It is the end of October
We should be talking about autumn, that season of mists and mellow fruitfulness…
Or Hallowe’en, darker nights, spooky goings-on and tales by candlelight.
Warning: if you think autumn is too early for “December Festivities”, look away now!
As you can see, this book has a Christmas theme. I am sorry, it can’t be helped. It is out there.
The Dreaded C Word in Autumn?
I know, I feel your pain. (Apologies, Dame Isadora, for using the phrase!)
It is only just autumn. I cannot really get into the festive mood until 1st December, but needs must, as they say. The book is out there, and I must talk about it…
It is a Regency Romance
And as such, you will find no Santa Claus, Christmas trees, decorated or otherwise, although there is holly and mistletoe, and presents on St Nicholas Day, 6th December. Toasted crumpets (yes, crumpets).
And snow. Lots of snow.
It is also a heart-warming story about finding love and working together to make a happy family life for a little boy. What more do you need in a book on a cold winter’s evening?
The story begins…
It starts in a pretty Somerset village where Lily Wrayford lives a happy, comfortable life. It is the last days of summer, 1814, and Lily is guardian to a little boy, Toby, whom she loves as her own. When it seems he is about to be taken away from her, she takes drastic measures to prevent that happening.
The first part of this book is set in and around the Somerset Levels. It is flat and marshy and — as it is a childhood haunt of mine — I think it is quite beautiful. It is full of winding lanes and rhynes, the deep drainage ditches that run between the fields. Somerset in September is mild and sunny. Just like Lily. But autumn is coming…
And the story moves on. To Yorkshire…
This is Leo’s territory.
In contrast to Somerset it is rugged and hilly. To Lily, at first, it seems as harsh and unyielding as Leo himself.
Can she be wrong about both????
It can snow here at any time from October onwards, and provides a perfect setting for a winter book. And although we are not mentioning the C word (much), there are seasonal trees!
This one is from my own garden, a few years ago when I lived on the Pennines. Who needs baubles??
Yes, Christmas is a time for giving…
BUT I don’t want to give too much of the story away. That means that’s all I’m going to say about it here.
Still, Christmas is about giving, so I thought a giveaway might be in order.
The Autumn Giveaway – NOW ENDED
Two names will be chosen at random at 9 am (UK time) on Friday 4th November from the comments to this blog and announced here on the blog shortly after.
FOR THE UK – Tote bag, make-up bag, notebook and pen, plus a paperback copy of The Duke’s Family For Christmas for one lucky commenter.
Sadly, I can only send this to UK addresses, but do not despair!
FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD – I will send an e-copy of The Duke’s Family for Christmas to one lucky commenter.
To make it easier for the Blogging Elves to do their work,
please add your location country to your comment.
Thank you and good luck everyone. I am now reverting to my usual curmudgeonly self and signing off with a Bah Humbug.
Happy Hallowe’en!
I do agree with the early Christmas stuff, especially the films in July.
Christmas time is from 1st December. However last year we couldn’t celebrate it as my husband & sons were in quarantine due to covid.
I think we’ll wing it this year 🤔
Manda Luton
Thanks for stopping by, Amanda. Covid has upset so many things, hasn’t it? Maybe there is an argument for the Christmas films in summer, if they make one feel good 🙂 Let’s hope this year Christmas will be a happy time for everyone.
Expect the unexpected is the rule these days. Just make sure there are enough nuggets & pigs in blankets….I have teens so they are essential
The year seems to go all too fast these days, so the appearance of any Christmas flummery before 1 December really brings the Scrooge out in me. Living in Scotland is very like living in Yorkshire, with snow arriving early and four seasons occurring on the same day!
UK.
I do so agree, Susan, I am still enjoying the autumn now and hoping for a few more good sunny days. I am in no hurry for the onset of winter, but I know some people do enjoy the build build up. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas! Started rehearsing Christmas carols last night at choir…
Your book looks fabulous, by the way! Love the way you have linked the settings to the characters’ personalities.
Thank you for your kind words about the book, Jenny ! I love Christmas Carols – they are a big part of Christmas for me, probably because the evoke great childhood memories!
The winner has now been chosen: thanks to those who commented, and happy reading to all.