The City of Bath & the Ladies of Carson Street – By Rachel Brimble
The Ladies of Carson Street Trilogy
My February book release, A Very Modern Marriage, is my 28th novel and marks the conclusion of my Victorian trilogy, the Ladies of Carson Street.
BATH, ENGLAND
All my historical romances are set in the charming city of Bath, England, which is just a quick 30-minute drive from my home. While Bath is often associated with the Georgian era due to its remarkable architecture and beautifully planned parks, it has also played a significant role throughout history, from Roman times to the Edwardian era.
Bath has always been seen as a place of splendor and high social standards. But, was Bath really different, or did it have a hidden side similar to London and other major cities in England during the 19th century and beyond?
WRITING THE LADIES OF CARSON STREET
This question intrigued me and led me to explore the lives of women in Bath’s seedier side by creating heroines who worked and lived as prostitutes, a departure from typical romance heroines. I was initially worried about how my readers would react, but my loyal audience embraced it.
REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK
The feedback and reviews for the first two books in the trilogy (A Widow’s Vow and Trouble For The Leading Lady) have been positive, and I hope the same will be true for the third book, A Very Modern Marriage, which releases on February 3rd. For me, fiction and romance are about the characters’ emotional journey, and this trilogy is filled with emotion.
THE HEROINES
Louisa, Nancy, and Octavia, the heroines of the trilogy, come from different backgrounds but have faced numerous hardships, pushing them into the rougher side of Victorian Britain. Despite their struggles, they have shown incredible strength and resilience. These women symbolize empowerment, possibility, hope, and tenacity. As a romance author, my goal was to guide readers through their journey towards a well-deserved happy ending.
FAMOUS LANDMARKS IN BATH
Bath is home to many famous landmarks like Pulteney Bridge, Royal Crescent, The Circus, the Pump Room, and the Abbey. It’s delightful to weave these historic sites into my stories. I always encourage people to visit Bath, and I was thrilled to show my author friend, Teri Wilson, around the city when she visited.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE LADIES OF CARSON STREET
The Ladies of Carson Street trilogy is grittier and darker than many historical romances, but it’s also full of heart and shows how the characters overcome adversity. If you enjoy British period dramas with suspense, intrigue, and romance, you might love this series. I’d love to hear what you think!
THE LADIES OF CARSON STREET TRILOGY:
– Book 1 – A Widow’s Vow is available now
– Book 2 – Trouble For The Leading Lady is available now
– Book 3 – A Very Modern Marriage is available February 3rd, 2022
Content Warning: The trilogy has a steaminess level of three out of five, with a couple of explicit scenes in each book.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS OF A WIDOW’S VOW
In 1851, grieving widow Louisa Hill faces a tough new reality after her merchant husband’s mysterious death in a Bath hotel. With debt collectors at her door and only a key to a Bath property left to her, Louisa must confront further betrayals. Finding herself with no means of income, she decides to turn her new home into a brothel for upper-class gentlemen but on her own terms. Together with the help of boxer Jacob Jackson, Louisa embarks on a challenging new life.
A Widow’s Vow is the first in Rachel Brimble’s gripping Victorian saga series.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS OF TROUBLE FOR THE LEADING LADY
In 1852, Nancy Bloom dreams of being part of the theatre despite a past betrayal that led to her ruin. Theatre manager Francis Carlyle, in search of a new star, finds Nancy in a pub. Neither entirely trusts the other, and their interactions are a battle of wits and wills. Will they emerge unscathed with their hearts intact?
Trouble for the Leading Lady transports readers to Victorian Bath’s vibrant underbelly.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS OF A VERY MODERN MARRIAGE
Industrialist William Rose, a self-made man from Manchester, needs a wife to achieve his ambitions of Victorian respectability. He finds Octavia Marshall, a sophisticated beauty with a business mindset, among the ladies of Carson Street. Despite their differences and the shadows of their pasts, they strike a deal to marry. But both are in for surprises as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
The third installment of Rachel Brimble’s Victorian saga, A Very Modern Marriage, provides a fresh take on marriage and society’s expectations.
AUTHOR BIO:
Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. Author of over 25 novels, including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Historical Novel Society. She has a global social media following.
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