Regency Romance Novels – blog

i am a new member to your site. I have just finished reading ‘A companion For Life’ I enjoyed it so much! I really liked the fact that Penryth saw Lilly for the beautiful person that she was and not just someone who was overweight. I am looking forward to reading the rest of your novels!

@Cheryl
Hello Cheryl,
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my stories!!!! Hopefully I’ll have something new finished in the not too distant future. Dancing the Maypole actually carries on from The Hired Wife through one of the minor characters who also shows up in An Unlikely Hero. I’m well over half way done, but I have a suspicion I’ll end up finishing first a short story I started last month. I’m working on both, but shorter stories tend to write faster, don’t know why. Anyway…happy reading!!!! And thank you for your lovely comments!!!
Sincerely,
Cari

Dear Sister!

I wanted to tell you that I love all your books! Invisible Husband is one of my favorites! I hope your writting is coming along! I can’t wait to read the next book you finish! I love that your books are clean and it has that tension between the characters. Keep the amazing writing! I love you!

Sarah

Sarah…just a public thankyou for being SO lovely and kind to me when I need it!!!! You are a beautiful heroine!!!!

Hi Cari,
I was reading about disney movies that are coming out in the future, and immediately thought of you when I was reading about Rapunzel. Apparently, they are basing the aesthetic of the movie on the Fragonard painting the swing! I thought of John and Joan too- I wonder if they will look like the characters in the movie?

@Emily Colwell
How funny! I read Repunzel this last week. I was looking up Jack and the Beanstalk. I suspect the Disney version won’t have the prince ravishing the princess and leaving her pregnant with twins…or the prince having his eyes gouged out on thorns as the witch pushes him from the tower…though you never know! Basing the look of the film on Fragonard’s The Swing was a brilliant idea. The people in that painting don’t quite look like John and Joan…it’s his painting The Letter…which is part of a series of six or so paintings about love… The whole series is owned by The Frick museum in New York…if you look them up on line you can see what John and Joan look like!!! It’s the one where she’s sitting on a pedestal holding or reading a letter and he’s standing next to her putting his head against her… I love that painting!!!! Now I can’t wait to see what they do with Rapunzel!!!

I love all your books and have readed them all. I know you have other things to but I really I mean would like some new books from you. Trying to be patience 🙂

@LaToya
Hello La Toya, I’m glad you’ve enjoying my brainchildren. I think I’m close to finishing a story, but I’ll have to wait and see. I’ve thought that before and was so totally wrong. If I could have anything for Christmas I’d want to have finished a story. Check back, I’m really hoping it’ll be soon!!! Thanks for the feedback…it always makes me write faster!!!! 😉

Hi Cari,I was reading about disney movies that are coming out in the future, and immediately thought of you when I was reading about Rapunzel. Apparently, they are basing the aesthetic of the movie on the Fragonard painting the swing! I thought of John and Joan too- I wonder if they will look like the characters in the movie?
+1

@Terri
That new Rapunzel sounds really good…I’ll be first in line to see if the hero and heroine look like John and Joan. Have you checked out The Frick museum online? It’s a museum in New York City. Mr Frick bought a whole roomful of Fragonards…as in the walls and the floor and the furniture (as well as the paintings) and transplanted it from France to New York. One day I will have to go to New York just to stand in that room and see John and Joan…the series of paintings has this blond couple…The Letter is my favorite. You can buy a poster of the room that shows The Letter, though you can’t buy a poster of the painting. Go figure!

I adore your stories – they are so witty and fun! The heros are completely lovely especially that Hervey creature. I love Juliana a great deal as well though. They are my two favorites from all your stories. I cannot tell you how long I have been searching for the kinds of stories you write. Thank you so much!

@Yvonne
You are SO welcome! Thank you for your kind words. My characters LOVE knowing that they’re loved. 🙂

I adore the De Vere brothers. When I finish the two novels that are nearly done (hopefully before the sky falls) Raven De Vere is waiting for me to complete his story which has about six chapters.

Maybe I’ll work on that story today or maybe I should finish that chapter I’ve been working on in Dancing the Maypole for the….last month or two! Either way, I hope to have a new book finished for you soon…and hopefully it’ll make you laugh. 🙂

I have bookmarked your site and I am looking forward to having some time during the holidays to have a really good read! Thank you so much for all the fabulous comments you’ve made on my blogs, I really appreciate it so much!

BTW, the captcha for this comment is Peggotty Snowlty – sounds like a lost Dickens character, doesn’t it?

@Lidian
Thank you for your hilarious blogs! That night I found it I sat up all night laughing. I can’t decide which one I like more Double Take or Kitchen Retro, but I think my favorite post is about that bathroom from the seventies…the one with awning over the bath…and fake oranges dangling over the toilet! Your comments made me laugh till I cried! I’ve been feeling really nostalgic of late so your blog has been feeding that need. Lovely! Just this evening my sister called to tell me she wanted to know what me and my husband wanted for Christmas. After I hung up my Goblin came in the room so I asked him. His eyes went wide as his face lit up with pleasure and he said, “Dixiecups!” It immediately brought to mind your post on that Dixiecup ad with the scary children. My life is Dixiecup ad!

In your response to: “Tracking the tell-tale signs of pure genius:
A leading neuroscientist on the intriguing case studies that are revealing the powerful, adaptive potential of the human brain”

You wrote:

psyche
Today 09:39
“This was really interesting. It makes me wonder as a highly creative/artistic individual who happens to be mathematically challenged (I had three moderately severe head traumas as a child which I think damaged that part of my brain though it could be that I’m just dumb) if I were to see mathematical equations with numbers drawn in different colours, would it make a difference to my ability to solve the problem? I shall go away and do an experiment on my brain (what’s left of it).”

I also am an artist and very creative in many aspects. It wasn’t until I was in college that I heard of “synaesthesia”. All my life I believed everyone associated colors with numbers (and in my case days of the week represent certain colors)I thought this natural until I read an article on the subject. But, just like you, I am only capable of third grade math, yet I have a Masters Degree in Law (so I obviosly am not stupid). I find this fascinating, yet I still have no understanding of any reasonable explanation. I also have difficulty recalling facial features (of even my own children) unless I am looking at their picture, or they are standing before me. The brain, and it’s functioning is such a mystery. Unlike you I have suffered no severe brain trauma, so I don’t think there could be a conclusive cause based on that.

@mary myers
Just knowing there’s someone in the world with a Masters Degree in Law who isn’t good at math…that makes my day (not that I would wish the trauma on anyone)! Third grade math is right! I’ve concocted coping mechanisms, mainly avoidance, to deal with higher mathematics. I felt so dumb when I failed Basic Algebra twice. It was like they were talking in Etruscan. The worst part is when you think you understand and you feel all happy and accomplished only to find…it was another episode of mathematical delusion. I don’t have synaesthesia, but I’m going to try doing some equations in colours just to see what happens. I live in hope.
Thanks for your comment!!!

I am 53 yrs old. I didn’t go to college until my forties (after the kids went). When I was faced with college algebra I spoke to the prof and explained my math difficulties to him…he understood because his son had the same problem. He said he thought he would be able to help me. I sat in the front of the class, hung on his every word. Went to a tutor every day, and never missed a class (funny thing, with the tutor I could grasp the concepts, but later is was like I had never heard them before, I can’t retain the formulas). Failed every frickin test I took. Near the end of the semester I went back to the Prof and told him I was an adult and “daddy” wasn’t paying for this and the only thing between me and a college diploma was his class. He mercifully gave me a D-; passing but not transferable to another college…..it was best he could do…I actually failed math.

I have tried every way I can think of to understand math, but it is impossible. I have been told I have a non-verbal learning disability (this came from a psychiatrist). I have always excelled at other subjects. In the second grade I could spell college level words. That is a sign of this disability…you strive to master other skills to make up for your lack in math and similar types of reasoning. I see from your blog that you are a writer…makes even more sense…you excelled at something as far from math as possible.

Even though I am in my 50’s I haven’t lost hope and I am determined to learn higher math before I die! I am by no means stupid, quite the opposite, I missed passing the MENSA test by just a few points…just a glitch in my brain concerning numbers. I make light of it…I tell people I was twelve before I could tell time because it kept changing (which is actually kind of true).

To make matters worse when I was a child I was told I wasn’t paying attention or trying…oh gawd how I truly was trying…I was labeled lazy…and since I could do so well with other subjects they didn’t understand what my problem could be. Oh how I curse the education system of forty years ago! Over the years I have learned to compensate my lack of math skills, but I love architecture and other fields of study that I wasn’t able to pursue because of the math involved…makes me sad sometimes…feels like a life wasted. Please let me know how your experiment with colors and equations go…may be an interesting concept for the rest of us.

Best of luck to you dear, don’t give up.

@mary myers
I’m so glad that Professor passed you! I know how you feel! I took a Pascal Logic class in College in the hope it would help me understand algebra. The basics concepts were cake. Using them was Greek. (Though how can something be logical if you can use it to prove something untrue as true? That’s not logical to me.) I think the Professor passed me so he wouldn’t have to see me again. I love architecture too though I could never be one. One of my favorite day dreams is working on my ultimate dream house (there are more than one). If I ever have the money, I’ll have it built. You’ll know if I’ve succeeded because it’ll be on the news. “Some crazy woman has built a giant stone chess piece (the queen) in the middle of…(?)…” I’ve always wanted to live in a tower. I don’t actually play chess, I just like the idea of living in a giant chess piece. The crown would be a giant glass cupola. Dreams are free! 🙂

At the end of the day I think for me, my inability to do math has been a blessing more than a curse. It gives my insatiable curiosity a boundary. I suspect that if I had even an average mathematical ability I may have been so lost in the wonder of so many possibilities I would never have been able to focus on anything. Even without that invisible line I sometimes feel like I’m spinning in circles.

Like you, I will endeavor. I’ll let you know how I get one with the colours and numbers!

Hi, just located your site…wondering whether your stories include sex scenes….as so many books do.

Georgette Heyer is my favorite regency writer…

thanks for your reply

@Lynn
Hello Lynn, you’re in luck! I rate my stories PG 13 circa 1985 for occasional adult themes and situations (think Pretty in Pink), but my characters have sex in private usually after the end of the story. I’m very Barbara Cartland like that. Read my free short story Lucky in Love and if you enjoy that, you’ll probably enjoy the rest of my stories.

PS All my stories take place in one Regency world (it’s like I have an alternate universe in my head set in Georgian England) so even though I wouldn’t call them a series they often intertwine. The story I’m hoping to finish soon follows on from The Hired Wife with a number of familiar characters showing up.

I love your books and i was wondering when your next one will be out and how can i get buy your ” The Curse of Love” book for my nook?

@Fatna
Hello Fatna, I’m a few chapters away from a finished book at the moment. I’m just writing at a snail’s pace. I’ve been hitting my head against a brick wall again as well which doesn’t help. I was hoping it would be on line for Christmas, but it looks like it’ll take me into the New Year. The Curse of Love isn’t an e-book yet, but it will be made into one some time this next year. It’s waiting for me to sit down and edit it one more time, but I don’t want to do that until after I get Dancing the Maypole finished. Hopefully sooner than later so I can finish my other book that’s nearly done (Once Upon a Wager)! My brain feels like a big car crash, but hopefully I’ll get it all sorted soon. Thanks for your lovely feedback!

I just finished reading \An Unlikely Hero\ and i loved it! i wanted to know if Peters going to get his own book and if he is when? also whats the newest book that will be coming out and when? thanks so much!

@Zanza
Hello Zanza, thanks for your lovely feedback! Yes Peter is getting his own story. It’s called Dancing the Maypole and it’s nearly done. (The first few chapters are in a blog post. It should be filed under Dancing the Maypole). The book only has a couple chapters to go (this has been my longest book yet). This past year I’ve been working at a snail’s pace, but I’ll have it done soon (or I’ll go crazy). I have another nearly finished book waiting for my full attention (the Earl of Mulgrave is one of the main characters – he’s a rat, but the reader gets to spend time in his head and see the world from his perspective. It’s taken me a year, but I finally figured out how that book ends. Now if I can just finish Peter’s story… Soon soon soon!

Why is Lucien called Lucifer? Has the face of a fallen angel?

@Levita
The boys call him Lucifer because he has a dark side. He’s not evil, but he’s not particularly good either. If their father isn’t around Lucius’s word is law…which they’ve always resented. He on the other hand envy’s their good fortune (particularly Cosmo’s). Lucius has been trying for years to discover some way to blackmail/force Cosmo into handing over one of his inherited properties. Lucius longs to be his own man and envies anyone who has what he desires…so he unwittingly ends up shooting himself in the foot over and over. I’ve briefly met the woman he falls in love with. I can sort of see how his story begins, but I’ve no idea how it resolves. Unfortunately he’ll have to wait at the back of the line. If only I could write faster…but at the moment I seem to be doing the snail-crawl, but at least I’m moving. Moving forward is good!

Hello Cari… How are you? I have been missing you on face… Although I like your posting photos and advising on my email. You look quite relaxed in the last ones sent. Any news regarding Dancing the maypole? I am sure looking forward to reading it… You could give us another 3 or 4 chapters to savor… Love, Renata

@Renata
Hello Renata, I’m feeling better mentally (I feel like I’ve survived a bad storm), but I think I’ve caught the Goblin’s cold. I am making progress though, even if it is slow. It’s tempting to offer up another few chapters of the Maypole, but it should be done soon and then it will be all there and I won’t feel bad for torturing people with only part of the story. I finished chapter 47 today. That makes me feel accomplished! I’m right near the end so if I can get this stupid cold out of my head and keep focused I should have it done soon. It’s been a very odd year so far. I think I’ve been suffering mild depression, but I’m on my way up. I hope life is being kind to you and all yours over there in Brazil!!!

How is the progress coming.

@Levita
Hello Levita,
I finished chapter 49 and then ran into a wall. I know basically what is going to happen, but until I figure out which character tells the story for that chapter I’m dancing in crazy circles. I think I’ve finally figured it out, but I’ve had several emotionally draining weeks. I finally realized I’ve been mildly depressed the last couple years (hence the unnatural snail pace of my writing). It all came out after I woke from this weird dream full of sadness. Just thinking about the dream made me start crying and then I couldn’t stop. It took me several hours to figure out what the dream was about (while still crying); it was all these symbols of things that have been making me really sad. Having admitted to myself the truth (I had no idea I was so good at lying to myself), I think I’m on my way back to normality. I’m feeling more myself anyway so I’m hoping I’ll figure out the story. In the meantime I’ve been editing so I’m working. It’s getting closer to finished even if it doesn’t seem like it. Hopefully the rest of the story will fall into place sooooon and I can send it out into the world.

Can’t wait to see it.

I have a question about the lady chewing up chocolate in introducing Smirke whatever happened to her?

@Levita
Hello Levita,

Good question! Imogene Galahad has been waiting for me to finish her story ‘A Specialist in Unhappiness’ for quite a few years, but I think it’s been a case of the story needing to wait for me to figure some things out. I have been thinking about her (she wouldn’t let me forget her). Her story is one of a rare few that are apparently self-created. One night I was reading an Agatha Christie (not remotely thinking about romances) and Imogene and Valentine exploded into my brain in 3-D having a conversation – it was as if someone had turned on a tv in my brain where a program was on. It was sort of freaky! Something similar happened with Raven de Vere’s story…five in the morning I was trying to get back to sleep (after waking up from a bad dream) and these characters started talking in my brain. Raven’s story is one I really want to sink my fingers into once I’m done with the Maypole. It will probably take me a few more weeks before its ready to go online. Imogene will have her day. She’s a special character with a big unhappiness of her own to solve (and as I have no idea what happens I have to write the story to find out!). Hopefully she won’t have to wait too long for me to finish her story! I doubt she’ll put up with waiting too long. She’s a very strong character.

I have the six books you have written. They are all wonderful. I keep checking, periodically, for new books. I am always sad to find nothing new. Now I know why, you have been ill. Sorry, I’m glad you are better. It has been several years since I have read your books, I’m going to reread them and post reviews. You have a wonderful sense of humor that comes through your stories. I await with anticipation for your next release..
a devoted fan

@Betty Pugh
Hello Betty! Thank you for your lovely comments! I’m nearly done editing my latest book. There’s five chapters to go and then the book will be passed to my Goblin who will do all the technical magic to put it on line. Once I hand over Dancing the Maypole, I’ll get to work on finishing Once Upon a Wager (which is nearly done – it’s just been waiting a year my sole attention). I’m hoping this coming year I’ll learn to keep a better balance in life so I can write faster. I’m eating healthy, exercising almost every day, being kind to myself…so hopefully it will all add up to more finished stories.

Hi! i love your books and so does my mom who usally doesnt like books like this. I just wanted to know if you could let me know when dancing the maypole comes out please.

booklover360(at)gmail(dot)com

@fatna
Hello Fanta, I will happily add you to the list! Hopefully it won’t be long before you hear from me. I’m now waiting on my Goblin to work his magic and get my story on line. He’s been a bit under the weather so he’s going a bit slow, but cross fingers he’ll speed up.

Hello Cari,

Congratulations. Dancing the Maypole is fun to read and so funny. I’ve just finished it. Thanks so much for giving us another chance to visit with the Smirkes. You have made me a happy reader and a very satisfied fan of your work.

@Mae
Hello Mae, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I haven’t finished with the Smirke family. I think there’s several more stories to tell. 🙂

Just wanted to tell you I loved Dancing the Maypole, just finished it. I love all the Smirke men and will be looking forward to how the rest of the stories unfold. Now, on another note; at the top of this page you mentioned we can moan, groan, typos OR ANYTHING ELSE. I didn’t want to mention it because it may sound silly however, I went to see “Into Darkness” (new treckie movie)and lo and behold the Duke of Lyndhurst was masquerading as Khan (the villain). Benedict (I think that’s his name)would make a superb 13th Duke of Lyndhurst. I was bowled over by his performance. Has aristo written all over him. I do wish your books could hit the silver screen, I’d be in line to see them. I can share this with you because I have a feeling you understand this kind of silliness. Victoria

@victoria
Hello Victoria! I’m so glad you enjoyed Dancing the Maypole! I don’t think you’re silly!!! I’m sure the Duke of Lyndhurst has mystical abilities I’ve not yet encountered. He could be masquerading as Khan. I have to admit I’d love to see my stories on the big screen. If I ever have the money (or I found a bottle with a trapped genie) I would LOVE to have them made into animated films…with the old fashioned techniques of drawing all the characters (as opposed to computer graphics). There’s a French company I’d love to employ. If I ever have several hundred millions just gathering dust…after signing a few checks I’ll be very poor, but excited. 🙂

I was planning to see Into Darkness, now I can’t wait to see it. Geoffrey as Star Trek villain…I love it!!!

Dear Cari, I have read all your books available and look forward to what may come soon. I hope you feel better soon Take care of yourself and your goblin. Thank you for all your hard work..

@jlyonsctvea
Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m starting to feel better mentally. It’s been well over six months since I’ve been able to write, but I’m finally hearing my characters start to whisper in my head. It sounds insane, but it’s a really good sign. I hope I’ll be able to finish Once Upon a Wager this year. That would make me very happy! There’s only about three chapters to go (but in my present condition three chapters feels like a marathon). Hopefully I’ll have good news for you in the not too distant future! 🙂 Thank you again for your kind words. They mean a lot to me.

Calling All Janeites!!!
I knew you’d answer,
My name is Jasmine and I’m contacting you because I have written a song about my FAVORITE Pride & Prejudice moment and was thinking I would like to get in touch with My favorite Esty stores, Blogs and Facebook Groups to put together a contest!
I would like to see if REAL Janeite’s can identify what scene in Pride and
Prejudice 1995 Film Version inspired my song Dear Jane.
Each participant will download a FREE copy of my song, and If they answer the question correctly they’ll be entered into a contest. They can say what prize they want to enter of which there will be three.
Contestants can enter multiple times by visiting multiple Blogs and commenting, this will help you gain more readers and all will feature the shops that the prizes are purchased from.
The contest should start October 1st and end October 15th. There will be a drawing on the 16th a Noon where I will select 3 winners and each will receive prizes! The prize are a replica of the Jane Austen ring that was recently sold at auction! A lovely scarf in Elizabeth Bennett blue and a necklace with the quote “My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
In addition each winner will also win one of my albums autographed by me!
If you are interested in participating please contact me at
iamjasminekyle@gmail.com
Here is a free link to the song it’s a FREE download so feel free to help your self!
http://jasminekyle.com.hostbaby.com/janeaustencontest
After we know who will be participating I will send you a zip file containing the images of the prizes and the list of participating Blogs you can add to your post!
Thanks so much for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you!
~Jasmine Kyle

P.S. If you know of any blogs that would like to participate in the contest please let me know! Thank you!

I think the song is based on Darcy and Elizabeth meeting at Pemberley after the failed proposal .

I just listened to your brothers video, and I have to admit, I went into it with a “take pity of Cari’s Brother view”. But I LOVED it….
I wish I had the words to it, my internet was acting up and I couldn’t understand all of it. But you tell him: great song, great voice and I loved his guitar playing…I hope he wins

@Judy Lyons
I’m glad you enjoyed it! You’ve made me laugh. If I thought he needed pity I’d never have told him about the competition! I wish he’d get a record deal so I could listen to his music. He had these other songs on MySpace that I just loved then he took them off. I suppose in the end I’m just being really selfish. Go Jason! Win Win Win…so I can finally get a freaking CD of those songs I love. 😉

Hello Cari, I was out looking for clean regency and historical romance novels, when I ran into your website. Having subscribed, I have enjoyed much of the stories. However, I am seriously concerned at how blatantly priests, bishops and church leaders are often rudely addressed, with incredible disrespect, by your characters. This portrayal of the clergy as ridiculous and undeserving of respect seems consistent in your work. Whether it is John Smirk trying to get a marriage license from a spindly legged, vindictive bishop; or at John Smirk’s actual wedding; where he continuously cut the priest off, or told him to “get on with it”. Cranston didn’t fare any better at his eventual wedding – in “The Curse of Loving”. He barked at, and interrupted the officiating priest often, with equally rude commands. Add to those, the parish priest who fathered Joan Lark; John Smirk’s ward, turned eventual wife; with Lady What’s – her – name.
It makes a reader wonder if the author has a personal problem with the church, clergy or Christianity; as this disturbing pattern seems to play out, again and again through your various books and story lines? For some of us; for whom church is an important part of our lives; we would prefer to enjoy your books, without having to endure such obvious lack of respect for beliefs we hold sacrosanct.

@Eva
Hello Eva,

I appreciate your comments! As a practicing Christian, I had noticed the trend myself a while back. I’m not exactly sure why the characters are so disrespectful, but I suspect it comes out of my studies of the time (I never make the characters say what I think they should say (or do) – they’re free agents who have their own opinions and viewpoints – when they start talking/moving in my head I just take dictation). Many (I suspect most) people who became Church of England clergy during the late Georgian period (in England) thought of being a priest as just a paid job (some parishes better paid than others). There was a LOT of cynicism directed towards the Church of England and the clergy (probably because of it). Many clergymen (as highlighted by Jane Austen) would have been appointed by landowners because they were relatives (second sons or sons of second sons or favored individuals etc) and belief in God wasn’t often felt necessary to do the job). Of course there were good men of faith who became clergy who worked hard to serve and help their parishioners, but they would have been viewed as a atypical and not the norm (even if they were percentage wise fifty-fifty). Living in England, I love visiting Church of England churches (particularly the ones my ancestors used to worship). I’m not C of E, but I’m always respectful. Why my characters have to go shooting up churches and being vile…well Heavenly only knows. I assume they’re all born out of my deepest psyche which I’d love to meet (if only to ask where the Marquis of Morley came from – every time he starts to speak it makes my skin crawl).

Hi Cari!

I am reading Lucky In Love and I must say, I do adore those two characters! Even the minor characters are a delight! I am enjoying the story very much! I spent the better half of the night giggling while reading. Is there a way to purchase hard copies of your books? I’d love to buy every one of them!

Kind regards,
Anna (Zeljana is the real name)