The Page 69 Test: *Cinder Bella* by Kathleen Shoop #page69

 

 

 

They say if you want to really find a good book, go to page 69 (the middle and meat of the book) and you like what's there, it's definitely worth reading the whole book. For today's feature, I'm zooming in on page 69 of Kathleen Shoop's holiday historical fiction, Cinder Bella. 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

She never had anything.

He lost everything.

Together they create a Christmas to remember.

December, 1893–Shadyside, Pennsylvania

Bella Darling lives in a cozy barn at Maple Grove, an estate owned by industrialist Archibald Westminster. The Westminster family is stranded overseas and have sent word to relieve all employees of their duties except Margaret, the pregnant maid, James the butler, and Bella. Content with borrowed books and a toasty home festooned with pine boughs and cinnamon sticks, she coaxes the old hens to lay eggs–extraordinary eggs. Bella yearns for just one thing—someone to share her life with. Always inventive, she has a plan for that. She just needs the right egg into the hands of the right man.

Bartholomew Baines, a Harvard-educated banker, is reeling in the aftermath of his bank’s collapse. With his friends and fiancé ostracizing him for what he thought was an act of generosity, he is penniless and alone. A kind woman welcomes him into her boarding house under conditions that he reluctantly accepts. Completely undone by his current, lowly position, and by the motley crew of fellow boarders who view him as one of them, Bartholomew wrestles with how to rebuild.

With the special eggs as the impetus, the first meeting between Bella and Bartholomew gives each the wrong idea about the other. And when the boarding house burns down a week before Christmas it’s Bella who is there to lend a hand. She, Margaret, and James invite the homeless group to stay at the estate through the holidays. But as Christmas draws closer, eviction papers arrive. Maple Grove is being foreclosed upon. Can Bella work her magic and save their Christmas? Is the growing attraction between Bella and Bartholomew enough for them to see past their differences? 

Read a sample.

Cinder Bella is available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble & Kobo. 

“You’ll see,” Bella said.  

“And you’ll be doing the Lord’s work,” Mrs. Tillman said. “Think  of it. You’re making room at the inn for those who need it most. At  Christmastime.”  

He sighed again and twisted his mouth then pushed to standing.  “You’ve softened me with this remarkable pie. I’ll take the eggs and  give you two days maximum. That will give you time to relocate, the  hens laying eggs or not.”  

“Well.” Mrs. Tillman turned her back. “Thank you for that.”  “That’s more than generous.” He walked back through the pantry  just as Bartholomew reentered through the cloakroom.  Bella saw that Mr. Buchanan had forgotten the basket of eggs. She  scooped it up and hurried after him, catching him as he was opening  the front door. “Your eggs,” she said holding the basket out to him.  He put his hat on. “You keep them. Sounds like you’ll need them.”  She shook her head. “Nonsense. We made a deal and the eggs are  part of it. Surely your wife will look kindly on fresh eggs at the holidays.”  “The missus hasn’t been looking kindly on much of anything I’ve  done lately.” His gaze lingered on Bella. She gave an understanding nod.  Instead of him walking away, his posture loosened and he took on the  tone of a close friend. “Truth is, nothing’s good enough or even  satisfying. I can’t get anything right anymore.”  

The confession moved Bella. She felt his disappointment as though  it was her own. His soft sadness disarmed her—something she hadn’t  noticed in the kitchen. She reminded herself that money didn’t solve all  problems, that sometimes money just made problems bigger or spread  them out among more people. It was something that she comforted  herself with since she could remember. “Take them. Eggs are a symbol  of new life and prosperity. Something everyone needs these days.  Everyone.”  

He cocked his head. “You’re right. Eggs as a present are as good as  anything I’ve dreamed up as of yet. I’ll give it a try.”  

And so he was gone, leaving Bella to shake off the dread he’d  brought with him.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

 

Bestselling author Kathleen Shoop, PhD writes historical fiction, women’s fiction, and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and more. You can find Kathleen in person at various venues. She’s on the board of the Kerr Memorial Museum, teaches at writing/reader conferences, co-coordinates Mindful Writers Retreats and writing conferences, and gives talks at various book clubs, libraries, and historical societies.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.kshoop.com. 

Visit her website at www.kshoop.com or connect with her on X, Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, TikTok and Goodreads.

Cinder Bella is available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble & Kobo.