Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 46

IN PRAISE OF OLD BOOKS

by Louisa Cornell Regular visitors to Number One London have read of my obsession with research books written on the Regency era. I collect them with a fervor just short of that of the Regency’s most avaricious bibliomaniac. As a subdivision of my obsession, I want to tell you a bit about my relationship with … Continue reading "IN PRAISE OF OLD BOOKS"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND – KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Our next stop was Knebworth House, a Gothic fantasy straight out of a Hammer Studios horror movie. In fact, there was a movie being filmed there during our visit, the grounds covered in booms and trailers, lights and cables. Unfortunately, a confidentiality agreement had been signed and so we weren’t allowed to know which film. Quite … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND – KNEBWORTH HOUSE"

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT – POSTILION BOOTS?

by Kristine Hughes Patrone On a recent visit to Hever Castle, I met with this formidable pair of “postilion boots” and decided that I had to find out more about the history of this footwear. Here, I share with you what I learned. First, from the Hever Castle website: “The large leather and iron postilion’s … Continue reading "DO YOU KNOW ABOUT – POSTILION BOOTS?"

BEGUILED BY A BARON – CHRISTI CALDWELL’S NEWEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE AND THOSE CRAZY BIBLIOMANIACS

Excerpt from : Beguiled by a Baron His brother may have failed to find an appropriate housekeeper in the last woman to hold the post, but there could be no doubting this one’s skill and knowledge. “Shall we?” Not waiting to see if she followed, he guided her from his most rare Collection Room to … Continue reading "BEGUILED BY A BARON – CHRISTI CALDWELL’S NEWEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE AND THOSE CRAZY BIBLIOMANIACS"

HYDROTHERAPY IN GEORGIAN ENGLAND – NOT YOUR MOTHER’S SPA TREATMENT

BY LOUISA CORNELL Taking the waters during the Georgian age was prescribed by physicians for everything from stomach troubles, to gout, to a nervous disposition. This cure usually involved a trip to one of England’s many spa towns, like Bath or Tonbridge Wells. It might entail a trip to the sea, to Brighton perhaps, to … Continue reading "HYDROTHERAPY IN GEORGIAN ENGLAND – NOT YOUR MOTHER’S SPA TREATMENT"

MEET ME AT THE LYCH GATE

BY  LOUISA CORNELL When I was nine years old, my father’s Air Force career took our family to the little village of Kelsale in Suffolk, England. Some of the most magical memories of my childhood are of the three years we lived in this quaint and unique place. It did not take long for my … Continue reading "MEET ME AT THE LYCH GATE"

A REVIEW OF ROMANCE READER’S GUIDE TO HISTORIC LONDON BY SONJA ROUILLARD

BY LOUISA CORNELL All historical romance authors start out as historical romance readers. At least I hope they do. These same historical romance readers turned authors read, in all likelihood, one book that dragged them into the genre and refused to let them go. For me it was Pride and Prejudice, followed closely by Jane … Continue reading "A REVIEW OF ROMANCE READER’S GUIDE TO HISTORIC LONDON BY SONJA ROUILLARD"

A REVIEW OF ROMANCE READER’S GUIDE TO HISTORICAL LONDON BY SONJA ROUILLARD

BY LOUISA CORNELL All historical romance authors start out as historical romance readers. At least I hope they do. These same historical romance readers turned authors read, in all likelihood, one book that dragged them into the genre and refused to let them go. For me it was Pride and Prejudice, followed closely by Jane … Continue reading "A REVIEW OF ROMANCE READER’S GUIDE TO HISTORICAL LONDON BY SONJA ROUILLARD"

THE OLD BAILEY AND SMUGGLING TRIALS IN THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

 by Regan Walker   Echo in the Wind, my new Georgian romance set in 1784, smuggling features prominently. Tea drinking was so popular that many people turned a blind eye to the activities of the smuggling gangs. Because it was an illegal trade, it is impossible to know exactly how much tea was smuggled into … Continue reading "THE OLD BAILEY AND SMUGGLING TRIALS IN THE LATE 18TH CENTURY"

OF HEADSTRONG HEROINES AND THE “SPORT” OF BEAR BAITING IN REGENCY ENGLAND

EXCERPT from LOST IN LOVE by LOUISA CORNELL THE FOOL OF A BEAR baiter looked at her as if she had two heads. “I mean it, you puffed up bully.” She flicked the whip at him and knocked the tattered hat from his head. “This dog belongs to Miss Worthy. Should you try to take … Continue reading "OF HEADSTRONG HEROINES AND THE “SPORT” OF BEAR BAITING IN REGENCY ENGLAND"