Posts

Halloween Giveaway - A Haunted History of Invisible Women

Image
  In the past, I've normally done a giveaway for my birthday or to celebrate the anniversary of Scandalous Women, but this year I decided to do something different. I'm giving away a copy of A Haunted History of Invisible Women by my friend and fellow author Leanna Renee Hieber and her co-author Andrea Janes . This is a fantastic book not just for ghost lovers but also women's history lovers.  "Deliciously eerie.” —Leslie Rule, Bestselling Author From the notorious Lizzie Borden to the innumerable, haunted rooms of Sarah Winchester's mysterious mansion this offbeat, insightful, first-ever book of its kind from the brilliant guides behind “Boroughs of the Dead,” featured on NPR.org,  The New York Times , and Jezebel, explores the history behind America’s female ghosts, the stereotypes, myths, and paranormal tales that swirl around them, what their stories reveal about us—and why they haunt us . . . Sorrowful widows, vengeful jezebels, innocent maidens, wronged love...

Interview with Mimi Matthews - The Siren of Sussex

Image
I am delighted to welcome author Mimi Matthews to the blog to talk about her new historical romance novel The Siren of Sussex which came out this month from Berkley Romance.         Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor. Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart. Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward re...

Review: The Woman Before Wallis

Image
Title:  The Woman Before Wallis Author:  Bryn Turnbull Publisher:  Mira Books Pub Date:  7/21/2020 How Acquired:  Edelweiss Synopsis:  Before Edward, Prince of Wales famously abdicated his throne for American divorcee Wallis Simpson, he loved another American woman: Thelma Morgan Furness, sister to the first Gloria Vanderbilt. This is her story. The daughters of an American diplomat, Thelma and Gloria Morgan were stars of New York social scene in the early 1920s, dubbed “the magnificent Morgans.” Both would marry into wealth and privilege beyond their imaginations, Gloria to Reggie Vanderbilt, and Thelma to a viscount. Thelma begins an affair with Edward, the dashing Prince of Wales, that will last nearly five years. Then, in 1934, Thelma's life is upended by her sister Gloria's custody trial — a headline-grabbing drama known as The Matter of Vanderbilt, which dominates global news for months and raises the bar for tabloid sensati...

SEDUCTION: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood

Image
Title: SEDUCTION Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood Author: Karina Longworth Publisher: Custom House How obtained:  through the publisher What it's about:  In this riveting popular history, the creator of  You Must Remember This  probes the inner workings of Hollywood’s glamorous golden age through the stories of some of the dozens of actresses pursued by Howard Hughes, to reveal how the millionaire mogul’s obsessions with sex, power and publicity trapped, abused, or benefitted women who dreamt of screen stardom. My thoughts: It's been awhile since I've blogged for which I apologize. 2018 has been a difficult year in many ways for me, as well as a busy one. I started a new job which has been time-consuming as well as working on the Historical Novel Society conference which takes place this coming June in National Harbor, MD. I've also been traveling a great deal which has meant that blogging has fallen to the wayside. Reading, which has...

Scandalous Review: The Favourite

Image
The Favourite – starring Olivia Colman (Queen Anne), Emma Stone (Abigail Hill Masham), and Rachel Weisz as Sarah Marlborough. I had totally forgotten that The Favourite was playing at the New York Film Festival until I saw it mentioned in Time Out magazine. So of course, I decided immediately that I needed to see it now and not when it comes out next month. All 8 showings were sold out, but I managed to get a stand-by ticket to the 7:00 pm showing. The film is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos who directed films such as The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer , neither of which I had seen. I read a brief blurb about the film which said that this is probably the most mainstream film he’s ever directed, so take that as you will. The plot:   Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the ...

Winner of the Royal Wedding Giveaway

Image
This post was supposed to go up yesterday but I'm telling you, I have a wicked case of jet lag! I will also write up a post later about the Royal Wedding and my trip to London, but for now, can I have a drum roll please: the winner of the Royal Wedding Giveaway is: Wanda Wanda, I will be emailing you off line to get your address and to let you know when you can expect your goodies.

Royal Wedding Giveaway

Image
Hello everyone! I know it has been a long time since I have blogged but I have an exciting giveaway that I couldn't wait to share with you. May 19th is the Royal Wedding, and I will be heading to Windsor to celebrate. Yes, I'm going to the Royal Wedding, well kind of. I will be amongst the throng of people lining the long walk in order to get a glimpse of this historic couple, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Being there is kind of like full circle for me. My first trip to London was the summer that Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, and I vividly remember all the excitement around the upcoming nuptials. The day after the wedding, the tour group that I was with, headed up to Scotland and a copy of Diana's dress was already in the window of a department store in Edinburgh! So in honor of the Royal Wedding, I am doing a giveaway. Some of the items in the giveaway include: A copy of American Princess: The Love Story of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry  by Leslie Carr...