AUTHOR GINA DANNA'S ROMANTIC REGENCY CHRISTMAS

Gina Danna spent hours devouring historical romances, always dreaming of writing one of her own. After years of writing historical academic papers to achieve her undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, and then for museum programs and exhibits, she found time to write her own historical romance and is now a bestselling author of historical romances. Learn more about her and her books at her website.

Christmas, Love & Oops!

 

Christmas – Time for families, get-togethers, friends and lovers – the joy of the season!

 

As an author, to write a yuletide novel, we must start long before the season is even considered. And for a historical love story, one must consider how it was celebrated during that time. Before Queen Victoria set Christmas trees the rage, the time was a religious celebration and without all the commercial hype of today.

 

This story was also a ‘vacation’ for me. My latest series, Hearts Touched by Fire, is a Civil War historical fiction with romance storyline, full of research and research and study with long, involved novels the result. To Catch A Lady is Book 1 of a Regency romance novella series, and while needing research for it, it was also a nice mental break from the horrors of war. It is a story with a happy-ever-after, of love found, lost and recovered. The dream we all have and fun to write!

 

Originally, it was part of an erotic-style Christmas box set that is no longer available. But I realized it is not erotic. There are hot scenes involved, but nothing that truly went with its original title of A Merry Wicked Christmas. So this is a ‘re-launch’ as To Catch A Lady. This novella ties in with two other novellas in the new series of Lords & Ladies & Love – Regency love stories. This one and To Kiss A Lady are Christmas love stories. 

 

So come and meet Phineas and Marina and his pet fox as they discover that their romance during a Yuletide house party is a true gift, despite her being promised to an elder lord. Phineas refusal to allow himself to marry may make him lose his new love. His realization came late and now he’s racing against time. Can he catch her heart before she’s gone for good? To Catch A Lady – can love win?

 

To Catch A Lady

Lords & Ladies & Love, Book 1

 

London, 1815. 

 

Phineas vowed to never marry after his last engagement ended sourly. Hosting a winter party filled with ladies will not sway him. 

 

Lady Marina meets her host and dreams of a future. Snowed in alone with him, sparks fly, ruining her, only to die when he won’t marry her.

 

Phineas finds Marina gone and with her, his heart. With the odds stacked against him, can Phineas turn fate into a never-ending love story?

 

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--CIVIL WAR ROMANCE WITH AUTHOR GINA DANNA

After years of writing historical academic papers, USA Today bestselling author Gina Danna has found the time to write her own historical romance novels. Under the supervision of her dogs, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break spending time with her other lifelong dream, her Arabian horse. With him, her muse can play. Learn more about Gina and her books at her website. 

The Better Angels & The Civil War

The American Civil War – not quite the normal setting for an historical romance. But for a historian and Civil War reenactor/living historian, it has a huge array of possibilities for a book. So the result for me is my series Hearts Touched by Fire. My 4^th book in the series has just been released this summer and I’m thrilled to be able to tell you about it. It is titled, The Better Angels, the phrase pulled from Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address in March, 1861, when he says directly to the seceding South:

“…We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

This book is the story of Francois Fontaine of Louisiana and Ada Lorrance of Pennsylvania. Francois was introduced in book 1, The Wicked North, as Jack’s older brother. Francois is a bit of a scoundrel, and his character definitely needed to be saved so this book is his redemption story.

Ada is a doctor with the Union Army, though she serves as a nurse, because U.S. Army regulations refused any female physicians. In the 19^th century, few universities had medical schools with a slim number allowing women. Any woman doctor of the period was mostly refrained to treating women and children and that attitude applied to the Federal Army, despite their need for help. Wanting to aid the North as best she could, Ada signs on as a nurse, of Dorothea Dix’s nursing corps, and is assigned to help the field hospitals of General Meade in Virginia. There, at times, she finds a way to utilize her medical training in helping the wounded, though that brings many conflicts with the commanding surgeon. Ada is a very strong-minded lady, and her determination to help is her driving factor. 

She is also an abolitionist, hoping the Union wins to free the slaves. But Francois comes from a wealthy plantation in Louisiana, where they raise sugar, using slaves as their laborers. His family has done this for generations, and he saw no issues about it. But when he ends up wounded and under her care, the war takes on a new meaning, because to her, he stands for everything she hates….what will she do when he steals her heart?

  

Writing this series has been fabulous and involved. As a trained historian (I have my BA, MA and work towards my PhD in History), I want to craft a tale that is accurate and takes my reader back to that time. To get a glimpse into these people who went to war during the most pivotal time in U.S. history. These people are real – you meet the generals and politicians who went to war, both the North and South. Their lifestyles, thoughts are pulled from research books and time actually portraying them as a Living Historian. As an historian, it is the most fascinating time in defining this country, and in so many ways, has yet to be resolved.

So come back with me, to the time of Antebellum US and the War Between the States (the US Government’s official name of the rebellion), and explore how these people lived, their fears, their excitement and loss. And see if Francois can be redeemed!

The Living Historian's Creed

By Bruce Catton, Civil War Historian

• We are the people to whom the past is forever speaking.
• We listen to it because we cannot help ourselves, for the past speaks to us with many voices.
• Far out of that dark nowhere which is the time before we were born, men who were flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone went through fire and storm to break a path to the future. 
• We are part of that future they died for.
• They are part of the past that brought the future.
• What they did--the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made, the stories they told and the songs they sang and, finally, the deaths they died--make up a part of our own experience.
• We cannot cut ourselves off from it.
• It is as real as something that happened last week.
• It is a basic part of our heritage as Americans.

The Better Angels

Hearts Touched by Fire Series, Book 4

In 1864, Francois Fontaine has a life of leisure as part of the planter class in Louisiana.

Everything changes when the woman he loves marries another man. Heartbroken, he flees east to joining the army in an attempt to forget. But in Virginia, wounded and captured, he quickly discovers that an injured Confederate soldier faces a bleak future.

Dr. Ada Lorrance wants to help in the cause against Southern slavery, but the army medical department will not take a women doctor, yet they need nurses so she bites her lip and joins as one, soon to discover that when the surgeons are overwhelmed, she is left to doctor the prisoners. She finds herself attracted to a rebel, a man who stands for everything she despises, making her hope he rots, but her heart falls for him.

Thrown together by war, Francois and Ada find themselves battling over their beliefs and fighting against the growing affections that is fragile enough to pull them apart.

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AUTHOR GINA DANNA ON REGENCY AND VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

A USAToday bestselling author, Gina Danna has spent the better part of her life reading. History has always been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, always dreaming of writing one of her own. After years of writing historical academic papers she finally found time to write her own historical romantic novels. Learn more about Gina and her books at her website. 

Celebrating the Holidays – Regency style

As the holidays approach today, in the 21^st century, now is when we rev-up for all the festivities. We moan Christmas decorations arriving in the stores prior to Halloween (and in some, at the end of August!), but by November, we anxiously prepare for getting through Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas tree, decorate our homes, and shop for the perfect gift! Soon, sleigh bells will be ringing as buildings blink their holiday lights at night. Ah, tradition!

But truly, this version of the holidays is not that old. Christmas as a commercial celebration did not swing into gear until the late 19^th century, well past the Regency era. Yes, I can hear you asking didn’t they celebrate during Jane Austen’s time? Yes, but be prepared for anything other than the Hallmark movies.

During the Regency era and before, Christmas time was celebrating the birth of the Christ child. Often times, mass was a midnight affair, with families going en masse to it with an early fancy breakfast afterward. Churches that did not have the midnight service, offered an early morning affair, elaborate on music and jubilation on Mary and Joseph’s expected child. Again, a large breakfast was held afterward.

But wait – what about presents and the Christmas tree? The tree itself was part of the Germanic culture celebration – the Tannenbaum tree, introduced to the English (and then American) society when Queen Victorian married Prince Edward, who was of Germanic descent. 

Originally, Queen Victoria had a small evergreen on a table, like a centerpiece, lit with candles on the limbs. These candles, hung with a weighted stand so as to balance it, were lit Christmas morning, prior to the children coming to breakfast. A bucket of sand stood nearby in case there was an accident. As to the gifts, originally these were more for the children. Not toys, per se, but candies, an orange (which was particularly prized, since it was not in season), stockings, and a doll or model horse. These were hung, unwrapped, on the tree. So the scene must have been spectacular, even though short-lived.

Also, keep in mind, Christmas celebrations continued for the next twelve days with parties and merriment. There were balls and visits to neighbors. In the New World, oftentimes (during the Victorian era for sure), these twelve days were frequently the times when slaves were given ‘freedom’ from chores, to be with their families. The making of the Yuletide log was a point of reference to this practice, for as long as it burned, slaves had free time, so when they were sent to find the Yuletide log, they looked for the greenish stump, since green wood smoldered longer.

For our Regency period, this was also the time of house parties, where guests stayed for a week or longer. At these parties there were dances, fancy dinners, parlor games, and hunts. A fun time for all! And if true love was discovered, it was the greatest gift of them all! Merry Christmas!

A Merry Wicked Christmas

Lady Marina Lockhart's dreams of her upcoming Season debut are squashed by her father's news of an arranged marriage. An unexpected invitation to attend a country Christmas house party with her cousin carries the improbable hope of meeting a gentleman who will save her.

After a disastrous engagement, Phineas Carrollton, the Marquis of Huntington, buries himself in the affairs of running his country estate but begrudgingly agrees to host his sister's Christmas festivities. When he meets the lovely Lady Marina, his dismal mood is swept away by a passion he believed was dead inside him.

A sudden snowstorm strands Phineas and Marina at a hidden cottage, but her hopes of marriage vanish when he weaves a story concealing their time together, shattering her heart and dreams to save her from a loveless match, for she has fallen for the dashing Marquis. She obeys her father's summons to return to London for the wedding, holding in her heart the cherished memory of Phineas, a flame for the bleak years of marriage she faces. Unable to deny that Marina has ignited his heart, Phineas refuses to believe that she loves anyone but him. His headlong rush to London to stop the wedding will be only the beginning of his challenge.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH HISTORICAL FICTION AUTHOR GINA DANNA

Today we sit down with author Gina Danna who writes historical fiction and historical romance set in Ancient Rome, Regency England, Victorian England, and the American Civil War. Learn more about Gina and her books at her website. 

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

Probably in my twenties when I read a ton of Regencies and other historicals and realized I knew the plot in the first few pages. I thought, wow, I could do this! Mulled with the idea for years. Took my son going to college to actually start.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Three years after starting to write.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I am a hybrid author.

Where do you write?

Just about anywhere. Get the most done at home, of course, but I take my laptop to work to write on my breaks or on a plane when I’m traveling.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

At home and anywhere else, I’d prefer silence but work is crazy so there, I’ll put on a soundtrack to listen to, like the recent one I’ve been going to is Ken Burns American Civil War (that PBS series).

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

Well, this last series is on the Civil War, so from real life (Grant, Lee, Rosecrans, etc). And there are a few from my real life, who shall remain nameless. J

Describe your process for naming your character?

Always a hard one! In this series I’ve been writing, mostly from my family, since my mother’s family has been here since like the 1700s. I always get the Hero/Heroine kinda told to me by them and then the rest? Always difficult!

Real settings or fictional towns?

For most – real; for Regency – made up

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

In my personal life? My choices in men and in college degrees. Love history! But wow, hard to market outside museums (and I did have a wonderful career in museums – educator/curator; but when there’s a financial cut, they’re hit hard). And men? Well…

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves? A ton of books, great wine and a dog. J

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

Branch Office Admin at Edward Jones – hated it from day 1! But needed a job. BORING plus, I failed accounting in college (I’m a mathematician – accounting makes no sense to me)

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

Hard to decide. Woodiwiss/Heath/Bob Mayer (his Civil War book, which he’s now cut into 3 books)/wow..so many more

Ocean or mountains?

Ocean!!!!! (I’m in landlocked Dallas now – I’ve lived near water all my life up to 3 years ago; so weird!)

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl here

What’s on the horizon for you?

More writing. Working on a Christmas novella (which is a challenge – I’ve never had a short book) and researching for book 4 of the Civil War series.

Rags and Hope

Hearts Touched by Fire series, Book 3

Thanks to his father’s political machinations, grieving widower Colonel Pierce Duval only wants to leave his family home in New York and return to his Union command in Tennessee. A chance and harrowing encounter with a true-blue Southern belle stirs emotions he thought long buried. When her safety is at stake, how can he not help her? 

Cerisa Fontaine ran away from her wealthy Louisiana home to build a new life away from her family’s awful secret. But her controversial marriage and southern drawl make her a pariah in New York. Her situation becomes downright perilous when her husband is killed in battle. Alone and penniless, Cerisa is forced to seek employment at the only establishment that will accept her: a brothel.

Each for self-serving reasons, Pierce and Cerisa embark on a journey to Tennessee posing as a married couple. But as secrets stand between them, passion wages its war within them. All too soon, they must make a life altering choice: remain loyal to their cause, or give in to their heart’s desire.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--10 HISTORICAL ROMANCES

Today we’re happy to showcase Love Historicals presents Once Upon A Kiss, a treat for all of you who love historical romance. This ebook boxed set includes ten historical romances by ten USA Today and Amazon bestselling authors, dishing up Roman gladiators, cowboys, knights, dukes, and rogues heroes. The set includes:

Presenting Lady Gus by Sydney Jane Baily

Augusta Brenville needs a wealthy husband to save her beloved estate, a seemingly impossible task when her suitors keep dying—until a seasoned captain arrives, a tad uncivilized for her liking but alive and willing. Can Rolf thwart an assassin with a penchant for poison, fire, and arrows, keeping himself and Augusta alive until their wedding day?

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle

An infamous rogue meets his match in a feisty chaperone who has all but given up on love.

Love and Lies by Gina Danna

Ganius the gladiator can be freed by Aurelia, his Roman mistress, if he takes her with him. If he does, it’ll mean his death but to leave her will destroy her. He must choose—and this is a fight the champion of the sands might lose.

Vain by Jill Hughey

A tailor’s abandoned daughter fashions a vain nobleman’s tunic, finding passion between the neckline and hem as misfortune forces her into his precarious aristocratic world.

A Knight to Remember by Catherine Kean

When widowed Lady Aislinn Locksmeade finds a naked, unconscious man in the forest, she wonders if he's Hugh Brigonne, her first and only true love. When he wakes, he can't remember who he is or what happened to him. Does she dare to love the roguish stranger, or is there far greater danger to Aislinn than risking her heart?

Sweet Taste of Love by Anna Markland

Riddled with guilt after the drowning deaths of his parents, Aidan FitzRam becomes a monk. Nolana Kyncade is a Scot fleeing the tyranny of a cruel stepfather. She bumps into Aidan selling the abbey's mead at a market. He quickly realizes he is not cut out to be a monk.

The Prince’s Passion by Nancy Morse

From the blood-soaked sands of the Spanish bullring to the English countryside, from the war-ravaged Crimea to glittering St. Petersburg, Alana follows her heart into the arms of the handsome Russian prince whose secrets can topple an empire.

Angel’s Assassin by Laurel O’Donnell

Damien is an assassin, a man with a tortured past. Sold into slavery, he is trained to kill. Lady Aurora of Acquitaine is the epitome of purity and goodness. When Damien enters Aurora's life, tempting her with promises of forbidden lust, he threatens to tear her peaceful world apart.

Landry’s Back in Town by Margery Scott

Ex-convict Landry Mitchell no longer hopes for acceptance and forgiveness. Olivia Harding is determined to help him rebuild his life. As their feelings for each other grow, Landry starts to believe in the possibility of a future together … until trouble comes back to town.

Heiress Bride by Cynthia Woolf

Both are scarred. Only together can they find the healing that each needs.

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