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The Spindrift Trilogy #2
The Fading of the Light
From the award-winning author of The Apothecary's Daughter comes The Fading of the Light, the next book in the Spindrift Trilogy - a beautifully evocative, family drama, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet Chronicles.
1902. Spindrift House, Cornwall.
Edith Fairchild, deserted by her feckless husband Benedict eight years before, has established the thriving Spindrift artists' community by the sea and found deep and lasting love with Pascal. They have accepted that they cannot marry, but when Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House, all Edith and Pascal's secret hopes and dreams of a joyous life together are overturned.
Benedict's arrival shatters the peaceful and creative atmosphere of the close-knit community. When Edith will not allow him back into her bed, the conflict escalates and he sets in motion a chain of tragic events that reverberate down the years and threatens the happiness of the community forever . . .
Why do readers love Charlotte Betts?
'Romantic, engaging and hugely satisfying' Katie Fforde
'A highly-recommended novel of love, tragedy and the power of art' Daily Mail
'Beautifully written, engaging and heartwarming' Book Club Mumma
'A highly compelling, engrossing read' Discovering Diamonds
'Evocative, enthralling and enjoyable' Bookish Jottings
'Poignant, compelling and extensively researched . . . I cannot wait to find out what happens next to these characters' Sarah's Vignettes
'A delightful historical saga which is so beautifully woven together that from the very start I was enchanted' Jaffa Reads Too
'Rich in detail, full of passion this is a delightful and fascinating read' Book Literati
- GenresHistorical
393 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
18 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Betts
20 books181 followersCharlotte Betts discovered a passion for writing after her five children had grown up and left her in peace. Demanding careers in hotel design and property force her to be inventive in finding time to write but she has achieved seven novels in eight years. One of her short stories was published in Scribble and others short-listed by Writers’ News and Real Writers’. She has won first prize in five short story competitions and wrote a regular column on interior design for The Maidenhead Advertiser for two years. She is a member of WordWatchers http://www.wordwatchers.net/ and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2021
So far, the books of the Spindrift Chronicles have been sweet slowburns, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a gloomy day. You are transported to the Cornish coast in the late 19th century with a great cast of characters (my favourite being Clarissa!). These books are richly detailed and the 2nd book in the trilogy, The Fading Of The Light, is no different. This was historical fiction meets reality TV - there was so much drama between friends and lovers and enemies that oftentimes my jaw dropped at shocking reveals. That being said, the books weren’t really for me in terms of plot, which I couldn’t help but feel bored by. Still, I loved the portrayal of womanhood and the examination of the confines placed on the women at the time. The author discusses marriage, abuse, infidelity and more against the backdrop of the 1800s-1900s. The three women the books focus on, Edith, Clarissa and Dora, are trapped by the patriarchy of the period. Edith is trapped in a loveless marriage with a cruel-hearted man; Clarissa is trapped by the guilt of her past and the memory of the abuse she suffered; and Dora, lovely Dora, is trapped without money, prospects or love. I absolutely loved the friendship between these three, and adored how they held each other up and cared for each other.
Though this series isn’t my cup of tea, if you like family sagas, historical fiction, art and discussions of feminism & female agency in 19th century England, you might adore The Spindrift Chronicles!
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for review on the blog tour ♥️
Though this series isn’t my cup of tea, if you like family sagas, historical fiction, art and discussions of feminism & female agency in 19th century England, you might adore The Spindrift Chronicles!
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for review on the blog tour ♥️
May 13, 2021
A very enjoyable second instalment of The Spindrift Trilogy. I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough about the first book (The Light Within Us) as I read that in March 2020, but fortunately that wasn't the case, and this could easily be read as a standalone (although more pleasure would be gained from reading the first as well). Very much looking forward to the third book.
March 26, 2021
I can’t tell you how excited I was to learn that the second book in Charlotte Betts Spindrift Trilogy was being released, I have been waiting very unpatiently, always checking Amazon for a release date for the last year. I would also like to thank Charlotte and her team at Piaktus books for my advanced copy that I have devoured in two days. So, The Fading of the Light picks up the story of Edith, Dora, Clarissa and the rest of the artistic community in 1902, at a time of change for the country after Queen Victoria’s death. The tranquilty of the community is destroyed by the reappearance of Edith’s husband Benedict, seven years after he desterted her and her children. Bringing conflict and unhapiness in his wake, especially for Edith and Pascal, her French lover, the next five years are a time of turmoil and fear. Plenty of drama, a few heart my mouth moments, this book more than lived up to my expectations.
I loved being back with the artistic community of Spindrift] House, the characters who I felt I connected with in the previous book and the combination of history and art, my favourite subjects. I think Edith has been my favourite character so far, seeming to have nothing but trouble in her life yet her strength and her children see her overcome everything. However, she is pushed to the limits in this book with the return of her egocentric and absolutely dispicable husband Benedict, who thinks he can just come back an d pick up their marriage after seven years. I spent most of the book being aggreived on Edith’s behalf at how her husband humiliated her and showed no respect for the mother of his children. Edith’s story is important as it shows how few rights women had at the beginning of the twentieth century. Whilst Benedict can falunt his conquests in front of Edith, she had to keep her realtionship with Pascal secret. At this time the law was in favour of the husband, so if he could prove his wife was unfaithful, even just once, he could have her children taken away and kick her out of her home. I really did feel sorry for Edith, not being with the man she loves and always looking over her shoulder should Benedict be watching for any proof of her affaire with Pascal. Edith did have the support and love of her ‘community family’ especially Dora and Cassandra who were angry on her behalf. It was also interesting to read how the worries of motherhood that effected Edith and Clarissa were also problems we face today, the guilt of being a working mum, needing to work to feed and clothe the children meaning there is less time to spend with them. Cassandra and Edith’s stories also show the struggle of being a single mum where the father doesn’t contribute to their upbringing financially or emotionally, and how they are perceived by others.
As well as the return of old characters, there are also a few new additions to the community in the son of photographer Julian who comes to live with him, and a first love interest for the quiet Dora who takes care of everyone else. Through the community we see that a family is not just blood relatives, or from those we marry, but can be made up of friends, and people we choose to be with. This community support each other, all contribute to the running of Spindrift House and is inclusive of all where everyone is equal; lessons that we could all learn from. There is an saying that it takes a village to raise a child and in this case it is true, everyone takes an interest in the children, teaching them new skills, taking them to school and taking part in their birthday parties and looking after them.
As well as the characters, it is Chalotte Betts beautiful prose that adds to the enjoyment of the book. She sets the scene with her descriptive writing, capturing Spindrift House, the stunning Cornwall landscape with it’s ever changing weather and light that made it such a popular place for artisits to gather. I loved the way the weather changed and mirrored the atmosphere and emotions of the characters and the situations that occur in their lives. She also captures the atmosphere of the period, the way the unconventional artistic community was derided by others who didn’t understand, implying it was a den of iniquity, the small mindeness of the village residents. What really shines through is the role of women, and their different relationships, as a mother, wife, daughter, friend, step-parent, friend and lover, juggling all at the same time, and trying to balance their different roles.
The Fading of the Light is a stunning and captivating read, with wonderful characters facing many of the problems we face today. Second books in trilogy’s can sometimes seem flat, a holding book before the grand finale, but Charlotte Betts has written a sequel full of drama, passion, love, loss and life, with a strong plot line that captured my attention and didn’t let go until the final sentence on the last page. This really is another spectacular book, the words painting their own picture of a beautiful landscape and the remarkable characters. I can’t wait for the final instalment, especially after reading the opening chapter at the back of this book, it promises to be as compelling as the previous books, and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Edith, Clarissa and Dora.
I loved being back with the artistic community of Spindrift] House, the characters who I felt I connected with in the previous book and the combination of history and art, my favourite subjects. I think Edith has been my favourite character so far, seeming to have nothing but trouble in her life yet her strength and her children see her overcome everything. However, she is pushed to the limits in this book with the return of her egocentric and absolutely dispicable husband Benedict, who thinks he can just come back an d pick up their marriage after seven years. I spent most of the book being aggreived on Edith’s behalf at how her husband humiliated her and showed no respect for the mother of his children. Edith’s story is important as it shows how few rights women had at the beginning of the twentieth century. Whilst Benedict can falunt his conquests in front of Edith, she had to keep her realtionship with Pascal secret. At this time the law was in favour of the husband, so if he could prove his wife was unfaithful, even just once, he could have her children taken away and kick her out of her home. I really did feel sorry for Edith, not being with the man she loves and always looking over her shoulder should Benedict be watching for any proof of her affaire with Pascal. Edith did have the support and love of her ‘community family’ especially Dora and Cassandra who were angry on her behalf. It was also interesting to read how the worries of motherhood that effected Edith and Clarissa were also problems we face today, the guilt of being a working mum, needing to work to feed and clothe the children meaning there is less time to spend with them. Cassandra and Edith’s stories also show the struggle of being a single mum where the father doesn’t contribute to their upbringing financially or emotionally, and how they are perceived by others.
As well as the return of old characters, there are also a few new additions to the community in the son of photographer Julian who comes to live with him, and a first love interest for the quiet Dora who takes care of everyone else. Through the community we see that a family is not just blood relatives, or from those we marry, but can be made up of friends, and people we choose to be with. This community support each other, all contribute to the running of Spindrift House and is inclusive of all where everyone is equal; lessons that we could all learn from. There is an saying that it takes a village to raise a child and in this case it is true, everyone takes an interest in the children, teaching them new skills, taking them to school and taking part in their birthday parties and looking after them.
As well as the characters, it is Chalotte Betts beautiful prose that adds to the enjoyment of the book. She sets the scene with her descriptive writing, capturing Spindrift House, the stunning Cornwall landscape with it’s ever changing weather and light that made it such a popular place for artisits to gather. I loved the way the weather changed and mirrored the atmosphere and emotions of the characters and the situations that occur in their lives. She also captures the atmosphere of the period, the way the unconventional artistic community was derided by others who didn’t understand, implying it was a den of iniquity, the small mindeness of the village residents. What really shines through is the role of women, and their different relationships, as a mother, wife, daughter, friend, step-parent, friend and lover, juggling all at the same time, and trying to balance their different roles.
The Fading of the Light is a stunning and captivating read, with wonderful characters facing many of the problems we face today. Second books in trilogy’s can sometimes seem flat, a holding book before the grand finale, but Charlotte Betts has written a sequel full of drama, passion, love, loss and life, with a strong plot line that captured my attention and didn’t let go until the final sentence on the last page. This really is another spectacular book, the words painting their own picture of a beautiful landscape and the remarkable characters. I can’t wait for the final instalment, especially after reading the opening chapter at the back of this book, it promises to be as compelling as the previous books, and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Edith, Clarissa and Dora.
July 16, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Master storyteller Charlotte Betts continues her Spindrift trilogy with an evocative, emotional and sweeping romantic read set in Cornwall, The Fading of the Light.
Eight years ago, Edith Fairchild had been forced to make a new life for herself after her feckless husband Benedict had cruelly abandoned her. Having established a thriving artists’ community in Cornwall at Spindrift House, Edith has made lasting friendships and found happiness again in the arms of fellow artist Pascal and although the two of them have resigned themselves to the fact they will never marry, they know that they will be spending the rest of their lives together. Nothing and nobody is going to get between them and their future – until Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House and puts all of their hopes and dreams in jeopardy…
Benedict’s arrival ends up not only threatening Edith and Pascal’s future, but it shatters the serenity and creativity of the close-knit community that has come to mean everything to the two of them. With Benedict determined to worm his way back into her bed, Edith finds herself having to watch her step and try her utmost to keep her husband at bay. But when Benedict sets in motion a chain of tragic events, the consequences and repercussions will be felt by everyone at Spindrift House.
Is Edith and Pascal’s love strong enough to withstand all the obstacles standing in their way? Will Benedict succeed in driving a wedge between them that will tear them apart forever? Will Spindrift House continue to be a safe haven for this close-knit community? Or will it be a casualty of Benedict’s cruelty and vindictiveness?
A spellbinding historical drama full of atmosphere, passion and intensity, Charlotte Betts’ The Fading of the Light is a captivating and engaging tale that grips from the start and will take readers into an immersive and enthralling world which they simply will not want to leave. Charlotte Betts’ gift for bringing the past to life is unparalleled and readers will feel as if they are living the story alongside her characters.
A heart-rending, passionate and compulsively readable tale of devastating secrets, forbidden desire and everlasting love, The Fading of the Light is another dazzling novel by Charlotte Betts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Master storyteller Charlotte Betts continues her Spindrift trilogy with an evocative, emotional and sweeping romantic read set in Cornwall, The Fading of the Light.
Eight years ago, Edith Fairchild had been forced to make a new life for herself after her feckless husband Benedict had cruelly abandoned her. Having established a thriving artists’ community in Cornwall at Spindrift House, Edith has made lasting friendships and found happiness again in the arms of fellow artist Pascal and although the two of them have resigned themselves to the fact they will never marry, they know that they will be spending the rest of their lives together. Nothing and nobody is going to get between them and their future – until Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House and puts all of their hopes and dreams in jeopardy…
Benedict’s arrival ends up not only threatening Edith and Pascal’s future, but it shatters the serenity and creativity of the close-knit community that has come to mean everything to the two of them. With Benedict determined to worm his way back into her bed, Edith finds herself having to watch her step and try her utmost to keep her husband at bay. But when Benedict sets in motion a chain of tragic events, the consequences and repercussions will be felt by everyone at Spindrift House.
Is Edith and Pascal’s love strong enough to withstand all the obstacles standing in their way? Will Benedict succeed in driving a wedge between them that will tear them apart forever? Will Spindrift House continue to be a safe haven for this close-knit community? Or will it be a casualty of Benedict’s cruelty and vindictiveness?
A spellbinding historical drama full of atmosphere, passion and intensity, Charlotte Betts’ The Fading of the Light is a captivating and engaging tale that grips from the start and will take readers into an immersive and enthralling world which they simply will not want to leave. Charlotte Betts’ gift for bringing the past to life is unparalleled and readers will feel as if they are living the story alongside her characters.
A heart-rending, passionate and compulsively readable tale of devastating secrets, forbidden desire and everlasting love, The Fading of the Light is another dazzling novel by Charlotte Betts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2021
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Spindrift trilogy, I was excited to meet again with Edith Fairchild and her community of artists, and artisans, who have made their home at Spindrift House on the beautiful Cornish coast. Together with her fellow artists, Edith and her children live a quiet life, creating beautiful paintings and learning to be self sufficient. It's a peaceful life, that is, until the unexpected return of Edith's nefarious husband, Benedict, whose very presence at Spindrift house upsets the equilibrium of this close community in more ways than one.
It's been delightful to be back at Spindrift House with Edith and her friends and though Benedict's return to the community upsets everyone even the villains make the story such a joy to read. The author recreates the Edwardian era to perfection, with its ambiguous moral codes and discrimination against women, bringing vividly to life a time when a morally degenerate husband could do as he wished regardless of the hurt he caused to his wife and family.
The Fading of the Light is a beautifully written, and thoughtful, story with a delightful cast of characters who are now as familiar as old friends. I have so enjoyed following the progression of life at Spindrift House sharing in the triumphs and successes of the artists and watching Edith's children running along the coastal paths making their own memories of this special life at Spindrift. Edith has her share of heartache in this story but this is written with compassion and the author's usual fine eye for even the smallest detail.
Whilst The Fading of the Light can be comfortably read as a standalone story it does make sense to start at the beginning of this lovely trilogy and allow this talented author to take you on a wonderful escapist journey to Cornwall.
It's been delightful to be back at Spindrift House with Edith and her friends and though Benedict's return to the community upsets everyone even the villains make the story such a joy to read. The author recreates the Edwardian era to perfection, with its ambiguous moral codes and discrimination against women, bringing vividly to life a time when a morally degenerate husband could do as he wished regardless of the hurt he caused to his wife and family.
The Fading of the Light is a beautifully written, and thoughtful, story with a delightful cast of characters who are now as familiar as old friends. I have so enjoyed following the progression of life at Spindrift House sharing in the triumphs and successes of the artists and watching Edith's children running along the coastal paths making their own memories of this special life at Spindrift. Edith has her share of heartache in this story but this is written with compassion and the author's usual fine eye for even the smallest detail.
Whilst The Fading of the Light can be comfortably read as a standalone story it does make sense to start at the beginning of this lovely trilogy and allow this talented author to take you on a wonderful escapist journey to Cornwall.
July 10, 2021
I loved this book! I haven't read the first book of the series but that was not a problem, this can be read as a standalone. However, I plan to now go back and read the first book as I loved the characters and their lives at Spindrift and want to read more of them!
Set in Cornwall within an artist's community and house there are lovely details about the local areas and the characters who live there. We have a lot of drama in this book and plot twists I never expected!
I really was on the edge of my seat hoping for certain things to happen or to be said! I couldn't put it down as it kept my fascinated at every chapter.
I really enjoyed learning the characters and their relationships with eachother. In this book new relationships are revealed and also we see just what a mix of relationships we come across in life. We have an affair that makes your heart ache for the two involved who should be together but can't be. We have an affair that is shoved in people's faces and is outrageously awful for the other person. We have same sex relationships both old and new and we have newly engaged. We have step children and new children, older siblings, friendships between children that are from 'enemy' families.
We see just how far people are willing to go for the ones they love.
This really is a book about family and love and relationships in all meanings of the words. We see how diverse people are and how relationships affect our lives in ways we don't really even see.
A fantastic book.
Set in Cornwall within an artist's community and house there are lovely details about the local areas and the characters who live there. We have a lot of drama in this book and plot twists I never expected!
I really was on the edge of my seat hoping for certain things to happen or to be said! I couldn't put it down as it kept my fascinated at every chapter.
I really enjoyed learning the characters and their relationships with eachother. In this book new relationships are revealed and also we see just what a mix of relationships we come across in life. We have an affair that makes your heart ache for the two involved who should be together but can't be. We have an affair that is shoved in people's faces and is outrageously awful for the other person. We have same sex relationships both old and new and we have newly engaged. We have step children and new children, older siblings, friendships between children that are from 'enemy' families.
We see just how far people are willing to go for the ones they love.
This really is a book about family and love and relationships in all meanings of the words. We see how diverse people are and how relationships affect our lives in ways we don't really even see.
A fantastic book.
November 13, 2021
Book two in the Spindrift series is set just a few years later than book one, at the start of the era of King Edward. We pick up the story with Benedict making an unwelcome return to the community, wheedling his way in to the children’s hearts but still punishing Edith for the independence and refusal of his advances. It’s quickly apparent that his ways haven’t changed and the happy lives of the artistic community are thrown into turmoil once again. The story continues to explore the lives of the key characters from the first book, taking the feminist themes one step further as the ways of the old Victorian era begin to be modernised. Beautiful settings, varied and full characters, plus heart wrenching choices come together once again into a magical historical love story. There’s some great attention to historical detail, with a little licence for imagination I feel, and a slow burning plot line with a few unexpected twists. A solid four stars, it’s lovely and I will re read the whole series again once the third instalment comes out, but it lacks a little magic to give it that top star rating. Highly recommended
November 22, 2021
Loved this sequel to The Light Within Us, where we continue with Edith's eclectic artistic community in Cornwall. Here we meet the children and we learn to love each of them. New artists are introduced to the community, old enemies return and the peaceful life is threatened. Charlotte Betts crafts a wonderfully intricate story about love, loss, what makes a family, and how children are affected by parental discord, attention, neglect, etc. This is a beautiful sequel. I love how Charlotte's writing has grown in this book.
July 31, 2022
I loved The Fading of the Light by Charlotte Betts, the 2nd book in a series of 3. It continues the story of Edith, her devious, selfish husband and the Spindrift artists’ community.
The story is beautifully written and the characters and their relationships are so real that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them. I’m so looking forward to reading the third book.
The story is beautifully written and the characters and their relationships are so real that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them. I’m so looking forward to reading the third book.
September 30, 2021
A good sequel but far too focused on Edith's traumatic domestic life. With evil swine Benedict back in Cornwall and moving his mistress into Spindrift Edith's romantic interlude with Pascal comes to a swift end. Instead the focus is on tortured relationships and difficult children.
April 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Second in a trilogy.
Light reading for holidays.
Heartwarming.
Light reading for holidays.
Heartwarming.
April 14, 2021
I loved this book.
December 22, 2021
Looking forward to #3
June 20, 2022
Another excellent read in this trilogy
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews