Historical Romance

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A CODE OF THE HEART Blog Tour!

Stop by one of these blogs and enter the giveaway for a chance to win.

March 20th– What I’m Reading
(Stop 2) Amazing Reading Experiences

COVER REVEAL!

Here it is! The cover reveal for A CODE OF THE HEART, book 3 in the  Code Breakers Series. Another job well done from the wonderfully talented Kim Killion.

A CODE OF THE HEART, the story of Amelia Bonnington and Derrick Brinsley, is scheduled for release in February 2015.

The Lively Quadrille

In the opening scene of A Christmas Code, Lady Gwyneth Beaumont is performing the quadrille, a lively dance performed by four couples in a rectangular formation. The dance first became prevalent in France in the mid-1700s and was introduced to English society shortly after the turn of the century.  It became popular in the upper classes about 1816. Many dance historians claim the quadrille was the precursor to the contemporary style know as square dancing.

You can see this energetic and popular dance performed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSD37PF2_Dw

A Christmas Code is available for just 99 cents at online retailers through the holiday season.

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Authors Give Thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would fun to see what authors are thankful for this year. I asked a few of my writer friends to share what they are grateful for. I hope you’ll add your own thoughts to the list.

For what am I thankful? Sunny days, good friends, books, and chocolate. But more seriously, I’m thankful for my family and friends. Without their love, understanding, and support (and hours of talking writing), I would be lost! And I’m thankful for my writing. I started late, but now I can’t imagine a day without telling stories. ~ Barbara Bettis, The Heart of the Phoenix

I am thankful for all of those in my life who have taught me to never believe in the word impossible. ~ Kelly Bowen, I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm (coming December 16)

What I’m thankful for: I’m profoundly grateful that my mother survived the stroke she suffered in October, and that I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and the ability to pursue my passion for writing full-time. ~ Collette Cameron, Triumph and Treasure, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series (coming December 3)

I’m thankful for my retirement from the day job, which gives me time and money to write, and for the fellowship and support of my writing friends, and for my family. ~ Gail Hart, Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride

I am, as always, most thankful for my wonderful family. This year, I am especially thankful for all the support they have given me en route to the publication of my first book, Lady Elinor’s Wicked Adventures. ~ Lillian Marek

I’m grateful that I’m able to create characters and stories. And I’m grateful for all the people who read and are entertained by my stories.~ Jacki Delecki, A Christmas Code

What are you thankful for this year?

Regency Halloween Traditions

Halloween has been celebrated for centuries, although not in the commercial context we know today. Many scholars believe today’s candy-and-goblin version of Halloween originates from a 2,000-year-old Celtic festival know as Samhain (“summer’s end). In the 8th century, this pagan ritual was incorporated into Christianity by blending it with All Saints Day. Over time, the original customs and traditions change.

Dressing in costumes and begging for treats are thought to have evolved from early practices of “mumming” and “guising”—folks would disguise themselves and ask neighbors for food. The medieval Hallowmas “souling” custom is similar; on November 1, poor people went door-to-door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. The disguises were also a way of tricking malevolent spirits.

During the Regency period, All Hallows Eve traditions were mainly practiced in England by country folk, although people in Ireland and Scotland upheld the customs although not for the same reasons. Children would dress up in costumes and march through the streets. Soul cakes, representing the food given to poor beggars, became sweet treats eaten on the holiday.

Other Regency traditions include pumpkin carving (Jack’s Lanterns, carved and illuminated to ward off evil spirits), ducking for apples (catching one was said to give you the ability to see into the future) and a practice stemming from the Scot/Northern English name for October 31, “Nut-Crack Night” (tossing hazelnuts into a fire to foretell the future for you and your love).

What is your favorite Halloween tradition?