Thursday, January 24, 2008

Looking for the Popular Fiction of Medieval Times


As a former English major, I can’t help but look back at the literary intersection of my medieval historicals. It’s fun and illuminating to see what was being written during the time period my stories are set.

My upcoming historical, A KNIGHT MOST WICKED, has some interesting literary ties. The book is set in 1381 and starts off in Bohemia before moving to England. My heroine, Arabella, is caught up in the royal procession accompanying Anne of Bohemia to London in order to wed King Richard. Some scholars suggest that Geoffrey Chaucer’s Parliament of Fowls was written in celebration of Richard and Anne’s marriage. The story tells—by way of a dream vision—of a woman’s indecision in choosing a suitor, and is significant both because of its romantic nature and because of its use of English vernacular. Neither the subject nor the language choice are unique to Chaucer, but both were unique for the time. Chaucer is sometimes credited as the father of English literature because of his use of vernacular, and is of interest to me because of his introduction of romantic themes. Parliament of Fowls discusses the conflict between a patriarchal society and the goals of the courtly love tradition.

Chaucer’s piece is unmentioned in A KNIGHT MOST WICKED, but I couldn’t resist weaving in a literary reference that seemed appropriate for the time and considering my hero’s name is Tristan. In an attempt to entertain the heroine at one point, the hero tells the story of Tristan and Isolde, an Arthurian tale that would have been familiar to a knight of the 14th century. The Bohemian heroine is fascinated by the romanticism of the tale and the sacrifice the lovers make in denying their passion. The hero, in the mean time, points out the hardship of denying such a strong desire—a topic rich with new meaning for him as he gets to know a woman who tempts him. The story was a fun way for me to introduce the topic of passion to an innocent heroine while highlighting a key conflict in a medieval relationship. Passion had dire consequences for a medieval noblewoman since giving in meant that either marriage or public shame soon followed.

Read more about English literature or check out the excerpt of A KNIGHT MOST WICKED.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

January HH release: The Vanishing Viscountess by Diane Gaston

The Vanishing Viscountess
A woman of innocence and notoriety…The prisoner stood with an expression of defiance, leather shackles on her wrists. Adam Vickery, Marquess of Tannerton, was drawn to this woman, so dignified in her plight. He didn't recognize her as the once innocent, hopeful debutante he had danced with long years ago. Marlena Parronley, the notorious Vanishing Viscountess, was a fugitive. Seeing the dashing, carefree marquess of her dreams just reminded her that she couldn't risk letting anyone, especially Tanner, get caught up in helping her escape. He would face the same punishment she did. The hangman's noose.

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The Vanishing Viscountess

Januaray HH release: Maverick Wild by Stacey Kayne

Maverick Wild
Chance Morgan had locked away his heart. Until Cora Mae Tindale crossed half the country to find him. The beguiling creature who insisted on turning his serviceable ranch into a home was hiding something—and Chance was hell-bent on finding out her secrets!Cora Mae only wanted a place to hide, but her youthful protector had grown into a war-hardened rancher with looks that could tempt a saint. Yet his dark glances were filled with distrust…and unmistakable desire. Cora Mae's childhood crush was rapidly becoming a much more adult craving!


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Maverick Wild

January HH Release: On the Wings of Love by Elizabeth Lane

On the Wings of Love
Alexandra Bromley was looking for adventure, and for a way to escape the prison of her father's wealth. Then handsome pilot Rafe Garrick literally crashed into her life!Rafe wasn't looking to settle down. Yet as Alexandra nursed him back to health, he couldn't ignore the courageous spirit that matched his own. Succumbing to desire, Rafe and Alexandra were forced to wed. Now Rafe must find a way to give his adored new bride the freedom she so desperately craved!


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On the Wings of Love

January HH Release: Her Warrior King by Michelle Willingham

Her Warrior King
Blackmail forced Patrick MacEgan into marriage—although he could not be forced to bed his Norman bride. But Isabel de Godred was as fair as she was determined to be a proper wife….She wished to help her proud warrior king with the burden of his responsibilities. As queen, she could aid an alliance between their people. As wife, she longed to comfort him, for when alone, they could put aside war and be but man and woman….


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Her Warrior King

January HH Release: An Improper Companion by Anne Herries

An Improper Companion
Daniel, Earl of Cavendish, finds the frivolity of the ton dull after the adventures and hardship of the Peninsular War. But boredom rapidly disappears when he's drawn into the mystery surrounding the abduction of gently bred girls. His investigation endangers his mother's new companion, Miss Elizabeth Travers. Although she is tainted by scandal, her cool and collected response commands Daniel's respect—while her beauty demands so much more. "


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An Improper Companion

January HH release: Lord Hadleigh's Rebellion by Paula Marshall

Lord Hadleigh's Rebellion
Russell Chancellor, Lord Hadleigh, found the love of his life over a decade ago, but she was forced to marry elsewhere. When a chance meeting at a house party unites him with Mary Wardour once more, both realize that the feelings between them have never died.Mary is now a widow and free to marry. Russell needs to marry or forgo his inheritance. But they have to discover the truth behind the secrets and betrayals that drove them apart before they can hope to find future happiness together….


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Lord Hadleigh's Rebellion

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year!



Thanks to each of you who visited in 2007.
Here's to a healthy and prosperous new year!