Maggi Andersen's Blog, page 84
May 21, 2011
Review of Deanna Raybourn's Lady Jane Grey Series
The Lady Julia Grey Bundle by Deanna RaybournMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deanna Raybourn had me with the first line of the first book in the series. If you've read it you'll know what I mean. I could hardly put my kindle down until I'd finished the third, bowled over by the level of research and descriptions of life in late Victorian England. The third book, Silent In The Grave is extraordinary. Raybourn's hero, Nicholas Brisbane is a smoldering, flawed Heathcliffe, although blessed with finer qualities, in a Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire setting. Add a touch of murder and a dash of Egyptology to the mix! But be warned these books are not bodice rippers, Raybourn leaves much to our imaginations. Traveling with these two characters who so clearly yearn for each other, I had no trouble doing that.
View all my reviews
May 15, 2011
May 13, 2011
A Rake's Progress Through Literature
http://www.amazon.com/How-Tame-Rake-e...HOW TO TAME A RAKE RAKE is short for rakehell, a historic term for a man of immoral conduct, who uses women heartlessly for his own ends.
In Restoration English comedy (1660-1688) the rake was a carefree, witty, sexually irresistible aristocrat. The merry gang of courtiers, of which the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Dorset were a part, combined riotous living with intellectual pursuits and patronage of the arts. After the end of Charles II rein, however, the rake took a dive into squalor. His fate was sealed in debtor's prison, venereal disease or in the case of William Hogarth's A Rake's Progress, insanity in Bedlam.
In 18th Century England, a rake was seen to be someone who wasted his inherited fortune on gambling, wine and women incurring vast debts. He was also a man who seduced innocent young women and left them pregnant.
This thoroughly unattractive rakehell has been turned into a brooding hero by authors such as the Bronte sisters, and later, Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland. In modern historical romances, he continues to be redeemed by a feisty heroine.
My three novellas are available in e-book and are coming to print in an anthology soon.
HOW TO TAME A RAKE
STIRRING PASSIONS
LOVE AND WAR
May 9, 2011
*****Review of Silent In The Grave by Deanna Raybourn
A young aristocratic woman, Lady Julia Grey, has lost her husband to an apparent heart condition. Sir Edward's death is attributed to natural causes. But just as Lady Julia settles into her 12-month period of mourning, the enigmatic Mr Brisbane who witnessed Sir Edward's demise, tells her her husband was murdered.
At first Lady Julia doesn't believe the handsome Nicholas Brisbane, but at the end of her period of mourning, she finds a threatening note tucked away at the back of her husband's bureau drawer, and realises he was telling her the truth. She hires him to investigate the circumstances of her husband's death. But she does not intend to leave him to tackle the task alone.
What a joy to discover such an excellent writer of historical mysteries. The book reveals many fascinating details about late Victorian mores, attitudes and behaviour. I enjoyed her literary allusions, her historical detail, her characters, Lady Julia and Mr Brisbane both. The story held me and didn't give up its secrets until close to the end. Looking forward to the next one. Raybourn has joined Tasha Alexander as my favourite historical mystery writers along with Amanda Quick.
May 7, 2011
Wonderful video of late Georgian London
With Hostage to Fortune coming soon, I thought I'd delve into the world in which it is set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-oxCh...Late Georgian London
Sampler 1801 done by a ten-year old girl.
Men's clothing
A Masquerade ball
Late Georgian silk bedhangings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-oxCh...Late Georgian London
Sampler 1801 done by a ten-year old girl.
Men's clothing
A Masquerade ball
Late Georgian silk bedhangings.
April 28, 2011
New contract for Hostage to Fortune
I have a new contract for HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE, my Georgian romance set during the French Revolution.
A gypsy warns debutante, Henrietta Buckleigh that it will be up to her to save the people she loves. As her father, Lord Beaumont rushes to France to save his brother-in-law from the guillotine during the French Revolution, it seems unlikely the gypsy's prophesy will come true. Henrietta joins with French actress, Verity Garnier to follow her father to France, as the man she finds irresistible, Christian Hartley, a spy for the Crown, follows in their wake. But the gypsy has also said that someone will die.
A gypsy warns debutante, Henrietta Buckleigh that it will be up to her to save the people she loves. As her father, Lord Beaumont rushes to France to save his brother-in-law from the guillotine during the French Revolution, it seems unlikely the gypsy's prophesy will come true. Henrietta joins with French actress, Verity Garnier to follow her father to France, as the man she finds irresistible, Christian Hartley, a spy for the Crown, follows in their wake. But the gypsy has also said that someone will die.
April 21, 2011
Great Book trailer up for a vote.
There's some great book trailers at You Gotta Read Videos. Mine is No.18 The Reluctant Marquess. Please vote if you like it. It was made by a friend of mine, Marly Mathews whose a dab hand at it. http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com
April 20, 2011
NAPOLEON and the Empire of FASHION 1795-1815
I have a wonderful new research book showing the exquisite fashions of Napoleon's France. Here's a trailer that gives you a glimpse of some of the gowns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQkH1aYXZC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQkH1aYXZC4
