Callie Hutton's Blog, page 6
October 23, 2016
Meet Lord and Lady Devon
I’m excited to tell you about my new book, Seducing the Marquess. In order to do that, I decided to step aside and let my characters tell you a little bit about themselves, and how they got into the mess that is their love story. First I present to you, Richard, Marquess of Devon.
“Hello everyone, Lord Devon here. This is a bit awkward for me since I’ve never appeared on a website before. I hope to tell you a bit about myself because my author insisted. She threatened to take away my happily ever after if I didn’t make this appearance, so here we are, old chap.
“First of all, I must tell you I never planned on having the type of marriage I ended up with. Who needs all the mess and entanglement of love? Well, it turned out I needed it. But my dear wife, Eugenia, went about it in such a bizarre way that we almost lost each other. You see, she found this little book that . . . . Well, maybe I should let her tell you about it.” (He smiles at Eugenia, gives her a little kiss and pushes her forward.)
“I would curtsy, but I don’t think any of you would see it, so I will merely say, hello, and I am happy to be here. I am Lady Devon—Eugenia to my friends. I won’t tell you what Devon calls me because my blush would burn up the page. Oh, dear, I mean burn up the website. So hard to keep track of all these things, don’t you think so, my dear?
“Yes, well as Devon said, I found this little book that surely opened my eyes to what I had been missing. You see, I was merely trying to keep Devon from finding another mistress when his mistress died so sadly in a carriage accident. All right, I will admit I did not cry extensively when she met her deserved fate. Oh, dear. Let me take that back. (Deep breath).
“Anyway, to get back to my book. You see I was merely wandering my local book store, where I’ve spent many a pleasant hour reading Miss Jane Austen, Mr. Percy Bysshe Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, Miss Susan Ferrier and Miss Maria Edgeworth. I took a book off the shelf and it caught on another book and pulled it out also. Well, I must tell you (leans in close and whispers) this was not a book like anything I had ever seen before. (Looks around to make sure no one heard that).
“I am sure you want to know all about my book and what I did with it. But, I’m afraid my time is up. Such a rushed time period you live in. (Shakes her head) Anyway, if you want to know more about Secrets of the Bedchamber (blush) you must read Seducing the Marquess. You will be very happy if you do.
“Now I must sign off, or whatever it is you call leaving a website. Devon is motioning to me, and he is carrying the book with a very devilish look on his face. (She fans herself). Off I go!”
So there you have it. Devon and Eugenia trying desperately to tell you about the book, but as Eugenia said, you really must read Seducing the Marquess to find out more about it.
October 21, 2016
May I have this dance, my lady?
Romance novels set during the Regency period in England are one of the most popular genres. Readers love them, and everything associated with them. The term “regency” refers to the period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son, the Prince of Wales, (known as “Prinny”) ruled as Prince Regent (hence “Regency”). On the death of his father in 1820, the Prince Regent became George IV. This covers the time period from 1811 to 1820, although books set during the Georgian era (1795-1837) are still considered “Regency” by a lot of readers and writers.
So what is the strong appeal of this time period?
Who doesn’t like to imagine going to balls and wearing beautiful gowns? Buried deep inside us is the little girl who always wanted to be Cinderella to her Prince Charming. Formal dinners, full and empty dance cards, strict rules to break, secret liaisons, lots of money, and power.
Since I am born and bred American with no prior history of England under my belt, the research I need to do is extensive. My newest book, SEDUCING THE MARQUESS is my ninth Regency novel. When I first started writing regencies, I wasn’t real clear on the titles, ranks, rules, property rights, women’s rights, marriage laws, and so forth. I now own three binders, stuffed with Regency information, as well as numerous books, dictionaries, and progeniture charts.
The Regency period was a time when women were protected from the harsh realities of life—but had very few rights. The wealthy led wonderful lives, with the best food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, and housing—but the poor were beyond miserable. Which makes me think of the opening of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times and the worst of times.”
I think these types of romance books are popular, also, because it is a way to escape our frenzied, too-much-information life style. It must have been pleasant to not be bombarded with constant noise pollution—but, unfortunately, with a lot of real pollution.
Times change, people do not. Therefore, every time period has its good points and bad points. I sometimes think I would like to travel through time. How nice to see men and women being polite and courteous to each other. To see people actually speaking to each other over a dinner table, not engrossed in their phones. But, am I willing to give up modern medicines, and time saving machines? No.
Hence, my best strategy is to enjoy what modern life has provided for us, but escape into writing and reading about times past. Viewing the past through rose-colored glasses might help to get through the present with a spotlight on—well—just about everything.
Click her to find retailers where Seducing the Marquess is for sale
August 29, 2016
Romance tips from romance readers
Have date night a least 1 to 2 nights a month when kids are still little. You don’t even have to go out if kids are with family. Just spending time together is good. ~Tina
When the kids were little and hubby and I were both working, we’d do surprise dates at home with time sorted out on the work/home calendar and do stuff like a picnic in the lounge with candles, soft music and the kids at grandma’s for a few hours/overnight and just sit and talk or go outside under the stars with a glass of wine and little surprises for each other. ~Debbie S.
Every time we pass each other in the hallway, we cannot pass until we get a hallway kiss. ~Saundra M.
Have a monthly theme date. We live in an apartment and once we sprinkled sand on our back patio. It was our beach. I had waves music playing on the stereo. We ate finger foods, then went for a walk along the “beach” (our apt complex), came back and took a candle -lit bath and made love to the waves music. Best night we had in years. Hubby loved it. ~Saundra M.
Have a “date night” once a week or month. Just the two of you. My fiancee and I do this and it has brought us much closer. ~Angie F.
Keep the romance alive by picking one night a week for a date night. You can just spend time together, a movie, talking, whatever works. Just being together is what counts. ~Jackie T. (married 47 years)
You have to have laughter in your life every day…find something to laugh about with your partner. ~Jackie W.
After being married for 30 years just spending time together helps keep the romance alive. ~Pam K.
I think the most important thing in keeping romance alive is making time for just the two of you. It’s the easiest way to bond and stay connected I think. Date nights are good, saying thank you for something your spouse does on a regular basis and may be expected, things like that. ~Amber A.
July 28, 2016
Win a signed ARC of THE EARL’S RETURN
Be one of the first people to read my upcoming release The Earl’s Return by entering this special giveaway, sponsored by Entangled Publishing. There are lots of easy ways to enter, and everything you do helps other readers discover my books. Most publishers distribute digital ARCS, but this giveaway includes five signed PRINT books. What a special keepsake for your Callie Hutton collection!
Readers have made the Marriage Mart Mayhem series one of my most popular, and I look forward to sharing the next book in the series on August 22.
Scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the Rafflecopter for this signed ARC giveaway. The winners will be announced on or around August 8th. Good luck and thanks!
London, 1819. Four years ago, Darius, the Earl of Redgrave fled London two weeks before his wedding to Lady Mary’s sister and married another woman. Now a widower, he has returned to seek a new wife.
One woman catches his eye . . .
At first, Lady Mary doesn’t recognize the handsome lord as the cad who ran out on her sister. After giving him the cut direct in a London ballroom, she finds herself running into him everywhere she goes, and fighting a forbidden attraction. Not only has Mary sworn off men, Redgrave is so very wrong for her. But she cannot stop thinking of his kisses. Redgrave means to stay away from Mary but it is impossible. Passion between two people who can never be together is a dangerous game.
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April 10, 2016
What happens in Vegas…will end up in a book!
The RT Booklovers Convention is one of the most popular reader/author events in the country! This year’s convention will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino April 12-17. I’m ready for a week’s worth of mixing and mingling with some of my favorite people. If you are attending, be sure to find me and say hello!
December 24, 2015
A Christmas Eve story from Callie Hutton
I have a special gift for you to celebrate the season – a never-before-released short story featuring Lady Sarah Lacey and Professor Braeden McKinnon from The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage. Stranded at an Inn on Christmas Eve is part of a special Historical Christmas Eve event, but you get to read it first!
Stranded at the Inn on Christmas Eve
Leaning heavily on Braeden’s arm, Sarah entered the main room of the coaching inn. Thank goodness a strong fire had been built up and the place was warm. She stiffened as another pain shot from around her back to her belly. She glanced up at her husband to see if he had noticed, and breathed a sigh of relief when he seemed focused on the innkeeper who approached them.
“Ach, good afternoon, sir. ’Tis a nasty day out there for sure, and I see from yer coat that the snow has started.” The innkeeper made a quick bow, the directed them to a table near the fireplace. “Will ye be needing a room?”
“I dinna think so. My lady wife and I are on our way to visit her sister at Bedlay Castle, but ‘tis taking longer than we planned. She is feeling poorly and I thought we could stop for some tea and perhaps a small meal.” Braeden helped her into the small wooden chair, which she eyed skeptically, not sure if it would hold her bulk.
“Aye, I can serve ye a fine lamb stew my wife has simmering in the kitchen, along with a nice pot of tea and warm bread. ’Tis a good thing ye aren’t in need of a room because we dinna have one available at present.” The innkeeper glanced quickly at Sarah’s protruding stomach and said, “Looks like ye have a little one on the way.” He narrowed his eyes. “Verra shortly.”
Sarah held in the groan as once again her stomach muscles tightened. She hadn’t really wanted to stop, preferring to continue on to her sister’s home since it appeared the babe was anxious to make its appearance, but Braeden had insisted. She feared if she told him why she wanted to persist in their journey he would have panicked, and made things worse.
“Are ye feeling all right, lass? Ye look a little pale.” Braeden hovered over her as he helped her remove her pelisse. Sarah glanced at her belly and marveled once again at the life contained therein. As she was wont to do of late, tears gathered at the thought of the babe. A white linen handkerchief appeared in front of her eyes which she used to wipe her wet cheeks.
“Aye lass, for sure yer a watering pot these days.” Braeden took the chair alongside her and clasped her hand in his. “I ken ye wanted to hurry to yer sister’s, but I think ye need some time out of the carriage and a cup of tea to restore ye.”
She patted his hand. “Yes, you were right.” Sarah sucked in a breath and gripped Braeden’s hand with such force he winced.
“What?” Panic already graced his voice.
Sarah let out a slow breath and said, “I think the babe might be eager to meet his parents.”
His eyebrows rose to his hairline. “Now?”
She nodded.
Braeden jumped up, knocking his chair over. “Innkeeper!” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Are ye sure, lass?”
Sarah gave him a slight smile and nodded once again. “Yes, I believe so.”
“Well, tell him he canna. I mean, yer his mum, make him obey.”
Despite her fear and pain, Sarah burst out laughing. “I have no control over this.”
The innkeeper hurried in, a stout woman wiping her hands on a stained apron behind him. “What is it, sir?”
“We need a room. A bed. And a midwife. Now.”
The innkeeper stood before them, wringing his hands. “I’m verra sorry, sir, but I have no more rooms.”
Sarah covered her face with her hands and groaned.
“What? What?” Braeden was near hysteria. What in heaven’s name happened to her clear, calm husband?
“Do you not see the humor in this?” Sarah bit back her laughter at the tense expression on her Braeden’s. She doubted he would find humor in this at all.
“What are ye talking about, lass? What’s funny?”
She placed her hand on her aching back. “It’s Christmas Eve, I’m about to deliver a babe, and there is no room at the inn.”
He stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. She could almost see him re-playing the words in his head, trying to make sense of it. When he continued to stare, she waved at him. “Never mind. I’ll explain it another time.” Where was her genius husband when she needed him?
The innkeeper’s wife stepped up to her. “I am terribly sorry about the lack of a room, my lady. ‘Tis not my intention to insult ye, but ye are more than welcome to use—“
“The stable?” Sarah burst out laughing just as a pain hit and her mirth turned into a very loud groan.
“Nay, my lady!” The woman gasped. “I would never put ye in with the animals.”
“And it has already been done,” Sarah mumbled. Did no one except her see the irony of the situation?
“I can let ye make use of our bedroom, behind the kitchen. ‘Tis not much, and again I apologize, and dinna mean to offer ye insult, but at least ye can have privacy.”
Braeden gripped Sarah’s elbow and helped her up. “That would be fine, madam. My wife and I appreciate your consideration.”
Sarah walked slowly behind the woman, Braeden’s arm wrapped securely around her shoulders. He leaned in close to her ear. “Couldn’t ye have waited just a few more hours, lass?”
“Tell it to the babe.”
It had been hours since the midwife had arrived and remained cosseted with Sarah in the small bedroom at the back of the inn. Braeden walked the boards under his feet in front of the fireplace, amazed he hadn’t worn them out. Over time, Sarah’s moans had turned into screams and cuss words he had no idea his wife kenned. He’d decided two hours ago he and Sarah would have a celibate marriage going forward.
The front door of the inn opened and Sybil, Liam, and his mother barreled through. “We left as soon as we received your message. Has the babe been born yet?” Sybil shrugged out of her pelisse.
“Nay.” Braeden rubbed the back of his neck. “I dinna ken how much longer she can last.”
Sybil rested her palm on his arm. “’It is terrible to listen to, but all will be fine. Trust me.” She pulled off her gloves. “Where is she?” A loud scream echoed through the room. “Never mind. I believe I can find her.”
Sybil and Lady McKinnon hurried to the back of the inn.
Liam slapped Braeden on the back. “Let’s have a bit of whiskey to celebrate the arrival of the bairn.”
Braeden shook his head. “Nay. I have to keep a clear head.”
The two men sat in silence, with Braeden hopping up and down to pace for another hour before Sybil entered the room, her face beaming. “Braeden. Go meet your babe.”
He jumped up, and once again his chair went flying. “’Tis over?”
When Sybil nodded, he shouted. “Praise the Lord!”
Sarah rested against the propped up pillows, her hair plastered to her damp forehead, but with a smile on her face. She held a small bundle that moved as he stared at the sight. Cupping the babe’s body with one hand she held out her arm. “Come say hello to your son.”
He sucked in a deep breath. “A boy?” He felt the sudden need for the handkerchief he’d given her before.
“Yes.”
Braeden sat alongside her and gazed at the face of the beautiful child he and Sarah had made together. Truly a miracle.
The door to the bedroom eased open and Sybil, Liam and Lady McKinnon entered. Each carried a gift for the child. Sarah shook her head. The entire night was becoming surreal.
Even though it was the middle of the night, with no rooms available, the visitors returned to Bedlay castle with a promise from Braeden that he would bring his family to them as soon as they were able.
The innkeeper’s wife insisted they stay in their bedroom until the next day when two rooms would become free. They were more than happy, they said, to sleep by the warm fireplace in the kitchen for the few hours left to the night.
About an hour after things had settled down, exhausted, but unable to sleep, Sarah gazed at the face of her child tucked in between her and her sleeping husband on the bed. She ran her finger over the fuzz of the baby’s head, then glanced out the window.
A lone bright star shone overhead in the sky, winking down at her. The end of a perfect—albeit very strange—night.
December 18, 2015
Christmas Novellas!!
A Wife by Christmas: (Oklahoma Lovers)
In 1906 Guthrie, Oklahoma, History teacher, Ellie Henderson, has been a thorn in High School Principal Max Colbert’s side ever since he took over three months ago. When she’s not flying by his office, late for her class, with books and papers jumbled in her arms, she’s attending Suffragettes meetings against his orders.
Because of her family connections, he can’t fire her, but he can certainly find someone to marry her, and keep her busy in the kitchen. And far away from his school. Max soon finds that what seemed like a good idea can turn into disaster when Miss Ellie Henderson is involved. The woman is a master at getting into trouble.
With the Christmas season in full swing, he has many opportunities to introduce her to prospective husbands. However, the uncomfortable feeling is growing that no one is worthy of the minx… http://amzn.to/1JhDfMx
Miss Merry’s Christmas:
England, 1817. David Worthington, Duke of Penrose dislikes Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess who accompanied his new wards. He especially detests his attraction to the insufferable woman, and is anxious for her replacement to arrive.
Merry is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as a companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?
Two people determined to ignore each other, despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly whenever they’re together. http://amzn.to/1ERAcaP
A Dogtown Christmas (Oklahoma Lovers)
Guthrie, Oklahoma, 1912. Priscilla Cochran intends to prove to the world she is a grown up woman, able to take care of herself. She accepts a job as a teacher in Dogtown, Colorado where the man who hired her thinks she is a woman of ‘mature years.’
Mitch Beaumont is tired of young women who come to Dogtown and leave in tears because it is not a built up city with entertainment a young woman would want. He has finally secured a teacher for the town who has assured him she is a middle aged spinster, and will be able to last through the hard winters.
Then twenty year old Priscilla steps off the mail coach and falls at his feet in the mud.
Amazon: amzn.to/1WKDZ8i
iBooks: http://apple.co/1XjVjvF
Barnes Noble: http://bit.ly/1ld6jyV
December 15, 2015
Christmas Crack
This is one of the traditional holiday treats my family enjoys every year. It’s so delicious and addictive, it will likely become one of your family favorites if you whip up a batch! By the way, this makes a great gift for friends, teachers or neighbors when tucked into a decorative container!
DIRECTIONS
Boil 1 cup of butter with 1 cup brown sugar, about 3-5 minutes until it pulls from the sides.
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray it with pam. Line the sheet with 1 sleeve of saltines.
Pour the butter/sugar mix on top and bake in a 375 oven for 7 minutes.Take it out and put 12 oz. bag of Chocolate chips on top and return to oven (oven off) just to melt.
Spread the melted chips with a knife. Cool, then put it in the fridge for 3 hours to set. Then crack it up with your hands.
October 30, 2015
Get Wicked with Entangled
Boo! I hope you are having fun participating with the Get Wicked with Entangled Blog Hop. I’m glad you stopped here. Check out the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of three autographed books I’m giving away from my Regency Romance Marriage Mart Mayhem series. Good luck and happy trick-or-treating!
October 9, 2015
What does your hero look like?
When I start a new book, I always spend a few days planning and plotting. I do my research, I do character sketches for the hero and heroine, I even do drawings of various rooms and places the hero and heroine will be. I print out pictures of clothing, houses, and even horses. Then I find pictures of my hero and heroine. I find that part fun. Now that I have their descriptions written down, what do they actually look like? In my latest Marriage Mart Mayhem book, The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage, the hero is a Scottish professor–a genius. My heroine is the twin sister of the heroine in the previous book, The Highlander’s Choice.
It was easy to find a picture of the heroine. Since Lady Sarah and Lady Sybil are identical twins, I merely found a new pose of the same woman I used in The Highlander’s Choice. Once I have the pictures, I print them out and tack them to the wall alongside my computer. It keeps me focused I can see them. Then, as a final step I browse through my music and do a playlist for those particular characters and their love story.
Below is the blurb for The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage, along with the pictures I used to make Lady Sarah Lacey and Professor Braeden McKinnon come alive.
Lady Sarah Lacey is on her way to the Highlands to visit her twin sister, Lady Sybil MacBride, when she meets with an accident. Stranded on the road, she encounters Professor Braeden McKinnon, traveling to his home near Sarah’s destination. She cajoles him into escorting her and her maid.
As they take to the road together, Braeden finds the fiery Lady Sarah a handful of trouble. But nothing prepares him for the words she utters in front of witnesses that binds them together in matrimony. Waiting for word that he has been selected to work on an archeological dig in Rome, he had no intention of taking a wife for a long time. Now that she has accidentally married them, however, perhaps it would not be such a bad thing, after all.
Except Sarah has no intention of being anyone’s wife. She has other plans . . .
The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage is up for pre-order here: (Amazon) http://amzn.to/1NUwOp2 (Barnes an Noble) http://bit.ly/1RxMDk7 (Kobo): http://bit.ly/1P39UMq (iBooks): http://apple.co/1L3EAsT
