Saying Goodbye to 2021
Dec 15, 2021 8:46 pm
Hello lovely readers!
A new year is almost upon us! I, for one, enjoy a fresh start, and so I couldn't help but include a New Years Eve scene in my last book--A Dare Too Far.
Apparently Regency era folks celebrated the new year, but it wasn't as big of a celebration as it is now. Most people celebrated Twelfth Night instead. But there were still some rather lovely traditions associated with ringing in the new year that I included in Jane and George's happily ever after.
According to a source I read but did not save the link to... "Celebrating New Year’s Day also held superstitions as a central part of the festivities. The family or gathering would sit around in a circle before midnight and when the clock began to strike the hour, the head of the family would go to the door and open it, 'ushering out the old, and bringing in the new.' The more superstitious would cleanse the house of ashes, rags, scraps and anything perishable so that nothing was carried over from one year to the next, in order to preserve their good luck and banish any poor luck."
I adore this. Opening up the door to let the old year out, leaving a fresh space for what is to come.
I hope your new year starts fresh and is filled with only good things!
Speaking of good things, something new is coming in January 2022! A reading group. But not just any reading group, a group for lovers of steamy historical romance operated by a bevy of steamy historical romance writers.
We're planning lots of fun times, giveaways, anthologies, and more. You won't want to miss out! New year, new group, so keep an eye on your inbox for my invite!
Ready for some great book recommendations?
I know you are! Dive in below.
Fenna Edgewood's To All The Earls I've Loved Before is FREE! This is not a drill. Today is the last day of the sale, so snag your copy quick!
Historical Romances in Kindle Unlimited!
Holiday-Themed Historical Romance
These FREE reads will keep you WARM.
EVEN MORE Historical Romance in KU!
NOW, if you've made it this far, a treat for you!
A cut excerpt from Teach a Rogue New Tricks, which I'm currently revising. I loved this little exchange, but once I dug into really making the first few chapters bouncier and faster-paced, it had to go. Sad face. But I thought to share it with you! A little set up for it. Cassius, Lord Albee, our hero, is in London where he should not be, having been run off to France after attempting to kidnap his now sister-in-law Willow, from Sinning in Secret. He's staying with Lola and Nathan and their new baby, little Daniel. Lola has just handed Daniel off to Cass, and this bit of nonsense ensues:
The baby burped.
Cass reared back. “Dear God, what do I do?!”
Lola laughed. “Nothing. Babies burp. Now—"
“It … it stinks.”
“It's a burp. What do you expect? Roses?”
“You were lecturing me,” Cass grumbled. He leaned in close and whispered for the babe alone. “None of that or I'll have to put you on an improving regimen, too.”
“No diabolical collaboration,” Lola barked.
Cass smiled. “We'll do our best.”
I hope you're looking forward to Teach a Rogue New Tricks, and that you're stocked up on excellent books in the meantime! Stay safe out there!
Charlie Lane
