Rating: 4.5 Stars

Master storyteller Charlotte Betts continues her Spindrift trilogy with an evocative, emotional and sweeping romantic read set in Cornwall, The Fading of the Light.

Eight years ago, Edith Fairchild had been forced to make a new life for herself after her feckless husband Benedict had cruelly abandoned her. Having established a thriving artists’ community in Cornwall at Spindrift House, Edith has made lasting friendships and found happiness again in the arms of fellow artist Pascal and although the two of them have resigned themselves to the fact they will never marry, they know that they will be spending the rest of their lives together. Nothing and nobody is going to get between them and their future – until Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House and puts all of their hopes and dreams in jeopardy…

Benedict’s arrival ends up not only threatening Edith and Pascal’s future, but it shatters the serenity and creativity of the close-knit community that has come to mean everything to the two of them. With Benedict determined to worm his way back into her bed, Edith finds herself having to watch her step and try her utmost to keep her husband at bay. But when Benedict sets in motion a chain of tragic events, the consequences and repercussions will be felt by everyone at Spindrift House.

Is Edith and Pascal’s love strong enough to withstand all the obstacles standing in their way? Will Benedict succeed in driving a wedge between them that will tear them apart forever? Will Spindrift House continue to be a safe haven for this close-knit community? Or will it be a casualty of Benedict’s cruelty and vindictiveness?

A spellbinding historical drama full of atmosphere, passion and intensity, Charlotte Betts’ The Fading of the Light is a captivating and engaging tale that grips from the start and will take readers into an immersive and enthralling world which they simply will not want to leave. Charlotte Betts’ gift for bringing the past to life is unparalleled and readers will feel as if they are living the story alongside her characters.

A heart-rending, passionate and compulsively readable tale of devastating secrets, forbidden desire and everlasting love, The Fading of the Light is another dazzling novel by Charlotte Betts.

This is the second in the Spindrift Trilogy, and continues the story of the artistic community in a house on the cliffs in Cornwall as the twentieth century dawns. The rights of married women are still not recognised so when the dastardly Benedict returns Edith is yet again in a difficult position. However, she is now strengthened and supported by the discreet love of Pascal, and finds a solution that is just about bearable until a revelation brings about tragedy. It is hard to see how the community will survive. I can't wait for the final chapter of the Spindrift story!

1902. Spindrift House, Cornwall

Edith Fairchild, deserted by her feckless husband Benedict eight years before, has established the thriving Spindrift artists' community by the sea and found deep and lasting love with Pascal. They have accepted that they cannot marry, but when Benedict returns unexpectedly to Spindrift House, all Edith and Pascal's secret hopes and dreams of a joyous life together are overturned.

Benedict's arrival shatters the peaceful and creative atmosphere of the close-knit community. When Edith will not allow him back into her bed, the conflict escalates and he sets in motion a chain of tragic events that reverberate down the years and threatens the happiness of the community forever . . .This is the second book in the series throughly enjoyed the characters and the premise and can highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Perfect escapism

I really enjoyed this book, the perfect escapism read set in Cornwall back in early 1900’s.

Even if books set in history aren’t usually your thing, I still think you would enjoy this book.

Based around the lives of different artists living in a small community in Cornwall. Each person has a different story to tell

Until, I was nearing on finishing this book I didn’t realise this was the second in a series. This did not affect the story for me. However, I enjoyed this book so much I will go and read the first one.

I have read another of Charlottes books and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read more