I made my list for Santa. If you are reading this, I hereby designate you as one of his elves this season. A special kind of elf—a bookshelf sort of … Continue reading All I want for Christmas . . .

Hello all! It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, but I have something really special to share! The TV rights to A DAY OF FIRE, the brilliant collaborative novel that … Continue reading A Day of Fire Might Be Coming to A Screen Near You

Had a bit of fun imagining what it would be like to be shopping for Queen Catherine de Médicis this Mother’s Day. Poor Princess Margot—Catherine’s youngest daughter and the main … Continue reading However picky she is . . . at least your mother is NOT Queen Catherine de Médicis

This year a took a magical pre-holiday trip to Spain. But–oops–that means the holidays are upon me and I am NOT read. As in . . . I have purchased … Continue reading Just a little reminder . . . Books make great gifts!

Had a marvelous discussion with fellow historical novelist Ryan Byrnes about the recent re-release of A DAY OF FIRE, the first continuity novel in the historical fiction genre. Take a … Continue reading Co-Writing Historical Fiction & The Dramatic Destruction of Pompeii

In 2014, six top historical novelists made history with the first collaborative novel in the genre. Today A Day of Fire reissues with a stunning new cover. Come with us … Continue reading Award Winning “A Day of Fire” Re-releases with a Stunning New Cover

Hello dear readers! I am just back from the biannual North American HNS conference. Bit of trivia—I’ve attended every American HNS conference since the very first, held in Salt Lake … Continue reading An Amazing Time in San Antonio: The Historical Novel Society North American Conference 2023

I first fell in love with France and French history when I visited the Loire Valley as a college student studying abroad. And the fascination stuck! If you haven’t noticed … Continue reading Happy Bastille Day!

There are now officially TWO of me—and there have been since last month when my debut crime novel And by Fire, written as Evie Hawtrey, hit shelves everywhere.  Evie may … Continue reading There Are Now TWO of Me

It’s SPRING AT LAST!!!! And time for springtime refresh on my book trailer.🌷🌷🌷 Voila!  ENJOY . . . If you are looking for a spring-time-afternoon-in-the-garden read and female-centered historical fiction … Continue reading Discover My Novels with My 2021 Spring Book Trailer!

It is cover Celebration Day for my good friend and Scarlet Sister Kate Quinn’s upcoming novel, THE ROSE CODE. LOOK at this beauty!!!! And let me tell you WHAT IS … Continue reading Cover Reveal Day: Kate Quinn’s THE ROSE CODE

If you’ve been to Florence you’ve seen Michelangelo’s David. If you haven’t been to Florence you’ve seen countless images of him. The David is a cultural icon and even 500 … Continue reading Interview with Laura Morelli, Author of THE GIANT

There are only 15 days left until CHRISTMAS! But don’t panic—GIVE BOOKS! With THREE NOVELS to choose from I have something for every historical fiction fan on your list!!! And … Continue reading All they want for CHRISTMAS is a Sophie Perinot Novel . . . THE 2019 HOLIDAY BOOK TRAILERS ARE HERE!!!

The weather is getting cooler—I like to call it “book weather.” Time to curl up in a favorite chair with a roaring fire, something nice to drink and, of course, … Continue reading Médicis Daughter Has a New Fall Trailer to Go With Its Stunning New Cover

Do you adore historical fiction about strong women? Are you a book club member (perhaps in a club full of strong women)? When making your fall and winter reading selections … Continue reading RIBBONS OF SCARLET Book-Club Bonus Materials Are Here!!!

⚜  At LAST the moment we’ve all (or many of us) have been waiting for . . . . The COCKTAIL RECIPES to accompany RIBBONS OF SCARLET are live!!! I … Continue reading Because Books, Book Clubs and Cocktails GO Together . . . .

Today, while on a short break from the mega-tour for my own latest novel Ribbons of Scarlet, it is my very great pleasure to host my good friend the insanely … Continue reading INTERVIEW: Anne Easter Smith Dishes on Her Upcoming Novel About Richard III

AT LAST THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!!!! So thrilled to announce the release of my latest novel Ribbons of Scarlet–an innovative and gripping novel about the French Revolution’s women. BUY LINKS: … Continue reading Release Day for Ribbons of Scarlet!

At last, at last!!! So many readers have been asking me: when will Médicis Daughter release in paperback? When will it be available in ebook format again? Well, the wait … Continue reading Médicis Daughter Out in PAPERBACK TODAY!!!

Dear Readers, It’s finally time to celebrate the release of our novel, Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women, releasing October 1. I and my Scarlet Sisters are … Continue reading RIBBONS OF SCARLET National Tour Announced!

RIBBONS OF SCARLET is getting some terrific notice. I and my fellow #ScarletSisters were delighted to get this fabulous quote from New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin!   To … Continue reading Praise for RIBBONS OF SCARLET . . .

  Dear Readers, This fall I head out with my #ScarletSisters on a fabulous book tour, celebrating Ribbons of Scarlet and the extraordinary women at the heart of the novel and … Continue reading Voila! My Appearances in the Upcoming RIBBONS OF SCARLET Book Tour

Yes, it’s true, you CAN believe your eyes—a  Goodreads Giveaway for Ribbons of Scarlet got underway this morning. There are 50 copies up for grabs. So head to Goodreads and enter … Continue reading 2nd Chance to WIN: If You Did Not Win My RIBBONS Giveaway . . .

Four months from today—that’s when Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women officially lands on bookshelves (and in the mailboxes of those who pre-order from Amazon or … Continue reading WIN Ribbons of Scarlet (an Advanced Reader Copy)

So you say you’d love to win a copy of RIBBONS OF SCARLET: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women? GOOD NEWS a massive (think 100 copies mes amis) #GIVEAWAY … Continue reading Goodreads Giveaway for RIBBONS OF SCARLET

Did you wait until the last minute to do your Mothers’ Day shopping? Mom’s can be tough to please. Now imagine if your Mother was the power-hungry and often ruthless … Continue reading Mother’s Day is Coming . . . Imagine Shopping for Catherine de Médicis

Drum roll please (okay maybe not, that does remind one of the moments before the blade falls on the guillotine—at least if one is an aristo) . . . Here … Continue reading RIBBONS OF SCARLET Cover Reveal

Because sometimes it’s more fun to make a new video trailer than to edit 😉 Volia! The 2019 Spring trailer for MÉDICIS DAUGHTER! Enjoy, share, and celebrate the pleasures and … Continue reading 2019 Spring Trailer: Médicis Daughter

It’s time for another sneak-peek into the world of my next novel—RIBBONS OF SCARLET (coming October 1, 2019). WE HAVE OUR OFFICIAL COVER COPY, guaranteed to give you all the … Continue reading RIBBONS OF SCARLET NEWS!

It’s that time of year again readers . . . time for my holiday gift-giving special! This year’s price for SIGNED COPIES of Médicis Daughter will be $11.00 per hardcover, … Continue reading Holiday Season SPECIAL PRICING on Medicis Daughter!!!

Because it is the time of year when “something wicked this way comes” and nobody does wicked like the royal Valois . . . Voila! my Halloween season book-trailer for … Continue reading Something Wicked This Way Comes . . .

Dear faithful fans and readers, I am over the moon to be able to AT LAST share this BIG NEWS with you! Fall 2019 will see some new Sophie Perinot (written in conjunction … Continue reading ANNOUNCING RIBBONS OF SCARLET!!!

So readers, what do you think? Feedback gratefully welcomed. And if you love it–or loved either of my novels, Médicis Daughter or The Sister Queens–please share this video with your friends … Continue reading Introducing My New Video: Discover the Novels of Sophie Perinot . . .

Greer Macallister, bestselling author of THE MAGICIAN’S LIE and GIRL IN DISGUISE. is doing a wonderful series of #womenshistoryreads interviews in honor of WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. So far she has … Continue reading It’s Women’s History Month and I Sit Down With Greer Macallister to Talk About Intersections Between the Past and Women’s Presents

Invite Catherine de Médicis Home for the Holidays . . .or Give the Gift of Valois France This Season! Check out the new HOLIDAY TRAILER below and then . . . … Continue reading SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE!

November is traditionally the season of THANKFULNESS. So just for fun I’ve done a little list of things you might be thankful for if you were trying to navigate (and … Continue reading Five Things for Members of the Valois Royal Court to Be Thankful for This Season

Do you know someone who is looking for a dark read this at this wicked-good time of year? Tell them that Médicis Daughter has cunning, cruelty, bloodshed, betrayal & plenty … Continue reading Because No One Does WICKED Like the Valois

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a vast majority of writers are rabid readers. We were the kids who used to sneak in from recess and curl up somewhere … Continue reading Sacred Spaces—One Writer’s Favorite Spots to Curl up with a Good Book

Did you know there are OVER THREE-HUNDRED Loire Valley Chateaux? Well it’s true. I am betting nobody has seen them all. I’ve been visiting the Loire since I was 20 … Continue reading My Favorite Loire Chateaux

After the finale of CW’s Reign—which featured a cameo by the youngest Valois Princess, Marguerite—a number of the shows fans have reached out to me about who Margot was.  Of … Continue reading Marguerite de Valois and Mary Queen of Scots

he main characters in THE SISTER QUEENS, Marguerite and Eleanor, may have been the daughters of the Count of Provence, but much of their real power and attraction as royal … Continue reading SCENES FROM THE WORLD OF THE SAVOYARDS: Chateau Chillon

Pacific Northwest Historical Fiction Fans—in just 3 WEEKS a veritable “Who’s Who” of historical novelists will be assembled in Portland for the Historical Novel Society North American Conference. THIS IS … Continue reading Meet Me in Portland!

The royal chateaux of France glitter in the summer sun. Glamorous courtiers stroll in the gardens. But at any court ruled by Catherine de Médicis and riven by on-going religious … Continue reading Summer 2017 Trailer for Médicis Daughter

Wondering if you should bother to open my AUTHOR NEWSLETTER when it pops up in your mailbox? Or whether you should SUBSCRIBE? Look at this Mini-View lineup! In just in … Continue reading Exciting Mini-View Lineup For 2017!!!

Think your Mom is hard to select a Mothers’ Day gift for? Here is my humorous take on poor Marguerite de Valois—youngest daughter of Catherine de Médicis and central character … Continue reading Mothers’ Day Shopping for Queen Catherine de Médicis

Hey New England Historical Fiction Fans! The weather will be GORGEOUS this weekend and you don’t really want to do that yard-work. Come out and see Heather Webb and me … Continue reading Come Out and See Me at Newburyport Literary Festival

How long have I known Mindy McInnis, Edgar Award-winning author of YA fiction? Too long for me to fess up. But let’s just say we knew each other before we … Continue reading My First Podcast: Have A Listen!

Did you know Dear Readers that I have an awesome newsletter? My 2017 newsletter is ALL about feeding readers’ cravings for more delicious gossip—I mean HISTORY (see the Oscar Wilde … Continue reading Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Super excited to see MÉDICIS DAUGHTER on this list of “Books About Epic Rivalries,” especially alongside books by some authors I personally love. https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2017/03/27/historical-fiction-books-about-rivalries/

This is the four-hundred-and-second anniversary of the death of Marguerite de Valois, Princess and then Queen of France, and central character in my novel, MÉDICIS DAUGHTER. Marguerite was the 8th … Continue reading Rest In Peace, Marguerite de Valois

Ah, what a wonderful thing it is to be young and in love–unless you are a 16th century Valois Princess and your mother, Catherine de Médicis, disapproves of your entanglement.  … Continue reading Spring! A Young Woman Thinks of Love

Today is the 5th anniversary of the release of my debut novel, The Sister Queens! Over the past 5 years, YOU, THE READERS, have shown the novel a lot of … Continue reading It is time for UN GRAND MERCI!!!

  As many of my readers already know, I was a founding member of the “The H-Team” a collaborative group of award-winning and bestselling historical writers who produce novels jointly. … Continue reading Three Fantastic Novels, BUNDLED, for a Limited Time! (Can you Say “Deal”)

Here we are just a week away from Valentines Day. The perfect time for my 7 Reasons Books Make the Best Valentine’s Gifts: 1) a book is ALWAYS the right … Continue reading 7 Reasons Books Make the PERFECT Valentine’s Day Gift

Here we are, four days until Christmas. Personally, I am about to make one last run to pick up some missing gift items. How about you? Done for the season? … Continue reading Give the Gift of History and Adventure

Ho, ho, ho, ’tis the season for a HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY Would you like to win SIGNED COPIES of both of my historical novels to give as gifts (or to enjoy … Continue reading Holiday Giveaway!!!

I am downsizing our gift-giving around here this year but that does NOT mean I am not buying books! SEVEN arrived this weekend alone. Some for stocking-stuffers, some to give … Continue reading A Handy Holiday Catalog of My Books for Giving [2016 Edition]

Long before Marguerite de Valois walked the halls of the Louvre, another Marguerite was Queen of France. And her sister, Eleanor, was Queen of England. If you enjoyed Médicis Daughter, … Continue reading Book Trailer for THE SISTER QUEENS

Hard!

Volia! My latest video is an introduction to some of the cunning courtiers that inhabit Margot’s world. Enjoy! And if you do enjoy, please share!

Yes, it is true, I am dipping my toe into the wonderful world of video production and Youtube channels! Some of you have already visited my channel to watch my … Continue reading Introducing “Tales from the Valois Court” My New Video Series!

Today marks 350th Anniversary of the ignition of the Great Fire of London, which burned for days  (September 2–5, 1666). Driven by gale force winds and accompanied by a panic stoked … Continue reading A Solemn Anniversary

My countdown of the weird, wild and wonderful of the late Valois era continues. Part II of my video series of historical tidbits is now complete. Enjoy! And, as always, … Continue reading Historical Tidbits Part II

I am constantly reminded that quite often the strangest things that are included in my books–the ones that cause readers to send me notes saying “really Sophie? really?” are NOT details … Continue reading Because History is So Much Stranger Than Historical Fiction

Welcome to the world premier of the Médicis Daughter book trailer. I’d love to hear what you think . . . does it capture the essence of the novel?

One of the best things about being a historical novelist is connecting with other writers in the genre, getting to know their work and then introducing them to you–my readers and … Continue reading Forget the Summer of Love . . . How About the Summer of History [Lovers]

In mid-July of 1572 a French Huguenot nobleman, the Seigneur de Genlis, invaded Netherlands from France with 4,000 infantry and slightly less than 1,000 Calvary. It went badly. Don Frederic … Continue reading A Little Invasion and some Big Questions . . .

Part of being a writer is slipping into other skins. While the point-of-view character for my most recent novel, Médicis Daughter, is the youngest Valois Princess, Marguerite, her mother Catherine de … Continue reading An Interview with Catherine de Medicis: Spending Time as one of the 16th Century’s Most Powerful Queens

The first mention of a match between Marguerite de Valois and Dom Sebastian, King of Portugal, dates back to the reign of Francis II, when the French Ambassador at Lisbon … Continue reading Another Prospective Groom . . .

June 30th 1559 marks the anniversary of the accident that ended the life and reign of France’s King Henri II. The king was jousting in tournaments celebrating peace with Hapsburgs, … Continue reading The End of the Henri II Era

Season 3 of the CW’s Reign is a wrap, and fans are in mourning—and not just over the death of . . . no wait, no spoilers in case some … Continue reading 10 Books to Entertain and Enrapture Reign Fans Waiting for Season Four

Gentle Reader, do you follow me on Facebook? Well you should. Because otherwise how will you learn the details of my on-line celebration for the 6-month Anniversary of Medicis Daughter? … Continue reading Party Like It’s 1572

Give me a line of men with halberds *swoon* Occasionally I read an article somewhere that I just HAVE to share with you all. Today’s treat comes from The Daily … Continue reading The Swiss–A Fighting Force Terrible to Behold

Today marks the 497th birthday of Catherine de Médicis, Queen of France and a woman with many detractors.  Catherine did not begin her life with much to celebrate. Although she … Continue reading Happy Birthday Queen Catherine de Medicis

On this day four-hundred-and-one years ago, Marguerite de Valois, heroine of Médicis Daughter, died.  The last of the Valois was initially buried at the Basilica of St Denis, traditional resting … Continue reading Farewell to a Princess . . .

Today is Maundy Thursday.  The final Thursday before Easter, Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper—the event which established the Holy Eucharist.  Historically Maundy Thursday is associated with powerful figures washing … Continue reading Maundy Thursday in History and in my Books . . .

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Today is a bloody anniversary. Four-hundred and fifty-four years ago, on March 1, 1562 a massacre that began the first of France’s eight Wars of Religion occurred: the Massacre of Vassy. … Continue reading The Massacre of Vassy

In her time, Catherine de Médicis, a central character in my latest novel, was considered a woman of science and the sciences encompassed not only astronomy but astrology . I am … Continue reading Astrology and Catherine de Médicis

Seven is a lucky number—or so the tradition holds. I am a woman who believes STRONGLY in making her own luck. And I am going to ask you all to … Continue reading Lucky Seven!

Today is the six-week anniversary of the release of Médicis Daughter, and just look how the book has grown!  It now has more than 50 reviews on Amazon, was both … Continue reading A 6-Week Birthday and the PRESENT is for YOU 😉

Want to know what I really think about Catherine de Médicis? Let me tell you folks when Erin Sweet-Al Mehairi at “Oh for the Hook of a Book” puts you … Continue reading Oh For the Hook of a Book Has Me In The Hotseat

The best presents of this recent holiday season were not wrapped beneath my tree. They came instead as enthusiastic endorsements from book bloggers and kind words from readers.  Five weeks … Continue reading Reviews Update: A Thank You for all the Holiday Season Notice!

Twenty-two days. If you are a fan of Reign you know exactly what I mean. There may be only eight days until Christmas, but the gift that devoted watchers of … Continue reading 5 BOOKS REIGN FANS SHOULD BE READING RIGHT NOW

It’s been a great week in reviews for MÉDICIS DAUGHTER!!! First it made the Goodreads Best Books of the Month: December 2015 and I thought I’d died and gone to … Continue reading Christmas Came Early for Me!

Reviews come in all shapes and sizes. Obviously good ones are better than bad ones 😉 But once in a while an author receives a review that stands out, not … Continue reading A Very Special Review

It’s launch day my friends! After many months of research and writing and more months still in the production process, Médicis Daughter steps out on stage.  If you haven’t already pre-ordered … Continue reading It’s Launch Day!

Wow. Pleased (and a tad astounded) to announce that Médicis Daughter made Barnes & Noble Read’s “December’s Top Picks in Fiction” list!  Seeing myself listed in the company of household names like Dean Koontz … Continue reading Medicis Daughter a Barnes & Noble December Top Fiction Pick

“Thank you to Sophie Perinot for introducing me to a whole new section of historical fiction to now become obsessed with (move over Tudors)!” Thank YOU Colleen at A Literary … Continue reading Much to Be Thankful For!!!

Brilliant. This is what I call a “WOW” book. What better way to celebrate the madness of “one week to publication” than with a WOW review?!    Book Lovers’ Paradise … Continue reading One Week to Go!!!

I am extremely pleased to be guest blogging at Literary Vacation with Colleen Turner today. Given that the title of her blog is “Literary Vacation” I couldn’t resist taking the … Continue reading The Royals Take a “Vacation”

This week it was a review-a-day for Médicis Daughter, and all of them good! Peeking Between the Pages highly recommended the novel, declaring: Well researched and rich in historical detail … Continue reading The Reviews Debut . . .

Fans matter. I know I’ve said this before, but I am saying it again. First and foremost you bring the characters to life.  True, I write them, but if characters … Continue reading Fans Matter

Light is a frequent literary device. It can be an emblem of hope, a way to see what has been hidden, even a method of symbolically driving back demons.  This … Continue reading Marguerite de Valois: Shinning a Light on a Much Maligned French Princess

In the last few days, as I gear up for all the pre-release madness for Médicis Daughter, some wonderful images representing the book have been created.  Wanted to share them … Continue reading A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words . . .

Yesterday was Marguerite de Valois’ birthday. Born in 1553 the protagonist of Médicis Daughter, as you will discover in my novel, was much more than history gives her credit for.   … Continue reading A Present for Me on Marguerite’s 462nd Birthday

Voila mes amis! I am very pleased and proud to introduce you to the visually stunning cover for my next novel, Médicis Daughter: A Novel of Marguerite de Valois.  Yes, that … Continue reading Médicis Daughter Cover Reveal

It suddenly dawned on me, dear followers, that I have been negligent–I never  announced the release date of my next novel here at the blog. Médicis Daughter: A Novel of … Continue reading Médicis Daughter: an official announcement and an illustrated sneak-peek

As part of the celebration marking the release of “A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii” blogger Erin Sweet-Al Mehairi is running a 6 part interview series asking each … Continue reading I am in the Hot Seat

At long last, this riveting story about the final days of Pompeii is available in e-book and print! “This truly is the finest book I have read this year, an … Continue reading New Release– “A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii”

Win a necklace fit for a Roman patrician.  This beautiful 18″ necklace and earring set was inspired by jewelry from the ancient world.  Handcrafted of real carnelian, the most popular … Continue reading Win a Necklace Fit for a Pompeii Patrician

With one week and one day left before the launch of our collaborative novel-in-six-parts, “A Day of Fire” begins its blog tour.  First up, A Maiden’s Court.  Check out Heather’s … Continue reading On Tour — A Day of Fire

Last week I offered a peek between the covers of the upcoming “A Day of Fire” and challenged readers to match the stories therein with the authors contributing to the … Continue reading Illustrated Table of Contents

Today we are precisely FOUR WEEKS away from the Launch of “A Day of Fire,” the high-concept novel-in-six-parts that I’ve written with Ben Kane, Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Eliza Knight … Continue reading A Day in Pompeii

I am getting all FIRED UP! The “A Day of Fire” cover is here, and my co-authors and I hope you’ll agree that it is hot, hot, HOT! A Day … Continue reading Cover Reveal: A Day of Fire

I am very pleased to share this exciting news about “what’s next” in my writing career: SMP Nabs Perinot’s Next Historical Sophie Perinot sold world English rights to her historical novel Medicis … Continue reading A New Novel, A New Publisher

A number of you have been asking me “what’s next, Sophie?”  With great pride and pleasure I announce that THIS is next: A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii  … Continue reading Mark your Calendars for A Day of Fire

My good friend and “goddess of historical fiction” Kate Quinn tagged me in this cyclical blog tour (make sure you pop over to Kate’s blog and see her answers then … Continue reading My Writing Process

On January 30th, from 12pm EST to 10pm EST, an impressive roster of historical fiction authors and bloggers are hosting a Facebook party in honor of historical fiction, the 2,023rd … Continue reading Party Time!

I’ve been so excited for publication of Kate Quinn’s “The Lion and the Rose,” which tells the story of the infamous Borgia family like you’ve never heard it before!  And … Continue reading Kate Quinn’s Second Borgia Book Is In Stores!

My dear friend Stephanie Dray has a new book out today–the third and last in her brilliant trilogy all based on the true story of Cleopatra’s daughter.  I’ve read the first … Continue reading Daughters of The Nile by Stephanie Dray is Out Today!

It is my very great pleasure today to welcome friend and fellow historical fiction writer Susan Spann to the blog. Susan’s debut historical mystery Claws of the Cat released in … Continue reading Interview with Susan Spann, Author of “Claws of the Cat”

But not forever!  For a short time the Kindle version of The Sister Queens is bargain priced at $3.99. Now is the time to add the novel to your e-book … Continue reading The Sister Queens is an Amazon Kindle Deal

In less than a month I will be off to the 5th North American Historical Novel Society Conference in St. Petersburg Florida, where I will be sitting on two panels—“Location, … Continue reading Historical Novel Society Conference Teaser—Meet HNS Panelist Nancy Bilyeau

March 6th is a good day for debuts.  One hundred and sixty years ago today (March 6, 1853)   La Traviata premiered at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.  … Continue reading What La Traviata and The Sister Queens Have in Common

I  might rather be Eleanor with her faithful Henry, but when it comes to the sort of on-fire, head-over-heels love usually associated with Valentines Day, Marguerite and Jean carry the … Continue reading Happy Valentines Day Marguerite and Jean

The Sister Queens just made its TENTH “best of  2012” list thanks to Kayla at the Historical Fiction Examiner.  Make sure to check out Kayla’s entire Top 10— lots of … Continue reading And Then There Were Ten. . .

While I was baking up a storm and wrapping gifts for friends and family I received a couple of very special year-end presents.  The Sister Queens made several  “best of” … Continue reading The Sister Queens Makes More “Best Of” Lists

Nine days until Christmas, have you finished shopping?  Well, never mind that. Have you entered all these SUPER holiday book giveaways?  There is no time to waste, many of these … Continue reading A “Wrap Up” of Places you Can Win Books (Including Mine) This Season

I am very pleased to announce that The Sister Queens is a TOP PICKS of 2012 for historical fiction at Let Them Read Books (and in the august company of … Continue reading The Sister Queens on a 2012 Top Picks List!

As I mentioned in my last post, the marvelous Genevieve Graham is running a “Books for Christmas” promotion all month to introduce you to ten author’s whose books would make … Continue reading A Sneak Peek Into THE SISTER QUEENS and a Chance to Have It for a Stocking Stuffer

Here’s an event that incorporates three of my favorite words – “free,” “books,” and “Christmas.”  Author Genevieve Graham (Under the Same Sky & Sound of the Heart) has put together … Continue reading FREE Books for Christmas!!!

Books are what I AM dreaming of for Christmas! Shown here from left to right: The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau on Kindle, Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn, … Continue reading Just a thought . . . books make GREAT stocking stuffers!

Saw this article today and thought many here might enjoy it.  Researchers in western England  have found the body of a 13th century knight who killed by a single sword … Continue reading A Murder Mystery from the Era of The Sister Queens

Today I am finishing up my very enjoyable “Lucky-7” anniversary blog tour with an interview at Enchanted by Josephine where I answer questions about my writing process and what I … Continue reading An Interview at Enchanted by Josephine

As my anniversary blog-tour continues I’ve dropped in at A Chick Who Reads to talk about a scratchy but fascinating subject—the hair-shirt and its place in medieval regimes of self-mortification. … Continue reading Three Ways to Win WITHOUT Wearing a Hairshirt

Stars and flowers—what better way to start The Sister Queens 7-month anniversary blog tour? The first two reviews are in and they are five stars and four flowers. A sparkly … Continue reading Anniversary Tour Off to a Sparkling Start

As many of you know I was a presenting author at the recent Baltimore Book Festival. This gave me a chance to participate in a number of compelling author panels, … Continue reading Couldn’t Make It to the Baltimore Book Festival—Never Fear, Post Festival Blogging Is Here

Can you believe it? I sure can’t. This week marks SEVEN months since The Sister Queens was published. To celebrate I am treating myself to a little exotic travel—virtual travel … Continue reading Lucky 7—Seven Months Since Launch That Is

Two more days. That’s ALL! On Friday the Baltimore Book Festival begins and I will be there—meeting and greeting readers in the Maryland Romance Writer’s tent at NOON on Friday … Continue reading Countdown to Baltimore

It is my very great pleasure to welcome fellow NAL author Erika Robuck to the blog today for the second in my “Get to Know the Authors I Know” series.  … Continue reading Interview with Erika Robuck Author of “Hemmingway’s Girl”

I’ve been tagged by the talented historical thriller writer Nancy Bilyeau (author of The Crown) in a blog game called The Next Big Thing. The game involves authors answering questions … Continue reading Tagged: The Next Big Thing – Find Out What I am Working on Now

It is my very great pleasure today to welcome friend and fellow historical fiction writer Nancy Bilyeau to the blog. Nancy’s riveting historical thriller The Crown released in paperback earlier … Continue reading Interview with Nancy Bilyeau, Author of The Crown

Today I am lucky enough to be the guest blogger over at the terrific What Women Write. I am talking about the measure of a man—or at least “H”istory’s measure—and … Continue reading I am a Guest at What Women Write (and I Choose to Write About Men—Go Figure)

No, seriously. Watch it. This Friday I will inaugurate a series of interviews called “Get to Know the Writers I Know” with a guest appearance by Nancy Bilyeau, author of … Continue reading Watch This Space

Today is a very special anniversary.  The Sister Queens released six months ago. The process of becoming a published author has its ups and downs.  So too the post book … Continue reading Thank YOU

I am pleased to announce that I will be a presenting author at this year’s Baltimore Book Festival.  If you love books and live within driving distance of Charm City … Continue reading Meet Me at The Baltimore Book Festival!

Fall is in the air. Cool weather is around the corner and you know what that means—curling up in comfy chair with a good book.  If you’re like me “good book” … Continue reading Happy to Be Part of the Historical Fiction Hop!

Yes, it has come to this.  I am so exhausted from all this “summer vacation” that the lyrics from Porgy and Bess make me ornery.  I could have told you … Continue reading Summer Time and the Livin is Easy? NOT

On the fence about The Sister Queens?  Looking for a little persuasion—a reason to add it to your “To Be Read” pile?  Well, I am about to give you fifteen. … Continue reading Forget Fifty Shades of a Certain Dark Color—How About Fifteen Reasons to Read The Sister Queens

I’ve been thinking about the power of clothing. I do this a lot because I am both a) rather strangely obsessed with historical clothing and b) profoundly dissatisfied with how … Continue reading Clothing Makes the Man (or Woman) – A Plea for a Return to A More Civilized Dress Code

Can a book have a Quinceanera? The Sister Queens has now been on sale for 15-weeks.  I almost forgot because I am hard at work on a new, 16th century, … Continue reading Celebrating 15 Weeks on Sale with Another Excellent Review

Oh look . . . a fourteenth thing to be grateful for before the week is out!  In celebration of BookExpo America, a number of book bloggers who couldn’t make … Continue reading The Sister Queens Makes Two “Best of 2012” Lists!

For the superstitious, thirteen is hardly an auspicious number.  And, as those of you who’ve read my blog post at Book Pregnant know, a novel more than three months past … Continue reading Lucky Thirteen – Thirteen Things I am Grateful for on the Thirteen-Week Anniversary of The Sister Queen’s Release

Just in time for the 12-week anniversary of the novel’s debut, The Sister Queens has crossed the three-dozen-review mark.  And just look what the kind folks at Fresh Fiction are … Continue reading Fresh Fiction Gives The Sister Queens a Fantastic Review

She ruled the British Empirefor more than fifty years and was half of one of the greatest royal love stories.  Queen Victoria is a natural figure of interest for lovers … Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Diaries Available On-Line for History Lovers Everywhere

The Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers (RHFL) Book Club is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary, and the on-line bash just got underway!  If, like me, you are a fan of historical fiction … Continue reading Chat LIve With Me As Part of the Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers Anniversary Bash!

I am very pleased to add another super review to The Sister Queens’ collection!  With over thirty positive reviews now in, I am grateful for and humbled by this embarrassment … Continue reading The Onyx Book Chateau Gives The Sister Queens 4 1/2 Stars!

Today I am inaugurating a new type of  post, Historical Resources I Love, giving me an opportunity to share some of the many volumes I keep close at hand while … Continue reading An Armchair Guide to Fashions of Medieval France and England

I have to admit, I would rather have been there in person.  After all, those present in the Metro-Atlanta area living room belonging to my hostess had wine and dessert. … Continue reading Another First – My Maiden Voyage Into Virtual Author Visits

Mother’s Day is a “brunch holiday.”  I detest brunch.  There is something so very non-committal about it.  Besides, all the best food (not to mention the alcohol to go with … Continue reading Why I Want Books For Mother’s Day

Everybody knows there is no better way to celebrate success than with friends!  Today I am celebrating the 8-week anniversary of the release of The Sister Queens (hooray).  But I … Continue reading Celebrating with Friends

Put on your party hats!  There is something to celebrate!  The Sister Queens just received an extremely laudatory and exquisitely written review at Let Them Read Books.  Lines like these had … Continue reading Celebrating a 5-Star Review from Let Them Read Books

I can’t believe it – today marks the 7-week anniversary since launch day for The Sister Queens.  Never have weeks rolled by so quickly! Much of the time I’ll admit … Continue reading The Seventh Inning and No Time to Stretch

I don’t play fantasy sports (real sports either for the record), but as a reader and writer I participate in something similar—fantasy casting. I bet you do too. Certain novels … Continue reading Fantasy Casting—Sport of Arm Chair Readers and Writers Alike

I’ve been tagged by author, Erika Robuck, whose novel Hemingway’s Girl will be out this September  with NAL (same imprint as The Sister Queens).   To play the game, she instructed … Continue reading A Little Author Frivolity – Tag & Book Teasers

Today’s review of THE SISTER QUEENS comes from a fellow historical writer, Julianne Douglas of  Writing the Renaissance. My favorite quote: Congratulations to the author for finding a little-explored moment … Continue reading The Sister Queens Spend a Day in the Renaissance

You’ve read my blog.  You’ve read my book.  Now I’d love to meet you. On April 21st I’ll be joining the fabulous and talented Kate Quinn (Mistress of Rome, Daughters … Continue reading My First Author Appearance! And in VERY Impressive Company!

By my count this lovely review of The Sister Queens from Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi marks the TWENTY-FIFTH on-line review received by the novel.  Twenty-five is a … Continue reading Celebrating THE SISTER QUEENS Twenty-Fifth On-Line Review

The Sister Queens started their week at The Maiden’s Court where Heather enthused: The pages of this read absolutely flew by at a pace much faster than my recent reads … Continue reading To Read or Not to Read? For These Reviewers the Answer Seems to be an Emphatic “Read It”

Happy 4-Week Birthday to my beloved book-baby.  Since you are an inanimate object, Mommy gets the cupcake (chocolate please) 😉

What would the weekend be without a bit of crusade humor?  In The Sister Queens, Marguerite accompanies her husband Louis IX of France on the first of his crusading expeditions … Continue reading The Crusades: A Laughing Matter?!

It has been a good week for The Sister Queens in the blogosphere – a very good week.  Just since Tuesday the novel has received FIVE reviews, all of them … Continue reading Weekly Review Round-Up

I am celebrating the three-week anniversary of  my novel’s release with the help of Michelle at The True Book Addict.  Michelle is hosting a birthday giveaway.  A 500 page book … Continue reading Happy Three-Week Birthday to The Sister Queens!

Today I am chatting with the marvelous Erin at Oh for the Hook of a Book.  She had some very unique questions for me, including whether the Christian undertones in … Continue reading I am “Hooked” for an Interview and Reviewed by Erin at Oh for the Hook of a Book

My map of the USA is filling up (and so is my collage) as kind friends and readers snap and send pictures of The Sister Queens from various locations around the … Continue reading Calling All New England Sister Queens Spotters

I won’t keep you in suspense; quotes from these authors embody guiding principals of my life.  I share them (along with several other favorite quotes)  in an interview at Layered Pages today.  I … Continue reading What Do Jane Austen and Robert Munsch Have in Common?

Birds do it, bees do it, and our ancestors most definitely did it, but should sex be included in the pages of historical novels?  Today at Peeking Between the Pages … Continue reading Sex and the Historical Novelist

The Sister Queens received another lovely review, this time from Kathleen at A CelticLady’s Reviews: Sophie Perinot tells a very compelling story of two very diverse but strong women. In … Continue reading Another Lovely Review for The Sister Queens

Can I just say I love the name of this blog – Peeking Between the Pages.  Perhaps that’s because when I open a book I feel as if I am … Continue reading The Verdict from “Peeking Between the Pages”

Another double-dip day for me in blog-land my friends.  First, I discuss how The Sister Queen’s focus on how sisters shape each other makes it very personal in an interview … Continue reading A Cozy Chat with a Celtic Lady and a Little Luxury

What better way to celebrate the one-week anniversary of The Sister Queens launch than with a trio of marvelous reviews for the novel! The first review comes from Jessie at … Continue reading A Happy One-Week Anniversary for The Sister Queens

Today I am guest blogging at The Book Vault.  My gracious host, Dominique, asked me to consider which era I’d like to visit if I could travel back in time, … Continue reading A Reluctant Time Traveler

Things get a little zany in my interview at Unabridged Chick today. Did you know, for example, that I was the first (and possibly remain the only) writer to attempt to … Continue reading Banana-Fiction (My First Love)

The Sister Queens just received five apples from Debbie’s Book Bag!  I am thrilled and feeling a bit of the teacher’s pet at the moment.  Here are some highlights from … Continue reading 5 out of 5 Apples for The Sister Queens!

Today I am visiting fellow historical fiction writer Susan Spann’s blog.  Turns out Susan and I have more than a passion for history in common—we share a disdain for socks.  Stop … Continue reading Bet You Didn’t Know I was a Fair Queen

One day after release of The Sister Queens I am offering absolution to those who don’t find it their cup of tea.   Come on over to A Bookish Affair and … Continue reading What If You Don’t Like It?

It is launch day at last!  I am off to celebrate at a luncheon including two of my favorite historical authors—Kate Quinn and Stephanie Dray.  But don’t hate me. The … Continue reading It’s Launch Day Mes Amis!!!!

Today Holly at Bippity Boppity Book shares her thoughts on The Sister Queens in a marvelous and very favorable review.  Holly says: In Marguerite and Eleanor Sophie Perinot manages to … Continue reading Fairytale Pre-Release Day — Bippity Boppity Book and a Visit to Tanzanite’s Castle

Generally I take a blogging break on weekends, but I just had to make an exception for a visit with Lisa Yarde at Unusual Historicals.  Lisa and I met several … Continue reading Never on a Sunday – Well, Hardly Ever

Can you all see me blushing at my keyboard?  Well I am.  The Sister Queens received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from The Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner today.  Here’s a sample: The … Continue reading The Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner calls The Sister Queens “an exciting and fabulous debut”

Today my blog tour makes a stop at A Bookish Affair (motto “sometimes reading a good book can be like a great love affair”) where I am pleased to say … Continue reading The Sister Queens Virtual Tour Pulls Into A Bookish Affair

Today my blog travels take me to Just One More Paragraph where I confess (oh heresy) that too much description in a historical novel (even of very lovely gowns) causes … Continue reading Confessions of a Closet “Description Minimalist

Today is my birthday and I can’t think of a better way to spend it than with Amy Bruno at her marvelous blog Passages to the Past.  In the first … Continue reading A Birthday Interview with Yours Truly at Passages to the Past

I end this penultimate week before my launch with a pair of reviews in blog-land.  The first at Dolce-Dolce and the second at Writer Writer Pants on Fire.  It is, … Continue reading A Book Only a Mother Could Love? Apparently Not!

When I became active on social media and started blogging I promised myself I was never going to use those tools to say “buy my book.”  I made this vow … Continue reading Tell a Friend (or a Non-Friend)

Two weeks until The Sister Queens’ publication date!!! Today I officially dip my toe into the blogosphere in support of the launch of my debut.  Over the next weeks it … Continue reading The Shit Hits The Fan – What a Way to Start a Blog Tour

You know you LOVE historical fiction. And I know it too, or chances are you wouldn’t be hanging out at my website. If you live in the metro Washington DC … Continue reading An Open Invitation to Join the Historical Novel Society Chesapeake Bay Chapter for a Launch Day Lunch

I prefer the Athenian lifestyle . . . too bad about the no-votes-for-women thing.

Happy Valentines Day to all my amazing followers!  

A sister is a gift.  Whether she is the mirror allowing us to see ourselves clearly when we’ve imagined we are somebody we are not, or whether she is a … Continue reading Gifts My Sister Gave Me – Part II: The Giveaway

Whatever our personal relationship with our sisters one thing cannot be denied – they have shaped who we are.  They have given us a personality trait, an ambition, a talent, … Continue reading Gifts My Sister Gave Me – Part I

I am very pleased that The Sister Queens  is one of fifteen books featured by Sarah Johnson in a “visual preview” of historical fiction releases piquing her interest this spring.  Sarah recently … Continue reading The Sister Queens Featured in “A Visual Preview of the Spring Season”

January 31, 1246 – On this day (and as a result of the earlier secret conclave at Cluny) Beatrice, Countess of Provence, marries Charles d’Anjou, brother of Louis IX at … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #18: Marguerite and Eleanor’s Youngest Sister — Beatrice, Countess of Provence — Marries Into the French Royal Family

In the High Middle Ages the Occitan speaking world – of which Provence was a part – brought Europe a group of poet composers called troubadours. These musicians and their … Continue reading Women’s Work — Trobairitz, the First Female Composers of Western Secular Music

January 1255 – Eleanor and Henry return to England after spending Christmas at the French Royal Court (on route home from Gascony).  Louis IX makes Henri III a present – … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #17: Henry and Eleanor Return to England After Spending the Holidays with the French Royal Court

January 14, 1236 – Eleanor of Provence and Henry III of England marry.  This is THE MOST significant single event of Eleanor’s life.  Eleanor’s bridal train arrives in Canterbury before … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #16: Eleanor of Provence and Henry III Are Married

Another image to share. This one still and far older than the video I posted yesterday. Here for your enjoyment is A drawing of London by the chronicler Matthew Paris … Continue reading A Glimpse of 13th Century London Through Matthew Paris’s Eyes

I have a marvelous video to share to start the week. In my eyes it is more magical than many big-budget Hollywood special effects films. The words of the final … Continue reading Books ARE Magic. Believe!

Do you know a writer with a book coming out via a traditional publisher?  Even if you are a writer yourself there is something you many not know if you … Continue reading Not All Sales Are Created Equal – What Your Writer Friends Wish You Knew But Are Too Polite to Tell You

January 1234 – The papal dispensation necessary for Marguerite of Provence to marry Louis IX ofFrance(they were cousins) is granted.

In honor of the arrival of 2012 I am taking a look back at my very first year of blogging—2011.  Here are the five blog posts—some written for “From the … Continue reading My Year In Blogging — A Personal Top 5

Writers are always looking for ways to get under their characters’ skins.  Only fully realized characters have the ability to make books come to life and please readers.  That means … Continue reading I am Game – Using My Son’s Christmas Gift to Get to Know My Characters Better

December 1251 – Eleanor and Henry’s oldest daughter, Margaret, marries Alexander III of Scotland at York.  The bride is eleven years old and totally beloved of her parents.  Few state … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #14: Princess Margaret Marries Alexander III of Scotland

Last holiday season Santa outdid himself—I got my debut book deal for Christmas. The past year has been full of wonderful experiences, from working with my very astute and caring … Continue reading The Best Gift an Author Could Ask for — Marvelous Endorsements for The Sister Queens

December 1245 – A secret conclave at Cluny (attended by Pope Innocent IV and the French royals) arranges to bring Beatrice of Provence into the Capetian family.  Beatrice, who had … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #13: Conclave at Cluny Serves French Interests, Betrays English Interests

Real Tudor laws leave a gentleman in nothing but his skivvies. Elizabeth may not see the humor in this, but I CERTAINLY do.

December 1240 – Eleanor’s uncle and most important political advisor, Peter of Savoy, arrives in England where Henry immediately both knights and fetes him.  Peter, known for his valor, was … Continue reading On This Day in Her Story #12: Peter of Savoy, Master Politician

For all the “last minute” types out there, it’s down to the wire for the goodreads giveaway of The Sister Queens.  So what are you waiting for?  This is your … Continue reading Still a Few Hours Left to Enter to Win THE SISTER QUEENS

Once upon a time I was young.  No, honestly.  Then as now I was a history nerd—big time.  In fact (trivia alert), I was the first member of my graduating … Continue reading How Belva Lockwood Got Me Thinking About Overlooked Women in History

November 27th1252:  Louis IX of France’s beloved mother, Blanche of Castile, dies.  On her deathbed she “takes the veil” wearing it over her crown.  It will take months for the … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #11: Marguerite’s Mother-In-Law, Blanche of Castile, Dies.

November 25th 1254:  An older (and wiser) Eleanor of Provence gives birth to her last child—a daughter Katherine—while acting as regent of England.  Henry is in Gascony.

First a bit of holiday humor Then—for those interested in some of “bumps turned to blessings” this writer is thankful for—a link to my post on that subject over at … Continue reading Thanksgiving Wishes

November 23rd 1535:  Young Eleanor of Provence takes a significant step on the road to becoming Queen of England when she exchanges verba de presenti with Henry of England’s representative, … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #9: Eleanor of Provence Prepares to be Queen of England

Good news for fans (and you can number me among them) of  Hilary Mantel’s historical novel Wolf Hall.  According to today’s Guardian the BBC and HBO are developing a mini-series … Continue reading Historical Fiction News: Wolf Hall the Mini-Series?

You know what drives me crazy (currently)?  How much of what passes for author interaction at social media sites these days resembles spam. I made the connection while clearing out … Continue reading When Authors Become Spammers They Waste Readers’ Social Media Time (and Their Own)

I am pleased to announce that my wonderful publisher (have I mentioned lately how much I love them?) is making twenty-five (yes! 25) copies of  The Sister Queens available for … Continue reading For The First Time Ever You Can WIN a Copy of The Sister Queens

I am happy to be back at the Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner today as part of Kayla’s “10 Question” series. So, if you’ve ever had a pressing desire to know … Continue reading A Game of “10 Questions” with Kayla at the Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner

It’s NOT just Halloween today, it’s Reformation Day.  In honor of Martin Luther’s actions in 1517 I’d like to share one of my all time favorite historical videos – The … Continue reading Happy Reformation Day — Martin Luther Costume Optional

Instead of something funny this Friday, I offer you something FABULOUS! I don’t know where I was when this piece originally aired on CBS’s 60 Minutes (oh yes, now I … Continue reading A Sneak Peek Inside the Vatican Library

My approach to life is to charge along being myself (in case you haven’t guessed that is outspoken, slightly eccentric, and rather type A).  But sometimes life presents me with … Continue reading What Would My Sister Do?

Lovers of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts rejoice (I am certainly celebrating)! The University of Pennsylvania, with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, has finished digitizing a significant number … Continue reading A Treasure Trove of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts Goes Digital

This short film is a fascinating historical find in two senses. Made in 1932 it is itself a piece of history. And it portrays a range of hairstyles from earlier … Continue reading Historical Hairdos, a 1932 Look at Tresses Past

In October of 1254 Henry III and Eleanor of Provence receive permission from Louis IX of France to travel through his kingdom while making their way back to England from … Continue reading On This Day in Her Story #8: A Reunion of The Sister Queens

I have a certain weakness for cats – well, I don’t consider it a “weakness,” but my husband most definitely does.  Having lost my beloved Siamese nearly a year ago, … Continue reading Funny Feline

Have you ever walked into a bookstore, picked up a historical novel set in renaissance Italy and thought “my goodness WHAT is this headless woman on the cover wearing?  Her … Continue reading They’ve Got Authors Covered – Design Departments Not Writers Create Book Covers

September 29th 1240 –King Henry III of England and his queen, Eleanor of Provence, celebrate the arrival of their second child, a daughter.  This new princess is named Margaret after … Continue reading On This Day in Her Story #7: A Namesake for Marguerite of Provence

In September of 1939 you couldn’t find Steinbeck’s iconic The Grapes of Wrath on public library shelves in Kern County California (it had been banned by the county board of … Continue reading It’s Banned Book Week — Read a Banned Book Because You CAN

And to think, only this weekend my son asked me who invented the zipper. I am quite certain this is not this historically correct answer but it is funny as … Continue reading Period Costumes May Look Lovely. . .But I Like Zippers Myself

“Stone was all my old dad ever needed. . .” Don’t we all feel like this sometimes?  I mean when my laptop was last in the shop for a couple … Continue reading The Bronze Age – Yes, Resistance to New Technology Goes Way Back 🙂

First a confession . . .I got the idea for this post while watching a movie—a movie I’ve seen before that always makes me cry.  As I swallowed hard, trying … Continue reading When Bad Things Happen to Good People, In Books

Mid September 1248 – The French crusaders land in the Kingdom of Cyprus where they will winter before continuing on to the Holy Land.  King Louis IX; his queen, Marguerite … Continue reading On This Day in Her Story #6: The French Royals In The Kingdom of Cyprus

I was thrilled to receive several full-color galleys for my novel, The Sister Queens, last week.  For those of you not familiar with the term “galleys,” they are uncorrected proofs … Continue reading Exclusive Sneak Preview–Galleys for THE SISTER QUEENS

Forget the Sharks and the Jets, the Roundheads and the Royalists are ready to rumble.  

If cost were no object I would definitely make a book trailer.  It would be just like a big-studio film trailer—atmospheric music, gorgeous settings, first-rate live actors, dramatic editing effects. … Continue reading To Trail or Not to Trail,That Is the Question (a book trailer, yes or no?)

Everybody mispronounces a word or uses a malapropism now and again (well, not again in this scenario).  Lighten up people. Oh, and have a marvelous Labor Day weekend!  

Today I am delighted to be a guest at Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner.  A special thank you to Kayla for inviting me to follow in the virtual footsteps of such … Continue reading Interview at the Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner

Here is a touch of historical humor as we head into the weekend.  Those of us on the east coast in particular could use a little levity as Irene bears … Continue reading Mr. Darcy: Freestyle Disco Champion of All Derbyshire

August 25th 1248 – Almost four years after taking the cross, Louis IX of France sets sail for the Holy Land from a royal port with the inauspicious name of Aigues-Mortes … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #5: Crusade!

The best writings, like the best men, tell the truth.” (Sophie Perinot, The Sister Queens) This past weekend I read this article in the New York Times about the increasingly … Continue reading Fake On-Line Reviews Hurt Readers and Writers Alike

“If I did that there’d be nothing but a bunch of necks working at the DMV” — truer words than that have never been spoke

August 19th 1245 – Marguerite and Eleanor’s father, Raymond Berenger, Count of Provence dies and their sister Beatrice inherits Provence.  Because Raymond dies in the midst of a massive power … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #4: The Death of Raymond Berenger

Today is world humanitarian day.  Please join me in celebrating those who devote their energies and their lives to people most of the world prefers to forget. 

What we “know” for certain in history often changes.  New studies, new information, new scholarship can challenge and change accepted facts, and undercut theories that have stood for decades or … Continue reading Black Rats, the Black Death, and the Changeability of History

They don’t make men like they used to – heck they don’t even dress em like they used to.  Sigh.  Here’s a video worth salivating over, gentlemen dressed to impress.  … Continue reading For All the Other Ladies Out There Who Hate “Casual Friday”

Tomorrow would have been Georgette Heyer’s 109th Birthday.  Ms. Heyer’s books introduced many readers to regency romances and she is considered by many to be the Queen of that genre.  … Continue reading Celebrating Georgette Heyer’s Natal Day with Deals on Her Books for Fans

As some of you know, I contribute monthly to a very informative writers’ blog called From the Write Angle.  Today is my day to post there, and I am blogging … Continue reading Write Angle Day: Don’t Want to be a One Book Wonder

Barnes and Noble is the latest addition to a growing list of vendors accepting pre-orders for The Sister Queens.  So, those of you who are B&N members and have been … Continue reading The Sister Queens at Barnes and Noble (dot) com

August 9th 1239 – Eleanor of Provence’s Ceremony of Purification after the birth of the Lord Edward features more than 500 tapers lit before the Shrine of St. Edward the … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #3

This post inaugurates a new series—Literary Sisters—giving me a chance to reflect (rather randomly) upon some of the great sister pairings from literary classics.  And what better way to start … Continue reading Literary Sisters, Installment One: Why CAN’T Sisters Be Friends (or, must every sister relationship be dysfunctional?)

Check out this marvelously comprehensive list of new historical fiction coming out during the rest of 2011 and start of 2012!  Guess whose debut novel is listed in March 2012 (hint, … Continue reading Historical Fiction Coming Attractions

Today I am the subject of an interview over at Dawn G. Sparrow’s Write Away.  Dawn is a friend from AQConnect and in addition to the usual “author questions,” she … Continue reading Ever Wondered About My Tattoos?

August 1240 – Henry III of England orders two halls at Westminster filled with the poor then feeds them at his expense, as offering for Eleanor’s safety in her approaching confinement.  … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story #2

My dear friend historical romance author Miranda Neville wrote an interesting piece at The Ballroom blog.  The gist of Miranda’s post is that writers have an incredible collection of historical … Continue reading Location, Location, Location — Thoughts on the Use of Genuine Locations in Historical Fiction

As those of you who follow me on twitter know, I learned a lot at 4th North American Historical Novel Society Conference in San Diego last month (see—I didn’t just … Continue reading Up Close and Personal (sorry for the coffee breath)

Just in case you live on Guernsey in the English Channel (or for that matter anywhere in the UK as they are the UK’s largest dedicated online bookseller with the … Continue reading The Sister Queens Now Available for Pre-Order at The Book Depository (UK)

There is nothing new about sex.  Birds do it, bees do it, and our ancestors most certainly did it (to butcher Cole Porter’s lyrics inexcusably). What IS relatively new is … Continue reading Give Me A Little Kiss – Sex and the Historical Novelist

So, we are getting my son a puppy.  My son is the shy type and likes constant companionship so a dog seems like a perfect fit.  A boy and his … Continue reading Confessions of an Alpha Female – In Which My Sister Points Out What Should Have Been Obvious

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but invention is the midwife of good historical fiction. Invention and creativity are good things. But in historical fiction we (writers) sometimes lose … Continue reading Invention is the Midwife of Good Historical Fiction

Before I got up the guts to start this solo blog, I cut my blogging teeth by becoming an active member of the writers’ blog, From the Write Angle.  A … Continue reading Introducing From the Write Angle

Today I am inaugurating a new series here at blog-central called “This Day In Her Story.” I will use it to feature historical tidbits that are germane to the stories … Continue reading On This Day In Her Story

I am pleased to announce my debut author interview is now posted at The Write Time.  Fellow writer Dean C. Rich asked excellent questions,  so please drop by if you’re … Continue reading Getting to Know Me

I am a long time member and BIG time fan of AgentQuery Connect.  For those aspiring writers who do not know AQ run don’t walk to the website as it … Continue reading Just DO It!

Although the release of my novel, The Sister Queens, is still months away, I am delighted to say that several historical fiction book bloggers have already featured the book. Amy … Continue reading The Sister Queens’ Adventures in Blog-Land

Some things stick with you. Last fall I heard this piece on NPR  about breakthroughs in sibling research.  It has been with me ever since—rumbling around in my brain. This … Continue reading Why Our Sisters are NOT Ourselves

The discovery that my forthcoming historical novel, The Sister Queens, had appeared on Amazon for pre-order was magic – magic with a little “humbling experience” tacked on for good measure. … Continue reading Not THAT Sophie (Tales from the “Writer’s Life”)

Want to receive your copy of Sophie’s debut as soon as it’s available? You can pre-order “The Sister Queens” now IndieBound, Amazon, or Books a Million.