Morpeth, 1868. Theodora Breckenridge, a lover of the outdoors, finds solace in capturing nature's beauty in her watercolor paintings. Her admiration for Harriet and Helena Scott, renowned nature illustrators, is evident when her father takes her to meet the sisters on Ash Island. Painting butterflies is a favorite to capture. She can hardly wait to write to the sisters, including a preliminary painting to emphasize the pattern of markings on the beautiful butterfly she saw in the garden. Her curiosity is piqued as she did not find this butterfly in the reference volume the sisters illustrated.

Sydney, 1922. Verity Binks is left in awe when she opens a package containing a paid ticket to the Sydney Artists Masquerade Ball and a butterfly costume, complete with a mask. The package, delivered personally by a messenger, is a mystery, with no hint of the sender's identity. Even Mrs. Carr, the nosy neighbor who was home at the time, couldn't uncover any information about the sender. This unexpected gift is the beginning of surprising twists, including a trip to Morpeth.

As a lover of monarch butterflies, I was immediately drawn to the book cover, particularly as it has been several years since I’ve seen any in our yard (🇺🇸), and I was quickly captivated by the story. The narrative, with dual timelines, unveils a rich history that is both intriguing and deeply moving. The generational story, beautifully written, tugs at the heartstrings, not just because of the mysteries and resilience of nature but also because of the resilience and strength of the women who are at the heart of the story.

At the end of the novel, a Historical Note provides a fascinating delineation between creativity and historical facts, enriching the reading experience. Additionally, book clubs will also appreciate the availability of Discussion Questions. ( )

enjoyed listening to the audio book read by Emily Barrett. Her voice is nice, and I enjoyed the way she expressed herself vocally. Her Australian accents were not thick but easy to understand. Even though Emily didn't distinguish between the voices of the male and female characters, the story was nonetheless enjoyable to listen to.

The central themes of this historical mystery revolve around a woman who is enthralled with butterflies and a mystery involving the Treadwell Foundation and its intended focus on "disgraced young women and their babies". This was not a mystery about butterflies. The title is misleading. I thought the story would center more around butterflies. The primary subject was how one affluent Australian family expanded their wealth during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

This is a dual time slip story one set in 1922 where readers meet Verity Binks in Sydney. The Treadwell Foundation, who supports unmarried women who find themselves in a delicate condition and their babies. Verity Binks starts her investigation to write her story and uncovers some shady dealings and a fifty-year-old mystery to solve.

In 1868. Morpeth, readers meet Theodora Breakenridge who is mourning the loss of her mother, father and brother in a tragic accident. She lives in The Landing with her three sisters. They want to travel to Sydney to find husbands and shop. Theodora has other plans which include drawing and painting. One day she makes an incredible discovery. It’s a butterfly that’s never been seen before in Austraila.

Intertwined in Verity Binks investigation for her article she discovers secrets, family ties, surprising adoption records, cover ups and illegal baby trafficking. There is a thread about trail blazing woman’s interest in art, nature, science, and the Wanderer Butterfly.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

I truly enjoy learning something of Australia's history through Tea Cooper's historical fiction. Of course I appreciate her historical notes at the end which help me to separate fact from fiction. The Butterfly Collector is a dual timeline story that centers around the horrible but lucrative baby farming business in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As Verity Binks, a fledgling journalist, researches a well known charity that assists unwed, expectant mothers, she stumbles across the long running existence of a baby farming operation originating in the town of Morpeth. Further exploration revealed her own family's connections, both past and present.

The Butterfly Collector is a clean work of fiction that deals with a difficult reality. I believe this well-written, sensitive story will appeal to readers of Christian and secular historical fiction. Even though it does not include a Christian element, it but does have a strong theme of social justice. Cooper skillfully unfolds the story of Verity's family maximizing reader engagement with the story and encouraging bonding with the story's characters.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Butterfly Collector from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

Verity is a would-be journalist until she loses her job to the returning soldiers. But, this does not stop her from going after a story. When she receives a costume and an invite to an esteemed ball, she jumps at the chance to write a story. However, this mysterious evening turns into much more than she bargained for.

Verity is a good character. She is determined to be a writer. And in this time period, that is a big challenge. Women are supposed to marry, have children and keep the home. This is not a part of Verity’s talents! So, I did admire her gumption!

This novel is unique in its subject matter, time period and setting. Now, I am not going to lie, I almost DNF it more than once, especially at the beginning. And it could be that I have read a few “sweet” books lately and I need a bit more action than this book offered. But it does get better, especially where the hunt for Charlie is concerned. (You will need to read this to find out!) And I did enjoy learning about the history of basically selling babies. I just don’t understand the cruelty of some people. Greed is a powerful thing!

The narrator, Emily Barrett, is not one I have listened to very often. I really enjoyed her voice and her cadence.

Need a unique historical fiction…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )

Hidden pasts!

Tea Cooper has an uncanny ability to join a story by threads of happenstance across several generations. This time in Morpeth, NSW (Australia). The story is connected by the central idea of a delicate painting of the first discovery of the Wanderer Butterfly, painted and researched by Theodora Breckenridge(unacknowledged of course!)
Add into this the tragedy of baby farms, stolen children and a woman who orchestrated these things, and we have a stunning expose across time delving into just exactly what happened in the Morpeth community between 1868 and 1922.
In 1922 Verity Binks, a struggling reporter and the daughter of the a now deceased war correspondent, is invited to write a piece about a charity, the Treadwell Foundation. The mover behind the organization is David Treadwell, husband to Theodora’s sister Florence . It’s in Treadwell’s home that Verity first sees the stunning painting of the Wanderer Butterfly.
As the circle closes it appears Verity’s grandparents came from Morpeth where the butterfly was painted.
I love the way Cooper’s writing transverses the Australian historical landscape as she weaves her storytelling magic.
Sublime descriptions of gardens lush and heavy with perfumed anticipation contrast against the fractured lives of the women and babies that intrude into a harsh reality. Darkness hides amongst them. Mystery and tragedy beckons!
Another heart stopping treat from Tea Cooper!

A Harper Muse ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )