A Dream Within A Dream: The Hummingbird Dagger Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway

The Hummingbird Dagger
Author: Cindy Anstey
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Swoon Reads

Description:

From the author of Suitors and Sabotage comes a suspenseful and enthralling new Regency novel, perfect for readers who like their Jane Austen classics with a side of mystery and murder.

1833. A near-fatal carriage accident has deposited an unconscious young woman on the doorstep of Hardwick Manor and into the care of young Lord James Ellerby. But when she finally awakens, it is with no memory of who she is or where she came from.

Beth, as she calls herself, has no identity; the only clue to her circumstances is a recurring nightmare of a hummingbird, blood dripping from its steel beak.

With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth tries to solve the mystery of her own identity and the appalling events that brought her to their door. But nothing could prepare her for the escalating dangers that threaten her and the Ellerby clan. From the hazardous cliffs of Dorset to the hostile streets of London, Beth will fight to reclaim her past, hunted by a secretive foe with murderous intentions.

Fans of Cindy Anstey’s previous novels won’t want to miss The Hummingbird Dagger, a dark and twisty new offering that blends romance, danger and mystery.

Praise for Duels & Deception:

“Delightful … It is Jane Austen spiced with action, suspense, and humor.” —VOYA, starred review

“Jane Austen fans in need of a good new book, look no further.” —Entertainment Weekly

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Without a knock or a by-your-leave, the library doors burst open. Walter entered with great energy; Henry followed in his wake. Paying no heed to the fact that he was interrupting, Walter launched into a dramatic declaration.

“Life is so wild and unexpected! Life holds such excitement, especially in the spring. Do you not find?” he asked no one in particular and continued without hesitation, “Here I was in a fit of blue devils, for I was cruelly deprived of my curricle, suffered unwarranted criticisms, and then duties were pressed unjustly upon me. Bored and bored again, only to find Henry this morning with great news.” Walter’s drama was affecting no one but himself. “They have a guest at Risely Hall, recently of the West Indies. Full of stories and adventures. I am revived!” He turned to leave the room, as self-involved as when he entered it. “I am off.”

“Walter.” James did not raise his voice. “Where are you going?”

Walter’s smile slowly disappeared. “Why to Risely Hall, of course.”

James crossed his arms, and without taking his eyes off Walter, addressed Henry. “Thank you for dropping by, Mr. Thompson. Walter will, unfortunately, be unable to join you at Risely today. Or tomorrow.”

Walter snapped his jaw shut.

Henry bowed without a word and stepped into the hall. The footman quietly closed the door behind him. Stealthy footsteps faded away.

“Now see here, James. You cannot keep me here twiddling my thumbs in penance. I did not mean to force the stagecoach from the road.” Walter turned his appeal to Caroline. “Do not let him bully me like this, sweet sister. I will be miserable.”

James watched Caroline struggle to maintain her composure. Her mouth opened and closed silently until the heat in her face flushed to the roots of her hair.

“How dare you! How dare you think of your own selfish wants while that poor girl lies in bed half demented because of your carelessness!” She rose and stood in front of her younger brother. Somehow she managed to tower over the taller boy. “You had better make yourself useful, not only to James and me, but more important, to the young woman that you injured.

“Her family and friends will be sick with worry, sitting up night after night watching and waiting, praying for some word of her safety. And you, you are worried about being bored!” Caroline sat down, shaking with emotion.

The room was silent. No one mentioned that only one night had passed.

Walter had the good sense to look contrite and cowed. “I had not thought of it that way. Mrs. Fogel said she was doing fine. I thought...I thought—”

“That is the trouble, Walter; you were not thinking.” James shook his head, swallowing the lump of anger in his throat.

Walter’s shoulders dropped, and he found great fascination in the pattern of the carpet.

Caroline took a deep breath and rose to her feet. “James, could you introduce your brother to our guest? I am in need of some fresh air.” She turned to Walter. “You will do whatever you can to make her comfortable. You will talk to her, you will make her laugh, and you will read to her. You will ease her troubled mind and distract her. You will fetch her tea if she wants it.” She raised her hand to silence him before he spoke. “Daisy has other duties. Beth will be yours. There will be consequences if I find you dallying.”

Tight-lipped, Caroline left the room. Her careful footsteps and the swish of her gown could be heard through the doorway.

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester.