Hot Springs Arkansas in the 1920's is where the wealthy go to "take the baths" for medicinal purposes and where gangsters lay down their Tommy guns while on vacation. Bethany and her aunt and uncle have gone to take the baths hoping to cure her aunt of her illness. Bethany, excited to be celebrating her eighteenth birthday at the Arlington Hotel, can't wait to cut her long hair into a bob and to raise her hemline and learn to do the Charleston. Her life has been controlled, from the clothes she wears to the food she eats as her aunt and uncle have kept her--and her inheritance--very close. If her aunt and uncle have their way she will return engaged to his new business partner.
Little does she know Al Capone has rented the entire fourth floor of the Arlington where she is staying with her family, and Suki, the flapper who befriends her, is one of the gang's molls. One of Al's men is quite taken with Bethany and wants to make her his girl.
Detective Paul Tollick chased butterflies when he was young. Now he chases gangsters. His job plunges him into the harsh underworld of gangsters, bootleggers, and fast women. He's captivated by the sight of innocent Bethany, sitting in the park surrounded by butterflies. He hopes she will be his girl.
But two other men have determined to catch her and one is a dangerous gangster who is part of Al Capone's gang. Will Bethany exit her cocoon; and then find the strength to fly free or will she be trapped by one of these men?
Coming of age in the 1920's is not so easy at it might appear, especially for a young na�ve girl who has been sheltered.
Trapping the Butterfly is book one in Debra Parmley's Butterflies Fly Free series about flappers and gangsters in the 1920's. Each book focuses on a different flapper.
Debra Parmley is a best-selling, award-winning, multi-genre author of over 38 books, specializing in military romantic suspense and contemporary western romance set in Montana and Wyoming.
Known for her authentic portrayal of veteran heroes, she is the author of Montana Delta Rodeo Cowboy: Bodyguard Protector, and popular titles in the Brotherhood Protectors World, including Montana SEAL Protector, Montana Delta Rescue, and Montana Marine.
Her new Green Brotherhood SEAL Team XII series is set in Virginia Beach, VA, where she lived for a season.
Drawing from her life as an adventurous traveler and the wife of an Air Force veteran, Debra crafts high-stakes stories of danger and redemption from her current home in North Carolina in the summer months.
In the winter, she and her husband, who live full-time in a motorhome, become snowbirds living in Florida.
Whether writing gritty suspense, or romantasy, in her new Reenactment Realm series, or fairytales as Debra Bishop, her work is guided by the core belief that “Every day we are alive is a beautiful day.”
I have never really read much from this time period (although I have an excellent Understanding through TV documentaries )so I was amazed by how well Debra Parmley has descriptively related this intriguing storyline with complete depth and feeling for details, the character’s and the world that they live in. We meet a young innocent woman at the start of the book who is just turning 18 yrs old, living under the control of her domineering Aunt and Uncle who have been quite abusive towards her throughout her growing up period, looking at her as their ticket to stepping up another level of respectability, which is why they spent so many hour's grooming Bethany and teaching her the role they expect her to play, to become that young lady shes definitely their meal ticket. All Bethany can think about are her dreams and yearning for the day she is accepted into the world as a woman. One who has the financial means that give her the independence and a choice of freedom. Like a caterpillar waiting to spread her Fine wings and take off, she then becomes the beautiful butterfly each caterpillar develop's into. But like most events in her life her guardians have a far more entertaining and financial proposition for Bethany to be part of. During this time Bethany meets a young attractive man, Paul who is working as an undercover Detective, drawn to Chicago by Al Capone and his gang, who had recently arrived to partake of different investment's, so Paul had been directed to stay close and observe their action's. Finding Paul to be friendly plus those attributes that gave her a strong natural attraction towards him they both find their pull is strong enough for them to spend plenty of time together. Bethany found she's intrigued by the world she is observing, seeing a style of people she never knew existed. During this time Paul educates her about the gang and their activities, but Bethany was amazed at seeing a young woman continually around the group and notices how loud, independent and free that she decides to step out and get to know her. Immediately their friendship developed, and Bethany learn's how the world of the bootleggers and illegal activities run on a daily basis. Ms Parmley has an uncanny ability to pick out intricate details and described them in such a way that you are transported into their world through her creatively developed descriptive style, you can almost smell the liquor being dropped off. Suki eho is the woman who draw's Bethany into her life of freedom and glitter is there because she is the moll of one of the enforcer’s Frankie. Giving Suki all she wants he believes that he has control. This world that Bethany has been introduced to, appears to be everything she ever wished for looking at it through the her eyes, a young gullible and adventurous young lady, the world has suddenly opened door's for her and after what she has seen plus knowing what she wants she knows that no matter what she will never allow herself to be controlled by anyone again. Debra Parmley truly has been blessed with a talent not often found, being able to describe every detail that surround’s this timeline you are enveloped with understanding how people dressed, acted, looked and acted to the point that the major issue involving the woman of the time become's very apparent when realizing how little power they actually had over their own personal lives. The social standards and requirements expected from the females of this time are viewed in detail through the eyes of Bethany. Unaware that her aunt and uncle have already chosen a husband for her, an older man she could never have considered as part of her life, helps Bethany to decide that no matter what she will never allow her aunt to control her, never will dhe follow their demands again. But considering the quality of this awesome Novel all of this detail has taken us to a point in the book where the plot suddenly takes a huge turn and the numerous ways this storyline can go makes you aware of just how detailed and full of action Ms Parmley has developed throughout this book. Without being aware you find yourself wrapped, enfolded and Intrigued by what this terrific Author's talent's have created, sitting on the edge of your seat as you are taken through the twist's and turn's that finally all start coming together. I can't recommend this book highly enough, as I said before I am not usually a reader of this genrè but if written by this Author I will not hesitate to grab the next book in the series.
Trapping the Butterfly! by Debra Parmley Bethany lives with her aunt and uncle living off the inheritance her parents left her when they died. Ten years we find her within a few days of becoming 18 years of age. They all travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas for a business day and also for the hot springs to help Aunt Margaret with her health problems. We've traveled through some locations on the west coast Sol Duc where the springs are open to the public but I never knew there were so many procedures involved. The area offers music and individual rooms for men and women. As she reads outside she meets a dectective Paul and he's warned her to stay away from the 4th floor-bad men are abundant in the area. She's agree to accompany Richard-the business partner to be on a date for a musical that she's looking forward to. She learns more about Paul and enjoyed the butterfly discussion. Bethany is also taking the baths but it leaves her light headed as her aunt has made the corset very tight. Bethany has a plan and it's the 1920's and she wants to be like other females-the flappers and she meets Suki who helps her with the plan. Paul keeps her under surveillance....during prohibition-for some. She gets to step out and meets up with Rocco and others that look and act like gangsters...Paul had warned her though...the races are next...Southern club for dancing. Her guardians have taken drastic measures...scary things start happening and she has no idea what to do. Love her choices of what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Love the locations, very descriptive details, butterfly meanings, springs, flappers and all the other information I learned. Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This was a quick and fun listen. I haven’t read much set in the 1920s but this era is fascinating and the author did a great job of igniting my senses. This is the story of a young woman brought up to be very proper by her strict and controlling Aunt and Uncle. With her 18th birthday approaching she’s bursting to break out of her cocoon and become a woman of her own making. This story was very well written. The character development was so well done that even as the narrator described the blue lines in her Aunts pale hands I could see it vividly and was there. I found the whole story to be enchanting in this way. It’s a story of finding oneself, learning about the world, gangsters and bootleggers, good guys and bad guys, but mostly of love. Romona Master is a new narrator to me and she didn’t disappoint. She performed a knockout job. Her tone of voice was perfectly pitched when need be and not once was I thrown off or pulled from the story. This was a great listen for anyone looking for something just a bit different. Where your imagination can be engaged in a different era with a little bit of mystery and love. I cannot wait to hear more from this author.
1920's America: on the cusp of change as women's liberation gets closer, prohibition is in full swing and organised crime is on the rise. This is the backdrop to 'Trapping the Butterfly' and Bethany's liberation, as the old ways clash with the new. Bethany has been raised by her Aunt and Uncle and has been trapped by them into a meaningless existence. A family vacation for her Aunt's health gives Bethany to stretch her wings and experience life and discover herself. Along the way she attracts the attention of men; including Paul the cop and Rocco mob member. Will the excitement of a life with Rocco tempt her or will she choose a safer life with a man who sees her for who she really is?
I loved the old vs the new that battled against each other, along with the idea of having a chance to be who you want to be, shrugging off society's expectations. This was a great, short read about coming of age and doing what you want and not going from trap to another
When a time period like the twenties is used to set the mood for a book, you know you will be in for a treat! This is my first Debra Parmley book, and I know I am already looking for the second in this series. This coming of age story sets Bethany in the middle of everything you can think of in that time period...gangsters, dancing, prohibition, pretty dresses...all ring true for this young girl. Being the naive child she is, Bethany has no idea what she is getting herself into while trying to extract herself from the grips of her controlling aunt and uncle. So much happens in this short book, you can't help but get caught up in the time and want to know if she will reach her goal? And with who? I loved how Parmley wove all the parts together right down to the string of pearls and the violin case! The book is a well thought out, fun listen!
Ramona Master narrates this story wonderfully. I have never heard her before and was please with the performance, both with the variety of voices she gave the characters as well as the pacing of the story.
The story start where Bethany is celebrating her 18th birthday in Hot Springs. Her aunt and uncle want her to return engaged. Her life has been very controlled, from the clothes she wears to the food she eats. All she longs is to be like other girls and bob her hair, raise her hemline, and learn to do the Charleston, but first she has to break free from the aunt and uncle who have kept her and her inheritance close to them.
Paul Tollick chased butterflies when he was young and now he chases gangsters. Paul is a detective whose job plunges him into the harsh underworld of gangsters, bootleggers, and fast women, and he is very fascinated by the sight of Bethany, whoo is sitting in the park surrounded by butterflies. But the problem is that two other men have decided to catch her and one of them happens to be a very dangerous gangster who is part of Al Capone's gang.
I really enjoyed the story line and the characters.
Set in Arkansas in the 1920's, the book takes you to the city of Hot Springs when it was the place for the world's elite and the not-so-elite. It is here that she meets Paul an undercover detective working to infiltrate Al Capone's notorious gang.
I won't give away spoilers here, but this was a book I will read again and again. The author writes a perfect sense of place and time, using the era's slang, life tempo of the 1920's, and giving the reader a consummate journey back in time. She lets Bethany grow slowly freeing her from her rigid upbringing, but allowing her to remain true to herself. The hero Paul is a unique man and the perfect match for Bethany.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I will be back for more. A genuinely good read.
This is a 1920's tale of breaking free to experience life. It's a sweet romance that is brought to life with every step of Bethany's coming of age. Will she choose the attentions of the mob member or the detective?
The read felt a little rushed. I would have enjoyed it even more if it was longer.Regardless, it was a great short story that I couldn't put down until the end. It definitely had enough packed between the pages to keep your attention. It's a recommended read for sure. (Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
In Trapping the Butterfly, you have an innocent teenager eagerly awaiting her 18th birthday which she hopes to be set free from her controlling aunt and uncle. On a trip that introduces her to her apparent prearranged husband, she catches the eye of a detective, as well as a gangster in Al Capone’s gang. The author takes us on the journey of life in 1920’s, and how young American women were changing. This is a quick, enjoyable read of watching a young woman become independent.
TrappingThe Butterfly by Debra Parmley was a cute novel. Interspersed with dreams, danger, and romance. Bethany’s young life and the treatment shown toward her by her Aunt and Uncle tore at my heart. She innocently discovers danger and being naive nearly puts her life in a situation of no return. Three men want to romance her, but only one can capture her heart, but can he save her from the danger?
I loved this book and didn't want to put it down because you never knew what the next page would bring. When I was reading about Bethany and all her new experiences in the new place she was taken to it was very exciting to see what she would end up doing next!
I can't wait to read the next book Debra Parmley comes out with :)
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review* This was a sweet romance. I loved the different time era. Gangsters, molls and more! I felt that the ending was rushed. It just boom, was all over. But the story leading up to it was a wonderful tale. I enjoyed the slight suspense, the innocence of Bethany. Paul, the protector. This is a wonderful short story, quick read.
I loved this story. It was sweet and enchanting in an older timey way. I've always thought the 1920's was a beautiful time and Debra and Romona really brought it all to life. I loved the sweet innocence of Bethany and the lovely way she sees the world. It would be wonderful if we could go back to the sweet naivety of those times.
Like so many of Debra's books, this page-turner was very hard to put down. This is the second of Debra's books I have read, and now I want to build a library of her books. I love that Butterfly was set in the 1920s and hope that the next Butterfly will come out soon. If you love a well-written romance, I recommend your reading any (or all) of Debra's books.
Well all I can say is I honestly didn't think I would like this book. I was proven very wrong. It was an amazing read. I loved Bethany but my heart ached for her to be herself too. If you want a book that keeps you entertained try this one. I am glad I did. It is well written too. The way it is written draws you in to be a part of it. Great read.
Well written exciting and a real page turner. The gangster era in Hot Springs wasn't all guns and whiskey running. Back room deals were made and a young girl finds love while trying to get away from her domineering aunt and uncle.
I WAS A LITTLE CONFUSED AT PARTS OF THIS BOOK BUT AS A WHOLE IT WAS A GOOD READ. I FOUND SOME PARTS TO BE A LITTLE RUSHED ESPECIALLY THE DECLARATION OF LOVE BETWEEN BETHANY AND PAUL.
Accurate to the time. Kept me intrigued. I felt like I was there along with the characters. I found myself relating to the characters throughout the book.
I received this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a true coming-of-age story. Bethany Bethany has always been sheltered her entire life. She assumes it is because her aunt and uncle are pooking out for her however they have other plans in mind. We meet Bethany when she is on the verge of turning 18. Throughout the first half of the story she keeps reminding the reader that she is going to be 18 and then she can make her own decisions.
I do understand that she has been virtually a prisoner in her own house. I do understand that you're going to be 18 and I am very proud of her for getting that far in life. Throughout the entire story Bethany meets an array of different people. Some nice people and not so nice people.
I have to blame her aunt and her uncle for a lot of the situations Bethany finds herself in however without them coddling her she would not understand how strong she also is. The way that this ended I did not like and I do feel like there should be a second book but we shall see. I could not find a second book so I don't think a second book was written for this story. I did like it however it wasn't the best story but it was good for me never reading a historical drama short story.
This book, set in the 1920's, is very similar to the story of Rapunzel in my mind. Bethany is about to come of age in just a few days. She lives with her aunt and uncle after the untimely death of her parents. They decide as a family to travel to Hot Springs so that her aunt can experience some bathing treatments for ailments that she's suffering.
Bethany is looking forward to being out from under the thumb of her aunt and uncle and she's excited to spend her 18th birthday while on vacation. She's tired of being told what to eat (and that's when she's allowed to), what to wear, how to act, etc.
She meets a man named Paul who warns her to avoid the 4th floor of the hotel she's staying in because it's inhabited by Al Capone. Paul is a detective trying to bring down the mobster. Bethany doesn't take well to being told what to do and finds herself meeting Al Capone face to face.
This story is full of adventure, drama, and of finding oneself. I thoroughly enjoyed this rather short read and now look forward to reading the next story in this series.
This book was utterly amazing. I loved Bethany from the moment she was introduced into the book. Her aunt and uncle annoyed me. Reminded me of the Dursleys from Harry Potter. Only they were missing the dreadful cousin. All Bethany wants is to be noticed and have some freedom. Not go wild but not be locked up. Her birthday is coming so she is determined to get away from her family and have a life. She has several men eyeing her after her hair is cut. Which shocks but excites her. Especially when she meets Suki. Suki is a character too. She helps Bethany find her spunk to dress up and go dancing. Paul who she meets in the park is her first real conversation with a handsome man. Not to mention a known gangster is living on the 4th floor. Will Bethany get caught up with wrong people or find love?
This story is a true coming of age story. It offers a view of a very naive 17 year old on the verge of her 18th birthday where she thinks she is an adult. Due to her emotional and sometimes unhealthy control of her Aunt and Uncle, she is sheltered and only imagines what life will be like from the books she reads. While I was left with questions when I finished the book, I still enjoyed the details and the story itself.
1920s America seen through the eyes of a young woman who has been stifled by her Aunt and Uncle. There were many wonderful details of the times, the area and the gangsters. Oh my! Some nice intrigue and romance. All in all a nice, pleasant and fun read.
This was a story about a girl who was rich but couldn't get her money unless she did certain things which she refuses to do. I love the relationship between Paul and Bethany , their chemistry was strong from the start. Im glad she got away from Rocco.. He was a mean man.
Trapping the Butterfly is Book one in the Butterflies Free Series. It is set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the year 1926, during what was known as the Roaring Twenties. Bethany is on the cusp of turning eighteen and looking forward to setting her plan in motion. Once she turns eighteen, she should be receiving her inheritance and looks forward to getting away from her overbearing aunt and uncle who monitor her every move. Bethany wants to be free to cut her hair short, learn the Charleston and wants to start dating. She is strictly forbidden from doing any of these while living with her aunt and uncle because they consider these behaviors to be unladylike and unacceptable. Ladies do not smoke, they do not drink, and they certainly do not cut their hair short. According to Bethany’s aunt, no good man will want to marry a woman who displays any of these horrendous and appalling behaviors. Every move Bethany makes is dictated by her severely strict aunt, right down to how much she is allowed to eat so that she does not become a “fatty”, as her aunt likes to remind her of often.
When Bethany gets a chance to go with her aunt and uncle to Hot Springs so that her aunt can see a doctor, she feels that it is the perfect opportunity to start freeing herself from them. While in Hot Springs, Bethany meets Detective Paul Tollick by accident and learns that the famous mobster Al Capone is staying at the same hotel as her and her aunt and uncle. Al Capone and his gang are on the fourth floor of the Arlington, and Paul tells her to stay away from him because he is bad news. Although Paul is several years her senior he is drawn to her innocent beauty and finds himself wanting to see her again. Bethany also finds herself attracted to Paul and looks forward to when she can speak with him again. When Paul learns that one of Al Capone’s gangsters has taken a liking to Bethany, he vows to protect her at all costs.
First of all, can we discuss that absolutely exquisite, eye-catching, cover and book title. Oh, my goodness, they were what compelled me to read the synopsis and ultimately read the book and I am so happy that I did. This was a beautifully written and engaging story with a refreshing storyline that hooked me from the first page. It was so different from the books that I have read, and it really captivated my attention. The attention to detail and historical background were superbly done. The characters were ones that you either loved immediately or hated, as in the case of Bethany’s aunt. Bethany was sweet, kind, gentle, and innocent. I felt myself rooting for Bethany to get out from under her aunt’s thumb and free herself from the abusive behaviors of her aunt and uncle. To some extent it could be understood why Bethany’s aunt and uncle were against women smoking, drinking, and displaying what they felt like was appalling behavior in a woman. It was a far different time and taking place when women were just learning to free themselves of the constraints and restrictions imposed by society. Bethany’s aunt was raised during a different time but that did not give her the right to abuse Bethany and not allow her to eat. My heart went out to Bethany, and I rooted for her to be free like a butterfly. I highly recommend this book and am anxious to read not only the rest of this series but more by this author.
This book is a journey into the 1920's with the Hot Springs and Al Capone's crew and of course our main character Bethany.
Bethany lives with her Uncle James and Aunt Margaret. Her aunt is strict and very old fashioned. When her uncle announces the trip to Hot Springs for her aunt to have treatments, she looks at it as an opportunity to do a few things she hasn't dared before.
Her uncle also has a business deal that he's working on, and he and her aunt expect Bethany to be on her best behavior. The business partner Richard Rivalde was her uncle's age and well dressed. To top it all off it seems her aunt is playing matchmaker. She couldn't turn him down when he invites her to see a showing of 'The Sheikh' she really wants to see that movie.
Detective Paul Tollick is deep in thought following a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly when he sees Bethany sitting on a bench alone. He finds her beautiful, if naïve and enjoys talking with her among the butterflies. He also warns her to stay away from the fourth floor of their hotel where Al Capone is staying with his men.
The first chance she gets, Bethany heads to the salon and gets her hair cut into the style of the day. She'd never cut her hair her aunt wouldn't allow her. With her eighteenth birthday just days away she is going to break free from those restrictions.
Her aunt is livid with her haircut and her uncle isn't pleased either. Yet this is just the beginning for her, as she makes a new friend as she window shops for dresses.
Suki is the girlfriend of one of Capone's men and gives her a dress she doesn't wear anymore. It this dress she wears to the movie with her uncle's friend.
From here things get even more complicated as Paul watches from the background, unable to make a move to stop what's unfolding before him.
I felt like I was in the 1920's as I read this book. The clubs the illegal drinking the horse racing and so much more. I love the way Paul courts Bethany, even as he does his job of surveillance. Truly a fun read.
An entertaining and engaging historical romance set in Hot Springs, Arkansas in the 1920’s. Bethany is keen to celebrate her eighteenth birthday at the Arlington Hotel, she wants to raise her hemline, cut her hair into a bob, and learn to do the Charleston. Unfortunately, her aunt and uncle keep her, and her inheritance extremely close and control every aspect of her life. They want her to return from her holiday engaged to her uncle’s new business partner. However, their stay at the Arlington changes everything for Bethany when one of Al Capone’s men takes a shine to her. Detective Paul Tollick is determined to keep Bethany away from the dangerous gangsters and keep her safe, but he didn’t expect to feel instantly drawn to her himself. Bethany is caught between deadly criminals and an oppressive family, but maybe Paul can help her gain her freedom, and she can then follow her heart. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the storyline, whilst the added historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back in time to the roaring 20’s. I loved the mix of characters and I found Bethany a very likeable and relatable young women, who I felt engaged with. This was an enjoyable read and one which I would recommend.
Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley. I was so excited to read this book because I live in Arkansas and have been to Hot Springs several times. The stories of Al Caone and the gangsters are legend there. This book did not disappoint. I have also been to the Arlington Hotel and it was described perfectly. I felt like I was there in the 20's and it was so exciting. The story is based on a young girl, Bethany, who lives with her aunt and uncle and they have traveled to Hot Springs for Bethany's 18th birthday and her Aunt's health problems. Bethany lives under very strict rules of her Aunt and Uncle and she only wants to live like the other 18 year olds. Bethany has a trust fund that her Aunt and Uncle are also very protective of. They have arranged for Bethany to attend a banquet with one of her Uncles partners and they are hoping for a romantic match. Bethany attracts the attention of Paul a cop who warns her to stay away from a certain floor of the hotel because its full of gangsters. Unknowingly Bethany has already been spotted by one of the gangsters, Rocco. Will the excitement of life with a gangster be too much for Bethany to handle or will she run off with him and live the life she's dreamed of. I loved this book sooo much! One of my favortie reads so far this year!