Category Archives: historical fiction

The Legend of Handfasting + Release of “A Dance with Mr. Darcy” + Excerpt + Giveaway

 Last Tuesday, we looked at the formal betrothals known as “handfasting,” But what of the mythical handfasting ceremonies purported by popular literature? In the late 18th Century, an idea arose in Scotland that “handfasting” did not refer to a betrothal, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, books, British history, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, excerpt, giveaway, historical fiction, Jane Austen, legends and myths, Living in the Regency, marriage customs, marriage licenses, Pride and Prejudice, Scotland, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Historical Handfasting as a Plot Point in “A Dance with Mr. Darcy” + Excerpt + Giveaway

Although Darcy and Elizabeth do not come to their Happily Ever After in A Dance with Mr. Darcy through handfasting, it is a subject of discussion. They are in Scotland, and handfasting was a more common practice there. But what … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, books, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, excerpt, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, marriage, marriage customs, medieval, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Regency romance, religion, Scotland, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

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

Meet Adam Lawrence, my Go-To Character in Nine of My Novels

This post appeared recently on Helen Hollick’s blog, but I thought to share it with you because I dearly loved the premise. Enjoy!  We all know the protagonist is the hero (or anti-hero!) of a novel. He or she usually … Continue reading →

Posted in blog hop, book excerpts, book release, books, heroines, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Peterloo Massacre, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, reading, reading habits, Realm series, Regency era, Regency romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Meet Adam Lawrence, my Go-To Character in Nine of My Novels

Jane Austen’s Publishing Options, or Being a Female Writer in the Regency Era

Publishing Options for Women During Jane Austen’s Lifetime I thought it time to revisit this post for several people of late have asked me of Austen and self-publishing. “Novels” during the early Regency were geared toward the female reader; therefore, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, food, George IV, Georgian England, Great Britain, historical fiction, Industry News/Publishing, Jane Austen, literature, Living in the Regency, publishing, reading, reading habits, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

William “520 Percent” Miller, Inspiration for “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain”

In my latest release, Mr. Darcy’s Bargain, Elizabeth pleads with Darcy to save the citizens of Meryton from a scam being perpetrated upon them by Mr. Wickham. But how did I come up with the idea of this scam as … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Anglo-Normans, Austen Authors, Barbara Kyle, book excerpts, book release, books, British currency, British history, British Navy, business, Chaucer, commerce, contemporary romance, eBooks, George Wickham, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency romance, romance, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Play from Emma Wood: “Mr Bennet’s Bride,” a Pride and Prejudice Prequel

First, before we begin, I should say that Emma is literally on the other side of the world. Where she lives it is already Thursday, November 10, so if she does not respond too quickly to comments below, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen actors, British history, drama, family, Georgian England, historical fiction, Jane Austen, JASNA, marriage, playwrights, Pride and Prejudice, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part II

Previously, in our survey of the History of English Literature, we looked at Barnaby Barnes, John Fletcher, and Nicholas Breton. You may find that post HERE. Today we will explore the accomplishments of Sir Henry Wotton, Anthony Munday, and Raphael … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, historical fiction, literature, Living in the UK, playwrights, poetry, reading, religion, romantic verse, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Celebrating the Launch of “The Renegade Wife” with Caroline Warfield + a Giveaway

Today, I welcome one of my author friends, Caroline Warfield. I love Caroline’s “Dangerous” series, and now she is back with a new series that brings the children from the “Dangerous” series to new lands.  One of the things I love … Continue reading →

Posted in blog hop, book excerpts, book release, books, British history, buildings and structures, excerpt, giveaway, historical fiction, holidays, publishing, real life tales, romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 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