Monthly Archives: February 2017

I. W. Harper Bourbon Comes Home

I. W. Harper History website tells us that Isaac Wolfe Bernheim was born in Germany in 1848, and by 1867 had arrived in New York at the age of 19 and with only 4 American dollars in his pocket . … Continue reading

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Is “Downton Abbey” a Copycat of “Pride & Prejudice”? from Guest Author, Ginger Monette

 Today, I welcome Ginger Monette to Every Woman Dreams. Ginger is a relative newcomer to JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) writing, as she promotes her latest book, Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey. Unlike many Austen variations that remain in the Regency … Continue reading

Posted in book release, British history, buildings and structures, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, romance | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Costs of Living During the Regency Period

For those of us who write Regency-based novels, the cost of items periodically comes up. How much would would a lady’s gown cost for her Come Out? What was the cost of bread or cheese? For a better understanding of … Continue reading

Posted in British currency, British history, business, Georgian England, Jane Austen, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Ladies of Llangollen, a Romantic Friendship, from Guest Author Sue Wilkes

The post originally appeared upon Austen Authors. I know you find it an exceptionally well researched and compelling tale.  It’s clear from Jane Austen’s novels and letters that female friendships played a very important role in her life. In Northanger … Continue reading

Posted in books, British history, Church of England, Georgian England, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, real life tales, romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pounds, Shillings, Pence, and Guineas: Understanding British Currency Used in the 19th Century

Okay, I admit it. When it comes to understanding the British system of currency in the books I read, even I am sometimes confused. So, I set out to learn more of the currency.  The common currency was created in … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, British currency, British history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Do You Know These Words and Phrases?

Inexpressibles ~ Etymology Compare to unmentionables ‎(“underwear”). Geri Walton at her Unique Histories from the 18th and 19th Centuries tells us “That part of the dress which it is now unlawful to name, seems of old to have had the … Continue reading

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The Places We Visit in Jane Austen’s Novels

Oh, the Places We Will Go…in Austen Novels Through Jane Austen’s novels, I was first introduced, at the age of 12, to beautiful English estates and a land beyond my imagination. I fell in love with the time, the homes, … Continue reading

Posted in Austen actors, books, buildings and structures, film adaptations, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The Beginnings of the Greyhound Bus Company

In 1914, a young Swedish minor named Car Eric Wickman left his job as a diamond drill operator in the rugged Mesabi Iron Ore Range in Hibbing, Minnesota, to open a Hupmobile (Goodyear Tire) franchise. The venture cost him $3000. … Continue reading

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“God Save the Queen,” British National Anthem

“God Save the Queen,” also called (during a kingship) God Save the King, British royal and national anthem. The origin of both the words and the music is obscure. The many candidates for authorship include John Bull (c. 1562–1628), Thomas Ravenscroft (c. … Continue reading

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Did Richard II “Invent” the Handkerchief?

Okay, I will admit up front the history of Richard II’s reign is NOT my area of expertise, and so I do NOT mean this piece as a “history” lesson. Rather it is meant to be an interesting historical “tidbit.” … Continue reading

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