What am I reading?

This year, I made a note of the novels shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Awards and the finalists with the intention of reading them all.  As well as some others I have now read 222 pages out of 390 pages of Just for Christmas by Scarlet Bailey.


Just for Christmas is a fast-paced, contemporary novel quite different to the historical fiction which is usually my first choice. However, it's always interesting to try different genres etc., by authors whose books I have not previously read.


So far I'm enjoying this novel about Alex who moves from Edinburgh to Cornwall when the love of her life decides to marry another girl. She moves into a cottage in which a smelly, scruffy dog, who regards it as his personal property, refuses to allow her to sleep on the only bed.


I'm anticipating and hoping for a happy ever after ending.


My thanks to Scarlet Bailey for an entertaining read which I will review on Amazon and Good Reads.

More Painful Decluttering

My collection of Solander and Historical Novel's Reviews dates back to 2006. Unfortunately, I don't have the space to keep all the books and magazines I've collected, so painful as it is, I am leafing through my copies of Solander and Historical Novel's Reviews and getting red of most of them. I've enjoyed re-reading many of the articles but it really is time to part with them. Deep sigh. Oh for a huge library with bookshelves from floor to ceiling on all four walls.

5 More Novels on My To Be Read List

Five more novels reviewed in Historical Novels Review that I intend to read.



Ruth's Journey by Donald McCaig. "The New York Times best-selling author of Rhett Butler's People now takes Margaret Mitchell's nameless Mammy from her survival as a four-year old orphaned by the slave revolt on Haiti at the beginning of the 19th century to the days following the Twelve Oaks barbecue when Georgia secedes from the Union."



Teardrops in The Moon by Tania Crosse. "The research is impeccable. I learned much about horses in World War 1, the ambulance service and the major battles. ... The book is about how the war affected a particular family."



Road Ends by Mary Lawson. "Megan Cartwright is the glue that holds her family together. At twenty-one, she's never ventured outside the small isolated town of Struan, in northern Ontario, Canada; instead she keeps house for her parents and six brothers. ...Megan knows she can do more though, and leaves her family behind to start her own life across the Big Pond in England."



The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes. "Set just after World War Two this is a fictionalised account of the transport of hundreds of wartime brides from Australia to England."



Before the Fall by Juliet West. "Before the Fall is a debut novel inspired by real events in London during the First Word War.  "... the central love story is enveloped by a superbly drawn East End ripped apart both literally and emotionally by the First World War."

 

5 Books I Shall Read

I enjoy reading historical fiction and non-fiction, so I always study my copy of Historical Novels Review published by The Historical Novel Society, which lists novels published in the United Kingdom, The United States and elsewhere.

Unfortunately I don't have sufficient time or money to read all the books that interest me, so I don't add novels published in the U.S.A to my list because they are unlikely to be available in my part of the world in bookshops or libraries.

The books I have chosen are published in the U.K. I shall list five. It would be interesting to know what other people are reading or plan to read.

1.The Barefoot Queen by Ildefonao Falcones (trans Mara Faye Lethem), "the saga of the Spanish gypsies in 18th century Bourbon Spain, their culture and their persecution."

2.Queen of Bedlam by Laura Purcell. "When George III falls ill, Queen Charlotte, a perfectionist tries very hard to maintain the expected decorum, but her world is quickly falling apart. The man she fell in love with no longer exists and she must face life alone without her king."

3. Fools Gold  by Zana Bell "The cover is beautiful and romantic and as it says 1866 New Zealand is no place for a lady."

4.Ticket to Paradise by Elizabeth Morgan. A novel about Welsh people desperate to preserve their way of life who emigrated to Patagonia..

5.Bittersweet by Colleen McCullough. Her second big Australian saga. I hope I will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed The Thornbirds.

Tomorrow, I shall list another five novels.

Historical Novel Society, Historical Novel Review

Today, I received my copy of the Historical Novel Review which gives details of new deals with publishers, contains articles and reviews of historical fiction and non-fiction published on both sides of the Big Pond.

I put my feet up and opened the 'treasure house of information. I read the magazine from cover to cover and made a list of books which I want to read.

Problem When Decluttering Magazines etc.

In order to de-clutter I have been sorting through magazines, pamphlets and newspapers. Why is it that instead of deciding quickly what to keep and what I will dispose of, I find subject matter that I was not previously interested in fascinating? I end up spending more time reading than getting rid of anything.

Applying research to Monday's Child.

The research for the last few chapters of Monday's Child, the follow on novel from Sunday's Child,is complicated. To to get it straight in my mind I have amalgamated my scribbled notes, photo copies and passages from my reference books. I have headed each part with a date and assigned it to a chapter. This means I will not need to cross reference each fact as I write. So far the method is working well. Phew!

Special Offer - Pre-order - Book Bundle - 5 historical novels in 1

Pre-order.

 

5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.

 

1,313 pages.

 

Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)

 

Full price $29.75

 

Discount $24.76

 

Release Date the 28^th November, 2014

 

Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.

 

False Pretences.

 

Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?

 

Far Beyond Rubies

 

When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.

 

Sunday's Child

 

If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.

 

Tangled Love

 

The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Oragne. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

The Captain and The Countess

 

His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.

 

To view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cassiorbuy The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex

On Monday evening, at Café Cha Cha, in Cassiobury Park, I attended an interesting talk by Paul Rabbits, Head of Parks and Open Spaces for Watford Borough Council and Sarah Kerenza Priestly, Heritage and Arts Manager of Watford Museum.

The subject of the talk was Cassiobury, The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex.

"In 1916 the 7th Earl of Essex, aged only fifty-eight, died after being run down by a taxi. Six years later, his widow and his heir, the 8th Earl, put the house and the park up for sale."

Today, Cassiobury Park, is a 300 hectare site twice the size of Hyde Park. It is much loved by local people.

I have been considering setting a novel in or around Cassiobury House for a long time, so I was delighted by the talk, and am looking forward to reading Peter Rabbits and Sarah Kerenza Priestley's beautifully illustrated book Cassiobury The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex published by Amberley Publishing, www.amberley-books.com.

Monday's Child Final Research

I have a nasty cold so I've been lethargic. However, I completed what I hope is the final research for Monday's Child a traditional Regency novel, which is a follow on story from Sunday's Child. By combining the information in four of my non-fiction books and  photo copies from other  books I am now able to write the next chapter. Phew! Now, where is that box of tissues?

Final research for Monday's Child.

I have a nasty cold so I've been lethargic. However, I completed what I hope is the final research for Monday's Child a traditional Regency novel, which is a follow on story from Sunday's Child. By combining the information in four of my non-fiction books and  photo copies from other  books I am now able to write the next chapter. Phew! Now, where is that box of tissues?

Remembrance Sunday, 1st World War, Peninsular War, Battle of Ligny, Battle of Waterloo.

On the news I viewed the sea of poppies, which commemorate members of the armed forces who gave their lives, around The Tower of London.

While writing Monday's Child, the follow on novel from Sunday's Child, I have read widely about the Napoleonic Wars. I wonder how many people realise that in proportion to the number of people alive at that time more lives were lost then than in the First World War. A very sobering thought. It's also sobering to wonder what would have happened if the Battle of Waterloo had been lost.

My interview with the Romantic Novel Society is on line

My interview with the Romantic Novel Society is on line.

I hope you will enjoy it if you drop by.

The link is: http://romanticnovelistsassociation.blogspot.com

All the best,

Rosemary Morris
www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

On Revising Monday's Child

While revising and editing the first ten chapters of Monday's Child I have cut adverbs, adjectives and unnecessary phrases and sentences. I have also eliminated repetitions.

I am also checking and double checking my research. This morning I re-read the notes and photo copies of pages of the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research Vol XXXI I made at The National Army Museum.

Fingers crossed, the novel reads well and the historical details are correct.

On Reading and Research

I'm looking forward to delving into the to-be-read pile on my bedside table.

There are three magazines. Writing Magazine, Grow Your Own and Woman's Weekly.

There are excellent articles and competitions in Writing Magazine, plus information about magazines and publishers writers can submit to, and readers' new plus much more.

Grow Your Own is informative and usually comes with some packets of sees. This months are purple brussel sprouts and white and red alpine strawberries.

I enjoy reading Woman's Weekly, which I buy it to study the short stories and serials with a view to submitting fiction to the magazine one day.

At the moment I'm half way through Barbara Bradford Taylor Bradford's Heirs of Ravenscar in which begins in 1918. She has based the novel on Edward III his family and other personalities of the era by re-creating them as nineteenth century characters. I'm enjoying the book.

There are another four books in my to be read pile which I picked up from the library, three novels and one non fiction book. The White Russian by Vanora Bennet, Dear Thing by Julie Cohen and The Downstairs Maid by Rosie Clarke, each of which I'm looking forward to reading.

The fourth book is the long awaited Edward II The Unconventional King by Kathryn Warner. I am particularly interested in this because I am revising my novel set in Edward II's reign. I have my own theory about his relationship with his favourites and the question of whether or not he was murdered.

The Captain and The Countess Traditional Historical Romance set in Queen Anne Stuart's Reign 1702-1714

The Captain and The Countess

 

Set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714

By Rosemary Morris

 

Why does heart-rending pain lurk in the back of the wealthy Countess of Sinclair’s eyes? 

 

Captain Howard’s life changes forever from the moment he meets Kate, the intriguing Countess and resolves to banish her pain.

Although the air sizzles when widowed Kate, victim of an abusive marriage meets Edward Howard, a captain in Queen Anne’s navy, she has no intention of ever marrying again.

However, when Kate becomes better acquainted with the Captain she realises he is the only man who understands her grief and can help her to untangle her past

Available from:

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  Amazon Kindle  and all reputable vendors.

 

To view the book trailer, read the first three chapters and some reviews please visit: www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

Voices From the Past

I'm recommending this interesting non-fiction book.

"Voices From The Past: ...Russia--Soviet Union..." by Orest M.
Gladky-- eBook on Amazon: http://www.OlgaGladkyVerroEditor.com

More on Writing Monday's Child

Although I haven't finished writing Monday's Child, the sequel to Sunday's Child, I decided to edit the completed chapters.

My research has turned up some facts which need to be inserted.

Also, although I don't write detailed plot plans, I did have the rough details of the plot in mind. However, I had planned a surprise but, as the book developed I decided the reader would guess what it was. With reluctance, because it is painful to make a substantial change, I had to think of an alternative.

So, before I write the last few chapters I need to make sure that the previous ones flow smoothly.

I hope that after so much hard work the novel will be a page turner and the reviews will be 5*.

Massage

Although I take regular breaks from the computer and laptop I admit to becoming a bit sore and stiff.

The deep tissue massage I had on Thursday, given by a well-qualified masseur, worked wonders, but her advice was to rest on Friday and to drink plenty of water to get rid of toxins. I took her advice, am less sore and stiff and ready to start blogging again.

Historical Research and Dull Weather

The weather was dull today so I made myself comfortable indoors with some historical non-fiction. I'm researching Brussels on the 14th and 15th of June, 1814 and the famous ball held by the Duchess of Richmond. I'm beginning to visualise the scenes, the officers who did not have time to change and joined their regiment still wearing ballroom slippers. And I can almost here the drums, bugles and bagpipes calling the men to arms. I've made notes and know how to begin the next chapter of Monday's Child, the follow on novel from my published novel Sunday's Child, which is on special offer from Amazon Kindle until the 31st of October.

On Writing Monday's Child

Another 6,000 words or less to write and I will finish Monday's Child the follow on novel to my traditional Regency Novel Sunday's Child published by MuseItUp Publishing.

I wrote the first draft of Chapter Twenty-Nine, a crucial chapter, from the heroine's point of view. I revised it, edited it and realised part of it needed to be from the hero's viewpoint. I've finished the chapter and think it works much better.

A little more research and then I can write Chapter Thirty. Phew!

Indian Summer

It is a glorious October day here in S.E. England, so I've taken advantage of the blue sky and sunshine to clean my greenhouse.

The greenhouse had to be moved because the outside of my house is being cladded. Now, I'm replacing the staging and the plants. I've already  moved my patio nectarine tree and my potted herbs inside and I'm ready to sow winter salad and broad beans.

Freezing Cold Birthday Party

Yesterday, to celebrate my 7 year-old grandson's birthday his parents arranged a party at Dunstable Downs, a popular place to fly kites due to the favourable winds. The view of countryside from the top of the downs is spectacular, and The Visitor Centre serves refreshments and various items including books.

However, it was freezing yesterday and I was glad to make forays into the Visitor Centre to get warm. But the children, nine cousins, really enjoyed themselves and watching a flotilla of kites rise and dip was amazing.

Special Offers - Final Week - Rosemary Morris's Historical Novels

Special Offers – Final Week

 

MuseItUp Publishing is celebrating its 4 Year Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31^st October.

 

The Link is.

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top

 

My historical novels are included in the special offers.

 

Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off  £1.90   $3.09

 

Tangled Love. 50% off.  £1.84   $2.99

 

The Captain and The Countess 50% off  £1.90   $3.09

 

Sunday’s Child  80% off  £0.77p   $1.25

 

My novels are set in the early 18^th & 19^th centuries.

 

Visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk to read the first three chapters of each novel and view the book trailers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Healthy Lunch

I'm not on a crash diet but I do want to lose weight and eat healthily.

For lunch I had organic spaghetti with a sauce I made earlier in the year and put in the freezer - 60% tomatoes, a leek, carrots, green pepper, oregano and basil from my organic garden. Desert was vegetarian yoghurt with a desert spoon of organic honey. To wash it all down I drank a glass of water with a desert spoon full of organic cold pressed cider vinegar.

Healthy Breakfast

I don't want to go hungry. I do want to lose weight and eat healthily.

First thing in the morning I squeeze the juice of an unwaxed lemon and add the juice to a glass of hot water. At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to drink it without adding organic honey, but now that I'm used to it I find it refreshing.

For breakfast I have organic porridge made with almond milk to which I add three fruits and a little sugar substitute. Today I added black grapes, strawberries and raspberries. Delicious.

Serious Accident - Innocent Party

My daughter was driving behind a car in front of which another car had broken down and switched on the hazard lights. At the last minute the car ahead of my daughter changed lanes and my daughter's car crashed into it. The car is a write off. She asked the woman why she didn't indicate that she was about to change lanes. The answer. "The sun was in my eyes so I didn't see the hazard lights." It's a cliché but the law is an ass. Because my daughter hit the back of the other car her insurance company told her she is automatically judged to be the guilty party. Needless to say she was in a state of shock but, thank God she was not hurt.

Herb Bed

My house is being cladded which will make it warmer and reduce the heating bills and condensation.
Two long narrow beds underneath the dining room and sitting room windows had to be dug up so I'm planning what to plant. I have decided to plant herbs in one. I shall sow sun flowers, dill and angelica at the back. In the centre I'll plant the marjoram, thyme, etc., which I have been growing in pots and at the front a row of pretty flowers according to season, ones with edible flowers.

What are you reading?

My 5 year-old granddaughter has a boxed collection of Beatrice Potter's books. Yesterday evening she chose The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes for her bedtime story. She was so responsive and enjoyed the tale so much that it was a pleasure reading to her. When I finished she took the book and went through it admiring and commenting on the pictures and repeating some of the phrases.

What are we reading?

My 5 year-old granddaughter has a boxed collection of Beatrice Potter's books. Yesterday evening she chose The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes for her bedtime story. She was so responsive and enjoyed the tale so much that it was a pleasure reading to her. When I finished she took the book and went through it admiring and commenting on the pictures and repeating some of the phrases.

What are we reading?

My 5 year-old granddaughter has a boxed collection of Beatrice Potter's books. Yesterday evening she chose The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes for her bedtime story. She was so responsive and enjoyed the tale so much that it was a pleasure reading to her. When I finished she took the book and went through it admiring and commenting on the pictures and repeating some of the phrases.

What Have We Been Doing This Week?

Apart from writing and 'writerly activities' I caught up with the laundry, tidied the whole house, shopped, cooked and paid bills. Not very interesting. I also dealt with the workmen who put up scaffolding, and removed things from the walls, replaced drainpipes and guttering etc., etc. Definitely not interesting.

I read and reviewed My Heart Still Surrenders by Robbi Perna a fictional life of her Italian great-great-great grandmother a Contessa during the struggled to unify Italy,  and Love in the Afternoon by Penny Vincenzi a collection of short stories.

I supervised two of my grandchildren's swimming lessons, delighted by the progress both of them are making. (I think swimming lessons should be compulsory in schools.) 

I stayed overnight at my daughter's house so I  could give my 5 year-old granddaughter her birthday presents in the morning.

On Saturday night I stayed at one of my d-i-l's house to look after two of her children while she and her older son attended a quiz night at his secondary school. Before I went home we went to lunch at a Chinese vegetarian restaurant where we could eat as much as se wanted to. The food was delicious so it was hard not to over eat.

Today, I'm looking after my daughter's three children. This morning I took her younger son to play in a football match. His team won 4 - 1 and he saved half a dozen goals. His 5 year old sister, dressed in a green and yellow Tinkerbell Dress with pink Fairy wings fastened to it, had a drink and some biscuits in the club house. To occupy her I took her gigantic set of crayons, pencils and felt pens and a Princess Fairy colouring book.  She insisted on me doing some colouring. Deep sigh because I felt a fool sitting there colouring the little mermaid's face purple. She chose the colours, I did the hard work.

I returned to my daughter's house, gave them lunch  and then supervised homework. I've now allowed them to play on their gadgets until three p.m., when I'm sending them out to get some fresh air in the garden. Well, we might as well take advantage of the mild weather. At 4 p.m. the boys must finish their homework and then it will be some time before my daughter comes home, by which time they will probably be in bed.

So, what did you do this week?

Editing, adverbs and cliches.

This morning I edited the revised chapter of my novel Monday's Child, the follow on novel from Sunday's Child set in the Regency. When I write I try not to use certain words too frequently, some of which are 'as', 'that,' 'because', and others. I also try to minimise my use of adverbs. However, I wasn't prepared for how many clichés had slipped into the chapter. I've removed them, read the chapter aloud and am now ready to write the next one.

Planning a Novel

I've nearly finished writing Monday's Child, the sequel to Sunday's Child, set in 1814. I am now planning the next follow on novel, Tuesday's Child, who is full of grace'. I realised the heroine I first character I chose, who appeared in Monday's child lacks inner grace. After much thought I selected the right character to be the heroine, who had a walk on but very important part in Monday's Child. She is not a beauty but moves and acts with grace. Phew! That's sorted.

Book Trailer of The Contess and The Captain Uploaded.

I am delighted because the book trailer of my novel, The Captain and The Countess, set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, has been uploaded onto my website. www.rosemarymorris.co.uk, where you can also read the first three chapters of the novel.

P.S. At the moment there is 50% off the price of The Captain and The Countess from MuseItUp Publishing, www.amazon.co.uk and www.amazon.com.

Interesting interview

I am delighted by my interview at: http://margaretfieland.com/blog1/2014/10/15/rosemary-morris-interview-oct-15/

However I am mortified  because my brain tricked me into writing that Napoleon escaped from Brussels. Of course, he did not. I'm also mortified because I misspelt lives.

Apart from that I hope you will enjoy the interview, I enjoyed answering the questions.

Writing and Rainy Days

I enjoy organic gardening as much as I enjoy writing historical fiction. Unless the weather is really bad I usually manage to do something or other in the garden. However, when it pours with rain and I don't want to dash in and out of the greenhouse, it's good to stay indoors writing or tidying up my office. On other occasions I tidy up the entire house.

Writing and Rainy Days

I enjoy organic gardening as much as I enjoy writing historical fiction. Unless the weather is really bad I usually manage to do something or other in the garden. However, when it pours with rain and I don't want to dash in and out of the greenhouse, it's good to stay indoors writing or tidying up my office. On other occasions I tidy up the entire house.

Kill Your Darlings.

I only have a few more chapters of Monday's Child, a follow on novel from my published traditional Regency Novel Sunday's Child to write, but the most recent one didn't read well. I've had to murder my darling - a twist in the plot that I wanted to use but I had to kill it. This morning, I wrote half of the new version, which reads much better, but it was very hard to relinquish my darling idea. Nevertheless, having made the decision I feel liberated.

Plotting and Rewriting My Novels

I don't plot my novels in detail, but I usually have some important scenes in mind. I only have a few more chapters to write before I finish Monday's Child, a traditional Regency novel, the follow on from my published novel, Sunday's Child. Unfortunately, a scene I really wanted to include when I wrote it doesn't work. Deep, deep sigh, I'll have to rewrite it using different circumstances. I find it very hard to - as the saying goes - kill my darlings.

Special Offer. 80% off Sunday's Child Traditional Regency Novel

 

 

Sunday’s Child by Rosemary Morris

Back Cover

Georgianne Whitley’s beloved father and brothers died in the war against Napoleon Bonaparte. While she is grieving for them, she must deal with her unpredictable mother’s sorrow, and her younger sisters’ situation caused by it.

Georgianne’s problems increase when the arrogant, wealthy but elderly Earl of Pennington, proposes marriage to her for the sole purpose of being provided with an heir. At first she is tempted by his proposal, but something is not quite right about him. She rejects him not suspecting it will lead to unwelcome repercussions.

Once, Georgianne had wanted to marry an army officer. Now, she decides never to marry ‘a military man’ for fear he will be killed on the battlefield. However, Georgianne still dreams of a happy marriage before unexpected violence forces her to relinquish the chance to participate in a London Season sponsored by her aunt

Shocked and in pain, Georgianne goes to the inn where her cousin Sarah’s step-brother, Major Tarrant, is staying, while waiting for the blacksmith to return to the village and shoe his horse. Recently, she has been reacquainted with Tarrant—whom she knew when in the nursery—at the vicarage where Sarah lives with her husband Reverend Stanton.

The war in the Iberian Peninsula is nearly at an end so, after his older brother’s death, Tarrant, who was wounded, returns to England where his father asks him to marry and produce an heir.

To please his father, Tarrant agrees to marry, but due to a personal tragedy he has decided never to father a child.

When Georgianne, arrives at the inn, quixotic Tarrant sympathises with her unhappy situation. Moreover, he is shocked by the unforgivably brutal treatment she has suffered.

Full of admiration for her beauty and courage Tarrant decides to help Georgianne.

 MuseItUp Publishing is celebrating its 4 Year Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31^st October.

The Link is.

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top

 

Sunday’s Child a traditional Regency romance, which has received *5reviews is available with a 50% special offer for £0.77p or $1.29.

 

Visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk to read the first three chapters of each novel and view the book trailers.

 

I would be delighted to receive comments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disruption

Starting on Monday the exterior of my house will be cladded and the scaffolding will go up. The flower beds under the sitting room and dining room windows have been cleared and the climbing hydrangea at the side of the house has been cut down. Hopefully it will regrow. This morning I emptied my 8' x 10' greenhouse. The work will be completed in three weeks. I assume chaos will reign, disturb my writing routine and make it difficult to ready the garden for the winter. However, it will be worthwhile because there will be less condensation indoors and the house will be warmer when the job is completed

Military History - Internet

I have borrowed A Guide to Military History on the Internet by Simon Fowler, a comprehensive Introduction for Genealogists and Military Historians, from the library. Historical Novelists and those interested in history will also find it useful.

"There are thousands of websites devoted to British military history...Do you really want to go through all of them to find the one you want?  I have saved you the trouble of trawling through Google to find the one you want. All you need to do is type the website address (URL into your browser."

So far, although I've only dipped into the guide I am impressed. "The scope of this volume is roughly between the Norman Invasion in 1066 and The Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which saw the beginning of the end of British military activity history.

This is a book for me to add to my own library

Change in the Weather. Robin

Yesterday, it was cool but sunny when my 4yr 11 month granddaughter helped me in the garden. She was delighted by the robin which follows me when I am outside. "He's so cute," she said repeatedly, absolutely fascinated by him.

Today, it's pouring with rain and cold here in S.E.England so I tidied the house, went shopping and then had my hair cut.

 I hope I will be able to do a bit in the garden this week.

Friendly Robin and Change in the Weather

Yesterday, it was cool but sunny when my 4yr 11 month granddaughter helped me in the garden. She was delighted by the robin which follows me when I am outside. "He's so cute," she said repeatedly, absolutely fascinated by him.

Today, it's pouring with rain and cold here in S.E.England so I tidied the house, went shopping and then had my hair cut.

 I hope I will be able to do a bit in the garden this week.

Recipe for creamy, delicious courgette soup.

Those of us who grow courgettes sometimes have a glut and don't know what to do with them.

A friend in another group asked for my creamy, delicious recipe for courgette soup, so I decided to share it.

30ml/2tbs Olive Oil

15g/1/2oz 1tbsbutter

1 medium leek thinly sliced

900g/2lbcourgettes peeled and thinly sliced

5ml/1tsp dried oregano

115g/4oz Dolcelatte cheese,rind removed, diced

300ml/1/2pint/13/4 cups single cream

salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

To garnish

 

Sprigs of fresh oregano (if available)

extra Dolcelatte cheese.

(If you don't have Dolcelatte cheese experiment with another. Yesterday, I used Port Salut.)

 

1 Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan until foaming. Add the leek and cook until it is softened but not brown.

 

2. Add the courgettes and organo with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes stirring frequently.

 

3. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir in the Dolcelatte until it is melted. (I cheated by cooking the soup in the microwave for ten minutes and then adding the cheese.)

 

4. Tip the soup in a blender and blend it until it is smooth.

 

5 Add two-thirds of the cream and stir over a very low heat until hot, but not boiling. Add more stock if the soup is too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

 

6. Serve piping hot with a swirl of cream, fresh oregano and crumbled Dolcelatte cheese.

Special Offer. The Captain and The Countess

The Captain and The Countess by Rosemary Morris

London

1706

 

Why does heart-rending pain lurk in the back of the wealthy Countess of Sinclair’s eyes? 

 

Captain Howard’s life changes forever from the moment he meets Kate, the intriguing Countess and resolves to banish her pain.

 

Although the air sizzles when widowed Kate, victim of an abusive marriage meets Edward Howard, a captain in Queen Anne’s navy, she has no intention of ever marrying again.

 

However, when Kate becomes better acquainted with the Captain she realises he is the only man who understands her grief and can help her to untangle her past.

 

The Captain and The Countess by Rosemary Morris.  50% off  £1.90   $3.09  

 

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top 

 

View the book trailers and read the first three chapters at http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/

 

Organic Gardening

As well as growing herbs, fruit and vegetables I also grow ornamentals, sometimes interspersed with the latter. I'm aiming for an English style cottage garden. Today I planted primulas and pansies in the rose bed to give winter colour, and I re-potted my blueberries in fresh ericaceous compost. Another mild day but the weather is about to change. Nevertheless I hope to get a lot more done before the first frosts.

50 to 80% Off Selected Novels

MuseItUp Publiishing is selecting its 4th Anniversary with 50 - 80% off selected novels.

The Link is.
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top

My historical novels set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714 are included in the specials.

Far Beyond Rubies. 50% off  £1.90  $ 3.09       When Gervaise sees Juliana for the first time, he recognises her, but not from this lifetime…

Tangled Love. 50% off.  £1.84  $2.99     Tangled Love set in England in 1706 during Queen Anne Stuart’s reign, a story of two great estates, duty, betrayal and passionate love.

The Captain and The Countess 50% off  £1.99  $3.09     His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.

To read the first three chapters and view the book trailers visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk. Rosemary will be pleased tor read your comments.

MuseItUp Publishing 4th Anniversary

MuseItUp is celebrating its 4 Year Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31^st October.

The Link is. https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top

My historical novels are included in the specials.

Sunday’s Child. 80%off. £0.77p. $1,25

Tangled Love. 50% off.  £1.84  $2.99

Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off  £1.90  $ 3.09

The Captain and The Countess 50%off  £1.99  $3.09

To view the book covers and read the first three chapters of each novel please visit my website.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

 

 

 

                                             

MuseItUpPublishing Fourth Anniversary

MuseItUp is celebrating its 4 Year Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31^st October.

The Link is. https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top

My historical novels are included in the specials.

Sunday’s Child. 80%off. £0.77p. $1,25

Tangled Love. 50% off.  £1.84  $2.99

Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off  £1.90  $ 3.09

The Captain and The Countess 50%off  £1.99  $3.09

To view the book covers and read the first three chapters of each novel please visit my website.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

 

 

 

                                             

Ladies' Drawers, Snuff Boxes, Regency Wedding Dresses

Great fun researching my novel Monday's Child set in the Regency era. This morning I sat in bed with a pile of research books beside me working on my laptop.

Drawers were ankle length made in various materials and colours without a gusset, pin tucked and edged with lace at the hem. At first drawers were considered indecent. However, Princess Charlotte wore them and did not care if anyone glimpsed them.

Snuff boxes were made in gold, silver and other metals, tortoiseshell, semi-precious stones and various materials.. Some were engraved, others set with precious stones and, for example, mother of pearl. Those in the shape of naked ladies were popular with gentlemen.  These small snuff boxes sometimes had a tiny drawer in which a note or memento could be concealed. Others were miniature music boxes. The Prince Regent and many noblemen collected snuff boxes and displayed them in glass cabinets.

Finally, I chose the design for my heroine's wedding dress - more fun.

Recipe: Quick Sauce:pasta, couscous, soup, stew

My tomato plants have produced abundantly this year so, this morning, I made huge pot of sauce to freeze for various uses.

The sauce is delicious on pasta and sprinkled with grated cheese. Sometimes I add slivered almonds and a few raisins to the sauce and serve it on couscous. And, the sauce makes a base for soup or stews.

Thick slices of the following vegetables.
1 medium leek.
4 medium carrots.
1 large red pepper.
A dozen mushrooms.
and 1 pound tomatoes.

I added a handful of basil leaves, half a handful of marjoram leaves, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a desert spoon of sugar, a teaspoon of salt and pepper and 1 pint of water.

I cooked it in the pressure cooker (but it can be simmered in a saucepan with a tight lid) and when all the vegetables were well cooked I put them in the liquidiser with the liquid.
After tasting it I added a little more salt.

Writing and Gardening.

A friend wrote in her newsletter that Stephen King said novelists should finish a new book in 3 months. Ouch, it's taken me much longer to write each of mine. Anyway, this morning I wrote Chapter 27 of my new novel, Monday's Child (the sequel to Sunday's Child) set in the Regency era, and began the next chapter. Approximately 7,000 words to write before I finish the book, revise and edit it before I submit it. Phew!

I spent the rest of the morning working in the greenhouse and the garden. I picked tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans and radishes, planted out lettuces weeded and tidied up. It's a sunny day, the sky is blue and the bees were busy collecting nectar from the lavender and other flowers.

Now I'm tapping away on the laptop with my feet up. Later on I'll probably pop out in the garden to do a bit more.

Special Offer:Tangled Love:Set in 18th C England

Tangled Love was shortlisted at the Festival of Romance for the best Historical e-book in 2012.

Extract from a 5* Amazon review. "Set during a time of religious turmoil in England, 'Tangled Love' is a worthy historical novel as well as a fast-paced romance. Through its pages the reader learns of the social and divisions of faith during the time of Queen Anne and is shown the very limited destinies available to women at the time. There is also a mystery here concerning possible secret, hidden treasure and a lively sub-plot involving a second romance between two of the subsidiary characters."

Tangled Love is on special offer for £.84 and $2.84 from:

www.amazon.com
www.amazon.co.uk
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore

Can't Take It

4 and 3/4 year old granddaughter cane out of her reception class at primary school, looked at her mother, pressed her hand to the side of her forehead and said: "I can't take this any more."

Daughter thought. Sorry kid you've got ten more years to go.

Mind you granddaughter's excellent teacher said she has settled in very well and made several friends.