HH Advent Day 6 -- Joanna Fulford

Today is Joanna Fulford who writes in a wide variety of time periods including Viking and medieval Scotland as well as Regency and Victorian. She is giving away a pendant to one lucky person. There is a very simple question to answer. You can find more here.

HH Advent Day 6 --Lucy Ashford

Today is Regency author Lucy Ashford's day. SHe has a pair of lovely earrings to give away plus a signed copy of one of her books. All you have to do is answer a simple question to enter.
Go here for more details

Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar Day 4 --DIane Gaston

Today is Diane Gaston's turn. A $25 Amazon certificate is up for grabs (will be drawn tonight) but a $10 Amazon certificate will be drawn on 21 Dec. To enter Diane's daily prize  email her the answer to the simple question on her website. More info  here.

Fall In Love Again GIveaway WINNERS

Thank you very much to everyone who entered.
We had close to 700 entries when you include the comments left on the blog.
 The draw for the nine winners has been done and the emails sent.

The winners are:
Khris
Filia
Kelly
Tory
Shannon Karan
Roxanna
Farrah
Adela

If you haven't entered the Harlequin Historical Advent calendar -- please consider doing so. The top prize is a Kindle Fire HD and there are daily prizes. Today's giveaway is being hosted by www.michellestyles.co.uk and is a gift box which includes a singed copy of one of her books (winner's choice), Christmas tea, biscuits, a mug and a tea towel ( £20 value). It is open INTERNATIONALLY.

Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar Day 3 -- Michelle Styles

It is Michelle Styles's turn today. She writes warm, witty and intimate romance set in a wide range of time periods. She is offering a Take A Break gift box -- filled with a signed book of the winner's choice from her books, Christmas tea, biscuits, a mug and a tea towel (total value £20)
To enter visit www.michellestyles.co.uk  and answer the simple question.
All entrants go forward to the grand prize.

THE ILLEGITMATE MONTAGUE

Welcome!

I am so pleased to be part of the Castonbury Park Series, and for my characters I chose to write more about "downstairs" characters - in fact, my main characters are outside the big house altogether!

This book is number 5 in the series and I wanted to tell the housekeeper's story. Hannah Stratton is a much loved figure at Castonbury, she has seen the children grow up and has a son of her own, Adam, whom she has not seen for ten years.  She has never spoken about his father, or told anyone her history, but in this book it is necessary for her to put the record straight.

The Illegitimate Montague features Hannah's son, Adam. He has been away from Castonbury for many years, making a name for himself first as a captain in Nelson's navy, then in the north of England, where he becomes a mill owner. As a manufacturer of cloth, he has plenty in common with Amber Hall, the clothier who owns a warehouse and shop in Castonbury, and I could see them both working well together in the future , making the most of the opportunities that would present themselves in the forthcoming Victorian era – once they have overcome all the obstacles that I throw in their way, of course!

Without giving too much away, I can tell you that there is a disastrous fire at one point in the story, and this started me thinking about insurance. We take if for granted now, but not so in the Regency. However, the idea of fire insurance goes back to the days of the great fire of London in 1666.

One man involved in the rebuilding of London after the fire was a property developer, Nicholas Barbon. In 1667 he set up a mutual society called "The Fire Office" offering fire insurance, this later became known as Phoenix Fire Office.In 1682 it cost 30 shillings for the company to insure a property for £100 for a period of 7 years. The company employed its own men complete with liveries and badges employed to extinguish fires.
 
He is credited with setting up the first of several fire insurance companies formed around that time, others included the Friendly Society (1683), Hand-in-Hand (1696) Sun Fire Office (1710) and Royal Exchange Assurance (1720).
 
To identify that a property was covered by fire insurance, attached to the building, at a height easily seen from the street but out of reach of thieves, was a sign or emblem called a fire mark which was issued by the company. Each company had its own distinctive design which made identification of the property easier for their fire fighters and the company representatives. Designs included, for Sun Fire Office: a large sun with a face (like the image below); the Royal Exchange Assurance: their building; and Phoenix: obviously Phoenix rising from the ashes.

credit: Pauline Eccles [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Of course Castonbury was small village and did not have its own fire engine, but fire insurance companies were beginning to be set up in the larger towns such as Manchester and Buxton, so it is not impossible that businesses in Castonbury would have had insurance. I decided to include it in the plot, together with a rather unpleasant character called Mr Elliot a surveyor for the Twiss Fire Insurance Company (my own invention).I won't say any more, but I do hope you enjoy his part in Adam and Amber's story!

Sarah Mallory.

Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar Day 2 -- Annie Burrows

It is Regency Author Annie Burrows' day today. To win a book and some personalized stationary, follow  the instructions on her website. All entrants go forward for the draw of the grand prize.

2012 HH Advent Calendar Day One

Today is Marguerite Kaye's Day. She has a simple quesiton for people to answer and she is giving away a necklace.

To enter: go to http://www.margueritekaye.com/harlequin-historical-holiday-calendar/

Also remember there is still time to enter the Fall In Love Again Blog Hop which closes on 29 November. You can find the entry form here. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall In Love (Again) Giveaway blog hop -- Final Set of Authors

Today we are showcasing the remaining three Harlequin Historical authors who have offered prizes for this giveaway

First up is Annie Burrows who writes  sparkling romance about brooding heroes and the fiesty heroines who help them find true love. Annie loves the Regency period because of the social mobility -- a man could rise to the pinncle of society through enterrpise and daring or plummet to its depth on the turn of a card.

Annie is offering a copy  Gift Wrapped Governesses singed by her to one lucky entrant.
by Sophia James, Annie Burrows & Marguerite Kaye "Christmas at Blackhaven Castle In disguise'' Penniless Lady Seraphina Moreton seeks sanctuary at the Duke of Blackhaven’s castle just days before Christmas. Trey swore never again to be beguiled by a beautiful face, but as governess Seraphina gets close to his unruly, motherless children, he wants the festive joy she brings to stay beyond Christmas Day…Read this and two other stories in this great festive collection.

Her next book Never Trust A Rake  will be published in  February 2013
Rumour has it that the Earl of Deben, the most notorious rake in London, has set aside his penchant for married mistresses, and turned his skilled hand to seducing innocents! There can be no other reason why he is so often seen in the company of a country miss, can there? But once Lord Deben engages in a battle of wits with the feisty Miss Henrietta Gibson, it becomes increasingly hard to determine just who is seducing whom!

You can learn more about Annie Burrows and her books on  http://www.annie-burrows.co.uk/

Barbara Monajem writes for the super sexy short sister line of Harlequin Historical, Historical Undone. These ebook exclusives are short novellas which pack a spicy punch. Barbara writes in the Regency period and is offering a download of one of her ebooks.
Her latest ebook is A Lady's lesson in Seduction and is her first Christmas themed ebook.
Once a notorious rake, Camden Folk, Marquis of Warbury, is now consumed by desire for only one woman: beautiful young widow Frances Burdett. And the Yuletide festivities at his country estate present the perfect opportunity for seduction…

After her brief and unsatisfying marriage, Frances Burdett swore never to become tied to another man. Then a passionate kiss under the mistletoe reawakens longings she thought buried forever. But can she give in to the pleasures of the body with a rogue like Cam—without losing her heart?

You can read more about Barbara and her sensual reads on her website. http://www.barbaramonajem.com/

Michelle Styles writes warm, witty and intimate historical romance in a wide range of time periods from Roman gladiators to hardened Viking warriors and early Victorian rakes and businessmen.
She happens to love history and believes love is timeless.
She is offering a signed copy of  her latest Hattie Wilkinson Meets Her Match (or a  backlist book if the winner would prefer).

WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT...! In the eyes of the ton Hattie Wilkinson is a respectable widow, content with her safe, if somewhat modest life. On the other hand Sir Christopher Foxton prides himself on being regarded as one of London's most notorious rakes, with a particularly mischievous streak! Upon their first meeting Kit threatens to shatter Hattie's well-ordered peace - and her reputation! - if only she'll allow herself to succumb to his playful advances. This time they've both finally met their match...
You can read an extract here.
Her next book An Ideal Husband? will be published in April 2013
When heiress Sophie Ravel finds herself in a compromising situation, notorious Richard Crawford, Viscount Bingfield, swoops in and saves her reputation! She might have escaped the attentions of one undesirable, but will Richard’s protection expose her to even more scandal?

Richard curses his impetuousness at offering a betrothal in the heat of the moment! He gladly accepts Sophie’s terms that their engagement remains a pretence until, quite by chance, he unlocks his shy fiancée’s passionate nature. Now nothing will steer him from wedding—then bedding—his blushing bride...
You can read more about Michelle and her books on www.michellestyles.co.uk

The entry form for the Fall In Love (Again) blog hop is here

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Be sure to blog hop to find more prizes!

Fall In Love (Again) Blog Hop -- Learn More About the Authors

Today two more of  the Harlequin Historical Authors are highlighted.

Julia Justiss writes Regency romance with panache and warmth. Her books sparkle with wit and gentle humour.  Her next book The Rake To Ruin Her which is published in March 2013 kicks off her Ransliegh Rogue series.

Max Ransleigh, charismatic leader of the cousins, has his dream of a brilliant diplomatic career destroyed by betrayal at the Congress of Vienna. While staying with his cousin Alastair, he’s accosted by Miss Caroline Denby, who makes him a most unusual proposition: ruin her, so she will not have to marry! Though amused and intrigued, Max intends to emphatically refuse, but there’s something so alluring about the unconventional Caro…

 

Julia is giving away a signed copy of her book A Most Unconventional Match

Hal Waterman's calling on the newly widowed Elizabeth Lowery is the caring act of a gentleman. And with her household in turmoil and a young son to support, she is certainly grateful for his help. Hal finds Elizabeth even more lovely than when they first met, but knows that she will only ever see him as a kind and often taciturn friend.

Elizabeth finds comfort and companionship in Hal's caring of her. But then a tantalizing desire starts to simmer. His reassuring strength and presence have become so very attractive...so alluring....
YOu can read an excerpt here.

You can learn more about Julia on her website www.juliajustiss.com

Award winning  Ann Lethbridge writes  Regency romance with dark heroes and strong women...often with an element of suspense or mystery. She did win the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2009 for excellence in historical mystery/suspense.
She is giving  away a copy of The Gamekeeper's Lady either as an ebook or print (winner's choice)
A most forbidden attraction! Frederica Bracewell grew up under a cloud of shame. As an illegitimate child, she was treated by her uncle like a servant. It isn’t until she encounters the new gamekeeper that shy, innocent Frederica starts to feel like a true lady…Lord Robert Mountford has been banished by his family. After a debauched existence, he revels in the simplicity of a gamekeeper’s lifestyle. Until temptation strikes! Frederica’s plain appearance and stuttering speech are a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she may just be his undoing…and unmasking!
You can read an excerpt here.

Ann has a newsletter and you can learn more about Ann and her books on her website. www.annlethbridge.com

You can enter the Harlequin Historical Fall in Love Again giveaway for a chance to win the above books, plus others here.

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Blog hop to find out about more prizes.

Fall In Love (Again) Giveaway Blog Hop -- Learn More about the Authors

Harlequin Historical offers a broad range of time periods but because the Georgian/Regency/Victorian  time periods are so popular, they do always offer at least one of these books in the their monthly offerings. Each author writes with her own unique voice and take on the period.

Louise Allen whose personal research library rivals Georgette Heyer's  has certainly ventured into the far flung places of the long Regency. She has a twist of humour and plenty of passion in her writing. She has also written books set in the Dark Ages, and the English Civil War as well as publishing a nonficiton book.  Her next book The Forbidden Jewel of India takes place in 1788 in India. It will be published in January 2013.

TO OBEY HIS DUTY IS TO DENY HIS HEART

Anusha Laurens is in danger. The daughter of an Indian princess and an English peer, she's the perfect pawn in the opulent courts of Rajasthan. Even so, she will not return to the father who rejected her.

Arrogant angrezi Major Nicholas Herriard is charged with bringing the alluring princess safely to her new life in Calcutta. Nick's mission is to protect, to serve–but under the searing Indian sun an initial attraction unfurls into a forbidden temptation.

This beautiful, impossible princess test the very limits of his honor–especially when Nick is left with only one option to keep Anusha safe: marriage. But the fast-flowing waters of the Ganges determine a different fate, and duty may separate them forever...
You can read an extract here.

Louise is offering a signed copy of one of her recent works Ravished by the Rake

A merchantman sails home to England from India with passengers whose lives will be altered forever when it hits the treacherous reefs of the Isles of Scilly.

In the first of the Danger & Desire trilogy meet Lady Perdita Brooke who puts a carefree face on heartbreak and scandal and whose sharp wit soon finds a worthy opponent in the devastatingly attractive shape of Lord Alistair Lyndon. Three months on board ship bring them into dangerously tempting proximity; one night of ultimate danger reveals a secret that threatens to part them forever.
You can read an extract here.

You can learn more about Louise and her books on her website www.louiseregency.co.uk




Elkizabeth Beacon writes Regency with fiesty heroines and goregous heroes. Georgette Heyer sparked her iniital love of the period. She loves the period and sees no need to venture outside it.

Elizabeth is offering a signed copy of a recent release The Duchess Hunt

"HAD SHE BEEN RIGHT UNDER HIS NOSE ALL THESE YEARS? Jack Seaborne, Duke of Dettingham, needs a duchess, but falling in love is definitely not on the agenda. The logical thing would be to throw open the doors of his ducal country seat, host a house party for this Season’s most beautiful debutantes…and pick one of them. But then Miss Jessica Pendle arrives – his aunt’s plain-speaking goddaughter – and she’s the one who stands out from the crowd. But Jessica is looking for love – the one emotion Jack resists. Although he can’t deny there’s something about Jessica that’s very persuasive…!"
You can read an extract here.

For a chance to win these books, you can enter the Harlequin Historical Authors Fall In Love Again Giveway here.

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Fall In Love (Again) Blog Hop -- Learn About the Authors

Harlequin Historical has authors to meet every mood and so over the next few days, we will be telling you about the authors who are providing the books for the giveaway.
First up
Carole Mortimer.

With more than 165 published books and a career which started in the late 1970s, Carole Mortimer is  truly a Queen of Romance. Earlier this year because of her services to literature, she met the Queen at one of the Queen's garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
Although she has written mainly contemporary romance for the Presents/Modern line, Carole recently brought  her unique voice to the Regency period. Her Regencys are great romps. Her latest is Some Like It Wicked and a sign copy is up for grabs in the Fall in Love (Again) giveaway.
DEVIL BY NAME… Rupert Stirling, Duke of Stratton, has long since acquired the nickname Devil. And with outrageous exploits both in and out of ladies’ bedchambers, my, has he earned it! Risqué behaviour is beyond Pandora Maybury, widowed Duchess of Wyndwood – although with her dark secret she’s far too well acquainted with being the subject of ribald gossip for her liking. If only the Ton knew just how innocent she really was…including Rupert who, after rescuing her from a compromising situation, seems intent on wickedly compromising her himself! Daring Duchesses They’ll scandalise the Ton"
 You can read an excerpt here.

Rita award winning author Diane Gaston also writes in the Regency period but has a different slant than Carole.  Diane 's books often concentrate on the Regency underworld.

Her latest Born to Scandal is published in December.
"‘PEOPLE TALK AS IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG ABOUT LORD BRENTMORE. SOMETHING ABOUT HIS PAST.' Lord Brentmore – half Irish peasant, half English aristocrat – grew up under a cloud of scandal. Even money and a title aren’t enough to stay the wagging tongues of the ton. But he’s vowed that his children will never experience the same stigma. After the death of their infamous mother they need a reputable governess. Anna Hill is too passionate, too alluring, but she fills Brentmore Hall with light and laughter again – and its master with feelings he’d forgotten… But a lord marrying a governess would be the biggest scandal of all!"

Diane is generously giving away a complete signed set of her Soldier books. You can read more about the  series here. You can learn more about Diane and her books on www.dianegaston.com

If you haven't entered the Fall In Love Again giveaway, you may do so here.
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You can blog hop and find more giveaways here.