Music in Regency England

In bygone eras long before electricity, CD’s, movies, and handheld devices, the world was largely silent except for in-person conversation and music performed by family members, local musicians, or–if one were wealthy enough–professional musicians and singers. 18th Century Harp, Victoria & Albert Museum, London Most households during the Regency relied on amateur family members to provide music. The less affluent relied on their whistling or singing skills or those of street performers. Those who could… Music in Regency England published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Is it Okay to say Okay or Hello in historical books

Many authors’ goal is, among other things, to stay true to the setting of the story. One way to do this is not to include something that would “bump out” a reader, meaning, make them pause and re-read or puzzle about something on the written page. Getting “bumped out” can slow down their progress reading or make the book less enjoyable and even give the reader a motive to put down the book….maybe forever. One… Is it Okay to say Okay or Hello in historical books published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Clean Regency Romances–Free!

Discover your new favorite Regency authors right here. Hurry—this promotion ends April 13th! 14 Regency Romance authors have come together to offer a massive book giveaway. Everyone wins and there is no limit to the number of free books you can download. I am offering my full-length novel, Heart Strings as part of this giveaway. This tale is about a young lady who takes a courageous step leaving her abusive home to follow her dreams,… Clean Regency Romances–Free! published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Regency Balls

An indispensable part of any proper upbringing in Regency England was the ball. There were few past times the English gentry and aristocracy enjoyed as much as dancing. The members of the beau monde gathered often, and usually danced, in public assembly halls as well as in homes. Public balls took place just about anywhere–large buildings, special assembly halls, or even outdoors on a field, weather permitting. Balls were large, private events including hundreds of… Regency Balls published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

A fun aspect of reading and writing historical novels is the clothing. Who wouldn’t want to dress up in a silk gown and dance or promenade, even if it’s only vicariously? It’s become one of my life’s missions to seek out and sigh over any historical clothing while visiting museums. What started with a thirst for historical accuracy has morphed into a nerdy passion. This latest find is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in… published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

What Makes a Great Romantic Illustration

By Jane Sandwood Within ten to fifteen seconds, the average consumer will either have moved on or be drawn in. The first few seconds interacting with anything, including books, completely shapes our impression of it. This means that the best book ever written could be passed up by millions due to a lackluster cover that failed to draw in readers, or even worse, turned them away. A fantastic illustration that draws the reader in and … What Makes a Great Romantic Illustration published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Hyde Park, THE Place to See and be Seen

During the Regency, going to the park wasn’t just for children; gentlemen and ladies of fashion frequented the parks in London to ride, walk, and make a fashion a statement. Regency ladies and gentlemen often chose Hyde Park as a favorite place to ride on horseback to get some fresh air and exercise. However, it was most popular as a place to drive in open carriages to show off clothing, or the latest rig, or… Hyde Park, THE Place to See and be Seen published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

The month of Love

In honor of February a.k.a. the month of love, here are 5 things I love about Romance novels. Romance novels are, by nature, character-driven which means there is usually a lot of character growth. In the beginning, characters have problems that need solving, as well as a ‘fatal flaw,’ some flaw in their personality that prevents them from being truly happy or feeling peace. By the end of a well-written romance, this fatal flaw is… The month of Love published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Man versus Nature–snow

Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, “Kids these days! Why, when I was a kid…” I always laugh when I hear that. I know there are a lot of modern-day problems unique to our generation, however, human nature hasn’t changed all that much. Take, for example, what we do when it snows. Yes, it can be a pain to shovel sidewalks, and it’s downright scary to drive in a snowstorm and on snow-covered… Man versus Nature–snow published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Confident Literary Heroines Trump Damsels in Distress

by special contributor Jane Sandwood We live in a fabulous world where women are becoming more strong-willed and independent than ever before. Years ago, reminiscing about our favorite historical romance novels often conjured up images of beautiful damsels in distress waiting to be rescued from a woeful life by a knight in shining armor.  Could it be thanks to real-life role models such as Malala Yousifazi, Rupi Kaur, and Ellen Degeneres that we are starting… Confident Literary Heroines Trump Damsels in Distress published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

New Year’s Traditions Through History

Celebrating the New Year is an ancient custom. The ways people celebrate it is an ongoing evolution dating back centuries. During the Regency and Georgian Eras, one tradition was to clean the house thoroughly, including ashes in the hearth, scraps, and rags, and even eating or discarding any perishable food in order to start the year fresh, discarding bad luck and inviting good luck. A less vigorous tradition required a gathering of family in a… New Year’s Traditions Through History published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

St. Thomas ‘s Day

Happy St. Thomas Day! Okay, I admit that’s not a greeting one often hears. In fact, if you’re like me, that statement left you scratching your head. However, I recently discovered a largely-discarded holiday that, during the Regency, many observed. And if you know me, you know I delight in sniffing out obscure Regency customs. Originally held on December 21, the shortest day of the year, St. Thomas’s Day is still celebrated in some countries… St. Thomas ‘s Day published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Need a break from all the stress of shopping, cooking, and planning? Put up your feet, grab a cup of your favorite hot drink, and let these sweet historical Christmas Romances whisk you away to another time and place. Don’t have time to browse a bookstore, shop from this list here: First up, Christmas Secrets  $.99 for only two days — Sat Dec 15 and Sun Dec 16, 2018! A stolen Christmas kiss leaves them… Getting into the Holiday Spirit published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Historical Christmas Trees

When we think of a historical Christmas, most of us picture a Charles Dickens scene complete with a goose or turkey and a Christmas tree, but such a charming image is largely Victorian and therefore not as ancient as most of is believe. For one thing, the English haven’t always included Christmas trees in their celebration. Early on, they decorated yew trees with small gifts or candy. But even this tradition was not wide-spread until… Historical Christmas Trees published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

The London Season

If you’ve ever read a Regency or Victorian Romance, or even a British historical novel set in the 18th or 19th century, you’ve probably come across the word “Season” (capitalized). The London Season does not refer to winter or spring but rather to the social whirl among the upper crust of British society during the spring. The Season originally began as a way for the families of men serving in Parliament to amuse themselves while… The London Season published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Snowmen During the Regency–Fact or Fiction?

Recently on one of my writers groups had a lively discussion regarding whether or not people built snowmen during the Regency. After all, it seems such a natural thing to do with a practically limitless source of building materials. Surely people had as strong a desire then as they do now to build snowmen, forts, animals, and simple snowballs to throw at one another using the nature’s art supplies. However, often our assumptions about what… Snowmen During the Regency–Fact or Fiction? published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

Nine bestselling Authors Present Nine Regency Romances in a New Collection

Presenting a new boxed set of nine Historical Romances just in time for the holidays!  Nine Ladies Dancing Nine bestselling authors present nine Regency romance novellas — some traditionally sweet, some clean, some mildly sensuous — in a boxed set you won’t want to miss! Mistletoe Magic by Donna Hatch — Can the mistletoe work its magic and open Evelyn’s eyes to true love at the Christmas ball? Teach Me Under the Mistletoe by Kay… Nine bestselling Authors Present Nine Regency Romances in a New Collection published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/