Aloha to Jenna Jaxon and ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Wedding Dresses in Georgian England 

by Jenna Jaxon

Wedding dresses have always been a major part of that special day and this was equally true in the eighteenth century. Their customs concerning the wedding dress, however, were quite different than ours today. Much has changed in the almost three hundred years since.

The Georgian wedding gown was foremost an elegant and fashionable garment for the ladies in the ranks of the nobility. This in part stemmed from the idea that the gown, although worn first on one’s wedding day, would also be part of the bride’s regular wardrobe after the wedding. Therefore, current fashion was a great consideration when ordering the wedding gown.

Our usual vision of a wedding dress is of the long white satin gown with a train, encrusted with lace and pearls. But the white gown was brought into fashion almost a hundred and fifty years after the eighteenth century, by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Eighteenth century brides wore white gowns, but silver and blue were also popular colors. The color blue was especially trendy because in that era it was linked to purity more so than white. Blue was also associated with piety and the Virgin Mary. Some brides chose bold colors, such as deep blue, red, or purple for their wedding gowns because the darker shades helped hide dirt at the hems better. The only color brides avoided was green, which was considered unlucky due to its association with fairies.

The picture here is the wedding dress worn by Mary Chaloner in 1763 for her marriage to Colonel John Hale, from the McCord Museum. As you can see, prints were also popular for bridal wear.

Bridal gowns were also a way for families to show off their wealth and social status. Women’s dresses were expensive due to the sheer yardage needed for eighteenth century fashions. Wedding gowns were doubly so as they entailed not only the yards and yards of fine fabric (silk, velvet, satin), but also the costly lace and jewels often sewed onto the fabric. So if the bride appeared so sumptuously attired on her wedding day, her family would be showing all the world just how affluent they were.

In Only Marriage Will Do, because of the circumstances, we never get to see what Lady Juliet Ferrers wears to her wedding. But I suspect it would have conformed to the current standards that brides of the time adhered to.

A beach wedding dress ...

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the hero of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the man claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero, Captain Amiable Dawson, to escort her to her family estate, hoping that along the way she can win his love.

Amiable is charmed by the sweet, beautiful woman he rescued, and although he has grave reservations about her marital status, he allows himself to be swept up into Juliet’s romantic spell and the promise of a happy-ever-after.

The spell breaks when legal questions arise and Juliet faces the horror of not knowing if she is married to her knight in shining armor or the cruel viscount who is determined to have her at any price.

Amazon

B & N

These Hawaiian flowers look like a bridal bouquet ...

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage. 

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as President of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. Her debut novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is the first in her House of Pleasure series, set in Georgian London. Only Marriage Will Do, the second book in the series, is set to release in June 2015 from Kensington. Her medieval serial novel, Time Enough to Love: Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered, is a Romeo & Juliet-esque tale, set at the time of the Black Death. The next book in that series, a short story called Beloveds, will release in May 2015.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

Find Jenna Jaxon online:

jennajaxon.wordpress.com
twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon

Facebook: link

Hawaiian wedding ... Gangnam style!

Mahalo, Jenna, for visiting us at SOS Aloha!  Jenna is giving away a digital copy of ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about wedding dresses - do you have a favorite style?  Do you have a favorite celebrity dress?  Do you watch Say Yes to the Dress?   I liked Angelina Jolie's dress with her children's drawings etched into the skirt.  

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jenna Jaxon and TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE

Today is Medieval Monday with Jenna Jaxon!  She joins us with a special guest post - her favorite historical movies!  Please join me in welcoming Jenna Jaxon ...

I love history. I grew up in the historic town of Petersburg, VA. I began my college career as a History major, and I write historical romance. So of course I’m a fan of historical movies.

I was surprised that I ended up having to limit my list to ten and to limit the time period to pre-20th century (with one notable exception). What I also realized as I put the list together was that all of these movies has a romance either at its core, or at least tangentially. Likely that’s why I like them so much.

My top ten historical movies (in no particular order):

1. Gone With the Wind—one of the first historical films that made a big impression on me. Clark Gable is the epitome of the romantic hero, even to a girl of 13.

2. The Wind and the Lion—not sure how many will have seen this. Loved Sean Connery as a Berber; Candice Bergen is more than his match. Unrequited love, but the romance is there.

3. The Lion in Winter—Not a traditional romance. Christmas in 1189 with King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their three sons. It’s a very funny movie, but you see the love between Henry and Eleanor.

4. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves—I’ve watched this one so many times I can recite the dialogue for you. LOL Just a wonderful costume action movie with a great cast and story.

5. Dances with Wolves—another Kevin Costner movie that I will immediately sit down and watch if it comes on television. The attention to detail and production values are gorgeous, the story moving, the casting excellent. I can only watch up to the point where he’s captured by the soldiers. After that, it’s too painful.

6. Titanic—the only movie on my list set in the 20th century. But this movie again has stunning attention to historical detail and the story is so moving. Technically not a romance, as there’s no true HEA, despite the final moments.

7. The Patriot—romance takes a back seat to fatherly love in this wonderful movie. Again, casting and a moving story set this apart for me.

8. Braveheart—More Mel Gibson and despite all the brouhaha about the historical inaccuracies, the feeling of the savagery of the period comes through vividly, as does Wallace’s passion for his wife and his country.

9. Les Miserables—I was such a fan of the musical I was overjoyed when the movie lived up to all my expectations. This movie captures all the emotions: love, hate, fear, jealousy, patriotism with music that lifts your heart to hear it.

10. Last of the Mohicans—The version with Daniel Day-Lewis. The story details the clash of cultures overcome by love. The scene on the rock between Hawkeye and Cora is one of the hottest love scenes, in my opinion.

Mahalo, Jenna, for sharing this great list with us!  I've become a history buff as a result of becoming a historical romance fan!  

White Castle in Wales

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as a member of Chesapeake Romance Writers. Her debut novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is the first in her House of Pleasure series, set in Georgian London. Her medieval novel, Time Enough to Love, is a Romeo & Juliet-esque tale, set at the time of the Black Death.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

Jenna is giving away a digital copy of TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?
To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite historical movie.  As I prepare this blog, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE is playing on Spike TV.  How can I resist Harrison Ford and Sean Connery?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 6, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 7.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Caerphilly Castle in Wales 

Aloha to Jenna Jaxon and BELEAGUERED

Jenna Jaxon returns to SOS Aloha to chat about her new release, BELEAGUERED:

A Lot of Inspiration

I have read romance novels ever since I was a teenager, but never even thought of writing one for years. Several things came together to inspire me to write Time Enough to Love, published in installments as Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered, which I think goes to show that some things are just meant to be.

The romance books that I read as a teenager were The Wolf and the Dove and The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I loved them because they were historical and they were lengthy. Over 600 pages. I love reading thick books because that means I have more time with the characters and I don’t have to go searching for new material quite so often. And after many years away from reading romances, in 2009 on a whim, I picked up Woodiwiss’s final novel, Everlasting and was captivated once more by the writing and the romance.

My reading of Everlasting came about six months after going on a gluten-free diet, at which time many people detoxing from gluten experience a rush of energy and creativity. So I finished this wonderful romance, set in the Middle Ages—which is my favorite time period—and I literally said out loud, “I bet I can write a novel like that.” And I sat down and started typing.

I knew I had to set it in the medieval period, a fascinating time of beauty and brutality. And the previous fall I had seen a History Channel episode on the Bubonic Plague. The program fascinated me—as a history major I’d actually done some research on the plague—so I paid a lot of attention to it. One segment especially caught my attention. It detailed the journey of Princess Joanna (sometimes called Joan) of England, daughter of King Edward III, on her way to Spain to marry Prince Pedro of Castile. On the way the princess stopped at the port town of Bordeaux (known for its wine) and the plague overtook the company there.

As I sat down to start writing my romance novel, this story of the princess and the plague came to mind and I began plotting a story, not of the princess’s romance, but of her courtiers, the men and women who accompanied her on her ill-fated journey. Taking Woodiwiss as my model, I proceeded to write for six months, finished my book on July 28 with a total of 187,000 words by the time I wrote “The End.”

I went on to write other novels and novellas, but my beloved medieval was always there in the back of my mind. I discovered it was too long to publish traditionally—even after I cut it down to 160,000 words—so I decided to self-publish it in three installments: Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered. Now that Beleaguered has released, I can relax a bit before going on with plans to continue with characters who have become family to me. The main characters’ story may be finished, but their family members have stories that I long to tell as well. I only hope I’ll be as inspired as I was with Time Enough to Love.

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as a member of Chesapeake Romance Writers. Her debut novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is the first in her House of Pleasure series, set in Georgian London. Her medieval novel, Time Enough to Love, is a Romeo & Juliet-esque tale, set at the time of the Black Death.She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

Learn more about Jenna and her books at 

jennajaxon.wordpress.com.

BELEAGUERED, Book 3 in the Time Enough for Love series:

When death holds sway in the world, can even the greatest love survive?

Finally in France, Alyse and Thomas return to their roles as courtiers to Princess Joanna. Their passion for one another continues to smolder hot and deep—until one fateful encounter changes everything.

During a formal banquet, Alyse must share an intimate dance with Geoffrey, her first love. His searing touch proves Alyse’s love and desire for him is as strong as when they first met. Tormented by this revelation, Alyse is bitterly torn between the love of her life and her love for her husband.

Into this agonizing situation, the disaster of the Black Death rears its head, decimating the princess’s retinue and threatening all their lives. Alyse, Thomas and Geoffrey must try to save the princess from the ravening disease but at a dire cost to themselves. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both of the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Available from Smashwords and Amazon

Jenna is hosting a giveaway at this link.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Get in the medieval spirit with Albannach from the Annapolish Irish Festival on my travel blog at this link.

Aloha to Jenna Jaxon and BETRAYAL

Downtown Abbey ended its fourth season with a tease of court life - the Grantham Family traveled to London for Lady Rose's presentation.  Indeed, scandal creeped into the plot - but it was the Granthams trying to prevent a scandal brewing from the Prince's indiscretions!  The English court has a long history of indiscretions ... and Jenna Jaxon gives a taste from Medieval England in BETRAYAL, Book 2 in her Time Enough To Love series ....

The worst betrayals come from within. 

After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?

Panoramic View of Windsor Castle
Released to Public Domain (link)
BETRAYAL opens in Windsor Castle

Betrayal can only happen if you love. - John le Carre

Jenna Jaxon's foray into the English Court reminds me of Showtime's THE TUDORS - the cable show offered beautiful costumes, enchanting music, and soap operatic court intrigue that rivaled Dallas, Dynasty, and the Housewives series.    Yet Jaxon accomplished the same, but two hundred years early, by relying upon her writing talents to deliver the same feeling that I was watching the action from within. 

Jaxon delivers an authentic setting of a time of unquestioned loyalty to the crown, arranged marriages, and honor above all.   Alyse drew me into her world, from praying in the chapel, attending to the princess, and privately grieving the loss of her fiance.  It was only natural for Alyse to question Geoffrey's offer and resist his charms.  BETRAYAL is a sweet story of "love against the odds" in a time when love didn't factor into arranged marriages that suited the king.   

When I started BETRAYAL, I quickly understood Alyse's back story.  I assumed this was a stand alone novel; I was surprised by the cliff hanger.   Upon further investigation, I now realize that BETRAYAL is a continuation of BETROTHAL.   I don't feel that jumping into BETRAYAL, without reading BETROTHAL, impeded my enjoyment of it.   For readers who enjoy Medieval Romance, I recommend starting with BETROTHAL to savor the continuing story of BETRAYAL. 

I am a fan of Medieval castles ....

 

I received an e-ARC from the author for an honest review.   I am giving away a e-copy of BETROTHAL (Book 1) to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about prime time dramas - did you watch Dallas (80s version)? Dallas (current version on TNT)? Dynasty?  The Tudors?  Housewives?  or any other show that is over the top?

I have been sucked back into the world of Dallas on TNT.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 1, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 2.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Jenna and her books, check jennajaxon.wordpress.com.