Genre: Contemporary, Dash of Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Bi, Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Crofton Hall is buzzing with anticipation for the filming of the Secret Histories TV special about a scandalous affair that has been hidden for over four hundred years.
The hall’s new historian, Dara Callaghan, is drawn not just by the hall’s rich history but to TV producer, Nathan Lorimer. Nathan is finally ready to start dating again, several years after the death of his husband. There’s something about Dara, a quietly spoken Irishman, and the romance that surrounds Crofton Hall, that makes him want to take a chance.
Meanwhile, Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, is trying to persuade his boyfriend Ashley Niven that he’d like to don doublet and hose and play Sebastian to his Anthony. But Ashley’s not having any of it… until someone else agrees to the take the part of the 1st Earl of Crofton’s lover.
This is the second Modern Crofton novel, featuring Benjamin Redbourn, the 16th Earl of Crofton and descendant of Anthony Redbourn, 1st Earl of Crofton from my historical series, The Crofton Chronicles. While designed to be read as a standalone, events that lead to this novel follow chronologically from Saving Crofton Hall.
Trigger warnings: discussion of grief and dealing with bereavement.
The Review
Making History at Crofton Hall is the second novel in the “Modern Crofton” series by Rebecca Cohen. Crofton Hall will be busy as ever with a variety of events, weddings, conventions and a film crew for “Secret Histories” visiting the property.
Dr. Dara Callaghan, historian and archivist, is not able to get a grant renewal after six years of post-doc at Cambridge. With a discovery at Crofton Hall, Professor Timmory suggests that Benjamin Redbourn give consideration to hiring a historian, and encourages Dara to consider the position. When the Professor shares a copy of the letters that were discovered, how can he refuse. For Dara this could be a dream of a lifetime. If he gets the job.
Through semi-retired producer Clive Meling, Nathan Lorimer is offered a potential job as the producer of “Secret Histories.” It’s a project Clive couldn’t turn down, and he’s turned it over to the best qualified person.
Dara and Nathan are very involved in the work that they do. It’s important that everything is done to perfection, and time is an issue for each of them. They have both struggled with relationships. Dara has had boyfriends leave and Nathan is a widower who is still grieving. He feels guilty, and dating just doesn’t work for him.
Dara likes Nathan and accepts Nathan’s situation. He loves spending time with him, and listens without judgement. As they gradually grow closer, there are stumbling blocks along the way. Do they both want the same thing, or will they go their separate ways?
The production of “Secret Histories” brings a number of side characters into the story – the film crew, a make-up artist and wardrobe designers. It also includes archeologist Professor Graham Flint and his excavating crew – Osteoarchaeologist Terri Planchett and historian Professor Madeline Timmory.
For Ben, this is all exciting. He can’t wait to be dressed as the 1st Earl, Anthony, and read the letters for the program. To make it even more exciting, he’s working really hard to persuade Ashley to read for Sebastian’s part. But Ashley has his doubts, and because of his low self confidence, he’s adamant about his refusal. Ben keeps the faith, and hopes something will change Ashley’s mind.
The big day is finally upon them all, and with it. the opening of the tomb in the crypt. What will DNA prove about who is buried there? Is Ben hiding a secret, or more than one?
With “Making History at Crofton Hall,” Rebecca Cohen creates a story of not one love affair but three. One from the past, one from today, and one that might blossom as time goes on. There’s also a friendship that develops between Ben, Ashley, Dara and Nathan, as they give needed advice to one other. As with Saving Crofton Hall, you’ll find romance, steamy love scenes, and moments of misunderstanding and humor aplenty.
Making History at Crofton Hall also delves into the chaos of film productions and all that they entail, and the necessity of keeping all the odd personalities and demands in order.
Cohen incorporates the classic writings of Shakespeare and Jane Austen, plus more of the lyrical, beautifully written letters and readings between Sebastian and Anthony.
Some new secondary characters help make the story fun: Mel and Floss in wardrobe Sal the makeup artist; and Kellie, Nathans sister.
I was thoroughly entertained with this sequel, and am really looking forward to the next installment in the “Modern Crofton” series. I can tell that there’s still much more to come with the tomb discoveries, and the secrets that Benjamin Redbourn just might be hiding!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
