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Happy Hogmanay!

12/31/2016

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Only one nation in the world celebrates the New Year—or as they call it, Hogmanay—with unparalleled revelry and passion – Scotland! What are the origins of Hogmanay, and why should a tall dark stranger be a welcome visitor after midnight?
 
It is believed that many of the traditional Hogmanay celebrations were originally brought to Scotland by the invading Vikings in the early 8th and 9th centuries. These Norsemen, or men from an even more northerly latitude than Scotland, paid particular attention to the arrival of the Winter Solstice or the shortest day, and fully intended to celebrate its passing with some serious partying.
 
There are several traditions and superstitions that should be taken care of before midnight on December 31st: cleaning the house and taking out the ashes from the fire; and clearing of all debts before "the bells" sound midnight, the underlying message being to clear out the remains of the old year and have a clean break and welcome in a young, New Year on a happy note.
 
Immediately after midnight it is traditional to sing Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne. An integral part of the Hogmanay party, which is continued with equal enthusiasm today, is to welcome friends and strangers with warm hospitality, whisky and, of course, lots of enforced kissing for all.
 
"First footing" (or the "first foot" in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house, the first foot should be a dark-haired male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky. The dark male bit is believed to be a throwback to the Viking days, when a big blond stranger arriving on your doorstep with an axe in hand meant big trouble, and probably not a very happy New Year!
 
As you celebrate the coming New Year, remember what a glorious celebration it is in Scotland!

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December 23rd, 2016

12/23/2016

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It’s that time of year when I share my favorite heroes and heroines. I have read and reviewed over 900 historical romances and in those novels that I have rated 5-stars there are some wonderful heroes and heroines…noble men who overcome tortured pasts, flaws and the odds against them 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. Every one a worthy hero and heroine. See the list!
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Writing a Christmas Regency Romance...

12/5/2016

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I have written two Christmas stories set in Regency London, The Twelfth Night Wager and The Holly & The Thistle. What is important when setting a story during a holiday? And how do you capture the traditions of that special time, be Christmastide or Twelfth Night without taking the romance from center stage? The reader wants to experience the love story and love the characters while also experiencing the holiday. And if you are like me, you also want to include the history of the period and enough of the speech and customs to make it real. See more.

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