Alison Stuart's Blog, page 6
May 23, 2017
#NewRelease: Traitor's Knot by Cryssa Bazos
If you have enjoyed my Guardians of the Crown trilogy (out now as a boxed set... click HERE) set in the years of the 'Interregnum" 1650-1660, then you are going to love Traitor's Knot by Cryssa Bazos.Many former royalists were forced to take the road as highwaymen (James Hind being a great example) and it's against this background that Cryssa has set this story that begins in 1650. Highwaymen, royalists... what's not to love! (And I have a serious case of cover envy...)
As I do with all my guests I asked Cryssa to share an interesting snippet she found in research and here she is to talk about literacy and news...Spreading the news in the 17th Century...People in 17th century England weren’t as illiterate as you would expect. By the end of the century, it was thought that just under half of all men could read and over a quarter of women. Amongst the middle class, the majority was literate. This is the century when diary writing became a fad, and we’re still benefiting from their self-expression. But these estimates might not reflect what was really happening on the ground.
The significant increase in literacy over the previous century correlates with the explosion of printed material that floods the market in the mid-century. Broadsheets, newspapers and ballad sheets were all being turned out in record numbers. In fact the first newspapers, (e.g. Mercurius Politicus), were propaganda machines that helped fuel the civil war. Royalist and Roundhead each had their own publications pushing their agenda and that shaped public opinion. Really no different than today.
The explosion in print occurred not only because of the advances in print technology (cheaper, faster presses), but an increased consumer demand for it. Not just any consumer— looking at what was being printed, one could see that the lower to middling classes were now the new consumer. For example, following the Battle of Worcester the authorities captured the famous highwayman Captain Hind and accused him of helping Charles II escape. Leading up to his trial, Londoners were snapping up stories about him faster than publishers could produce them. One publication, the English Gusman, depicted Hind as a Robin Hood figure whose exploits could appeal to the common man.
Since the lower classes were the target market for these hot new publications, it’s a safe bet that more of them could read or had access to those who could read it for them.
[Attribution: By Jost Amman - "Eygentliche Beschreibung aller Stände auff Erden, hoher und nidriger, geistlicher und weltlicher, aller Künsten, Handwercken und Händeln ...", Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...]
Attribution: published by John Scott etching and line engraving, published 1799 NPG D29229About TRAITOR'S KNOTEngland 1650: Civil War has given way to an uneasy peace in the year since Parliament executed King Charles I.Royalist officer James Hart refuses to accept the tyranny of the new government, and to raise funds for the restoration of the king’s son, he takes to the road as a highwayman.
Elizabeth Seton has long been shunned for being a traitor’s daughter. In the midst of the new order, she risks her life by sheltering fugitives from Parliament in a garrison town. But her attempts to rebuild her life are threatened, first by her own sense of injustice, then by falling in love with the dashing Hart.
The lovers’ loyalty is tested through war, defeat and separation. James must fight his way back to the woman he loves, while Elizabeth will do anything to save him, even if it means sacrificing herself.
Traitor's Knot is a sweeping tale of love and conflicted loyalties set against the turmoil of the English Civil War.To buy... click the hyper link... Traitor's Knot[image error]Read an excerpt...Elizabeth Seton browsed the household stalls, strolling at her leisure. James walked towards her, his eyes fixed firmly on the prize. She hovered over a collection of linens, and her fingers brushed over the cloths, but she did not linger beyond a curious moment. James kept a discreet distance, ever narrowing the gap. One slim hand held her skirts, raising them slightly to avoid a muddy puddle before she continued on her way.
He halted his progress when she became rooted at the bookseller’s. While fancy ribbons and laces had not attracted her interest, a stack of pamphlets and chapbooks made the difference. She struck up a conversation with the bookseller, laughing at something he said. James rubbed his chin, engrossed. An unusual maid, he thought, and drew closer.
Leaning over the small collection, her head tilted to peer at the titles. Hair secured in a sedate knot, a wayward tendril escaped its constraint. The wind lifted and teased the stray lock, contrasting to the paleness of her nape. James fought the urge to reach out and twist the strand in his fingers.
He bent forward and addressed her in a low tone, “Are you looking to improve your mind, or to seek instruction?”
Elizabeth started in surprise. Her eyes widened, and for the first time, he realised how blue they were. Almost immediately they narrowed, as though she wasn’t sure how to respond to his boldness. He knew he was being forward, but he had never won a thing without pressing his advantage.
“I am looking for a book on good manners, sir. I would not expect you to recommend one.”Meet Cryssa Bazos..
Cryssa Bazos is an award winning historical fiction author and 17th century enthusiast with an oddly paired interest in both the English Civil War and romantic fiction. Her absolute favourite books are romantic adventures steeped in history. Traitor's Knot, her debut novel published by Endeavour Press, placed 3rd in the 2016 Romance for the Ages Ancient/Medieval/Renaissance) contest. Connect with Cryssa through:Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/cbazos/)
Twitter (@cryssabazos)
Instagram: cryssabazos https://www.instagram.com/cryssabazos/
Website: https://cryssabazos.com
May 19, 2017
Bathing in medieval style- with Anna Belfrage
Last week I introduced you to Anna Belfrage and her latest book set in the world of Edward II - UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK. (Click HERE to go to the post)
I have invited Anna back this week to talk a little bit more about the research behind her fabulous books, because all historical writers have a wealth of knowledge that may only make it into the story as a passing mention. I enjoyed seeing how Anna used it in her book.
Anna has chosen to share some interesting, and little known facts, about the medieval monarchs' predilection (or not) for the occasional bath... A Good Medieval Wallow... It is strange how some myths become so cemented in the popular imagination they take on the character of truths. Mind you, in this day of alternative facts, such things are no longer surprising—they are merely irritating. When it comes to life in medieval times, there is this preconception that people never washed—one purportedly serious site about life in castles even goes so far as to state that “until Victorian times cleanliness was considered ungodly”. Hmm. As I researched my latest book, I encountered multiple indications this is wrong. Very wrong, even.
It has always been my firm opinion that most people—throughout the ages—have preferred being clean to being dirty. In many of the preceding periods, being clean was also an indication of wealth as it required a not inconsiderable amount of servants and firewood to prepare a nice hot bath in medieval times. But even those who could not afford a bath, or to change their clothes regularly, did wash face, hands and privates.
Those who could afford it, went all out on cleanliness. Medieval banquets often started by the guests being offered basins of clean water in which to wash their hands. Medieval ladies and lords changed their linen frequently, and they most definitely bathed. King John is supposed to have taken a bath every two weeks, and clearly his descendants shared his fondness for lounging in hot water while someone scrubbed their backs. How else to explain the fact that Edward II had his bathrooms tiled and then complained the floors were too cold so he ordered bathroom mats to increase his comfort? Or that in 1351 Edward III ordered hot and cold water taps for his recently refurbished bathroom? I’m telling you, those medieval magnates liked a good wallow—and smelling of roses afterwards! About UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK
Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II has been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over… After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers. Under the Approaching Dark is the third in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord, his king, and his wife. Read an excerpt... It was well after nightfall before Kit could claim her husband for herself. Once Meg had been properly greeted, once he’d held both Ned and Harry, he’d done the rounds in the household, spent hours with William reviewing the state of his property, and had then presided over dinner, a loud affair in the main hall that had only ended when the afternoon seeped into dusk.
William had insisted they all attend chapel, but when he suggested that Adam and he repair yet again to review the accounts, Kit put her foot down.
“Not tonight.” She held out her hand to Adam. “I have a bath prepared for you.” Besides, she wanted to do a thorough inspection, disconcerted by the new scars on his face.
Stephen added the last of the hot water to the tub just as they entered the solar. Steam rose in wisps, filling the room with the scents of lavender and roses. Kit shooed the page out, closed and barred the door, and turned to look at her husband, already disrobing in front of the hearth. She moved towards him, couldn’t resist the urge to touch him, to splay her fingers wide as she set her hands to his chest, just over his heart. Beneath her palm, she felt his heartbeat, above her fingers was a new scar, pink and hairless.
“What’s this?”
“A lance.” He sounded offhand, undoing his braies.
“A lance?”
Adam sighed. “I was jousting against Lord Roger.” She listened in silence as he told her about the steel-tipped lance and how he was convinced the intention had been to kill Lord Roger.
“Kill him? By your hand?” She slid an arm up to his shoulder, followed the contours of his muscled arm downwards. “And this?” She set her other hand to his face, tracing the scar along his nose, the other below his ear.
“Same incident.” He hooked a finger into her neckline. “Aren’t you joining me?”
“It’s the small tub.”
“We will fit, sweeting.” Deft hands on her laces, and soon enough they were in the tub, she enfolded in his arms and legs. His hands slid up to cup her breasts. “William said it was a difficult birth.”
“It was.” Kit’s stomach tightened in recollection. She craned her head back to look at him. “But it was worth it.” This her third son was an easy child, eating like a horse at regular intervals, in between which he either slept or regarded the world around him with wide-open eyes—grey eyes.
“A beautiful son.” He kissed the top of her head. “Thank you.” IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER ANNA'S CONTEST TO WIN A COPY OF UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK... click the button below and scroll to the end of the post! ENTER
I have invited Anna back this week to talk a little bit more about the research behind her fabulous books, because all historical writers have a wealth of knowledge that may only make it into the story as a passing mention. I enjoyed seeing how Anna used it in her book.
Anna has chosen to share some interesting, and little known facts, about the medieval monarchs' predilection (or not) for the occasional bath... A Good Medieval Wallow... It is strange how some myths become so cemented in the popular imagination they take on the character of truths. Mind you, in this day of alternative facts, such things are no longer surprising—they are merely irritating. When it comes to life in medieval times, there is this preconception that people never washed—one purportedly serious site about life in castles even goes so far as to state that “until Victorian times cleanliness was considered ungodly”. Hmm. As I researched my latest book, I encountered multiple indications this is wrong. Very wrong, even.
It has always been my firm opinion that most people—throughout the ages—have preferred being clean to being dirty. In many of the preceding periods, being clean was also an indication of wealth as it required a not inconsiderable amount of servants and firewood to prepare a nice hot bath in medieval times. But even those who could not afford a bath, or to change their clothes regularly, did wash face, hands and privates.
Those who could afford it, went all out on cleanliness. Medieval banquets often started by the guests being offered basins of clean water in which to wash their hands. Medieval ladies and lords changed their linen frequently, and they most definitely bathed. King John is supposed to have taken a bath every two weeks, and clearly his descendants shared his fondness for lounging in hot water while someone scrubbed their backs. How else to explain the fact that Edward II had his bathrooms tiled and then complained the floors were too cold so he ordered bathroom mats to increase his comfort? Or that in 1351 Edward III ordered hot and cold water taps for his recently refurbished bathroom? I’m telling you, those medieval magnates liked a good wallow—and smelling of roses afterwards! About UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK
Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II has been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over… After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers. Under the Approaching Dark is the third in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord, his king, and his wife. Read an excerpt... It was well after nightfall before Kit could claim her husband for herself. Once Meg had been properly greeted, once he’d held both Ned and Harry, he’d done the rounds in the household, spent hours with William reviewing the state of his property, and had then presided over dinner, a loud affair in the main hall that had only ended when the afternoon seeped into dusk.William had insisted they all attend chapel, but when he suggested that Adam and he repair yet again to review the accounts, Kit put her foot down.
“Not tonight.” She held out her hand to Adam. “I have a bath prepared for you.” Besides, she wanted to do a thorough inspection, disconcerted by the new scars on his face.
Stephen added the last of the hot water to the tub just as they entered the solar. Steam rose in wisps, filling the room with the scents of lavender and roses. Kit shooed the page out, closed and barred the door, and turned to look at her husband, already disrobing in front of the hearth. She moved towards him, couldn’t resist the urge to touch him, to splay her fingers wide as she set her hands to his chest, just over his heart. Beneath her palm, she felt his heartbeat, above her fingers was a new scar, pink and hairless.
“What’s this?”
“A lance.” He sounded offhand, undoing his braies.
“A lance?”
Adam sighed. “I was jousting against Lord Roger.” She listened in silence as he told her about the steel-tipped lance and how he was convinced the intention had been to kill Lord Roger.
“Kill him? By your hand?” She slid an arm up to his shoulder, followed the contours of his muscled arm downwards. “And this?” She set her other hand to his face, tracing the scar along his nose, the other below his ear.
“Same incident.” He hooked a finger into her neckline. “Aren’t you joining me?”
“It’s the small tub.”
“We will fit, sweeting.” Deft hands on her laces, and soon enough they were in the tub, she enfolded in his arms and legs. His hands slid up to cup her breasts. “William said it was a difficult birth.”
“It was.” Kit’s stomach tightened in recollection. She craned her head back to look at him. “But it was worth it.” This her third son was an easy child, eating like a horse at regular intervals, in between which he either slept or regarded the world around him with wide-open eyes—grey eyes.
“A beautiful son.” He kissed the top of her head. “Thank you.” IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER ANNA'S CONTEST TO WIN A COPY OF UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK... click the button below and scroll to the end of the post! ENTER
May 15, 2017
#NewRelease: UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK by Anna Belfrage
It is a pleasure to welcome my friend Anna Belfrage today. If Anna is a 'new to you' author, then you have been missing out. Best known for a time travel series to rival Outlander, Anna has now moved to the Middle Ages. UNDER THE APPROACHING DARK is third in The King's Greatest Enemy series set in the time of Edward II.
Anna is giving away a copy of Under the Approaching Dark. Please enter via the Gleam form below.
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna BelfragePublication Date: April 28, 2017 Matador eBook & Paperback; 424 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction
Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II is forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over. After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers.
Anna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive… For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there. Other than on her website, www.annabelfrage.com, Anna can mostly be found on her blog, http://annabelfrage.wordpress.com – unless, of course, she is submerged in writing her next novel. You can also connect with Anna on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, May 1 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Tuesday, May 2 Interview at Let Them Read Books Spotlight at What Is That Book About Wednesday, May 3 Review at A Book Drunkard Thursday, May 4 Review at A Holland Reads Friday, May 5 Spotlight at The Reading Queen Monday, May 8 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time Tuesday, May 9 Review at Just One More Chapter Wednesday, May 10 Review at A Bookaholic Swede Thursday, May 11 Review at Pursuing Stacie Friday, May 12 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Monday, May 15 Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Tuesday, May 16 Review at Back Porchervations Guest Post at Ms. Stuart Requests the Pleasure of Your Company Wednesday, May 17 Spotlight at A Literary Vacation Thursday, May 18 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Friday, May 19 Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog Monday, May 22 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Tuesday, May 23 Review at A Chick Who Reads Review at The Muse in the Fog Book Reviews Wednesday, May 24 Excerpt at Jo's Book Blog Spotlight at The Paperback Princess Thursday, May 25 Review at Broken Teepee Friday, May 26 Spotlight at Laura's Interests Sunday, May 28 Review at Bookramblings Review at Books and Benches Monday, May 29 Guest Post at Yelena Casale's Blog Tuesday, May 30 Interview at Dianne Ascroft's BlogGiveawayTo win a copy of Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage, please enter via the Gleam form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open internationally. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Under the Appraoching Dark
Anna is giving away a copy of Under the Approaching Dark. Please enter via the Gleam form below.
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna BelfragePublication Date: April 28, 2017 Matador eBook & Paperback; 424 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction
Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II is forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over. After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers."The writing is impeccable. The story has everything. Under the Approaching Dark is just perfect in every sense" - Sharon Bennett Connolly, History The Interesting Bits
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Chapters | IndieBound | KoboAbout the Author
Anna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive… For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there. Other than on her website, www.annabelfrage.com, Anna can mostly be found on her blog, http://annabelfrage.wordpress.com – unless, of course, she is submerged in writing her next novel. You can also connect with Anna on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, May 1 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Tuesday, May 2 Interview at Let Them Read Books Spotlight at What Is That Book About Wednesday, May 3 Review at A Book Drunkard Thursday, May 4 Review at A Holland Reads Friday, May 5 Spotlight at The Reading Queen Monday, May 8 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time Tuesday, May 9 Review at Just One More Chapter Wednesday, May 10 Review at A Bookaholic Swede Thursday, May 11 Review at Pursuing Stacie Friday, May 12 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Monday, May 15 Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Tuesday, May 16 Review at Back Porchervations Guest Post at Ms. Stuart Requests the Pleasure of Your Company Wednesday, May 17 Spotlight at A Literary Vacation Thursday, May 18 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Friday, May 19 Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog Monday, May 22 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Tuesday, May 23 Review at A Chick Who Reads Review at The Muse in the Fog Book Reviews Wednesday, May 24 Excerpt at Jo's Book Blog Spotlight at The Paperback Princess Thursday, May 25 Review at Broken Teepee Friday, May 26 Spotlight at Laura's Interests Sunday, May 28 Review at Bookramblings Review at Books and Benches Monday, May 29 Guest Post at Yelena Casale's Blog Tuesday, May 30 Interview at Dianne Ascroft's BlogGiveawayTo win a copy of Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage, please enter via the Gleam form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open internationally. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Under the Appraoching Dark
May 6, 2017
#New Release: A RAGING MADNESS by Jude Knight
Ooh... I've been looking forward to this one... a Regency Noir with shades of "Lamplight" with a wounded hero (my favourite trope) from the pen of the talented Jude Knight!As I do with all my guests I have asked Ms. Knight to share a tidbit of interesting research she found while writing the book... Chocolate - Regency StyleThank you for inviting me to take tea with you, Mrs Stuart. It's a favourite drink of mine, and was one of the three great non-alcoholic beverages enjoyed by people in the Regency world I write about. Tea, coffee, and chocolate. And today I wanted to talk about chocolate.
Hot chocolate arrived in England in the seventeenth century, via Europe. Mrs Whites Chocolate House was founded in 1693, as a club for gentlemen. (It later moved to St James Street and dropped most of the name. You’ll know it as Whites.)
In 1808, chocolate is the preferred morning beverage of my heroine, Ella Melville. The chocolate she enjoyed came as a paste, to be made into a drink with milk, cream, sugar, and flavourings. It would be twenty years before a Dutch chemist would work out a process to separate the cacao butter from the solids, producing Dutch cocoa, which could be powdered. In another 20, Joseph Fry would add some of the melted cacao butter back in and make the world’s first chocolate bar.
But that was far in the future. In Ella’s day, as for thousands of years, chocolate was a drink made from a paste made by crushing fermented, dried and roasted cacao beans. The Mesoamericans, to whom it was a sacred and powerful drink, mixed it with water and flavoured it with chili peppers. The Spanish soon learned to add sugar or honey, to remove the bitterness.
Here’s how Miller, Ella’s maid, would have prepared her chocolate.
Put a pot of water on the heat and over it place a heat-proof mixing bowl. The bowl should not touch the water. Add a dollop of chocolate paste (you can use bittersweet chocolate, around 1.5 ounces) and a small splash of water. Melt the chocolate paste gently, stirring now and then.
Take one cup of milk and one cup of cream, and place in a pan over medium heat. Bring it to just under a boil. When it is steaming and hot to the touch, add one quarter of a cup of sugar and stir to dissolve.
Stir the milk into the melted chocolate a little at a time, and continue stirring until everything has mixed well. Add flavouring, such as vanilla or nutmeg (or chili, if you’re very brave).
Serve.
Chocolate was served from a tall pot that had a hole in the lid for the molinet, a kind of swizzle stick that was used to keep the chocolate well blended and frothed. About A RAGING MADNESS
Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.Ella survived an abusive and philandering husband, in-laws who hate her, and public scorn. But she’s not sure she will survive love. It is too late to guard her heart from the man forced to pretend he has married such a disreputable widow, but at least she will not burden him with feelings he can never return.
Alex understands his supposed wife never wishes to remarry. And if she had chosen to wed, it would not have been to him. He should have wooed her when he was whole, when he could have had her love, not her pity. But it is too late now. She looks at him and sees a broken man. Perhaps she will learn to bear him.
In their masquerade of a marriage, Ella and Alex soon discover they are more well-matched than they expected. But then the couple’s blossoming trust is ripped apart by a malicious enemy. Two lost souls must together face the demons of their past to save their lives and give their love a future.Read an excerpt...Kerridge was alone when she brought Ella’s evening dose of laudanum. Presumably Constance believed that Ella was still under the influence of the measure forced down her throat this morning, and would swallow Kerridge’s without offering a struggle.
Constance was nearly right.
Even though Ella had managed to dribble at least part of what she secreted in her cheeks onto the pillow without Constance noticing, she was still mazed. Another dose would take her under, but Kerridge resented being forced to a task so beneath her dignity as a dresser, and would do no more than make sure the liquid arrived in Ella’s mouth. She would not insist on waiting until Ella swallowed, would not pinch her nose and hold her jaw shut.
Being too meek would be suspicious. Ella turned her head away from the spoon, her teeth clenched shut, but yelped at Kerridge’s sharp pinch and the dresser immediately forced the spoon into Ella’s mouth.
Glaring sullenly, she stopped struggling, and the dresser withdrew the spoon, stretching her thin lips into a smug smile.
“There, Lady Melville. This would go more easily for you if you would just do as you are told,” she said.
Buy A RAGING MADNESSAbout Jude Knight
Jude Knight’s writing goal is to transport readers to another time, another place, where they can enjoy adventure and romance, thrill to trials and challenges, uncover secrets and solve mysteries, delight in a happy ending, and return from their virtual holiday refreshed and ready for anything.She writes historical novels, novellas, and short stories, mostly set in the early 19th Century. She writes strong determined heroines, heroes who can appreciate a clever capable woman, villains you’ll love to loathe, and all with a leavening of humour.
Website and blog:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Smashwords:
Goodreads:
Amazon author page:
April 15, 2017
#NewRelease DARK HEART: Elizabeth Ellen Carter
I love Elizabeth Ellen Carter's ability to move between historical periods... her books to date have been set in the 18th and 19th century, but Elizabeth's passion is the Roman era. I am thrilled for her that the book of her heart... DARK HEART has found a publisher and will be released on 28 April (it is available for pre order NOW!)I asked EEC to share with us a snippet of research (and I quail at the amount of research that went into writing this book!)... Penthouse living... Roman style!
Today, living is a penthouse is seen as a pinnacle of luxury.I can just hear Eva Gabor singing the line from Green Acres: “I just adore a penthouse view; darling I love you, but give me Park Avenue.”
But if you lived in Ancient Rome, the last place you wanted to be was on the top floor of an apartment building.
Quite remarkably, the population of Rome during the third century AD was one million – a feat reached by London only in 1810 and Manhattan in 1874.
Just like today, that caused a bit of a housing affordability crisis and again, like today, it was decided that the only way was up.
Apartment buildings (often named for their wealthy owner) were seen as the solution. These structures were up to seven storeys in height with the first two stories made of stone or concrete and the rest of the apartments made of wood.
And in a world without reticulated water, that meant carting water upstairs and, depending on the building, you might also be forbidden from cooking in your apartment. So the wealthy lived on the ground floor, the middle and working classes on the level above that and poor above that again.
These apartment buildings were called insulae – which is Latin for islands and indeed apartment living is just like being on an island in the middle of the city.
It has been suggested that one of the reasons why Nero fiddled while Rome burned was that he saw it as a great slum clearance and indeed after the fire he mandated insulae be no greater than seven storeys (70 feet), Emperor Trajan was even more strict, placing a six storey height limit on new construction.
But everything old is new again, with many cities returning to wood to construct high rise buildings - but this time using cross-laminated timber (CLT) — layers of wood, glued together under high pressure with the grain of each perpendicular to the one before. The end product is strong and rigid, unlike raw timber, which will warp and weave over time.
Norway currently boasts the tallest timber building with a 14-storey timber high rise called Treet. Canada hopes to eclipse that later this year with an 18-story timber dorm building at the University of British Columbia, soon to be followed by the 21-storey Haut building in Amsterdam.
It can be hard to imagine ancient apartments, so I’ve found this beautiful four minute architectural video showing what Insulae would have looked like.
About DARK HEARTRome, 235AD
A series of ritual murders of young boys recalls memories of Rome’s most wicked Emperor. Magistrate Marcus Cornelius Drusus has discovered the cult extends to the very heart of Roman society.
Despite his personal wealth and authority, Marcus is a slave to his past – conflicted by his status as an adopted son, bitterly betrayed by his wife and forced to give up his child.
Kyna knows all about betrayal. Sold into slavery by her husband to pay a gambling debt, she found herself in Rome, far from her home in Britannia. Bought by a doctor, she is taught his trade and is about to gain her freedom when her mentor is murdered by the cult.
When the same group make an attempt on her life, Kyna is forced to give up her freedom and accept Marcus’s protection. With no one to trust but each other, mutual attraction ignites into passion but how far will Marcus go for vengeance when he learns the cult’s next victim is his son?BUY DARK HEARTRead an excerpt from DARK HEART... Marcus watched the captain of the guard come to attention as he entered the room. With a wave of Marcus’ hand, Janarius was at ease.
“Report.”
“A quiet night mostly. A couple of brawls to break up. The Praetorian Guard is making a nuisance of itself. I take it you’ve heard? On orders of the new emperor, Alexander Severus’ supporters are being taken in for questioning.”
Marcus nodded and took a seat on one of the two curule chairs. He had heard. The situation was why he was content to owe no man. He asked no favors and gave none in return. It had always been a sore point between himself and his former wife, Agrippina.
She had accepted her father’s arrangement of marriage to Marcus despite him being younger than her, and beneath her station, because he was seen as a rising star – an adopted Roman from the province of Judea who had been trained by the very best, destined to go far.
However, no sooner had the ink dried on the marriage contract than Marcus learned what kind of wife had been negotiated for him.
He shook off the bitter memory and returned his attention to Janarius.
“Bodies. Either inside or outside the city,” Marcus demanded crisply.
“None,” the captain said, but the hint of relief in his voice suggested he had misunderstood.
Marcus shook his head. “No, I don’t mean more boys.”
“Then who?”
“A woman. Short, slim build, red hair, not yet thirty years of age.”
Janarius blinked and examined the pair of wax tablets he held but until now had not referred to.
“A woman who might fit that description broke her neck after being thrown down the stairs by her husband at the Insula Ferox.”
Marcus shook his head. Janarius looked further at his lists.
“A fornix was raped and beaten under the arches at the Theatre of Pompey, but it says she was a blonde.”
“Not her.” Marcus shook his head.
“Then that’s all. Of all the females reported dead last night those are the only two which come close to fitting your description.”
Marcus was surprised at the tension that leached from his shoulders at the news.
“May I ask who I’m supposed to be looking for?” asked Janarius.
“The Greek doctor’s slave assistant, Kyna.”
Marcus watched the man, waiting for his expression to change. His brow creased in thought, his eyebrows came up in recognition of the name, and then his eyes widened as the significance occurred to him. Janarius’ thought process written as plainly on his features as the words scribed on the tablets.
“That’s who she was?” he hissed. He stepped in and leaned on the magistrate’s desk. “I swear to you, Marcus, I didn’t know.”
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ELIZABETH ELLEN CARTER VISIT... Amazon Author Page: Website: Facebook: Twitter:Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube TrailersOr subscribe to her NEWSLETTER
April 12, 2017
The Reluctant Wife: Caroline Warfield #exclusivegiveaway
I am delighted to welcome Caroline Warfield to my parlour today. Caroline. Caroline's "Children of the Empire" series (Victorian Romance) make a wonderful change of period and setting. The series covers the adventures of three cousins, torn apart by lies and deceit and driven to the far reaches of the empire, struggle to find their way home. I am very excited to present her second book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WIFE which is set in colonial India. Caroline has an exclusive giveaway just for readers of this blog. If you leave a comment one lucky commenter will win a copy of THE RELUCTANT WIFE. Caroline also has a major prize on offer to celebrate the book's release. Scroll down further for details!
But first... I like to ask my guests what interesting fact they discovered in researching their book that they would like to share with their readers... so here is Caroline to talk about... Honey and Healing...
When writing a climactic scene in
The Reluctant Wife
in which the neighbors and friends attempt to save the hero's childhood home from a fire set by the villain intent of forcing sale of the property, I faced one of those pesky unanticipated questions that authors often encounter. How exactly would the heroine treat a badly burned man in 1835? In this case a Google search brought an immediate answer from numerous sources. The answer lay in my kitchen cupboard: honey. Specifically, she would have used organic, unfiltered raw honey, not the clarified sweet so often sold in grocery stores.I discovered, in fact, that medicinal honey (for preference, but good raw honey will do) is still recommended for burns. Honey has been shown to have antibiotic and anti-inflamatory properties. It also keeps a burn wound moist, which promotes healing. There is even a Wiki-How article with step by step instructions.
The thing is, I should have known. You see, I married into a family of beekeepers, four generations of them. My husband's grandfather kept bees (and we suspect his great-grandfather as well). His father inspected bees for the State of Ohio. The health of bees is vital to agriculture and inspectors make sure diseased hives are destroyed so problems don't spread. My husband, some of his brothers and several of his nephews have kept bees at various times. Our daughter had her own hive, leather gloves and bee veil at nine. Our son was known to "suit up" and assist is Dad as young as three. We once had four stands of bees in our backyard apiary in the city.
I know from honey and its health benefits, at least I thought I did. My father-in-law introduced me to the joys of honey in all its rich variation from dark, almost black, fall honeys to buttery-light ones so clear they look like water. He taught me the health benefits of a tablespoon of raw honey a day. No one explained its use in wound care, however. Or, if they did, I missed that lesson. Sigh. Once again writing has enriched my life with new information.
What is the most suprising fact you've learned from fiction? (leave your comment below and go in the draw to win a copy of THE RELUCTANT WIFE)
About THE RELUCTANT WIFE
When all else fails, love succeeds…
Captain Fred Wheatly’s comfortable life on the fringes of Bengal comes crashing down around him when his mistress dies, leaving him with two children he never expected to have to raise. When he chooses justice over army regulations, he’s forced to resign his position, leaving him with no way to support his unexpected family. He’s already had enough failures in his life. The last thing he needs is an attractive, interfering woman bedeviling his steps, reminding him of his duties.
All widowed Clare Armbruster needs is her brother’s signature on a legal document to be free of her past and enable her to establish an independent existance as an herbalist and healer. After a failed marriage, and still mourning the loss of a child, she’s had it up to her ears with the assumptions she doesn't know how to take care of herself, that what she needs is a husband. She certainly doesn't need a great lout of a captain who can't figure out what to do with his daughters. If only the frightened little girls didn’t need her help so badly.
Clare has made mistakes in the past. Can she trust Fred now? Can she trust herself? Captain Wheatly isn’t ashamed of his aristocratic heritage, but he doesn’t need his family and they’ve certainly never needed him. But with no more military career and two half-caste daughters to support, Fred must turn once more—as a failure—to the family he let down so often in the past. Can two hearts rise above past failures to forge a future together?
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BUY THE RELUCTANT WIFE...
About Caroline Warfield
Traveler, poet, librarian, technology manager—award winning author Caroline Warfield has been many things (even a nun), but above all she is a romantic. Having retired to the urban wilds of eastern Pennsylvania, she reckons she is on at least her third act, happily working in an office surrounded by windows while she lets her characters lead her to adventures in England and the far-flung corners of the British Empire. She nudges them to explore the riskiest territory of all, the human heart.Caroline is a RONE award winner with five star reviews from Readers' Favorite, Night Owl Reviews, and InD'Tale. She is also a member of the writers’ co-operative, the Bluestocking Belles. With partners she manages and regularly writes for both The Teatime Tattler and History Imagined.
Website http://www.carolinewarfield.com/
Amazon Author http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Warfield/e/B00N9PZZZS/
Good Reads http://bit.ly/1C5blTm
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7
Twitter @CaroWarfield
Email warfieldcaro@gmail.com #GIVEAWAY# Caroline will give a kindle copy of the book to one randomly selected person who comments on this post. She is also sponsoring a grand prize in celebration of her release. You can enter it here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/2017blogtourpackage/
The prequel to this book, A Dangerous Nativity , is always **FREE**. You can get a copy here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/a-dangerous-nativity-1815/ Read an Excerpt from THE RELUCTANT BRIDE... Fred could breathe again. He turned his back on his childhood home and walked up the lane to where Clare nursed the injured in a grassy spot. I just need to know she is not in any danger. He felt foolish. Of course, she’s fine. This is Clare, you numbskull— as strong and brave as any man here. He still needed to see for himself. The sight of her gently bandaging a laborer’s hand made his mouth go dry.
“Is Charles safe up there?” she asked, flicking a quick glance in his direction.
“H— heavens no. He’s having the time of his life, though. I think he just gets bored sometimes and is thrilled to have a problem he can attack.” Fred suspected his cousin had little room in his life for physical action. Between sick room, boardroom, and the war department, that’s probably true.
He grimaced at the sight of the injured guard whose singed hair rose over a damaged ear and neck. Thank God, his face was untouched. Poultices covered his right arm and side as well. She had splinted the other arm.
“Can he speak?” he whispered.
“He spoke to Charles earlier, but I dosed him with laudanum. Questioning will have to wait.”
“It’s a good thing you came,” he told her. “But I’m sorry you were pulled into this. It isn’t what you agreed to do.”
She peered up at him under thick lashes from where she continued her work. “Healing is exactly what I set out to do before I met you,” she retorted.
A sweet, vaguely familiar odor permeated the area. “What do I smell?” he asked.
“Honey. I used it for wound care. I found a large supply in the kitchen, thank goodness. We need a wagon to transport this man.”
“I sent someone for ladders. Should be here soon. Ah— There he is. Am I not a miracle worker?”
By the time he helped unload the ladders and two more men were on their way up to the roof, Fred breathed a sigh of relief. The barn had begun to subside, sad in itself, but it meant fewer embers reached the roof of the house. The bucket brigade kept two pulleys moving to supply the two ladder crews.
They’ll have the entire pile of thatch soaked soon. I can get Clare and the injured out of here, and we can all rest.
April 5, 2017
#Bookontour MANSION ON THE MOON by C. Sablan Gault
It is always exciting to find historical romance set in times and places outside the norm and I am very excited to host C. Sablan Gault's story of love across the cultural divide in Guam (now a small island protectorate of the United States).The US involvement in the affairs of Guam is a fascinating one.
I have a personal connection to Guam - in his oil industry days my husband had many visits to Guam, including one memorable one in our final week in Singapore when a cyclone had torn through Guam and he was despatched to cope with the ensuing crisis - leaving his wife (who had the flu) and two teenage sons to pack up the apartment and tie off the loose ends of our lives in Singapore. Needless to say he was not popular...
Historical Romance, Women’s Fiction
Set in the tumultuous period of Guam history, between the Spanish-American War and World War II, the lives and loves of three Chamorro women unfold amid the changes and challenges around them. Sixteen-year old Amanda falls of a navy seaman who leaves her with child. Her daughter Sylvia grows up an illegitimate orphan. Yet she finds happiness with Tino Camacho, who loves her despite her scandalous background. Life teaches their daughter, the level-headed Vivian Camacho, that falling for an American navy man is futile, like reaching for the moon.
Cultural and racial prejudices increase the distance. Vivian avoids such futility until the handsome Philip Avery, an up-and-coming naval engineer, enters her life as an upstairs tenant newly assigned to Guam. Vivian falls in love with him but knows nothing can come of it. Philip is from a different world, one of wealth, rank, and privilege. Vivian is a simple island girl who lives under naval government rule. Philip is a man well beyond her reach. He is as distant from her world as the moon; he is the mansion there. Philip falls in love also, but his career comes first. Both deny their feelings for each other; their love cannot be. But love knows no distance, sees no differences.
About the Author
C. Sablan Gault, a native born Chamorro, began her writing career in advertising. She holds a BA in Anthropology and studied journalism. She worked as an advertising assistant, newspaper reporter, feature writer, and columnist. She then served as press secretary to a Guam governor, a legislator, and to Guam’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. She also worked as a writer and researcher for a Guam political status education commission. She and her husband David, a Vietnam-era Seabee, live in Guam.
Contact Links
Book Buzz
Purchase Links
AmazonBarnes and NobleKoboIndieBound
I have a personal connection to Guam - in his oil industry days my husband had many visits to Guam, including one memorable one in our final week in Singapore when a cyclone had torn through Guam and he was despatched to cope with the ensuing crisis - leaving his wife (who had the flu) and two teenage sons to pack up the apartment and tie off the loose ends of our lives in Singapore. Needless to say he was not popular...
Historical Romance, Women’s Fiction
Set in the tumultuous period of Guam history, between the Spanish-American War and World War II, the lives and loves of three Chamorro women unfold amid the changes and challenges around them. Sixteen-year old Amanda falls of a navy seaman who leaves her with child. Her daughter Sylvia grows up an illegitimate orphan. Yet she finds happiness with Tino Camacho, who loves her despite her scandalous background. Life teaches their daughter, the level-headed Vivian Camacho, that falling for an American navy man is futile, like reaching for the moon.
Cultural and racial prejudices increase the distance. Vivian avoids such futility until the handsome Philip Avery, an up-and-coming naval engineer, enters her life as an upstairs tenant newly assigned to Guam. Vivian falls in love with him but knows nothing can come of it. Philip is from a different world, one of wealth, rank, and privilege. Vivian is a simple island girl who lives under naval government rule. Philip is a man well beyond her reach. He is as distant from her world as the moon; he is the mansion there. Philip falls in love also, but his career comes first. Both deny their feelings for each other; their love cannot be. But love knows no distance, sees no differences.
About the Author
C. Sablan Gault, a native born Chamorro, began her writing career in advertising. She holds a BA in Anthropology and studied journalism. She worked as an advertising assistant, newspaper reporter, feature writer, and columnist. She then served as press secretary to a Guam governor, a legislator, and to Guam’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. She also worked as a writer and researcher for a Guam political status education commission. She and her husband David, a Vietnam-era Seabee, live in Guam.
Contact Links
Book Buzz
Purchase Links
AmazonBarnes and NobleKoboIndieBound
March 26, 2017
#DebutBook: TO CHARM A BLUESTOCKING by Renée Dahlia #VictorianRomance
I am excited to welcome Renée Dahlia to Ms. Stuart’s table. Renée’s debut novel releases on 25 March with Escape. Set in Amsterdam in the mid-Victorian era, To Charm a Bluestocking evokes a discussion around early female education.
I asked Renee about her story...
What inspired this novel?
My great-grandmother was one of the first graduates of medical school in Holland. I thought about what challenges she would have faced, and how many of those challenges still resonate today. The heroine in To Charm a Bluestocking wants to be a doctor, but medical training in England is not open to female students. She is forced to travel to Europe, where attitudes were less strict. There she meets two friends and they have a series of adventures.
In the course of writing our books, there is always a fascinating piece of research that we stumble on. What stands out for you?
Amsterdam in the 1880s was a hot bed of social change. The university opened its doors to a wider patronage, and included women in its intake. Not many women were educated beyond primary level, and only those whose parents could afford private tuition were able to attend university. The first female doctor graduated in 1875, and only twenty graduated prior to 1910.
In July 1886, the poor neighbourhood of Jordaan saw the Eel Revolt occur. Eel pulling, a form of entertainment that ranks up there with bull fighting, had been forbidden by the authorities. An eel would be tied to a rope, then suspended across a canal. Contestants would boat underneath and try to pull the eel free, often falling into the canal to the amusement of onlookers. Organisers in 1886 went ahead with the contest, and police moved it to disperse the crowd. It soon turned ugly, and after two days of sword fighting between police and eel pullers, 26 people were dead and 136 wounded. Legend says that the eel involved was kept and sold at auction in 1913. Only a year later, the Orange Riots of 1887 occurred when socialist groups faced off with the police. I placed my characters into the Orange Riots. Similarly in England, there was the London Matchgirls Strike of 1888. About TO CHARM A BLUESTOCKING
She wants to be one of the world’s first female doctors; romance is not in her plans.
1887: Too tall, too shy and too bookish for England, Lady Josephine moves to Holland to become one of the world’s first female doctors. With only one semester left, she has all but completed her studies when a power-hungry professor, intent on marrying her for her political connections, threatens to prevent her graduation. Together with the other Bluestockings, female comrades-in-study, she comes up with a daring, if somewhat unorthodox plan: acquire a fake fiancé to provide the protection and serenity she needs to pass her final exams.
But when her father sends her Lord Nicholas St. George, he is too much of everything: too handsome, too charming, too tall and too broad and too distracting for Josephine’s peace of mind. She needed someone to keep her professor at bay, not keep her from her work with temptations of long walks, laughing, and languorous kisses.
Just as it seems that Josephine might be able to have it all: a career as a pioneering female doctor and a true love match, everything falls apart and Josephine will find herself in danger of becoming a casualty in the battle between ambition and love. BUY LINKS:
Escape Publishing:
Itunes:
Amazon (Aus):
Amazon (US)
Kobo: Read an excerpt... ‘Yes, here on the front page. I will read it to you.’ She unfolded the newssheet and began to read.
Socialists Riot in the Streets
A massive demonstration turned ugly when socialists and Orangists, loyal to King William III, clashed yesterday alongside the Port of Amsterdam. The two groups rioted, ending in a standoff outside the socialist pub, Ship and Anchor, which was raised to the ground by revengeful Orangists. Among the great scenes of chaos, several Orangists were injured by the mob and four socialists were killed as they tried to defend the Ship and Anchor. The publican at the Ship and Anchor was counted among the dead.
The King’s military was dispatched to deal with the rioting mob, but it was several hours before the situation was diffused. The Ship and Anchor has been completely destroyed, while many other shop fronts have been smashed and vandalised.
***
Photos of the eel riot here: http://dawlishchronicles.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/blood-in-streets-amsterdam-1886.html
And here: http://www.24oranges.nl/2016/09/11/the-eel-riots-of-1886-ended-with-26-people-and-1-eel-dead/
ABOUT Renée Dahlia Renée Dahlia is an unabashed romance reader who loves feisty women and strong, clever men. Her books reflect this, with a side-note of dark humour. Renée has a science degree in physics. When not distracted by the characters fighting for attention in her brain, she works in the horse racing industry doing data analysis. She writes for two racing publications, churning out feature articles, interviews and advertorials. When she isn’t reading or writing, Renée wrangles a husband, four children, and volunteers on the local cricket club committee. Renee Dahlia's Website
I asked Renee about her story...
What inspired this novel?
My great-grandmother was one of the first graduates of medical school in Holland. I thought about what challenges she would have faced, and how many of those challenges still resonate today. The heroine in To Charm a Bluestocking wants to be a doctor, but medical training in England is not open to female students. She is forced to travel to Europe, where attitudes were less strict. There she meets two friends and they have a series of adventures.
In the course of writing our books, there is always a fascinating piece of research that we stumble on. What stands out for you?
Amsterdam in the 1880s was a hot bed of social change. The university opened its doors to a wider patronage, and included women in its intake. Not many women were educated beyond primary level, and only those whose parents could afford private tuition were able to attend university. The first female doctor graduated in 1875, and only twenty graduated prior to 1910.
In July 1886, the poor neighbourhood of Jordaan saw the Eel Revolt occur. Eel pulling, a form of entertainment that ranks up there with bull fighting, had been forbidden by the authorities. An eel would be tied to a rope, then suspended across a canal. Contestants would boat underneath and try to pull the eel free, often falling into the canal to the amusement of onlookers. Organisers in 1886 went ahead with the contest, and police moved it to disperse the crowd. It soon turned ugly, and after two days of sword fighting between police and eel pullers, 26 people were dead and 136 wounded. Legend says that the eel involved was kept and sold at auction in 1913. Only a year later, the Orange Riots of 1887 occurred when socialist groups faced off with the police. I placed my characters into the Orange Riots. Similarly in England, there was the London Matchgirls Strike of 1888. About TO CHARM A BLUESTOCKING
She wants to be one of the world’s first female doctors; romance is not in her plans.1887: Too tall, too shy and too bookish for England, Lady Josephine moves to Holland to become one of the world’s first female doctors. With only one semester left, she has all but completed her studies when a power-hungry professor, intent on marrying her for her political connections, threatens to prevent her graduation. Together with the other Bluestockings, female comrades-in-study, she comes up with a daring, if somewhat unorthodox plan: acquire a fake fiancé to provide the protection and serenity she needs to pass her final exams.
But when her father sends her Lord Nicholas St. George, he is too much of everything: too handsome, too charming, too tall and too broad and too distracting for Josephine’s peace of mind. She needed someone to keep her professor at bay, not keep her from her work with temptations of long walks, laughing, and languorous kisses.
Just as it seems that Josephine might be able to have it all: a career as a pioneering female doctor and a true love match, everything falls apart and Josephine will find herself in danger of becoming a casualty in the battle between ambition and love. BUY LINKS:
Escape Publishing:
Itunes:
Amazon (Aus):
Amazon (US)
Kobo: Read an excerpt... ‘Yes, here on the front page. I will read it to you.’ She unfolded the newssheet and began to read.
Socialists Riot in the Streets
A massive demonstration turned ugly when socialists and Orangists, loyal to King William III, clashed yesterday alongside the Port of Amsterdam. The two groups rioted, ending in a standoff outside the socialist pub, Ship and Anchor, which was raised to the ground by revengeful Orangists. Among the great scenes of chaos, several Orangists were injured by the mob and four socialists were killed as they tried to defend the Ship and Anchor. The publican at the Ship and Anchor was counted among the dead.
The King’s military was dispatched to deal with the rioting mob, but it was several hours before the situation was diffused. The Ship and Anchor has been completely destroyed, while many other shop fronts have been smashed and vandalised.
***
Photos of the eel riot here: http://dawlishchronicles.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/blood-in-streets-amsterdam-1886.html
And here: http://www.24oranges.nl/2016/09/11/the-eel-riots-of-1886-ended-with-26-people-and-1-eel-dead/
ABOUT Renée Dahlia Renée Dahlia is an unabashed romance reader who loves feisty women and strong, clever men. Her books reflect this, with a side-note of dark humour. Renée has a science degree in physics. When not distracted by the characters fighting for attention in her brain, she works in the horse racing industry doing data analysis. She writes for two racing publications, churning out feature articles, interviews and advertorials. When she isn’t reading or writing, Renée wrangles a husband, four children, and volunteers on the local cricket club committee. Renee Dahlia's Website
March 21, 2017
#BOOKONTOUR: Second Chance Marquess by Jessica Jefferson
Definitely one for the lovers of the lighter side of Regency Romance, Jessica Jefferson's Second Chance Marquess. Not to be missed...And on a side note... a huge shout out to Dragonblade Publishing. At last a publisher with a special interest in historical fiction and historical romance! If you love your #histrom check out the fabulous titles and covers on offer at Dragonblade.ON SALE FOR JUST 99c!Jessica is offering the chance to win one of two Gift cards ($50 or $25) from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter contest. SECOND CHANCE MARQUESS
When Wilhemina Turner’s younger sister runs off with a young Lothario, she has no choice but to turn to the notorious rake who broke his promise and her heart, for assistance. George Bartlett, the Marquess of Chesterton, hasn’t forgotten the woman who hurt him so many years ago, but can’t deny her request, knowing that his brother’s reputation, and fortune, is at risk. A series of misfortunes leave the straight-laced widow and committed bachelor stranded, sharing both close quarters and old secrets. But when morning comes, will this unlikely pair find a second chance at love?Read an Excerpt... “Fine.” He looked away first, turning his attention back to the items he’d collected upon his desk. “If you want to join me, then you may.”She squared her shoulders and stood a bit straighter having won their duel of wills. “Good.”
Without another word or a single glance, Chesterton left the room.
Not one to be left behind, Wilhelmina hurried after him, through the study and up the stairs.
“Where are we going?” she asked once they’d reached the top, breathless from the burst of activity.
He strode down the corridor, seemingly unaffected by the brisk climb. “To my bedroom.”
She immediately stopped. “Your bedroom? Why ever would we go in there?”
Chesterton turned back to her, one sardonic eyebrow arched high. “To change,” he answered. “You didn’t expect me to head out in this, did you?” He turned and continued toward the room, looking back at her before entering. “Are you coming?” he asked, voice smooth as warm chocolate.
This wasn’t the first time she’d been lured into George’s bedroom. He’d been an earl, the courtesy title bestowed upon him at birth, but more than that, he’d been a gentleman. Apparently, he’d lost that when he’d inherited the Marquisate. His bedroom was no longer an inviting sanctuary, and this invitation was not one of love as it had once been, but a lewd proposition, tenderness replaced by cruelty, as he watched expectantly for her reaction.
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” she stuttered, trying in vain to remain calm and collected as he started to untie the sash about his waist holding his robe closed. He let it fall to the ground and the robe opened, revealing his chest and torso in all its naked glory.
And it was indeed glorious.
She quickly averted her glance, whipping her head around and staring attentively at the painting on the wall.
“Is something the matter, Mrs. Turner?”
She was not about to play this game. She didn’t have the time, and he didn’t deserve the enjoyment it would undoubtedly bring him to see her suffer so. And most importantly, she couldn’t play because she knew good and well that she had no chance of winning.About Jessica Jefferson...
Jessica Jefferson makes her home in Almost-Chicago with her husband, two young daughters, French bulldog Lulu, and English bulldog Pete. When she's not busy trying to find middle-ground between being a modern career woman and Suzy-Homemaker, she loves to watch "Real Housewives of [insert city here]" and performing unnecessary improvements to her home and property.Jessica writes Regency-era historical romance with a modern twist where she invites her readers to fall in love with romance again.
Links and social media:
Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon Author Page, Pinterest
Enter the #Rafflecopter Contest to win a $50 Amazon or B&N GCa Rafflecopter giveaway
March 15, 2017
Cover Reveal: THE GUARDIANS OF THE CROWN ('Box Set')
There is no moment more exciting for an author than a cover reveal!And while I have loved all 3 of my GUARDIANS OF THE CROWN covers individually, my publisher has decided to bundle them all together under this stunning cover!
Release day is 25 May but the Guardians of the Crown set is currently up for PRE ORDER on Amazon and Kobo for the price of US$4.99... pretty much the price of one book sold individually.
So here they are all together... my 3 gorgeous boys - Jonathan, Kit and Daniel... just waiting for you to pick them up (or in this case... download them). PRE ORDER NOW And just as a reminder about the series - it is set in England between the years 1650 and 1660... Amazon Aus Amazon UK KOBO
