Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trapping the Butterfly is Book one in the Butterflies Free Series. It is set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the year 1926, during what was known as the Roaring Twenties. Bethany is on the cusp of turning eighteen and looking forward to setting her plan in motion. Once she turns eighteen, she should be receiving her inheritance and looks forward to getting away from her overbearing aunt and uncle who monitor her every move. Bethany wants to be free to cut her hair short, learn the Charleston and wants to start dating. She is strictly forbidden from doing any of these while living with her aunt and uncle because they consider these behaviors to be unladylike and unacceptable. Ladies do not smoke, they do not drink, and they certainly do not cut their hair short. According to Bethany’s aunt, no good man will want to marry a woman who displays any of these horrendous and appalling behaviors. Every move Bethany makes is dictated by her severely strict aunt, right down to how much she is allowed to eat so that she does not become a “fatty”, as her aunt likes to remind her of often.

When Bethany gets a chance to go with her aunt and uncle to Hot Springs so that her aunt can see a doctor, she feels that it is the perfect opportunity to start freeing herself from them. While in Hot Springs, Bethany meets Detective Paul Tollick by accident and learns that the famous mobster Al Capone is staying at the same hotel as her and her aunt and uncle. Al Capone and his gang are on the fourth floor of the Arlington, and Paul tells her to stay away from him because he is bad news. Although Paul is several years her senior he is drawn to her innocent beauty and finds himself wanting to see her again. Bethany also finds herself attracted to Paul and looks forward to when she can speak with him again. When Paul learns that one of Al Capone’s gangsters has taken a liking to Bethany, he vows to protect her at all costs.

First of all, can we discuss that absolutely exquisite, eye-catching, cover and book title. Oh, my goodness, they were what compelled me to read the synopsis and ultimately read the book and I am so happy that I did. This was a beautifully written and engaging story with a refreshing storyline that hooked me from the first page. It was so different from the books that I have read, and it really captivated my attention. The attention to detail and historical background were superbly done. The characters were ones that you either loved immediately or hated, as in the case of Bethany’s aunt. Bethany was sweet, kind, gentle, and innocent. I felt myself rooting for Bethany to get out from under her aunt’s thumb and free herself from the abusive behaviors of her aunt and uncle. To some extent it could be understood why Bethany’s aunt and uncle were against women smoking, drinking, and displaying what they felt like was appalling behavior in a woman. It was a far different time and taking place when women were just learning to free themselves of the constraints and restrictions imposed by society. Bethany’s aunt was raised during a different time but that did not give her the right to abuse Bethany and not allow her to eat. My heart went out to Bethany, and I rooted for her to be free like a butterfly. I highly recommend this book and am anxious to read not only the rest of this series but more by this author.

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