I’m so excited to be featuring this awesome author on my blog today! She’s super sweet, and her book…..oh, my goodness her book! It is absolutely stunning and I was so honored to be able to partake in reviewing it for her (stay tuned for my review this week!). Everyone, let’s welcome Amanda Barratt to the blog today. Welcome, Amanda!
My 6 Favorite Things About Novels Set in the Victorian Era
I’m thrilled to be hanging out here today, celebrating the release of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York!
The story is set in Victorian America, one of my very favorite eras. Today, I thought it would be fun to share the top reasons why I love reading novels set in this time period. Put on your bonnet, pour a cup of tea, and enjoy this trip to bygone days.
1— The manners – Our social customs have changed drastically since the late 1800s, and it’s fun reading a story where a young lady needed a chaperone to walk out with her suitor, where fanning yourself a certain way held hidden meanings, and a lady paid afternoon calls on friends and left a calling card behind.
2— The fashion – Yes, corsets aren’t comfortable. But silk or satin skirts flowing to the floor, trimmed with lace, layers and layers of petticoats beneath are. Just. So. Gorgeous. Not to mention a gentleman in top hat and tails… be still my heart.
3— The carriages – There’s nothing like the hooves of a horse clipping along cobblestoned streets, or meandering down a country lane. Plus, climbing out of the carriage in all those skirts isn’t easy, and one requires the assistance of a gentleman to descend. The perfect scenario for a romantic moment. J
4—The dancing— As someone who’s actually participated in Victorian dancing, I can attest to the graceful elegance of watching couples perform complicated steps, moving in symmetry to the music. Dancing provided opportunities for families to mingle, couples to meet, all in a proper, gracious environment. And oh… the waltz.
5— The food – In an era without drive thrus or premade lasagna, meals took time, love, and yes, work to prepare. Girls from middle-class families learned the art of cookery at a young age, and favorite recipes were passed down from generation to generation. To make Victorian treats in your modern kitchen, consider getting a cookbook from the era, or visiting a website like Downton Abbey Cooks, a site that offers recipes from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
6– The romance— I adore reading a story where, in spite of differences in class, matchmaking relatives, or a myriad of other Victorian challenges, true love conquers all. Some of my favorite couples from Victorian set novels and history are: Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, John Thorton and Margaret Hale, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and Drew Dawson and Adele Linley. 🙂
I’d love to hear your favorite things about this era. Leave a comment, and let’s chat all things Victorian!
About Amanda
ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales – from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, was a finalist in the 2017 FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters.
These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England.
About The Book
Journey to Niagara Falls, New York, 1870
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.
Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.
Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.
Adele meets incredibly wealthy and pompous Franklin Conway who takes an immediate fancy to her. But she would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?
I love Victorian era too Amanda! For all those reasons and more! Congrats on your new release!
This one looks as good as the others in this series, like the one by Carrie Fancet Pagels!
Great post Molly!