Weekend Links and Cocktails

 It's almost St. Patrick's Day!!  That means a Lunasa concert and soda bread at my house, and I think I might try this cocktail receipt while I'm at it, courtesy of Highclere Castle Gin (I admit I was pulled into trying it by "Downton" but it is really delicious gin...)

And there's a few things to read as well!  Slainte!

Extant Tudor homes that reveal how people lived...

The Cluny Museum is having an exhibit on...unicorns!  (I so wish I could see this!  The Cluny is one of my very favorite museums in Paris)

The Smithsonian magazine talks about Tudor miniature portraits

A look back at Best Actress Oscar winners' gowns over the years

Speaking of Oscars--why Sinners should win Best Picture

8 "badass" librarians!

The needlework of Mary Queen of Scots

What Bridgerton got wrong about corsets (a lot!)

Mary Oliver on creativity and time

Elizabethan posy rings

The Lucky Recipe

  1 oz   Highclere Castle Gin

  1/2 oz Midori  

1/2 oz  Fresh Lime Juice

 1/2 oz  Simple Syrup

Champagne / Garnish:  Mint Sprig

Directions:

1.   Combine gin, Midori, lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

2.  Strain into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne. 

3.  Garnish with a mint sprig.

Weekend Links (and staying warm!)

 I hope you all have plenty of great books on your TBR piles for the cold weather weekend!  I am playing to cook some chili in the crockpot and settle in for some writing/research, and watch some more of the excellent "Bookish" on PBS.  In the meantime, here are a few distractions for you...

Book donations for kids in MN

Oscar noms are in!  I thought it was quite a good movie-watching year, and there weren't many surprises here.  (except for "Wicked: For Good" being shut out for anything, even Costumes!  And I did think Paul Mescal deserved a nod...)

The "frazzled English woman interior"  (my house decor is now trendy!!!)

Legendary designer Valentino passed away at 93

12 Audrey Hepburn fashion moments that remain iconic

January 17 was Anne Bronte's birthday

Needlepoint is having a comeback!  (just like my decor, my hobbies are now trendy...)

Who were Sargent's muses, the "wild Wyndham sisters"? 

The boom in Regency balls

5 ways Queen Victoria shaped the modern monarchy

Weekend Links

 

I hope you all survived the holidays!  It's snowy here (finally!  It's been such a dry winter), and I am cozy with some tea and my new gift books, as well as researching a new project..  Hope you are safe and warm, too.

And here's a few more things to read today...

The unearthing of an Iron Age war trumpet

A guide to New York bookstores

A Venetian palace for sale

December 1926--Agatha Christie went missing!

Speaking of Christie--has anyone seen the new "Seven Dials" adaptation?  I haven't had the chance yet, but it looks good...

How to be at French cafe

Can cheese lower dementia risk???  (if so, I should be good for decades...)

An ode to Jessie Buckley (I saw "Hamnet" over the holiday, she was astonishing)

How to read tarot cards: a beginner's guide

The art of Wes Anderson

Weekend Links

 

It's only a few days until Christmas, and I am frantically trying to finish wrapping gifts and ordering goodies!  Then I plan to settle in with new (hopefully) books to read, Emily in Paris episodes to watch (I need its absolute nonsense right now), and some hot cocoa.  I hope you have the same coziness.

And here's a few things to read...

On December 19, 1848, Emily Bronte died at Haworth

Goodbye to Sophie Kinsella  (I loved "Shopaholic")

Why are all the lonely girls going to Paris?  (well, who wouldn't!)

Rare public display of Mary Queen of Scot's final letter

Some of the best (and worst) Christmas songs of all time

Some of the best Christmas perfumes

The Wales' cute Christmas card

How Gen Z is re-writing the rules of wine

Weekend Links

 Need some distraction from the cold wind outside and the fact that soooo much gift shopping needs to be decided??  I do!  (plus I just started writing a new book, which means Procrastination Station).  Here's a few things to read.  (Later this weekend, I'm going to try and post some of my favorite reads of 2025, so stay tuned...)

Every tiara worn to this week's state banquet...

December 5 is Krampusnacht!

Richard E Grant's stunning Christmas decorations! (If you haven't read his book A Pocketful of Happiness I highly recommend it)

25 iconic fashion moments in film

What I really, really want to watch--Fackham Hall

How Hans Holbein survived the court of Henry VIII

Holiday Weekend Links

 Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone!!  I just turned in final revisions on the next book, and am getting ready to make pies for tomorrow.  I hope you're having a lovely autumn!  In the meantime, here are a few distractions...

5 ways to support a small business during the holidays (from Everyday Parisian, which is a wonderful site!)

What wine goes with your holiday meals

The best Thanksgiving cocktails

A royal wedding on November 20, 1947

Weekend Links and Book Giveaway

 

Happy almost-Thanksgiving, everyone!  If you're already in the holiday spirit (I had my first peppermint mocha today!), check out Regency Gaming Hell Christmas, volume 1, which is free this week.  (Volume 4 is out December 3).  I loved working on this project with Kathy L Wheeler, my writing bestie, and I love it when holiday novella time rolls around...

What I'm reading right now: Hong Kong Widow (so spooky)

What I'm watching: Wicked part one, getting ready for my tickets to Wicked: For Good on the 22nd!

And here's some fun reading for the weekend...

A Frida Kahlo self-portrait is going up for auction

How the production team of "Hamnet" built a Globe replica in record time

The death of Princess Charlotte of Wales on November 6, 1817

Upcoming exhibit I'd like to see!  "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style"

Jonathan Bailey is the sexiest man alive (this tracks)

The gold heart necklace of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

Actress Prunella Scales (aka Sybil Fawlty) has died

A history of Guy Fawkes Day (remember, remember, the fifth of November!)

Weekend Links and Book Release

 How to Court Your Wife is out on October 23!!!  I'm so excited to see this final installment of "The Matchmakers of Bath" in the world.  (Though the heroine is a modiste, and not one of the matchmakers!  It was so much fun researching the fashion of the era...)  In the meantime, the nights are getting longer and chillier here, time to snuggle in and read (or watch British murder mysteries).  Both are favorites at this time of year...

What I'm watching: the new "Lynley" series (Leo Suter, yum)

What I'm reading: Days of Light by Megan Hunter (beautifully written, I am reading slowly to absorb every paragraph!), and Stephen Greenblatt's Dark Renaissance, his new bio of Christopher Marlowe

And your fun links for the week:

The most beautiful haunted houses in the world

An article about Lapdog Rescue (we got our two little rescues, Pippa and Kate, from them! They do wonderful work)

On October 17, 1793, Marie Antoinette was executed

The British Museum's appeal to save the "Tudor heart" pendant

October 14 was Ada Lovelace Day

Some of the most stunning period costumes seen on film

The French have...croissant-scented stamps!  Brilliant!

A lovely royal wedding

Weekend Links

 

Happy weekend, everyone!  I hope it's autumn where you are, it's finally getting cool here, and the colors are ahhhhmazing, especially up in the mountains.  I hope to get out there tomorrow, after wrapping up revisions on the WIP.  In the meantime, here's a few things to read...

How close did we come to losing Beowulf forever?

A witch's tips for the best Halloween party ever

150 years of Liberty of London

Auction of the jewels of the Dowager Countess of Airlie (complete with gorgeous tiara!)

In other auction news, the gorgeous Faberge Winter Egg...

Jilly Cooper's Cotswolds abode

Eugene Levy's interview with Prince William (complete with Orla, the scene stealing spaniel!)

Lots of "Wicked" merch

Medieval monks and their luxe skincare

We lost Hyacinth!  The death of the wonderful Dame Patricia Routledge

A Regency flat in Bath where I would love to live

Weekend Links

 Welcome to fall!!  I am loving the cooler nights and vivid colors, even though it's that weird in-between spot for clothes (sweaters are too heavy, summer frocks are too light...)  I am diving into revisions for the next book, a Gilded Age romance set in gorgeous Newport, and settling in for some reading.  I'd love some fall-ish recs, if you have any.  And here are a few distractions for you...

An artist recycles Royal Ballet shoes into jewelry

Why we're still reading Jane Austen on her 250th birthday

Also, September 24, 1995 saw the premier of our favorite Pride & Prejudice on BBC!  (how has it been so long??)

The Brooklyn artist who created thousands of porcelain miniature for the V&A's Marie Antoinette exhibit (these are amazing)

The 100 greatest British novels, according to the BBC (I have no quarrel with #1, it's one of my very favorite books)

How women's pockets became so controversial

Weekend Links

 

Well, this has been a week that feels like a (long) year.  I am getting ready to dive into some farmers market shopping and reading this weekend before tackling book revisions that just landed on my desk.  And here's a few distraction...  (also, don't forget to talk like a pirate today!  My book High Seas Stowaway, if you want some historical seafaring hijinks is .99)

The V&A opens their "Marie Antoinette Style" exhibit (and I am sobbing not to be there!)

An art conservator restores a portrait of Isabella de Medici

Where is The Great British Bakeoff Filmed?

It was Agatha Christie's Birthday on September 15!  I think I'll do a re-read in her honor (some favorites--Death on the Nile, The Hollow, 5 Little Pigs)

The most beautiful garden you can visit in every state

The jewels of the new Downton Abbey movie (I saw it last weekend!  So fun to see old friends again, and you go, Lady Edith)

Inside the rooms where 20 famous books were written

Portrait of Shakespeare's possible lover found

Weekend Links

 I just got a new box of books for my next Harlequin release, How to Court Your Wife!!!  It's the 3rd in the Matchmakers of Bath series, and I love it because the heroine, Sandrine, is a modiste.  You know how I love clothes!!!  Her business is booming--now she just has to deal with her much-too attractive estranged husband.  It's releasing on October 23, but I have a few copies to send out for review.  Let me know if you're interested!

In other book news, Secretary to the Socialite is gaining some lovely reviews!  As it's the "book of my heart," this is making me feel quite chuffed and smiley.  

And, as we hover on the brink of autumn (bring on Halloween and apple spice!) here are a few things to read:

Happy birthday, Elizabeth I!  (September 7, 1533)

And the death of her stepmother Queen Katherine Parr (September 5, 1548)

And this week the Duchess of Kent died, aged 92 (a true lady and talented musician, one of the last of the old-school royals, she led a fascinating and sad life)

The (almost) wildness of Elizabeth Bennet

A new "Age of Innocence" adaptation is on its way!  I love Edith Wharton, and it's been 30 years since the perfection of the Scorsese movie, but this description of being a "modern young version for a new generation" does not sound---reassuring....

The stately settings of "Downton Abbey"  (last movie is out next week, woo-hoo!)

Weekend Links

 I'm finishing up writing a novella due tomorrow (ugh!!!), so here's a few things to read!  (It's a Christmas novella, weird while it's 90 degrees outside...)

The next book ban target?  Romance

The Battle of Bosworth was on August 22, 1485

Princess Margaret's birthday was August 20, 1930

Downton Abbey auction...  (I would LOVE to own some of those costumes! I could wear them to go to the grocery store and walk the dogs in my glamorous life)

You can sleep in Charlotte Bronte's room!

And finally, one of my publishers is having a .99 sale until the 27th!  It includes the first Flora Flowerdew mystery...

weekend Links

 

Happy mid-August!  It's cooling down a little here (I think), and I am thinking about what project I'd like to write next.  I have been feeling a little burned out lately, and need something I can throw myself into.  Hopefully, once the autumn weather arrives and I'm feeling hygge, long writing/reading days are ahead...

In the meantime, here are a few fun things to read!

I have one more opera to attend before the season is over next week!  I also just watched a fascinating documentary about how this very special place came to be here in Santa Fe

It's also Indian Market weekend here!  I love how we have so many annual events this time of year

The Bennets' house from the '95 P&P is for sale!  I would love to buy it and make a retreat for all my bookish friends...

On August 9, 1588, Elizabeth I made her famous speech at Tilbury

A rare 18th century tapestry has gone on view at Blenheim

Speaking of Blenheim, here's a peek at the real-life miserable marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt, once its duchess!

I also have a Friday Freebie this week, thanks to my publisher!

See you next week...

Weekend Links (and a review link!)

 

Happy (almost Bastille Day) everyone!  I hope you're having a great summer.  My tomatoes are looking amazing in the garden, I've been to the opera twice (La Boheme was lovely!), and I've perfected a lemony-gin cocktail that is perfect for warm evenings on the patio.  (Recipe at end)

In the meantime, here are a few fun things to read, and if you'd like a review copy of Secretary to the Socialite, send me an email and I will get you the link!  amccabe7551 AT yahoo.com

A Downton Abbey costume auction!!  (I wish I could buy that Lady Mary wedding dress, I could use it for walking the dogs and going to Trader Joe's...)

Santa Fe is the #1 travel destination!

An article about "Enchanted April" (one of my favorite books and movies)

The Bayeux Tapestry returns to Britain

11 books to read for your summertime sadness

Why the "messy girl" asethetic is taking over decorating (I am right in style)

Lemon Lavender Gin Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lavender simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Club soda or tonic water (to top, optional)
• Ice
• Lemon slices and/or lavender sprigs for garnish (optional) 

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine gin, lavender simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain the mixture over the ice in your glass.
5. Top with club soda or tonic water if desired.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and/or lavender sprigs

(Post) Weekend Links and a Giveaway!

 Happy almost-June, everyone!  I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day weekend and are ready for the warmer weather.  We had a bit of surprise hail yesterday, but most of my veggie plants survived, and I've been buried in writing-land so there will be time for outdoor concerts and restaurant patios asap.

To start off the summer, I have a giveaway for newsletter subscribers!  A box of books and movies (Regency-themed).  If you're already subscribed, you're automatically entered!  If not, you can subscribe here...  (I'm very lazy, so the newsletter is very infrequent!  It's mostly book news and more giveaways)

I also have a July 22 release I am VERY excited about!  My first historical fiction, centered around a fascinating woman in mid-century history (Millicent Rogers) and my favorite place on earth, Taos, New Mexico, where she made her last home and where you can find her eponymous museum.  More about this book soon!!!  (You can pre-order here)

In the glittering world of mid-century America, Millicent Rogers is a woman ahead of her time—Standard Oil heiress, fashion icon, patron of the arts, wife, mother, lover to men like Ian Fleming and Clark Gable. Her beauty and intelligence captivate the world. But behind the scenes, she harbors secrets of ill health and loneliness that only one person knows—her secretary Violet Redfield. A quiet but artistic woman who left her Iowa farm family to pursue dreams of being a writer, Violet navigates a delicate balance between devotion to Millicent and her own dreams of independence.

As their lives become intertwined in a tangle of love, betrayal, and ambition, both women must confront the hidden costs of their powerful alliance. From lavish Hollywood parties to the mountains of bohemian Taos, Secretary to the Socialite explores this intricate bond between a woman of privilege and the one who keeps her world from falling apart.

In this captivating, immersive historical novel, two women from very different worlds find themselves at a crossroads where loyalty and personal desires collide, and where their choices could alter the course of their lives forever...

And a few things for your reading pleasure this week!

Marie Antoinette's pink diamond is up for auction

Jane Austen inspired decor

Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy gown to be sold at Sotheby's

The real Queen Charlotte

Young adults embrace Jane Austen "to escape modern dating"

"I cooked like Jane Austen..."

Weekend Links

 Happy April, everyone!  It was snowy here yesterday, and sunny today.  Welcome to springtime!!!  I'm starting a new WIP, and in the meantime here's a little reading to distract you...

Author Kerry Greenwood passes away (I adore her Phryne Fisher books!  So sad)

The 100th anniversary of the publication of "The Great Gatsby"

Hair trends!  It's all about the "Jane Austen" bangs

RIP Val Kilmer

Vanessa Bell in Bloomsbury

The 17th century shipwreck gown

The Bronte Parsonage Museum buys an Emily Bronte watercolor

Weekend Links

 And a few fun reads to keep you distracted!  (don't we all need that right now??)

The 12 Most Popular Bookstores and Libraries On Earth

The Scintilating Histories of the Mitford Sisters

Flannery O'Connor at 100

Happy Birthday, William Morris!  Born March 24, 1834

And Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603...

The dazzling tiara collection of Queen Mary

How Mr Darcy became one of Austen's most memorable creations

Women played a pivotal role as scribes of medieval manuscripts

The great American classic we've been misreading for 100 years

Advice from vintage cocktail party etiquette books...

Eleanor de Montfort's lavish medieval wardrobe

Weekend Links

 Welllllll, it has been a week!  A week that feels like 10 years.  I think  we deserve to snuggle down in the Ritz Bar, have a Hemingway Daiquiri (or whatever you like), and read some distracting articles.  What have you been doing this week?  read anything good?  (I'm just finishing Dan Jones new bio of Henry V...)

What French women are shopping for

Newly discovered Lavinia Fontana portrait discovered

Virginia Woolfe's birthday was last week!  (along with mine, different years, natch)  Look for a Heroine of the Weekend post on her next week

It was also Burns Night!  I celebrated with a few Scots friends with some bagpipe music and copious bottles of Laphroaig, which might by why I am a wee bit slow today...

A new TV drama is coming about the tragic Queen Ena, if you need a "Crown" fix

A ranking about the best Girl Scout Cookies (I am a Thin Mint girly myself, but would never say no to a Tagalong or Samoa...)

Dame Joan Plowright died (Enchanted April is one of my very favorite movies, and if you haven't seen "Tea With the Dames" go and watch it right this moment!)

LA Animal organizations that could use your help right now

And more ways to help

An exhibit of Sargent portraits of the "Dolla Princesses"  (I'm very interetested in this as I dive into a Gilded Age book...)

Weekend Links

 

Happy Sunday, everyone!  Are you as dizzy with holiday madness as I am??  Add in book deadlines, and it's wild!  But here are a few distractions for today (and next week, I'll have my favorite books of the year list)

Notre Dame reopened!!!

December 5 was Krampusnacht.  Looks like a holiday for our times!

Holiday festivities in Shakespeare's England (from the Folger Library)

Rom-com decor

Tons of great tiaras and royal appearances this week!!  (lovely to see the Princess of Wales at her carols event!)

Speaking of royals, the Spanish king and queen have dramatic new portraits

I saw "Wicked" a few weeks ago, and loooved it!  Here's some info on the costumes