Mimi Matthews's Blog, page 12

The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter: Exclusive Cover Reveal at USA Today

Today, I’m thrilled to be over at USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog with Joyce Lamb for the exclusive cover reveal of my next Victorian romance novel, The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter. You can click through to the USA Today website HERE. I hope you’ll all stop by and have a look!  Set in […]

The Spinster’s Numeration Table: A Guide for Nineteenth Century Men

Recently, while researching, I came across a “Spinster’s Numeration Table” printed in the 1837 edition of the New Monthly Magazine. This table lists out the various ages of an unmarried woman and corresponds them to certain characteristics. It is meant to be humorous, but—as with all humor of this sort—there is a grain of historical […]

Victorian Handcuff Bracelets for Engagement and Marriage

Gold bracelets and bangles were popular throughout the Victorian era. They came in a variety of styles, including thin bracelets, heavy bracelets, and bracelets adorned with jewels. Most were fairly commonplace in appearance; however, in the late nineteenth century, a new style emerged on the scene in the form of gold bracelets made to look—and […]

Winners of The Lost Letter Release Day Giveaway!

Last week, I offered a Victorian-themed letter writing giveaway to celebrate the release of my debut historical romance novel The Lost Letter. This giveaway was open to all my subscribers. The grand prize included: A signed paperback copy of The Lost Letter A Victorian-style writing set with a peacock feather quill pen A stationery box with […]

The Lost Letter: The Story Behind the Story

I don’t usually blog about my writing process. However, since this is launch week for my debut Victorian romance The Lost Letter, I thought I’d share with you a little bit about how the story came into being. For those of you who have read it, you’ll know that it’s dedicated to my mother. My […]

The Lost Letter Release Day, with Victorian-Themed Gift Giveaways & More!

It’s release day for my debut Victorian romance novel The Lost Letter! To celebrate, I’ll be visiting a different website or blog every day this week. There will be interviews, history articles, exclusive excerpts, and giveaways. I’m also hosting a special Victorian-themed release day giveaway here at my own website, featuring quill pens, stationery, and […]

A Simple Coiffure: Basic Hairstyles for Victorian Women of Moderate Means

For balls and other formal events, fashionable women of the early 1860s often arranged their hair in elaborate styles with artificial tufts, pads, and false plaits. On a day-to-day basis, however, Victorian women of more moderate means stuck to more practical styles. These styles included firmly pinned plaits, simple chignons, and rolls bound up in […]

The Etiquette of the Victorian Handshake: Advice on Opposite Sex Greetings

“Among friends the shaking of the hand is the most genuine and cordial expression of good-will.” The Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Etiquette, 1877. When we think of nineteenth century greetings, many of us naturally picture bows, curtsies, and subtle inclinations of the head. But these were not the only types of gestures with which to greet […]

Winners of My Victorian-Themed Letter Writing Giveaway!

In my last author newsletter, I offered an exclusive, Victorian-themed letter writing giveaway to celebrate the upcoming release of my debut historical romance novel The Lost Letter. This very special giveaway included: A signed, advance paperback copy of The Lost Letter A Victorian-style writing set, with quill pen, steel nibs, and ink A stationery box […]

Fashionable Frocks of 1860

When it comes to Victorian fashion, it is often difficult to choose a favourite year—or even a favourite decade.  The romantic gowns of the 1830s vie with the enormous crinolines of the 1860s which, in turn, rival the sleek, bustled skirts of the 1870s. As someone who researches and writes extensively on historical fashion, choosing […]