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Jane Austen's Dragons
The Buttercross Dragon: A Tale of the Blue Order
Peter Smalley was certain of two things in life: England was full of dragons, and even very small dragons could cause very large problems.
As a minor dairy farmer with rent coming due and no money to pay it, Peter had enough problems of his own to be bothered with dragons.
Until a troubled dragon came looking for him.
As a minor dairy farmer with rent coming due and no money to pay it, Peter had enough problems of his own to be bothered with dragons.
Until a troubled dragon came looking for him.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2022
140 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books320 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 29, 2023
What a delightful side standalone story in the Jane Austen's Dragon world. With no direct affiliation to the main stories in the series, this short whimsical, heartwarming tale is a delightful bit of extra.
Peter Smalley is a young farmer living outside a nearby market town. His widowed mother's medical treatment took up the money he set aside for the rent and he only had days to find a way. He couldn't marry his pretty sweetheart and would likely lose the farm his father entrusted to him. Then a happenstance led him on a small adventure involving a pesky dragon and the Blue Order.
I enjoyed this novella that told of a kind, hardworking and earnest young man who is just trying to make his way and doesn't ask for much in the way of his happiness. It read quickly, but was entertaining and well developed. Gaslight fantasy fans who want to sample the world or the author's writing and series fans should all put this one in the stack.
Peter Smalley is a young farmer living outside a nearby market town. His widowed mother's medical treatment took up the money he set aside for the rent and he only had days to find a way. He couldn't marry his pretty sweetheart and would likely lose the farm his father entrusted to him. Then a happenstance led him on a small adventure involving a pesky dragon and the Blue Order.
I enjoyed this novella that told of a kind, hardworking and earnest young man who is just trying to make his way and doesn't ask for much in the way of his happiness. It read quickly, but was entertaining and well developed. Gaslight fantasy fans who want to sample the world or the author's writing and series fans should all put this one in the stack.
June 13, 2022
so cute
May 17, 2022
Very cute story!
While I prefer the books and stories with the main cast of characters - Lizzy, Darcy, and their friends and families - stories like this one with working class people are quite enjoyable, and I hope the author writes more of them!
While I prefer the books and stories with the main cast of characters - Lizzy, Darcy, and their friends and families - stories like this one with working class people are quite enjoyable, and I hope the author writes more of them!
January 16, 2022
A charming short story.
January 24, 2022
As usual, Maria Grace gives us a very entertaining story. It is interesting to be able to get an idea of how common people interact with dragons.
January 5, 2024
"What is done is done."..
"no sense borrowing trouble for today when there’s enough work to be done"
ReRd. Bite size. Perfect reading length. Starts fast-paced. Momentum continues a-rockin'. Surprises.
"The Blue Order takes care of its own. Remember that, son.” p 21. Behind their Blue door the Order of those with Dragon Sight protects dragons and their secret. How may the love of Phillip and Marianne win over their troubles? How may Buttercross fit in?
1812 Somerset, England. Farmer Phillip 18 spent rent money on ailing ma's surgeon. Chasing runaway milk cow Butter, he finds items stolen from townfolk hidden in cave, takes the honest route to report the trove. A crowd follow friendly magistrate Mr Sinclair and his dragon / boarhound Gingernuts. Both try to persuade, one aloud, one in power whispers, the mob out of growing anger against Phil. Uh-oh.
Cheddar Market day. Angry small puck dragon chases Phil, screaming "Thief!". Puzzled, the mortal runs. To dragon Blind, she is seen as a vicious barking mad stray, starved. "I can see her ribs from here" p 53. Buttercross, named into wildly breaks Phil's courtship. Uh-oh.
Sweetheart's pa Mr Newsome and liar Frank head to the pub. At next merchant stall, best pal Michael warns suitor will ask to wed. Phil joins them, but the fierce puck bites in at peak volume. Uh-oh.
How author Grace fits varied cast and changes into shorter format is a triumph. I wish for more about them and their Jane Austen style Victorian world. Grace's longer works sparkle equally. May she shine for you too.
"no sense borrowing trouble for today when there’s enough work to be done"
ReRd. Bite size. Perfect reading length. Starts fast-paced. Momentum continues a-rockin'. Surprises.
"The Blue Order takes care of its own. Remember that, son.” p 21. Behind their Blue door the Order of those with Dragon Sight protects dragons and their secret. How may the love of Phillip and Marianne win over their troubles? How may Buttercross fit in?
1812 Somerset, England. Farmer Phillip 18 spent rent money on ailing ma's surgeon. Chasing runaway milk cow Butter, he finds items stolen from townfolk hidden in cave, takes the honest route to report the trove. A crowd follow friendly magistrate Mr Sinclair and his dragon / boarhound Gingernuts. Both try to persuade, one aloud, one in power whispers, the mob out of growing anger against Phil. Uh-oh.
Cheddar Market day. Angry small puck dragon chases Phil, screaming "Thief!". Puzzled, the mortal runs. To dragon Blind, she is seen as a vicious barking mad stray, starved. "I can see her ribs from here" p 53. Buttercross, named into wildly breaks Phil's courtship. Uh-oh.
Sweetheart's pa Mr Newsome and liar Frank head to the pub. At next merchant stall, best pal Michael warns suitor will ask to wed. Phil joins them, but the fierce puck bites in at peak volume. Uh-oh.
How author Grace fits varied cast and changes into shorter format is a triumph. I wish for more about them and their Jane Austen style Victorian world. Grace's longer works sparkle equally. May she shine for you too.
September 11, 2022
Content:
Language: Mild, just one or two mild swears.
Violence: None.
Sensuality: None.
Well, this was cute! I'm really looking forward to reading the series now. I liked the tone and the obvious knowledge the author has of this time period. I had fun looking up what a Buttercross was and got that delighted feeling of learning something new as I did so.
This is a short little introduction to this fantasy version of regency england and the Blue Order, which are a group of people who can hear and see dragons and therefore care for them. Phillip is the protagonist of this little short, a farmer who sells butter at the market and who is trying to work up the nerve to have a chat with his sweetheart's father.
It's hard to do a short and make it both immersive and feel like it's finished and not rushed. This was a well done short and it gives me great enthusiasm for what I can expect when I read the first book, which is a Pride and Prejudice variation of Dragons and magic.
Language: Mild, just one or two mild swears.
Violence: None.
Sensuality: None.
Well, this was cute! I'm really looking forward to reading the series now. I liked the tone and the obvious knowledge the author has of this time period. I had fun looking up what a Buttercross was and got that delighted feeling of learning something new as I did so.
This is a short little introduction to this fantasy version of regency england and the Blue Order, which are a group of people who can hear and see dragons and therefore care for them. Phillip is the protagonist of this little short, a farmer who sells butter at the market and who is trying to work up the nerve to have a chat with his sweetheart's father.
It's hard to do a short and make it both immersive and feel like it's finished and not rushed. This was a well done short and it gives me great enthusiasm for what I can expect when I read the first book, which is a Pride and Prejudice variation of Dragons and magic.
November 27, 2022
A delightful novella addition to Jane Austen's Dragons!
Unsurprisingly, I loved this short novella about a small village dragon & her new Friends. Maria Grace has really done an outstanding job with this series in general. I am always excited to see when a new addition is coming out, as the stories are so much fun. As always, this story left me with a warm & fuzzy feeling. The dragons tend to steal the show, & spicy little Buttercross is no exception. The human characters are well done also. I love how easily the author is able to bring this world to life, & after having read the entire collection, I feel very attached to this world indeed. If you are looking forward to the next installment as much as I am, I definitely recommend reading this novella in the meantime. It took me a little less than an hour to finish; great for someone who doesn't have a lot of free time but yearns to relax with a good story. The Buttercross Dragon is quite a worthy addition to the lovely world of Jane Austen's Dragons!
Unsurprisingly, I loved this short novella about a small village dragon & her new Friends. Maria Grace has really done an outstanding job with this series in general. I am always excited to see when a new addition is coming out, as the stories are so much fun. As always, this story left me with a warm & fuzzy feeling. The dragons tend to steal the show, & spicy little Buttercross is no exception. The human characters are well done also. I love how easily the author is able to bring this world to life, & after having read the entire collection, I feel very attached to this world indeed. If you are looking forward to the next installment as much as I am, I definitely recommend reading this novella in the meantime. It took me a little less than an hour to finish; great for someone who doesn't have a lot of free time but yearns to relax with a good story. The Buttercross Dragon is quite a worthy addition to the lovely world of Jane Austen's Dragons!
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Philip Smalley is a dairy farmer who is in debt due to his mother being ill. As he follows after his runaway cow, who had been startled as the two walked on a narrow lane, he finds a cave in which he also finds a hoard of objects which he recognizes as having been reported stolen. At first he is accused of having been the thief when it is pointed out that he was in the market selling his goods all day, seen by many, when the objects were stolen.
Later he is accosted by a firedrake who wants his "hoard" back. The story also has Philip wanting to marry his Marianne and she becomes part of the story as this dragon follows Philip and causes mischief in town. They have to name the dragon and the name is chosen from part of the market where Philip sells his goods.
I have read other stories in this dragon series but they have always, before now, included some part for Darcy and Elizabeth. So this little story is the first without them for me.
Short and interesting!
Philip Smalley is a dairy farmer who is in debt due to his mother being ill. As he follows after his runaway cow, who had been startled as the two walked on a narrow lane, he finds a cave in which he also finds a hoard of objects which he recognizes as having been reported stolen. At first he is accused of having been the thief when it is pointed out that he was in the market selling his goods all day, seen by many, when the objects were stolen.
Later he is accosted by a firedrake who wants his "hoard" back. The story also has Philip wanting to marry his Marianne and she becomes part of the story as this dragon follows Philip and causes mischief in town. They have to name the dragon and the name is chosen from part of the market where Philip sells his goods.
I have read other stories in this dragon series but they have always, before now, included some part for Darcy and Elizabeth. So this little story is the first without them for me.
Short and interesting!
December 31, 2023
I have never read anything like this book before. It's historical fiction with dragons! I read across genres (though now focus mostly on fantasy & non-fiction), and have never read an historical fiction, historical romance, or fantasy story remotely like this one. It's set in 1800s England with a lower-middle-class/peasant main character who isn't ready to be the 'chosen one' or inherit a fortune, or burn it all down. It was like a cozy mystery, except in a historical fantasy world. It was unusual, and I look forward to reading more in this series. This was not a taxing story, and hits the spot as I navigate the holiday madness.
November 27, 2024
A gentle standalone "regency with dragons" tale
The portrayal of Philip (along with the difficulties in his life) was nicely done and reminds the reader that it wasn't all about fine silks, ballrooms, and days of leisure if you weren't in the gentry or nobility. Yet, rich or poor, emotions and dreams are allowed to all and life has to go on somehow.
The eponymous dragon is an intriguing little beast and a character in their own right!
(FWIW, I came across this book after reading Maria's "Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon" and, although this is a standalone book rather than a sequel, I'd still recommend reading that to get a bit of helpful background for this "world".)
The portrayal of Philip (along with the difficulties in his life) was nicely done and reminds the reader that it wasn't all about fine silks, ballrooms, and days of leisure if you weren't in the gentry or nobility. Yet, rich or poor, emotions and dreams are allowed to all and life has to go on somehow.
The eponymous dragon is an intriguing little beast and a character in their own right!
(FWIW, I came across this book after reading Maria's "Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon" and, although this is a standalone book rather than a sequel, I'd still recommend reading that to get a bit of helpful background for this "world".)
July 7, 2025
Completely caught me off guard. Got this story for free on my nook and somehow never noticed the page count. When I reached the end I had to Google it and make sure that was supposed to be the whole story. I must admit I'm quite disappointed that that seems to be the case as I would love to read the whole story. The end doesn't feel very wrapped up and I really wanted to get to know the characters better. First that I've read from this author, so I'll have to look into the rest as it seems to be a series...
August 14, 2025
A delightful story of Philip Smalley, a young dairy farmer caring for his ailing mother. His father left him a pewter ring, from the Blue Order, Friends of Dragons. It allows him to see dragons that appear as dogs to the dragon-deaf. Selling butter from his cow, ButterBelle, at the market in the tiny town of Cheddar, a puck, a diminutive dragon, dramatically reveals himself! He never thought he could be a Dragon Friend, but this little one follows him everywhere! Can they become BFFs and have a HAE? This beautiful and buttery story made me happy!! 5 stars!!
February 20, 2022
There be dragons!
The blue order, a secret group protecting and helping dragons. Some people just have a knack with dragons. To be a dragons friend Is quite the honor. Philip has had a tough time of it lately, after his father's death and his mother's illness. Plus having to pay for a doctor for mom, money is very low indeed. Rent is almost due and spending rent money on the doctor, wise or not it is what I did. What will happen??
The blue order, a secret group protecting and helping dragons. Some people just have a knack with dragons. To be a dragons friend Is quite the honor. Philip has had a tough time of it lately, after his father's death and his mother's illness. Plus having to pay for a doctor for mom, money is very low indeed. Rent is almost due and spending rent money on the doctor, wise or not it is what I did. What will happen??
May 4, 2022
The Buttercross Dragon is a thoroughly enjoyable tale. The dragon itself is a wonderful character with a feisty nature that makes it a lot of fun. I enjoyed the mini romance and appreciate that the other man, interested in the lovely and clever heroine, does not cause too much trouble. I appreciate a story where things don't have to get ugly. The scope of the story is cozy and the right sort of story for its length. It left me with a smile and I look forward to reading more in the series.
January 24, 2023
Dragons that only a favored few can perceive? The blessing of perception can be a wonderful benefit but it may come with a few hitches. A dragon hoard stolen and a little dragon on a warpath to recover her treasure. Phillip needs to work it all out while trying to win the hand of the one he loves. Will the little dragon get her hoard back? Will Phillip win the heart of his love? A great novella that will grab you and keep you until the end.
February 28, 2022
A tease of a story...
This is little more than a prelude to a book, or a chapter in a serial... It just sets up the premise--not in a bad way-- and suddenly it's over! I despise cliffhangers as a means of selling more books but this doesn't count as much more than a blurb. I doubt anyone will be inclined to pay piecemeal for something that doesn't qualify as a proper book. 😒
This is little more than a prelude to a book, or a chapter in a serial... It just sets up the premise--not in a bad way-- and suddenly it's over! I despise cliffhangers as a means of selling more books but this doesn't count as much more than a blurb. I doubt anyone will be inclined to pay piecemeal for something that doesn't qualify as a proper book. 😒
November 5, 2022
Dragons and Friends!
This short story was quite engaging. About and Order, the Blue Order,and dragons only see by those special people. Small dragons for the most part. And a small English town in the early 1800s. Great information on how to become a dragon Friend, but also growing into oneself. A fun read!
This short story was quite engaging. About and Order, the Blue Order,and dragons only see by those special people. Small dragons for the most part. And a small English town in the early 1800s. Great information on how to become a dragon Friend, but also growing into oneself. A fun read!
January 17, 2023
Jane Austen's Dragons
This short story is well written and very authentic to early 19th century times. There isn't any fault I found in the writing only it wasn't my cup of tea. I prefer my dragons more 'Game of Thrones' or 'Dragons of Pern' style. But if you love the Jane Austen world these dragons might be right for you.
This short story is well written and very authentic to early 19th century times. There isn't any fault I found in the writing only it wasn't my cup of tea. I prefer my dragons more 'Game of Thrones' or 'Dragons of Pern' style. But if you love the Jane Austen world these dragons might be right for you.
March 5, 2024
Delightful novella from the Jane Austen Dragon series.
Here we meet a farmer, and the country low folk and find out just how many of them are dragon hearers.
Really nice short story - nice to get out of the big houses and posh society and see a different part of this wonderful world of Maria Grace’s too.
Here we meet a farmer, and the country low folk and find out just how many of them are dragon hearers.
Really nice short story - nice to get out of the big houses and posh society and see a different part of this wonderful world of Maria Grace’s too.
April 13, 2024
Short and sweet!
Maria Grace's The Butterctoss Dragon is a short story about the relationship between ordinary people who minor dragons, rather than the gentry and aristocracy with their major dragons, great estates and affairs of state. It is basically a short story, short, Sweet and charming.
Maria Grace's The Butterctoss Dragon is a short story about the relationship between ordinary people who minor dragons, rather than the gentry and aristocracy with their major dragons, great estates and affairs of state. It is basically a short story, short, Sweet and charming.
March 24, 2022
Avid Reader
What a delightful little story! How sad that Buttercross lost her Friend 😢! I do so love these stories about the small dragons, and I look forward to the next book about Pemberly and her small dragon Friends!
What a delightful little story! How sad that Buttercross lost her Friend 😢! I do so love these stories about the small dragons, and I look forward to the next book about Pemberly and her small dragon Friends!
August 6, 2022
The Buttercross Dragon by Maria Grace – This was a freebie short story on Amazon. This disgruntled little puck needs some new friends, and she works a bit of matchmaking mischief along the way! Happy Reading!
February 18, 2023
What an ingenious story
I appreciated the realistic details of the dialect and the setting but I enjoyed the personalities of the people and the dragons even more. Maria Grace's well told tale kept me engrossed.
I appreciated the realistic details of the dialect and the setting but I enjoyed the personalities of the people and the dragons even more. Maria Grace's well told tale kept me engrossed.
August 17, 2023
A charming tale
This quick little tale is packed with humor and is delightful to read. It doesn't lack at all for its brevity having both a sweet romance, a touch of action, and a meddlesome dragon. A fun read.
This quick little tale is packed with humor and is delightful to read. It doesn't lack at all for its brevity having both a sweet romance, a touch of action, and a meddlesome dragon. A fun read.
April 3, 2024
Scared Cat to Friend
Great story. Love this series. Looking forward to reading all about the Jane Austen’s Dragons! Who knew life could be so complicated that you needed a break from reality into the world of dragons!!
Great story. Love this series. Looking forward to reading all about the Jane Austen’s Dragons! Who knew life could be so complicated that you needed a break from reality into the world of dragons!!
May 20, 2024
Love dragons!? You will love the beginning of this series!
Wouldn't you love to have a baby dragon! This. Story introduced you to a new family! Meet buttercross! Looking forward to getting to reading this series!
Wouldn't you love to have a baby dragon! This. Story introduced you to a new family! Meet buttercross! Looking forward to getting to reading this series!
February 7, 2025
Such an adorable little story! Old times and dragons and an order - the blue order- who contains the dragons across England? Oh plus a tiny love story? Yes please! I can’t wait to read all the other dragon books by this author!!!
March 6, 2025
Not bad
I found the book much more for a younger audience, but it is a short sample so I don't know if all of them are. Sometimes I had to reread sections because it was difficult to know who was speaking. I may try to read the first in the series to have a more definitive review.
I found the book much more for a younger audience, but it is a short sample so I don't know if all of them are. Sometimes I had to reread sections because it was difficult to know who was speaking. I may try to read the first in the series to have a more definitive review.
March 20, 2025
THE BUTTERCROSS DRAGON is a lovely morning’s read. Philip is concerned with many things - rent money, his mother’s health, his cow’s safety, and, of course, the love of a girl. Then he finds a hoard of valuables and his life seems to be headed for change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews