Sarah E. Ladd | Have You Read a Regency Lately?

Summer is here, and you know what that means! Hot, sunny days. Long, lazy afternoons. In other words, the perfect time for a great read! So what’s your go-to read? Contemporary romances, YA, women’s fiction, historical romance?

What about a Regency novel?

The Regency Era is a very specific time period in English history. It officially took place from 1811-1820, although many Regency novels span a longer time period.

If you are a fan of Regency novels, then you already know about all the unique aspects they have to offer. But if you aren’t familiar with Regency novels, allow me to enlighten you! Here are a few things to love about the Regency Era and novels set during that time:

The clothes.

Let’s be real – those gowns are gorgeous! Long, flowing gowns, shimmering fabrics, dainty slippers. The men’s attire was just as attractive – cravats and waistcoats, buckskin breeches and riding boots. It may not be the ideal ensemble for going to the beach, but it is fun to daydream! (Want a see a sample? Check out my Pinterest boards of women’s gowns and men’s fashion!)

The manners.

Good manners never go out of style, do they? While some might consider the Regency’s strict rules of etiquette a bit over the top, what lady does not like having the door opened for her, or having the gentlemen stand when she enters the room? It is fun to spend an afternoon with a Regency novel and escape to a world of elegant and refined manners.

The stakes are always high!

During the Regency, a woman’s reputation was her most valued possession. One simple mistake in decorum or poor decision could ruin a woman’s future. With such high stakes, how could the story not be interesting?

The settings.

What could be better than escaping to the world of opulent estates and pristine, lush gardens? Or what about the ballrooms in Bath or London? Or the haunting moors and deep, dark forests? Escape to a new, different world – from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

Jane Austen.

Okay, so I know she is not a “thing to like about the Regency Era,” but Jane Austen’s novels give us wonderful insight into this very specific time period and are full of witty dialogue and rich settings. Even if you don’t feel like reading (gasp!) you might consider curling up on the couch with a movie version of Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, or Sense and Sensibility. (The 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson is my favorite!)

So we want to hear from you. What Regency novel are you going to read this summer? Grab a beach chair, something cool to drink, and a Regency novel – and be sure to let us know what you think!

GIVEAWAY

So we want to hear from you. What Regency novel are you going to read this summer? Grab a beach chair, something cool to drink, and a Regency novel – and be sure to let us know what you think! Leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to win a copy of THE CURIOSITY KEEPER.

About Sarah E. Ladd

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

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About THE CURIOSITY KEEPER

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.