Jessie Clever decided to become a writer because the
job of Indiana Jones was already filled. Taking her history degree dangerously,
Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love
them, and the world that tried to defeat them. Learn more about Jessie and her
books at her website.
War and Change: The Turbulence of the Regency Era
I first discovered the
Regency era as most dedicated romance novel enthusiasts do: through the tales
of Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick and Eloisa James. But while my passion for all
things Regency started in the ballroom, it soon moved to the battlefield. I so
enjoyed these stories of romance and intrigue that as a student of history, I
decided to learn more.
This took me both mentally and
physically to the heart of the Regency, and what I discovered was far different
than what romance novels led me to believe. I began to study the Regency in
college, particularly studying the Napoleonic Wars and more. I went to school
in Great Britain where the Napoleonic Wars were a very real part of their
history. It wasn’t something merely talked about in history class. It was a
living, breathing thing, and what I discovered was the Regency was not about
the perfect ball gown. It was about change.
The Regency era was filled
with upheaval. Starting as early as the French Revolution, accepted
understanding about class, social hierarchy and government by aristocracy and
royalty were being questioned. The government feared a revolution much like
what they had witnessed in France and the Colonies. Treason lurked around every
corner, especially with men like Thomas Paine penning pamphlets with titles
such as Rights of Man. More, the idea
of a woman’s role in the home was being re-examined as advancements in technology
created the idea of leisure time. Even the development of the novel was eyed
suspiciously as women began to read them and gain “ideas.”
The Regency era was
volatile. Such social and political upheaval precluded any sense of peace, and
in such an atmosphere, an author finds enticing potential. So many stories can
erupt from such change and development, and they do! Out of this research came the
Spy Series, a Regency romantic suspense series that grapples some of the major
themes that developed in the Regency, including revolution and treason and
changing roles.
I felt betrayed by the
romance novels I had read in my formative years. The ones that told me the
Regency was about debutantes and lemonade. (There was so much lemonade!) And as
an author, I endeavor to set the story straight. To tell stories which reflect
the turmoil of the Regency. The thirst for peace. The struggle to find the new
normal. This is what the Regency era is about, and it is why I invite my
readers to discover more about such a turbulent period of history.
To Save a Viscount
When an assassin threatens England's
spy network, Lady Margaret Folton must find the killer before it's too late.
Hardened from being forced to witness the murder of her British spy parents by
French revolutionists, Margaret approaches this mission like any other, with
steely determination and a resolute focus on the necessary outcome at the cost
of all else.
Commodore John Lynwood, newly returned
from the Mediterranean, finds himself granted the title of viscount in honor of
his service during the war. Plagued with a string of good luck throughout his
life, the title serves as another reminder that Jack has done nothing to earn
the glory and prestige that comes with his position, and he’ll be damned if
he’ll enjoy such an honor.
But when Jack is accidentally granted a
title meant to be used as bait to lure the assassin into the War Office's trap,
Margaret must face the tragedy of her past and decide which is more important:
the assignment or love?
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2 comments:
Thank you for having me today!
Love this post, Jessie! Thanks for sharing.
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