this series before now?!? Seriously? A steampunk series put out by Carina press. How did that��� *goes back and looks at the previous covers* oh right, one of the cover models reminds me of someone I don���t like. I remember now.
Okay, now that I���ve gotten that out of the way. And took some time for the bitter taste prompted by those less than pleasant memories to fade��� Let���s talk Cards & Caravans!
Let me just start (yes, I���m calling it start) by saying that there are two things I never mess with, just in case: Voodoo and Gypsies. It might not be real, but why take the chance? I know better than to poke a bear. As a result to this natural and totally healthy aversion, I read everything I can about them and have a mild obsession with them. So steampunk with a gypsy circus setting? And it takes place in Scotland? FUCK YES, I AM SO THERE.
And man, am I glad that I was.
It starts with a sham of a witch trial, which turns into a prison break, which becomes a middle of the night flight from ���the law��� in the dead of night in a circus caravan. If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now. Instead, I���m doing an absurd little chair dance.
I really liked Connor and Belinda. I felt like not only were they genuine characters, but that they shared a real spark. Because of the situation in which they met and their obvious physical attraction, it���s not hard to believe that affection would���ve developed quickly. Especially taking into consideration the time period and what marriage was like back in ���the day���.
Which is my way of warning y���all right now, this is a case of lust at first sight that develops into love. Now I personally have never had an issue with this kind of plot device, but I know it tweaks some people���s knobs. If you���re one of those people��� well give it a chance anyways because��� Gypsies, circus, steampunk and there���s a kilt.
Oh did I not mention that before?
Yeah, Connor gets all dressed up in a suit coat and kilt. Which is one of my all time favorite outfits and I���m still trying to convince my husband it���s the way to go at formal events.
I honestly did not realize it was book five when I started reading it yesterday. The first inkling I had was when they kept talking about Wink and Liam and I was all ���oh��� I bet they have a book������ Now, I love the world, but I don���t know if I can go back. I like Connor now, and knowing that he was a cog in the wheel of someone else���s romance might sour things for me. Or I might just hate Wink right out of the gate. Hard to say.
That being said, if you pick this book up first, you���ll be able to catch up pretty quickly.
3.5 stars.
March 7, 2013
Cards & Caravans is the fifth installment of Cindy Spencer Pape’s Gaslight Chronicles. This one feature’s Wink’s spurned suitor, Connor McKay. In the previous book, Connor had proposed to Wink and was rejected. Connor is just starting to realize that perhaps he didn’t love Wink as much as he thought, which is reinforced when he meets the beautiful widow and supposed witch, Belinda.
Belinda Danvers has been imprisoned by the townspeople in her village on the charge of witchcraft and is to be burned at the stake. Belinda is not a witch but she discouraged the alderman’s advances when he came calling, leading to her charge of witchcraft. Luckily, a relative of Belinda’s is an acquaintance of Connor’s and requests that Connor go and investigate. Connor immediately realizes that Belinda is not a witch and breaks her out of prison to have a fail trial. During the escape, Connor realizes that Belinda is innocent of all charges, and that there is something more sinister going on that has lead to the accusation of witchcraft. Connor decides that he has to protect her from the alderman and while he could protect he using his family’s influence, he realizes that he wants Belinda in his life on a more permanent basis. The problem will be convincing Belinda that she should marry Connor!
This newest installment of the Gaslight Chronicles was fantastic. I love how fast paced each book or novella is and I think Pape does a great job of combining the romance, magik and adventure. I also liked how this one brought all the characters from the previous books together in order to solve who was instigating the claims of witchcraft. This kinds of cameos are always fun when you’re really into a series.
My only complaint was that this one was too short! Since it’s a romance I assumed that Connor and Belinda would overcome their issues that were stopping them from proclaiming love for one another and because I knew this was coming I would have liked the resolution to be a little bit more drawn out or for their to be an epilogue. I just wasn’t done with the story! BUT it just makes me all the more excited for the next one.
If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I would recommend you start. While it’s not completely essential that you read them in order, since they’re so good, I would say that reading them in order is a good idea and you have a better idea of what Pape’s gaslight world is like.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Belinda Danvers has been imprisoned by the townspeople in her village on the charge of witchcraft and is to be burned at the stake. Belinda is not a witch but she discouraged the alderman’s advances when he came calling, leading to her charge of witchcraft. Luckily, a relative of Belinda’s is an acquaintance of Connor’s and requests that Connor go and investigate. Connor immediately realizes that Belinda is not a witch and breaks her out of prison to have a fail trial. During the escape, Connor realizes that Belinda is innocent of all charges, and that there is something more sinister going on that has lead to the accusation of witchcraft. Connor decides that he has to protect her from the alderman and while he could protect he using his family’s influence, he realizes that he wants Belinda in his life on a more permanent basis. The problem will be convincing Belinda that she should marry Connor!
This newest installment of the Gaslight Chronicles was fantastic. I love how fast paced each book or novella is and I think Pape does a great job of combining the romance, magik and adventure. I also liked how this one brought all the characters from the previous books together in order to solve who was instigating the claims of witchcraft. This kinds of cameos are always fun when you’re really into a series.
My only complaint was that this one was too short! Since it’s a romance I assumed that Connor and Belinda would overcome their issues that were stopping them from proclaiming love for one another and because I knew this was coming I would have liked the resolution to be a little bit more drawn out or for their to be an epilogue. I just wasn’t done with the story! BUT it just makes me all the more excited for the next one.
If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I would recommend you start. While it’s not completely essential that you read them in order, since they’re so good, I would say that reading them in order is a good idea and you have a better idea of what Pape’s gaslight world is like.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 25, 2013
Connor McKay has resigned himself the fact that Wink, the woman he loved is now happily married to someone else. He has done his best to keep busy to avoid thinking about it. When he gets a call that Belinda Danvers has been convicted of being a witch and is about to be burned to death he decides to investigate. After meeting Belinda, Connor quickly realises that she has little real power and seems incapable of murdering the children she has been accused of killing. Unable to get through to authorities, Connor breaks Belinda out of jail and takes her back to his family home. In order to keep her safe, Connor decides to marry Belinda in order to invalidate any warrant for her arrest. All is not happy ever after however, because someone is still determined to see Belinda dead.
The reason behind the romance between Connor and Belinda is once again thin. Connor knows her for approximately 48 hours before he proposes marriage. His family is quick to go alone because, well, woo woo. I don't understand why it's so damn hard to base a romance in a little bit of reality. At 48 hours, what people have is lust, most certainly not love. Just because this love at first woo is a staple of paranormal romance, does not make it any less irritating. In truth, I am becoming less enamored with this series with each book that I read.
Both Nell and Belinda are women of colour. Belinda is Romani and it has been suggested in the past that Nell is of Indian descent. Looking at the image of Belinda on the front of the cover, she hardly looks like a woman with a dusty complexion. On this I give Cindy Spencer Pape a pass, as most authors have little to no say on the covers of their books. I do however hold her accountable for the two women being labelled as exotic.
"Nell was exotic enough to be from Persia or India."
"Without Madame Zara, there won't be a fortune-teller." Wink said. "I wonder if I could pretend to do that."
"Or me." Nell bit her lip."I have the exotic looks, remember."
Belinda shook her head"No I'll do the fortune telling. Madame Zara is my great-aunt, after all, and I am a Rom, so I look the part too.
Even in the 1800's the U.K. was not a White utopia and I am sick and tired of Cindy Spencer Pape calling her characters of colour exotic. It's coded language and is absolutely racist.
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The reason behind the romance between Connor and Belinda is once again thin. Connor knows her for approximately 48 hours before he proposes marriage. His family is quick to go alone because, well, woo woo. I don't understand why it's so damn hard to base a romance in a little bit of reality. At 48 hours, what people have is lust, most certainly not love. Just because this love at first woo is a staple of paranormal romance, does not make it any less irritating. In truth, I am becoming less enamored with this series with each book that I read.
Both Nell and Belinda are women of colour. Belinda is Romani and it has been suggested in the past that Nell is of Indian descent. Looking at the image of Belinda on the front of the cover, she hardly looks like a woman with a dusty complexion. On this I give Cindy Spencer Pape a pass, as most authors have little to no say on the covers of their books. I do however hold her accountable for the two women being labelled as exotic.
"Nell was exotic enough to be from Persia or India."
"Without Madame Zara, there won't be a fortune-teller." Wink said. "I wonder if I could pretend to do that."
"Or me." Nell bit her lip."I have the exotic looks, remember."
Belinda shook her head"No I'll do the fortune telling. Madame Zara is my great-aunt, after all, and I am a Rom, so I look the part too.
Even in the 1800's the U.K. was not a White utopia and I am sick and tired of Cindy Spencer Pape calling her characters of colour exotic. It's coded language and is absolutely racist.
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July 27, 2013
Review from Backchatting Books
Connor McKay failed to win the fair Wink’s heart and so got transferred out of London. He got word that a young lady, Belinda, had been convicted of witchcraft and decided to investigate. As a Knight of the Order of the Round Table, Connor is used to sniffing out and monitoring all sorts of supernatural things. Belinda clearly has powers but they are so small she couldn’t have done much damage. Deciding the whole situation is suss, he whisks her away to his family’s place.
I felt a bit sorry for Connor. After the Wink debacle, I thought he deserved a grand romance but it wasn’t to be. Connor and Belinda fall quickly in lust with each other and into bed. Unfortunately I didn’t really buy the romance as Belinda spent so much time talking to her dead husband’s spirit. They’d only been in each-other’s company for a day before Connor proposed. Individually though, I thought the two were great. Belinda was raised in a circus environment and only accepted the proposal from her late husband because he offered stability and a chance to have a home of her own. Since his death, she supplemented her income by selling homebrewed tonics and potions. This along with her beauty made her an easy target. Her husband’s spirit has been keeping an eye on her and in clear case of irony urges Belinda to give in to her feelings for Connor. Both of the women Connor is interested in have been pushed towards him by other men. I would have liked Connor to have the chance to woo this one at least, without outside interference in the form of imminent arrest and a ghost.
The steampunk aspect was lighter this time round and the magic a bit heavier. I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed the steampunk until it was diluted. The circus section was fun as everyone got to release their inner carnie but the plot could have been expanded on. A quick, enjoyable read. It isn’t necessary to have read all the other books in the series in order to understand this one but you might at least want to read the previous one, "Moonlight & Mechanicals", to find out about Connor’s botched attempt at love.
Connor McKay failed to win the fair Wink’s heart and so got transferred out of London. He got word that a young lady, Belinda, had been convicted of witchcraft and decided to investigate. As a Knight of the Order of the Round Table, Connor is used to sniffing out and monitoring all sorts of supernatural things. Belinda clearly has powers but they are so small she couldn’t have done much damage. Deciding the whole situation is suss, he whisks her away to his family’s place.
I felt a bit sorry for Connor. After the Wink debacle, I thought he deserved a grand romance but it wasn’t to be. Connor and Belinda fall quickly in lust with each other and into bed. Unfortunately I didn’t really buy the romance as Belinda spent so much time talking to her dead husband’s spirit. They’d only been in each-other’s company for a day before Connor proposed. Individually though, I thought the two were great. Belinda was raised in a circus environment and only accepted the proposal from her late husband because he offered stability and a chance to have a home of her own. Since his death, she supplemented her income by selling homebrewed tonics and potions. This along with her beauty made her an easy target. Her husband’s spirit has been keeping an eye on her and in clear case of irony urges Belinda to give in to her feelings for Connor. Both of the women Connor is interested in have been pushed towards him by other men. I would have liked Connor to have the chance to woo this one at least, without outside interference in the form of imminent arrest and a ghost.
The steampunk aspect was lighter this time round and the magic a bit heavier. I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed the steampunk until it was diluted. The circus section was fun as everyone got to release their inner carnie but the plot could have been expanded on. A quick, enjoyable read. It isn’t necessary to have read all the other books in the series in order to understand this one but you might at least want to read the previous one, "Moonlight & Mechanicals", to find out about Connor’s botched attempt at love.
June 22, 2022
This series makes me smile - at least my own reaction to it does!
They are all too short; in almost all of the stories the plot is sort of skimmed over in parts when it would have benefitted from a little more time and attention. The villains and their motives could be so much better drawn - the person who might have been the actual mastermind behind some of the evil plot in this one, or at least one of the senior henchmen (it was hard to tell...), a magick user turned to the dark side, got about 3 lines!
The stories are set in a steampunk version of Victorian Britain and CSP is the first author I've read who suggests that vast amounts of steam powered machines, transport, and so on would lead to major air pollution - and yet it is a really obvious problem, and I can only think she is absolutely right. But I have to keep telling myself that this is, of course, an AU, so it is quite possible that people might have spoken a slightly different version of English to what I would have expected...
There is a basic formula to each story in the series, and all the men are tall and rugged, all the women independent with no thought of marriage (until they meet the particular hero of the story - after which sex and marriage follow remarkably quickly).
And yet... I always want to read the next one. Because the central premise from book one is such a good one, and I actually really like all the cast. So - despite my quibbles, I reach for the next one just as I do when the biscuit tin is near at hand!!
They are all too short; in almost all of the stories the plot is sort of skimmed over in parts when it would have benefitted from a little more time and attention. The villains and their motives could be so much better drawn - the person who might have been the actual mastermind behind some of the evil plot in this one, or at least one of the senior henchmen (it was hard to tell...), a magick user turned to the dark side, got about 3 lines!
The stories are set in a steampunk version of Victorian Britain and CSP is the first author I've read who suggests that vast amounts of steam powered machines, transport, and so on would lead to major air pollution - and yet it is a really obvious problem, and I can only think she is absolutely right. But I have to keep telling myself that this is, of course, an AU, so it is quite possible that people might have spoken a slightly different version of English to what I would have expected...
There is a basic formula to each story in the series, and all the men are tall and rugged, all the women independent with no thought of marriage (until they meet the particular hero of the story - after which sex and marriage follow remarkably quickly).
And yet... I always want to read the next one. Because the central premise from book one is such a good one, and I actually really like all the cast. So - despite my quibbles, I reach for the next one just as I do when the biscuit tin is near at hand!!
September 11, 2016
Belinda Danvers is set to burn at the stake for being a witch. Problem is the widow isn't one. Her only hope is Connor McKay. Connor is sent to see if she is behind the murder of children and soon sees she is not. She also isn't a witch. He can't just tell the people that without giving away his own powers. He helps her escape jail and they both try to uncover just what is going on. The only way Connor can protect Belinda is to marry her. He just has to convince her of that.
I liked Connor in a previous book and I did feel bad he got his heart broke by Wink. I was thrilled he was getting his own book. I did not see him being with Belinda. I was expecting someone who would really push his buttons and lead him on a chase. He and Belinda end up being a good match just not what I figured he would have. They really in some ways get thrown together and start out making the best of it. Yes they have lust between each other but not the real deep love. It was in some ways a to quick match. In other ways I loved this book. There is plenty of action as Connor and the other favorites of mine from this series set a trap to catch a bad guy. I love seeing the old characters and what they are doing and getting glimpses of romance I hope to come. The steampunk is as always wonderful in this book and so fun to read about. If you enjoy steampunk, paranormal or just a great story be sure to check out this series.
I liked Connor in a previous book and I did feel bad he got his heart broke by Wink. I was thrilled he was getting his own book. I did not see him being with Belinda. I was expecting someone who would really push his buttons and lead him on a chase. He and Belinda end up being a good match just not what I figured he would have. They really in some ways get thrown together and start out making the best of it. Yes they have lust between each other but not the real deep love. It was in some ways a to quick match. In other ways I loved this book. There is plenty of action as Connor and the other favorites of mine from this series set a trap to catch a bad guy. I love seeing the old characters and what they are doing and getting glimpses of romance I hope to come. The steampunk is as always wonderful in this book and so fun to read about. If you enjoy steampunk, paranormal or just a great story be sure to check out this series.
February 18, 2013
Belinda is tried (very quickly) and found guilty of witchcraft, to be burned at the stake the following day. Luckily, Belinda's uncle knows people in the Order and contact Connor to find Belinda and help her. He breaks her out of comes up with a plan to help her - and they both fall in love with each other in the process of trying to bring down the group that are responsible for Belinda's trial.
So, I said in my review of Moonlight & Mechanicals that I thought I saw hints of who the next book was about and, boy was I ...... wrong! So totally wrong, but again there are more hints in this book about that specific couple so I'm still hoping for a book about them in the future. I liked this couple but Wink and Liam are still my favourite of the bunch (that being said, I haven't read Kilts & Krakens yet).
I wasn't entirely sure about this series at the beginning but I find myself liking it more with each book and I get so excited when I see the titles on Netgalley 'cos it means I get tot read it before it's released. I'll be reading the book I missed out next so we'll see how I feel about that couple.
So, I said in my review of Moonlight & Mechanicals that I thought I saw hints of who the next book was about and, boy was I ...... wrong! So totally wrong, but again there are more hints in this book about that specific couple so I'm still hoping for a book about them in the future. I liked this couple but Wink and Liam are still my favourite of the bunch (that being said, I haven't read Kilts & Krakens yet).
I wasn't entirely sure about this series at the beginning but I find myself liking it more with each book and I get so excited when I see the titles on Netgalley 'cos it means I get tot read it before it's released. I'll be reading the book I missed out next so we'll see how I feel about that couple.
March 18, 2013
Cards and Caravans by Cindy Spencer Pape
The newest installment of The Gaslight Chronicles does not fail to live up to the standard set by the previous books in the series. Set in Scotland, this book is the story of Belinda Danvers and Sir Connor MacKay. Belinda, a widow, has been accused of witchcraft, is jailed and is to be burned at the stake. Sir Connor has been sent to investigate. As a Knight, it is his duty to investigate all things magickal in the kingdom, and the Order is the only group authorized to prosecute in such cases.
Will Sir Connor be able to save Belinda from the stake and those who have accused her? Can Belinda open her heart to another man? Can Sir Connor overcome his love for another woman? Or will the evil that threatens them all win at last.
This novel grabbed my attention from the first page, I had a difficult time putting it down. With witches, werewolves, sorcerers, and all the intrigue, what more could a reader of paranormal books want? And of course, there is the romance! Ms. Pape has once again written a novel full of all the elements that this reader enjoys. Anyone looking for a steampunk romance with paranormal elements will enjoy this book immensely!
5 of 5 stars!
The newest installment of The Gaslight Chronicles does not fail to live up to the standard set by the previous books in the series. Set in Scotland, this book is the story of Belinda Danvers and Sir Connor MacKay. Belinda, a widow, has been accused of witchcraft, is jailed and is to be burned at the stake. Sir Connor has been sent to investigate. As a Knight, it is his duty to investigate all things magickal in the kingdom, and the Order is the only group authorized to prosecute in such cases.
Will Sir Connor be able to save Belinda from the stake and those who have accused her? Can Belinda open her heart to another man? Can Sir Connor overcome his love for another woman? Or will the evil that threatens them all win at last.
This novel grabbed my attention from the first page, I had a difficult time putting it down. With witches, werewolves, sorcerers, and all the intrigue, what more could a reader of paranormal books want? And of course, there is the romance! Ms. Pape has once again written a novel full of all the elements that this reader enjoys. Anyone looking for a steampunk romance with paranormal elements will enjoy this book immensely!
5 of 5 stars!
June 23, 2015
This installment of the series was not as good as some of the previous books in the series. What made the series a steampunk genre series was practically non-existent in this book, though brief mentions are made. What it does do is serve to unite all the previous stories in one manner, as it seemed that all of the couples from the previous books made some sort of appearance in this one, complete with mentions or introductions of their children. I could tell that there was a lot that was going on behind the scenes that we weren't getting to see or be told. Belinda was a bit of a unique and interesting character, though I feel that she wasn't fully developed. The mystery was uninspired and lacked a finesse or drama that would have helped it along. I think it needed a bit more building to make it a worthy addition to the series, but for what it is, this story was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read.
March 31, 2013
**ARC Review** What do you get when you mix a little Steampunk, with romance, and the supernatural? You'll get a fantastic quick read that you don't' want to put down! We'll at least for me I couldn't put it down. This book held me captive since the first paragraph! The book starts out with a lot of action, when a woman is accused of being a Witch and is about to be hanged first thing the next morning! But who would have a guessed a Knight from the "Order" would come and save her! The rest of the pages are full of adventure and action as they both escape the accusers! I wish I can tell you more but I don't want to spoil the fun parts of the book. Furthermore, I would have never thought this was the 5th book to a series. The book was complete by itself! But now I can't wait to go back and read the other 4 books ;-).
April 30, 2013
Cards and caravans had the potential to be a great addition to the gaslight chronicles but was too short to really accomplish anything, other then gypping these two MC's out of a great story of their own.... Also, if you read the last book, then you know that the H of this book figured he was in love with the heroine of that book...and obviously he was the rejected suitor but the heroine of that book, the one that rejected him, kept showing up in this story, now while I liked her in her own book, she bugged the crap out of me in this one ... and altogether that aspect of the book, and this heroines response to it was resolved way too easily...and literally on the very last page of the book...um can you say grrrr? So I'll just say 2.5 to 3 stars and i expected a lot more.
August 27, 2016
After his heartbreak from the previous story Connor has moved out of the London office to get away from the girl he loved, but he's about to meet the woman Jamie saw in a vision. unfortunately she just happens to be being executed in the morning for witchcraft.
A somewhat charming widow with a barbed tongue it takes a little while to actually like Belinda, but she comes good when she stops insulting everyone that is trying to save her life.
There is a very sad back story that continues from the last book, an impossible love that may not be getting resolved anytime soon.
Still a sweet story in a fantastic steampunk world that I enjoy coming back to.
The next story in already on my kindle.
A somewhat charming widow with a barbed tongue it takes a little while to actually like Belinda, but she comes good when she stops insulting everyone that is trying to save her life.
There is a very sad back story that continues from the last book, an impossible love that may not be getting resolved anytime soon.
Still a sweet story in a fantastic steampunk world that I enjoy coming back to.
The next story in already on my kindle.
March 16, 2015
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 16, 2013
Well, Connor did not get the story he deserved. There are tons of things I don't like in this story. Not a good sign when a reader groans and rolls his/her eyes a lot. There was absolutely no progress in their "relationship" of any kind.
It had a lot of things to be a great story (magic, witch-hunts, conspiracy, a circus, etc.), but it was all ruined with a rushed romance.
It had a lot of things to be a great story (magic, witch-hunts, conspiracy, a circus, etc.), but it was all ruined with a rushed romance.
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