Hi Everyone! I want to thank Sandy M ever so much for inviting me to The Good, the Bad and the Unread. I currently have a mountain of the Unread thanks to RWA National and my recent purchase of a Kindle. Talk about instant gratification!
Anyone out there addicted to Historical Romances? I’m hopelessly in love with them. Those I most enjoy—that end up on my keeper shelves–not only tug at my heartstrings but bring history to life in entertaining fashion.
This love of history is probably why I read non-fiction texts before bed in the hopes of discovering an inexplicable event in Scotland’s past that will send my muse into overdrive, triggering that all important, “What if…?”
Within days of that “What if…?” moment, you’ll find me neck deep in research books. As I delve into the lives of the historical characters involved, my protagonists come to life and plot points begin to unfold along with my timeline. This invariably leads to further research into such fun stuff as weaponry, indigenous poisonous plants, food stuffs, cottage industries, and peculiar funeral practices.
Did you know that up until the 20th century Scot women weren’t allowed to attend internments? They were allowed to follow the funeral procession to the cemetery if they insisted but were not allowed through the gate for fear evil spirits would attack them.
If a funeral procession crossed a man’s path he often joined the mourners, even if he hadn’t known the deceased, for fear of being the next to die. Six men at a time took turns carrying the casket upon their shoulders to cemeteries, which were often far from the deceased’s home where wakes were held. To ease their journey they passed around flasks or wine skins. In one diary account describing the processional of a well-respected Scot the author wrote, “After trekking many miles the mourners arrived at the cemetery only to realize the defunct was no longer with them. Alarmed, they retraced their steps and eventually found the casket on the side of the roa
d where they’d last stopped to change pall bearers and quench their thirst.” 🙂
The King’s Mistress was triggered by my happening upon several confusing accounts of Yolande de Dreux, the widowed queen of Alexander III, her claims following his death, his only heir’s sudden (and yet to be explained) death and the resultant political chaos that followed.
A work of romantic fiction, The King’s Mistress begins one week before the above events when captain of the king’s guard Britt MacKinnon is ordered to fetch back to Edinburgh the king’s favorite paramour. Lady Geneen Armstrong, intent on protecting her pregnant twin Greer, travels to Edinburgh with Britt, neglecting to tell him he’s escorting the wrong woman to the king. Lies build upon lies at break neck speed as readers enter the perilous world of Scotland’s medieval court, where intrigue and deception reigned – to a time when hearts, lives, and Scotland’s destiny hung in the balance.
And here’s the great video trailer Phoenix Video Trailers designed for The King’s Mistress:
My other addictions include good Merlots, See’s chocolates, seafood linguini, and lobster. (Did I mention we just moved to New Hampshire where I can finally can get my fill? I’m such a lucky duck!)
So what besides chocolates are you addicted to?
Sandy
[Ed. Sandy is offering up an e-copy of The King’s Mistress today, so be sure to leave a meaningful question or comment for her to be entered. Please note this is for an e-copy only.]
Sandy Blair’s Bio:
Award-winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, dined with peerage, floated down Venetian canals, explored the great pyramids, lost her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she still denies being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship.
Winner of Romance Writers of America’s © Golden Heart and the National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance, the Write Touch Readers Award for Best Historical, the Golden Quill and Barclay awards for Best Novella, nominated for a 2005 RITA (the industry’s equivalent to an Oscar) and recipient of Romantic Times BOOKReview’s 4 ½ star Top Pick rating, Sandy loves writing about Scotland’s past.
Her 6th novel, The King’s Mistress, comes out today, July 26, 2011.
Sandy resides in New Hampshire with her brawny Scot hubby and writing partner Coco Chanel, teaches international on-line courses on writing, and fundraises for Habitat for Humanity.
Sandy, I’ve never read medieval historical, but I have to admit, this morning’s review had me adding your book to my TBR list. I’m kind of nervous about it though, since I’m sure I’m going to love it, and there’s going to be an entire new genre to add to that list — and my monthly book expenditures are already nearing my monthly rent budget!
Hi Jen G,
Oh boy, you’re in trouble. 🙂 Medieval tales, whether historical Romances or straight historicals, make entertaining reads. Personally, I love both and therefore tend to blend the genres, incorporating a bit of both into one.
Hi Sandy,
Love your premise for, “The King’s Mistress!” I’m so with you, researching history is fascinating. When you find that one fact that’s blow-you-away-intriguing, you know you have a new story. Thanks for sharing your stories, your muse as your passions. Holy cow, we have the same likes! BTW, if you go to http://www.dovechocolate.com/Recipe, they have . . . gulp . . . recipes! LOL Yep, lava cake is there. *G* My sincere best to you and wishing you continued success! *Hugs*
Diana
What a fab review! Congratulations. I envy you the Kindle, but thanks to Calibre and the flexibility of sites like Samhain to give me a choice of formats, I’m finding ways to enjoy more and more e-books. And I foresee doing exactly that with the latest Sandy Blair read–enjoying it!
Hi Diana,
So pleased you dropped by! Yes, history is addicting as is chocolate…Lava cake! Woot. A perfect wine with that…Earthquake. Seriously. Give it a try.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for coming by. Miss you guys.
I never thought I’d buy an e-reader but did and I now love my Kindle. No more late fees at the library, no more mountain of paper on my nightstand and that whisper-shop feature is seriously addicting. Books, books and more books!
Hi Sandy,
I love nothing better than a medieval romance built around a bit of truth. Before I started writing, I used to read a historical novel and every hour or so would run into my office and pull out an encyclopedia to read about the time period and the people the author built the story around. Gil insisted on getting rid of my old friends because they took up so much room I didn’t have space to put all the books I acquired during the year. I still miss them, but there’s always the internet! I’ll be getting the King’s Mistress for my brand neew Kindle tomorrow!
Hi Sophia,
Good having you here. Ack! You have to get rid of research books?? Oh dear. Scott would have been missing some old fishing equipment. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the joy of research. It’s one of my favorite parts of writing, too.
Also, it just so happens that I’m making shrimp linguini tonight. C’mon up to Denver!
If I hadn’t just stuffed myself with spaghetti with lamb and rosemary sauce, I would, Paula. I adore shrimp and linguine. Maybe you could mail me the leftovers?
Waving at Sandy from my FL beach! I’ve been so eager for THE KING’S MISTRESS to be released! Although Medieval romances run behind Regencies, I have loved each of your books, Sandy, and I’m sure the new one will wow me, too! (Amazing review, BTW!)
My addictions? Dark chocolate, my Starbucks white mocha drink, and books. When I’ve worked through my TBR pile (physical or on my Nook), I swear I get the shakes.
Miss you, Sandy, but I’m thrilled you’re so happy in your new home!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
Hi Nancy! So good hearing from you. Still lioving your walks along the beach?
I’m a Starbucks frozen mocha latte kinda gal so can relate. Do you recall all those lovely old Regencies you gave me because you have didn’t have space when you moved to FL? Loved them!
And some more good news: I just received an email from the editor at RTBookReviews! They’re featuring The King’s Mistress on their website’s e-book home page! Woot!
Congratulations on the release of your new book! I’ve been looking forward to reading The Kings’s Mistress. I love a well written historical that sweeps me into another world. It gets even better when I keep thinking about the characters and story long after I finished reading. I’m so excited to have a truly great book to read! And congrats on the fantastic review too! Whoo-Hoo!
See’s Chocolates are wonderful, but can anyone pass up Godiva Truffles? Really? Not me, that’s for sure. And wine…Okay, now I’m set for the evening. I’m off to load The King’s Mistress on my Kindle.
Congrats on the release of your new book and a great review of The King’s Mistress. I love finding new-to-me authors (especially when there are no geographical restrictions preventing me from buying the eBook!) and I love historical romances. My favourite medieval romance is Jude Deveraux’s The Black Lyon.
I’m addicted to my iPad and the numerous eBooks stored on it and I absolutely love chocolate!
Hi C.C.
Godiva truffles, huh? You go, girl! Do you refrigerate them too, so you won’t eat them too quickly? (I’m so bad. I tried hiding them on myself, but that never worked. I always found them. 🙂
Hi ShellBell,
Thanks for dropping by. I’ve not read Jude’s Black Lyon yet but I’ll definitely be ordering it. There’s nothing like word of mouth recommendations!