 Though St. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for a very long time, the Valentine’s Day cards we send today, and their romantic precursors with pictures, real lace and ribbons, didn’t really come into fashion until the mid 19th century with the Victorian era. However, that didn’t mean that lovers in earlier eras didn’t observe the day. Of course, they did.
I don’t doubt that since the beginning of human history, lovers have found a way to send each other notes of their love. But Valentine’s Day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century when the tradition of courtly love flourished. See MORE. 
Every now and then I love a good Viking Romance. Not fantasy, not paranormal, just straight up historical romance from the time of the raiding Norse warriors. There’s nothing like a Viking raid and a strapping tall warrior to get your blood boiling, right? Well, of course, it must be well done and we want a strong heroine to give the guy a hard time. And a little history thrown in doesn’t hurt either. If you like ‘em, I have a list of those I’ve rated 4 and 5 stars--see it HERE!
 Today I'm on Inspired Writers for an interview about my research, my writing and the inspiration behind my latest book, THE RED WOLF'S PRIZE. Come join me. See the interview HERE.  It's Christmas time and at this time I always post my list of Favorite Heroes & Heroines from those stories I've rated 5 stars. I have read and reviewed over 750 historical romances and in those novels that I have loved the most there are some wonderful heroes and heroines…noble men who though they may have tortured pasts, flaws and all the odds against them, overcome to conquer and to love; and heroines who persist against great obstacles to be with the man to whom they would give their heart—strong, intelligent women of character. Worthy heroes and heroines every one.
To see the list, click HERE. And comment to win a copy of my Christmas story THE HOLLY & THE THISTLE!  From now till Christmas, Racing with the Wind, Book 1 in the Agents of the Crown trilogy is on sale for 99¢. It's a great time to begin the series!
Set in London and Paris in 1816, it tells the story of an earl's intrepid daughter who leaves Regency London for the Parisian court of Louis XVIII, where she finds adventure, mystery, and love. "...a superb historical romance, filled with passion, political intrigue, and a worthy hero and heroine!" --CYNTHIA WRIGHT, Award Winning Author “A dashing spy and an intrepid English lady romp through Regency England and Paris. A must read from a bright new author!” --SHIRL HENKE, USA Today Bestselling Author "...a dazzling mix of passion, adventure, mystery and love." --Breath of Life Reviews 
I am frequently asked what are my favorite historical romances. That’s a long list, as you know from my “best lists.” There are currently over 100 5-Star romances on my "Favorite Keepers" shelf on Goodreads. But since you asked, I'm giving you my current top 20. Some are from new authors; some from authors who lived decades ago. The list changes each year.
These stories are the ones that have stayed with me, the ones I want to re-read, the ones I can’t forget. They are all keepers and rated 5 stars. Their heroes and heroines grace my Favorite Heroes and Heroines list I’ll post later this month. It’s no coincidence that they are written by some of my favorite authors. See the list HERE and comment, telling me your favorite historical romance, to win one of my books! 
Christmas dinner in Regency England often ended with wonderful desserts, including marchpane (what we call marzipan), gingerbread, mince pie and Christmas pudding, which was more like a cake than what Americans call pudding. In both my Christmas novella The Twelfth Night Wager, and my short story The Holly & The Thistle, Christmas Plum Pudding is served on Christmas Day.
For the traditional recipe and one I like that's much easier, see HERE. | AuthorThis is my "author blog" that will feature personal updates, what I'm working on, News and other features related to my novels, even some posts from Regan's Romance Reviews. ArchivesFebruary 2015 Categories |
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