Regina Scott's Blog, page 9
May 17, 2022
Pretty Interesting in Pink
What might you have worn for an evening party 210 years ago? Maybe this?
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Er, maybe not. But let’s have a look anyway at this offering from La Belle Assemblée, May 1812:
No. 1 - Evening Dress An embroidered white crape, or fine India muslin frock, with long sleeves, and trimmed round the bottom with fine lace, set on full, worn over a blush colour satin or sarsnet slip; the frock ornamented down the front of the skirt with beads and lace in the Egyptian style. Parisian mob, worn unfastened, of puckered pink, and white crape over pink satin. Small pink satin tippet, with full plaiting of lace. Cestus of pale pink, confined by a clasp of pearl. Pink satin slippers, with white rosettes. The jewellery worn with this dress is the shaded cornelian, or large pearls.
Reading the description, I think this might, in many ways, have been a rather pretty dress: picture very, very fine, sheer white embroidered muslin over a pale pink underdress, so that as the wearer moved, your attention might be drawn by the embroidery one minute, and by the color the next. The oblong panels “in the Egyptian style” (and I’d love to know what makes them particularly ‘Egyptian’) aren’t very attractive by modern standards, though, nor is the pink satin “tippet”, or scarf around the shoulders, unless it drapes in an interesting way or offers some other visual interest in the back. A cestus is a belt; what's noteworthy here is that it appears almost at the natural waist, rather than up under the bust.
The hat—a “Parisian mob” (and now all I can think of is A Tale of Two Cities!) is "interesting" as well—not the mental picture I have of a mob cap, but more almost like a pair of kerchiefs.
All in all, not one of La Belle Assemblée’s more noteworthy efforts, but it has its charms. What do you think?
May 10, 2022
An Aeronaut Launches!
It’s no secret I love steampunk, that juxtaposition of history and science with a touch of wonder and whimsy. So I am beyond-the-moon excited to be writing a trilogy of Regency-set steampunk novels with master-in-the-field Shelley Adina. We affectionately call them “Prinnypunk” after the Prince Regent. 😊The first is now out! Napoleon is determined to conquer the world with his steam-powered weapons. Nothing in England can stop him … except two young lady inventors.
In 1819, France is surrounded by armies. With Russia in the north, the Karlsruhe Confederacy in the east, and a pirate kingdom in the south, Napoleon cannot break out, nor can the English Navy seem to break in. Europe teeters on the edge of a sword. Whichever side rules the air will win.
Celeste Blanchard, daughter of the Emperor’s disgraced Air Minister, is running out of time to develop an air ship that can carry his armies to England and restore her mother to glory. But on a daring and desperate test flight, she is blown off course … and washes up, half drowned, on the shores of Cornwall, in the heart of enemy territory.
Loveday Penhale, cosseted daughter of gentry, has her own inventions to build, even as pressure mounts to behave like a proper young lady and seek a husband instead of a design for a high-pressure steam engine. But when Arthur Trevelyan, heir to the neighboring estate, Gwynn Place, asks for her help in rescuing an unconscious young woman on the beach, Loveday discovers an aeronaut and an inventor as skilled as she is. Between them, a friendship blossoms, and Loveday wonders if they might even pull off the impossible and invent an air ship that will catch the eye of the Tinkering Prince Regent, who has offered a prize to anyone who can help England break the impasse. Celeste’s loyalties are torn in two. If she is caught working secretly for France, she will lose her friend, the love of an honorable man—and her life. But if Napoleon learns she has betrayed him, she will be executed on sight.
Can friendship prevail in the face of war? Or is there a third solution—one where everything hinges on the bravery and daring of a Cornish debutante and the Emperor’s aeronaut?
Booklist called it “a witty and whimsical flight of fancy,” and Among the Reads said “I was mesmerized from the first page by these plucky, brilliant ladies.”
Get your copy in ebook or print at fine online retailers:
Amazon (affiliate link)
May 3, 2022
Stolen for a Song?
It’s the beginning of the month, which means it is time for the next installment in the Ladies of Almack’s series,
Lyrics and Larceny
. In Lyrics and Larceny, we meet Lady Patroness and shadow-shaper Annabel Fellbridge’s cousin Hartley, who has been shaken from his self-absorbed ways by Demetria Pouli, a bewitching Greek soprano who is taking London by storm. When a rash of jewel thefts seems to accompany her recitals, Annabel fears Demetria may not be what she seems. As it happens, she isn’t—but a happily-ever-after for Hartley and Demetria isn’t necessarily out of the question, thanks to the Ladies of Almack’s…
I’ve made use of my fondness for classical mythology in this story, as you will see…and have dropped a few hints that another figure from classical mythology—a little boy equipped with bow and arrows—might be making an appearance soon. I hope you’ll enjoy this latest story in the series: it’s light-hearted fun for not-so-light-hearted times.
Lyrics and Larceny can be purchased directly from the publisher, Book View Café, in both EPUB and MOBI formats as well as from all the usual online bookstore outlets. Print versions can be found at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. (affiliate links may be used)
In addition, the next three books in the series are available for pre-order at all vendors, so if you're enjoying them, you can grab ’em now. Happy reading!
May 1, 2022
What Lies Beneath is a RONE Finalist!
You’re probably surprised to see a post from one of us on a Monday. But there’s a good reason for me to be posting today—I would very much appreciate your help!
My young adult fantasy What Lies Beneath is a finalist in InD’tale Magazine’s 2022 RONE Awards. Books achieve finalist status by receiving a 4 ½ or 5 star review from the magazine during the previous year—in my book’s case, it was a 5 star review (which you can read here.) The RONE Award is a three-step contest; once the finalists are announced (first step) then there’s a sort of “people’s choice” contest, where readers vote for their favorite books. In the final step, the top vote-getters in the middle round go on to be judged by industry professionals to decide the winner in each category.
So what I really hope is that you’ll take a moment to vote for What Lies Beneath, to help it move onto the final round. Here’s what you do:
Sign up/log in at www.indtale.com Please note that you’ll have to sign up, but it’s not a difficult or lengthy process. Click on 2022 RONE AWARD READER VOTING from the dropdown menu labeled RONES/CONTESTS at the far right of the header.Click on WEEK 4 (May 2-8, Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary: Cops, Jocks, Cowboys) Vote!I should add that What Lies Beneath is currently on sale at Book View Cafe for $2.99 for a limited time, available in both EPUB and MOBI (Kindle) formats.
And I’ll be very grateful for any votes from NineteenTeen readers. You’re the best—thank you!
-Marissa
April 26, 2022
Scouting for The Perfect Mail-Order Bride
When I wrote my Frontier Bachelors series, the Wallin family had a good friend who’d had a rough upbringing but a heart of gold. I still get letters from readers asking when Scout Rankin will have his own story told. So I’m giddy to report that it’s here! The Perfect Mail-Order Bridelaunched on April 18. Ada Williamson lived her whole life in the shadow of her charismatic, capricious sister. But when the beautiful Melinda decides to jilt her mail-order groom on the way to meet him in Seattle, Washington Territory, Ada’s conscience demands that she continue the journey and tell Thomas Rankin the truth. After all, she wrote most of the letters the couple exchanged, and she’s already halfway in love with the man herself. Yet somehow, one look at Thomas and the future he offers, and the truth never comes out. Suddenly, Ada finds herself not only out of the shadows, but living the life meant for her sister.
After making his fortune on the goldfields, Thomas “Scout” Rankin found he could buy almost anything he wanted, including the perfect mail-order bride in a territory where women are still few and far between. But past betrayals have left him wary, so he immediately notices that the woman who claims to be his mail-order bride doesn’t quite act the part. Still, someone wrote those letters that spoke to his heart. If getting to know Ada better will reveal the truth, he’s willing to try, even if he must protect his own secrets along the way.
But someone knows both their secrets and aims to use them to advantage. Can Thomas and Ada discover the truth, about their enemy, about their pasts, and about the love they both yearn to share?
The Huntress Reviews gave it five stars! “One thing is certain, if the author, Regina Scott, penned the story, it is sure to satisfy. Marvelous!”
“Scout is everything I remembered and more. He grew into the man that we hoped he would become and someone that we can fall in love with for himself,” said Hott Books.
The Perfect Mail-Order Bride is available in both ebook and paperback at fine retailers:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Overdrive (request it from your local library)
Indie Bound (an independent bookstore near you)
Bookshop (with proceeds benefitting independent bookstores)
The Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)
April 19, 2022
Such Language, Part 31
More wordly wonderment and wackiness, with some help from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. What's your favorite word this week?
Hugger-mugger: By stealth, privately, without making an appearance. (Lady Alice Lonesley is so shy that she only wanted to invite three people to her come-out ball, but the marchioness would not hold such a hugger-mugger affair.)
Sneaksby: A mean-spirited fellow, a sneaking cur. (Never invite Sir James Haynoose to dine when it’s raining; he’s such a sneaksby that you’ll find your umbrella stand is empty after he’s left.)
Clapper claw: To scold, to abuse, or claw off with the tongue. (The last time he did that, though, Mama so clapper-clawed him that he didn’t appear in public on cloudy days for an entire month.)
Jobation: A reproof. (He richly deserved that jobation, for he also absconded with my French silk parasol.)
Pickle: An arch, waggish fellow. (My aunt always buys jolly Uncle Frederick green waistcoats because he’s such a pickle.)
High water: To have plenty of money. (As he frequently loses buttons from laughing too hard, it is good that it is high water with them.)
Sparkish: Fine, cheerful. (But with buttons or without, we love the sparkish old gentleman.)
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Also sparkish is some recent happy writing-related news: What Lies Beneath, my World War I young adult fantasy, is a finalist in the North Texas RWA chapter’s Carolyn Readers Choice Award, in the Specialized category (along with one of my first writing friends, Janet Raye Stevens, and her time travel mystery-romance Beryl Blue, Time Cop.) Very excited!
And also, if you have a moment, do stop in at Lady Catherine's Salon on Facebook, a group for lovers of Regency romance, where I'm guest-hostessing this week. So far we're talking about being history lovers, what we collect, Regency fashions, and more. Come say hello!
April 12, 2022
Meanwhile, Back in Frontier Seattle
I have been fascinated by the Mercer Belles since I was a girl. I’ve written about them before. I even started an 8-book series about some of their fictional members coming to frontier Seattle and finding their happily-ever-afters. But the second book in the series introduced the Wallins, a family of five brothers and their sister, and they quickly took over the series. Now the publisher, Love Inspired, has brought their story to life again, in a print and ebook duet with Texas Cinderella by the bestselling Winnie Griggs.
Wanted: the perfect partner
Texas Cinderella by Winnie Griggs
After life on her family's farm, Cassie Lynn Vickers relishes her freedom working in town. Until her father suddenly demands she come home. Her only option? Convince handsome newcomer Riley Walker to marry her. Riley is on the run to keep his niece and nephew safe from his crooked half brother. But a delay in Turnabout, Texas, shows him everything he didn't know he was missing: home, family—and Cassie Lynn.
Would-Be Wilderness Wife by Regina Scott
Drew Wallin's brother is determined to see him married—so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Catherine has traveled West to use her skills to save lives, not to find a husband. If she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk!
You can find the duet at fine online retailers and booksellers near you. There was one other character associated with the Wallins that readers have been begging to receive a happily-ever-after. Keep an eye on this space for the publication of Scout Rankin’s story, coming April 18.
An independent bookseller near you
The Book Depository, free shipping worldwide
April 5, 2022
The Volume Vanishes (But the Ladies Will Find It!)
The Ladies of Almack’s are back again, this time investigating mysterious book disappearances in The Vanishing Volume.
Here’s the blurb:
In the second installment of The Ladies of Almack’s series, all of London is enthralled by E.C. Spruce’s latest three-volume novel, The Fifty Shades of Udolpho...until the third volume begins vanishing from bookshops and bedside tables alike, leaving readers dangling and desperate to know what happens next. The Lady Patronesses of Almack’s investigate, with unexpected results—and an unexpected new friendship for Annabel...or perhaps two friendships, if she’ll only admit it...
I’ll admit that I had way too much fun writing this story. There’s a guest appearance by Miss Allardyce from my Leland Sisters books, age 5, and a sneaky homage to another character from one of my all-time favorite books. There are books and bookstores and book fan-girls and a medieval—nope, not going to spill the beans. 😊
The Vanishing Volume can be purchased directly from Book View Café in both EPUB and MOBI, as well as from all the usual online bookstore outlets. Print versions can be found at Barnes and Noble and Amazon (and pardon me for crowing, but the print versions are simply adorable grouped together on a shelf.) You can also read an excerpt on my website.
Amazon (affiliate link)
March 29, 2022
Guest Blogger Katie Kennedy Tells Us Who Wasn’t Her Favorite President
It’s guest blog time! Today we’re welcoming one of my dear friends and fellow shenaniganizers (and history nerd!) Katie Kennedy, who courageously agreed to share some of her current historical research with us, even though flaming bags of doggie doo were involved. She is the author of The Constitution Decoded (Workman) and a forthcoming collective biography of the presidents, The Presidents Decoded (Workman, January 2023), both for MG/YA readers. She has also written two young adult novels, Learning to Swear in America and What Goes Up.
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When he was in Congress, Tyler opposed the Missouri Compromise (1820), which outlawed slavery above Missouri’s southern border. Tyler objected because he thought slavery should be allowed everywhere. A decade later, South Carolina tried to secede; Tyler was the only U.S. Senator to oppose the Force Bill, which gave President Andrew Jackson the power to enforce a federal law if a state refused to recognize it. Jackson was desperately trying to hold the country together and he managed to do it—but he sure didn’t get any help from John Tyler.
Tyler was William Henry Harrison’s running mate in the 1840 presidential election. Harrison died a month after taking office and Tyler became the third president in five weeks. (The first was Martin Van Buren, who served before Harrison.)
Tyler was a strict constructionist who thought the Constitution granted no power it didn’t explicitly list—that is, until Harrison died, at which point he declared himself to be the actual, not acting, president, although the Constitution didn’t say that the vice president became president if the executive died in office. (The Twenty-Fifth Amendment clarified the point—in 1967.) Most members of Congress thought he wasn’t a real president, but he returned letters addressed to “Acting President” unopened and his wife had the band play “Hail to the Chief” when he arrived at official functions, starting that tradition.
Tyler was a Whig but he vetoed Whig bills. He belonged to the party not because he agreed with its platform, but because he disliked Andrew Jackson’s Democratic party. His entire cabinet resigned (except for Secretary of State Daniel Webster, who was negotiating an important treaty). People referred to Tyler as “His Accidency” and Whigs kicked him out of the party—while he was the sitting president. It was Tyler who refused to return the Amistaddefendants to Africa after their victory in the Supreme Court, making it necessary to raise private funds. Tyler was also the first president to have articles of impeachment drawn up against him—which were filed by a representative from his home state of Virginia. Congress did not go forward with the impeachment, however.
Tyler did find someone who liked him. Two years after his first wife, Letitia, became the first First Lady to die in the White House, he married Julia Gardiner. Tyler had fifteen children, the most of any president.
When the Civil War began Tyler voted for Virginia’s secession and was elected to the Confederate Congress, making him the only president who clearly committed treason after leaving office. He died in 1862, before the war ended, and was never tried.
How bad was Tyler? When the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported his death it wrote, “His beautiful residence has been occupied by Union soldiers, his magnificent State has been ravaged by war, and the country so prosperous when he administered its affairs, is rent with civil war. John Tyler did perhaps as little as any man to prevent these evils.” Ouch.
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Thanks, Katie! Some day we'll have you back to discuss your favorite presidents to go fishing in Alaska and to go out for ice cream with. 😉
You can find Katie’s The Constitution Decoded (and her other books as well) at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, or at your local independent bookseller.
March 22, 2022
The Forgery Furore is Here!
The Forgery Furore, first book in The Ladies of Almack’s series, is out today!
Young widow Annabel Chalfont, Countess of Fellbridge, has two small sons to raise, a mountain of her late husband's debts to pay off, and a secret: she's a shadow-shaper, able to manipulate shadow as anyone else might clay. She and six other high-born ladies with equally extraordinary abilities defend England against supernatural crime--but the world knows them only as the Lady Patronesses of Almack's, Regency London's most exclusive social venue. The social season of 1810 starts out like any other year, but a sudden influx of strangers to Almack's exclusive balls means only one thing: someone is forging vouchers, and the evidence points to Annabel. And if finding the forger and clearing her name aren't challenging enough, there's dealing with her husband's old crony, the Marquess of Quinceton, and his hungry wolf stare...
The idea for a series of Regency-set stories featuring the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s as supernatural crime fighters came to me years ago. I’ve worked on it on and off for a long time, but it was only in the last couple of years that all of my ideas around it coalesced into an actual coherent series rather than a set of vaguely linked stories.
The Ladies of Almack’s mixes actual figures and events with my own characters and “speculation” on what might have happened behind the history we know about. Annabel and her fellow Lady Patronesses will go through many adventures together, eventually saving England from a dastardly Napoleonic plot…but of course, there’s a slow-burn romance wrapped up in it as well, along with (I hope) some light-hearted fun.
You can read the first chapter of The Forgery Furore on my website…and if you’d like a further taste of the Ladies of Almack’s, my short story “Just Another Quiet Evening at Almack’s” can be downloaded from BookFunnel by my newsletter subscribers.
Look for the second Ladies of Almack’s adventure, The Vanishing Volume, on April 5…and for their further adventures at the beginning of each month. All are available direct from the publisher, Book View Cafe, as well as from Amazon (affiliate link), Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Smashwords, and in print from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
