Beau Brummell in our Regency Promenade by Nancy Mayer

 In our Regency Promenade today, Nancy Mayer looks at Beau Brummell.

Brummell, engraved from a miniature portrait
Brummell, engraved from a miniature portrait (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Beau Brummell (1778 – 1840)

English: A portrait of George Brummell, also k...
English: A portrait of George Brummell, also known as Beau Brummell, from the front of the 1844 biography by Captain William Jesse. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I do not like Beau Brummell and  think he has been credited with more than he accomplished.

George Brummell was born in 1778. His father is said to have been a private secretary to Lord North, who was prime Minister of England from 1770- 1782.

It is said that his father had been a tradesman and he was determined that  his children should be raised as gentry. Wikipedia says George was sent to Eton and Oxford. These institutions seemed to have turned him against books and learning, or any deep thought.

He was enrolled in the 10th Hussars, the Prince’s Own, also called the Prince’s Dolls, The Prince of Wales liked to design uniforms. A majority of the officers of this  regiment were heirs to peerages and  or were wealthy. Brummell, like another George, George Leigh couldn’t keep up with them.

Continue reading “Beau Brummell in our Regency Promenade by Nancy Mayer”

Joanna Bourne – Featured Beau Monde Author

Joanna Bourne is today’s Featured Author for The Beau Monde Regency chapter of Romance Joanna BourneWriters of America.

Joanna Bourne lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge with her family, a medium-sized mutt and a faux Himalayan cat.

She writes Historical Romances set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

She’s fascinated by that time and place – such passionate conviction and burning idealism

… and really sexy clothes.

black hawk by joanna bourne        LINKS 

       Website — http://www.joannabourne.com/index.html

        Blog  —  http://jobourne.blogspot.com/

       Group historical blog — http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/

       Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1076734565

Twitter — @jobourne

Goodreads — http://www.goodreads.com/search?query=joanna+bourne

 

 

New Book Releases – June 2012

More New Book Releases from authors at The Beau Monde Chapter             Lady Writing at Desk

 ( Regency historical ) of Romance Writers of America.

MORE THAN A STRANGER by Erin Knightley

More than a Stranger by Erin Knightley
More than a Stranger by Erin Knightley

NAL Signet Eclipse, 9780451237712

Regency Historical  –  June 5th (debut!) release

When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend’s sister. Her letters kept him going—until the day he had to leave everything behind.

Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven….

After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams…and newfound desires.

Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have…

“Knightley’s entertaining debut sparks the imagination, as she connects her story with snippets of letters — through which the characters begin a sweet, emotional, courtship. It’s the tenderness Knightley evokes, as well as her appealing characters, that wins our hearts. Readers will eagerly await the next Sealed With a Kiss novel.” – RT Book Reviews

www.ErinKnightley.com

Twitter: @ErinKnightley

https://www.facebook.com/erinknightley/

 


IT BEGINS WITH A KISS by Eileen Dreyer

It Begins with a Kiss by Eileen Dreyer
It Begins with a Kiss by Eileen Dreyer
Releases on July 3rd, 2012
ISBN: 9781455519316
From New York Times Bestselling Author Eileen Dreyer An all new Drake’s Rakes ebook short
Three Heroines, Friends who survived the Last Chance Academy
Plus Three Heroes, Master spies masquerading as Drake’s Rakes =
Equals  Unforgettable Romance & IT BEGINS WITH A KISS

New Book Releases – May, 2012

More New Book Releases from authors at The Beau Monde ChapterLady Writing at Desk
 ( Regency historical ) of Romance Writers of America.

RUINED BY RUMOR by Alyssa Everett 
Ruined By Rumor by Alyssa Everett
Regency Historical – Release date May 21

Carina Press, [ASIN] B007BBVC6M

After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind…

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she’s been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She’s convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty…while he’s sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

http://alyssaeverett.com

romancingthepast.blogspot.com

@Alyssa_Everett

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alyssa-Everett/225976490775474


INVITATION TO SCANDAL by Bronwen Evans Invitation to Scandal by Bron Evans
Regency Historical – Released 1 May 2012.

Kensington  ISBN: 9780758259219

Her secrets are coming undone… 

Plagued by scandalous rumors, Rheda Kerrich will stop at nothing to restore her reputation and make an honest living for herself-and she’s determined to do it without a husband.

But times are hard, and smuggling is a risky though profitable trade. So when a dashing agent for the English government catches her in the act, she desperately resists his charms and conceals her illicit profession. Until she realizes he may be the key to her ultimate freedom-and unbridled passion.

Rufus Knight, Viscount Strathmore, has never had trouble beguiling the ladies of Kent. When his search for “Dark Shadow,” a cunningly elusive smuggler, leads him to alluring and headstrong Rhe, her objections to his amorous advances merely incite a tantalizing game of cat and mouse. Soon, they’ll find the very secrets driving them apart could ensnare them in a love they can’t escape…

www.bronwenevans.com

http://regencyseductions.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/bronwenevansauthor

@BronwenEvans_NZ

A PERILOUS JOURNEY by Gail Eastwood A Perilous Journey by Gail Eastwood
Regency Traditional – Available May 15, 2012

A Regency Romance ebook reissue – Signet Regency (ebook),
Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, iTunes

Beset by troubles, a young runaway and her twin brother are helped on their journey by a handsome stranger 
who they later learn is the Earl of Brinton. 

Crowded inns, bad weather, thieves and Bow Street Runners in pursuit are not enough to stop either the growing attraction between Gillian Kentwell and the earl or the trio’s progress across the miles to Scotland where Gillian hopes to find freedom and a new life.  

But will even greater setbacks ahead shatter the fragile trust forged on the road and destroy their chances for true happiness?

Gail Eastwood - Winner of the 1994 Golden Leaf Award “Best Regency” and finalist for CoRWA’s Award of Excellence

THE MALORIE PHOENIX  by  Janet Mullany Janet Mullany The Malorie Phoenix
Regency Historical – May 2012

eISBN: 978-1-937776-29-9  Amazon, B&N, Apple

She plays a deadly game, but nothing is as dangerous as love.

Benedict de Malorie, Earl of Trevisan, can never forget the masked woman he met one night at a London pleasure garden. The clever pickpocket stole his heart and his family’s prized jewel – the Malorie Phoenix. But the family treasure reappears in Benedict’s darkest hour, returned by its thief, along with the unexpected gift of his infant daughter.

Believing that she is dying, Jenny Smith leaves her daughter in the custody of the baby’s blueblood father. Seven years later she finds herself in good health and alone, yearning for her only child. To raise enough money to support them both, she takes part in a daring escapade that requires her to impersonate a woman of quality. She fools the ton and Benedict himself.

When Jenny finds herself entangled in a murderous plot against Benedict, the father of her child, her carefully laid plans begin to fall apart. All she wants is her daughter back, but she never thought she’d fall in love with Benedict. Revealing her part in the plot means she will almost certainly lose Benedict and their daughter forever. But continuing to play her role puts them all in terrible danger.

@Janet_Mullany
A MOST NAKED SOLUTION  by Anna Randol   A Most Naked Solution Anna Randol

Regency Historical Novella  –  Release Date – June 2012
Avon Impulse, 978-0-06-211575-1
Sometimes the best solution is found in bed…
 Lady Sophia Harding: Beautiful, Blond, and…capable of murder?
That’s what Lord Camden Grey intends to find out. It is Camden’s duty to uphold the laws of the land.
His neighbor’s pale beauty and winsome grace don’t make her the most likely suspect, but is the innocent and altogether beguiling look in her eyes the truth or is she secretly a scheming seductress?
Lord Camden Grey is entirely too distracting and too smart. Sophia knows that to keep her family’s secrets, she must avoid any entanglements with the powerful and brutally handsome man. But the pull of their mutual desire is all-consuming. Can Sophia trust Camden with the truth when she knows it might kill the love that grows between them?

www.AnnaRandol.com

Twitter: @AnnaRandol

TO RESCUE OR RAVISH?  by Barbara Monajem To Rescue or Ravish by Barbara Monajem
Regency Historical Novella
Harlequin, 978-1-459-23427-7 Release date July, 2012
When heiress Arabella Wilbanks flees a forced betrothal, the last person she expects to find at the reins of her getaway hackney is Matthew Worcester.
It’s been seven long years since they gave in to their mutual desires, but Matt still burns with regret for having to leave her without a word.
He should escort her to safety, but the chance to reclaim her proves impossible to resist…
Barbara Monajem

THE UNREPENTANT RAKE, Available Now
TO RESCUE OR RAVISH? July 2012

A NOTE OF SCANDAL by Nicky Pentilla  A Note of Scandal by Nicky Pentilla
Regency Historical  –  e-book Published May 17th, 2012

Evernight Publishing, 978-1-77130-026-1, asin B0083WA1G0

Available at Evernight Publishing and Amazon.

What’s the harm in a little white lie?

Especially when it could carry so much good—a new life for a wounded soldier, catharsis after long years of war, and an opportunity for lady composer Olivia Delancey to finally hear her music played in public.

Newspaper publisher Will Marsh refuses to compound the sins of his father’s generation by taking money to print propaganda. But with the end of the wars in France and America, he needs something new to drive Londoners to grab his paper first. Why not publish the score of the “Tune That Took Waterloo,” by a wounded vet, no less? As Olivia struggles to keep her secrets from this unsuitably alluring publisher, and Will fights to find the truth without losing his hold on this bright-eyed angel who has descended into his life, both discover another sort of truth.

Being the talk of London can be bad—or very, very good.

http://nickypenttila.com

On Twitter, @sunshinyday

Tamara Gill

A MARRIAGE MADE IN MAYFAIR  by Tamara Gill Marriage Made in Mayfair by Tamara Gill

Regency Romance – Released June 2012
Decadent Publishing   – http://decadentpublishing.com/

After a frightful first season, Miss Suzanna March is after one thing, revenge on the elusive rake, Lord Danning.

But with pockets to let, Lord Danning has other ideas and the newly improved Suzanna fits all his credentials as a future wife. But will Suzanna fall for such pretty words from a charmer only after one thing.

Or will Danning prove to Suzanna and himself that she is more than his ticket out of debtor’s prison.

A Good News Announcement from Katharine Ashe
CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD won a 2011 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best “Historical Romantic Adventure”.
Plus…. Katharine sold a new trilogy to Avon, plus a novella.
Three (very different) sisters are promised delightful futures by a fortune teller, but only if one manages to marry a prince!

Maria Edgeworth – Regency Promenade by Nancy Mayer

In our Regency Promenade today, Nancy Mayer looks at Maria Edgeworth, a prolific writer of adults’ and children’s literature who held advanced views on estate management, politics and education.

Maria Edgeworth by John Downman 1807
Maria Edgeworth by John Downman 1807

Maria Edgeworth 1767-1849
“As a woman, my life, wholly domestic, can offer nothing
of interest to the public.” Maria
*****************

 Maria Edgeworth was one of three children born to her father’s first, and least loved, wife.

Richard Edgeworth had four wives and twenty-one children. He had a large estate in Ireland.  He experimented with education, using his children as subjects.  Maria adored her father.

He brought her home from school when she was sixteen and set her as an assistant teacher to her siblings.

Maria Edgeworth
Maria Edgeworth

Maria’s family knew her as a warm, practical, volatile, loving person.

She became agitated over little upsets but was calm and efficient in major upheavals; she scoffed at the use of the supernatural and overly comic in books but enjoyed reading about them with her family.

She accepted her father’s philosophy of utilitarianinism and incorporated its lessons in her stories for children.

Miniature of Maria Edgeworth by Adam Buck c1790
Miniature of Maria Edgeworth by Adam Buck c1790

She believed that a woman’s best profession was that of wife and mother, but never married.

She considered herself a critic of the feminist movement of Wollstonecraft and Mary Hays, but  her writings mark her as a closet feminist; she also demonstrated an interest and competence in “masculine subjects” such as science, accounting, and logic.

At first,  Maria wrote  her books in collaboration or with the suggestion of her father. However with Letters for  Literary Ladies and Castle Rackrent she wrote both of them without the knowledge of her father.

Continue reading “Maria Edgeworth – Regency Promenade by Nancy Mayer”

Sophia Nash – Featured Beau Monde Author

Sophia Nash is today’s Featured Author for The Beau Monde Regency chapter of Romance Sophia NashWriters of America.

Sophia Nash’s first three novels won eight national awards including the prestigious RITA Award and a spot on the American Library Association’s “Top Ten Romances of the Year.”

Sophia was born in Switzerland, raised in France and the United States, but says her heart resides in Regency England. Her ancestor, an infamous French admiral who traded epic cannon fire with the British Royal Navy, is surely turning in his grave.

Before pursuing her long held dream of writing Historicals, Sophia was an award winning television producer for CBS, a congressional speechwriter, and a nonprofit CEO.

Now writing for Avon/Harper Collins, Sophia’s back to back releases of her brand new Royal Entourage series are: Between the Duke and The Deep Blue Sea and The Art of Duke Hunting.

Find Sophia Nash at Web       Facebook

Twitter @SophiaNash1

Sophia Nash - Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea
Sophia Nash – Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea

A Primer on Regency Era Women’s Fashion by Kristen Koster

A Primer on Regency Era Women’s Fashion by Kristen Koster.

Regency Era Women’s Fashion: Parisian Ladies in their Full Winter Dress
“Parisian Ladies in their Full Winter Dress for 1800”, an over-the-top exaggerated satirical Nov. 24th 1799 caricature print by Isaac Cruikshank, on the excesses of the late-1790s Parisian high Greek look, and the too-diaphanous styles allegedly sometimes worn there. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an overview of women’s fashions in the Regency Era and the apparel they changed in and out of multiple times per day. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means and is rather representative of the upper classes rather than the working classes, but should give a good foundation in recognizing what an author is talking about and why they’re so focused on their characters being fashion conscious.

Before we get into the individual items of clothing, it’s important to realize some phrases we use today didn’t mean quite the same thing 200 years ago. For example, when we say “She was in a state of undress.” or “She was caught en dishabille.” The folks of the regency wouldn’t have batted an eye. It was quite common for ladies to entertain guests in their boudoirs while dressed in comfortable, but concealing gowns and robes. The terms “undress”, “half-dress” and “full-dress” were degrees of formality, not coverage.

“Undress” meant simply casual, informal dress in the Regency period. This would be the type of dress worn from early morning to noon or perhaps as late as four or five, depending on one’s engagements for the day. Undress was usually more comfortable, more warm, more casual, and much cheaper in cost than half dress or full dress.

“Half Dress” is perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to grasp about Regency Fashion. Basically it is any dress halfway between Undress and Full Dress. In modern terms it might be thought of as dressy casual or casual business attire in terms of formality, if not style.

“Full dress” was the most formal kind of dress in a Regency Lady’s wardrobe. Full dress was worn for the most formal occasions — evening concerts and card parties, soirees, balls, and court occasions. “Evening dress” referred to outfits suitable only at evening events, but was a specific subset of “full dress”.

Regency Era Women’s Fashion: 1817 walking costume
1817 walking costume                       (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Continue reading “A Primer on Regency Era Women’s Fashion by Kristen Koster”

The Art of the Cravat for the Regency Gentleman by Kristen Koster

Following on from her Primer of Men’s Regency fashion, Kristen Koster now explains The Art of the Cravat for the Regency Gentleman.

One of the fun things about writing historicals is you have to learn all this really cool trivia. You need to be able to set the stage and do it in a believable manner. This includes how to properly dress your characters.

Contemporary heroes have life easy. They pretty much only have to know how to tie a half-Windsor knot and their heroines always step in to rescue the day if they’ve forgotten or get fumble-fingered. And then there’s the clip-on bow tie for formal wear.

Not so the Regency rake! His valet was under much more pressure to make his master presentable and indeed, even to shine above the rest and be perceived as unique. Instead of a couple of basic ways to tie that already nicely formed strip of silk that’s decorated in a rank suitable fashion, the Regency buck (or at least his man) was expected to be familiar with a far more numerous array of styles.

Continue reading “The Art of the Cravat for the Regency Gentleman by Kristen Koster”

A Primer on Regency Era Men’s Fashion by Kristen Koster

This post on Regency era men’s fashion was originally posted on Kristen Koster’s blog.

Regency Era Men’s Fashion

Regency Era Men’s Fashion: Beau Brummell wears a Regency dress coat as daytime dress. The coat is able to close and the tails are knee length. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Beau Brummell wears a Regency period dress coat as daytime dress. The coat is able to close and the tails are knee length. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The terms Undress, Half Dress, and Full Dress were applied to men and women.

For men, “Undress” would include having his jacket and cravat removed, something that was not done in polite or mixed company if the gentleman could avoid it. Dressing gowns and robes also fit this bill for gentlemen lounging at home.

“Half Dress” for men would be less elaborate knots in their neck cloths, much simpler and more casual styles of clothing.

“Full Dress” and “Evening Dress” are the equivalent of today’s black tie affairs. Almack’s was a special case, where gentlemen of the ton were expected to wear breeches instead of trousers.

Continue reading “A Primer on Regency Era Men’s Fashion by Kristen Koster”

Regency Promenade- Henry Paget From Scandal to Hero by Nancy Mayer

 Nancy Mayer looks at the life of Henry Paget in today’s Regency Promenade.

Sir Henry William Paget (1768-1854), 1st Marquess of Anglesey, 2nd Earl of Uxbridge
Sir Henry William Paget (1768-1854), 1st Marquess of Anglesey, 2nd Earl of Uxbridge

From Scandal to Hero.

Lord Paget, Earl of Uxbridge, Marquess of Anglesey.

 When Henry was born, his father had the surname of Bayly and was Lord Paget.

The father adopted Paget as a surname when he was created  the Earl of Uxbridge in 1784 . At that time, Henry became Lord Paget by which name he was known until 1812.

Henry, Lord Paget married Lady Caroline Villiers, daughter of the 4th Earl of Jersey  in 1795, and had eight children with her.

Lord Paget was a member of parliament from 1790 to 1804 as well as between  1806 to 1810. Though he was elected to a seat in Parliament, Paget was also an active military officer.

Wikipedia says: Paget raised the regiment of Staffordshire volunteers and was given the temporary rank of lieutenant-colonel in 1793. He rose rapidly in rank after he had some experience. 

Continue reading “Regency Promenade- Henry Paget From Scandal to Hero by Nancy Mayer”

Traveling to the UK – What to Know Before You Go by Jo Ann Ferguson

       Traveling to the UK – What to Know Before You Go

                    by Jo Ann Ferguson

          It’s that time of year to think about a vacation/research trip to the UK.

Okay, any time of year is good, but many trips to the UK are in the late spring, summer, or early fall.

2012 is a very exciting year for the UK. With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Summer Olympics, make sure you’re up to date on what is happening where. My husband and I are heading to the northeast this spring, and we are keeping an eye on where the Olympic torch will be traveling. We hope to see it, but we also want to be aware of possible traffic restrictions. For information on events occurring in conjunction with the Jubilee, check sites such as  or

Information on the Olympic events as well as route of the Olympic torch can be found at:

http://www.london2012.com/ or http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map

Please click the “Details” button for all the helpful details …

Continue reading “Traveling to the UK – What to Know Before You Go by Jo Ann Ferguson”

Shannon Donnelly – Featured Beau Monde Author

Shannon Donnelly is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author.       Shannon Donnelly

Shannon Donnelly’s writing has won numerous awards, including a RITA nomination for Best Regency, the Grand Prize in the “Minute Maid Sensational Romance Writer” contest, judged by Nora Roberts, RWA’s Golden Heart, and others.

Her writing has repeatedly earned 4½ Star Top Pick reviews from Romantic Times magazine, as well as praise from Booklist and other reviewers, who note: “simply superb”…”wonderfully uplifting”….and “beautifully written.”

Her latest Regency Historical Romance, Paths of Desire, can be found as an ebooks on Kindle, Nook and at Smashwords, along with her Regency romances, and her free novella, Cats Cradle. She has had novellas published in several anthologies, has had young adult horror stories published, and is the author of several computer games.

Shannon is a regular speaker at writing conferences, and will be speaking at the 2012 RWA  National conference in Anaheim. She gives online workshops and is the author of Story Telling; Story Showing, an ebook that compliments her popular online class Show and Tell: An Interactive Workshop. She lives in New Mexico with two horses, two donkeys, two dogs, and the one love of her life.

Find Shannon at –  sd-writer.com              Paths of Desire by Shannon Donnelly

twitter.com/sdwriter     facebook.com/sdwriter

Google+ as SdonnellyNM@gmail.com

 

 

New Release Books – March / April, 2012

New Release Books – March/ April  2012              Lady Writing at Desk

As promised, here are some more of the New Release Books from our wonderful Beau Monde members.   Enjoy more great reading!

HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE  by Vicky Dreiling           Vicky Dreiling How to Ravish a Rake

Regency Historical
Grand Central Forever – 978-0446565400
 April, 2012
Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can’t, she’ll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security-if little else. What she doesn’t count on is the inappropriate-and irresistible-attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extraordinaire Will “The Devil” Darcett . When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton’s shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn’t simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he’s mended his wicked ways .
www.vickydreiling.com
twitter / @vickydreiling

My Elusive Countess  by  Carolynn Carey              My Elusive Countess by Carolyn Carey

Historical Regency – March 22nd, 2012

Ellora’s Cave, Blush line  – http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9927-my-elusive-countess.aspx

Although Amanda was born into the merchant class, she married into the aristocracy, a fact she would regret were it not for the son she bore to the Earl of Willowvale. Now widowed for two years, Amanda is attempting to protect her son from exposure to the vices of the nobility when her plans are overset by the unexpected appearance of a guardian for her son. Unknown to the countess, the Marquess of Blackbourne is guardian to her young son, and he intends to see that the boy is raised as befits his station, even if that means taking him away from his mother.

Historical Novels

HIS LORDSHIP’S VOW  by  Cheryl Bolen                 His Lordship's Vow by Cheryl Bolen

Short & sweet (sex-wise) novel of 31,000 words
Ebook at Amazon, B&N, Smashwords – March

Plain spinster Jane Featherstone helps lord she’s long loved woo an heiress to honor the deathbed vow he made to his father. 

 

RUINED BY RUMOR by Alyssa Everett           

Ruined By Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Regency Historical

Carina Press, 978-14268-9378-0

May 21, 2012
After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted!  She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind… Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana?  Certainly not the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love.  When he learns she’s been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on.

@alyssa_everett
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME  by  Alicia Rasley          Charity Begins at Home by Alicia Rasley

Regency Traditional   – April 2012
Charity, everyone says, would make the perfect wife. But Charity wants more. She wants to be beloved. So when she meets the passionate half-Italian artist Tristan Hale, she thinks she’s found the man who can transform her life into one of brilliance and excitement. But then she finds out that all he wants is what every man wants, that competent Charity, the perfect wife. Against the backdrop of a village fete, Tristan must prove to her that he desires her as much as he esteems her, and to win her, he first has to defeat an evil playwright, paint a voracious whale, and seduce her by the midsummer moon.
http://aliciarasleybooks.com/
edittorrent.blogspot.com
twitter / @RegencyTwisters
facebook Alicia Rasley
O’ROURKE’S HEIRESS  by Blair Bancroft             
O' Rourke's Heiress by Blair Bancroft
Regency Historical      –  March 2012
Publisher –  Kone Enterprises
Can the daughter of a jumped-up tradesman find happiness with a handsome and charming viscount, or does her destiny lie elsewhere? Perhaps with a man who isn’t trying to kill her?
Author website    www.blairbancroft.com
Author blog            http://mosaicmoments.blogspot.com
twitter /            @blairbancroft
facebook            Grace Kone

MY FAVORITE MAJOR

  by  Ava Stone               My Favorite Major by Ava Stone
Regency Historical
Night Shift Publishing  – March 2012   –  978-1466060807
Amazon, B&N, Smashwords
When her longtime fiancé returns home from the victory at Waterloo, Amelia Pritchard suspects he’s not the noble, upstanding gentleman she’s always believed him to be. After breaking their betrothal, she flees to London with the hope of starting her life over and putting the past firmly behind her. * Battle weary Major Philip Moore finds himself intrigued by the lovely Miss Pritchard. Though he’s recovering from a broken heart of his own, more than just his honor urges him to protect the lady when her nefarious ex-beau arrives in Town with the most wicked of intentions.
Honor’s Debt by Joan Vincent          

Honour's Debt by Joan Voncent

Regency Historical (ebook)

PUBLISHER De Rigueur Press – ISBN 978-0-9852913-1-0
Month of release March 2012 A limited number of print copies will be available beginning in May
Available at Amazon; Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Maddie Vincouer conceals her father’s death in 1809 after promising to save her family from Cousin Sanford’s greed. A Riding Officer endangers this pretense with his insistent demands to meet her father. Then chance reveals her secret to the cruel French spy Donatien. Matters go completely awry when Maddie aids a wounded “free trader”.  In a desperate attempt to save her Bellaport enlists the help of Baron de la Croix and rolls the dice on the fate of all their lives. If they survive will Maddie forgive his deceit.

Website  http://www.joanvincent.net  Blog:  6th of each month http://warawriters.blogspot.com/

Dedication by Janet Mullany            Dedication by Janet Mullany

Regency Historical    –  Loose-Id  – 978-1-61118-557-7

April 17, 2012

Adam and Fabienne came of age and fell wildly in love during a revolution but times have changed. Now he’s a respectable country gentleman and she’s a powerful patroness of the arts and they have little in common … or do they? She’s falling in love as she exchanges letters with a reclusive female gothic novelist, and Adam can’t help responding–surely she knows who he really is, a man writing women’s books under a woman’s name? As their lives become entangled again after two decades apart, dark secrets and betrayals from the past are revealed, threatening them and others they love. A new version of the 2005 original, the only Signet Regency with two bondage scenes.
@Janet_Mullany
DAYS OF SPLENDOR, DAYS OF SORROW by Juliet Grey           Days of Splendor by Juliet Grey
Random House (Ballantine) 
ISBN-13: 978-0345523884
May, 2012
Historical Fiction (the second novel in Juliet Grey’s acclaimed Marie Antoinette trilogy)
A captivating novel of rich spectacle and royal scandal, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow spans fifteen years in the fateful reign of Marie Antoinette, France’s most legendary and notorious queen. From the early growing pains of marriage to the joy of conceiving a child, from her passion for Swedish military attaché Axel von Fersen to the devastating Affair of the Diamond Necklace, Marie Antoinette tries to rise above the gossip and rivalries that encircle her.  (Juliet Grey  is the historical fiction pen name of Leslie Carroll)
 www.becomingmarie.com and www.lesliecarroll.com

 

THE DUCHESS OF LOVE by Sally MacKenzie        Duchess of Love by Sally Mackenzie

Regency Historical  – e-novella

Kensington Zebra Books,  ISBN-13: 9781420123203   – May 2012

The day was as hot as the pond was inviting.  It’s not as if anyone in Little Huffington was going to happen upon a secluded vale on the Duke of Greycliffe’s lands.  And Venus Collingswood didn’t want to get her shift all wet. It was the perfect setting in which to plan her lovely bookworm of a sister’s betrothal to the mysterious new duke arriving seven days hence.  If only she had a suitable accomplice. Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, never thought arriving at his own household a week early would cause so much trouble.  The housekeeper thinks he’s his own cousin.  Actually, the chance to not be the duke for a while is a pleasant opportunity indeed.  It might even help him interrogate the delectable little nymph he’s discovered swimming in his pond–if he can manage to get a word in edgewise.

BEDDING LORD NED by  Sally MacKenzie      

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally Mackenzie

Regency Historical  – June, 2012

Kensington Zebra Books, ISBN-13:  9781420123210

Ellie Bowman is determined: during this year’s Valentine house party, she will choose one of the men the matchmaking Duchess of Greycliffe–aka the Duchess of Love–has invited for her.  Unfortunately, that man will not be Lord Ned, the duchess’s second son.  Ned is still mourning his wife and will never see Ellie as anything other than a childhood friend.   Lord Ned has vowed to finally cooperate with his mother’s matchmaking efforts.  He wants a family; he needs an heir.  Ergo, he must get a wife–and this year’s candidate even looks like his lost love.  But his old friend Ellie is behaving strangely, and Reggie, Mama’s cat, keeps bringing him a pair of shocking red drawers.  This outrageous, alluring scrap of silk couldn’t be Ellie’s could it?

www.SallyMacKenzie.net       –  http://sallymackenzie.blogspot.com/

@Sally_MacKenzie   www.facebook.com/sallymackenziebooks

 

The Last of Lady Lansdown  by Shirley Kennedy     The Last Lady of Lansdowne by Shirley Kennedy

Regency Historical

Publisher:  Camel Press  May 1, 2012, Available in both print and e-book format

Few mourn the sudden and shocking passing of the Earl of Lansdown. Certainly not Jane Elton, the young and beautiful widow whose life he made a misery. After her initial relief, Jane must contend with an unexpected and devastating reality: because she is childless, she and her family must descend several rungs down the social ladder. One hope remains. Could she be pregnant? Enter Douglas Cartland, a notorious rake with a tragic past. During these first months of widowhood, Jane’s conduct must be above reproach, but she cannot keep her distance. Especially when Cartland contrives to turn up everywhere she looks.

Website:   www.shirleykennedy.com

The Proliferation of Newspapers in Regency England

 The Proliferation of Newspapers  in Regency England   

The Times Newspaper
The Times Newspaper

                 By Cheryl Bolen

Despite heavy taxation, high cost, and government censorship that included prosecution for libel, newspapers proliferated during the Regency.

In 1816, there were 31 national newspapers, including 14 in London. Daily papers included The Times, The Morning Chronicle, Morning Post, and The Morning Herald.

The leading newspapers of those were John Walters’ Times, which catered to the Tories; James Perry’s Morning Chronicle, a vehicle for the Whigs; and The Morning Post, which was heavily supported by the Prince Regent. Each of these was a morning newspaper.

Evening newspapers included The Sun, The Courier, The Globe, The Star, The Traveller, and The Statesman. Other daily papers were The British Press, The Public Ledger, and The Morning Advertiser.

Newspapers published Monday-Wednesday-Friday included The London Chronicle, The London Packet, and The Evening Mail.

On Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday, the Commercial Journal, the St. James Chronicle, General Evening Post, and The English Chronicle appeared.

Those periodicals published only on Mondays included the Farmers Journal, Country Chronicle The News, the Hunt Brothers’ infamous Examiner, the National Register, and Bell’s Messenger.

Saturday-only publications included Cobbett’s influential Political Register and Mirror of the Times while Baldwin’s Journal appeared only on Friday, as did the Country Herald.

    Cost of newspapers was a hefty 7 pence. It was estimated that because of the high cost, each newspaper passed through twenty pair of hands. They were also available at coffee houses and circulating libraries.

Regency Railways by Linda Banche

Railways in the Regency era?

Linda Banche explains how Regency Railways did exist.

1808 Richard Trevethick's Steam Engine
1808 Richard Trevethick's Steam Engine

 

Linda Banche says….. We think of the railroad as a Victorian invention, but railroads as we know them today got their start during the Regency.

Goods and people have always traveled from one place to another. But such movement was limited to what animal power could provide (hence the term “horsepower”) until the invention of the steam engine.

Continue reading “Regency Railways by Linda Banche”

Elena Greene – Featured Beau Monde Author

Elena Greene is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author  
Elena Greene

Elena Greene grew up reading her mother’s Georgette Heyer novels, but it wasn’t until she went on an international assignment to the United Kingdom that she was inspired to start writing her own.

Her first Regency romance was published in 2000 and was followed by five more Regencies and a novella.

Her books have won the Desert Rose Golden Quill and Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence.

Her Super Regency, LADY DEARING’S MASQUERADE, won RT Book Club’s award for Best Regency Romance of 2005.

Elena lives in upstate New York with her stroke survivor husband and two daughters.

Website: Elena Greene

Blog: www.riskyregencies.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElenaGreene

Laughing Gas by Angelyn Schmid

Laughing Gas at Landsdowne House  by Angelyn Schmid

 

Lansdowne House

The third Marquess of Lansdowne was no stranger to the rich and famous that came to the great London house. His father had hosted Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) when the latter came to negotiate the terms for American independence.

One who was credited with the discovery of oxygen, Joseph Priestley (1733 – 1804) ran tame at Lansdowne House as well, living off the largess of the first marquess when he was still Lord Shelburne.

Continue reading “Laughing Gas by Angelyn Schmid”

Grace Kone (Blair Bancroft) – Featured Beau Monde Author

Grace Kone (Blair Bancroft) is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author

Grace Kone’s Biography –

I began writing (as Blair Bancroft) later than most because my mother was the successful author of children’s books, and it never occurred to me we could have two writers in the same family.

When I did make the attempt, the Regency was closest to my heart. But since I truly believe variety is the spice of life, I also write Romantic Suspense, Thrillers, Mystery, Futuristic, and Steampunk.

My Tarleton’s Wife won a Golden Heart and The Indifferent Earl, a RITA finalist, was chosen Best Regency by Romantic Times.

In 2011 I went “indie” with my backlist and am thoroughly enjoying the renaissance of my traditional Regencies.

A new Regency novella, Mistletoe Moment, was published by Ellora’s Cave (Blush) for the holidays.

Grace Kone Orange blossoms & Mayhem
Grace Kone Orange blossoms & Mayhem

And in January 2012 I uploaded my first indie-published new work, the thriller, Orange Blossoms & Mayhem.

Website: www.blairbancroft.com

Blog: http://mosaicmoments.blogspot.com

Facebook: Grace Kone

Linkedin: Grace Kone

Twitter: @blairbancroft

 

Deb Marlowe – Featured Beau Monde Author

Today’s Featured Beau Monde Author is Deb Marlowe.

Deb Marlowe - Beau Monde headshot
Deb Marlowe

Deb Marlowe adores history, England and Men in Boots.

Clearly she was destined to write Regency Historical Romance.  A member of RWA, the Heart of Carolina RWA and the Beau Monde for nearly 15 years, she’s won the Royal Ascot and the Golden Heart and has been nominated for a Rita.

She sold her first book to Harlequin Historicals in 2006 and her newest, Tall, Dark and Disreputable releases in March 2012.  She is a director of the Raleigh/Durham satellite of Lady Jane’s Salon.

She lives in North Carolina where she spends her days with the people in her head and her evenings with her wonderful husband, her two charming, active and hungry boys and one spoiled cat.

blogging at The Lady Scribes http://ladyscribes.blogspot.com/

Regency Promenade – The Brothers Scott

In our Regency Promenade today, Nancy Mayer looks at the lives of The Brothers Scott.

William, who became Lord Stowell, and John, who became Lord Eldon.

 

Their father, William Scott of near Newcastle upon Tyne who made a modest fortune selling coal.  He had thirteen children with his wife but only three sons and two daughter survived to adulthood….

William born with a twin sister in 1745; Henry; and John born 1751. Henry followed in his father’s footstep’s.

Continue reading “Regency Promenade – The Brothers Scott”