Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for May 5, 2023

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This book doesn't have the most thrilling opening lines, but I'm enjoying the thoughtful story that is taking shape with these characters.

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Somerset, England

July 1864

Beryl Burnham stared out the window of the carriage as it rolled down the narrow country road that ran through the center of Shepton Worthy. Her gaze drifted over the familiar landscape.

~From the beginning of  Fair As A Star by Mimi Matthews

A Secret Burden . . .

After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to resume the life she left behind. Betrothed to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall, she has no reason to be unhappy - or so people keep reminding her. But Beryl's life isn't as perfect as everyone believes.

A Longstanding Love . . .

As village curate, Mark Rivenhall is known for his compassionate understanding. When his older brother's intended needs a shoulder to lean on, Mark's more than willing to provide one. There's no danger of losing his heart. He already lost that to Beryl a long time ago.

During an idyllic Victorian summer, friends and family gather in anticipation of Beryl and Sir Henry's wedding. But in her darkest moment, it's Mark who comes to Beryl's aid. Can he help her without revealing his feelings - or betraying his brother?

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

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First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

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She brought a hand to her temple, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "And these children are going to cure me?"

"You sound skeptical. But I suspect that once you're a mother―"

"What if they don't? What if I get worse instead of better? Am I to simply keep having children until I expire from―"

~at 56% of Fair As A Star by Mimi Matthews

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

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And here is the weekly bookish question in the Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

This Week's Question:  Have you ever been told that you have an excessive number of books? If so, what was your reaction?

My Answer: My husband has been telling me this for years. On average, once a week. I basically ignore him! Haha!

When we had to do some major clean-up at the house before we moved, I took boxes and boxes of books to WonderBooks, and we left several bookshelves full behind. I brought just two relatively small boxes of books with me. So in all seriousness, I am trying to pare down my collection.

Book Blogger Hop

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