Lady Lavender

by Samantha Lin

Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Ashcroft is rather nervous about holding a private exhibition of her paintings – nerves that are little helped by outspoken and opinionated Aubrey Charles Beaumont, the 7th Viscount Sutton. Yet Ellie refuses to be intimidated, surprising both herself and Lord Sutton.

Soon, they learn of another commonality: Ellie’s brother Richard and Lord Sutton’s closest friend James Graham are both in the 5th Regiment of Foot. With their nearest and dearest preparing to join the Peninsular War, Ellie and Lord Sutton begin to help each other understand what truly matters in their lives.

LADY LAVENDER takes you back to the world of REGENCY LOVE in this new tale of family, friendship, and the many facets of love.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction

362 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2019

About the author

Samantha Lin is the lead writer of Regency Love, a Regency RPG on iOS. She also wrote its spin-off novel, Lady Lavender.

She lives in Sydney, Australia.

Reviews

[Samantha Lin]

I want to share my favourite things about writing this book! There are oodles and oodles of major spoilers ahead, so you might want to finish reading the novel before reading on!




Spoilers ahead!





They’re still ahead!





Seriously ahead!





* Getting into Sutton's head. He was aloof and douchy in REGENCY LOVE, but we never got to see anything from his POV. Turns out he's a bit of an insecure manchild who's just trying to find his place in the world!
* Ellie's growth was one of my favourite things to write! She's such a sweetheart throughout, but I loved giving her a bit of a backbone (especially her views about Tom/Phoebe, and later when Marcus shows her work without her permission).
* Richard/Graham. Seriously, I love these boys together, and it was so fun showing only glimpses of their relationship!
* Mr Curtis is the real MVP! ♥
* Graham's bisexuality was really important to me, as was his coming-out to Sutton. It was difficult navigating this historical aspect of the novel while still keeping true to my current values and worldview, but I think I did his story justice in the end.
* The lack of melodrama and general cliches. I wrote a novel I wanted to read, and that meant avoiding tired tropes like love triangles and overblown arguments and unnecessary misunderstandings and so on.
* The real tension that comes with having your loved ones go to war - and then the pain and fear that comes with watching Graham's amputation and brush with death.
* Everything to do with the double spiral staircase! ♥
* Writing a story that's not just about two people, but the whole community around them. I love Jane Austen - and other 19thC novels - because they're studies of society at large rather than of a few characters, and I wanted to do the same with LADY LAVENDER.
* I adore the title. I am reeeeeally bad at coming up with titles and was stuck on 'Sutton Novel' for the longest time. A huge challenge was making sure the title wasn't one-sided, because I wanted the story to be about both Ellie and Sutton's growth. When I finally thought of the title, everything came together: Lady Lavender represents what Sutton has been searching for his whole life, and Ellie happens to embody Lady Lavender. Also I love lavender. ♥

And of course, I love all the artwork by my co-conspirators Jenny (who did the title and all the lavender flourishes) and Melody (who put together the amazing family tree and floor plans). I love the world and characters we've created in REGENCY LOVE, and it was such a pleasure and privilege to return to it! ♥

[Maria (a) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sutton knew the secret to happiness lay in maintaining genuine relationships, and that one could never anticipate where these relationships might start.

It's these words in one of the earlier chapters of Lady Lavender that quite nicely sums up the story: neither Sutton, nor Ellie, nor indeed the secondary couple that connects later in the novel, could have predicted that their stories would intertwine.

On first glance, Sutton - a Viscount with his own lands to control and guide - and Ellie - a sixteen year old sheltered girl - don't seem to have anything in common. Yet both have closed themselves off from the world, for different reason, yes, but they’re both trying to shield themselves from harm (Ellie her frail body, Sutton his heart).
The main difference between the two doesn't even lie in their status or age, but their family: where Ellie’s safe space includes her brother Marcus and sister-in-law Kitty, who both love her viciously, Sutton only has Graham to hold onto. Graham, who spends half his time at the regiment, who can’t always give Sutton the comfort of familial love he so desperately needs. It’s no wonder Sutton clings to him so, and some of the more emotional scenes were based around those two.

Not once had Sutton verbalised how terribly he missed his friend, but Graham, bless his heart, read between the lines and wrote the words in Sutton’s stead.

There’s no reason for Sutton and Ellie to meet, let alone connect, except for the most important one of all: art. It’s in Ellie’s paintings that Sutton sees more than just a girl, and it’s through their art that they share their thoughts. When Sutton first sees Ellie, he doesn't think much of her; it's her way with a brush that makes him look twice. And Ellie's only interest in him at first is the fact that he knows something about art. In the most powerful scene of the novel, it’s art that eventually gets Ellie through Sutton’s protective armour and right into his heart.

For those few, precious heartbeats, a veil had lifted to reveal what lay beneath their usual reserve, and they both wordlessly accepted what they saw.

Neither Sutton nor Ellie easily let people in. It's Ellie's shyness that keeps her holding herself apart from the rest of the world, while Sutton has learned to keep up his facade at all times. Neither of them are able to show who they really are to anyone but their family, yet they find each other in ways they'd never expected.

The staple of a good romance novel, to me, is character growth both together and apart. Lady Lavender certainly delivers on that front. It's the very definition of a slow burn, and it's their personal growth that had me so invested in them. Ellie, while having always been assertive when it comes to her art - the fact that she's managed to cajole her brother into allowing her to work with oil paints surely attests to that - learns that she might be able to use that certainty and instinct in other areas of her life as well. Sutton, upon seeing how there are families out there that are filled with love, learns that letting someone in might actually not be such a bad idea.

I don't usually read Regency romances, and have little knowledge of or love for the etiquette of the time. But Lin managed to create characters that drew me in despite the world they resided in, and I closed the book with a happy, dreamy sigh.

[Hazuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read this when it came out! I wasn't disappointed at all! It was like playing the game all over again~

It was interesting to see the heroine of the game be so spirited in the novel because I played her more subdued in the game. I didn't mind it much because someone needs to make up for Richard's absence.

I really enjoyed seeing the friendship between Ellie and Harriet so much. I felt like we barely saw Harriet in the original game so I was delighted that we got to see more of her. In tandem it was pleasant to see the friendship between Graham and Sutton through Sutton's eyes.

Speaking of Graham...the way he and Richard ended up together felt abrupt. I know they bonded during training and during the battle but it just felt like it was convenient that they decided to stay together after the hell they went through.

Maybe I'm whining just a bit because I would've liked to see Richard and Harriet be together. I saw on twitter that there's a new project going on so I hope it involves the two Earlwood sisters since I want them to have a happy ending too...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very fond of Regency romances but Lady Lavender has a special place in my heart. I have been a fan of Regency Love for years and getting to visit Darlington again was such a treat! It felt like meeting old friends and making new ones. The tone of the novel itself is gentle and graceful, a delightful and relaxing read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Regency Era social mores and sartorial options. I don’t wish to spoil anything, but there were times I was truly apprehensive for certain characters’ lives and there were times that I rejoiced with them. I truly enjoyed the relationship that was built between the main characters, Ellie and Lord Sutton. I know many were distrustful that such a pairing could exist well, but it blossomed beautifully and I enjoyed watching the characters develop and change. The power of love and kindness in this world is not to be underestimated. Lady Lavender is an altogether lovely read that left me with a full heart and much happiness at the outcome.

[Cassandra Lee Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Addition

Wow. Just wow. I loved this story so much, I could hardly put it down! The familiar characters from the game were all there as wonderful as I remembered them. The journeys that Ellie and Aubrey took were lovely, and what added to the strength of their individuality was the fact that these journeys weren’t undergone for one another. They changed, adapted, and grew for themselves, and in doing so managed to find their ways to one another.

There were some tears on my part (I won’t spoil anything, just know that I had a moment) and some laughs, and overall I would recommend Lady Lavender to just about anyone. My only disappointments are the fact that Mrs. Ashcroft wasn’t the more collected creature from my own play through (though I found I didn’t mind it much, as the character’s personality is by the very nature of the game quite changeable) and that there wasn’t an epilogue!

Very well done! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to play the game once more.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely delighted to have finished my 2019 reading goal, and what a lovely little book that made me get there!
I've been following Tea for Three for quite a while now, ever since my friend introduced me to Regency Love two years ago. Clearly, following tea for three on all social media accounts in the hopes they would release new material paid off! I followed all the developments and backed the kickstarter, and even with all that excitement and buildup, Lady Lavender was far from a disappointment. What a sweet, delicate read. I'm so happy that this kickstarter and book was such a success, and I eagerly await RLL!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was more than a little worried coming into reading this book, I was afraid it would spoil my own takes on the wonderful characters from RegencyLove the game. I have played and replayed that game so many times over the years I have had it, trying to get all the possible outcomes for my characters. Well, I needn’t have worried, this novel is familiar but fresh in its treatment of the characters, Ellie is so well thought out, Lord Sutton is so much more human and relatable. I was in tears, I was in joy. It took me longer to read than I thought, because I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommended, you don’t need to know the characters from the game to fall in love with them here.

[Rosie Crossley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive already left a review on fb but here is my review to the lovely team :
Lady lavender is a tie up novel to their app regency love available on ios apple store unfortunately its not available to android users. The novel was brilliant from start to finish there is heartbreak involved for one character and another character tries to resolve their self esteem issues which many, including myself can relate to in many ways. The novel is set during the napoleonic wars era and it gives fresh insight into the reality of the times and yes, i will admit i was crying whilst reading. I hope samantha and the team can do another novel or make regency love app available on android. All in all its a must read!!

[Dawn Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was squealing and freaking out when I was reading this!!! I love the RegencyLove game and this book was a perfect continuation for the game and for a character that everyone wanted to romance. Samantha did an amazing job with the book and I loved it!!! If you love regency era books and romance then this is the perfect book for you!!!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book and then I hugged it and stared at the ceiling for a full ten minutes. 5 out of 5 stars

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This lovely book is the equivalent to a sun-dappled afternoon with a cup of tea -- light and pleasant to read.

I've been a fan of Tea for Three ever since a friend introduced me to the Regency Love game, and this novel is a charming expansion of that universe.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews, but I'm writing this one with watering eyes. My expectations were already high, having been an enthusiast of the Regency Love game's beautiful writing (countless replays that I'm probably going to add to again now) - this did not disappoint at all. In fact, I find myself sitting here thinking how wonderful it would be if all characters I've come to adore in the Darlington realm could have their own full length novels (yes, even Mr Digby, I mean it!). I already loved the Ashcrofts, but getting to know Ellie through her journey deeper into art was such a joy, and of course it was exciting to finally know the mysterious Sutton, to understand his familial devotion to Graham. On the topic of Graham as well - I won't spoil, but I will say that there is nothing quite as satisfying as to have my growing suspicions throughout the novel in regards to one aspect of his character confirmed in such a delightful way, and the other involved character as well. This only made the story all the more special for me.

I'm so proud to have supported this novel on Kickstarter, and to have my name a permanent part of its pages.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I expected, and more that I didn’t know I wanted.

Please note that this book is a spin-off of Regency Love, a romance sim on iOS. It might be readable without knowledge of the game, but playing the game (if possible) adds so many layers.

In Marcus’s path in Regency Love, Ellie was just beginning to come into her own at the end of the game. It was enchanting to see her grow further, developing her art and her own inner strength beyond the shy, reserved girl she spent most of the game as. I rather liked who she became.

Sutton was a surprise. He never appeared in Marcus’s path, so seeing the intersection of James’s path with Marcus’s was fascinating. His personality seemed much in line with his in-game self, and I loved the line later in the story that described his situation in James’s path. He was stuffy in his role, but also sensitive and deeply loyal, and I fell in love with him all over again.

To be honest, when I found out the romance was between Sutton and Ellie, my first reaction was bafflement. They never interacted in either path and, if you didn’t pursue James’s path, Sutton never showed up at all. The way that they were brought together absolutely made sense, though, and their mutual regard and growing support was achingly sweet.

The supporting cast was full of favorites from Regency Love. Strangely, Kitty (who filled the role of the player character) was perhaps my least favorite–she was quite different from how I played her, and the juxtaposition was jarring. (It was unavoidable; however she was characterized, she wouldn’t jive with someone’s in-game interpretation.)

My favorites were, probably unsurprisingly, James and Richard. I would absolutely read a book just about them, and I was ridiculously excited that they found happiness.

So many Regency romances these days are far from chaste–which is fine, but sometimes you want an escape from smutty period pieces. This is definitely that. It’s kissed hands and linked arms rife with emotion, with much left unspoken but communicated with lingering glances and nods. It’s lovely and flowing, and the raciest thing is an inadvertently-exposed ankle.

I can’t confidently recommend this to someone who hasn’t played Regency Love–there’s just too much to miss the context of–but for everyone who has… read this. Read this now.

Did I mention that I’d read an entire book about James and Richard?

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW CAN ANYONE HATE THIS BOOK?

Seriously, who are these fools?

This book embodies everything you love about the game and then some. If you expect a book that is 110% painstakingly accurate in regards to the regency period, look elsewhere - but those familiar with the game and are fans of it will see that the same charm and effort has been concentrated here.

I read it all in one sitting and was so caught up in it that three whole hours passed and I didn't notice.

All of the characters are written wittily, with charm and depth - I thought it was interesting (and I even had a hunch about this while playing the game) that Graham was bi and how that was handled - not contrived or out of place I thought. My final words are simply these : LORD SUTTON IS A PRECIOUS BABY ANGEL CROW WHO STUMBLES AND GETS AWKWARD WHEN SHOWN AFFECTION I CANNOT HANDLE.

[Wendy Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of this story had me grinning with glee. This is a product of creative labour that allows accessibility to a time which shapes our own. If you have not yet played through Regency Love, I urge you to do so for a deeper understanding of the characters so meticulously crafted in an interactive and visually stunning manner.

I believe a truly creative piece inspires others to create, and have found myself seated in my house with a newly assembled easel. This is a polished novel that is well thought out. I can't wait to see where they go next!

[Alex Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The pace is as gentle as the characters and it really takes you back to the regency era in which the book is set.
The descriptions of the beautiful places in which the characters live as well as the way that they are able to live in such luxury is so nice to read on a rainy day and it makes you wish that you could be them.
The story is one of self discovery and love that is very elegantly told.

[Lucy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I get sad every time one of my replays of Regency Love ends, so I was ENTHRALLED to have more time with these characters. They are so well-developed, and the world they live in is charming and inviting. This novel is perfect for anyone who loves Jane Austen and the Regency era. The story between the two protagonists felt natural and was a joy to experience, and the setting was perfectly executed.

[Christine Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! I have been waiting for it’s release for so long (after playing Regency Love for several years now) and the wait was worth it!! I want more! 😆

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Lavender is a very entertaining and charming novel that expanses the universe I was so thrilled to discover when playing the Regency Love game a few days ago. I was actually very surprised by the quality of the dialogues in the game, and was very happy to find that the book was as well-written. I highly recommend both to Jane Austen and regency era fans, the former even more as it is so unexpected to read a very well-written and entertaining story while playing on your phone :) Congratulations for your work, Samantha Lin!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice, this is a slow romance that builds slowly over
months and multiple visits. A lovely, comforting and cozy Regency.

[Kenna Landen · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love LOVED this book and the accompanied game. Lin’s writing is SUPERB. I wish that a bit more was included about kitty and Marcus’s kid though and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this back in 2020 and it’s due for a reread on my part soon hopefully.

I just wanted to share that this book made me cry reading this one section.

[Marah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, not great

3.5 stars - It was like the game, but not quite. I really wanted this to be more, but it wasn’t. I’m still glad I read it though.c