Category Archives: marriage customs

A Closer Look at “The Pemberley Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary”

 “The Pemberley Ball” originally appeared in the 2011 edition entitled, The Road to Pemberley: An Anthology of New Pride and Prejudice Stories, published by Ulysses Press. The anthology, edited by Marsha Altman, also includes “But He Turned Out Very Wild” by … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, British history, excerpt, Georgian England, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Vagary | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Announcing More Winners from Regina Jeffers’s “A Dance with Mr. Darcy” Giveaway

 These are the winners from the various giveaways associated with the release of A Dance with Mr. Darcy. All winners were chosen by Random.org. Each date will have two winners of eBooks of A Dance with Mr. Darcy listed and will … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, Church of England, eBooks, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, marriage, marriage customs, Pride and Prejudice, romance, Scotland, servant life, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Celebrating the Release of “A Dance with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary” + Giveaway

A major turning point in my latest Austen-inspired vagary, A Dance with Mr. Darcy, comes when Elizabeth permits Lydia to convince her to join in the St  Agnes Eve festivities.  But who was St Agnes? And why do we celebrate … Continue reading

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, excerpt, giveaway, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, marriage customs, medieval, Regency romance, religion, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

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 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

Queen Victoria Chooses a Husband for Her Second Daughter, Princess Alice

 With the marriage of Victoria, Princess Royal, to the future Frederick III of Prussia, Queen Victoria turned her “matchmaking” skills upon her second daughter, Princess Alice Maud Mary. Although she promoted the idea of love matches for all her children, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Church of England, history, kings and queens, legacy, marriage, marriage customs, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 2 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

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

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