Regan Walker's Blog: Regan's Author Blog, page 19

Best American Patriotic Historical romances!

Looking for a way to celebrate America’s Independence? With a noble hero and a worthy heroine and set in times when America’s future was on the line? 

Well, I have just the list for you—all good ones (I have rated them at least 4 stars)!

Some are a part of a trilogy or a series…and I do recommend you read all of them, as they are all good, too, even though not all may be on the list. See MORE.

Now where can I dock my schooner?

In doing the research for my new Georgian romance, To Tame the Wind, one of the things I had to figure out was where and how the hero, Capt. Simon Powell, would dock his ship, the Fairwinds, when he sailed into London. When I began, I had no idea he couldn’t just slide alongside a dock. Oh, no, in the late 18th century on the River Thames, it was a complicated affair to bring a ship into London. See MORE.

What did the Georgians eat? You will be surprised!

While doing research for my story, To Tame the Wind, the prequel to my Agents of the Crown trilogy, I was reminded how well the Georgians ate, even in the 18th century, particularly if they were people of means and had access to a large country garden. See what's on the menu and the cookbooks they used HERE.

Let's go shopping! Oxford Street in the late 18th Century...

Looking for an unusual shopping experience? How about joining me for a trip down Oxford Street in the late 18th century? You will love.

To venture into London’s streets was to brave pickpockets, cutthroats, bawds and bullies, not to mention mud and filth, stench from sewage and the black rain from the sea coal that was burned for heating. But on Oxford Street, where window-shopping had become a past time of the upper classes, things were much better. Travel the street with me HERE.

France's Contribution to America's War of Independence...

My newest historical romance, To Tame the Wind, is set in 1782, the last year of the American Revolution, however, it does not take place in America. Rather, it takes place in Paris and London and the waters of the English Channel. As such, it brings to the fore a part of the war not often focused on: the incredible contribution of France to American’s victory.

At the beginning of the American War of Independence in 1776, France was still smarting from its defeat in the Seven Years’ War that took place between 1754 and 1763. When Benjamin Franklin came to Paris to call on the French Foreign Minister, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, soliciting France’s aid and support, he met with success. The French were eager to thwart Britain’s imperial ambitions and to restore French pride. There was also widespread sympathy in France for America’s desire for liberty and self-determination. The American Revolution was perceived as the incarnation of the Enlightenment against “English tyranny.” After all, it would not be long before France would have its own revolution.

All this contributed to the fast friendship that formed between Vergennes and Franklin.

See more.

Best Western Historical Romances!

I first discovered Western romances by reading those written by my favorite authors who also wrote in other subgenres (when I was gobbling up their backlists). Since then, I have become a true fan of the subgenre and find myself every now and then reaching for a good romance from the Old West. Love those Indian and gun-slinging heroes. So, it seemed a “best” list was in order to share some of these wonderful stories with you. Here are the best of those I’ve read…all rated 4, 4 and ½ or 5 stars by me. See the list.

Masquerade Balls!

The Interview!

This is the first interview I've done in quite a while. Amy Quinton asked lots of good questions. Now you can see what I'm writing, the books I have planned, even learn how I write. Do come on over and leave a comment so I know you were there!

See the post HERE.

Regan's Interview for My Book Addiction...

Today I'm visiting on My Book Addiction answer questions about my writing and my new seafaring adventure To Tame the Wind, the prequel to the Agents of the Crown trilogy. If you want to know more about me, and what I'm working on now--and if you want to see the trailer for my new story, come join us!

See the post HERE

Best Scottish Historical Romances... the new list!

As Geddes MacGregor once said, “No one in Scotland can escape from the past. It is everywhere, haunting like a ghost." Scotland’s past is the subject of my new Best Scottish Historical Romances list, romance novels I have come to love that are set in the past of Scotland, most in that magical part of Scotland called the Highlands. Some are romances with a Scots hero. All are rated 5, 4 ½ or 4 stars. See the list!