THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF COSTUME DRAMAS: WHY THEY REMAIN POPULAR

 

Rose Williams as Charlotte Heywood in Sanditon season 3, based on Jane Austen' s unfinished novel

In a world filled with modern technological marvels and fast-paced storytelling, it may seem surprising that costume dramas, period dramas, and historical dramas continue to captivate audiences. Shows like Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, Downton Abbey, Outlander, The Gilded Age and adaptations of Jane Austen's novels transport viewers to bygone eras, providing a glimpse into the past. Yet, these productions are far from relics; they are thriving in the age of streaming services and digital entertainment. So, what is it about these narratives that continues to draw us in? Let's explore the enduring appeal of costume dramas and why they remain relevant and popular today.

BOOKS & MORE BOOKS: PACHINKO, A TIMELESS EPIC OF LOVE AND RESILIENCE

 

Pachinko the series is available in streaming on Apple TV

I recently had the pleasure of delving into the mesmerizing world of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko (2017), a literary masterpiece that sweeps you off your feet and takes you on an unforgettable journey through time and generations. I’m now ready to watch the first season of the critically acclaimed TV series starring Korean actor Lee Minho among others and I eagerly anticipate the release of the second season. Now, I can't help but share my immense enthusiasm for this extraordinary family saga.

BOOKS & MORE BOOKS: THE FAIR BOTANISTS BY SARA SHERIDAN

 

Reading The Fair Botanists has been my latest fascinating journey back in time. I’m grateful I had the chance to fling away to Edinburgh back then, in 1822,  at a time of cultural brilliancy and great change.

As I am fond of Scotland, the 19^th century, historical fiction and - why not? -  flowers and perfumes, how could I not enjoy Sara Sheridan’s latest novel?

BOOK BLAST - THE CASE OF THE PECULIAR INHERITANCE, A MCKENZIE SISTERS MYSTERY NOVEL

Second summer reading recommendation in the McKenzie Sisters series: The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance. Click HERE for my previous post.  I love historical fiction, I'm hooked by the fascinating allure of the past, and if you enjoy that too, this book is a lovely addition to your TBR list: it's a fun and light-hearted mystery with a touch of sweet romance. Scroll down to discover more! 

BOOK BLAST - THE CASE OF THE COPPER KING, A MCKENZIE SISTERS MYSTERY NOVEL

Summer is here and it's time to pick up new reads to take with us on holiday. You know I'm fond of historical fiction and if you are too, today I have the perfect recommendation! What about a fun and light-hearted novel filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of sweet romance? 

JUDITH STARKSTON, PRIESTESS OF ISHANA: THE QUEEN BEHIND THE CHARACTER

October 2-6 Priestess of Ishana, Book 1 of the Tesha Series is available 

FREE on Amazon 

Sorcery in Alpara, Book 2 of the Tesha Series launches October 14, 2019 

and is available now as preorder

BOOKS & MORE BOOKS: THE RED PEARL BY CHLOE HELTON

Hello, dear readers!

If you’re hoping to finish off your summer with a crackling, suspenseful read, take a peek at an excerpt of The Red Pearl. You’ll find a marriage on the rocks, a little bit of lost love, the trials of wartime, and the main event -- espionage.

During the American Revolution, a meek little innkeeper’s wife becomes privy to some explosive secrets. Read more below! And if you want the rest of the book, you can visit my website or find it on Amazon.

Chloe Helton

GREG JOHNSTON, SWEET BITTER CANE - THE UNCERTAINTY OF MIGRANTS

Sweet Bitter Cane is a story of Italian migrants who travelled to Australia to work on the sugarcane fields of Far North Queensland.  The first arrived in Townsville in December 1891, the result of an Italian immigration agent with the venerable name Chiaffredo Venerano Fraire.  These immigrants came mainly from Italy’s north, from the Veneto but by the 1920s, a mass migration of Italian workers to the Queensland cane fields had begun. 

Q/A BOOK REVIEW - THE PHANTOM TREE BY NICOLA CORNICK

"My name is Mary Seymour and I am the daughter of one queen and the niece of another."

What genre does the book belong to?

Time-slip is the first definition which comes to my mind when you ask me, but The Phantom Tree is a novel for fans of mystery, drama and romance. Perfect for readers of Philippa Gregory, Barbara Erskin or Kate Morton.

What’s the historical  setting of the novel?

There are two parallel narrative lines: one set in Tudor England and the other one in present-day England.

MY BROTHER'S BRIDE - COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY

 

Coming in November!

A New Book by A Favorite Author!

BOOKS & MORE BOOKS: THE FITZGERALDS OF DUBLIN, A SAGA OF VICTORIAN IRELAND

Fond of Victorian literature and history? You haven't missed an episode of costume drama series like Victoria?!? You are hooked on 19th century great classic novels?!? Looking for some awesome historical fiction to read which is set just in that fascinating era?  I've got the perfect suggestion for you, a great summer read! You can't miss this book series by Lorna Peel: The Fitzgeralds of Dublin.  Let's start from book 1: A Scarlet Woman. 

Q/A BOOK REVIEW: THE CURSED WIFE BY PAMELA HARTSHORNE

What genre does the book belong to?

It’s a historical fiction thriller, a genre Pamela Hartshorne is familiar with – and very good at -  since she has already dealt with it in some of her  previous novels, which I have reviewed here at FLY HIGH!

What’s the historical  setting of the novel?

The story takes place in Elizabethan London between 1562 and 1590.

Can you briefly sum up the plot without giving away too much?

Well, this is what you find in the book blurb. I hope it is enough to tickle your curiosity: Mary is content with her life as wife to Gabriel Thorne, a wealthy merchant in Elizabethan London. 

She loves her husband and her family, is a kind mistress to the household and is well-respected in the neighbourhood. She does her best to forget that as a small girl she was cursed for causing the death of a vagrant child, a curse that predicts that she will hang. She tells herself that she is safe.

But Mary's whole life is based on a lie. She is not the woman her husband believes her to be, and when one rainy day she ventures to Cheapside, the past catches up with her and sets her on a path that leads her to the gibbet and the fulfilment of the curse.

BOOKS & MORE BOOKS - DEBORAH SWIFT'S NEW RELEASE: A PLAGUE ON MR PEPYS

Deborah Swift has been writing successful historical fiction novels about an age less frequently chosen by other writers. We've read plenty of tales set in the fascinating eras of the middle ages or the Tudor years - which Swift herself chose for a few of her novels - but we seldom find adventure or romance set in the 17th century. 

UNFORGETTABLE LOVE - G.G. VANDARGRIFF'S LOVE UNEXPECTED, A REGENCY ROMANCE + GIVEAWAY

NEW post in the event Unforgettable Love. 

Unforgettable Love is A Clean Romance Event Hosted by I Am A Reader

During the month of June we will be featuring several fabulous authors who write clean romance. There will be giveaways, free ebooks and great deals on books. Have you checked our previous posts?  And don't forget to stay tuned for the next ones! The book featured today is Love Unexpected by G.G. Vandagriff. Discover more about this Regency romance and take your chances to win in the giveaway. 

PLUNDER WITH INTENT BLOG TOUR: FIVE QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR JOANNA D’ESTE CLARK

Plunder with Intent is a beautiful story of love, justice and tragedy about the family of a 19^th Century English aristocrat who steals a line of beautiful marble statues (the Parthenon or Elgin marbles) from their rightful home in Greece. The novel follows the story of the statues from their creation in 5^th Century BC to present day; friendships, love affairs and destines are shaped by people’s interaction to the statues. 

     

     After reading this short introduction I was really curious about Plunder with Intent and sent a few questions to author J.E. D’Este Clark to discover more. Here are her answers.

      When and how did you fall in love with the Classical world and all-things-Greek?

My love affair with the Classical world began when I was a child. Always asking ‘why’ from the age of eight, lead me to read the classics and study the great Greek philosophers.  If you want to understand yourself there is no better place to start than with Plato, Aristotle, and of course my favourite, Socrates, who features throughout Plunder with Intent. Homer’s Odyssey was my next big love, and I read it three times while researching my novel.  Reading it as a young person brought the ancient wisdom even closer and has stayed with me ever since. I fell in love with classical architecture while studying history of art and design at university.  Those massive Doric columns enchanted me. There was, of course, a more romantic reason for my passion for the Classical world, but perhaps I’ll keep him a secret… 

WHEN WILLS CLASH AND HEARTS COLLIDE, WHO WILL REIGN VICTORIOUS? THE PURSUIT OF LADY HARRIETT BY RACHAEL ANDERSON

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson                                                      

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?                                        

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it. Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.  

                           

BOOK UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: DIANE SCOTT-LEWIS, HOSTAGE TO THE REVOLUTION

Diane Scott Lewis's new book,  Hostage to the Revolution, is the perfect reading for historical fiction lovers fond of the Poldark saga, of tales set in the English Georgian Era or the French Revolution,  or for those already appreciating  her writing. 
The story of young Frenchwoman, Bettina Jonquiere, came to  Diane,  while travelling through Cornwall a few years back. Once back in the States, she thoroughly researched the eighteenth century and gave life to Escape the Revolution, set mostly in Cornwall, which was her first novel, and  now to a  sequel, Hostage to the Revolution, set in New Orleans and France.  

Hostage to the Revolution: book blurb

Sequel to Escape the Revolution. In 1796, ruined countess Bettina Jonquiere leaves England after the reported drowning of her lover, Everett.  In New Orleans she struggles to establish a new life for her children. Soon a ruthless Frenchman demands the money stolen by her father at the start of the French Revolution. Bettina is forced on a dangerous mission to France to recover the funds. She unravels dark family secrets, but will she find the man she lost as well? 

Read an excerpt

The woman lowered her Carnival mask to reveal the perfect, glacial features of Lucrece Bardou, Geralde’s former fiancée.

Lucrece raised her elegant brows. “Very well, we’ll talk here. Are you seeing my Geralde? You have been noticed with him these past months.” She swatted her fan. “And you were dancing with him out front, like two peasants.”

STEVEN A. McKAY - 10 THINGS WILL SCARLET & ROBIN HOOD WOULD LOVE OR HATE ABOUT MODERN TIMES

For this guest blog post we thought it might be interesting to take a look at some of the things we take for granted in the 21^st century and think about how our medieval heroes might see them.

Obviously my The Forest Lord series focuses mainly on Robin Hood but the final novella The Abbey of Death is all about Will Scaflock (Scarlet),  so let’s start with him.

1 – Internet searches– Will Scarlet – LOVE

This might surprise readers of my novels. Will is notoriously tetchy and rather set in his ways so why do I think he’d appreciate a massive invention like the rise of the internet? Well, as you’ll find out in the new novella, Will is trying his best to adapt to the changes in his own life and he’s even taken up gardening. Anyone that’s ever tried growing an unfamiliar tree or plant knows the internet is a huge help with things like that so Scarlet would, I’m sure, love the ability to find out about ericaceous compost and the like!

BOOK REVIEW - LUCA DI FULVIO, THE BOY WHO GRANTED DREAMS

The Boy Who Granted Dreams

New York, 1909: Fifteen-year-old Cetta arrives on a freighter with nothing but her infant son Natale: strikingly blond, dark-eyed, and precocious. They've fled the furthest reaches of southern Italy with the dream of a better life in America. 

But even in the "Land of the Free," the merciless laws of gangs rule the miserable, poverty-stricken, and crime-filled Lower East Side. Only those with enough strength and conviction survive. As young Natale grows up in the Roaring Twenties, he takes a page from his crippled mother's book and finds he possesses a certain charisma that enables him to charm the dangerous people around him ... 

Weaving Natale's unusual life and quest for his one true love against the gritty backdrop of New York's underbelly, Di Fulvio proves yet again that he is a master storyteller as he constructs enticing characters ravaged by circumstance, driven by dreams, and awakened by destiny.  (Book Blurb)

BOOK BLAST & GIVEAWAY - RACHAEL ANDERSON, THE RISE OF MISS NOTLEY

   

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson 

 When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow. The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced, yet there is something about her that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe?