Plumage: a Historical Romance retelling of The Swan Maiden

Alivia Fleur

May 2026 · Spencer & Co Publishing

About this ebook

A short story fairy-tale retelling of The Swan Maiden, set in the early twentieth century.

Elliot Turner does not fall in love.

What use is such a pointless emotion? He keeps his liaisons brief, physical, and with the society wives of the old‑name elite who made his school years hell.

Ava Whitfield loves two things: the quiet thrill of spotting birds on the wing, and the man she should never want—her best friend’s brother. Thank heavens she is moving north to marry. Maybe then she can finally outrun the whispered rumours and the ache of wanting Elliot.

When Elliot returns home for his sister's coming out ball, he fully intends to behave. But that was before he learnt that Ava is leaving to marry, and the thought of another man touching her ignites something dark and undeniable.

Now he must decide whether to watch her walk away, or risk everything to claim the love he never believed he deserved.

Ratings and reviews

I don’t know how she did it, but Alivia Fleur has managed to write an engrossing short story inspired by The Swan Maiden, set in Edwardian England, and with an animal protection message. Ava has been in love with her best friend’s rakish brother, Elliot, forever. She is also a bird lover and is devastated by the brutal feather trade. This was beautifully written and highly recommended. I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.