Invaluable Resource for Authors of Regency novels.

I don't always post the premise of a book because too many reveal the plot, in this case the premise is important: 

This is a guide book for the modern reader or writer of Regency Romance, compiled using largely primary sources. It covers how to get to Bath from London, where to stay, and most important, what to do when you get there. From where to shop to be properly arrayed for balls to where to gain knowledge even of the mysteries of Galvanism, what was on at the theatre and which music was being played between 1810 and 1820. Your fancy is for the races? Find out which horses won which races discover, who visited Bath, and where to walk out in agreeable parks. And if the city of pleasure is not enough, there were the beauties of nature and stately homes to be visited nearby.

Reviewed by Francine:

I purchased the paperback version on the simple basis kindle is not the best medium as resource material - images etc.

Straight off this is a truly invaluable source of information for authors of Georgian and Regency novels in terms of history and a solid base for authors to work from. Believe it, almost every aspect of life in 18th and 19th Century Bath is featured in this book. Where to shop, where to while an afternoon, who is who and what is what, and how much it would cost! Sarah Waldock has striven to provide the perfect guide not so much for authors, as a guide to the history of Bath, its finer side, and its bleaker side, all with sense of authority and knowledge of the city's layout. One cannot promote the worth of this book in fewer words, than to say it is excellent. Therefore, it is a must purchase for authors who  are unfamiliar with Bath and all it once entailed, though not as a bible of thou shalt not! 

Author's imaginations should not be quelled by this guide book or others of its ilk. Nor let us hope such will be used by ardent die-hard amateur historians (wannabes and Regency bonnets) who will like as not wack authors with critiquing sticks based on facts listed within the book. Nonetheless it is an excellent template to work from. 

After all, fiction is fiction, and when a heroine wishes to set up a school for young ladies, a millinery shop, a music Academy, or a hero deigns to own a house that never existed or other on one of the main thoroughfares, the fact of the listed named proprietors, doctors, etc, need not deter fictional input, i. e. fictional characters equals fictional novels set against historical backdrops. Whilst historical input is paramount for sense of time and place, one also has to remember the lost houses and inns of England, once there but long since gone and replaced or renamed. Renaming of inns and streets was popular across the centuries.  

Amazon

         

Reviewer asides:

Why I say guides are guides not bibles for authors, because during the mid Georgian period 1743 to mid 1800s (Regency era), Sally Lunn's ovens were bricked up when it became a private residence, but it had previously thrived as a bun, pie, and coffee shop from 1600s to 1743. It was later reopened as a bun shop and tea rooms when, supposedly, a recipe was found hidden within a chimney during major renovations after a house fire. Can you imagine a recipe hidden up a chimney? But like everything business wise in a  "tourist hot spot", a little myth and legend adds interest for the tourists! I've witnessed the history pages at Sally Lunn's changing across the years, and each time a little more is added for good measure as in any tested and tried recipe for success!      

Regency Romance.

Reviewed by Francine

I admire Jude Knight’s rebellious author streak, for her novels are never run–of-the-mill plots. Unkept Promises is no exception, in which Mia and Jules’ encounter one another in the strangest of circumstances.

Whilst events unfold that lead to marriage, Mia is far from ignorant to Jules’ former life and the subsequent responsibilities he has elsewhere. Although their marriage is not unusual for the period, the circumstances of it require gentlemanly retreat in honour of her young years. In some respects Jules is a reluctant hero, though is most definitely a man of his period in history and has borne no guilt in acquisition of a mistress. After all, he is a bachelor when he meets Mia, and as a British naval officer in the years of the Napoleonic Wars he is well travelled. Nonetheless Jules unfailingly bears responsibility for all that his cohabiting with a mistress has entailed. Thus a long gap ensues from Jules sailing out of British waters 1805 to 1812, when Mia now all grown up takes ship to Cape Town (South Africa).

Initially her discovery is disheartening, and sadness prevails within his home, and most of all anger boils over and she takes command of the household. Upon on his return from sea hidden truths gradually emerge and soften her heart toward him. Strong minded she is and ultimately determined to make of the marriage she entered into with sense of due purpose. Even when things go awry back in England Mia’s stoicism and love wins through despite frightening and deadly experiences that threaten both her and Jules very existence, neither knowing if the other is safe and alive. As always a thoroughly enthralling read from Jude. 

Amazon

Debut Novella - Regency Romance

Reviewed by Francine. 

In this risqué debut novella the Lady Elise Fairmont is a feisty heroine, and with a one-time lover returned to town, the Earl of Thornston is notably her Achilles Heel. He seems little changed, his eye to her person is as familiar and sensual in its delivery as it ever was, and where overt familiarity with a dear male friend can become little else, Lord Kilman, poor fellow, is ever in hope of more. But Elise has filled the lonely years in turning her own experience of rakish behaviour to that of spying on ruthless dowry hunters within the beau monde. She has thus thwarted the ambitions of the gamblers, the rakes, and the ne’er do wells, whom she brands as cads. Unknowingly she has gained a few enemies, and danger lies in wait whilst lady friends are ever in gratitude for her kindly intervention.

But who can save her when things go awry and the ne’er do wells seek to harm her former fragile reputation by means most foul? As much as she has endeavoured to remain immune to the Earl of Thornston for his taking flight from her life ten years previous, his reappearance has served to stir emotions she had thought were long since buried, therein her dilemma unfolds. Although Harold’s absence has mystified and pained her, love has never waned, of that he is sure, and subsequent heroism becomes him when Elise needs him most. In all kindness to the author, this debut novella is a fun read!

Reviewer asides: Given this is a debut novella there is every likelihood Rachel will progress to more in depth study of the Regency era and all that it has to offer. The description of Gentleman Jack’s was excellent, but I do have little quibbles with the story. Regency era descriptions, i.e. the occasional fashionable item Elise and others were wearing would be nice, and colourful surroundings of differing rooms – all those things add extra depth to sense of time and place within historical romance novels. It is too easy to forget Jane Austen wrote novels contemporary to her time, whereas 21^st century women want to know colour of gown, hat et al. Writers of historical novels, I assure you, never cease researching for every book written.  

Amazon 

A Georgian Romance.

Review by Francine.

On occasion the unusual falls into one’s lap, so to speak, and this charming novel set in Georgian England (City of Bristol and Somerset) is a gem read. The heroine, Bess of mixed racial heritage, has reached the time of life in which blossomed young women attract the attention of male eyes. Although she is street wise in so many ways Bess tends naive in matters of the heart, and overwhelming momentary desire and disappointment leaves her bereft. Whilst her position in the Liston household was at best tolerable before the master expired, with the death of the mistress her situation becomes dire, as dire as the daughter of the house, Artemisia Liston.

Richard Liston has already assumed his role as head of the immediate family, his sister thus marked for an expedient marriage and less costly to his ailing purse. As for Bess, the unpaid servant, dare he dispose of her with profit in mind? Rebellious Artemisia has other ideas to that of her brother’s plans, and caught up in the whirlwind of Artemisia’s battle with her brother, Bess in the meanwhile is propositioned, not once, but twice, and learns the bitter truth love and lust are closely allied but the former is often devoid of the latter. Where a good deed administered to another party leads to disappointment in love for Bess, the truth is unknown, as unknown as the absolute truth behind why old Mr Liston brought her to his house in Bristol. Curiosity is a wondrous thing, but dig too deep dead bones may surface and present a wholly different picture than Bess has believed. Amidst the shock of reality, both young women find a true path to love and romance despite moments of envy and little jealousies along the way. Whilst I am not a fan of first-person narrative, the narrative flows with vitality, despair, and every nuance of Bess through her eyes, thoughts, and words, she battles societal prejudice and embraces men and women of integrity and kindness: kindness her forte.

Book's Premise:

Bristol, England, in the early Nineteenth Century. The slave trade has been abolished but slavery itself has not yet been outlawed. Bess, a young woman of mixed heritage, has an ambiguous position in the home of the once-eminent Liston family. Raised and educated alongside the family’s children, Richard and Artemisia, she has been increasingly confined to the role of a domestic servant since the death of Joshua Liston, the household’s head. When Richard Liston instigates an introduction between Captain Adam Bryce, a Royal Naval officer of repute, and his sister, Artemisia, Adam shows greater interest in Bess. Pressed by Artemisia to stalk Adam, Bess’s problems begin. And when the ailing matriarch, Elizabeth Liston, presents Bess with an impossible choice, the weaving of a web of deceit commences that will ultimately push Bess and Artemisia’s friendship to the brink .As the scene shifts to rural Somerset, things are far from serene: Sebastian Weston, occupant of the grand Milton Abbey, means to hold both Bess and Artemisia in his thrall. Rivalries ensue, the bond between Artemisia and Bess being strained by their allegiances to the men in their lives. Charting the turbulent waters of family commitments and amorous liaisons, it’s hard to fathom who to trust and whom to love.

Amazon 

WWI Christmas Romance

Francine’s Review:

A poignant tale of a Canadian soldier’s lot within the trenches of the Somme during WWI, not least the appalling conditions in which he and fellow men live day to day on what seems as though borrowed time. All the while the dreadful immediacy of death from snipers’ bullets, and dreams of home mingle as war explodes all around him. Every nuance of his feelings are duly reflected in first-person narrative, thus the reality of his existence is close-up and personal as Harry braves his situation. 

Although he’s no coward any excuse to escape the trenches is looked upon as a godsend, and make the most of momentary freedom he does. But one slip of the hand and he has no idea love will blossom from a purposeful encounter to retrieve an item he treasures. Nor can Rosemary Legrand, a widow, living a remote and somewhat frugal existence, imagine a visitor at her door will turn her life inside out and upside down. Here are two people caught in a war ravaged landscape, no one knowing when or if they will see dawn again. Their individual hardships test their spirits and resolve to survive as best they can. From friendship love can blossom, but war is an unpredictable beast, and whilst both can dream of togetherness, dare they believe it possible? This is truly a lovely, lovely story of true grit, determination, and love that succeeds against the odds of all that stands in the way to prevent a happy outcome.

Book’s Premise:

When the Great War is over, will their love be enough? After two years at the mercy of the Canadian Expeditionary force and the German war machine, Harry ran out of metaphors for death, synonyms for brown, and images of darkness. When he encounters color among the floating islands of Amiens and life in the form of a widow and her little son, hope ensnares him. Through three more long years of war and its aftermath, the hope she brings keeps Harry alive.

Rosemarie Legrand’s husband left her a tiny son, no money, and a savaged reputation when he died. She struggles to simply feed the boy and has little to offer a lonely soldier, but Harry’s devotion lifts her up. The war demands all her strength and resilience, will the hope of peace and the promise of Harry’s love keep her going?

Amazon

Georgian Romance - French Revolution

Reviewed by Francine:

All in all, the premise of this Georgian novel tells the story, to a point, but there is an underlying thread from the previous book that is long in the coming of its reveal. The prologue provides a modicum of the previous book, whilst the why of it remains a mystery throughout Moonstone Conspiracy. Nonetheless, the book admirably stands alone as a thrilling and fast-paced “second chance” romantic adventure. As a sequel to Moonstone Obsession, and not having read the former I could liken Lady Abigail to Becky Sharp, the reckless heroine from Vanity Fair (Regency era) and I did surmise Abigail as fairly self-obsessed with little or no conscience when anything or anybody stood in her way to that of which she desired in the previous book.

Abigail indeed leads an existence verging on the dangerous regardless of her parents, regardless of men who fall by the wayside or wisely look elsewhere for a wife. Equally the backdrop to the story involves the French Revolution, not least the “Elusive Scarlet Pimpernel” who enters centre stage here and there, and the hero, Daniel Ridgeway, is no lesser a spy and man of action than the former. Thus Abigail meets her match in Daniel, and the Pimpernel’s ruthless streak perhaps in part brings Abigail to her senses, that one has to give a little if one wishes to get away with the ultimate prize and win the day!

The Book’s Premise:

Revolution in France, rebels in England, and one woman caught in the crossfire...The powerful sequel to Moonstone Obsession

For her unwitting participation in a plot to embezzle the Exchequer, Lady Abigail Houghall has spent the last two years exiled to the city of Bath. A card sharp, sometime mistress, and target of scandalous gossip by the London Beau Monde, Lady Abigail plots to escape her gilded cage as well as the prudish society that condemns her. But the times are not easy. France is in chaos, the King has been executed, and whispers of a similar revolution are stirring in England. And because of Abigail’s participation in the robbery plot, the Spymaster of England is blackmailing her into passing him information about the members of London’s upper crust.

When dashing English spy Daniel Ridgeway takes a seat at her card table and threatens to expose her for cheating, Abigail has no choice but to do as he demands: seduce the leader of the revolutionaries and learn what she can about their plot. As she’s drawn deeper into Daniel’s dangerous world—from the seedy backstreets of London to the claustrophobic catacombs of a war-torn Paris—she realizes an even more dangerous fact: she’s falling in love with her seductive partner. And the stakes of this game might just be too high—even for her.

Amazon 

Historical Novel - The Blue

Reviewed by Francine

As an artist and novelist this particular novel incited interest for no other reason but the blue pigment so sought after by artisan potters and early manufacturers of glazed pottery. Early imports of Chinese blue and white porcelain to Europe in the latter half of the 17^th century wrought bitter envy of the almost translucent quality of Chinese porcelain, which rendered it priceless to all but the aristocracy. In short, the Dutch perfected (blue delftware minus translucence 1600s). But Johan Friedrich Böttger (German Alchemist 1700s) is acclaimed as the father of European porcelain by perfecting that same translucent fineness to the porcelain itself. Whilst there is conflicting evidence suggesting Johan stole the formula from his master alchemist Ehrenfried Walther von Tscirnhaus, the author refers to the former as backdrop to her story, "The Blue".

Thus, set against the background of fierce industrial espionage and theft, Ms Bilyeau has cleverly crafted a novel beset with rivalry and murderous intent. Forced by her grandfather to leave London and decorate mere plates at a Derby porcelain works, the rebel minded Genevieve Planche sets out to realise her true artistic dream by committing to wilful deception. Equally on a quest to obtain a secret formula for translucent blue pigment, a dashing and charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay enlists the help of the disillusioned young would-be artist. Her imagined simple task at her appointed place of work soon tests her loyalties to differing people, and extreme guilt prevails. Worse, romantic entanglements past and present reveal her naivety to the ways of men, and a dream fulfilled by Courtenay is a price she is unwilling to pay and must suffer the consequences, unless—.  Here is where I shall end my review in order to avoid ruination of a suspenseful story, except to say the novel is well written and reveals a great deal of history relevant to the protagonist’s lifetime and that of her family heritage.

Reviewer asides: I can see the likelihood of a sequel to this novel, for it was not beyond the scope for a female artist to become a respected portraitist in Genevieve’s lifetime and beforehand. The 17th century female portraitists, Joan Carlile and Mary Beale were admired and respected, and 18th century Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser were female founders of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1768. The aforementioned are but a few of the great female painters of their respective eras.

Amazon UK

15th Century Biography.

Reviewed by Francine:

Set in 15^th century Wallachia (Romania) we are presented with the life of Vlad The Impaler son of Vlad Dracul. Thus Vlad Dracula’s life drifts from present to past with independent chapters. That in itself allows for no confusion between father and son, and Vlad’s earlier life.

Initially first-person narrative of the woman who becomes his wife, the Lady Ilona, portrays the man she falls in love with. Throughout her chapters we are in her and Vlad’s life together from her perspective. But Vlad’s early life and harrowing experience in the Ottoman Court, where he and his brother Radu were held captive, is depicted in third-person narrative, as are all earlier episodes and events in the build up to an equally page-turning denouement. It’s a fascinating fictional biography, dare I say a page-turning read with no holds barred on the gruesome elements alongside the salacious aspects of human nature and a warrior hell-bent on revenge. Vlad has every reason to enact revenge, aside from which he’s a reader, a thinker, a man who believes there is more to life than that of which we can see: much as philosophers have pondered life, the universe, and unearthly experiences through the ages.

Whilst superstition and soothsayers were commonplace in Vlad’s lifetime, is there an element of truth in the myth of Dracula, and if so, what is it? For readers who love to explore thoughts of a supernatural existence and other dimensions–call them what you will–this is a well-written account of Vlad’s life with fictional input which renders his story that of an excellent read. All told this is the strong story of man tainted with a reputation for cruel measures against his enemies, but where may he have learned the skills that led to his reputation? It is said Vlad Dracula was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” (1897). Perhaps it was, and yet, John William Polidori’s published “Vampyre” (1816)–reputedly acclaimed as the original work of Lord Byron–preceded Stoker’s novel. So what is the connection between Vlad of his time and Vlad of the Dracula myth?

Amazon

Historical Romance 18th Century

Life has cruel twists and turns, and Noelle de Vallon, has a far from forgiving nature in respect of a past lover. His sudden return to the local scene is but a sharp thorn she would rather extract for good, than fall foul to his unmitigated charm and seductive voice. What has brought him to home shores is a mystery to her, though a death in the family seems reason enough, but is obviously not the whole reason. As a reluctant French émigré at the height of the French Revolution Noelle has sought distraction from a broken heart, and in turn indulged the dangerous exploits of smuggling. Her fellow smugglers at arms are a mixed bunch of characters, and much the same can be said of the gentry set in the local parish. Amidst there number lurks a spy, and the Home Office are on the case, but who out of three people who descend on the local community is the actual agent seeking the identity of the spy?

Thus, with the excise men chasing her tail and a rakish lord returned, Noelle risks a great deal to evade surrender to romantic notions and evade arrest. Suddenly France or European cities such as Vienna seem an eminently safe haven in comparison to the trials and tribulations besetting her formerly charmed and nefarious lifestyle. But when one joins the ranks of deceivers then a greater deceiver may prove to be a foe and not friend at all, and with her life in the balance where in the devil is the man who said he loves her but is absent when needed most? This is truly a fun-filled smuggling romp involving misunderstandings, lustful pursuits, and scores of amusing asides. Enjoy!

Amazon UK

Welcome post

Welcome to the HRR Blog - 
I hope and Pray I do justice the books handed into my care for review. Books for me are pure escapism and I completely discard any notion to critique a novel once it has gone to press. Whilst I can skip the odd typo, and pass on by the occasional grammatical blip, the entertainment value of the story is the essential part - whether it be a thrilling romantic suspense, a page-turning romance, or a swashbuckling adventure romance. The books I derive no pleasure from are the ones heavy on domestic waffle, snail-pace narrative, and characters that simply do not step from pages.     

Francine

Best Quote: The old saying - "it's easy to be a literary critic but harder to write something worth reading" - has always stuck with me, and I think it's a wise yardstick in the measure of people and their personality!

Please note as admin/owner of this blog (Francine) I'm reluctant to post reviews of my own books even though the reviews are by people I've never met in person, and some were posted long before I was invited to join the team as a reviewer. You see, I've always believed it reflects a sense of extreme vanity to post reviews on what is essentially one's own review site as far as admin duties go. Whereas, on my author blog I can do as I please. But, and I feel sure you will forgive me for letting others post reviews of my books here, because this was not my review blog at the outset. It was founded by Suzy Somerset, who due to sad family commitments and work had to give up on this blog. Of course life moves on, and Suzy has since ventured to a wholly new enterprise, well, not one, but two - The Jane Austen Awards and Historical Romance Readers' Award. That's not to say Suzy isn't a huge supporter of this blog - she is, and does on occasion send in a review.