Last week, on Thursday the 12th of March, I was invited to talk about the far-reaching impact of Jane Austen. The event was hosted by Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Kentucky as part of a community outreach in association with Woodford Theatre, a local theater presenting Sense and Sensibility later this...
Modern museum visitors viewing these porcelain vessels in a display case would assume they were serving pieces. While certainly decorative enough for an elegant 18th c. table, they would NEVER be anywhere near the food! Necessity has always been the mother of invention, and often of design that’s both handsome and useful, too. Visualize the hoops and...
Way back when I started blogging on a regular basis I frequently posted about the origins of interesting words I came across. I called those serial posts “Vocabulary Rocks!” Unfortunately many of those posts were lost due to transferring web servers, and I didn’t continue the series on a regular...
Today is my daughter’s 27th birthday! We will celebrate with her later in the week since her wonderful husband has taken her on a romantic getaway. Thinking about the various ways we have celebrated Emily’s birthday over the years inspired me to jot a few notes here on customs and...
Today it is my great pleasure to welcome Vicky Dreiling, a wonderful Regency romance writer I am fortunate to be friends with. Thanks RWA and the Beau Monde! Coming to us from the great state of Texas, Vicky is celebrating a new release in her “Fan Named How To” series...
It is a tremendous pleasure to welcome my pal and fellow Austen Author Brenda J Webb. Brenda came into my life at a time I was feeling especially alone and betrayed. She gave her friendship selflessly, her honesty and sincere support a soothing balm when I desperately needed it. Now...
This week I am so so so excited to shine the spotlight on my dear friend Amelia Grey. Whoot! I first met Amelia in 2008 at the San Francisco RWA Conference, and we have been fast friends ever since. People with the depth of kindness, integrity, honesty, and loyalty such...
My guest today is coming to us from Down Under, the Land of Oz. Cassandra Samuels is celebrating the release of her debut novel, A Scandalous Wager, which, as you all shall see in a bit, has an eye-poppingly awesome cover. Dare I suggest the cover alone is worth the...
My guess is that most reading this blog post today have already packed up their Christmas decorations and kicked the shriveled tree to the curb for disposal. Am I right? What is Sharon thinking to write a post about Christmas on January 6? Ah! Bear with me my dear friends,...
“Hope… Smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Whispering ‘it will be happier’…” ~ Alfred Tennyson Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin Make New Year’s goals. Dig within, and discover...
For my Christmas Eve special Guest Author I am delighted to welcome my friend and fellow Louisville Romance Writer Leslie Lynch. *Wave at Leslie everyone!! Leslie is here to share a holiday treat with y’all. CHRISTMAS HOPE, a new novella just in time to enjoy for the season. Award winning...
It is a delight to welcome Julie Klassen to my blog today. I met Julie at the 2013 JASNA AGM in Minneapolis when we were fortunate to be seated next to each other at the author signing. I have a personally signed novel to prove it! And this image here,...
There are many, many places where the holiday spirit comes wildly alive during the months of November and December. My personal favorite is Disneyland in Anaheim. Then there are those places where a mere month or two of Christmas cheer is simply not enough. Want to sit on Santa’s lap...
Planning a Christmas party? In need of a treat to bring to the office party? Have hungry mouths to feed after the energy-depleting present opening? Here are just a few appetizer recipes, easy and elaborate, to choose from. Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pinwheels 8 oz package cream cheese, softened at...
Mulled Wine 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine 1 orange, sliced 1/4 cup brandy (optional) 1/4 cup honey or sugar 8 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 2 star anise Combine all ingredients in a non-aluminum saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let...
