Cara/Andrea here,
The leaves may be falling as we in the higher latitudes of the Northern hemisphere head into the dead of winter, but here at the Wenches, new books are blooming by the pageful in November to brighten the season. On Monday, we kicked off the month with Joanna’s new release, Rogue Spy, and today I’m here to trumpet the news that I have a pair of new e-books available.
Now, we all usually blog about some historical subject or arcane bit of fun research we’ve uncovered, and keep promotion about our books to a discreet minimum. But as I got to thinking about it, I realized I could do a little of both. One of the reasons I love writing in the Regency period is because the possibilities are almost endless in crafting interesting, offbeat characters and plots, while still staying true to the temper of the times.
Now don’t get me wrong. I adore the traditional drawing room stories and the comedy of manners penned by Austen and Heyer. Regency Society and all its rich layers of nuances, foibles and rules offer writers a wealth of inspiration. But so do all the explorations and challenges—both physical and mental— that were giving birth to the modern world. 
Change was affecting every aspect of life, from politics, social reform and science to literature, art and music. One can write of a heroine who learns astronomy or pens essays on the rights of women, or a hero who dares to soar into the heavens or chart unexplored continents, and be accurate as to what was really happening in the era. For me, the fact that women were pushing the boundaries of convention in order to use their intelligence and exercise their curiosity, is hugely exciting, not only because it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court) but also because it’s just plain fun to stretch our own imaginations.
In the first book of my new trilogy, A Diamond in the Rough, I became fascinated by the history of golf through my professional work. It’s been an integral part of British sporting life for centuries. (King James II of Scotland issued an edict banning play in 1457 because it was so popular that archers were neglecting their practice in order to hit the links!) The Old Course at St Andrews, today the mecca of golf, has been in play since the 1400s, and the original 13 Rules of Golf were written in 1744 by the Gentlemen Golfer of Leith,.
So it seemed a perfect place to give a new twist to the traditional sporting wager trope! Instead of dice or cards, I used a featherie. (You have to love a game where the old clubs had names like mashies, cleeks and bottle-nose drivers!) There’s no official evidence that any woman masqueraded as a caddie and learned to play the game better than most men, as I depict in my story. But hey, women served as gunners at the Battle of Trafalgar, so I decided it was likely they were also dueling on the links.
The second book, Sweeter Than Sin, features edible chocolate. Some of you may be familiar with my historical mystery series, which featured two experts on Cacao theobroma . . . well, I decided all that research was simply too tasty to ignore for a romance plot. So I wrote a love story in which the hero and heroine, both wounded in body and spirit, together discover the healing power of chocolate. History shows that Cacao theobroma’s healthful benefits were 
celebrated by the Aztec, who supplied their soldiers with wafers of chocolate to fortify them for long march into battle. In the late 1700s, it was Sulpice Debauve, physician to Marie Antoinette, who created edible chocolate pistols, favored with nuts and fruit essences, in order to disguise the bitter taste of her medicine. And the rest, as they say, is history. (Thank you mille fois, Monsieur Debauve!)
So, do you have a favorite Regency-set book with an offbeat heroine or exotic locale? I’ll kick off the list with a couple of my favorites—Mary Jo’s The China Bride, which shows the clashing of East and West cultures, Nicola’s Whisper of Scandal, which features an arctic exploration adventure and Loretta Chase’s Mr. Impossible, which revolves around an intrepid female archeologist in the Middle East. I’ll be giving away a digital copy of either A Diamond In The Rough or Sweeter Than Sin (your choice) to one person chosen at random from readers who leave a comment here between now and Thursday evening.
It’s set a few years before the Regency, but I loved Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet. Her heroines ran auction houses behind the scenes, ran a printing business for French émigrés to earn some money, did all sorts of interesting things. And the books still dealt realistically with what they were up against, being women.
I also enjoyed The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee, which had a heroine the hero met while she was working in a bar. Now, usually that trope is unbelievable to me, but this one made sense!
There’s also Nicola’s Claimed by the Laird. Actually, I have too many favourites. 🙂
It’s set a few years before the Regency, but I loved Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet. Her heroines ran auction houses behind the scenes, ran a printing business for French émigrés to earn some money, did all sorts of interesting things. And the books still dealt realistically with what they were up against, being women.
I also enjoyed The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee, which had a heroine the hero met while she was working in a bar. Now, usually that trope is unbelievable to me, but this one made sense!
There’s also Nicola’s Claimed by the Laird. Actually, I have too many favourites. 🙂
It’s set a few years before the Regency, but I loved Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet. Her heroines ran auction houses behind the scenes, ran a printing business for French émigrés to earn some money, did all sorts of interesting things. And the books still dealt realistically with what they were up against, being women.
I also enjoyed The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee, which had a heroine the hero met while she was working in a bar. Now, usually that trope is unbelievable to me, but this one made sense!
There’s also Nicola’s Claimed by the Laird. Actually, I have too many favourites. 🙂
It’s set a few years before the Regency, but I loved Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet. Her heroines ran auction houses behind the scenes, ran a printing business for French émigrés to earn some money, did all sorts of interesting things. And the books still dealt realistically with what they were up against, being women.
I also enjoyed The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee, which had a heroine the hero met while she was working in a bar. Now, usually that trope is unbelievable to me, but this one made sense!
There’s also Nicola’s Claimed by the Laird. Actually, I have too many favourites. 🙂
It’s set a few years before the Regency, but I loved Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet. Her heroines ran auction houses behind the scenes, ran a printing business for French émigrés to earn some money, did all sorts of interesting things. And the books still dealt realistically with what they were up against, being women.
I also enjoyed The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee, which had a heroine the hero met while she was working in a bar. Now, usually that trope is unbelievable to me, but this one made sense!
There’s also Nicola’s Claimed by the Laird. Actually, I have too many favourites. 🙂
“it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court)”
I actually cringe when I think about the things our high and mighty Regency heroines had to do! Being presented at Court sounds like a nightmare to me. Madeline Hunter addressed this in The Accidental Duchess, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t want to be in her position!
I’d be quite happy a rung or two down.
“it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court)”
I actually cringe when I think about the things our high and mighty Regency heroines had to do! Being presented at Court sounds like a nightmare to me. Madeline Hunter addressed this in The Accidental Duchess, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t want to be in her position!
I’d be quite happy a rung or two down.
“it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court)”
I actually cringe when I think about the things our high and mighty Regency heroines had to do! Being presented at Court sounds like a nightmare to me. Madeline Hunter addressed this in The Accidental Duchess, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t want to be in her position!
I’d be quite happy a rung or two down.
“it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court)”
I actually cringe when I think about the things our high and mighty Regency heroines had to do! Being presented at Court sounds like a nightmare to me. Madeline Hunter addressed this in The Accidental Duchess, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t want to be in her position!
I’d be quite happy a rung or two down.
“it’s relevant to modern readers (lets face it—not many of us are going to be presented at Court)”
I actually cringe when I think about the things our high and mighty Regency heroines had to do! Being presented at Court sounds like a nightmare to me. Madeline Hunter addressed this in The Accidental Duchess, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t want to be in her position!
I’d be quite happy a rung or two down.
Courtney Milan’s heroines in the her last two books: Free in the Suffragette Scandal, and Rose Sweetly in Talk Sweetly to me. Free is a newspaper editor and Rose is a “computer” for an astronomer.
I wish I could remember the name or author, but there was a lovely story of a woman archeologist who discovered a new fossil during the regency. (It is based on a woman do did this in the 1830s.)
Courtney Milan’s heroines in the her last two books: Free in the Suffragette Scandal, and Rose Sweetly in Talk Sweetly to me. Free is a newspaper editor and Rose is a “computer” for an astronomer.
I wish I could remember the name or author, but there was a lovely story of a woman archeologist who discovered a new fossil during the regency. (It is based on a woman do did this in the 1830s.)
Courtney Milan’s heroines in the her last two books: Free in the Suffragette Scandal, and Rose Sweetly in Talk Sweetly to me. Free is a newspaper editor and Rose is a “computer” for an astronomer.
I wish I could remember the name or author, but there was a lovely story of a woman archeologist who discovered a new fossil during the regency. (It is based on a woman do did this in the 1830s.)
Courtney Milan’s heroines in the her last two books: Free in the Suffragette Scandal, and Rose Sweetly in Talk Sweetly to me. Free is a newspaper editor and Rose is a “computer” for an astronomer.
I wish I could remember the name or author, but there was a lovely story of a woman archeologist who discovered a new fossil during the regency. (It is based on a woman do did this in the 1830s.)
Courtney Milan’s heroines in the her last two books: Free in the Suffragette Scandal, and Rose Sweetly in Talk Sweetly to me. Free is a newspaper editor and Rose is a “computer” for an astronomer.
I wish I could remember the name or author, but there was a lovely story of a woman archeologist who discovered a new fossil during the regency. (It is based on a woman do did this in the 1830s.)
Wonderful choices, Sonya! Yes, it’s so hard to choose just a few once you start thinking, as there are SO many interesting settings and interests.
Wonderful choices, Sonya! Yes, it’s so hard to choose just a few once you start thinking, as there are SO many interesting settings and interests.
Wonderful choices, Sonya! Yes, it’s so hard to choose just a few once you start thinking, as there are SO many interesting settings and interests.
Wonderful choices, Sonya! Yes, it’s so hard to choose just a few once you start thinking, as there are SO many interesting settings and interests.
Wonderful choices, Sonya! Yes, it’s so hard to choose just a few once you start thinking, as there are SO many interesting settings and interests.
I heard a really fascinating talk about Court presentation during Edwardian times, and it was a nightmare what ladies had to endure. All the heavy clothing, jewelery, headgear, flowers, etc. weighed about 50-60 pounds and many ladies were truly afraid they would pass out from the heat and exertion—not to speak of the humiliation of slipping during the elaborate curtsey. For me, who tends to be most comfortable in jeans and sweatshirt, it sends shivers down my spine!
I heard a really fascinating talk about Court presentation during Edwardian times, and it was a nightmare what ladies had to endure. All the heavy clothing, jewelery, headgear, flowers, etc. weighed about 50-60 pounds and many ladies were truly afraid they would pass out from the heat and exertion—not to speak of the humiliation of slipping during the elaborate curtsey. For me, who tends to be most comfortable in jeans and sweatshirt, it sends shivers down my spine!
I heard a really fascinating talk about Court presentation during Edwardian times, and it was a nightmare what ladies had to endure. All the heavy clothing, jewelery, headgear, flowers, etc. weighed about 50-60 pounds and many ladies were truly afraid they would pass out from the heat and exertion—not to speak of the humiliation of slipping during the elaborate curtsey. For me, who tends to be most comfortable in jeans and sweatshirt, it sends shivers down my spine!
I heard a really fascinating talk about Court presentation during Edwardian times, and it was a nightmare what ladies had to endure. All the heavy clothing, jewelery, headgear, flowers, etc. weighed about 50-60 pounds and many ladies were truly afraid they would pass out from the heat and exertion—not to speak of the humiliation of slipping during the elaborate curtsey. For me, who tends to be most comfortable in jeans and sweatshirt, it sends shivers down my spine!
I heard a really fascinating talk about Court presentation during Edwardian times, and it was a nightmare what ladies had to endure. All the heavy clothing, jewelery, headgear, flowers, etc. weighed about 50-60 pounds and many ladies were truly afraid they would pass out from the heat and exertion—not to speak of the humiliation of slipping during the elaborate curtsey. For me, who tends to be most comfortable in jeans and sweatshirt, it sends shivers down my spine!
Thanks, Shannon. They all sound wonderful. I think the woman you mean is Mary Anning, who discovered a very famous fossil. I remember reading about the book, but don’t remember the name of it.
Thanks, Shannon. They all sound wonderful. I think the woman you mean is Mary Anning, who discovered a very famous fossil. I remember reading about the book, but don’t remember the name of it.
Thanks, Shannon. They all sound wonderful. I think the woman you mean is Mary Anning, who discovered a very famous fossil. I remember reading about the book, but don’t remember the name of it.
Thanks, Shannon. They all sound wonderful. I think the woman you mean is Mary Anning, who discovered a very famous fossil. I remember reading about the book, but don’t remember the name of it.
Thanks, Shannon. They all sound wonderful. I think the woman you mean is Mary Anning, who discovered a very famous fossil. I remember reading about the book, but don’t remember the name of it.
I love the woman-in-a-man’s-world plots. While it has gotten easier to pursue a nontraditional path, it’s still a struggle sometimes, and it can be a struggle for the men who love them.
I love the woman-in-a-man’s-world plots. While it has gotten easier to pursue a nontraditional path, it’s still a struggle sometimes, and it can be a struggle for the men who love them.
I love the woman-in-a-man’s-world plots. While it has gotten easier to pursue a nontraditional path, it’s still a struggle sometimes, and it can be a struggle for the men who love them.
I love the woman-in-a-man’s-world plots. While it has gotten easier to pursue a nontraditional path, it’s still a struggle sometimes, and it can be a struggle for the men who love them.
I love the woman-in-a-man’s-world plots. While it has gotten easier to pursue a nontraditional path, it’s still a struggle sometimes, and it can be a struggle for the men who love them.
some of my favorite authors
some of my favorite authors
some of my favorite authors
some of my favorite authors
some of my favorite authors
So many authors have set wonderful books in the India subcontinent, the Middle East, Turkey, even Albania, but one exotic(to me) setting that springs to mind is an old Regency called “Hester Waring’s Marriage”. It takes place in Sydney, Australia. So few authors write about the early colonial days there. It’s a wonderful little book.
I think I will be reading “Sweeter Than Sin” before the golf book, because I’m a chocolate lover. Please tell me there will be more recipes!
So many authors have set wonderful books in the India subcontinent, the Middle East, Turkey, even Albania, but one exotic(to me) setting that springs to mind is an old Regency called “Hester Waring’s Marriage”. It takes place in Sydney, Australia. So few authors write about the early colonial days there. It’s a wonderful little book.
I think I will be reading “Sweeter Than Sin” before the golf book, because I’m a chocolate lover. Please tell me there will be more recipes!
So many authors have set wonderful books in the India subcontinent, the Middle East, Turkey, even Albania, but one exotic(to me) setting that springs to mind is an old Regency called “Hester Waring’s Marriage”. It takes place in Sydney, Australia. So few authors write about the early colonial days there. It’s a wonderful little book.
I think I will be reading “Sweeter Than Sin” before the golf book, because I’m a chocolate lover. Please tell me there will be more recipes!
So many authors have set wonderful books in the India subcontinent, the Middle East, Turkey, even Albania, but one exotic(to me) setting that springs to mind is an old Regency called “Hester Waring’s Marriage”. It takes place in Sydney, Australia. So few authors write about the early colonial days there. It’s a wonderful little book.
I think I will be reading “Sweeter Than Sin” before the golf book, because I’m a chocolate lover. Please tell me there will be more recipes!
So many authors have set wonderful books in the India subcontinent, the Middle East, Turkey, even Albania, but one exotic(to me) setting that springs to mind is an old Regency called “Hester Waring’s Marriage”. It takes place in Sydney, Australia. So few authors write about the early colonial days there. It’s a wonderful little book.
I think I will be reading “Sweeter Than Sin” before the golf book, because I’m a chocolate lover. Please tell me there will be more recipes!
Going against the grain is never easy. And yes, it’s a challenge to both people in a relationship. But hopefully they support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Going against the grain is never easy. And yes, it’s a challenge to both people in a relationship. But hopefully they support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Going against the grain is never easy. And yes, it’s a challenge to both people in a relationship. But hopefully they support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Going against the grain is never easy. And yes, it’s a challenge to both people in a relationship. But hopefully they support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Going against the grain is never easy. And yes, it’s a challenge to both people in a relationship. But hopefully they support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Glad you agree!
Glad you agree!
Glad you agree!
Glad you agree!
Glad you agree!
Oh, I missed that Regency set in Australia (I wonder if Anne knows it?) Alas, I did not put recipes in Sweeter Than Sin . . .Hmm, maybe I need to do a revised edition so I can do more research!
Oh, I missed that Regency set in Australia (I wonder if Anne knows it?) Alas, I did not put recipes in Sweeter Than Sin . . .Hmm, maybe I need to do a revised edition so I can do more research!
Oh, I missed that Regency set in Australia (I wonder if Anne knows it?) Alas, I did not put recipes in Sweeter Than Sin . . .Hmm, maybe I need to do a revised edition so I can do more research!
Oh, I missed that Regency set in Australia (I wonder if Anne knows it?) Alas, I did not put recipes in Sweeter Than Sin . . .Hmm, maybe I need to do a revised edition so I can do more research!
Oh, I missed that Regency set in Australia (I wonder if Anne knows it?) Alas, I did not put recipes in Sweeter Than Sin . . .Hmm, maybe I need to do a revised edition so I can do more research!
I believe you are thinking of A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
I believe you are thinking of A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
I believe you are thinking of A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
I believe you are thinking of A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
I believe you are thinking of A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare.
Oh, I missed that one, Linda. Must check it out.
Oh, I missed that one, Linda. Must check it out.
Oh, I missed that one, Linda. Must check it out.
Oh, I missed that one, Linda. Must check it out.
Oh, I missed that one, Linda. Must check it out.
There are so many of them by so many wonderful authors – including my favorite Word Wenches! After reading through the comments, I’ve discovered a few more to add to my list. 🙂
There are so many of them by so many wonderful authors – including my favorite Word Wenches! After reading through the comments, I’ve discovered a few more to add to my list. 🙂
There are so many of them by so many wonderful authors – including my favorite Word Wenches! After reading through the comments, I’ve discovered a few more to add to my list. 🙂
There are so many of them by so many wonderful authors – including my favorite Word Wenches! After reading through the comments, I’ve discovered a few more to add to my list. 🙂
There are so many of them by so many wonderful authors – including my favorite Word Wenches! After reading through the comments, I’ve discovered a few more to add to my list. 🙂
Me, too, Glenda! (And thanks for the nice words about the Wenches!)
Me, too, Glenda! (And thanks for the nice words about the Wenches!)
Me, too, Glenda! (And thanks for the nice words about the Wenches!)
Me, too, Glenda! (And thanks for the nice words about the Wenches!)
Me, too, Glenda! (And thanks for the nice words about the Wenches!)
Actually, I just bought Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls, which is set in 1833 set in Australia.
I guess it didn’t occur to me to include Australia as exotic because I live here!
Actually, I just bought Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls, which is set in 1833 set in Australia.
I guess it didn’t occur to me to include Australia as exotic because I live here!
Actually, I just bought Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls, which is set in 1833 set in Australia.
I guess it didn’t occur to me to include Australia as exotic because I live here!
Actually, I just bought Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls, which is set in 1833 set in Australia.
I guess it didn’t occur to me to include Australia as exotic because I live here!
Actually, I just bought Ghost Gum Valley by Johanna Nicholls, which is set in 1833 set in Australia.
I guess it didn’t occur to me to include Australia as exotic because I live here!
Whoops on the typos!
Whoops on the typos!
Whoops on the typos!
Whoops on the typos!
Whoops on the typos!
Ha, ha, Sonya! Then you are allowed to call any traditional Regency book exotic!
Ha, ha, Sonya! Then you are allowed to call any traditional Regency book exotic!
Ha, ha, Sonya! Then you are allowed to call any traditional Regency book exotic!
Ha, ha, Sonya! Then you are allowed to call any traditional Regency book exotic!
Ha, ha, Sonya! Then you are allowed to call any traditional Regency book exotic!
Shannon, is it possible you are thinking of ‘Remarkable Creatures: A novel,’ by Tracy Chevalier? Like Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose mentioned in her reply regarding the famous Mary Anning. This book is about Mary covering a few years while she is growing into a young lady and discovering fossils. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes friends with her and who enjoys collecting the fossils too.
Shannon, is it possible you are thinking of ‘Remarkable Creatures: A novel,’ by Tracy Chevalier? Like Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose mentioned in her reply regarding the famous Mary Anning. This book is about Mary covering a few years while she is growing into a young lady and discovering fossils. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes friends with her and who enjoys collecting the fossils too.
Shannon, is it possible you are thinking of ‘Remarkable Creatures: A novel,’ by Tracy Chevalier? Like Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose mentioned in her reply regarding the famous Mary Anning. This book is about Mary covering a few years while she is growing into a young lady and discovering fossils. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes friends with her and who enjoys collecting the fossils too.
Shannon, is it possible you are thinking of ‘Remarkable Creatures: A novel,’ by Tracy Chevalier? Like Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose mentioned in her reply regarding the famous Mary Anning. This book is about Mary covering a few years while she is growing into a young lady and discovering fossils. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes friends with her and who enjoys collecting the fossils too.
Shannon, is it possible you are thinking of ‘Remarkable Creatures: A novel,’ by Tracy Chevalier? Like Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose mentioned in her reply regarding the famous Mary Anning. This book is about Mary covering a few years while she is growing into a young lady and discovering fossils. It is told from the point of view of a woman who becomes friends with her and who enjoys collecting the fossils too.
My most recent favorite exotic location book is Sharon Lathan’s, ‘Passions of Dr. Darcy.’ I nearly overlooked this book because of the title, something about it didn’t quite speak to me, but I did give it a try based on Lathan’s other works. I am so glad I did and I cannot say enough good about it. It doesn’t have an offbeat heroine, but it certainly does have an offbeat hero. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
My most recent favorite exotic location book is Sharon Lathan’s, ‘Passions of Dr. Darcy.’ I nearly overlooked this book because of the title, something about it didn’t quite speak to me, but I did give it a try based on Lathan’s other works. I am so glad I did and I cannot say enough good about it. It doesn’t have an offbeat heroine, but it certainly does have an offbeat hero. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
My most recent favorite exotic location book is Sharon Lathan’s, ‘Passions of Dr. Darcy.’ I nearly overlooked this book because of the title, something about it didn’t quite speak to me, but I did give it a try based on Lathan’s other works. I am so glad I did and I cannot say enough good about it. It doesn’t have an offbeat heroine, but it certainly does have an offbeat hero. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
My most recent favorite exotic location book is Sharon Lathan’s, ‘Passions of Dr. Darcy.’ I nearly overlooked this book because of the title, something about it didn’t quite speak to me, but I did give it a try based on Lathan’s other works. I am so glad I did and I cannot say enough good about it. It doesn’t have an offbeat heroine, but it certainly does have an offbeat hero. I loved it I loved it I loved it.
My most recent favorite exotic location book is Sharon Lathan’s, ‘Passions of Dr. Darcy.’ I nearly overlooked this book because of the title, something about it didn’t quite speak to me, but I did give it a try based on Lathan’s other works. I am so glad I did and I cannot say enough good about it. It doesn’t have an offbeat heroine, but it certainly does have an offbeat hero. I loved it I loved it I loved it.