Monthly Archives: September 2016

Francis Hopkinson, Designer of the U. S. Flag and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Francis Hopkinson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1737. He represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Hopkinson’s interests extended beyond politics; he was a prolific composer and writer (likely America’s … Continue reading

Posted in American History, British history, Declaration of Independence | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Holiday Gift Giving and the Release of Mr. Darcy’s Present + Giveaway

Most people today think of the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as being the original “Christmas presents.” However, we must recall that during the Roman ritual, known as Saturnalia, gifts were exchanged. The pagan rituals demanded that “generosity … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, Georgian England, Great Britain, holidays, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage customs, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency romance, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Robert Southwell, Jesuit Priest and Literary Contemporary of William Shakespeare

“Robert Southwell was born around 1561 at Horsham St. Faith, Norfolk, the youngest son and fifth child in a family of eight. The Southwells, a county family that had prospered from the dissolution of the monasteries, formed part of a … Continue reading

Posted in legacy, poetry | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Best Intentions ~ Celebrating the Release of “Mr. Darcy’s Present” + Excerpt + Giveaway

I admit it. I love autumn. Here in North Carolina for the past two summers we have had a string of 90+ degrees days. This year, since May 27, we have had 82 such days. The lowest temperature we have experienced … Continue reading

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, Georgian England, historical fiction, holidays, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, marriage licenses, medicine, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency romance, romance, tradtions, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

George Read, the Only Signer Who Voted Against the Declaration of Independence, But Still Signed It

    Born on September 18, 1733, on a family estate at North East, Cecil County,Maryland, George Read was the eldest son of Colonel John Read of Maryland and Delaware. His father, the Colonel, was born in Dublin, Ireland, on … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, American History, British history, Declaration of Independence | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Are You Familiar with These Words and Phrases?

I love unusual words and phrases and often make note of them as I read. Today, we have a nice mix.  “As Nice as Ninepence“ means neat, tidy, well-ordered. Phrase Finder tells us that the origin of the phrase may … Continue reading

Posted in etymology, word origins | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Life Below Stairs: Benevolent Groups Come to the Aid of Domestic Servants

There were groups operating in London and throughout England to aid domestic servants. The most important of those were… Established in May 1846, The General Domestic Servants’ Benevolent Institution was located at 32 Sackville Street, Piccadilly. It was under the … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Living in the UK, servant life, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Celebrating the Release of “Mr. Darcy’s Present: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary” + Excerpt + Giveaway

Okay, I know the calendar says September 19, but you cannot tell me you have not already seen Christmas decorations up in some of the big box stores. Years prior, I cursed the stores when they brought out Christmas items … Continue reading

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, books, eBooks, Georgian England, holidays, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, marriage licenses, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency romance, romance, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Samuel Adams, “Poster Boy” of the American Uprising and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Samuel Adams was one of Boston’s most prominent revolutionary leaders. He was known for his ability to harness popular resentment against Parliament’s authority to tax the colonies in a productive manner. His role in the origins of the American War … Continue reading

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Welcome Guest Author, Elf Ahearn, and the Amazon Sale of “A Rogue in Sheep’s Clothing”

Today, I welcome a fellow Beau Monder, Elf Ahearn to “Every Woman Dreams.” This is her first visit with us, and I hope you will show her the kindness you customarily show me. What can I tell you about Elf’s … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, book excerpts, book release, customs and tradiitons, excerpt, Georgian Era, Great Britain, Guest Blog, Guest Post, heroines, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency romance, religion, romance, royalty, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments