This past Saturday, I spoke (via Zoom) to the New York Metropolitan chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. The topic was “The Pleasures and Perils of Travel in Jane Austen’s time.” I have not spoken on this topic in several years, so it was a good refresher to revisit all that research again. I originally researched travel and coaching inns to write my series, Tales From … [Read more...]

My husband and I watched and enjoyed the Scottish crime series, Shetland (warning: some violence and language). Early on in the series, the likeable hero, DI Jimmy Perez (played by Douglas Henshall, shown here), begins wearing a distinctive wool coat, or peacoat, which was later sold at auction and raised more than £2,700 for a school in Glasgow. I really liked the character and the coat, so my … [Read more...]

In the Inspirational Regency Readers group on FB, I recently shared some hymns that were written during or around the Regency period (the late 18th century through the early 19th century--the time my books are set). I thought I would share some here as well. These hymns have stood the test of time and are still sung in many churches today. We know the authors were human and imperfect (aren’t we … [Read more...]

Today is Boxing Day, a holiday you may or may not be familiar with, depending on where you live. Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th in Great Britain and in closely-connected countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. In Great Britain, Boxing Day is also St. Stephen’s Day, a day to commemorate the first Christian martyr. The name “Boxing Day” comes from the tradition of … [Read more...]

On December 5th, I hosted a party at my local Barnes & Noble—a big party. And me, an introvert. It was a party to celebrate the second book in my On Devonshire Shores series and my nineteenth novel overall. We ate refreshments. We wore crowns. We talked. We hugged. We laughed. All my favorite things. And I sincerely appreciated everyone who came out to celebrate with me. I gave a … [Read more...]