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Monday, September 12, 2011

Historical Hearts Launch Party - Day 1



Hi and welcome to the Historical Hearts Blog Launch Party!

We're all very excited to announce a blog for Australian Historical Romance Writers. Over the next five days we'll be giving away books, critiques, bookmarks, wonderful prizes of all kinds to celebrate the launch of this fabulous blog.

I'm Tamara Gill and will be kicking off the celebrations by telling you a little about myself. Country born and bred I started reading historical romances while on maternity leave with my first child but didn't start to write them until my second son was a year old. To this day I blame Stephanie Laurens who made me fall in love with the Regency era and the beautiful 'Empire Style' gowns. What can I say, those dresses are divine.

Jump ahead four years and I'm now published with Noble Romance Publishing. I have two Regency (ebooks) for a randomly picked guest who can answer my Regency trivia question correctly. I'll also be giving away bookmarks to the first five guests who leave a comment. Just remember to leave your email address so I can contact you about the prizes.

Question: "Where did the ton like to promenade, ride and gossip in the afternoon?"

Okay, I'll admit, my question isn't very hard, and any loyal reader of Regency historicals will know the answer immediately, but...we're here to have fun, not to tax our loyal followers too much.


So, two books up for grabs, To Sin with Scandal and A Captain's Order - A Duke's Command. Both I should warn you, are a little naughty. *grin*
Good Luck!
Tam.

  

I’m Suzi Love and I’m so glad you’ve joined us for the Historical Hearts Launch Day.

I’ve always loved reading historical romances, so I’m very excited to now be writing them. My books are set in England around the end of the Regency and the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. The true Regency era is admired for its glittering ballroom scenes, gorgeous fashions, and its often ridiculous adherence to social manners and class distinctions while the Victorian era began with drastic changes to those rigid social structure as inventors, scientists, and tradesmen became more important and wealthier than those who held titles and land. These years of upheaval offered amazing opportunities for adventurous women and men of all classes to break free from convention and follow their own paths.

I’m very grateful that those rapidly changing times allow me to write about heroines who devote time to scientific pursuits rather than embroidering. Heroes who ignore old rules and welcome inventions on their estates or in everyday life, openly use their talents, and participate in money-making ventures rather than watch their inheritance become worthless.

If you’d like to read more weird and wacky things I find fascinating in history, pop over to my other blogs. I’m at Suzi Love and also at The Beau Monde World.

Now, for the exciting bit! I have three wonderful historical books for one lucky commenter, though I’m not going to make it too easy for you. Whoever answers the most questions correctly will win the prize.


  1. Around 1810, an open-air owner-driven two-wheeled vehicle came into use but only reached its peak of popularity during the early Victorian years. It was designed for a single horse and with only a small platform at the back for the ‘Tiger’ to stand. What was it called? 
  2. In 1822, the word ‘tranquilizer’ was invented to describe the effect of opium. The book was called Confessions of an English Opium Eater and the author was….Who?
  3. In 1822, Charles Babbage proposed a difference engine. This was an early version of ….. What?
  4. In 1840, the earliest adhesive postage stamps in the world were placed on sale in the United Kingdom. They carried the head of Queen Victoria and were called….What? 
  5. During Napoleon’s military campaigns, he reportedly always carried something with him which he ate when he needed a boost of energy. What did he carry?





Good Luck!
Suzi.



Welcome to Historical Hearts. My name is Sheridan Kent and I’m on a quest to become a historical romance author. I started with reading and progressed to writing when storylines and characters started running through my head at the most inopportune times. I’m currently dipping my fingers into the Victorian era, plucking out the juicy bits to bring my adventures to life!
My heroes are heart-stopping, tortured souls, while the women who love them are bewitching and bold. I’d love you to join my characters as they fight to overcome all obstacles on the way to love. Also, check back regularly to catch my post on some of the wacky laws of Old England, some you will not believe! To celebrate the launch of Historical Hearts, I have a copy of ‘The Perfect Rake’ by Anne Gracie to give away. Just mention the first name of the hero within your comments to go into the draw.


Good Luck!
Sheridan.




Note: For your chance to win today's prizes, when answering the trivia questions or replying, please leave your name, email address and what draw you'd like to enter. Of course, you are more than welcome to enter all prize draws up for grabs. Good Luck!