Historical
Stories set in the past.
-
Brette: Intentions Gone Astray #regency #romance @Collette_Author #RLFblog
Why did you write
this book?Brette: Intentions Gone Astray is the third book in my
Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper series.I knew Brette, and her hero, Alexander Hawksworth had to
have their own happily-ever-after since the first moment they met, and she
thought he was a valet.What is your favorite
genre to read?Historical romance and just about every subgenre.I like the little historical tidbits I learn while I’m
indulging in a romantic read.It’s sort of like hiding veggies in macaroni and cheese so
my kiddos didn’t realize they were getting healthy food with one of their
favorite meals.Who is your favorite
character from fiction (not including your own)?I usually say the Count of Monte Cristo, and he’s still my
standby hero, but I was just thinking about The Three Musketeers the other day.
I’ve always been a fan of D’Artagnan.What are you working
on at the moment?I just finished up a novella for a boxed set releasing in
March, Regency Ever Afters, and I’m closing in on the last chapter of another
novella for—you guessed it—another set, The Forbidden Highlands.As soon as that’s finished, I’ll jump right into the 6th and
final book in my Highland Heather Romancing a Scot series.What books will we see from you in coming months?Well, I already mentioned two of the sets I’m involved with,
but there are two more as well: Her Perfect Gentleman and A Lady for Every
Lord. You’ll also see Passion and Plunder, the 5th book in my Highland Heather
Romancing a Scot series.Please tell us about
your latest book.He thought his adventures were over…A rogue reluctantly turned rector, Alexander Hawksworth,
prefers soirées to sermons and parties to prayers. Though impoverished, he
seizes every opportunity to escape parish duties, preferring to hob nob with
London’s finest–especially after the precocious and petite Brette Culpepper
arrives in Town. Alex secretly fantasizing about claiming the breathtaking
beauty as his very own, and when he unexpectedly inherits an earldom, he’s
determined to make her his countess… Until he’s accused of murdering the
previous earl.Then she burst headlong into his life…New to Society, Brette adores the whirlwind social scene,
the stream of invitations… the slightly-sensual verbal sparring with the
devilishly attractive, much too witty, and oh so unsuitable Mr. Hawksworth. But
her fairy tale existence crashes to a halt when rumors circulate she’s a peer’s
illegitimate granddaughter. Even though he’s left her a tidy inheritance,
formerly hospitable doors slam in her face as a newly appointed guardian
emerges, intent on stealing her wealth and forcing her to wed an elderly
despot.Time is against them as Alex struggles to clear his name and
deliver the woman he loves from an unthinkable fateGenre Regency RomanceBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PGBuy Brette: Intentions Gone Astray (Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper Book
3)Genre Historical RomanceBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RPublisher Blue Rose Romance, LLC
Amazon http://amzn.to/2j0cwB0
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iiMmcH
Kobo http://bit.ly/2i9d7zKAbout Collette Cameron
A bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron pens
Scottish and Regency historicals featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the
intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them.Blessed with three spectacular children, fantastic fans, and
a compulsive, over-active, and witty Muse who won’t stop whispering new
romantic romps in her ear, she still lives in Oregon with dachshunds, though
she dreams of living in Scotland part-time.Admitting to a quirky sense of humor, Collette enjoys
inspiring quotes, adores castles and anything cobalt blue, and is a
self-confessed Cadbury chocoholic. You’ll always find dogs, birds, occasionally
naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless
romances.Collette Cameron Social Media
Website http://collettecameron.com
Blog http://embracingromance.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/collette_author
Facebook http://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/colletteauthor
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Collette-Cameron/e/B00CWLYXL2/
Newsletter http://tinyurl.com/regencyrose -
Diarmaid the Irishman @queenskeys #RLFblog #historical #romance
Donegal Landscape Article by Beppie HarrisonI came late to my love of Ireland
and I can’t explain why Donegal spoke to me so insistently. Maybe it’s the way it’s said. You hear the rhythm of it: DONeegol, sort of
wrapping your tongue around the last L. It’s stuck way out on the end of Ireland,
as far west and north as you can go. It’s a land of peninsulas reaching out
into the cold Atlantic. The largest one is Inishowen, and that’s where I chose
to place the beginning of the second book of Diarmaid the Irishman, because it’s
cold and harsh and has always demanded more from its inhabitants than they
sometimes had to give. Not much grows there. There are the peat fields that
gave the Irish there the material for their sweet-smelling peat fires to warm
their houses—primitive huts for much of their history. The farther east you go
the better the land becomes, and you can grow potatoes and oats. That’s what
the ordinary people lived on, traditionally. Oat porridge cooked over a peat
fire morning and evening, with potatoes for the main meal. Fish, sometimes, if
they were lucky. “Kitchen,” the fish would be called. Anything extra
from potatoes and porridge was kitchen. Sometimes a bit of meat—chicken,
perhaps. Eggs would be a lovely luxury, but eggs were better sold for people
who had no other way to earn coin.A hard place, but a beautiful one
for those of us who don’t need to make a living out ofthe unwilling land.
Spectacular cliffs soar out of the churning ocean, and then, all of a sudden, a
sweep of a golden sand beach. Now tourism is coming to save Donegal, for those
who like a gentle sun and don’t mind icy cold water. There are new roads which
allow you to have a feeling for the land, the low peat fields and the small
stretches of farmland, and there are old ones requiring nerves of steel and
sharp attention as a narrow road winds treacherously around the cliffs with
awe-inspiring views of the ocean battering rocks almost directly below.Then of course there are the
people. In some places they cling to the old ways and even teach their babies
to speak Irish. There are three areas of Gaeltacht in Donegal—designated areas
within which Irish speakers predominate, although the use of Irish is
inevitably dwindling, given the global reach of English. Donegal people are as
Donegal people have always had to be, sturdy and stubborn and set in their
ways. But Irish they still are, which is to say they love to talk in the warmth
of their pubs and are, in their way, welcoming to strangers.The more I learned about Donegal,
the more it seemed to be the perfect place to begin my story of Diarmaid
MacGuinness as a dedicated Irish rebel, red-headed, in a secret organization,
and determined to return the green and pleasant land of Ireland to Irish rule,
in spite of his own inconvenient ties to the Anglo-Irish aristocracy. His
mother had worked for them for years and, unknown to them, he had grown up in
the Big House himself. Caught by unwilling trust, he was half drawn to those
who should be his enemies and half determined to push them and all like them
into the Irish Sea, back to England where they had come from.I love Donegal. But I will always
be a visitor there. Unlike its people, I’ve never had to wrest a living from
its stubborn soil, and so will always be an outsider. Perhaps it’s better that
way.Image credit: Donegal landscape taken by Beppie’s husband
in 2015About Diarmaid the Irishman
It’s 1810. The English have a firm grip on Diarmaid’s
beautiful green Ireland. But Diarmaid McGuiness is determined to make that grip
impossible to maintain. In the first half of this two-volume combination (The
Divided Heart) we meet the reckless, red-haired Irishman as he tries out his
wings as a rebel to follow in his dead father’s footsteps. In the second half
(The Defiant Heart) we find Diarmaid as the determined leader of rebels that he
has become, and the equally fierce, equally red-headed girl whose resolve to
free Ireland is as strong as his own. Their clash leads them into unforeseen
complications and new ambiguous challenges.Genre Historical romance
Author Beppie Harrison
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Publisher Camden Hill Press
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CR6796M/About Beppie Harrison
Beppie Harrison lives in Massachusetts with her English
husband, two slightly addled cats, and an enthusiastic puppy. England with
friends and family is a second home, Ireland a fascination that came later. She
writes books placed in the Regency period, many of them in Ireland. The beauty
of Ireland, its harshness, and the wonderfully garrulous people are close to
her heart.Website http://beppieharrison.com
Blog http://romancingyesteryear.com/Blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/queenskeys
Facebook http://facebook.com/beppieharrison
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/beppieharrison -
The Marquess and the Midwife @AlinaKField #RLFblog #Regency #Romance
Welcome Alina K Field, author of The Marquess and the
Midwife, a new Regency Romance.Why did you write
this book?For starters, I love the Call the Midwife stories, as well
as secret babies. And, a few months before I started The Marquess and the
Midwife, a family member tragically lost a good friend in childbirth to
toxemia. (Unthinkable, right, in the twenty-first century?) I guess pregnancy
and childbirth were on my brain! Somehow, my muse came up with this story.What is your favorite
genre to read?I love Regency romance, and I especially love stories with a
lot of adventure added to the romance.Who is your favorite
character from fiction (not including your own)?Hmm. May I have two? I love the rascally Rupert Carsington,
the Mr. Impossible of Loretta Chase’s book by that name. I also like William
Doyle, the bluff , clever spy of Joanna Bourne’s The Forbidden Rose. Actually,
all of Chase’s and Bourne’s characters are brilliant, but they both write the
most delicious heroes.What are you working
on at the moment, and what will we see from you in coming months?I’m working on a Regency series about four adult children
being married off by their father, an earl who is a retired spy lord. Or is he
retired? Book one is called The Bastard’s Iberian Bride and will be coming this
spring.About The Marquess and the Midwife
Genre: Regency romanceBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13Once upon a time, the younger brother of a marquess fell in
love with his sister’s companion. He was sent off to war, and she was just sent
off, and they both landed in very different worlds.Now Virgil Radcliffe has returned from his self-imposed
exile on the Continent to take up his late brother’s title and discover the whereabouts
of the only woman he’s ever loved.Abandoned by her lover and dismissed by her employer,
Ameline Dawes has found a respectable identity as a Waterloo widow, a new life
as a midwife, and a safe, secure home for her twin girls. Called to London at
Christmas to attend her benefactress’s lying-in, she finds herself confronted
by an unexpected house guest–a man determined to woo her anew and win her
again.But, is loving the new Marquess of Wallingford a mistake
Ameline cannot afford to repeat?Buy The Marquess and the Midwife:
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-marquess-and-the-midwife/id1167622013?ls=1&mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1125068696?ean=2940156905331About Alina K Field
Award winning author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of
Arts Degree in English and German literature, but her true passion is the much
happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S.,
after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern
California and hasn’t looked back. She shares a midcentury home with her
husband, her spunky, blonde, rescued terrier, and the blue-eyed cat who conned
his way in for dinner one day and decided the food was too good to leave.She is the author of the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s
Ring, a 2015 RONE Award finalist, Bella’s Band, and a 2016 National Reader’s
Choice Award finalist, Liliana’s Letter, as well as her latest release, The
Marquess and the Midwife. She is hard at work on her next series of Regency
romances, but loves to hear from readers!Alina K Field Social Media:
Website: http://alinakfield.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaKFieldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alinakfieldPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinak.field/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-field -
Give Your Characters Dimension @ketadiablo #RLFblog #sweetromance
Today’s guest is author Keta Diablo, author of Sky Dreams (Book 3) a sweet historical romance.Give Your Characters Dimension
Let’s talk a little about characters today and why some are
one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional.Have you ever read a review where the reviewer points to
*shallow* characters in the novel? I know I have, and that’s why I feel it’s so
important for writers to allot their characters depth. So what is depth, and
what do you mean by “dimensional” characters?It’s crucial readers understand who the characters are; what
makes them tic, and particularly what the character’s identifying features are?
I’m not necessarily talking about physical features, but consistency and manner
of speech, body language and internal thoughts on how he/she views the world. A
character is not merely a gorgeous person with eyes of blue. He/she is a
composition of many events that has made him/her what they are today.Their emotions are multifaceted and often conflicting. They
could come from troubled backgrounds or perhaps were born with a silver spoon
in their mouth. Whatever the case, in order for readers to understand and
relate to your characters, writers need to delve into their history to make
them likeable and real (or not so likeable in the villain’s case). It’s also
important the readers believe, and can picture, the character existing before
your story even began, thus the history.Shallow characters (one-dimensional) have no real story, no
identifying aspects to their personality. They’re merely walk-ons in your novel
and won’t make lasting impressions. Readers will soon get bored with reading
about someone they can’t identify with or like, and will no doubt put the book
down. This is the last thing we want them to do.Two-dimensional characters might have one identifying trait
or a smidgen of history, but why stop there? Write your characters as if they are
a person you’d love to know, in fact, you’re so fascinated by their thoughts
about life, their opinions, you long to know everything about them, including
their past.If your hero or heroine lacks depth or dimension,
reviewers/readers might refer to them as *cardboard characters* another term
you want to avoid at all costs. This means they’re typical ordinary,
forgettable people who are par for the course in motives and goals. While
writing about them, you might have hinted about a like or dislike they possess,
but there you stopped, leaving the thought underdeveloped without explaining
why they dislike the color purple or why they adore women in hats. What’s the
history behind their abhorrence, fetish or passion?One of the great things about writing is that you, the
author, have control over the portrayals of your characters. Make them bigger
than life; exaggerate their habits, annoyances, likes and dislikes. Make every
aspect about them memorable in the reader’s mind.You won’t regret giving a little dimension to your
characters’ personalities.Here’s an excellent article from The Writing Tools Blogspot
about Writing Character Bios for your stories. Why don’t you try it? http://thewritingtools.blogspot.com/2009/07/character-bios-why-and-how.htmlHappy writing and reading!~ KetaAbout the Book
Title Sky DreamsGenre Sweet Historical RomanceAuthor Keta DiabloBook heat level (based on movie ratings) GIn Sky Tinted Water (Book 1) and Sky Dance (Book 2) you met
Dawson and Rory Finch and shared in the journey of their love. Now, in Sky
Dreams (Book 3), meet their daughter, Haven.In 1893, Haven Morgan is a young widow. Heartbroken and
alone after her husband’s tragic death, she travels to Cobb’s Grove, Minnesota
to teach at the country school.Her curiosity is piqued when she meets the handsome
supervisor of the local lumber mill, Cade Kincannon, but the trauma of her
husband’s death haunts her days and torments her dreams.Can Cade break through the veil of darkness shrouding Haven,
forge a path to her heart and convince her it’s all right to love again?Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0M17K6About the Author
Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States
on six acres of woodland. When she isn’t writing or gardening she loves to
commune with nature. A lifelong animal lover, she also devotes her time and
support to the local animal shelters.Keta’s a best-selling Amazon author who writes in several
genres, including western romance, historical romance, paranormal romance and
the occasional gay romance. Her books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of
the Month and Recommended Read reviews.Author Social Media
Author home http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/ketadiablo
Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/ -
The Highlander’s English Woman @RuthACasie #RLFblog #Historical
“It pulls at my heart with its beauty and purpose. It
represents all I hold dear in a person, if that’s possible, heart, soul and
strength.” Laura Reynolds, The
Highlander’s English WomanI knew I found the right setting
for my medieval ghost story when I saw a picture of Caerlaverock Castle.Reading Caerlaverock’s history I
understood why the Maxwell family fought to hold it and why their enemies had
to destroy it.Caerlaverock Castle is a moated
castle on the southern coast of Scotland in the Dumfries. The unique
equilateral triangular design and beauty of the castle, from the way it’s sited
to its rich history, made Caerlaverock the perfect setting for my stories, The
Maxwell Ghost and The Highlander’s English Woman.There were several original fortifications
that preceded the current castle, a Roman fort on Ward Law Hill and a British
hill fort that was used until 950.The earliest mention of
Caerlaverock is the 1160s, when the lands were granted to the monks of Holm
Cultram Abbey. Sixty years later, in 1220 the lands were granted to Sir John
Maxwell by Alexander II of Scotland.The Maxwell family has owned the
Caerlaverock Castle ever since, but not without some intrigue and adventure.
The clan leader changed allegiances from Scotland to England several times
which resulted in sieges, destruction and rebuilding.John Maxwell began construction of
the first castle at Caerlaverock. A traditional square design with a moat and a
north facing bridge, the building was one of the earliest stone castles built
in Scotland. Archeologists believe that this castle was never completed when it
was abandoned. This castle was built close to the Solway Firth. Built on clay
the wood pilings were not able to bear the weight of the structure. In
addition, the structure couldn’t be kept dry or comfortable. Today, the
foundations and part of a wooden enclosure around it is all that remains.Work began on the new castle, six
hundred feet south of the abandoned structure in 1260.Construction on the new (present)
castle, on a solid rock outcropping and was completed in the 1270s. The castle’s
first occupant was Herbert Maxwell, nephew of Sir John Maxwell.Caerlaverock was the Maxwell
family’s stronghold from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It underwent several
sieges over the centuries and was finally abandoned in 1640. The castle has
been destroyed and rebuilt several times, but retained its triangular plan.In 1299, Maxwell forces from
Caerlaverock Castle attached the English-held Lochmaben Castle. Edward I
retaliated in July 1300 and attacked Caerlaverock with 87 knights and 3,000
men. Eustace Maxwell, the clan chief repelled the English several times. In the
end, the garrison surrendered. King Edward was astounded that only sixty men
held his army off.Caerlaverock Castle remained in
English hands until 1312 when the castle was returned to Sir Eustace Maxwell
who pledged allegiance to the English king, Edward II. Later, Eustace switched
his support to Robert the Bruce and the castle was unsuccessfully attacked by
the English.Because of Caerlaverock’s prime
position on the England-Scottish border and the fear it could fall into the
hands of the English who would have a strong command of the district, Sir
Eustace dismantled the fortress, a sacrifice rewarded by Robert the Bruce.In 1337 the castle was once again
inhabited and once again the Eustace changed sides. About 1355 the castle was
captured by the Scots.The Maxwells regained Caerlaverock
after the Wars of Independence in the mid-14th century. Between 1373
and 1410, Robert Maxwell rebuilt much of the castle. His efforts were continued
by Robert II in the mid-15th century.In 1567, the Maxwells supported
Mary, Queen of Scots and Caerlaverock was once again under siege by the English
in 1570. The Earl of Sussex led the English forces and demolished part of the
castle.In 1593, Lord John Maxwell
repaired the castle for defense against the Johnstones of Annandale with whom
he was feuding.The Wars for Independence were
replaced by wars of religion. In 1634, religious turmoil turned against the
Catholic Maxwells. In 1640 the Protestant Covenanter army attacked Caerlaverock
for thirteen weeks forcing the castle to surrender. The south wall and tower
were demolished and the castle was never repaired or reoccupied.The castle passed by inheritance
to the Herries family and to the Duke of Norforlk. While currently owned by
Lady Mary Mumford’s sister Baroness Herries, since 1946 the castle has been
operated and managed by Historic Scotland. The castle remains the ancestral
home of the Maxwell family.Buy The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton
Legacy)Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXYHNGS/Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-highlanders-english-woman-ruth-a-casie/1125365584?ean=2940157490539About Ruth A. Casie
Ruth has always had stories in her head. Encouraged by family and friends this
ballroom dancing, Sudoku playing, aspiring gourmet has given way to her inner
muse. Now, rather than write marketing and communications for corporate
America, she writes historical fantasies about strong men and empowered women
and how they cope with unexpected challenges. She hopes her stories become your
favorite adventures.Ruth A. Casie Social Media
Website www.RuthACasie.com
Blog http://www.ruthacasie.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/RuthACasie
Facebook www.facebook.com/RuthACasie
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/ruthacasie/
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a1002658357/Ruth-A-Casie/
Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/13GwuQ1
Ruth’s Newsletter Signup: http://www.ruthacasie.com/contact.html -
Wish Upon a Waltz by @alannalucas27 #RLFblog #regency #romance
Today’s featured book is Wish Upon a Waltz by Alanna Lucas.About Wish Upon a Waltz
Genre Historical Romance- RegencyBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13Quiet lady’s companion Anastasia Quintin understands her
place in society and wishes for no more than the life she has undertaken…until
a fateful house party for the Earl of Huntingdon gives her one night, one
dance, one chance at all of her discarded hopes and dreams.One Night, One Dance, One ChanceAt twenty-five, Anastasia Quintin has resigned herself to
live in quiet seclusion as companion to Miss Albryght, but one lost wager by
her headstrong bookworm of a mistress soon requires Anastasia’s return to the
society from which she hides. Her first event in eight years is to be a house
party in honor of the recently entitled Earl of Huntingdon, hosted by his
haughty old grandmother.Having come to his title by tragedy, the handsome Huntingdon
is new to the ton, but he is not new to Anastasia. Dante St. Clair is the very
man who long ago stole her heart and thereafter dashed all her hopes and
dreams. He is the man she must never let discover her identity, but whom she
can no more avoid than a moth can a flame. One waltz will destroy her, and for
it, Anastasia will risk everything…and win.Buy Wish Upon a Waltz
Publisher http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/wish-upon-waltzBarnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wish-upon-a-waltz-alanna-lucas/1122692409?ean=2940152369243Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wish-upon-a-waltzAbout Alanna Lucas
Alanna grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of
distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age she took interest in art,
history, and travel, and enjoys incorporating those diversions into her
writing. However, she believes that true love is the greatest source of
inspiration and is always an adventure.Alanna makes her home in California where she spends her
time writing historical romances, dreaming of her next travel destination,
spending time with family, and staying up too late indulging in her favorite
pastime, reading.Alanna Lucas Social Media
Website http://www.alannalucas.com/Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Alanna-Lucas/e/B00HPC0MYU/