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Always a Lady
Lady Serena Buxton follows her husband from England to Bandit Creek, Montana. Randolph is a partner in the Ellis gold mine, but when she arrives, she is horrified to find that Randolph is missing.
Sheriff Wilson seems to be keeping a watchful eye on her. Why? Douglas King, the mine manager, treats her as if she is already a widow. What does he know? The bank manager refuses her request for access to Randolph’s account. With no husband and no money, what is a girl to do?
Serena has an unsuspected and quite shocking talent. With the help of two enterprising local ladies, Serena prepares for a public performance. But when the news leaks out, she finds the only venue she can secure is in the Men’s Club owned by King. Like it or not, she has no option but to ask him regardless of what terms he may insist on. Billed as Ayesha, Oriental Dancer Extraordinaire, she prepares for her show which she hopes will make enough money for her to stay in Bandit Creek until Randolph is found.
The whole town, as well as a train full of people from nearby Missoula, turns out for her performance. The Club is packed. But who is in the crowd, watching? Will King insist on exacting his fees? And will Serena be reunited with the husband she loves?
Sheriff Wilson seems to be keeping a watchful eye on her. Why? Douglas King, the mine manager, treats her as if she is already a widow. What does he know? The bank manager refuses her request for access to Randolph’s account. With no husband and no money, what is a girl to do?
Serena has an unsuspected and quite shocking talent. With the help of two enterprising local ladies, Serena prepares for a public performance. But when the news leaks out, she finds the only venue she can secure is in the Men’s Club owned by King. Like it or not, she has no option but to ask him regardless of what terms he may insist on. Billed as Ayesha, Oriental Dancer Extraordinaire, she prepares for her show which she hopes will make enough money for her to stay in Bandit Creek until Randolph is found.
The whole town, as well as a train full of people from nearby Missoula, turns out for her performance. The Club is packed. But who is in the crowd, watching? Will King insist on exacting his fees? And will Serena be reunited with the husband she loves?
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2012
45 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Chatham
49 books49 followersAn army brat, my family moved a lot when I was a child. Consequently books became my best friends as they could move with me.
I played around with writing untill 1997, when I started getting serious about it and started taking courses. Although I loved reading historical romance, especially Regency romance, the first novel I completed was a western contemporary romance. I think I wrote that book just to prove I could. Now my work in progress is the 3rd book in my Regency series.
I played around with writing untill 1997, when I started getting serious about it and started taking courses. Although I loved reading historical romance, especially Regency romance, the first novel I completed was a western contemporary romance. I think I wrote that book just to prove I could. Now my work in progress is the 3rd book in my Regency series.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 23, 2012
This short and sweet read was a pleasant way to pass a few hours. I was intrigued by the description of the book; after all, I had never read a book set in the West that included belly-dancing...I was definitely ready to see how that all came into play. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more of the belly-dancing involved (more on that later), but did appreciate it when it was there.
I have to say, though, that I found the main characters Serena and Randolph to be a bit boring and flat. While separated they just seemed so wooden and bland. I liked them more together, which unfortunately didn't happen until the end of the book. I will say that I liked how the author portrayed their love for one another. Each loves the other but is unaware of that love. Serena desperately wants children and is saddened that Randolph has shown her with his actions that he does not When it is revealed why Randolph doesn't want a family, it is both heartbreaking as well as revealing. I was glad for at least this aspect of their relationship because it added another, much needed, dimension to both their characters.
For me this story was driven by the secondary characters, who carried far more personality than the hero and heroine. I loved the brothel owner who came to Serena's aid when she found herself stuck in Bandit Creek without any funds. I REALLY loved the old Chinese man who was more wise and crafty than anyone cared to give him credit for. These people made the story was it was and gave Bandit Creek a dose of charm and character. The villain (whose name I won't reveal) was also colorful as well, even if he was a bit cliche.
My favorite part was the ending, when the two are reunited. It was sweet and charming and had a happily ever after as all good romances should. And for those who are interested in knowing, this is a pretty clean romance. A passionate encounter is only hinted at, but the author leaves the bulk of it purely up to the reader's imagination. I didn't mind it one way or the other as I didn't feel a love scene would have added much of anything to the ending. I liked it just the way it was.
If I could have added anything to this book it would have been a few thousand more words. I would have liked to have a lot more background on the hero and heroine and possibly have delved more into Serena's time in the Middle East and her learning of the exotic belly dance. Overall though, this was a wonderful little book that would be perfect for passing a lazy afternoon.
I have to say, though, that I found the main characters Serena and Randolph to be a bit boring and flat. While separated they just seemed so wooden and bland. I liked them more together, which unfortunately didn't happen until the end of the book. I will say that I liked how the author portrayed their love for one another. Each loves the other but is unaware of that love. Serena desperately wants children and is saddened that Randolph has shown her with his actions that he does not When it is revealed why Randolph doesn't want a family, it is both heartbreaking as well as revealing. I was glad for at least this aspect of their relationship because it added another, much needed, dimension to both their characters.
For me this story was driven by the secondary characters, who carried far more personality than the hero and heroine. I loved the brothel owner who came to Serena's aid when she found herself stuck in Bandit Creek without any funds. I REALLY loved the old Chinese man who was more wise and crafty than anyone cared to give him credit for. These people made the story was it was and gave Bandit Creek a dose of charm and character. The villain (whose name I won't reveal) was also colorful as well, even if he was a bit cliche.
My favorite part was the ending, when the two are reunited. It was sweet and charming and had a happily ever after as all good romances should. And for those who are interested in knowing, this is a pretty clean romance. A passionate encounter is only hinted at, but the author leaves the bulk of it purely up to the reader's imagination. I didn't mind it one way or the other as I didn't feel a love scene would have added much of anything to the ending. I liked it just the way it was.
If I could have added anything to this book it would have been a few thousand more words. I would have liked to have a lot more background on the hero and heroine and possibly have delved more into Serena's time in the Middle East and her learning of the exotic belly dance. Overall though, this was a wonderful little book that would be perfect for passing a lazy afternoon.
May 11, 2012
“Always a Lady” is a charming Novela set in the fictional town of Bandit Creek, a brainchild of Carla Roma and her multiple collaborators. The town of Bandit Creek is nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Here you’ll meet fascinating residents, learn about the buried town at the bottom of nearby Lost Lake and discover a world of intrigue and excitement. The stories range the years from 1867 to the present, covering all genres and sexual ratings.
“Always a Lady” is a historical fiction about belly dancing in the old west. Yes, belly dancing. A different idea for me. I loved the women of Bandit Creek, the feisty bordello owner, Lorelei Sutton, and Maggie O’Connor, the bakery owner. These two women and Lady Serena turned a difficult circumstance into something remarkable. This was a great introduction to Bandit Creek, but way too short for a story unto its self. I really wanted more from this story. I want to know more. I really wanted more background information on Lord and Lady Serena, more about the town, more about why they were there.
However, all that said, for a novella and the length that it was, it enjoyed the light and frothy read. I give it 4 out of 5 clouds for the category of novela.
Mindy Wall
Dreamer2229
Books, Books, and More Books
http://dream-reader-dreamer2229.blogs...
“Always a Lady” is a historical fiction about belly dancing in the old west. Yes, belly dancing. A different idea for me. I loved the women of Bandit Creek, the feisty bordello owner, Lorelei Sutton, and Maggie O’Connor, the bakery owner. These two women and Lady Serena turned a difficult circumstance into something remarkable. This was a great introduction to Bandit Creek, but way too short for a story unto its self. I really wanted more from this story. I want to know more. I really wanted more background information on Lord and Lady Serena, more about the town, more about why they were there.
However, all that said, for a novella and the length that it was, it enjoyed the light and frothy read. I give it 4 out of 5 clouds for the category of novela.
Mindy Wall
Dreamer2229
Books, Books, and More Books
http://dream-reader-dreamer2229.blogs...
April 17, 2012
As a lover of westerns, this novella was right up my alley! Add to that the fact that I love strong heroines and this novella was a perfect fit. Lady Serena has sass, passion, loyalty and strength. She makes her own destiny by using her wits. I loved her! Ms. Chatham plotted a captivating story that kept me turning pages until I'd finished it. Can't wait to read more from this author.
November 7, 2012
Victoria Chatham's voice is reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. Always a Lady is a page turner complete with secrets, betrayal and the triumph of love over all. Another one of the Bandit Creek Series.www.banditcreekbooks.com
April 21, 2012
For a shorter format this story has lots to offer. I'm looking forward to finding out what's next for these characters as I understand the author intends to write more about their adventures.
June 14, 2013
This is a quick read novella. the plot takes a little bit yo get going but it ends quickly. it was a pretty good read. But ended leaving me with questions.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews