A Holiday Code for Love
Category
Holiday whodunits
The holidays, especially Christmas, have served as a backdrop for the romantic suspense genre for decades. While Christmas and criminals seem an unlikely combination, many writers have successfully blended the two to create fast-paced thrillers and mysteries that have you sitting on the edge of Santa’s lap: Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie, Hard Christmas by Barbara D’Amato.
Several of my romantic suspense stories feature mistletoe and mayhem. Which one is your favorite?
Mission: Impossible to Wed (The Impossible Mission Series, Book 5)
A Marine’s Christmas Wedding (The Grayce Walters Series, Book 5)
A Christmas Code (The Code Breakers Series, Book 2)
A Holiday Code for Love (The Code Breakers Series, Book 7)
A Code of Joy (The Code Breakers, Book 10)
For romantic suspense authors, the love, peace, joy and comfort of the holidays offer a sharp and vivid contrast to the terror, danger and peril of mysteries and thrillers. When everything you love most is at risk, it becomes that much more precious when saved by a clever hero and/or heroine.
What is your favorite holiday romantic suspense film or book?
Celebrate Christmas in July with a 99¢ Regency Holiday Box Set
I remember how surprised I was when I learned that people in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate Christmas in summer. Because their seasons are the opposite of ours, December comes with sunshine, hot temperatures and not so much as a single snowflake.
Can you imagine?!
Christmas in July started as an activities at summer camps many years ago, and has evolved into a pop culture tradition. I can get on the bandwagon with a summertime yuletide celebration because it’s one of my favorite holidays and I’m (almost!) ready for eggnog, holly, sugar cookies, and shopping for gifts.
Here are three ways to indulge in some holiday magic without waiting for December 25th!
1. Organize a holiday movie marathon. Check the Hallmark Channel for their lineup of showtimes.
2. Spend an afternoon in the kitchen whipping up your favorite Christmas treats. Another option is serving up a plate of Watermelon Christmas trees.
3. Binge on a 99¢ box set of Regency holiday romantic suspense books. Get The Code Breakers Series: Holiday Romances ~ no gift wrap needed.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/38nBP7n
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/31R5TY7
Apple: https://apple.co/31IAJlp
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2C4bKhS
Google Play: https://bit.ly/38p9gqs
I have a new audiobook for readers to enjoy!
I’m thrilled to announce a new audiobook release from the talented narrator, Pearl Hewitt. Treat your ears to dazzling Regency romantic suspense with A Holiday Code for Love.
A Christmas house party becomes a covert operation to trap a French spy. Can the honorable John Bonnington protect his wife from their guest’s murderous intentions? Can Abbie Bonnington protect her husband from his ex-mistress’ intentions to seduce him into revealing Crown secrets?
Can Abbie and Jack continue the charade of hosting the perfect holiday party as danger, treachery, and treason swirl in the ballroom?
Enjoy the passionate, suspenseful regency world of the Code Breakers,where daring lords and ladies decode the path to happily ever after, amidst their dangerous, heroic fight against Napoleon’s treacherous designs.
Look for it on Audible, iTunes and Amazon!
When Horses are Cattle: Regency Slang and Expressions
I recently saw a Facebook post in which a historical romance writer shared a “correction notice” she’d received from a reader about referring to horses at “cattle.” Since when do horses moo?!
Of course, horses don’t moo, but according to Regency expressions and vernacular collected from the works of Georgette Heyer, the term “cattle” was sometimes used when referring to horses. If you’re still skeptical, a quick check of the Merriam-Webster dictionary found this definition for cattle: domesticated quadrupeds held as property or raised for use
I can’t fault the reader for alerting the author about this potential error. This expression was common more than 200 years ago and has–obviously–fallen out of use.
Balancing the use of vernacular language is a common challenge for authors. Sprinkling patois, jargon or slang into a story is one technique writers use to infuse authenticity to characters and setting. The goal is to use just enough to draw the reader into the period, era or community without confusing and frustrating them.
Here are a few examples from my most recent Regency romantic suspense, A Holiday Code for Love, book 7 in the Code Breakers series.
“Jack, where are we going?” Abbie paused and looked up at him. Her bright eyes were the same color as her sky-blue pelisse.
The soldier/footman opened the door to Rathbourne’s study. Jack didn’t see himself discussing his personal life with his superior. As Head of Intelligence, Rathbourne wasn’t the sort of chap who you would joke with or confide in.
“Mabel and Amelia are able to handle this group of people. And think of the great gossip with you, Jack, and Sabine all missing from the ball. Society will be entertained for weeks.” Aunt Euphemia winked. “Be aware of anyone watching you, my dear. Haste is needed.”
Have you ever encountered unfamiliar slang in a Regency romance? If yes, you might enjoy this guide to Regency Cant and Expressions or the Regency Reader blog’s Regency Lingo guide.
How do you feel about authors using slang and jargon in their books?
A Holiday Code for Love is here!
I’m thrilled to announce the release of the seventh Code Breakers novel, A HOLIDAY CODE FOR LOVE. This book continues Jack and Abbie’s love story from A CODE OF HONOR, but it can also be read as a standalone historical romance. There’s lots of suspense, lots of love, and lots of Regency fun, so I’m sure that you will love it.
Check out A HOLIDAY FOR LOVE:
Blurb:
Tis the Season of love and hope, spies and intrigue!
A Christmas house party becomes a covert operation to trap a French spy. Can the Honorable John Bonnington protect his wife from their guest’s murderous intentions? Can Abbie Bonnington protect her husband from his ex-mistress’ intentions to seduce him into revealing Crown secrets? Can Abbie and Jack continue the charade of hosting the perfect holiday party as danger, treachery, and treason swirl in the ballroom?
Enjoy the passionate, suspenseful Regency world of the Code Breakers,where daring lords and ladies decode the path to happily ever amidst their dangerous, heroic fight against Napoleon’s treacherous designs.
Read an Excerpt:
Add to Goodreads:
