tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69343333787616473382024-03-05T05:28:54.845-05:00Shaping the Facts by Author Margaret PorterHistorical fiction author Margaret Porter's blog. Her novels, research, photos and travels.Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-41075359258746027712024-01-08T09:14:00.002-05:002024-01-15T10:41:32.086-05:00ANNOUNCEMENT: A Change of Location, my first contemporary novel!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigttPxkkkBk_guws22KxcckwlNFfSo2jKiTIDrnjJ1FPw1ei3fqNNYHN_6x-OgRGuGeWboA_KQ-WostWMuAgy0CdYI8sf4DJ_sdNALUKZoXLFQkKK1KC0dSzktWoFOfQFvN_cbW8VGwvJR_XNeg8C02evrlvGZPkRA9FCW6PoLB3WInuTw2VoAPzqxZOY/s600/ACOLformats.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigttPxkkkBk_guws22KxcckwlNFfSo2jKiTIDrnjJ1FPw1ei3fqNNYHN_6x-OgRGuGeWboA_KQ-WostWMuAgy0CdYI8sf4DJ_sdNALUKZoXLFQkKK1KC0dSzktWoFOfQFvN_cbW8VGwvJR_XNeg8C02evrlvGZPkRA9FCW6PoLB3WInuTw2VoAPzqxZOY/w442-h293/ACOLformats.png" width="442" /></a></div><p></p><p style="color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm thrilled to announce that <strong><em>A Change of Location, </em></strong>my sixteenth book--and my very first contemporary novel--arrives in April 2024.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A great deal of personal experience went into this story, although it isn't actually autobiographical. It takes readers to areas in Somerset that are very familiar to me (only slightly fictionalized), and is based on some of my own past activity in film and television.</span></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🇬🇧" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2f/1.5/16/1f1ec_1f1e7.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🇺🇲" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t26/1.5/16/1f1fa_1f1f2.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="💓" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tbf/1.5/16/1f493.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎬" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t86/1.5/16/1f3ac.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎥" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t58/1.5/16/1f3a5.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎭" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7/1.5/16/1f3ad.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🧳" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf7/1.5/16/1f9f3.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="✈️" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t3d/1.5/16/2708.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span></span></p>
<p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hannah Ballard’s most successful relationship: her career. Her superpower is an uncanny ability to discover perfect movie settings while avoiding the limelight herself. She’s involved in pre-production for a film based on a bestselling historical novel when a chance meeting with an aristocratic landowner leads her to Somerset and his estate in picturesque Milver Vale—the ideal backdrop for a period drama.</span></p>
<p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Martin Latimer, Marquess of Milverston, believes the release of a high-profile motion picture can increase tourism and bolster the local economy. And he hopes to spend more time with its intriguing location manager.</span></p>
<p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But Hannah’s discovery that Martin is a magnet for the scandal-hungry press forces her into a painful and damaging decision. Powering through heartbreak is hard. Especially when coping with unemployment—and dealing with members of her fractured family. For their protection, she must part from the nobleman asking her to stay with him. Who makes her believe that, at long last, she actually could be falling in love.</span></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🇬🇧" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2f/1.5/16/1f1ec_1f1e7.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🇺🇲" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t26/1.5/16/1f1fa_1f1f2.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="💓" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tbf/1.5/16/1f493.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎬" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t86/1.5/16/1f3ac.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎥" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t58/1.5/16/1f3a5.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🎭" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7/1.5/16/1f3ad.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🧳" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf7/1.5/16/1f9f3.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="✈️" class="xz74otr" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t3d/1.5/16/2708.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill; text-align: center;" width="16" /></span></span></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Some advance reviews:</span></p><blockquote style="color: #2a2b2a; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">“</span><span style="font-size: medium;">Porter has perfectly captured the romance trope of finding unexpected love while traveling to new places. The author also deftly portrays the machinations of a twentysomething career woman who's somewhat closed off to romantic intrigue. Porter skillfully immerses readers in the fictional Milver Vale and vividly evokes British village life, from pubs to fun characters to countryside exploits . . . A charming sojourn to the English countryside for readers who enjoy smart love stories.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: large;">Kirkus Reviews</i></span></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #2a2b2a; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“</span><span style="font-size: medium;">Hannah's ability to navigate and analyze unfamiliar surroundings and people becomes a driving force in a novel that explores her international sojourns, matters of the heart, and the people and places that motivate her to step away from her former successful patterns and into different relationships and milieus . . . A revealing novel of new possibilities and life that covers unemployment, romance, heartbreak, other cultures, and new lives . . . The perfect ticket for a warm account of movie-making and personal magic.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: large;">Midwest Book Review</i></span></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #2a2b2a; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“</span><span style="font-size: medium;">A triumph! <i>A Change of Location</i> hits its marks perfectly on both sides of the pond. I had so much fun with Porter's quirky, thoroughly lovable characters that I couldn't put the novel down.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">” Leslie Carroll, author of </span><i style="font-size: large;">Royal Affairs.</i></span></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #2a2b2a; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 16px;">“</span><span style="font-size: medium;">Perfect for romantics who adore stately homes, all things England . . . and delicious budding romances. . . . Highly recommended!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: large;">The Literary Redhead</i></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #2a2b2a; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></i></blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><blockquote><p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Pre-order links are already live on retail and e-tail sites. They can be found </span><a href="https://margaretporter.com/contemporary.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a></span></p></blockquote><p style="color: #050505; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="display: inline-flex; font-size: 15px; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></p></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-63756941193644833412023-06-12T16:17:00.003-04:002023-06-12T16:57:12.088-04:00Author on the Move<p>Recently I returned to England, for numerous reasons--several personal, some professional. The weather, as evidenced by these photographs, was perfect--only five minutes of rain the entire time I was there, which fell on me during a short walk to the village post office. But no more after that!</p><p>The flowers were abundant, especially the wisteria in Somerset.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1uOoqe6eVj5hH6zd1yyexfE2PjBS7ukO6svw6istkaYRH0ewZ-OadXXiL7_Old00alkncr3CxW8nLzWfn909jU1qyWEdGGh0y2ygh2VBw6rzDAmOMhlDubLEJPtKI-tro636XFcjFJY6AVNH7rfHMnooJ3c4UOpwzQr6wCBxEyCCWba65yZvVrbG/s2048/347435768_237480088892886_73864161173938823_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2048" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1uOoqe6eVj5hH6zd1yyexfE2PjBS7ukO6svw6istkaYRH0ewZ-OadXXiL7_Old00alkncr3CxW8nLzWfn909jU1qyWEdGGh0y2ygh2VBw6rzDAmOMhlDubLEJPtKI-tro636XFcjFJY6AVNH7rfHMnooJ3c4UOpwzQr6wCBxEyCCWba65yZvVrbG/w400-h315/347435768_237480088892886_73864161173938823_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Barrington Court</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrVrMtuBjv4-CG8495lE9Fxd7srp_VVPl7CflC4xfJ5XA-w6z0V6b4iFaAoXP8qGIicuy91m9mLxBQYHqY-6V03o091Ln731PIQ3QyZmntJtRd52u9SsNVyCQc-Rtm4uUG0nIdz9NtWSlYmo-BvXT4FApK6FxTmNJoCvFGyNXWee0_u-WjTpxcxdO/s2048/347405469_5926474447479829_2910590493689852346_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1636" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrVrMtuBjv4-CG8495lE9Fxd7srp_VVPl7CflC4xfJ5XA-w6z0V6b4iFaAoXP8qGIicuy91m9mLxBQYHqY-6V03o091Ln731PIQ3QyZmntJtRd52u9SsNVyCQc-Rtm4uUG0nIdz9NtWSlYmo-BvXT4FApK6FxTmNJoCvFGyNXWee0_u-WjTpxcxdO/w320-h400/347405469_5926474447479829_2910590493689852346_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Forde Abbey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWt7qk-LjtdIpU9jikYwagJtDCdeP9XZg9JPja-Ws5-2DKpYeWLjNgJPU7fmnaE6jaX-KzTA-8q1vd803J2X2oPghZfSN0zme20663NUERHzajf1i4U7HOr3XR85AD_6qg0WMOIbmvH5lX3F8qu96zMBnWyUgmGj7dwYEQjYR74Vqmwb_sjJSnGbA/s2048/347234333_3442634455995972_4477955943522285466_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWt7qk-LjtdIpU9jikYwagJtDCdeP9XZg9JPja-Ws5-2DKpYeWLjNgJPU7fmnaE6jaX-KzTA-8q1vd803J2X2oPghZfSN0zme20663NUERHzajf1i4U7HOr3XR85AD_6qg0WMOIbmvH5lX3F8qu96zMBnWyUgmGj7dwYEQjYR74Vqmwb_sjJSnGbA/w400-h325/347234333_3442634455995972_4477955943522285466_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the border in Dorset: Forde Abbey, so many water features</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xYQevnmGbRZLwrm-wHc31IBLkPegB36v8ArNAHDC3GJJhLGX5iQC1RuyHOxJmlxqPh-lpu5HMWtMpvAGfbpbXl5_AovJR0Ltr3oPg2WkkXS_RSR8KqYMmysJSaMwbSrcloBJ_MnHY-DdhEJBWGfH7MC8pl6BevpP2HZvk0TQUHITPDDhVeQQXSit/s2048/347399581_252175424146185_667782897015135486_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1712" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xYQevnmGbRZLwrm-wHc31IBLkPegB36v8ArNAHDC3GJJhLGX5iQC1RuyHOxJmlxqPh-lpu5HMWtMpvAGfbpbXl5_AovJR0Ltr3oPg2WkkXS_RSR8KqYMmysJSaMwbSrcloBJ_MnHY-DdhEJBWGfH7MC8pl6BevpP2HZvk0TQUHITPDDhVeQQXSit/w400-h335/347399581_252175424146185_667782897015135486_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Montacute House, Somerset-every time I'm there, it's sunny!</div><span> </span><span> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb8zq64n5HFYsfviX4R9j8AQARmLc1KYC-9X6-0x4L3jwc4dWrhALok9r-bMbLX-ewM6kXkfIgpX0EL0zTcvV5r5N9PkKCjvsKE3CX_4ShBXFxYiQJa3OjLlAFLe6gCafSjf4D99Ztn8O8f3gSEEPXGuZacB2atUmqFIVEo2nselhclJSuVFBrIAs/s2048/347638206_200789572829558_4100520197077817146_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb8zq64n5HFYsfviX4R9j8AQARmLc1KYC-9X6-0x4L3jwc4dWrhALok9r-bMbLX-ewM6kXkfIgpX0EL0zTcvV5r5N9PkKCjvsKE3CX_4ShBXFxYiQJa3OjLlAFLe6gCafSjf4D99Ztn8O8f3gSEEPXGuZacB2atUmqFIVEo2nselhclJSuVFBrIAs/w400-h400/347638206_200789572829558_4100520197077817146_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Montacute<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many of the places on my itinerary were chosen because of ancestral connections. I hadn't been to Glastonbury since my teen years, and it was wonderful to visit the Abbey ruins again. The famous Glastonbury Holy Thorn was flowering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5fsJhuJBjgAUoHu4-3iXHP9Ke046pvRGNri-bbc6yxOW6CDaV2L6zyljNGHK44nYJOMCkMwCfBKiALOUM17AnmEAsBCkJ1a_Ern5HgJmdiomXUV2G5UhKvO1KvkOVXSK8e-aRenrIEeTXRh1_SFu04XJON0IHwMx3HsY2-3Jpjq3jvCeJRivnH6Y/s2048/347600896_634206428298312_3987137114279067503_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2048" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5fsJhuJBjgAUoHu4-3iXHP9Ke046pvRGNri-bbc6yxOW6CDaV2L6zyljNGHK44nYJOMCkMwCfBKiALOUM17AnmEAsBCkJ1a_Ern5HgJmdiomXUV2G5UhKvO1KvkOVXSK8e-aRenrIEeTXRh1_SFu04XJON0IHwMx3HsY2-3Jpjq3jvCeJRivnH6Y/w400-h363/347600896_634206428298312_3987137114279067503_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Holy Thorn<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZjxoHVZd5Ul_RvF-q7Mm7CTi9eNW5l2B5uNSFOLv_-IfNShVyvihIRMnATCqxb220GRQ_TF83IVyyMDx5Yet67GZ14aJ5W3Gjs6vQFM59kG3jXsKira9zERPglsecC6U_9JamCS2Ut3dIlETctr-uBimcC-hJ4CCNUhtAI_XA9rNynCUyv2ECwE-/s2048/347561952_214041654740375_1603729558422897555_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZjxoHVZd5Ul_RvF-q7Mm7CTi9eNW5l2B5uNSFOLv_-IfNShVyvihIRMnATCqxb220GRQ_TF83IVyyMDx5Yet67GZ14aJ5W3Gjs6vQFM59kG3jXsKira9zERPglsecC6U_9JamCS2Ut3dIlETctr-uBimcC-hJ4CCNUhtAI_XA9rNynCUyv2ECwE-/w291-h400/347561952_214041654740375_1603729558422897555_n.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glastonbury Abbey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About a fortnight before my arrival in the family village that serves as my base, the little river running through it burst its banks during heavy rains. By the time I was there, it was gently flowing once more, but homes and businesses suffered greatly </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ4O_4kRbNidYT32SWfg4vWM1QUbTQV70YTq59MYtElViaVJIQDiEVRZ0S3GODPwAJ_MFn_-ux7MX5G_H3Rm2InsyQUDgPbyRePeJ5_V8s3Cf_dXNztDSw6CP139iKKESIDezU6hmZ-CQw1NYpGNp4ScGUS-JxJ7AvOPNe5VoQRGmZfI9M_eXzt5u/s2048/347615661_551938157128608_2098790736014165914_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ4O_4kRbNidYT32SWfg4vWM1QUbTQV70YTq59MYtElViaVJIQDiEVRZ0S3GODPwAJ_MFn_-ux7MX5G_H3Rm2InsyQUDgPbyRePeJ5_V8s3Cf_dXNztDSw6CP139iKKESIDezU6hmZ-CQw1NYpGNp4ScGUS-JxJ7AvOPNe5VoQRGmZfI9M_eXzt5u/w400-h300/347615661_551938157128608_2098790736014165914_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our little river, no longer flooding</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5JEuYFqzZBBna5UiI9PPZGws0jybL1DqbqZ2BCbfyCUt4-2IQ0bBmZCT5tcysACDcE-4254HHETQpKt4kf0FDQbeKVcsbBwk7QlFy5nkjC4zc4NCbqgot4QtNApklBx92RjKvWnWUNIlprJ4n6lMvhIqlKeVdSbOsRLYIdrLU0cb3IOOwy1zewcz/s2048/347631095_801671947975093_8655203392233809706_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5JEuYFqzZBBna5UiI9PPZGws0jybL1DqbqZ2BCbfyCUt4-2IQ0bBmZCT5tcysACDcE-4254HHETQpKt4kf0FDQbeKVcsbBwk7QlFy5nkjC4zc4NCbqgot4QtNApklBx92RjKvWnWUNIlprJ4n6lMvhIqlKeVdSbOsRLYIdrLU0cb3IOOwy1zewcz/w400-h300/347631095_801671947975093_8655203392233809706_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the village<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I visited a series of ancestral properties--and churches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl9P9bOViehiX_7XQOXJEhfbYqxIz--FGK98Ze9NnKoMmfVcbpxLgUItduAKTMZwWIgTw6diFR35Qzb5rdS589BpfBmraimDft8DG2jxvkK_noWFcHYNRTPktD32bhE6z23T-Mcc3zva1Kx8n7lOA8zJjraZgDBe7ZVWHog15UQtLGQN3LvW54bfl/s2048/348231800_637559454487631_8310934759615294068_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl9P9bOViehiX_7XQOXJEhfbYqxIz--FGK98Ze9NnKoMmfVcbpxLgUItduAKTMZwWIgTw6diFR35Qzb5rdS589BpfBmraimDft8DG2jxvkK_noWFcHYNRTPktD32bhE6z23T-Mcc3zva1Kx8n7lOA8zJjraZgDBe7ZVWHog15UQtLGQN3LvW54bfl/w300-h400/348231800_637559454487631_8310934759615294068_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My ancestors once owned this manor house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwccbM4CrkOqi-iWXL-Oartxu5QKf7MOD-wsePVNcGPCbDNc6052MrluVHzorVfq5SfbBZPs-8jkk465lhY4LHIIAstXdJJKH3Smf3kz--8KW_Cjnkbisg-B6h5G0INIgGyJGT_UeinMydy7BdWvoZVjOPUov14MTWmDtJ0ffrolK6XFB17jwEkyOT/s2048/348438960_6211807815569630_5167333143459349859_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwccbM4CrkOqi-iWXL-Oartxu5QKf7MOD-wsePVNcGPCbDNc6052MrluVHzorVfq5SfbBZPs-8jkk465lhY4LHIIAstXdJJKH3Smf3kz--8KW_Cjnkbisg-B6h5G0INIgGyJGT_UeinMydy7BdWvoZVjOPUov14MTWmDtJ0ffrolK6XFB17jwEkyOT/w300-h400/348438960_6211807815569630_5167333143459349859_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a different village church, my relatives' effigies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_S2xG1cteOCejl6-GR5KDFIAU8Fpuc871yEieesJI4ZnEt9zonh3FhTjN_1cCm8Z5Xr6qXd-2j2mlqUAPtaZns2_Zl4fIIQqyajmXqjp3aIAFPUeUdtKMZhzwFvIzbgnxSuI48jmiESZ97MOIz73Sa7zkdTELdGTnmcaAMMykAPHehxNxUdsE9WY/s2048/348451040_1045291303549817_1272630808681004119_n%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_S2xG1cteOCejl6-GR5KDFIAU8Fpuc871yEieesJI4ZnEt9zonh3FhTjN_1cCm8Z5Xr6qXd-2j2mlqUAPtaZns2_Zl4fIIQqyajmXqjp3aIAFPUeUdtKMZhzwFvIzbgnxSuI48jmiESZ97MOIz73Sa7zkdTELdGTnmcaAMMykAPHehxNxUdsE9WY/w345-h400/348451040_1045291303549817_1272630808681004119_n%20(1).jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An ancestress in another church</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving on to Gloucestershire, I visited many more family manors and churches. And I had the opportunity to stay in this one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16loylG0bYBuvFBnobk5pwq8Ojp4mKuNVjYv4_MI43msWAv2ceEqyy7amX60dux8wk-6IHCMvp92wmCtryf-xqETyYGAw06Ii4zHh1QBEeDImdhWHClOhfdDxwzKPCDz3cSDyvBkVyGUo209L7mqfz39uxuazoW0zLn5JkbJfYiRSRgNwG1ZNqeF6/s2048/348688503_933952127881615_7730696085570438485_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2007" data-original-width="2048" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16loylG0bYBuvFBnobk5pwq8Ojp4mKuNVjYv4_MI43msWAv2ceEqyy7amX60dux8wk-6IHCMvp92wmCtryf-xqETyYGAw06Ii4zHh1QBEeDImdhWHClOhfdDxwzKPCDz3cSDyvBkVyGUo209L7mqfz39uxuazoW0zLn5JkbJfYiRSRgNwG1ZNqeF6/w400-h393/348688503_933952127881615_7730696085570438485_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of the rear facade from the canal</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnmMtJsQVsyx5lz14y1u8XJtbNv1JNPdte-BKU8kZhoD2FeU94olAsWrpBE_BbEljfzIYzklspKa1si1bOLPjvciBylkcz1LsBEZCJw5NFqywbqDpSOt0H4Vr6ZDDdQ6ZR36sfTmWofxKhmnshvoUk2jgUI5pXrlhWafEc6VEZLZaq189MGcap46T/s2048/348596839_520952373426332_3379048547001099709_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1882" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnmMtJsQVsyx5lz14y1u8XJtbNv1JNPdte-BKU8kZhoD2FeU94olAsWrpBE_BbEljfzIYzklspKa1si1bOLPjvciBylkcz1LsBEZCJw5NFqywbqDpSOt0H4Vr6ZDDdQ6ZR36sfTmWofxKhmnshvoUk2jgUI5pXrlhWafEc6VEZLZaq189MGcap46T/w368-h400/348596839_520952373426332_3379048547001099709_n.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making myself at home in the former family manor house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After leisurely time in the countryside, I had a rather busy schedule in London. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVdyspaxSL42gANAx80PC8lLZO8-xJx6ZAhSFQUHtZuddCQrNldcgdPf6aoQ7ue-t16sVHBrbCdHqPaYoypUSwrGt65CON25yJnjczBkftYqlqMm8th2086wUKAeReAvNz0MFw1VY7ks5qb9eX4_JjC1-73FJbFG9blrARWqHVJoO-ZG7cGtFuczT/s2048/348820625_226950566712043_1786691820547692081_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVdyspaxSL42gANAx80PC8lLZO8-xJx6ZAhSFQUHtZuddCQrNldcgdPf6aoQ7ue-t16sVHBrbCdHqPaYoypUSwrGt65CON25yJnjczBkftYqlqMm8th2086wUKAeReAvNz0MFw1VY7ks5qb9eX4_JjC1-73FJbFG9blrARWqHVJoO-ZG7cGtFuczT/w400-h300/348820625_226950566712043_1786691820547692081_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of Mayfair and more from a hotel skybar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPtrKhm5UYMprGobVtXt7ou_5GsCKcukejrnEjJPSwWUvEpRqg_YAQR32aBzAsqfPVUBP5UKRxfokqeXQnCgsvLqtmPyn4Rflg9W2lAHat7DN0j88SRbCxkULyHJTP4FKoruoiqZg3RVyNXgmxSajTevbUau9HdgoN2TlZcqYz9DBOA1RYiwrjK1v/s2048/348943970_6362382897154175_1163945605089053422_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPtrKhm5UYMprGobVtXt7ou_5GsCKcukejrnEjJPSwWUvEpRqg_YAQR32aBzAsqfPVUBP5UKRxfokqeXQnCgsvLqtmPyn4Rflg9W2lAHat7DN0j88SRbCxkULyHJTP4FKoruoiqZg3RVyNXgmxSajTevbUau9HdgoN2TlZcqYz9DBOA1RYiwrjK1v/w400-h300/348943970_6362382897154175_1163945605089053422_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I appeared in the documentary being filmed in this location<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb3jjjyFRimXA_-gdwjkTbYUpLapqcykROv7DQnOLFTeZpH_O-Q7o_wu67__-9lsrEenMdtDnLQmLtFtIIE2EDW7cLEkOuING1edm-G-vcCFW1cUnLVnbWYvtgv3UQnwqIrdmonSZYO0apilimUMYISV7JDec6jR1qord1j2Z5gnrSSBu_X3UC9g0/s2048/348821707_770189987899740_3467596015816466410_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb3jjjyFRimXA_-gdwjkTbYUpLapqcykROv7DQnOLFTeZpH_O-Q7o_wu67__-9lsrEenMdtDnLQmLtFtIIE2EDW7cLEkOuING1edm-G-vcCFW1cUnLVnbWYvtgv3UQnwqIrdmonSZYO0apilimUMYISV7JDec6jR1qord1j2Z5gnrSSBu_X3UC9g0/w400-h300/348821707_770189987899740_3467596015816466410_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the British Library, I renewed my Reader's Card</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG7BmdpZG8QwiqHrt26TXBZtfQ4UjejJXU5qKS0aWzJ-CNwJWKXTLV9LP-_Sy0Ko59w3x6A8OISRjKWpzOHi9oHYGBgwuuCME8SWKvD4rrGoYhb2MIwXXRIDKCP8hAToZf0NO0oLNYBbcms0hM-acK8qPL7W8_VVuOLtmRb_f1qEOnDPvoFo3YMlX/s2048/348837668_969822507546413_8307558391028498143_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG7BmdpZG8QwiqHrt26TXBZtfQ4UjejJXU5qKS0aWzJ-CNwJWKXTLV9LP-_Sy0Ko59w3x6A8OISRjKWpzOHi9oHYGBgwuuCME8SWKvD4rrGoYhb2MIwXXRIDKCP8hAToZf0NO0oLNYBbcms0hM-acK8qPL7W8_VVuOLtmRb_f1qEOnDPvoFo3YMlX/w300-h400/348837668_969822507546413_8307558391028498143_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visiting my favourite rose garden, in Hyde Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O30eFHR8cjFFwmvl2x46KNwdw7yINZ_aytc4uMCYI0aBICFCB2j9UDzTaXNvPpGvdexqj_NY3acqMP1ns1feij5znxFk5evX19i8y8I4jbqtNBpXfWVBvJ21V8wIdclFR3Kingp18YVHaZM7kdLi9A1L3oQFdOFMxUOTqJvKtCWePBh9dYJF_lRG/s2048/349597088_1925693804466294_1894817025947049568_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O30eFHR8cjFFwmvl2x46KNwdw7yINZ_aytc4uMCYI0aBICFCB2j9UDzTaXNvPpGvdexqj_NY3acqMP1ns1feij5znxFk5evX19i8y8I4jbqtNBpXfWVBvJ21V8wIdclFR3Kingp18YVHaZM7kdLi9A1L3oQFdOFMxUOTqJvKtCWePBh9dYJF_lRG/w400-h300/349597088_1925693804466294_1894817025947049568_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm always glad to return to the Ritz!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCcq5V0sUQeBdQaoLgZ_XHSIOCkbqeglX53YyZ26Tgsr2mOHLDkIt1oPyXver09KE2Dqr5wpKDqILcRtPMqDWY242K1E5beSs-I0ytof0Hd-qukgdOkAub0MGBpoG28PXQZbHpSo31DRtZGU_E07CXM5KshoOqiC3R3L6ma7-GWggt5IVQ3qkBgG_/s2048/349094543_280077044367304_8183700087228431122_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCcq5V0sUQeBdQaoLgZ_XHSIOCkbqeglX53YyZ26Tgsr2mOHLDkIt1oPyXver09KE2Dqr5wpKDqILcRtPMqDWY242K1E5beSs-I0ytof0Hd-qukgdOkAub0MGBpoG28PXQZbHpSo31DRtZGU_E07CXM5KshoOqiC3R3L6ma7-GWggt5IVQ3qkBgG_/w300-h400/349094543_280077044367304_8183700087228431122_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This grand staircase at the Ritz appears in my contemporary novel</div></div><br />A highlight of my time in the city was attending the exhibition "Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians" at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhFLkTPm_pWzW4k_8xOMiPeoWNUNXe9POhaTwPC2rBUU2qL1AbMwWbdHhBMdb4OUQ24_0RyCBTCdrAdUsZH2TPQEv3uxOsbI5gz3wPgmyjeswG7j6IDTZfdig1bgXf3x0ODmea_wa-2PVvPlsWC0Fv56AfKTMrQCaJhsWK6qy5GhHGf7zxOpk21IZ/s2048/349077445_194846266384854_5461454495606627098_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1601" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhFLkTPm_pWzW4k_8xOMiPeoWNUNXe9POhaTwPC2rBUU2qL1AbMwWbdHhBMdb4OUQ24_0RyCBTCdrAdUsZH2TPQEv3uxOsbI5gz3wPgmyjeswG7j6IDTZfdig1bgXf3x0ODmea_wa-2PVvPlsWC0Fv56AfKTMrQCaJhsWK6qy5GhHGf7zxOpk21IZ/w313-h400/349077445_194846266384854_5461454495606627098_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>A magnificent court gown</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKO7Mw3rmNJVvLtZVn0ni6PZmTzqj7_WmH_SRzizE-BR3-dMmWBJs8wtaoUre5WX2Y8HNJAcj_SRsjirRAuUJ0k_hDrbMu0EDdfedD-pEkMN4qIB_kKhHf6cBgSF2J7TcnqiLdECQky_VqaH50c6gRmvCnjYHYalc5O6Nw_5PgdqPP4Ocl4b35DnF/s1600/349640676_1022626392479602_316055542463533454_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1211" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKO7Mw3rmNJVvLtZVn0ni6PZmTzqj7_WmH_SRzizE-BR3-dMmWBJs8wtaoUre5WX2Y8HNJAcj_SRsjirRAuUJ0k_hDrbMu0EDdfedD-pEkMN4qIB_kKhHf6cBgSF2J7TcnqiLdECQky_VqaH50c6gRmvCnjYHYalc5O6Nw_5PgdqPP4Ocl4b35DnF/w303-h400/349640676_1022626392479602_316055542463533454_n.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was framed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9BGAgd_wFx2g35XrRWJvJTlIK1K-wdsrFYowpZ9TUN9-ROARAdyuRttGGYHIRKuvU4kdysCXiGNm4cWjwfBFbWvEn6oflD2HwXF4Efxo_TNljEe1OqJzljZk799v9d0HdGt-LYwdMr49VkPgsvlpuhBLSn2p14WXdj2xGyuWdvOw5CJFTY-cQaLN/s2048/349326872_1048595526116484_4339956792887740942_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1509" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9BGAgd_wFx2g35XrRWJvJTlIK1K-wdsrFYowpZ9TUN9-ROARAdyuRttGGYHIRKuvU4kdysCXiGNm4cWjwfBFbWvEn6oflD2HwXF4Efxo_TNljEe1OqJzljZk799v9d0HdGt-LYwdMr49VkPgsvlpuhBLSn2p14WXdj2xGyuWdvOw5CJFTY-cQaLN/w295-h400/349326872_1048595526116484_4339956792887740942_n.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A double portrait by Hogarth, with special significance for me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FF1wCN0PO3jUXEjqkXryVm8T--3USBlQpyrxAndOlw40g-jVYJMHFqn3LDmiKWo8kOzaRbRQJDkWwhcrNlsG-5DLAwrkh5DQRNgYjo4a5iCCwyvAJ4oyWK336LYe-CA0h2yAh0xxs210mkYOVo_nuJ-DnDwagTOTvm7XSb4boa2N6uqQs6jdqUaa/s2048/349119716_956279802376480_3033846778296734351_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FF1wCN0PO3jUXEjqkXryVm8T--3USBlQpyrxAndOlw40g-jVYJMHFqn3LDmiKWo8kOzaRbRQJDkWwhcrNlsG-5DLAwrkh5DQRNgYjo4a5iCCwyvAJ4oyWK336LYe-CA0h2yAh0xxs210mkYOVo_nuJ-DnDwagTOTvm7XSb4boa2N6uqQs6jdqUaa/w300-h400/349119716_956279802376480_3033846778296734351_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful laburnum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My return home plunged me into plenty of activity--two writers' conference (presenting at both), several upcoming media interviews (print and broadcast), having my author photos updated, and my annual Rose Party/Open Garden, when neighbours and friends come to admire my 190+ rose bushes at peak bloom. Oh, and finishing Novel #17, the sequel to my contemporary novel. Plus spending leisure time at the lake house, with my husband and our dog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTCSACYfLaWYhpDfW-WY0zn_sUdgVHQFJBbuxVBrIvi0vpaqfP6Qj_xgEauRNpVRYNPOK7Hv1IHZ-VuL_1faILz1U01EqbRmAISH_vBjEvxSWh-A8yDHzGZ3Qzf1FTfSOiAYHM3j2J5g_U9aw47L3fWsAf7E9Ghi7EJpIqjZSweeEXMr_muepGfQu/s2048/353018495_10226313326074061_7223744474285894160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTCSACYfLaWYhpDfW-WY0zn_sUdgVHQFJBbuxVBrIvi0vpaqfP6Qj_xgEauRNpVRYNPOK7Hv1IHZ-VuL_1faILz1U01EqbRmAISH_vBjEvxSWh-A8yDHzGZ3Qzf1FTfSOiAYHM3j2J5g_U9aw47L3fWsAf7E9Ghi7EJpIqjZSweeEXMr_muepGfQu/w400-h400/353018495_10226313326074061_7223744474285894160_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the lakeshore with Dot</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-51217818363289881422023-05-30T00:00:00.006-04:002023-06-12T15:16:03.158-04:00Celebrating Women's Fiction Day 2023: Multi-item Giveaway<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">CONGRATULATIONS, MICHELE A. </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">winner of the Women's Ficton Day giveaway!</span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0VtUEr5xrg-IVKCUKTFNQz9CoXpdTF4SW2i2_SWEKZb9GPyAWT-vi16oM7v5lGpvlrTnAbdVwHoaTbb612dr09ztWZVmMJzzLtXP4pKspdcnYKOPrX4NjJsIGgNz3Kh9CMNZBYTwQ7JNY_B6H8oB7M4U9N13nShpHywZ2bcEEYicb6mnW1l9WyFq/s800/2023%20WFD%20Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0VtUEr5xrg-IVKCUKTFNQz9CoXpdTF4SW2i2_SWEKZb9GPyAWT-vi16oM7v5lGpvlrTnAbdVwHoaTbb612dr09ztWZVmMJzzLtXP4pKspdcnYKOPrX4NjJsIGgNz3Kh9CMNZBYTwQ7JNY_B6H8oB7M4U9N13nShpHywZ2bcEEYicb6mnW1l9WyFq/w268-h268/2023%20WFD%20Logo.jpg" width="268" /></a></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUaesoUAD-EUt1qKb6elDV38i2ywkB6RtOEtErZMDZDdpX7o-L0Ua4JdAxT3vw1pmjx4HPtnUCUKbN1JLsQHg6nx-f1olqDc7Z090Jfjf4erEWHJYIG9FT89MYyKH1BAbF3qI-dnben5WZeKs0rbjppKA2Jtt_tFNWwWpLnveM3k8JYrlLIPOCLZ0/s2048/wfwagiveaway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1698" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUaesoUAD-EUt1qKb6elDV38i2ywkB6RtOEtErZMDZDdpX7o-L0Ua4JdAxT3vw1pmjx4HPtnUCUKbN1JLsQHg6nx-f1olqDc7Z090Jfjf4erEWHJYIG9FT89MYyKH1BAbF3qI-dnben5WZeKs0rbjppKA2Jtt_tFNWwWpLnveM3k8JYrlLIPOCLZ0/w530-h640/wfwagiveaway.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As a member of the <a href="http://www.womenfictionwriters.org/" target="_blank">Women Fiction Writers Association</a>, I'm participating in events related to this year's Women's Fiction Day--with a giveaway!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The randomly selected contest winner will receive </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">a trio of autographed women's fiction historical novels: <i>Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, The Limits of
Limelight </i>(Hollywood adventures of starlet Phyllis Fraser and her cousin
Ginger Rogers)<i>,</i> and<i> The Myrtle Wand</i> (a retelling and reimagining
of the ballet <i>Giselle</i> set in 17<sup>th</sup> century France), the<i> Beautiful
Invention</i> ceramic coffee mug, a <i>Giselle</i> ballet t-shirt, a wand
carved from myrtle wood, and a live myrtle plant grown.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> There are four methods
of entry:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">1. Via my contact form, with
"Giveaway" or "Women's Fiction" in the message
box. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149">https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149</a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2. By </span><a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/connect.html" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;" target="_blank">subscribing</a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> to
my newsletter </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">3. Following </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormargaretporter/" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;" target="_blank">Author
Margaret Porter on Instagram</a> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and messaging me "contest" or "contest entry."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">4. </span><a href="https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;" target="_blank">Emailing an
answer</a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> to this question: </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever seen the ballet <b>Giselle?</b></i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">
Be sure to include your name and email address. You won't be added to the
mailing list but will only be contacted if you're the giveaway winner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Deadline for entry: <b>Saturday, June
10, 2022.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Winner to be announced the following day.</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What Is Women's Fiction Day?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Women’s Fiction Day
celebrates women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book sellers, and most
importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the power of a great
story. This year for Women’s Fiction Day, members across the country will hold
book signings to engage and connect with readers. WFWA is working with its
1,800 members across the country and internationally to hold a day of book
events both online and in person on June 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">More info--and
giveaways--available here: <a href="https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/" target="_blank">Women Fiction Writers Association</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What Is Women's Fiction?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Women's fiction is a writing genre
that includes layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main
character’s emotional journey. The stories can be contemporary or historical,
and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance, or other elements.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-68497541300551259772023-04-06T13:26:00.002-04:002023-04-06T13:26:50.356-04:00The Second Annual Conversations with Area Authors<p><br /></p><p>Exactly one year ago, at the conclusion of the first on-stage authors' event, my co-producer and collaborator and close author-television host friend Paul Brogan and I knew this would be an annual celebration of local literary talent. And all these months since then, we and our moderator/interview <a href="https://www.lauraknoy.com/" target="_blank">Laura Knoy</a>, formerly of NPR and now podcast host and novelist, have been planning and meeting and preparing. We invited three different authors writing in different genres--<a href="https://sarahmccrawcrow.com/" target="_blank">Sarah McCraw Crow</a>, <a href="https://www.danlawtonfiction.com/" target="_blank">Dan Lawton</a>, and Kathleen Bailey--to take part in the interviews. We also arranged for four other authors to sit in the front row to be recognized as well. And like last time, Gibson's, a fantastic and famous independent bookstore, set up shop in the lobby for the autographing session afterwards.</p><p>Although Laura, Paul, and I live near one another, we're also very busy in various ways in the community--as well as writing our books. Sometimes it was easier to meet on Zoom.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaViTyBsPS_Xwp67MDRBfScflqr7VS0QE7Epiayi7diO2aFmp0ymuFg1M_bgsmxswuz78xygWq1yx1qmFCt3_81tjUBqgQYYidb10uxhR2p1yqFfFdObcqnvrg77acGKjE7-KHhyiBU-RQxArj0gWeyl-ABerfQd8l9VQNmlIP1bT4KHEW_pqGj1M/s1000/authoreventplanning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaViTyBsPS_Xwp67MDRBfScflqr7VS0QE7Epiayi7diO2aFmp0ymuFg1M_bgsmxswuz78xygWq1yx1qmFCt3_81tjUBqgQYYidb10uxhR2p1yqFfFdObcqnvrg77acGKjE7-KHhyiBU-RQxArj0gWeyl-ABerfQd8l9VQNmlIP1bT4KHEW_pqGj1M/w400-h230/authoreventplanning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura, Paul & me at a production meeting via Zoom</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because Paul has a television show, on which I've been a frequent guest--and sometime guest interviewer--last month he invited Laura and me to talk up the event. We also did radio show and newspaper interviews and various online promotions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W_p2FXOztyKj04IeXrcIMDTrmXVCrfsklDkHTKgh8rZLAzYEb292DMJJzGGJIaOjzy9tEnawbnpj1eodYcnbmTR7sRhWpAKAstEITITVMojnwaxNaiDWdbQAJDWyCoJBWgyhtUpJZ48QUAYZBCpz3GkZ8oSJBTs17LUjhn2qcE87-JqaJhOE-SHz/s1200/3shot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W_p2FXOztyKj04IeXrcIMDTrmXVCrfsklDkHTKgh8rZLAzYEb292DMJJzGGJIaOjzy9tEnawbnpj1eodYcnbmTR7sRhWpAKAstEITITVMojnwaxNaiDWdbQAJDWyCoJBWgyhtUpJZ48QUAYZBCpz3GkZ8oSJBTs17LUjhn2qcE87-JqaJhOE-SHz/w400-h225/3shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Laura & Paul during the television interview.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two days before the big night, the three of us met at the downtown theatre for a walk through with our production manager and to choose stage furniture. And of course, check with the box office to find out the number of reservations!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-MqPvReARw4Jy-Kg9ITT1NYWNEPLAW6aVrnx9NBuRl3jpH02W9lcfMJ9TPtveGn1aPMh864ZxTNeFCMpecbILCb0zTyrVEfJOlPFnTuNeh_-TNyD0xA8MS5wKyoUJ6Nx66i1VCp3OgIGBYCvr7cRz2IWOATqeH9OLVDuVoLG4VemUiLpMgHke427/s2048/productionteam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-MqPvReARw4Jy-Kg9ITT1NYWNEPLAW6aVrnx9NBuRl3jpH02W9lcfMJ9TPtveGn1aPMh864ZxTNeFCMpecbILCb0zTyrVEfJOlPFnTuNeh_-TNyD0xA8MS5wKyoUJ6Nx66i1VCp3OgIGBYCvr7cRz2IWOATqeH9OLVDuVoLG4VemUiLpMgHke427/w356-h400/productionteam.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the stage at the walk-through</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's so cool when your event (book cover) is featured on a theatre marquee!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxkxKuqRtB9BM9ZasCDywx713ruHrhPi-jXpzIvW6uL37aCmXkaLQZAZqACET28QJN9uQk-21r2JiUoZ09lHmRV_sNR3UxYhGxL3kl6EBEdpyD2uQxMLXyXoUDfUGGqAF2dJv0ggysSCb7uHJm8D0SaTyA9LH3G55bu7S943oPuGM5Xl05e5nVqT9/s640/Authormarquee2023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxkxKuqRtB9BM9ZasCDywx713ruHrhPi-jXpzIvW6uL37aCmXkaLQZAZqACET28QJN9uQk-21r2JiUoZ09lHmRV_sNR3UxYhGxL3kl6EBEdpyD2uQxMLXyXoUDfUGGqAF2dJv0ggysSCb7uHJm8D0SaTyA9LH3G55bu7S943oPuGM5Xl05e5nVqT9/w400-h400/Authormarquee2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The marquee--my book cover is far right</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then our big night arrived!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MPams66sBEX-2QWV5SiFssMtpK6CArS_xJITLCTYKQP-VIs8W6M1tJ-eu4zx0pWrRtSUL_w3S8P6QOp_uWZLWisrErtYlKYPzDxxdgWcrxXiWoQeDt9HrczDv8wXe6mN13mwPK6nEH-E1XrVkmVuh9UPCw_1wavKUZgq_njkm1rCNZf3EE7pmSVK/s2048/340148971_1258046204809051_3256248634017071664_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MPams66sBEX-2QWV5SiFssMtpK6CArS_xJITLCTYKQP-VIs8W6M1tJ-eu4zx0pWrRtSUL_w3S8P6QOp_uWZLWisrErtYlKYPzDxxdgWcrxXiWoQeDt9HrczDv8wXe6mN13mwPK6nEH-E1XrVkmVuh9UPCw_1wavKUZgq_njkm1rCNZf3EE7pmSVK/w300-h400/340148971_1258046204809051_3256248634017071664_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost showtime!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Because Paul and I have both had books released since the 2022 event--his memoir and my latest, <a href="http://margaretporter.com/themyrtlewand.html" target="_blank">The Myrtle Wand</a>--Laura chatted briefly with us before we brought on our other three participants.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP3ghGQsn5aWnBb3m0S3ZjtRVRoJloi2HDhRAnHQDaq4kngqAQev99bCVu0Mk6n6f_sg7Ns8WuEiy40T_RJ1PnqYOjjjSPvTJfWM_GrOYfA499t5h1LtV3iiF3PQ9vv8r79xwgepI4amF9IR3TniT3q9kZZq4-JgsLpZplP9AG9luaaCvdeYyPmsV/s2048/339563440_747436556888499_724668230787799634_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP3ghGQsn5aWnBb3m0S3ZjtRVRoJloi2HDhRAnHQDaq4kngqAQev99bCVu0Mk6n6f_sg7Ns8WuEiy40T_RJ1PnqYOjjjSPvTJfWM_GrOYfA499t5h1LtV3iiF3PQ9vv8r79xwgepI4amF9IR3TniT3q9kZZq4-JgsLpZplP9AG9luaaCvdeYyPmsV/w300-h400/339563440_747436556888499_724668230787799634_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Me during our interview</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The full line-up on the stage. Those chairs were so attractive and comfortable--the stagehands brought them down from the upstairs cocktail lounge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iCt8_txh0SUxLBQxVGuSX2rzKqX9I68aD9Mg64FX9GsPeal1wTjP-3Onn4XxLvLJHX2Z1IQfutiKfouIUE37Xd-TpV1vTx7oKj7WzQ-juE9e23pu2j30xOksNSqa12vco8qaWCf7SNBXRFx1DTyBZuwEATlbsvWazvSQB5tYWhSMns6JFBHiSRNB/s5184/thepanel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iCt8_txh0SUxLBQxVGuSX2rzKqX9I68aD9Mg64FX9GsPeal1wTjP-3Onn4XxLvLJHX2Z1IQfutiKfouIUE37Xd-TpV1vTx7oKj7WzQ-juE9e23pu2j30xOksNSqa12vco8qaWCf7SNBXRFx1DTyBZuwEATlbsvWazvSQB5tYWhSMns6JFBHiSRNB/w400-h300/thepanel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paul, Me, Sarah, Kathleen, Dan, Laura</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Discussion about our books and writing process and challenges was interspersed with two Question & Answer sessions. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMxaIUaFhpSvE3B-YEmzxTX3YcrtVHwdIRiBXHbamYlHsA9nWsxbMN-_7Vo3G1pbrN46RMA-GhKNgCOcC2QTdi71IUi7NCLBHWslxzRFuTqI0RiVUwVpuFpLJIN8LW9nVJN7NOVhdqzf77edOeyuXsHgBC6xFjUSIYWWWqAeZYjW17NvsoTBH9TbL/s1300/mptalking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMxaIUaFhpSvE3B-YEmzxTX3YcrtVHwdIRiBXHbamYlHsA9nWsxbMN-_7Vo3G1pbrN46RMA-GhKNgCOcC2QTdi71IUi7NCLBHWslxzRFuTqI0RiVUwVpuFpLJIN8LW9nVJN7NOVhdqzf77edOeyuXsHgBC6xFjUSIYWWWqAeZYjW17NvsoTBH9TbL/w369-h400/mptalking.jpg" width="369" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using my hands to make a point--a habit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was great to talk with other writers and readers in the lobby booksigning. And to sign books!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa8khjPW3sk0uMY00RXaP0PkVOifPhzgWdNoCw6moBZBkUZVKHLhR_-ZP09UIjlL1AixM4uyZqwxLl31wTBlAlXmWDAfCg7Du0L5JxJzCiTtACzub1WZyYp6-Zf5caUM5j_rdfr6koM22n91_0AEIj_lW98S1JUvvg_wJ_c0EC5oyhqgCTnHDLAUg/s2048/339604092_1452119445529427_8265183308020051692_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa8khjPW3sk0uMY00RXaP0PkVOifPhzgWdNoCw6moBZBkUZVKHLhR_-ZP09UIjlL1AixM4uyZqwxLl31wTBlAlXmWDAfCg7Du0L5JxJzCiTtACzub1WZyYp6-Zf5caUM5j_rdfr6koM22n91_0AEIj_lW98S1JUvvg_wJ_c0EC5oyhqgCTnHDLAUg/w400-h300/339604092_1452119445529427_8265183308020051692_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting with another writer of historical fiction.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Five authors on the stage and four in the front row, some multi-published, equals a lot of books for sale!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9pMIiJBR_nYR4dqwKXFgh7Si8aEzGznCiCSAHm7jMMMYNLzx6YBbqa-i3ljT8he3tPuILECCpR2r1mbphLc_cyb4Tn2zUlxpWOY3_-ndjAFdH0BjGL20O_xRnZx3ZVdyXZ8bP7cPnjHkF8fvMyY2VLtnoPZCglVQmyps9i0q97V49khozPL5fVaM/s1238/booktable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9pMIiJBR_nYR4dqwKXFgh7Si8aEzGznCiCSAHm7jMMMYNLzx6YBbqa-i3ljT8he3tPuILECCpR2r1mbphLc_cyb4Tn2zUlxpWOY3_-ndjAFdH0BjGL20O_xRnZx3ZVdyXZ8bP7cPnjHkF8fvMyY2VLtnoPZCglVQmyps9i0q97V49khozPL5fVaM/w323-h400/booktable.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowded table</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even before the Second Annual event, the production trio was already discussing the Third Annual! After recovering from a hectic publicity campaign and all the aspects of organisation and sponsor solicitation, we'll re-convene and start again!<p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-66468757879171301602023-01-23T08:28:00.007-05:002023-01-24T09:37:34.213-05:00This New Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Christmas feels like it happened a year ago--and it was last year, after all. But nearly a full month has passed since then. Quite a busy one! Our holiday festivities followed our usual traditions: Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving dinner at our house with English neighbours. Followed by several Christmas Caroling Party planning parties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The event itself took place on Christmas Eve Eve. Fifteen minutes before the guests were due, a massive rainstorm and heavy winds took out electricity all over our city. We have a whole-house generator, so we carried on, and were able to provide neighbours--adults and children--with warmth, light, music (we had two musicians this year), three types of soup and chili, and delicious desserts. Dot was delighted by all the attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDBl1tLJk13WCjDwyENpcmuFrMr3WwO0cSJixxokCw-zxepepYoFIn4TE_3ThFT6hb4xkpjiSxDaQhsCeAQVZx9Z8yl7SJNjIoBn6FKMZKupjuXue_79zHdj_Ta0Qrgp_3UZZlnaesm8EmcVFAsngG8E0CT69_UBJfl0URskJfEmhD074eFyJC0yc/s2048/321487496_1505573706587487_8528576771872397520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDBl1tLJk13WCjDwyENpcmuFrMr3WwO0cSJixxokCw-zxepepYoFIn4TE_3ThFT6hb4xkpjiSxDaQhsCeAQVZx9Z8yl7SJNjIoBn6FKMZKupjuXue_79zHdj_Ta0Qrgp_3UZZlnaesm8EmcVFAsngG8E0CT69_UBJfl0URskJfEmhD074eFyJC0yc/w400-h400/321487496_1505573706587487_8528576771872397520_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dot & me before the caroling party</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTItZcNKGfr42Kzt18eruC9Cvz-n9PC0h0dq03gchiGbP2fwYwmBXB5rHHYygq3gD9mqSrZDwuIOLIeoYCupL21DJ49dfHY5dNu6Po5yRA1ZXgJoBy5EgmVASF5_4dUR1K1N6GbyB9Hu67lJ5ktzLI2Xqt0gukBNRAoxifG915KX7m-ER7JEznaJC/s2048/319755078_10225240400011580_6485166207159014119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTItZcNKGfr42Kzt18eruC9Cvz-n9PC0h0dq03gchiGbP2fwYwmBXB5rHHYygq3gD9mqSrZDwuIOLIeoYCupL21DJ49dfHY5dNu6Po5yRA1ZXgJoBy5EgmVASF5_4dUR1K1N6GbyB9Hu67lJ5ktzLI2Xqt0gukBNRAoxifG915KX7m-ER7JEznaJC/w303-h404/319755078_10225240400011580_6485166207159014119_n.jpg" width="303" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dot, waiting for Santa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Christmas Eve and Day were quiet and pleasant. Lots of telephoning to family in friends in around the US and in the UK.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi0ITn0HLne2M5oL8grbgsmb3lkLba9qpzcmxizeKvDb7Xv9AjMzu6OmsI3qgCiycT6caCvquNbtObUAsTh5JY_KgpEJDCPTDlRno0L252Ze7B77raF2Cc9H0K3bKYdPf2Rclj1zl3h6sE2TRTSr8JGGjEAj_FCGEaWql-9LtG8R8-Vz8zBojbpmK/s2048/324896963_473394278290482_4692853415511415933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi0ITn0HLne2M5oL8grbgsmb3lkLba9qpzcmxizeKvDb7Xv9AjMzu6OmsI3qgCiycT6caCvquNbtObUAsTh5JY_KgpEJDCPTDlRno0L252Ze7B77raF2Cc9H0K3bKYdPf2Rclj1zl3h6sE2TRTSr8JGGjEAj_FCGEaWql-9LtG8R8-Vz8zBojbpmK/w300-h400/324896963_473394278290482_4692853415511415933_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gardening catalogs!</div><p>The deluge of plant catalogs arrived when I was deep into revisions for a novel, so they did pile up before I had a chance to look them over. With nearly 190 rose bushes in the gardens, I hardly need any more. But I confess, I have ordered a few for springtime planting. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjerRYdYFkTFpghPn1CYIfq7tdwBtIMLOjzXjNMOtokwQuvBcp5nNCtsMGFwhqVAxBgJZ7CHBlRQgFeRmG7E-FjaVQQnIRCukoFMNO3iyceEoo_ykEv-dbmEckO3XwXrHdjIbsgMNfZ3RuaxgSHuO69Kb4m8FPMKbdim2vmF-UZ6FubeRP59fsViCj/s969/326229733_454558526751316_727182480036936639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjerRYdYFkTFpghPn1CYIfq7tdwBtIMLOjzXjNMOtokwQuvBcp5nNCtsMGFwhqVAxBgJZ7CHBlRQgFeRmG7E-FjaVQQnIRCukoFMNO3iyceEoo_ykEv-dbmEckO3XwXrHdjIbsgMNfZ3RuaxgSHuO69Kb4m8FPMKbdim2vmF-UZ6FubeRP59fsViCj/w330-h400/326229733_454558526751316_727182480036936639_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Somerset village</div><p>When not socialising and celebrating, I was in the final stages of the next novel--in a new genre. After 15 historical novels, I've ventured into contemporary fiction. This project was inspired by my experiences in filmmaking, in the years before and after I became a published author, and life in both England and New England. There could be a sequel . . . , But after a very short break for a reading binge, it's back to the 18th century and writing about a fascinating real-life celebrity couple.</p><p>The hectic activity immediately following the release of <i>The Myrtle Wand</i> subsided during the festive season. It was so nice, at parties and dinners, receiving compliments from local friends who had read the novel, and tracking the reviews. </p><p>I'm participating in various historical and multi-genre writing conferences in coming weeks and month and mentoring a couple of writer friends who are entering the submission stage. Again I'll be co-producing the second annual Authors Event on the big stage downtown, an opportunity to offer an update on my own books and writing but also to introduce our audience to other local or regional published authors. So there will be more and different books at our booksigning, sponsored by our local independent bookstore. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHK2ZRyhV3LKc4YFAVWMLeQTJaSAUofn0sQ30YLB1cPOPMMcoXqDOFspZAGulG5EWvqSDCeOd0B35CQI4FNBVPJW1OGm5RK_mHPME1aYVylyzFba8gTmdBAEbARReKgaCU2h615zhq6asWhHgXt0O5LPuQbSFX9KUrL2Uc7hx0NvnV_2jS9zxPmp7/s2048/326388473_579030263644671_2918662283567647443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHK2ZRyhV3LKc4YFAVWMLeQTJaSAUofn0sQ30YLB1cPOPMMcoXqDOFspZAGulG5EWvqSDCeOd0B35CQI4FNBVPJW1OGm5RK_mHPME1aYVylyzFba8gTmdBAEbARReKgaCU2h615zhq6asWhHgXt0O5LPuQbSFX9KUrL2Uc7hx0NvnV_2jS9zxPmp7/w400-h325/326388473_579030263644671_2918662283567647443_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At last--enough snow to make Dot happy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over a month ago, the calendar date told us it was winter, but we certainly couldn't tell from the weather--until this week. We are in the midst of a series of snowstorms, bringing many more inches than we've had in recent years. A certain snow-loving dog is absolutely delighted! And it suits me--snowy days are very conducive to writing.</div><br /> All best wishes for this New Year. Let's make the most of it!<p></p><br /> <p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-84285948902766753462023-01-03T12:52:00.009-05:002024-02-18T21:30:11.864-05:002024-2023-2022-2021 Book Reviews<p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPEOWunaozLBaNfrkue22H3BjNkCT8PV3yaQ1J9wzzLez2deF3wADZ3rsudCAijZih2CsVSUcSRafw9auJqEiwjFCeYH3oBLLDU61EIdV7_GklQV7GSze4-Uvplzie2WfnxAne_DIjvR0roK9O3UCOZUrTvrGH5eDtGPRqorhB_GIhREuuE-11VFfAAI/s1500/paintersdaughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPEOWunaozLBaNfrkue22H3BjNkCT8PV3yaQ1J9wzzLez2deF3wADZ3rsudCAijZih2CsVSUcSRafw9auJqEiwjFCeYH3oBLLDU61EIdV7_GklQV7GSze4-Uvplzie2WfnxAne_DIjvR0roK9O3UCOZUrTvrGH5eDtGPRqorhB_GIhREuuE-11VFfAAI/w265-h400/paintersdaughters.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>The Painter’s Daughters</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> by Emily Howes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The painter is famed British portraitist Thomas
Gainsborough, and the daughters are keen observer Peggy and her mentally
unstable sister Molly, his favorite subjects from their innocence childhood to
their maturity. When he moves the family from rural Suffolk to the fashionable
spa city of Bath, Peggy grows ever more protective of Molly, striving to keep
parents and others from discovering the seriousness of her malady. She also
recognizes her parents’ foibles and faults—an unfaithful father and a stern,
social-climbing mother constantly aware that the family fortunes depend upon
flattering and pleasing the rising artist’s wealthy and aristocratic patrons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This is also a dual timeline story, set in an
earlier period, as Meg, a desperate country girl, seduces and is impregnated by
a German prince, the heir to England’s throne. Her history is woven throughout
the novel, as she attempts to trace her royal lover in London and secure the
support </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">she believes and her child are
owed. Before the conclusion of the Gainsborough girls’ story, her connection to
them is clarified.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Howes paints with words as she reveals Peggy’s
inner life, her love for and callous betrayal by a musician, and her constant struggle
to cover her sister’s mental lapses and save her from the horrors of a
madhouse. Molly, chafing at the severe attempts to control her, is determined
to prove that she’s destined for a life of her own choosing, but her temporary escape
from the family only plunges her deeper into distress.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The author depicts the Georgian era, domestically
and socially, with painstaking and evocative detail, and the few lapses in accuracy
cannot detract from the power of the writing and the characters, drawn with the
same precision as a Gainsborough painting. A tale of devotion taken to extremes,
with life-altering consequences, it is sure to please historical fiction fans. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">(Simon & Schuster, 352 pp., hardcover/ebook/audio,
February 2024)</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF58lGprgCp0a40VblcKKYqdm7R1bDgQ2UPN8HtZZS8lxatIQyrg_1p_ZTmgaOD1D4L7rKVUZ8Bm-IAt7_or63kgg92a886Rghtwc95UIsGVsU_YWzueWsShMpT9ddy3lZtKTkxInasW0mF6LTlBoN8N6Kwczl_5eRl-qlpd3ZFIsv6dZRiRon7x_RvBA/s1500/thefortuneseller.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="987" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF58lGprgCp0a40VblcKKYqdm7R1bDgQ2UPN8HtZZS8lxatIQyrg_1p_ZTmgaOD1D4L7rKVUZ8Bm-IAt7_or63kgg92a886Rghtwc95UIsGVsU_YWzueWsShMpT9ddy3lZtKTkxInasW0mF6LTlBoN8N6Kwczl_5eRl-qlpd3ZFIsv6dZRiRon7x_RvBA/w264-h400/thefortuneseller.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>The Fortune Seller</i></b> by Rach</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">el Kapelke-Dale</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Competing on an equestrian team with the
daughters of millionaires and billionaires is difficult enough for a girl who
isn’t born rich. Add the pressures of Ivy League schooling and uncertainty
about what professional path to follow after graduation, and it’s no wonder Yale
senior Rosie Macalister is muddled. Her situation worsens when she arrives in
the rented Victorian house that she and her upper-crust teammates share and discovers she’s
stuck in a double room with a complete stranger. Not only has the lovely and mysterious
Annelise apparently stolen the affections of Cressida Tate, Rosie’s best
friend, she’s also an enviably skilled rider. But Rosie unexpectedly bonds with
the West Coast newcomer, attracted by her warmth and intrigued by her tarot
readings. She becomes her roommate’s pupil, friend—and defender, when
mistrust severs longstanding friendships.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Reeling from tragedy and loss, Rosie settles
for a post-graduation job in finance that is at odds with her longstanding
desire to follow her parents’ profession and become a vet. Torn between her
desire to achieve wealth and her longing to care for animals, she tries to
navigate her way through betrayals, revelations, and a budding romance doomed
by her circumstances and conflicts. A twisty plot, the interweaving of tarot
cards and lore, the unpredictability of highly strung horses, characters of
privilege and of wasted promise, laced with mystery and suspense lead to an impressively
satisfying yet bittersweet conclusion. (St. Martin’s Press, 320 pp.,
hardcover/ebook/audio, February, 2024)</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyHdNbWTLRJIBRWK__sVsfPrFyYJ-8UqNo6R8UjvmFTCm16tmYUlmB56XeuJF98R3bRKP-TCRHNYsNRPSXNfyWMEa5hUbMPPBsmSSp7EOOwaiwPAPRh3mFCNKk06fkcQOY_dR80xm_u7pwGeRxZ937NjLma_vGSoShckblVYR8ZLwY__tnJsZK_OTgpE/s1500/thestillpoint.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyHdNbWTLRJIBRWK__sVsfPrFyYJ-8UqNo6R8UjvmFTCm16tmYUlmB56XeuJF98R3bRKP-TCRHNYsNRPSXNfyWMEa5hUbMPPBsmSSp7EOOwaiwPAPRh3mFCNKk06fkcQOY_dR80xm_u7pwGeRxZ937NjLma_vGSoShckblVYR8ZLwY__tnJsZK_OTgpE/w266-h400/thestillpoint.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>The Still Point </i></b>by Tammy Greenwood<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Movingly told from multiple viewpoints, Greenwood’s novel
is a realistic deep dive into the challenging and intensely competitive world
of young ballet students and their mothers, who confront the same insecurities
and inner agonies as their talented daughters. The catalyst for conflict at Costa
del Luna Conservatory of Ballet is rogue French dance star Etienne Bernay, visiting
ballet master, who arrives at the academy with a documentary crew. He will
direct the annual production of </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The Nutcracker</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> and will also choose one student
to receive a scholarship to the Ballet de Paris Académie. Cue the rivalries.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Ever Henderson, widowed mother of two, has high
hopes for her daughter Bea, who spent the summer studying dance in New York.
And indeed, Bea is singled out for attention—more so than Savvy Jacobs, the school’s
star. Whose ambitious mother Josie, divorced and divorcing again, believes she’s
gained an advantage by securing Etienne as tenant of her guest house. Realtor
Lindsay Chase, mother of Bea’s best friend Olive, is troubled by her faltering
marriage, worried that her husband is cheating, and is dismayed by her daughter’s
sudden transfer of loyalties to privileged, unlikable Savvy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Bea is tortured by memories of her behavior at a
late-night party, which resulted in ostracism by her peers. The preferential
treatment and starring role given by Etienne, her prominence in the documentary,
and a developing romance with a male classmate can’t compensate for the
knowledge that she’s responsible for Savvy’s cruelty and her abandonment by
Olive. Just as the mothers must face the realities of their own choices and
mistakes, the daughters will each pay a price for theirs. Meanwhile, the enigmatic,
charismatic disrupter Etienne choreographs a holiday spectacle that will
determine the fates of his dancers and their parents. An intimate, brutally
honest yet touching depiction of the demands of the art form and the dedication
it demands from all involved, those who study and perform as well as the family
members who struggle, sacrifice, and support along the way. (Kensington, 304
pp., paperback/ebook, February, 2024)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUFInzlSMCJtkNlRLg6KGypWeoukzOrahImjlzvDMof3nxAnL-ZLdjhiv9Y-9vsuq32XRn88i4jrG2M0NnvQvZ3VxKX5r1mtUfoLs6hXJwn30I0GD-WCwvlYmVUXgQ79CJoqSYy6husfJ1osBHiTGw2zeswLuxM4vb3o5SysBXfdkE8rE5G6B1W0aPsI/s2560/TheBoyfromKyiv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUFInzlSMCJtkNlRLg6KGypWeoukzOrahImjlzvDMof3nxAnL-ZLdjhiv9Y-9vsuq32XRn88i4jrG2M0NnvQvZ3VxKX5r1mtUfoLs6hXJwn30I0GD-WCwvlYmVUXgQ79CJoqSYy6husfJ1osBHiTGw2zeswLuxM4vb3o5SysBXfdkE8rE5G6B1W0aPsI/w266-h400/TheBoyfromKyiv.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div><b><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i>The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky's Life in
Ballet</i> by Marina Harss</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Impressively thorough and impeccably informed, this biography
of the Russian-born and Ukraine-raised international choreographer Alexei Ratmansky
is more than a journey through a storied and celebrated life in the arts.
Firmly founded on personal interviews with the subject himself, his spouse, professional
colleagues, dancers, dance company employees, rivals, and critics, it provides
a highly detailed and fully human portrait of a creator and his drive to
create. Harss not only provides Ratmansky’s personal chronology and professional
itinerary, she delves into the many sources of his inspiration and his quest to
coalesce his classical ballet and regimented Russian training with techniques absorbed
during his tenure dancing in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet—where he expanded
earlier youthful experiments in choreography into works for company performance
and public consumption—and at the Royal Danish Ballet, where he was significantly
influenced by the Bournonville style of movement and mime.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Through increasing experience and knowledge, relying
on limitless imagination, Ratmansky translated the musicality and brio of his
own stage performances into a choreographic style. Through a marriage of high classicism
and accessible modernism, he often explores Soviet themes and history, expressed
with irony and humor and typically performed to favorite Russian composers (Shostakovich,
Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Rachmaninoff). Harss examines Ratmansky’s
passion for remaking canonical ballets at the major companies around the world—<i>Paquita,
Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle</i>—based on his painstaking and dedicated study
of original dance notation and character presentation. In these efforts he is
ably assisted by his wife Tatiana, a Ukrainian former dancer and constant presence in his
private and professional life. The
tragic coda, Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ratmansky’s beloved
Ukraine, affects his sense of identity and instantly ruptures long and fulfilling relationships with Moscow's Bolshoi ballet and other Russian companies where his
works were created and performed, whether to acclaim or criticism.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">In this outstanding and revealing biography, its
subject’s achievements as well as his ambitions—and his self-doubts—are movingly
presented. Rehearsals and performances are presented with clarity, and ballet
steps are effectively described, enabling the read to follow and understand the
kinetics of dance. Regardless of one’s familiarity with Ratmansky and/or his
ballets, this is an illuminating and informative work, and therefore highly recommended
to both passionate and casual fans of the dance, and anyone interested in the
process of artistic growth. (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 496 pp.,
hardcover/ebook, October 2023)</p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-size: large;" /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kIQYPu8JPKQfBEuzpQkCf4yxearCaHzyhthLcu5Pm_TUQiOls-796ZnVejEBj3WNiXBuApRX2Zcze4miRHocLPTsJCzhmFWPkMKShpCXZECvinPggRmPCz66o1Y25W3jd-SruCdbf-3h7ga3GoxfAtL_yqeu0q0BCpoeVFKkOOAVszSWDJ9NR1tO/s2475/ithappenedonefight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kIQYPu8JPKQfBEuzpQkCf4yxearCaHzyhthLcu5Pm_TUQiOls-796ZnVejEBj3WNiXBuApRX2Zcze4miRHocLPTsJCzhmFWPkMKShpCXZECvinPggRmPCz66o1Y25W3jd-SruCdbf-3h7ga3GoxfAtL_yqeu0q0BCpoeVFKkOOAVszSWDJ9NR1tO/w266-h400/ithappenedonefight.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>It Happened One Fight by Mareen Lee Lenker<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Strong-willed film star Joan Davis, an amalgam
of cinema dames Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and Barbara Stanwyck, is desperate
to recover from being labeled “box office poison.” Her prior on-screen partnership
with rising heartthrob and prankster Dash Howard (modeled on the early-career
Clark Gable) faltered after a very public altercation. When the studio re-pairs
them in a dramatic film set at a Reno divorce ranch, as with the best screwball
movies, mayhem ensues. Echoes of the Golden Age classic <i>It Happened One
Night</i> are embellished with twists that include an inconvenient revelation
of the protagonists’ marital status, an even more inconvenient love affair, the
place of ambitious women before and behind the cameras, and the machinations of
a malevolent and self-important gossip columnist (clearly inspired by Hedda
Hopper and Louella Parsons). The combination of factors results in an agonizing betrayal
and threaten to destroy the main characters’ personal and professional lives. A
fun and pacy debut, with appeal for fans of Hollywood’s wittiest and most glamorous
era. (Sourcebooks, 384 pp., paperback/ebook, July, 2023</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Uy76sygoiOMpqLJWZSuViSF8LJW-0JzdcmFMLN8lY9x8mOkDdViexMB6h3ehJ2KtckrnE2VQn-KvGtcOCrCerAcb3pOlJhrtiAvDpg2E8ZIRGzJfE9xA_x1evURswiecwXwLbleyx_7wnfco_9QTMrw0U0eGRLYGW2Roe7eRHMZDbnjmJE8nN0O/s1500/doubledeckerdreams.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Uy76sygoiOMpqLJWZSuViSF8LJW-0JzdcmFMLN8lY9x8mOkDdViexMB6h3ehJ2KtckrnE2VQn-KvGtcOCrCerAcb3pOlJhrtiAvDpg2E8ZIRGzJfE9xA_x1evURswiecwXwLbleyx_7wnfco_9QTMrw0U0eGRLYGW2Roe7eRHMZDbnjmJE8nN0O/w266-h400/doubledeckerdreams.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Double Decker Dreams by Lindsay McMillan</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">The impact of British rom-com films on impressionable
management consultant Kat results in a surprising relationship during her
six-week work stint in London. Her determined climb up the corporate ladder
results in a work from home gig in a flat with a bus stop view. Repeatedly
spotting an attractive morning commuter who personifies her romantic fantasy of
a posh British aristocrat—or royal—she decides to pursue him. But the reality of
Rory is a disappointment, because her crush turns out to be a fellow Yank, a
primary school teacher who has a hometown honey back in the States. However,
these unfortunate facts don’t preclude a supportive friendship, which blossoms
into a conflicted romance at the same time Kat must navigate a problematically
masculine workplace. The combination of lightness and depth, and the London
setting will find favor with fans of films and novels based on similar American-in-Britain
tropes. (Alcove Press, 336 pp., paperback/ebook/audio, June, 2023)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjg0dhRLaDtXcRVJFDkvRPDdB2vj7kqIGagj4o1wjvmI3o-wlS_pCCJpYh26eV5t9pjzXU2W7skBa0tLZZKh1NQlLfZvmQ9ViZfZz3hQMXqk65I4ek36pcZ-TFlVL9kAFqOojPm-oJ5kNZ89aNIcSj-0SMbMbT-NzKqzAtlm17ATjNFwN7Itk7rGR/s2560/beyondthatthesea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1718" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjg0dhRLaDtXcRVJFDkvRPDdB2vj7kqIGagj4o1wjvmI3o-wlS_pCCJpYh26eV5t9pjzXU2W7skBa0tLZZKh1NQlLfZvmQ9ViZfZz3hQMXqk65I4ek36pcZ-TFlVL9kAFqOojPm-oJ5kNZ89aNIcSj-0SMbMbT-NzKqzAtlm17ATjNFwN7Itk7rGR/w269-h400/beyondthatthesea.jpg" width="269" /></a></div></b><b><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p>Beyond That, the Sea: A Novel by Laura Spence-Ash</i></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In her debut work of fiction, Laura Spence-Ash charts the lives and longings of her characters during the World War II years, and in subsequent decades, as relationships and connections and identities shift. As a young girl, Beatrix is shipped by her parents to the Gregory family in Massachusetts remove her from the dangers of the London Blitz. The reluctant evacuee’s assimilation into the upper-class American household, a sharp contrast to her own, is complicated but eventually solid and complete. Each of the section is identified by its viewpoint character—Beatrix; her parents; each of the adult Gregorys; their vastly different sons, Gerald and William, and others entering the story later. The Maine cottage where Beatrix and her hosts spend every summer serves as an anchor and a talisman, until financial straits and advancing age take a toll on family members. Living up to expectations, one’s own and those cherished by others, and the attendant difficulties, are a consistent theme.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">At the conclusion of the war, Beatrix is reclaimed by her surviving parent, returning to a London altered by time and destruction. Unable to feel wholly at home, she must forge her own professional path while struggling to find a compatible partner in romance.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The only (relatively minor, but recurrent) flaw is an accurate degree of Englishness in the English characters, whose Americanisms in speech and narrative can be jarring. Overall, the writing is beautiful and insightful, and tragedy and heartbreak are exquisitely rendered throughout. (Celadon Books, 368 pp., hardcover/ebook/audio, March, 2023)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEPc9E1_W770n_8NSe-Dz9PJ35Tp6tPY2FiIURzaoNpzRuJ9gzvwPD6obIFmo53B80ZIWjfhg5q61smcg79U2zBPB_NROblXjouajYDrfIkGsoe6N7eVzEHk0uUZbVOqPEBYVgRA5PXH3HtBRebNVJaSwboq15CDJog9PQlavpx660mJRFa6Bk6Ny/s2416/dontthinkdear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEPc9E1_W770n_8NSe-Dz9PJ35Tp6tPY2FiIURzaoNpzRuJ9gzvwPD6obIFmo53B80ZIWjfhg5q61smcg79U2zBPB_NROblXjouajYDrfIkGsoe6N7eVzEHk0uUZbVOqPEBYVgRA5PXH3HtBRebNVJaSwboq15CDJog9PQlavpx660mJRFa6Bk6Ny/w265-h400/dontthinkdear.jpg" width="265" /></a></b></span></div><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></b></p>Don’t Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet</i></b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> by Alice Robb</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Robb’s analysis, primarily written from the female
perspective, of the pleasures and perils and psychology of the dancer’s life is
based on personal experience as well as a synthesis of other ballet performers’
careers, either from their memoirs, biographies, or interviews. Some, like
Margot Fonteyn or Misty Copeland or Gelsey Kirkland, are well known beyond their
respective generations. Others have toiled in near-obscurity, pursuing the
elusive goal of perfection in their art. Admitted to New York’s School of
American Ballet (SAB), founded by famously dictatorial choreographer George Balanchine,
Robb is unable to meet the superior standard required of aspirants to the New
York City Ballet or American Ballet Theater. She is eventually excluded from
the rarified profession she desires. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Her more fortunate classmates suffer similar—though
well-concealed—doubts and stress. Their careers are hampered, even destroyed,
by injury, overwork, and exhaustion. Or worse, what cannot be altered—a body
type or skeletal that may appear outwardly normal but is deemed by teachers and
administrators as a distortion of the ideal. The need to “lengthen,” a
euphemism for weight loss, and the constant assessment and criticism of
physical flaws, result in eating disorders and persistent body image trauma. Spending
an entire day in a mirrored studio or classroom has lifelong consequences, even
for those who abandon or are driven out of ballet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hidden from the appreciative and awed audience is
the agony imposed by the constricting pointe shoes and the various foot injuries
and blemishes beneath the pink satin. For the dancer who is training or
rehearsing, pain equal progress, and therefore must be ignored. There are many
more professional hazards: sexual bullying or predation by superiors, a
dependence upon being constantly told what to do at all times, and the oddly
contradictory de-sexualizing effects of being partnered by a male dancer, which
involves intimate touching of all body parts and extremely close physical proximity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And yet, despite its adverse impacts, the spell
cast by ballet doesn’t necessarily dissipate disappointed dancers mature and
move on. Robb charts the second acts of those of her contemporaries and former
classmates as they seek less demanding forms of dance, for exercise of
pleasure, or decide to follow other creative pursuits—writing, painting,
filmmaking. And some strive to teach ballet technique in a more balanced and
sensitive fashion than the one that formed them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A welcome and highly perceptive addition to the growing
list of books examining dance and dancers, this illuminating and incisive work
is a well-written and rewarding read. (Mariner Books/HarperCollins, 304 pp., hardcover/audio,
February 2023)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOC6G_9jcvyRP0kI_wN6sA3S0dBLwcUoQ2rNkW0e3U4kKF0WYplNoZOWE9WaR2JxLJwylFvtAe8XJNE1idv2YtpaYROxps2rdC6zHWo7mExY45xkAgvMYQPw3-j32fqn1zbj1u62QcHwbWIaeJi6AdEERp892Ax4cMNgJFp4tjL5XiwW1TWJTEbxq/s2560/theingenue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOC6G_9jcvyRP0kI_wN6sA3S0dBLwcUoQ2rNkW0e3U4kKF0WYplNoZOWE9WaR2JxLJwylFvtAe8XJNE1idv2YtpaYROxps2rdC6zHWo7mExY45xkAgvMYQPw3-j32fqn1zbj1u62QcHwbWIaeJi6AdEERp892Ax4cMNgJFp4tjL5XiwW1TWJTEbxq/w264-h400/theingenue.jpg" width="264" /></span></a></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span>Like
</span><b><i>The Ballerinas</i></b><i> </i><span>(2021) Kapelke-Dale’s latest delves into
the life of an artist, although unlike her prior novel </span><b><i>The Ingenue</i></b><span>
focuses on a single individual—and one who has stepped aside from her
performing past.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Saskia
Kreis, a piano prodigy from an early age, develops her gift during a childhood
spend in a privileged suburb of Milwaukee. The daughter of an imaginative
feminist author-artist and a professional cellist, she grows up in in the Elf House, a brewery baron’s ornately fantastic but decrepit mansion. Saskia spends a mostly solitary
and singular girlhood traveling the world, amazing audiences with her
precocious and highly developed talent on the keyboard. But as she enters her teens,
her mother’s much older university colleague, a photographer, takes her under
his wing—and into his bed. Their secret affair has a profound impact on Saskia’s
later life, resulting in the abandonment of music career, dead-end jobs, dodgy
life choices, and damage to her hands in the amateur boxing ring. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Her
mother’s sudden death draws her reluctantly but dutifully back to Elf House, in
the expectation that she and her father will inherit it. Conflict over whether
to keep or sell the dilapidated money pit and surrounding estate become moot
when they discover that Evie Harper Kreis has left it to Patrick Kintner—Saskia’s
seducer, whose surprise inheritance and simultaneous photographic exhibition sparks
the shocking denouement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Saskia’s
childhood, her difficult coming of age, and the destructive consequences of a disastrous affair are revealed in flashbacks.
Through the course of the story, her weaknesses and resentments are transformed
into strengths. Kapelke-Dale’s revelation of the artistic temperament and creative
passion is especially well done, and her conflicted, motivated, and multi-dimensional
characters are effectively drawn. (St.
Martin’s, 320 pp., hardcover/ebook/audio, December 2022)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVDrFRGYxLx3Y2UHyo0n54PoSOCDq09CgWdW-23Zn7D7P6NgafQp6HGdD9LC7ZK0aPP0FAoxaMRRXn6zWtL9jcyU_-jnqoqFWqCKkqGSzuxjOiq65UIqDYfqEXMzFWzpFALpGuy8JzCrHJlCe_41qmXeg1X4rk-zK22qG4IbaYIi6ki4ps77y0eK5/s2073/duchesscountess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2073" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVDrFRGYxLx3Y2UHyo0n54PoSOCDq09CgWdW-23Zn7D7P6NgafQp6HGdD9LC7ZK0aPP0FAoxaMRRXn6zWtL9jcyU_-jnqoqFWqCKkqGSzuxjOiq65UIqDYfqEXMzFWzpFALpGuy8JzCrHJlCe_41qmXeg1X4rk-zK22qG4IbaYIi6ki4ps77y0eK5/s320/duchesscountess.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></p></span></i></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span>The Duchess Countess: The
Woman who Scandalized Eighteenth-Century London by Catherine Ostler </span></i></b><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A comprehensive and highly
detailed biography of a Georgian adventuress and her adventures. The depiction
of 18th century England, Europe, and Russia demonstrates a perfect combination
of aristocratic lineage, royal access, ambition, physical attractiveness and
disregard for social norms as embodied by Elizabeth Chudleigh, Countess of
Bristol and Duchess of Kingston.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A member of the royal
household, an intimate of the Prince and Princess of Wales (Frederick and
Augusta) in the reign of King George II, Elizabeth made an impetuous marriage
to the grandson of Lord Bristol. In order to maintain her position as maid of
honour to the Princess, she didn't reveal her marital status, and her
bridegroom was conveniently placed out of the way, first by his naval service
and his foreign travels. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Elizabeth, after bearing and
losing a child--also in secret--presented herself a single woman and gadded about in high society. Her estranged spouse consistently repudiated the marriage and eventually sought a divorce,
which would have required Elizabeth to acknowledge its legality. Her lawsuit
against him resulted in a declaration of invalidity, allowing her to marry
up--to the Duke of Kingston, with whom she enjoyed a brief period of happiness.
At his death, she inherited his property and fortune, and by his will was permitted
to retain them as long as she remained a widow. She also inherited the enmity
of his relatives, who charged her with bigamy, resulting in one of Britain's
most notorious legal proceedings--witnessed by Queen Charlotte (wife of George
III) and members of her family. After the House of Lords declared her guilty,
she spent her time in Prussia, Paris, Rome. In Russia, where she built a
magnificent mansion, she was for a time a curious and barely tolerated member
of Catherine the Great's court. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="clear: both;">
</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The subject of this biography
is frequently shown to be her own worst enemy and undeniably unstable, while at
the same appearing as a sympathetic figure due to her ill-usage by the male
establishment that marshalled forces against her. A thorough work with great
depth and detail, this book is recommended to readers interested in the
complexities of this prominent, scandalous, and unrepentant 18th century woman.
(Atria Books, hardcover, paperback, ebook, audio/427 pp., 2022).</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Rl8D51Hf__pc6prk3VhwYyKroglwKJwc46dz7l-X7uXszufHop1tv0PxG6pHFcp8knFvPwhEi0PcxlQHqvKvsFc0x5ZpUiDYFpsuzVhbrPgnkzYwplQNCmSrmhHpi_eZWzDUjvQRlxlNXUtZS_8MFE1fU38Aa73b8ZUkPeJ5jUlbnZyYSEbOhAHT/s400/countryhouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Rl8D51Hf__pc6prk3VhwYyKroglwKJwc46dz7l-X7uXszufHop1tv0PxG6pHFcp8knFvPwhEi0PcxlQHqvKvsFc0x5ZpUiDYFpsuzVhbrPgnkzYwplQNCmSrmhHpi_eZWzDUjvQRlxlNXUtZS_8MFE1fU38Aa73b8ZUkPeJ5jUlbnZyYSEbOhAHT/s320/countryhouse.jpg" width="222" /></span></a></div><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>The Story of the Country House: A History of
Places and People by Clive Aslet</span></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Renowned
historian and former editor of Britain’s </span><i>Country Life</i><span> magazine, Clive
Aslet makes excellent use of his expertise and narrative skill in delineating
the long history of domestic architecture and life in his native country.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The
book is arranged by period, from medieval through Tudor and Stuart and
Commonwealth ears, to the Georgians, Victorians, Edwardians, the World Wars and
the time between, post-War, up to current times, with a focus on personalities—architects,
property owners, menials. Trends and fashions, the variations in personal and
the national economies is revealed through representative houses, selected to chart
the rise and fall of the country house. Anecdotes and events associated with
them are well-chosen, and the author’s style is lively and vivid. While Aslet does
tread some familiar and well-covered territory, he does so in a most
informative and engaging fashion, equally scholarly and entertaining.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> This
is a welcome addition to the category of British country house history, and
will be appreciated by readers possessing prior knowledge of the subject and those
with none at all<i>. </i>(Yale University Press, 256 Pages, hardcover, paperback,
ebook, audio, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></a></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3cO-BAXvEZX3uJpbq_s9BmYJIJRtxzHdQEwH_Y_GuGGWVu7pVk-WWXrD5uTWxtKlqdh8jwU25eBLk4BsuvDGDKt2-tHV1C7MLU1bhzVwaL9y_-1hMNz_8ddQCO_Hyzky-gP4LGi2cE/s2048/intheshadowoftheempres.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3cO-BAXvEZX3uJpbq_s9BmYJIJRtxzHdQEwH_Y_GuGGWVu7pVk-WWXrD5uTWxtKlqdh8jwU25eBLk4BsuvDGDKt2-tHV1C7MLU1bhzVwaL9y_-1hMNz_8ddQCO_Hyzky-gP4LGi2cE/s320/intheshadowoftheempres.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>In the Shadow of the Empress: The Defiant Lives
of Maria Theresa, Mother of Marie Antoinette, and Her Daughters</i></b> by Nancy Goldstone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The author, who previously depicted European royal
women from the medieval era and Renaissance, provides a tour de force joint
biography of four eminent females of the 18<sup>th</sup> century Hapsburg
dynasty. The dominant and most influential figure is Maria Teresa, unexpected
heiress of the Austrian empire—which included Hungary, Bohemia, Silesia, portions
of Italy, more. From the outset of her reign, the young empress had to contend
with masculine diffidence, or in the case of various military officers,
incompetence, while her territories were encroached upon and frequently seized by
Frederick of Prussia, whose “greatness” arose from schemes, persistent betrayal
of allies, and determination to conquer as much and as many lands as possible.
Often he defeated the empress’s forces, but sometimes she prevailed. An adoring
wife to a philandering spouse, designated emperor by her design, mother to more
than a dozen children (not all of whom lived), intensely Catholic, and
reform-minded, she was a powerful influence on the three daughters whose lives
are also minutely and incisively examined.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Artistic Maria Christina, “Mimi,” an older
daughter, was a favorite of her pleasure-seeking father Francis, and served her
empress-mother as helpmeet, confidante, and best friend. Her matrimonial
happiness was initially stymied—the man she loved was initially disregarded as unworthy
of a Hapsburg archduchess. Once married, the pair were sent off, though not very
far in terms of distance, to rule Hungary. After her mother’s death, Mimi’s older
brother Joseph—nearly as dangerous a character as Frederick, whom he revered—placed
the skilled and diplomatic couple in the Netherlands, where they and their extensive and valuable art collection were potential victims of the
radical republican wave flowing from France, and were eventually forced to flee from Napoleon
Bonaparte’s forces.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Her sister Maria Carolina had the great misfortune
to be united in wedlock to the dreadful Ferdinand, King of Naples. It turned
out to be the making of her. As forceful a character as her mother, she
succeeded in winning a seat on her husband’s council—by virtue of bearing the
requisite male heir—and essentially became ruler in his stead, leaving him to
enjoy hunting and bedroom exploits. She found a friend in Emma, Lady Hamilton,
the beautiful and scandalous young wife of the venerable British Ambassador,
and who enlisted her help in supplying Lord Nelson with ships in his time of
need. She bore numerous children, losing several when fleeing an invasion by
the French as Napoleon rampaged across Europe by land and by sea.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The most famous, or infamous, is the youngest of
Maria Theresa’s daughters, Maria Antonia. Her youthful frivolities as
archduchess accompanied her into a new life as dauphine of France, where she became
Marie Antoinette. Though the future Louis XVI was neither as uxorious as Maria
Cristina’s spouse, nor as repulsive as Maria Carolina’s, he was no great catch—his
prospects notwithstanding. Goldstone convincingly makes the case that his
awkwardness, halting speech and reclusive habits were indicators of an autism
spectrum disorder. Over time he formed a bond with his wife, who, to her
credit, seemed capable of accepting him as he was. After the couple ascended the
throne, Marie gradually became more serious, even more political, and was a
devoted mother. Axel Fersen, her lover, went to extraordinary lengths to remove
Marie and Louis from France, relying on the assistance of her two older sisters.
His relationship with the doomed queen, the author asserts, was not only
romantic but also sexual. She identifies him as the father of her two youngest
children, including the short-lived Louis XVII, who died soon after his parents
were led to the guillotine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The family saga is brilliantly rendered,
sweeping the reader from the earliest part of the 18<sup>th</sup> century into
the Napoleonic age in the first part of the 19<sup>th</sup>. Her subjects are
presented as women who were tested almost beyond endurance, deeply flawed yet
inherently moral and honest, and all too often misjudged. Goldstone’s style is
eminently readable and entertaining—this is no dry history—no small feat when
covering such a lengthy timeline and the myriad complex relationships, familial
and royal and political. She has a gift for connecting events and dates, tossing
in reminders of precisely how past actions and decisions affected and relate to
what transpired afterwards. Very highly recommended, to the dedicated and the
casual reader of history, and anyone seeking proof that royal women were more
than symbolic mannequins swathed in velvet and wearing a crown.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> (Little, Brown and Co., hardcover/ebook, 640 pp,
21 September 2021)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></a></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDFQxDndgYhSfFfFvsQB4bI7m-8f7VmlInBoYuzZdepQ53Rci74qjs1MTnVrGF8frp_nVmB6G5uOmKDuzJYLDWQtqe3gWIVbTkdjdSyD7FCDtihWwtMfnUIB0pu9naXv7nf9Qnqatp08/s1008/UnearthingtheSecretGarden.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDFQxDndgYhSfFfFvsQB4bI7m-8f7VmlInBoYuzZdepQ53Rci74qjs1MTnVrGF8frp_nVmB6G5uOmKDuzJYLDWQtqe3gWIVbTkdjdSyD7FCDtihWwtMfnUIB0pu9naXv7nf9Qnqatp08/s320/UnearthingtheSecretGarden.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <b><i>Unearthing The Secret Garden: The Plants and
Places That Inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett</i></b> by Marta McDowell</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This sensitive, appreciative, and exquisitely illustrated book is a welcome gift to fans of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved
novel. It has guaranteed appeal for those who share the author’s passion for
gardening—roses in particular—and many writers who find inspiration in the
natural world. McDowell traces Burnett’s earliest gardening influences, from her
floral-themed childhood alphabet book to an abandoned walled garden in Salford
in the north of England, to the very different environment of Tennessee, to
which her widowed mother emigrated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Unexpectedly, Burnett did not actually become a
gardener until the age of fifty, long after achieving her youthful success as a
writer for the most popular journals of her day, and following marriage,
motherhood, the creation of the iconic and influential novel <i>Little Lord
Fauntleroy,</i> her tragic loss of a young son, and inevitable divorces. It was
the fortuitous purchase of Maytham Hall in Kent, an unadorned canvas upon which
she could paint in flowers of all kinds, but mostly roses, that provided her
with an Arcadia to absorb a considerable amount of her substantial fortune. The
combination of walled gardens, rose arbors, orchards, and a friendly robin did
not immediately find their way into her fiction. Only after she was forced to
abandon it, in order to join her surviving son in New York, did her memory and
imagination produce <i>The Secret Garden</i>. Her depiction of contrary Mary
Lennox’s rebirth and renewal within the brick walls of her Yorkshire oasis (Maytham
transformed into the more massive Misselthwaite Manor well to the north) arose out of longing for
a place lost to her creator. But Burnett did find solace in making new gardens—at
her London Island mansion and later the Bermuda cottage to which she fled in
avoidance of harsh American winters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> McDowell draws upon her subject’s memoir and
many writings, but also family papers, and presents the reader with a wealth of
photographs of Burnett within her gardens, and the gardens of Maytham as they
exist in the present. In the final section, she includes a selection of Burnett’s
gardening articles as well as a list of plants she grew. In the afterward, a great-great
granddaughter briefly reflects on the familial connection to the classic novel.
This book is a treasure, one for absorbing, reading and re-reading—and sharing
with likeminded persons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> (Timber Press, hardcover/ebook/audio, 320 pp.,
28 September, 2021)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBEDeDv1uOiy_XFW-1LoJobYkI9fEyZdN8ZQKPpI9n16shVbz4TlLv_8lkOR_CqjimH7bvWxMJGvciWeXqy_Cm_ydvEjrdwEdG6IWSK0WYeEVMzzVCc0KWwSIYaVas1PCDJ00LXfToLs/s1662/Bridgerton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBEDeDv1uOiy_XFW-1LoJobYkI9fEyZdN8ZQKPpI9n16shVbz4TlLv_8lkOR_CqjimH7bvWxMJGvciWeXqy_Cm_ydvEjrdwEdG6IWSK0WYeEVMzzVCc0KWwSIYaVas1PCDJ00LXfToLs/s320/Bridgerton.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Teatime at Grosvenor Square: An Unofficial Cookbook
for Fans of Bridgerton―75 Sinfully Delectable Recipes </i></b>by Dahlia Clearwater</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><o:p></o:p> This charming collection, inspired by the
Netflix series based on Julia Quinn’s <b><i>Bridgerton</i></b> historical
romance novels, offers seventy-five options for entertaining, from sweet treats
to meats. The introduction to each recipe makes generic references to characters,
settings, plot points, or society rules familiar from the episodes. Several
options for scone-making are presented—the classic English scone (fluffy and
tall), as well as various modern variations. There are examples of actual
Regency fare encountered in Quinn or Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer: ratafia
biscuits, flummery, white soup, blanc mange, trifle, orgeat, mulled wine, and meat
pie. The cakes live up to the “delectable” description of the title. For main
dishes, anyone seeking more solid sustenance will be pleased to find recipes
for lamb, duck, turkey, and ham. This would be a welcome addition to any cookbook
shelf, even one belonging to the minority of cooks who might be entirely ignorant
of Bridgerton world. (Skyhorse Publishing, hardcover/ebook, 152 pp.,
22 June, 2021)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R78gLfKZzRijndHenCcLCTJu7fXgMFId7G0dNjpDmEPaj-V3V1EWqKFPLwbvu9LEcA_DxVuXhR4FiKbH4nyUSbh72eJ5kYSxmct0vShRnOmIV86Oq4ctb-uf_C3sDena1-9xqIfS-bY/s2048/theballerinas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R78gLfKZzRijndHenCcLCTJu7fXgMFId7G0dNjpDmEPaj-V3V1EWqKFPLwbvu9LEcA_DxVuXhR4FiKbH4nyUSbh72eJ5kYSxmct0vShRnOmIV86Oq4ctb-uf_C3sDena1-9xqIfS-bY/w210-h320/theballerinas.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">The Ballerinas </i>by</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Rachel Kapelke-Dale</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a connoisseur of ballet books—fiction and
nonfiction—I now rank Rachel Kapelke-Dale’s fiction debut at the very top of my
list of the best, along with an obscure, out-of-print treasured title. <b><i>The
Ballerinas</i></b> exquisitely, and often excruciatingly, traces myriad
personal and professional challenges experienced by protagonist Delphine—first
as a youthful dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet, then as a famous choreographer’s
assistant in St. Petersburg, and then as guest choreographer back in Paris. On
her return to the city of her birth, this daughter of a far more famous
ballerina, long deceased, expects to easily slip back into the familiar habits
she knew years. She is reunited with her closest friends—cynical and volatile lesbian
dancer Margaux, keeper of the secret that could ruin their mutual friendship
with the American dancer Lindsay, whose career Delphine intends to revive with
the lead role in a ballet about Alexandra, the doomed Russian Tsarina. She also
has hopes of renewed romance with star dancer Jock, the one who got away. While
dealing with the struggles, rivalries, and demands of her working life, she
suffers from a betrayal that threatens not only her career, but her privacy and
her reputation. Delphine’s high expectations are thwarted. Her relationships
with the ones whose support she relies upon are damaged, often by her own
self-absorption, but also when she is victimized by the callous cruelty of
another.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> The gender imbalance within the dance world, the
physical and emotional toll as a dancer’s years advance, the difficulty of
integrating the personal self with the professional demands are sharply
observed and accurately, achingly depicted in each character. The setting for Delphine’s
formative past in Paris, revealed through flashbacks, and her present traumas,
is the city of a native, of a dancer, not the one encountered by tourists, and its
depiction is evocatively true and real. The writing is beautiful, the people
are believable, the insights are thought-provoking, and the conflicts ring all
too true. Not to be missed. (St. Martin's Press, paperback/ebook/audiobook, 304
pp., 7 December 2021)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXO1psR68cATwO_5tBfIAIoyTEOxs7hxvNDvEFnr9-PvOFIns52frnEFBarltpAj8RoHyIU6ZC2GmZYrg31uvSIOhadSxci4C-RkWLQMuPYqOCOG00a-0tdaVaewX-iv0PbsiEeMMtSU/s1200/61dGO5ax0eL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXO1psR68cATwO_5tBfIAIoyTEOxs7hxvNDvEFnr9-PvOFIns52frnEFBarltpAj8RoHyIU6ZC2GmZYrg31uvSIOhadSxci4C-RkWLQMuPYqOCOG00a-0tdaVaewX-iv0PbsiEeMMtSU/w213-h320/61dGO5ax0eL.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Being a Ballerina: The Power and Perfection of a
Dancing Life </i></b>by Gavin Larsen</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> From a struggling but promising pupil to a
professional ballet dancer whose career spanned nearly two decades, Gavin
Larsen experienced the range of emotional and physical turmoil associated with
a dancer’s existence. In energetic and expressive prose, she articulates the
pains and pressures and pleasures that flow from commitment to her thoroughly
demanding art. “Making a living being tired” accurately describes her sense of
never feeling fully rested. Her search for the right place to perform takes her
from the corps de ballet to soloist to principal, within a respected
professional company, and later as a freelancer. Larsen’s tenacity and stamina
shine through her depictions of the touring life and the quest for the next job
search, inserting herself into daily class among strangers whose rituals and
routines are unfamiliar. Every bourée forward is followed by one or two
backwards, with dread of injury—career-halting or career-ending—always looming
and seemingly inevitable. The frank and graphic account of ballet’s toll on the
body, especially the toes, tendons, and ankles, makes real the agony behind the
beauty seen onstage. Particular attention is given to the specifications and
adaptions of pointe shoes and the mechanics and logistics involved in partnering
and lifts. This is an admirable and extremely well-written memoir of a
perceptive dancer’s artistic and professional challenges. (University Press of
Florida, paperback/ebook, 272 pp. 27 April, 2021)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnkTw7P2jlyGTqcm2uxxHV8pLNs4CSnl6EBjqvNWN-VggVT0_h7gtXkMIxXC7W1DcJN5DTHVSbGgJZ5yqVp4aVHBSbsudkRGDrNss9peiieIX-l4iN8s1vQtVaNk88OCG2l1ayfobwU/s346/DogWalking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnkTw7P2jlyGTqcm2uxxHV8pLNs4CSnl6EBjqvNWN-VggVT0_h7gtXkMIxXC7W1DcJN5DTHVSbGgJZ5yqVp4aVHBSbsudkRGDrNss9peiieIX-l4iN8s1vQtVaNk88OCG2l1ayfobwU/s320/DogWalking.jpg" /></a></i></b></span></div><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span><br /></span></i></b></p>London’s Number One Dogwalking Agency: A Memoir</span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When Kate Macdougall’s latest and last costly mistake as a London
auction house employee results in termination, she decides that a lifelong affection
for canines is sufficient justification for setting up as an urban dog-walker—despite
the fact that she hasn’t had a pet dog since childhood. So begins this delightfully
witty and utterly immersive memoir of the travails and the joys in her quest
for personal fulfillment and monetary sustenance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In 2006, when she starts her business, dog-walking
wasn’t actually a profession, a fact her divorcee mother will constantly point
out. Alternating from certitude, ignorance, bravado, and doubt, Kate cobbles
together a collection of clients even more idiosyncratic, demanding, and
eccentric than their pampered pets. Her most sterling and useful characteristic
is the ability understand of dogs as a species and as individuals with unique
needs for exercise, companionship, discipline, and diet. Her fond acceptance of
their habits, quirks, phobias, and preferences enables her to match them with
appropriate members of her own staff, each of whom also presents certain
eccentricities that must be coped with or dealt with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">An added complication is the dog owners, who in
the main prove more difficult to handle than their precious but often neglected
pets. Here, too, Kate eventually excels, through trial and error, resignation
and resolve, keeping in mind the needs of the animal each time she confronts
the difficult, demanding, and judgmental humans connected to them. Alert to
class indicators, within her own broken family and those of her clients—the comfortable,
the classy, the creepy—she not only matures, but earns insight into her own neediness
and hopes for the future. She and her employees gamely navigate the city’s challenging
geography and the intricacies of transportation logistics as her clientele
expands. But just as her reputation seems assured, the financial collapse of
2009 and ensuing recession threaten her small measure of success with corporate
ex-pat Americans and Londoners who abruptly decide that a dog walker is a
luxury too far in hard times. It is then, amidst all the stress and panic, that
her canine-averse fiancé suggests getting a dog of their own, an adventure in
itself, and a first true test of their solidity as a couple and their readiness
for marriage, parenthood, and an inevitable search for the ideal location in
which to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is a memoir about dogs—endearing and
memorable and challenging ones—but it’s also very much about humans. How they
relate to their pets and other people, their ease or difficulty in doing the
right thing for themselves and their animals, how their good traits and bad
ones are revealed through their interactions with the dogs and the dog-walkers.
Not only is it beautifully, cleverly written, ultimately it is deeply moving
memoir of overcoming struggles and finding identity and purpose in the life of
a flawed but admirable young woman. (William Morrow, hardcover/ebook/audiobook,
6 July, 2021) </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0yzQTCbtRXWqCQZ3Ro7dXXZiuKF8V8I_P82Vn7t6B-wAZjUNY-Kv7wbUuermht1SqRwkSysauyKTqa3SSKyefc8gD5JbesUgfPe1PSgmC56xSQlIbL7NT94n165Y-gaztyB92yq4Hw/s2048/91Fo4dxpo2L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0yzQTCbtRXWqCQZ3Ro7dXXZiuKF8V8I_P82Vn7t6B-wAZjUNY-Kv7wbUuermht1SqRwkSysauyKTqa3SSKyefc8gD5JbesUgfPe1PSgmC56xSQlIbL7NT94n165Y-gaztyB92yq4Hw/s320/91Fo4dxpo2L.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span>You Belong Here Now,</span></i></b><span> Dianna Rostad’s debut historical novel, offers
a complex and nuanced portrait of home life, community values, and persistent
struggles facing a Montana ranching family in the 1920s. Their challenges
multiply with the arrival of three fugitives from an orphan train traveling
from New York City: teenager Charles, Irish immigrant Patrick, and scrawny
Opal, all of whom have been rejected as adoptees in the course of their cross-country
journey. Nara Stewart, the fiercely independent female protagonist, is dubious
about keeping--much less adopting--the orphans, but the need of farm labor
overcomes her reluctance. Charles, burdened by a violent and possibly criminal
past, grows into a determined protector, not only of his fellow orphans, but
the family who can't fully trust him but strive to redeem him. The characters'
varied internal and external conflicts are realistically portrayed, the period
detail is skillfully blended, and the harsh land itself—its wild creatures and
pervasive threats--are depicted with flair and faithfulness. Very highly
recommended. (April 6, 2021, William Morrow Books, paperback, 368 pp.)</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO21fF9QzGOIIaaY5fL_Gp-DpnGoCgzaTqZtlseqHDA5nCWYvwZKxbnacoDCBE5z39AWCpunkngR9v5tCEQwMzXrREynuzEuVUZ8Z0GmJUwfX26tQSZHAEBd9pJQioS7spYjLQdb7gLMk/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwr6xqQHDg62UerT-FFsmn96oe0XaZIC1H0owRLyUkimtbJDKjOnDjQzxLWalWza7WaZHVYDbUVmOb8pdbCGIDt0Yehc-nlhmi2Imu6taclcXPNXfcfO_xQKiWPHH1bhgZ-X-vk7EVs4/s1907/71bHoryBnQL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1907" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwr6xqQHDg62UerT-FFsmn96oe0XaZIC1H0owRLyUkimtbJDKjOnDjQzxLWalWza7WaZHVYDbUVmOb8pdbCGIDt0Yehc-nlhmi2Imu6taclcXPNXfcfO_xQKiWPHH1bhgZ-X-vk7EVs4/s320/71bHoryBnQL.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span>Gardening Hacks: 300+ Time and Money Saving
Hacks </span></i></b><span style="font-family: georgia;">by Jon VanZile</span></span></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span>In
a well-organized collection of tips and hacks, Master Gardener Jon VanZile
offers hundreds of time- and cost-saving suggestions for the indoor and outdoor
garden. Workable and effective non-toxic and natural shortcuts are a valuable
commodity, and this knowledge is creatively and systematically shared,
numerically and through a searchable index. VanZile covers germination of seeds
and propagation by cuttings, container plants, containers, care of tools, pest
control, and collecting the harvest. Among the more interesting tips: using
honey as a rooting hormone, seed starting in an ice cream cone (not the sugary
kind), cinnamon as an anti-fungal treatment to protect seedlings from wilt, powdered
milk as a calcium booster for tomatoes, and the myriad uses of coffee grounds.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> For
some, the proposed outdoor decorations might go against personal aesthetics and
allowable degree of whimsy in the garden—re-purposing broken and discarded
objects into “funky displays” might not suit everyone’s style. But the wealth
of advice presented is sound and safe, and the presentation style is readable
and sincere. (Adams Media, paperback/ebook/audiobook, 256 pp., 6 April, 2021)</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4gFaFCma_4xgMQW3-_Gg2q9HIt0XjI9s2P-3L_VpZN0MUgG64-Kf5pbqcBJGmSaVKgTPcleZlrCCW6f2ytK3mZR-BG6FgNs7oHSwkDJc5kX5bLLlXhCmoI6a0EKDIpmBSnMSNoDxP5o/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4gFaFCma_4xgMQW3-_Gg2q9HIt0XjI9s2P-3L_VpZN0MUgG64-Kf5pbqcBJGmSaVKgTPcleZlrCCW6f2ytK3mZR-BG6FgNs7oHSwkDJc5kX5bLLlXhCmoI6a0EKDIpmBSnMSNoDxP5o/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRblN21NZ8LAgYrwPd7UPuuuwI6ZNDjd4yxwnszaMSiSWkn1qj92VSyvxyeZu8blqOSjjmRQo_77XxjsQj3JGrBInVtzJpnYOavFGXtoptnvNVRa0_d-gbMr8tlGFtL7x_Y_cZTqrvXw/s1012/rhapsody-cvr-floor-1-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRblN21NZ8LAgYrwPd7UPuuuwI6ZNDjd4yxwnszaMSiSWkn1qj92VSyvxyeZu8blqOSjjmRQo_77XxjsQj3JGrBInVtzJpnYOavFGXtoptnvNVRa0_d-gbMr8tlGFtL7x_Y_cZTqrvXw/s320/rhapsody-cvr-floor-1-1.png" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span>Rhapsody,</span></i></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Mitchell James Kaplan's third work of historical fiction,
presents the long and challenging affair between pianist-composer Katharine
Swift (Kay) Warburg and George Gershwin, her extramarital lover, soulmate, and
collaborator. Their compelling story is revealed through evocative prose and
lyrical imagery, peopled with literary and theatrical notables of the 1920s and
30s and replete with references to stage productions and compositions both
obscure and renowned. Situations, settings, and dialogue bring to life the
vibrant period between the world wars, one of innovation and exploration in
music and popular entertainment, experienced atop a lofty pinnacle of wealth,
talent, and emerging fame.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kay's permissive yet tortured marriage to financier
and sometime lyricist James Warburg, and her detached mothering of three
daughters is overshadowed by focused commitment to Gershwin and her determination
to promote her own musical gifts. And while creativity—solitary and mutual—lies
at the core of the emotional and relational arc, embedded within the novel is
an examination of ethnic and cultural identity in America as
totalitarianism begins its inexorable march across Europe.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Elegantly-attired characters emerge from
exquisite New York apartments to attend elite social gatherings and explore
Harlem jazz joints. They endure rehearsal agonies and celebrate opening nights.
Throughout, Kaplan's skill and the lovers' looming fate propel the reader
towards a poignant but inevitable conclusion. (March 2, Gallery Books, hardcover,
352 pp.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B4t_vmHRCkC6O1LKqUqyYt11aOAolCGsOdtl-d5sHxXipzmPNeWWCsRCTsvpudXpM_38Cb3vqjUQHwXtEfDRqZrcHFcdhlq83sO3F0Hs5f36w6gPolcGqcqjAPbLq_xHamcTPjVOJWo/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B4t_vmHRCkC6O1LKqUqyYt11aOAolCGsOdtl-d5sHxXipzmPNeWWCsRCTsvpudXpM_38Cb3vqjUQHwXtEfDRqZrcHFcdhlq83sO3F0Hs5f36w6gPolcGqcqjAPbLq_xHamcTPjVOJWo/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7jNo1cUOv9dTVyrQKeMazGn21-MHpFzI4j03NCgiaBLrDAxsmgZ_zKKzcmhwb5va2fUxEIcG4aSNDovQBV1uPm5MWx46ZHdE85vgNKls7a6BHXlPOJ5OeEGC2eU8Hb3kfxgp1dNyN2s/s1000/71Q44vrpCQL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7jNo1cUOv9dTVyrQKeMazGn21-MHpFzI4j03NCgiaBLrDAxsmgZ_zKKzcmhwb5va2fUxEIcG4aSNDovQBV1uPm5MWx46ZHdE85vgNKls7a6BHXlPOJ5OeEGC2eU8Hb3kfxgp1dNyN2s/s320/71Q44vrpCQL.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Comedic and elegiac, farcical
and tragic, complex and engrossing, Leslie Epstein’s <b><i>Hill of Beans</i></b> is an
energetic and entertaining depiction of the symbiotic relationship between
moviemaking and warmongering. This detailed and imaginative representation of
Hollywood dynamics and military events, before and during World War II, is
revealed through the minds and motives of multiple characters. The disparate
witnesses are Abdul Maljan, ex-pugilist and masseuse to film mogul Jack Warner
and President Roosevelt, Warner himself, the fictional half-Jewish German
starlet he lures to Hollywood, the Reich Minister Joseph Goebbels, and gossip
columnist Hedda Hopper. With the later addition, at the height of World War II,
of Joseph Stalin and General George S. Patton. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The connections between the film
industry, politics, and war, are wittily and movingly drawn. The author’s
uncles, twin screenwriters Philip and Julius Epstein—Academy Award winners for <i>Casablanca</i>—would have loved this
fictional version of their boss, the priapic punster Warner, their own antics,
and the haphazard creation of their iconic film. <span><o:p></o:p></span><span>(March 1, 2021, High Road Books, hardcover, 352 pp.)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS4t5sRq9AoaJOUOOgRVyptlfArpra_gheTHYvTiA1upRZTY5DQWHinkRQoXHDLhrwLuRHzsb-1X4yytG9RboijzSqHPzM33geEkB40oYEhDD1TtsobJj19__cb7RyIOci52UI7TrtjI/s3754/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="3754" height="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS4t5sRq9AoaJOUOOgRVyptlfArpra_gheTHYvTiA1upRZTY5DQWHinkRQoXHDLhrwLuRHzsb-1X4yytG9RboijzSqHPzM33geEkB40oYEhDD1TtsobJj19__cb7RyIOci52UI7TrtjI/w200-h15/Divider+%252811%2529.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcXEBaGhOIhR1UhBWVDirpWpcl717CskZlCJ0chtAYyuqlQt2wDL7RP4WrOD6pdyglaP-M9mAI1G1te9Ptb31oCtngftSehdzE_1UBw37EAbxaGAF_YAj2hCZFWm_rU_lVJtJPVY7Whg/s499/513M4E-Uz6L._SX341_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcXEBaGhOIhR1UhBWVDirpWpcl717CskZlCJ0chtAYyuqlQt2wDL7RP4WrOD6pdyglaP-M9mAI1G1te9Ptb31oCtngftSehdzE_1UBw37EAbxaGAF_YAj2hCZFWm_rU_lVJtJPVY7Whg/s320/513M4E-Uz6L._SX341_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">London and the Seventeenth Century: The Making of the World's Greatest City</span></i></b></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">by Margarette Lincoln</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Relying on descriptive skill, contemporaneous accounts, and engaging insights, Margarette Lincoln presents the people, economies, concerns, and contradictions of seventeenth century London. In an era when church towers dominated the skyline, matters of faith and pursuits of the flesh drove the citizenry to foment rebellions and indulge in the innumerable pleasures available to them. James I, the first Stuart monarch, was succeeded by his second son Charles, whose death upon the scaffold brought the dynasty to a temporary conclusion. A detailed presentation of the volatile Interregnum, which its many contradictions of puritanical politics and economic thrust, is followed by the Restoration.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Like his father, the second Charles understood the imagery of kingship—as well as the high costs of rigidity and raising the displeasure of the populace. Coronation swag, one learns, is no new thing, neither is the royal interest in fostering positive and powerful imagery of kingship. Tested by years of exile, Charles confronted plague, fire, and wars, while many of his subjects sought entertainment in playhouses and coffee houses, and others pursued scientific investigations. The author devotes significant attention to the crucial shipping trade and the expansion of commerce to the Indies, East and West. His busy reign was succeeded by his Roman Catholic brother’s very brief one, and on the accession of his nephew and niece, William and Mary, Parliament’s power was reinforced, and the nation’s purse was directed to the Continental war, a preoccupation of the Dutch-born king. This monumental achievement in research and presentation brings to life a fascinating and extremely turbulent era in the life of this great and influential city. (February 23, 2021, Yale University Press, hardcover/ebook,</span> 384 pp.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s200/Divider+%252811%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="15" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdvMQLEBoYu2i34h6akCp5HZNOJz64Hcgg_N178JFA3Sk7TaVnnXWNTUWfYPMt66gsSkNHytt7ccJb4g0YUGIvZhncvLzqtaIzpRFR-YfLveKLeHfTcfZJgNTxz7Mxghk2u6Ziv9Kb_U/s0/Divider+%252811%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-46691935212321885932022-11-16T12:54:00.002-05:002022-11-16T13:36:23.029-05:00Talk, talk: The Interviews<p> <br /><br /></p><p>The post-release publicity and promotion for <i>The Myrtle Wand </i>has resulted in lots of interviews--via podcast, on blogs, and in print. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFU6zxzKyPy_2766QKG4dOyHtP_eTD9mkM0Nmr1VGdHgZMDWR6FQx3_WaqmkCv-r7vR32qWlyOqovKMssT_RQF1caPBHShTMXXeQY3ZLVNqvPIcsBjl4uAVjM79qofPJBpmeo5-UPvsNDpvdPxnGScMKIVom9S9U0HSPYY1NiNAou58ZuZ3eMEYN7/s1124/315710943_10225095479428656_3230422772117045842_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFU6zxzKyPy_2766QKG4dOyHtP_eTD9mkM0Nmr1VGdHgZMDWR6FQx3_WaqmkCv-r7vR32qWlyOqovKMssT_RQF1caPBHShTMXXeQY3ZLVNqvPIcsBjl4uAVjM79qofPJBpmeo5-UPvsNDpvdPxnGScMKIVom9S9U0HSPYY1NiNAou58ZuZ3eMEYN7/w300-h400/315710943_10225095479428656_3230422772117045842_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dog Dot provides support as I prepare to record a podcast interview</div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Here are some links:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9ugbNvWfF59bgqlzU_v4kSfxVdAc99cpX-HZn_cK1SUHoxHu0Fdeb3Jj6dEmK_ZfVr8Uuf6Qew7eW12c-r4eqWeDPuZo9NZuVIAc-UGgv3GJY5zNJZ435kMDKXufV7vAygZEq-yi9FxpM0k0fAdttWvdA4LK5nPTSp_ixRPm38_L40Hq3HPq-7fJ/s500/ParisUndergroundRadio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9ugbNvWfF59bgqlzU_v4kSfxVdAc99cpX-HZn_cK1SUHoxHu0Fdeb3Jj6dEmK_ZfVr8Uuf6Qew7eW12c-r4eqWeDPuZo9NZuVIAc-UGgv3GJY5zNJZ435kMDKXufV7vAygZEq-yi9FxpM0k0fAdttWvdA4LK5nPTSp_ixRPm38_L40Hq3HPq-7fJ/s320/ParisUndergroundRadio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e_CGajFcSk" target="_blank">Paris Underground Radio: Storytime in Paris podcast interview</a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAAaAVx1VxVfo91KFLopVWX_p1ZQuK2bSSlGZoJ27JdBrkRtONAxMqXgU7zGwYH7l8V6owOqt-Wj6o5HHQksXS7R8uO0bZZ203YBvMZGrnBs-x0Ct9ztebhTXdJfbn6CO992cpQU6NiUpNRxSYnonS7YvaCfMKu5T4DXnDrl4On9WHEqlVINo60mN/s1080/ReadLocal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAAaAVx1VxVfo91KFLopVWX_p1ZQuK2bSSlGZoJ27JdBrkRtONAxMqXgU7zGwYH7l8V6owOqt-Wj6o5HHQksXS7R8uO0bZZ203YBvMZGrnBs-x0Ct9ztebhTXdJfbn6CO992cpQU6NiUpNRxSYnonS7YvaCfMKu5T4DXnDrl4On9WHEqlVINo60mN/s320/ReadLocal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/13uiI1EvLHtUACk0mqlWGW?" target="_blank">The Read Local podcast interview</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2n-1939vJT1jIv00phOANxXUwPa9WNzNmjLQ9P98PxsTNbqpKGXF150Pj2IEC91KT7yEBU_GvkYBpaNrCvKlMQZ7Op3ie1uK51wk6c5bObX06Ma3z1mjY52qObZkXA7qM0l3PHe_ftVcqhWkyW2ewmVXsWwBi6cnJTxidqow7RBjHQ1kNgTpFB8a/s787/HNS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="787" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2n-1939vJT1jIv00phOANxXUwPa9WNzNmjLQ9P98PxsTNbqpKGXF150Pj2IEC91KT7yEBU_GvkYBpaNrCvKlMQZ7Op3ie1uK51wk6c5bObX06Ma3z1mjY52qObZkXA7qM0l3PHe_ftVcqhWkyW2ewmVXsWwBi6cnJTxidqow7RBjHQ1kNgTpFB8a/s320/HNS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://historicalnovelsociety.org/launch-margaret-porters-the-myrtle-wand/" target="_blank">Historical Novel Society interview</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueFos51s4nbKnRQko-Ga6dFq22wDkj34im733Su1ndDAt2V2yEniMvh0DhRrRToycy-KbV7fFmGco6BiSJfs0HzqNBymplGlC2-U44xsGH_WEjyEhc8CMmyNXqcGfQyH0wj1Fg6yA2fz3pmA2z_Zg--y5ONl9jrM3onlBQ4gAuDLi_J9Utgjmc4Sr/s1024/AGSportlight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueFos51s4nbKnRQko-Ga6dFq22wDkj34im733Su1ndDAt2V2yEniMvh0DhRrRToycy-KbV7fFmGco6BiSJfs0HzqNBymplGlC2-U44xsGH_WEjyEhc8CMmyNXqcGfQyH0wj1Fg6yA2fz3pmA2z_Zg--y5ONl9jrM3onlBQ4gAuDLi_J9Utgjmc4Sr/s320/AGSportlight.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://authorsguild.org/member-spotlights/member-spotlight-margaret-porter-2/?" target="_blank">The Authors Guild Spotlight</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcO4HEr7bU2CQBzZI3OTC105P71jLwORsx2TVt5boUtD1Nm2Wkp90RUXkqQhhuKMsh1KuuEH_DwKanR4OxxT0zviUfibYjcMNkxrjMwY6Ex7KgLq6pN8Dlum-sY09mLxV_lvMo_4rWJF3XlaPyd__wfY9wyabb4XBbVynmRUag74qIW47gkjijV3A/s834/writerofhistory.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcO4HEr7bU2CQBzZI3OTC105P71jLwORsx2TVt5boUtD1Nm2Wkp90RUXkqQhhuKMsh1KuuEH_DwKanR4OxxT0zviUfibYjcMNkxrjMwY6Ex7KgLq6pN8Dlum-sY09mLxV_lvMo_4rWJF3XlaPyd__wfY9wyabb4XBbVynmRUag74qIW47gkjijV3A/s320/writerofhistory.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://awriterofhistory.com/2022/10/20/the-myrtle-wand-by-margaret-porter/" target="_blank">The Myrtle Wand at A Writer of History</a><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihBkqnv5geZcMa6rkXTG0r4dCnmJqOkNLn_I9YtWxqXLOrh-T3TmyqbmKpjk3X0JiQf4dkMRlDM74nRpxyeLG_LimJT1mc1azXaKZwRhAmPg8gxuDU7YYQBpf3utlS_MTdzV_rb7oA4canzy-xtDO17ES3vZ0ITjq_h9LiiSSbk7x-hHwirWd5Dra/s1181/the-myrtle-wand-at-gibsons-bookstore-1___05110001268.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1181" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihBkqnv5geZcMa6rkXTG0r4dCnmJqOkNLn_I9YtWxqXLOrh-T3TmyqbmKpjk3X0JiQf4dkMRlDM74nRpxyeLG_LimJT1mc1azXaKZwRhAmPg8gxuDU7YYQBpf3utlS_MTdzV_rb7oA4canzy-xtDO17ES3vZ0ITjq_h9LiiSSbk7x-hHwirWd5Dra/s320/the-myrtle-wand-at-gibsons-bookstore-1___05110001268.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/brogan-margarets-magic-wand-arrives" target="_blank">Newspaper Interview</a></p><p><br /></p><p>My thanks to all the interviewers for inviting me to share the process of writing <i>The Myrtle Wand, </i>and other aspects of my writing life!</p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-41014300019255709352022-10-20T00:00:00.706-04:002022-10-21T13:45:11.746-04:00"Take Two" Blogathon: Waterloo Bridge, 1940<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nS-hI1EitBq9-kJMpfNJUlFLbL2Wb6nV1d5vyiCAX35UmqwArmyVMQXubZmARPNOQsW0VaxeowOUgXJofboYFDcAFVyXY_0j-UXuGd7an7fhhgEXIbzKGjrUre2cRTWhsdG71sINS0Dis_8ZpUssrhsxH10KxwQj3KZGdzjXPQPwwE3jmTMOfFOv/s1000/waterloobridgeposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1000" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nS-hI1EitBq9-kJMpfNJUlFLbL2Wb6nV1d5vyiCAX35UmqwArmyVMQXubZmARPNOQsW0VaxeowOUgXJofboYFDcAFVyXY_0j-UXuGd7an7fhhgEXIbzKGjrUre2cRTWhsdG71sINS0Dis_8ZpUssrhsxH10KxwQj3KZGdzjXPQPwwE3jmTMOfFOv/w400-h310/waterloobridgeposter.jpg" title="Waterloo Bridge Poster" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waterloo Bridge movie poster</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>How it Started</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The story originated as a 1930 stage play by Robert Sherwood, which he based on his wartime experience with an English chorus girl. His main character, American chorine Myra Deauville, is unable to perform in London during World War I and turns to prostitution, meeting servicemen on Waterloo Bridge. Her boyfriend is Canadian soldier Roy Cronin, who doesn't realize she's dwelling in a brothel. Her comrade Kitty advises him to marry her. The landlady sees it as a chance to get money she's owed, but eventually informs Roy that Myra is a harlot. Nonetheless, he makes her the beneficiary of his life insurance, should he be killed in action. But Myra is the one who dies--on the bridge--during a German bombing raid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The original Pre-Code film version, directed by James Whale, starred Mae Clark as Myra and Ken Douglass as Roy. In one of her earliest performances, Bette Davis appears as Roy's sister. The set-up tracks closely with the play, with the addition of Roy's mother, to whom Myra confesses the truth about herself. She runs off to London, Roy follows and proposes, the landlady reveals that Myra is a prostitute, but Roy hunts her down and on Waterloo Bridge asks her to marry him anyway. Before he's taken back to the army by military police, she agrees. An air raid begins, and she's killed on her way to a bomb shelter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Background to the Remake</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">David Selznick of his eponymous production company purchased the rights to the play, and MGM subsequently obtained them. To repay his father-in-law's studio for assistance in making <i>Gone with the Wind,</i> Selznick loaned out Vivien Leigh, who expected her co-star to be her lover Laurence Olivier, but he was unavailable. Robert Taylor was cast, much to her disappointment. They had worked together a couple of years previously, in <i>A Yank at Oxford,</i> filmed in Denham England at MGM's studio there and released in 1938. (Thus, "They're back again" on the movie poster pictured above.) Mervyn Leroy directed. Ultimately both Leigh and Taylor, who got on well, regarded <i>Waterloo Bridge</i> as their favourite film.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joseph Breen of the Hays Office, upholder of the Production Code, was adamant that aspects of prostitution be eliminated. Filming took place in the first quarter of 1940, and the picture was released in mid-May. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leigh and Olivier needed the money from their respective film projects to fund their ambitious full-length stage production of Shakespeare's <i>Romeo and Juliet, </i>which they would open in New York before touring nationally. Vivien's repertoire of tragic and often suicidal heroines had begun with <i>Hamlet's</i> Ophelia, followed by Myra Lester of <i>Waterloo Bridge,</i> and soon thereafter, Juliet. In future, she would depict Cleopatra in George Bernard Shaw's <i>Caesar and Cleopatra </i>(on film and on stage), and in Shakespeare's <i>Antony and Cleopatra </i>(on the stage). And she would garner her second Academy Award as the troubled and unstable Blanche duBois in <i>Streetcar Named Desire</i> by Tennessee Williams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 1956, a happy-ending version of <i>Waterloo Bridge</i> was released: <i>Gaby, </i>starring Leslie Caron. The action of the story was shifted from World War I to World War II.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The 1940 <i>Waterloo Bridge</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On September 3, 1939. Britain has declared war on Germany, and a loudspeaker instructs the crowd about about what to do during an air raid: blackouts, shelters, gas masks, thermoses, care of children, pets, evacuations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way to Waterloo Station, to embark for battle in France, Colonel Roy Cronin asks his driver to take him first to Waterloo Bridge. Gazing on the river, he pulls out a small Asian ivory charm, and reflects on his past during the prior war....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During World War I, Roy encounters Myra Lester and a troupe of ballet dancers on Waterloo Bridge during an air raid. On their way to the shelter, Myra drops her purse and dives to grab her luck charm, nearly being hit by a vehicle. While sheltering, she and Roy chat and are mutually attracted but exchange first names only.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr-hGg1SQXQtZlJvjrpsbxXKdOIHt3l0QZgmIr5y8rN8p2F6EJcO6cEhi6NDBauveE_WantCpkIe5wJ607UgUkJTROTDU5RdJbx5vkI3aeorQL-AZH0TqIhY27jV_Blwd0b132mWdeDOl60CtMDe67PDug9OzQZiU8qla-syOAaaQE-6ngXKSvEcN/s633/vivienleighroberttaylor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr-hGg1SQXQtZlJvjrpsbxXKdOIHt3l0QZgmIr5y8rN8p2F6EJcO6cEhi6NDBauveE_WantCpkIe5wJ607UgUkJTROTDU5RdJbx5vkI3aeorQL-AZH0TqIhY27jV_Blwd0b132mWdeDOl60CtMDe67PDug9OzQZiU8qla-syOAaaQE-6ngXKSvEcN/w506-h640/vivienleighroberttaylor.jpg" width="506"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Publicity still, Leigh & Taylor costumed for their first meeting</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later that evening, Roy attends Myra's ballet performance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc-uakdv3wJpWRPlgmA3w_gcv3cIgc_K6LB3DA0RSV57u_DjvtwHY4h0_Jnz5zF74pQkrdZ5_qVB83UC5WUaGt8fMyvyGc1LSulBoDqXk_KEntLJJRoPbossnzYES6YfsytFNzzaVV45a4CMBG9PHU_oH6AgqygdhIb4fa3aA0jYAlMjYTgq-fv-g/s504/myradancing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="504" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc-uakdv3wJpWRPlgmA3w_gcv3cIgc_K6LB3DA0RSV57u_DjvtwHY4h0_Jnz5zF74pQkrdZ5_qVB83UC5WUaGt8fMyvyGc1LSulBoDqXk_KEntLJJRoPbossnzYES6YfsytFNzzaVV45a4CMBG9PHU_oH6AgqygdhIb4fa3aA0jYAlMjYTgq-fv-g/w400-h301/myradancing.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Myra and bestie Kitty (Virginia Field) in the ballet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR8QRh7M_QZSyewtTXDxjBB90LKGu0GAbfRTPqTTO3cm7QQQVhdLvGRYXJYEECoIjiyDmuKh-esXubDteUSqOezYVykxkpleGdq_CqzbEET6tNfyn_IPM35ti2MN1V3HtZDB21e84bK1Bi-TlVd-ZfGv70GhYv3QpW_SqMz-UPczzP6Sv8oBmIacI/s900/balletpublicityphoto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR8QRh7M_QZSyewtTXDxjBB90LKGu0GAbfRTPqTTO3cm7QQQVhdLvGRYXJYEECoIjiyDmuKh-esXubDteUSqOezYVykxkpleGdq_CqzbEET6tNfyn_IPM35ti2MN1V3HtZDB21e84bK1Bi-TlVd-ZfGv70GhYv3QpW_SqMz-UPczzP6Sv8oBmIacI/w318-h400/balletpublicityphoto.jpg" width="318"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Publicity still of Taylor and Leigh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90qePDqOfUxQpBi811FTfz3x_x_6zvrfPZt_2fvnKrNno5X-Vtl_72qklTp6X7tG4LGQ-LiK4yqQJxQI5qYneguUL7tL-cWcUA3PQ4D2fDZnbpw3lg5bTFCLraGwd5LbDyVHlrxf2MN7YiS3BM0EwJIbqFMdntjx8_2rQBS87vWMjHvsqzDEd_usD/s611/vivienasballetdancermyra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90qePDqOfUxQpBi811FTfz3x_x_6zvrfPZt_2fvnKrNno5X-Vtl_72qklTp6X7tG4LGQ-LiK4yqQJxQI5qYneguUL7tL-cWcUA3PQ4D2fDZnbpw3lg5bTFCLraGwd5LbDyVHlrxf2MN7YiS3BM0EwJIbqFMdntjx8_2rQBS87vWMjHvsqzDEd_usD/w301-h400/vivienasballetdancermyra.jpg" width="301"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Publicity still, Myra as dancer</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Roy gets two days leave, returns, asks Myra to marry him--he also has to ask for her surname. He informs his stuffy regimental officer of his intentions. The older man insists that Roy get permission from his commander-in-chief (a duke, who also happens to be Roy's cousin), and is reminded that he's heading to the front in two days. The duke, even more class conscious, is appalled to learn that Myra hails from Birmingham and is a dancer--in his day, dancers were for dalliance, not marriage. The couple hasten to the church only to learn that nuptials are prohibited at that hour, and the vicar advises them to return the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Myra hurries to the dancers' boarding house to pack all the items she has purchased for her trousseau. She tells her chum Kitty she's being married tomorrow. Roy telephones to say his leave is cancelled and he departs in twenty-five minutes. In order to say goodbye, Myra will have to skip her performance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM4DTJVdKVvV7T2jlMK8bfgKMuBkHh0PitDE3lzDYFFSpMsIxd_Jsv5VFxYI9lqOb_kb9Cx5JhEO4ZQr-1qTu-RpnCv8pc1lLqFxb8jXY3sHcXwKsP1vx48S4VVjhoHS_uo4TuX5yLf-0a_0YGoFX-ZGq2yPQE4mfHUvfrPfs4I5WQL3pNePYABXA/s880/lobbycard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM4DTJVdKVvV7T2jlMK8bfgKMuBkHh0PitDE3lzDYFFSpMsIxd_Jsv5VFxYI9lqOb_kb9Cx5JhEO4ZQr-1qTu-RpnCv8pc1lLqFxb8jXY3sHcXwKsP1vx48S4VVjhoHS_uo4TuX5yLf-0a_0YGoFX-ZGq2yPQE4mfHUvfrPfs4I5WQL3pNePYABXA/w421-h300/lobbycard.jpg" width="421"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lobby card: Madame (Marie Ouspenskaya) upbraids defiant Myra</div><br>Madame, outraged by Myra's truancy, fires her--and Kitty, before the troupe departs for America. Both girls try for any job they can find--dress shop, tea shop--with no luck. Kitty says Myra should let Roy know about the dire straits she's in, he could help. Kitty is fearful, but Myra is too proud to ask for help. <div><br></div><div>Roy sends flowers via a friend, with a letter saying his mother is bound for London and wants to see Myra. She decides to meet Lady Margaret Cronin at an upscale teashop. While waiting, Myra glances at a newspaper list of war dead--Roy's name is on it. She faints from the shock, but recovers consciousness. Lady Margaret arrives, apologises for being late, and expresses how much she's wanted to make Myra's acquaintance. A shaken Myra conceals her discovery, unable to bring herself to inform the older woman that her son has been killed. Her odd behaviour leads Lady Margaret to think she doesn't want to be friends yet, and she departs. Myra faints again.<br><div><br></div><div>Without employment as a dancer, or anything else, and no Roy, from desperation she follows her friend Kitty's example and becomes a streetwalker.</div><div><br></div><div>A long time later, on her regular evening rounds, she crosses Waterloo Bridge and heads inside the train station in search of a customer among the returning soldiers.</div><div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oPFGBtsvddn1UHCHnaK9C2-t1fsmdx2PK1qtNlIUjqfGPDf6AHctFYPo890MqwkG-ZCb3UACnrcsSUppQeevshcrETcVyRbA3e4TNesl1KO_Exg8V8wS8RbNsOycez-XaUmG50_L1yzMiq8lJ6YmOmzos7xtrmbhVmktc8IExvHuiLM4o8asa-K5/s1000/myraatwaterloostation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1000" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oPFGBtsvddn1UHCHnaK9C2-t1fsmdx2PK1qtNlIUjqfGPDf6AHctFYPo890MqwkG-ZCb3UACnrcsSUppQeevshcrETcVyRbA3e4TNesl1KO_Exg8V8wS8RbNsOycez-XaUmG50_L1yzMiq8lJ6YmOmzos7xtrmbhVmktc8IExvHuiLM4o8asa-K5/w400-h385/myraatwaterloostation.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Myra the prostitute at Waterloo Station as soldiers return</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgn-ddlt__G55RT0zTOzc2cioLjpbuAJAdX0gGqo49xujggQUEoAa9I3YS3C8bEXIIHVZc9M8DKN02DKilWejXzHoMCsefjy3SgTMOGnbINYz5YmM-88bBINh0TlNMDfaJA9pDBCBLK8kFS2ZxkdWLh5paoOKLGVHZbDzqBip97KzTrmwX08eKilN/s1001/roy&myrareunited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1001" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgn-ddlt__G55RT0zTOzc2cioLjpbuAJAdX0gGqo49xujggQUEoAa9I3YS3C8bEXIIHVZc9M8DKN02DKilWejXzHoMCsefjy3SgTMOGnbINYz5YmM-88bBINh0TlNMDfaJA9pDBCBLK8kFS2ZxkdWLh5paoOKLGVHZbDzqBip97KzTrmwX08eKilN/w400-h360/roy&myrareunited.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unexpected reunion with Roy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because Roy lost touch with Myra, he's startled that she knew he was returning that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPkMU7qOdlPBPgndTL_DkMUTR4g_iXfgB3oSyaeUwO0yDHWclPCRyxMgx63PTSbWkZOeBxVnAjx6Z4HRCtf_N38Q8jE9tmIxFShfGIV9SrfY9_riQqxHq0_sKTFn7W1JcabQHY6AD0AF8c_CfLsPFvg6y_DeJDLBeBtRL0-Mor8ksIcyidP9RjzGb/s900/reunion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="900" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPkMU7qOdlPBPgndTL_DkMUTR4g_iXfgB3oSyaeUwO0yDHWclPCRyxMgx63PTSbWkZOeBxVnAjx6Z4HRCtf_N38Q8jE9tmIxFShfGIV9SrfY9_riQqxHq0_sKTFn7W1JcabQHY6AD0AF8c_CfLsPFvg6y_DeJDLBeBtRL0-Mor8ksIcyidP9RjzGb/w400-h294/reunion.jpg" width="400"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The face of shame, but she can't let on why</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He takes her to a place to get some tea and catch up. While Myra weeps, he explains he lost his identification when wounded, and was in a German prison camp for the better part of a year. His mother came to Switzerland to retrieve him on his release and admitted she's lost contact with Myra. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBKZXJZuSQJGsvV18VMFREp7vPhvkyK-XIcOpj9N7xacoEsBdiSicX2XEo_PcsED_x4-nbbS720uoVyq9QfrvT-PNOlohcrN-Ba5H-kMLIKgigWFANdK5EeQz5uELrULKtmaVtAA-lsQfik6sbAZPBhdwwXIxj6wZg2U9wivmGNDXMgSuJFPnOxFa/s900/myra'srealizations.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="900" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBKZXJZuSQJGsvV18VMFREp7vPhvkyK-XIcOpj9N7xacoEsBdiSicX2XEo_PcsED_x4-nbbS720uoVyq9QfrvT-PNOlohcrN-Ba5H-kMLIKgigWFANdK5EeQz5uELrULKtmaVtAA-lsQfik6sbAZPBhdwwXIxj6wZg2U9wivmGNDXMgSuJFPnOxFa/w400-h380/myra'srealizations.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The face of guilt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Myra covers her purpose for being at the railway station by saying she was there to meet a friend--a girl. He wants to know if she's got a job--not that it matters, she has to quit so they can marry. He will never leave again and make her life easy from now on. And he rushes to the nearest phone to tell his mother they'll be traveling to Scotland on the next train that night. While he's away, she rubs off her makeup.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATPafCOu4zkkh21dA-na1coVHA70aU4JD8_CC5sRw2ui4ZQD9_0L3PdgAYYG1Ez__LNQGU-vP3vwrC7oEOCXgGKku02chZOspnN6K7CCbWfd2YjoSvj52-Kg0PDPupAPDr2Ok2p4Bq-TUGwMQBkkAnFYxPsqDZVsi8vZm6xGljacuxK7VUwC2PY30/s900/myrasguilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="900" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATPafCOu4zkkh21dA-na1coVHA70aU4JD8_CC5sRw2ui4ZQD9_0L3PdgAYYG1Ez__LNQGU-vP3vwrC7oEOCXgGKku02chZOspnN6K7CCbWfd2YjoSvj52-Kg0PDPupAPDr2Ok2p4Bq-TUGwMQBkkAnFYxPsqDZVsi8vZm6xGljacuxK7VUwC2PY30/w400-h375/myrasguilt.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The face of uncertainty</div><div><br></div><div>Myra feels she has to confess what she's done to survive. She tries to tell him she can't go to Scotland with him. He assumes there's another man in her life, but she denies it and professes her abiding love. That's enough to satisfy him. She decides to accept her good luck and let him take her shopping, and to Scotland to join his mother.</div><div><br></div><div>When Kitty leans what has happened, she wonders if Myra can "get away with it"--not telling Roy that she prostituted herself during his long absence. Kitty advises Myra to go with him.</div><div><br></div><div>Roy's estate Scotland is palatial. Lady Margaret is thrilled to see her son, and warmly greets Myra. The neighbours attend an evening party to meet the bride-to-be and welcome the hero home from the war. The wellborn girls, wallflowers all, look down on Myra for being a dancer. Roy and Myra waltz together in a haze of happiness and passionately kiss in the garden. Myra declares she is happy, but Roy believes he sometimes sees fear in her eyes--believing it is because of whatever she endured during her solitary year on her own.</div><div><br></div><div>His cousin the duke is there and is entirely enchanted by Myra, inviting her to dance with him. She knows why he's so attentive: to clear her way with the condescending locals. He tells her they all think dancers are "racy"--which of course makes her painfully aware that a former streetwalker is an even racier and more shocking choice of bride. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZdL-LDF-8j-oDGcf_cNv5ayRF53lY9pmxsI7a22mggWil5xt4EHZ2rpwARbjkaX00j3-W8n4azCGX27-jOPPYXCBpIEfWLytrLt-bibYyjRrZb0lb479v6Pj9YOcikpKdeGt7W50_Se3HwSOs7_rs0LQ9zY2M2coih-9zV0XA6GL6zQJovJQhPhi/s695/vivienleighlucillewatson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="695" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZdL-LDF-8j-oDGcf_cNv5ayRF53lY9pmxsI7a22mggWil5xt4EHZ2rpwARbjkaX00j3-W8n4azCGX27-jOPPYXCBpIEfWLytrLt-bibYyjRrZb0lb479v6Pj9YOcikpKdeGt7W50_Se3HwSOs7_rs0LQ9zY2M2coih-9zV0XA6GL6zQJovJQhPhi/w400-h303/vivienleighlucillewatson.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Roy's ancestral home with his mother (Lucille Watson)</div></div><div><br></div><div>After the party, alone in her bedroom, she is torn about by guilt at her deception. Lady Margaret appears, wanting to clear the air about their London meeting. Her ladyship regrets not being kinder that day, and confesses she later realized that Myra had already known Roy was dead. After receiving a friendly kiss and being called daughter, Myra breaks down and declares that she can't marry Roy. She has to go away and never seen him again. Lady Margaret probes into what could be so terrible, before the awful realization dawns. And yet she blames herself for not finding Myra and helping her. She promises she'll never tell Roy about Myra's past.</div><div><br></div><div>On the way back to her bedroom, Myra encounters Roy, who returns the good luck charm she gave him in the air raid shelter on the night they met.</div><div><br></div><div>By morning she's gone, having left behind a farewell note. Roy races to London to find her. At the boarding house, he finds only Kitty, who hasn't seen Myra at all. He demands an explanation about what troubles Myra. After some protests, she takes Roy on a tour of her missing friend's usual haunts--bars, dance halls. Waterloo Station. No one has seen her. And by now Roy understands all too well. But he will always search for her, until he finds her.</div><div><br></div><div>Myra is on Waterloo Bridge, staring down at the river. An encounter with an aged streetwalker proves to her that she has no prospects of happiness, ever. She throws herself in front of a convoy of medical vehicles. Her good luck charm lands on the pavement.</div><div><br></div><div>In 1939, the older Roy clutches it--proof that he's aware of her tragic fate--in remembrance of his great lost love.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Reception</b></div><div><br></div><div>The film was hugely popular with the public and made a profit of nearly half a million dollars, receiving Academy Award nominations for Cinematography and Original Score. </div><div><br></div><div>Vivien Leigh's performance was widely regarded as an admirable follow-up to her spirited performance in <i>Gone with the Wind.</i> As Myra, she exhibited an even wider range of emotion than she had as the stubborn, determined, ambitious, and hard-edged Scarlett. Her character was a softer creature, one who called for a demonstration of humour, charm, charm, hopefulness, joy, grief, desperation, guilt, and self-sacrifice. Robert Taylor received by far the most positive notices of his career.</div><div><br></div><div><i>New York Times:</i> "...the remarkable Miss Leigh ...as fine an actress as we have on the screen today. Maybe even the finest." </div><div><br></div><div><i>Los Angeles Times:</i> "A woman's tragedy that is brilliantly delineated, with Vivien Leigh, of Scarlet fame, as interpreter, and Robert Taylor doing his best picture performance...Should appeal to a very wide audience." </div><div><br></div><div><i>The Minneapolis Star: </i>"A love story which demanded tenderness, sincerity, and deft acting. Miss Leigh delivers beautifully in all departments...Robert Taylor...may somewhat be overshadowed by his co-star, but that won't hide the fact that his is perhaps the best performance of his career."</div><div><br></div><div>Follow other blogathon entries at <a href="https://hometownstohollywood.com/blogathons/the-take-two-blogathon/" target="_blank">"Take Two" Blogathon 2022</a>.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E1m-BvQUXF-2qhP3qGWXGctGLXGAxImqc4GZprhkITXXwd4gHHPgsOkgAW0W0z4Z4EgR8wQqusnapUaUGrS8_sVvvONYlr8ZW3fkADwUVQ4dMsxEVmHPW7KyGo08HzLyAiy3ygKy9XP-MgDthMmbeA76VcSP5Hb5KwPKJjEPzWiol6itTKEurNvX/s1602/300261350_1535689873548685_4019188525073026703_n-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1602" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E1m-BvQUXF-2qhP3qGWXGctGLXGAxImqc4GZprhkITXXwd4gHHPgsOkgAW0W0z4Z4EgR8wQqusnapUaUGrS8_sVvvONYlr8ZW3fkADwUVQ4dMsxEVmHPW7KyGo08HzLyAiy3ygKy9XP-MgDthMmbeA76VcSP5Hb5KwPKJjEPzWiol6itTKEurNvX/w400-h209/300261350_1535689873548685_4019188525073026703_n-2.png" width="400"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><p></p></div></div></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-59186189423210666712022-10-11T12:02:00.004-04:002022-10-11T12:02:27.656-04:00The Myrtle Wand: Publication Day!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHufvhYVZ81zUXcFWBhT3kQhW2qPrkVv3k4M5ezSh3Chfxg4QFDvCEIIASBy2jjTkSNIBt8ojTYox-W3ony9hKn3xJbF64zJYzWjLgpOYu53V6nnJzbPKmAzvIg8uzEP8hF4eNbxB8_trQBjS1NV3uV25cotVKx1h1zdva9JMvHWEcjhCi0TNNpAp/s930/TMW3dbook&phone.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHufvhYVZ81zUXcFWBhT3kQhW2qPrkVv3k4M5ezSh3Chfxg4QFDvCEIIASBy2jjTkSNIBt8ojTYox-W3ony9hKn3xJbF64zJYzWjLgpOYu53V6nnJzbPKmAzvIg8uzEP8hF4eNbxB8_trQBjS1NV3uV25cotVKx1h1zdva9JMvHWEcjhCi0TNNpAp/w359-h400/TMW3dbook&phone.png" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color;">I'm delighted to announce the publication of <i>The Myrtle Wand,</i> my 15th historical novel. <span style="font-family: georgia;">It was i<span style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">nspired by <i>Giselle, </i>the classic ballet-- reimagined, continued, and set in 17th century France at the court of Louis XIV.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><blockquote>“Audiences familiar with the general outline of <i>Giselle</i> will find Porter’s narrative naturally engaging, but she’s taken care to keep other readers involved as well . . . An absorbing and touching tale . . . a fully realized, moving portrait of the storied court of Louis XIV.” <i>Kirkus Reviews</i></blockquote></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><blockquote>“Readers absorb the backdrop of the times against the friendship between three very different young women who each reflect diverse choices, directions, and their rapidly changing times. A powerful story, highly recommended for its realistic quandaries and strong female characters.” <i>Midwest Book Review</i></blockquote><i></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><blockquote>“Lushly atmospheric . . . rich with historical detail. Porter imagines the story behind the iconic <i>Giselle,</i> transporting us to France during the early reign of the Sun King. Betrayal and redemption, magic and religion all cross paths in dangerous <i>pas de deux</i>—and Princess Bathilde finally gets her opportunity to take center stage.” Leslie Carroll, author of <i>Royal Romances: Titillating Tales of Passion and Power in the Palaces of Europe</i></blockquote><i></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><blockquote>“As a retelling of Giselle this story gets top marks. Not only does the storyline move effortlessly between the chapters, but the characters come alive. There’s plenty of history built in to accurately depict the time period and royal politics.” <i>Novels Alive</i></blockquote><i></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><blockquote>“A book to be savored with its gorgeous descriptions, compelling characters, and gripping narrative. An intriguing histfic reimagining of the beloved ballet, <i>Giselle,</i> it gracefully draws the reader into the early reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King." <i>Literary Redhead</i></blockquote><i></i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my interview at the Historical Novel Society website about the writing of the novel: <a href="https://historicalnovelsociety.org/launch-margaret-porters-the-myrtle-wand/" target="_blank">Margaret Porter's The Myrtle Wand</a></div><div><br /></div>There's a <a href="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/themyrtlewandblogtour/" target="_blank">The Myrtle Wand Blog Tour</a>.<br /><p></p><p>And purchase information: </p><p>Order the paperback from: <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-myrtle-wand/9798985673494" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Bookshop.org, </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Myrtle-Wand-Margaret-Porter/dp/B0B816T7BJ/" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon,</a><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myrtle-Wand-Margaret-Porter/dp/B0B816T7BJ/" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon UK,</a><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-myrtle-wand-margaret-porter/1141870473" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble.</a></p><p>Order the ebook from<span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center;">: </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7FDS1NZ" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle,</a><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6443202740" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Apple Books, </a><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940185840030" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">B&N Nook,</a><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-myrtle-wand" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Kobo.</a></p><div style="text-align: left;">Purchase the paperback from a local independent bookstore via <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9798985673494" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: -webkit-center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Indiebound.org.</a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /></span></span></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-39311248267462999852022-09-20T16:43:00.008-04:002022-09-20T16:45:17.082-04:00Advance Reader Copy Giveaway on Goodreads!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jl7CXsREeT0B562TpuCRhfw62ilMjpeMEwIMNXX7dk1aHY28s8KEmo8lt0_5ctiihnBAgfFgwLTUbPEku6n8Pz1oNVrCi8KXRRMIVp-OyiQbg7CiSXmrUzuu8LWH9b2667hqZcN21jjTW3vxZWqVCd8JYow4IlO0vGgEWv2nyzSQbmA7tRoJJ34M/s1280/ARC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1280" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jl7CXsREeT0B562TpuCRhfw62ilMjpeMEwIMNXX7dk1aHY28s8KEmo8lt0_5ctiihnBAgfFgwLTUbPEku6n8Pz1oNVrCi8KXRRMIVp-OyiQbg7CiSXmrUzuu8LWH9b2667hqZcN21jjTW3vxZWqVCd8JYow4IlO0vGgEWv2nyzSQbmA7tRoJJ34M/w400-h383/ARC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Five Advance Reader Copies are available in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/353015" target="_blank">The Myrtle Wand Goodreads Giveaway.</a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">(By GR rules, only open to US members--sorry.)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Best of luck to all who enter!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxVgU1X3tOGx5htcvtwomUL_hLXHUIHaIOiU1E0PLPxj9Hp_QmjRQuGXlzGk6bzhCbuu2B0n7mhwSdfLKcHNm-AF18yk_JU2icRzOFTmJIBnCnP6LFbm7fxh7_H4vTi2V4-M3lIES6Y-FK2pGPLvPlPV4aUQOtveVwck9BNG7dk09PlgmIxMDS1Qf/s794/GRgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="772" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxVgU1X3tOGx5htcvtwomUL_hLXHUIHaIOiU1E0PLPxj9Hp_QmjRQuGXlzGk6bzhCbuu2B0n7mhwSdfLKcHNm-AF18yk_JU2icRzOFTmJIBnCnP6LFbm7fxh7_H4vTi2V4-M3lIES6Y-FK2pGPLvPlPV4aUQOtveVwck9BNG7dk09PlgmIxMDS1Qf/w389-h400/GRgiveaway.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-78001396191979498972022-09-01T19:25:00.007-04:002022-09-01T19:37:09.112-04:00The Myrtle Wand--Coming Soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6McwHu3-9Kjgl432AEw5EWJxAp-5RHrC5tUtmTbFaXiLmZhOgyPqNCiZ2CgK8uyGcUocAYCCIOQtN6aF40ECFObefwIaK9Yd9nQ5VFPVJygi_Aoj7lUDHCIH4uaIWLUw4DViz_T5AUmsVDDXMpnDjq776qon1kXT1SbP1gF7dDZJfKaLofJSwZcd/s1200/triptych.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="1200" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6McwHu3-9Kjgl432AEw5EWJxAp-5RHrC5tUtmTbFaXiLmZhOgyPqNCiZ2CgK8uyGcUocAYCCIOQtN6aF40ECFObefwIaK9Yd9nQ5VFPVJygi_Aoj7lUDHCIH4uaIWLUw4DViz_T5AUmsVDDXMpnDjq776qon1kXT1SbP1gF7dDZJfKaLofJSwZcd/w640-h170/triptych.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm not sure how summer suddenly turned into September, but here we are. And equally suddenly, the release date for <a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/themyrtlewand.html" target="_blank">The Myrtle Wand</a>, my fifteenth novel, is very slightly less than six weeks away. I'm counting the days until 11 October!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs8JwOFzekhQfDBHKVN4NNfwyQk1Bes-fcDuIy1PQUj8Dw0OuPrMEd-OT4qRYSpP2Enu-RuZeP6b-20Niux5EKCY0stLUcCAaK1XBszj0_kA9dYDxrXGaqpOvi5nXPXoYZrGjEO-Ytj9Lal_KxFQqKEztgCT5Dr-yf--hUGzo5ITWWo2iMXQ5Qhr1/s930/TMW3dbook&phone.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="834" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs8JwOFzekhQfDBHKVN4NNfwyQk1Bes-fcDuIy1PQUj8Dw0OuPrMEd-OT4qRYSpP2Enu-RuZeP6b-20Niux5EKCY0stLUcCAaK1XBszj0_kA9dYDxrXGaqpOvi5nXPXoYZrGjEO-Ytj9Lal_KxFQqKEztgCT5Dr-yf--hUGzo5ITWWo2iMXQ5Qhr1/s320/TMW3dbook&phone.png" width="287" /></a></div><p> <i>The Myrtle Wand,</i> a retelling and a continuation of the classic ballet <i>Giselle,</i> restores original story elements to transform a tale of blighted romances and betrayals into a quest for redemption and restorative love.</p><text align="justify">
Princess Bathilde de Sevreau, unlike her school friend Myrte and the peasant Giselle, doubts the existence of legendary vilis, ghostly maidens who rise from their graves by night to roam the forest to take revenge on faithless lovers. Until she, too, has cause to fear being ensnared by that spectral sisterhood . . .<br />
Destined for a marriage of convenience with Albin, Duc de Rozel, Bathilde leaves her ancestral château for the Sun King’s sophisticated and scandalous court. As participants in royal ceremonies and entertainments, the princess and the soldier gradually recognize deep feelings for each other and mutual hopes for marital contentment.<br />
But the tragic consequences of Albin’s brief masquerade as a commoner and the amorous Louis XIV’s hunt for a mistress divide the lovers. Together and separately, they must overcome conflicting duties and unexpected dangers to determine their fate.
<br /><br />
<blockquote>
“Audiences familiar with the general outline of <i>Giselle</i> will find Porter’s narrative naturally engaging, but she’s taken care to keep other readers involved as well . . . An absorbing and touching tale . . . a fully realized, moving portrait of the storied court of Louis XIV.” <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>
<br /><br />
“Readers absorb the backdrop of the times against the friendship between three very different young women who each reflect diverse choices, directions, and their rapidly changing times. A powerful story, highly recommended for its realistic quandaries and strong female characters.” <i>Midwest Book Review</i>
<br /><br />
“Lushly atmospheric . . . rich with historical detail. Porter imagines the story behind the iconic <i>Giselle,</i> transporting us to France during the early reign of the Sun King. Betrayal and redemption, magic and religion all cross paths in dangerous pas de deux—and Princess Bathilde finally gets her opportunity to take center stage.” Leslie Carroll, author of <i>Royal Romances: Titillating Tales of Passion and Power in the Palaces of Europe</i>
</blockquote>
</text><div><text align="justify">The book is available for <a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/themyrtlewand.html" target="_blank">pre-order</a> now, as paperback and ebook.</text></div><div><text align="justify"><br /></text></div><div><text align="justify">My dog Dot is a minor (much to her dismay) character in the book. This promo features her performing as Blisse, Princess Bathilde's canine companion:</text></div><div><text align="justify"><br /></text></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8Hgw-qz80miDklA1JmNUFwO37Igd15xDdrKQ_829j1TGEgLN-LS6dDujNqw8NcAAbynEqGVjoVcP9et9GuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><text align="justify">Much more information will soon be available, including historical background, a major giveaway, book trailer, blog tour schedule, and Facebook Launch Party invitation.</text></div><div><text align="justify"><br /></text></div><div><text align="justify"><br /><br /></text></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-8970429917259639882022-06-18T14:53:00.000-04:002022-06-18T14:53:06.782-04:00Summer Garden Party<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaONMP3tP1bU2Y4W62XHT87V1zpmCjKhNCHkWmIXHwUej_XRmAelPvgCoEIU9IWnCVcDowx-DRdrTXPCaWXSrfwkb5M3TceN9Gl91Syt_aSk-S7XBIY6Mz_DBtzkgQuttgRPaNkbVfYXzBpNR20EkfDhHmD4wK0umwquqmPOS_k-RvdVEFwbgCd1UV/s1847/288958617_10224200401892277_1572720689588399846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1847" data-original-width="1287" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaONMP3tP1bU2Y4W62XHT87V1zpmCjKhNCHkWmIXHwUej_XRmAelPvgCoEIU9IWnCVcDowx-DRdrTXPCaWXSrfwkb5M3TceN9Gl91Syt_aSk-S7XBIY6Mz_DBtzkgQuttgRPaNkbVfYXzBpNR20EkfDhHmD4wK0umwquqmPOS_k-RvdVEFwbgCd1UV/w279-h400/288958617_10224200401892277_1572720689588399846_n.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Every year, in the third week of June, my rose and perennials gardens reach the peak bloom time, and we invite neighbours and friends to a Garden Party/Open Garden. The refreshments are lemony--a punchbowl filled with French 75 cocktail, lemonade, and lemon cookies. But my attire is as rosy as I can make it--and this year, I appeared in what seems to be the rosy-est dress in existence! Our guests also wear summery florals, and many come in summer hats.</p><p>My gardens contain 185 rose bushes of various types, many ancient and historic varieties as well as modern hybrids by David Austin's company and other breeders. Only a few haven't yet blossomed. </p><p>On the day of the party, the weather was perfect and the flowers spectacular:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix-sccmByTSEvEqzpneugd0wNuexgb5uxCaduAC15mFbE6lCRNKseUvjkzEkmexXGrDfuDKv6qRiXB3uLhQaGycsquQ23mPAYar3ugHerSj40fWh1sOitfK0O_9E7LHU2Lbxv-mVSn2BJz2rFBKwGt_DTCaiHqTMA7msoDmMO03bzyqXb_kxI_MEl/s2048/289235546_10224200406692397_3664858750480010364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix-sccmByTSEvEqzpneugd0wNuexgb5uxCaduAC15mFbE6lCRNKseUvjkzEkmexXGrDfuDKv6qRiXB3uLhQaGycsquQ23mPAYar3ugHerSj40fWh1sOitfK0O_9E7LHU2Lbxv-mVSn2BJz2rFBKwGt_DTCaiHqTMA7msoDmMO03bzyqXb_kxI_MEl/w379-h284/289235546_10224200406692397_3664858750480010364_n.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_PTn3URX5KD22AhGg1cH2mdjvv983yjDPu9ZQa4pyuLjfeaGWmPRqU6eD2u0LU6oUwpQxwzEw9-REUZoOvZ0VdRF1SJEc-Cdf_U1kUWb61hVydu1u9Rs6oUi7j8JIe6w_N7PbtZU1WXmZQXLhQBcC__hV_uoEa05izxsUGrMbVM00XxY0496vv45/s2048/IMG_20220617_142332380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_PTn3URX5KD22AhGg1cH2mdjvv983yjDPu9ZQa4pyuLjfeaGWmPRqU6eD2u0LU6oUwpQxwzEw9-REUZoOvZ0VdRF1SJEc-Cdf_U1kUWb61hVydu1u9Rs6oUi7j8JIe6w_N7PbtZU1WXmZQXLhQBcC__hV_uoEa05izxsUGrMbVM00XxY0496vv45/w300-h400/IMG_20220617_142332380.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">A refreshments table--with rosy cloth, of course!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScjSHDNV8UvXtlwOufV5iYd_ADMrHsNEGRdVuI1yeyX65-POeS0JY7dddA_vcK_GJdCQDKROnCHahiHCOaogTWUMTqozrVO-AKaylJ29wCaY6QytE1MpDvL0tbGItUm9dtrtGXLhPsO9AMpQWP0YH1duoQLU38cKRewdAtMqMM9B_N4WvfD2Ay6sr/s2048/IMG_20220617_155312891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScjSHDNV8UvXtlwOufV5iYd_ADMrHsNEGRdVuI1yeyX65-POeS0JY7dddA_vcK_GJdCQDKROnCHahiHCOaogTWUMTqozrVO-AKaylJ29wCaY6QytE1MpDvL0tbGItUm9dtrtGXLhPsO9AMpQWP0YH1duoQLU38cKRewdAtMqMM9B_N4WvfD2Ay6sr/w300-h400/IMG_20220617_155312891.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">I made an ice ring for the punchbowl with lemon slices and violas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmjh-XRJ9RBosEvK57xinajT1KoOGByfFiwYqUZn0iqtW1yXpkcjBY1PscZ7W0jKPPChddYIDmdfqiZtBBnNMerBX32BchPR3514nNXJ3SUto2SJETQVMem2tn-7pEx3TuGMG-5S31PRnfcTpC8HEnfJITMoV_BXZ27c576hbUQWdDEHmE6NnzI2c/s2008/289112207_10224200402612295_5409041422258806629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmjh-XRJ9RBosEvK57xinajT1KoOGByfFiwYqUZn0iqtW1yXpkcjBY1PscZ7W0jKPPChddYIDmdfqiZtBBnNMerBX32BchPR3514nNXJ3SUto2SJETQVMem2tn-7pEx3TuGMG-5S31PRnfcTpC8HEnfJITMoV_BXZ27c576hbUQWdDEHmE6NnzI2c/w383-h400/289112207_10224200402612295_5409041422258806629_n.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Tuscany, or the 'Old Velvet' rose, dating from about 1580.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMo1kYmN9WCxgtQPVKZODZqCnjsoNA4gzuJoSeIoubTJkqSVbpYYAM9HLKylhrHTQ8IB042fSKtWTCNpRsCgew8a3a_PsWtsL9vFHnHnd7O0Y_NbTMUCVI5CZIwVgHjeOqXfZA0f-_ktM6ub9kGc_vRMlUQBKargMweKH_lI0nEjwaZby4lShWU4Q/s2048/288627216_10224192287329418_9068699177959882703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMo1kYmN9WCxgtQPVKZODZqCnjsoNA4gzuJoSeIoubTJkqSVbpYYAM9HLKylhrHTQ8IB042fSKtWTCNpRsCgew8a3a_PsWtsL9vFHnHnd7O0Y_NbTMUCVI5CZIwVgHjeOqXfZA0f-_ktM6ub9kGc_vRMlUQBKargMweKH_lI0nEjwaZby4lShWU4Q/w400-h301/288627216_10224192287329418_9068699177959882703_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">And Rosa Mundi is also a 16th century variety.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE9m9Jm4xgmGTas5wbeB0uL186wsL5ICq4LfBGCpT_jxpoeIaPzonA-Q_40mXAyXRsEsnrdnbcuRN6r1W7Cw8z-bZ50uf3dY9ko_PBoa8xKL6VVu3ptXP2WNGqhIIPmXr55lsoRs3dCjRD7uEg9lgnr1Vi-XAM7sEzNEVDI54ow8b9DO-QMsUvW4L/s2048/287963670_10224183592992065_6735273460147846451_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE9m9Jm4xgmGTas5wbeB0uL186wsL5ICq4LfBGCpT_jxpoeIaPzonA-Q_40mXAyXRsEsnrdnbcuRN6r1W7Cw8z-bZ50uf3dY9ko_PBoa8xKL6VVu3ptXP2WNGqhIIPmXr55lsoRs3dCjRD7uEg9lgnr1Vi-XAM7sEzNEVDI54ow8b9DO-QMsUvW4L/w300-h400/287963670_10224183592992065_6735273460147846451_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lovely 17th century centifolia rose</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRBMmXGr8e0SInDKCb0GI-vi1ZFnXzlLomxBqRPgXyuMYDyqQosks9Vz6a-DjftqRUC9fEhz50edEn0vN6q5tLRiDsSu9uCbDL-SUqyAr0qu4xz-la0S9P6yo7v_VaQ6hEvYF3hcR0M5CZNtAsH1UQdnJisdPk2iYAkb8XXItlvnhT5WvUFhgU1Gi/s2048/288685085_10224196413792577_5736851587443325078_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRBMmXGr8e0SInDKCb0GI-vi1ZFnXzlLomxBqRPgXyuMYDyqQosks9Vz6a-DjftqRUC9fEhz50edEn0vN6q5tLRiDsSu9uCbDL-SUqyAr0qu4xz-la0S9P6yo7v_VaQ6hEvYF3hcR0M5CZNtAsH1UQdnJisdPk2iYAkb8XXItlvnhT5WvUFhgU1Gi/w400-h300/288685085_10224196413792577_5736851587443325078_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The peonies bloomed simultaneously with the roses this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGihwZk13vdJ0uM1sq5uKWDc5Ue18zEzs7I1KOle-30EHJXHbRYLs7KVGu4YohzyJhUDvlSa3tqeX4nAX1ITl04q4AjNOCNv7BkHQ9CIktusAAQysIX4nanq9QrfgXBgXquCaA91f_Zp-BPzRlmm6k7_M7IkskN8B1mt_MWaZveNFcLLU5nzT0Akv5/s2048/287734169_10224178833393078_3204200622212044984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1552" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGihwZk13vdJ0uM1sq5uKWDc5Ue18zEzs7I1KOle-30EHJXHbRYLs7KVGu4YohzyJhUDvlSa3tqeX4nAX1ITl04q4AjNOCNv7BkHQ9CIktusAAQysIX4nanq9QrfgXBgXquCaA91f_Zp-BPzRlmm6k7_M7IkskN8B1mt_MWaZveNFcLLU5nzT0Akv5/w304-h400/287734169_10224178833393078_3204200622212044984_n.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A bright and festive afternoon was a very pleasant break from authorly and volunteer activities.</div><br />Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-86441374275283383402022-06-07T00:00:00.001-04:002022-06-13T16:12:12.791-04:00Celebrating Women's Fiction Day: Multi-item Giveaway<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYmbZZdzOGvvJlIr3-SFsSwKhkZsMRn2CmaVlQ8seMUfl6RypbOujver1bqXfO0b8g8VUQpcx2KtIA1EGhA-KyuE3FSXj44MO_J0Z49M2PAemD2m-oyXT4PILvA78iHqs0UzTGW2SRKV6c6yrfLkEWbR60h_aTLrK9wwT2B-AgMNoIIAKOf40z1ty/s621/Womens%20Fiction%20Day%20Logo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="621" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYmbZZdzOGvvJlIr3-SFsSwKhkZsMRn2CmaVlQ8seMUfl6RypbOujver1bqXfO0b8g8VUQpcx2KtIA1EGhA-KyuE3FSXj44MO_J0Z49M2PAemD2m-oyXT4PILvA78iHqs0UzTGW2SRKV6c6yrfLkEWbR60h_aTLrK9wwT2B-AgMNoIIAKOf40z1ty/w400-h309/Womens%20Fiction%20Day%20Logo.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR96eptkJ11yCD8c2vGcs9NzM2JsXiUNL8dduiss_CJEN2UwAIZfBfeI2R74cB8eKnd-ZUYv0jzAFHPQKyROrnyHfeHw477S-HTFs6DK0Dqax0y8-yOxU1OL4vmtbvEmJbrqssCp2EX_2LGF8SwzU2-O_a23XCkZRqdJGefptIPwffM9p6BnR4DxzR/s900/WebsiteGiveaway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="900" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR96eptkJ11yCD8c2vGcs9NzM2JsXiUNL8dduiss_CJEN2UwAIZfBfeI2R74cB8eKnd-ZUYv0jzAFHPQKyROrnyHfeHw477S-HTFs6DK0Dqax0y8-yOxU1OL4vmtbvEmJbrqssCp2EX_2LGF8SwzU2-O_a23XCkZRqdJGefptIPwffM9p6BnR4DxzR/w400-h269/WebsiteGiveaway.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Congratulations, Tara B.!</span></h2><h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The randomly selected contest winner will receive, in addition to an Autographed copy of </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The Limits of
Limelight, </i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">the </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">The Limits of
Limelight </i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">pillow, a bottle of the iconic and historic </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Sortilège </i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">perfume
(worn by real-life heroine Phyllis Fraser in the novel), an elegant white
silk scarf like the ones Fred Astaire wore in films with Phyllis's first cousin
Ginger Rogers, a </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Limits of Limelight</i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"> acrylic 16-oz sippy “go”
cup with straw, a spiral Garden of Allah hotel notebook (Phyllis and Ginger and
Ginger's mother lived there in the early 1930s), a Garden of Allah shot
glass, and miscellaneous book swag.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Thanks to everyone who entered by</span></p></h2><h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/connect.html" target="_blank">subscribing</a> to my newsletter </span></span></p></h2><h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">or</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormargaretporter/" target="_blank">Author Margaret Porter on Instagram</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">or</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149" target="_blank">emailing an answer</a> to this que</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">stion: <i>Have
you ever watched a Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire movie? </i>(be sure to
include your name and email address. You won't be added to the mailing list but
will only be contacted if you're the giveaway winner.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">or<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Doing all
three to be be entered twice!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Deadline for entry was: </span></p></h2><h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Saturday, June 11</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What should I know about <i>The Limits of
Limelight?</i></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">It's my 14th novel, available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Finalist, 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>BookTrib Selection, Women's History Month</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts
an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt
Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her
looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help
her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that
Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless
struggle of the hopeful starlet.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly
accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her
reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For
Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by
men.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire,
Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust
into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession
she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting
love that seems so elusive?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><blockquote><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> “Based on a true story....A witty and meticulously
researched treat.” ~ <i>Kirkus Reviews</i></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> “An
engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's
evolution into her own abilities...vigorous and involving to the end.<i> ~ Midwest
Book Review</i></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> “A captivating novel about Hollywood...a more
realistic and multifaceted view of the era.” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">~ <i>Historical Novels Review</i> <i>(*Editors' Choice)</i></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> “A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of
early Hollywood....a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper
you go.” ~ <i>Independent Book Review</i></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> “A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era...a captivating novel
of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!” ~ Leslie
Carroll, author of <i>American Princess</i> </span></h2></blockquote><h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2><h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</h2><h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> What Is Women's Fiction
Day?</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Women’s
Fiction Day celebrates women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book
sellers, and most importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the
power of a great story. This year for Women’s Fiction Day, members across the
country will hold book signings to engage and connect with readers. WFWA
is working with its 1,800 members across the country and internationally to
hold a day of book events both online and in person on June 8.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">More info--and giveaways--available here: <a href="http://www.womenfictionwriters.org" target="_blank">Women Fiction Writers Association</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What Is Women's Fiction?</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Women's
fiction is a writing genre that includes layered stories in which the plot is
driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The stories can be
contemporary or historical, and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance,
or other elements.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-53966750646694676892022-04-07T10:55:00.005-04:002022-04-07T10:55:50.905-04:00My Return to the Stage--as Author, not Actress<p> An event that was months in the planning, took place last evening at a historic downtown theatre. Laura Knoy of NH Public Radio and NPR interviewed me and three other local authors--Paul Brogan (memoir, biography, myster), Virginia Macgregor/Nina Monroe (contemporary fiction, young adult, historical), and Mark Okrant (mystery, history). With over two hundred people in attendance, it was the venue's largest crowd since the onset of the pandemic--amazing support by the community. </p><p>After the interview, which included two question-and-answer segments, there was a booksigning in the lobby, sponsored and supplied by our local independent <a href="https://www.gibsonsbookstore.com/" target="_blank">Gibson's Bookstore</a>--where anyone can order personally autographed copies of my titles.</p><p>It was a wonderful evening, and a great joy to spend time with such talented and inspiring friends.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4j3WO-zIbYFdIcjD_TpJTFG6STn-lRmy9Oa5EsrBYwftd_pTGz84YpYTr41reSpMa8AV7dra108Kg1g3KhM1A-Jd8VBdgDzNUu0epBbOhUUaI76t32jHD8eYTdvU0NrbDyGbeqhGMYzMuYFAtfKzGeJBErRrupKQ1WyO7wyjyCfXyIf-VvKXgL7l/s1200/onthemarquee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4j3WO-zIbYFdIcjD_TpJTFG6STn-lRmy9Oa5EsrBYwftd_pTGz84YpYTr41reSpMa8AV7dra108Kg1g3KhM1A-Jd8VBdgDzNUu0epBbOhUUaI76t32jHD8eYTdvU0NrbDyGbeqhGMYzMuYFAtfKzGeJBErRrupKQ1WyO7wyjyCfXyIf-VvKXgL7l/w400-h300/onthemarquee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The marquee on Main Street</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ex4KwX8EoKFWdcc7XoBX0_NZSWwd25SbnqdxIkSnktF2yl_SSrhIuyJkHas1sVzEAN9hva_sCv71o0OoKsy5jU5OXwm8qAn77KJFSYlBddKMHCCVatfggAKVDgC_qs7UqrUNke0R7KoRotLmmNEDH9zwXR8wG-jQbJldVaMuvbBwZFARXM3DFXrW/s1200/4.6.22ConcordNHauthorsMargaretPorterVirginiaMacgregorLauraKnoyMarkOkrantPaulBrogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1200" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ex4KwX8EoKFWdcc7XoBX0_NZSWwd25SbnqdxIkSnktF2yl_SSrhIuyJkHas1sVzEAN9hva_sCv71o0OoKsy5jU5OXwm8qAn77KJFSYlBddKMHCCVatfggAKVDgC_qs7UqrUNke0R7KoRotLmmNEDH9zwXR8wG-jQbJldVaMuvbBwZFARXM3DFXrW/w400-h341/4.6.22ConcordNHauthorsMargaretPorterVirginiaMacgregorLauraKnoyMarkOkrantPaulBrogan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Virginia/Nina, Mark, Paul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNoffccaQ1rXS2m-3cPSKmS2E6ZBQb7zbAy1_2E86H4jcVd9GpJS1Wi6HY19rhC73VzvNfjpYLPkJ3TAvwYIvHnE9NKnTuueRVKndRhuMem0gachuk-DQ7POnQ_LK69boldF-i8DQpSF6DYq0nJT-ZwdBSTnXr6XUg3QvOI1ksT_wW4eIKy2SVoSj/s1200/4.6.22ConcordNHauthorsPaulBroganVirginiaMacgregorMarkOkrantMargaretPorterLauraKnoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1200" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNoffccaQ1rXS2m-3cPSKmS2E6ZBQb7zbAy1_2E86H4jcVd9GpJS1Wi6HY19rhC73VzvNfjpYLPkJ3TAvwYIvHnE9NKnTuueRVKndRhuMem0gachuk-DQ7POnQ_LK69boldF-i8DQpSF6DYq0nJT-ZwdBSTnXr6XUg3QvOI1ksT_wW4eIKy2SVoSj/w400-h275/4.6.22ConcordNHauthorsPaulBroganVirginiaMacgregorMarkOkrantMargaretPorterLauraKnoy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the stage--Paul, Virginia/Nina, Mark, Me, Laura</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzY8QmgAhi2DpP_kF66Hkcg-96yHYV0kktXDAHTCIVKUVX0Q2pAZLBe8nrQANnDcUUQEjbVIji-z5cv8g75itaqGHnLCIToNcRt6LL18uPUcs1ZV4B41WgNfDPGAdxS8gdiyJcsOFxheahoFMg5NPoyX5yssulCd7Vwm-8C-LAE2chpJzsaG-6WB7/s1000/talkinghands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuDv2ElVeFczZmVrJ8f0XEhR_AkZU-3TJdN-2jjreQ_ThwHmHH9Dk_IbYlNKAI7rJmfcZFR1x2dj30NYAWMH9OfzkqH1UIX4ggJhEXrsNMsAZkZ1LCu6kALywy_tIi7jQ3Zlm9IIj0B4WnDtt_V9GrJ9P9x32Y9cpsuuiXL-mnGdh6DiZN8uKQE9Y/w389-h400/metalking.jpg" width="389" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Answering a question</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c3p-UmlzZfsNHr9tDBKnKoSgbtRw6RORwSEaPEB6bDSesULRtR1EnibTNB54RWFpvRk7gsJFhjo1z8YcW-k9aB-Vkgg4LAVz60zBea7edApIB5AwjH7G5mFduO-44MKpH1CASNnVVO-3ymtr5z5Tj_erUwhDd2s1v_RcG-EodJBoZhBZMiEBzul3/s1000/mesigning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1000" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c3p-UmlzZfsNHr9tDBKnKoSgbtRw6RORwSEaPEB6bDSesULRtR1EnibTNB54RWFpvRk7gsJFhjo1z8YcW-k9aB-Vkgg4LAVz60zBea7edApIB5AwjH7G5mFduO-44MKpH1CASNnVVO-3ymtr5z5Tj_erUwhDd2s1v_RcG-EodJBoZhBZMiEBzul3/w400-h386/mesigning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZVd_oQtJy0-YJHjJ_RfsuAAdwALg0OwrwjiMW0LEYm0IgHMjdEU1VBo-D5Ep8x8bQ2N9eOZoWr-WuWgc1oaG2ADE8PHXs6rPWHt9U0BcNDaWz4ytAxXJexqkuS6ugtb807kG6cwohXoMFbC4HWqjJSN5UpE1TbS1hUxB9kN5MjKlQ09cSn7_KbY7/s1333/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZVd_oQtJy0-YJHjJ_RfsuAAdwALg0OwrwjiMW0LEYm0IgHMjdEU1VBo-D5Ep8x8bQ2N9eOZoWr-WuWgc1oaG2ADE8PHXs6rPWHt9U0BcNDaWz4ytAxXJexqkuS6ugtb807kG6cwohXoMFbC4HWqjJSN5UpE1TbS1hUxB9kN5MjKlQ09cSn7_KbY7/w300-h400/books.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book sales were brisk!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3vvNwBQNgRbjDJPGzpihpjBYa2yn9UKQI1ZCGOnNG-mbsTfPsmmnc8pSRX2TEkLFEU1woGOez0bDjapCqtJTRnIL2gVavkByS1JD8VOQjnZjLavNLBMTXPUSY-JU011ckUhEaOI87VXY7KRrb8x8DJQCwXOS8I0EyhwneZFtlbMEognv4o7geNpm/s1000/talkinghands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3vvNwBQNgRbjDJPGzpihpjBYa2yn9UKQI1ZCGOnNG-mbsTfPsmmnc8pSRX2TEkLFEU1woGOez0bDjapCqtJTRnIL2gVavkByS1JD8VOQjnZjLavNLBMTXPUSY-JU011ckUhEaOI87VXY7KRrb8x8DJQCwXOS8I0EyhwneZFtlbMEognv4o7geNpm/w400-h300/talkinghands.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Authors talk with their hands!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-61360310016801446002022-03-10T21:05:00.006-05:002022-03-10T21:21:33.320-05:00Zooming through 2022 >>><p> You can take the title of this blog post two ways . . . the "new year" is speeding along. And I've done a lot of Zoom events, as an author. And for regular meetings of the various nonprofit organizations I serve.</p><p>Since the prior post, I was extremely busy with events related to <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank">The Limits of Limelight.</a> I enjoyed the holiday season--we even managed to host a very downsized and extremely safe and highly festive version of our annual Caroling Party. After not having it last year, this felt like a major achievement . . . there was snow on the ground, and Dot the dog tagged along.</p><p>I successfully completed National Novel Writing Month, writing 50,000 words in 30 days. I usually enter every other year.</p><p>I've finished writing a novel--that's another achievement--set in 17th century France, in areas familiar to me, with a connection to a story and characters that have long obsessed me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaGttNerNwqN8lUbnvn4O_pf0gH4n8E0SswCVmkiqaWbapBWbhGaB9T8U8RqRgJ2xsrf98szBoxC9OUjuZ6fV1mcXZ4Y5yleSMMkpVdRNFkrhveTDojGc4ltidlM6Vive4mcXDoHRgaoUSG7gC8GiCy4hVNMveMJGSiNE698EKb1TqbNImfB7I5WzG=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaGttNerNwqN8lUbnvn4O_pf0gH4n8E0SswCVmkiqaWbapBWbhGaB9T8U8RqRgJ2xsrf98szBoxC9OUjuZ6fV1mcXZ4Y5yleSMMkpVdRNFkrhveTDojGc4ltidlM6Vive4mcXDoHRgaoUSG7gC8GiCy4hVNMveMJGSiNE698EKb1TqbNImfB7I5WzG=s320" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My dog Dot is featured in this novel, because she looks exactly like King Louis XIV's dogs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmJgYNN63Z0JtiVCjdiwnNDZvivhQezpFrf5bYwT6QPJmBx5zA4ODwzCstIqATC1YTB0UbNkHnpmxNE9dz_kxHWkLWvAnG3XoZAzHCJyqkeR_4ULqK3ccyz65Bey5ar5AjFsx7jCsBXWs5GXKD0f4ARJv1fYAbYRVnpJGBbGsiPw90FbjDzgmO15xE=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmJgYNN63Z0JtiVCjdiwnNDZvivhQezpFrf5bYwT6QPJmBx5zA4ODwzCstIqATC1YTB0UbNkHnpmxNE9dz_kxHWkLWvAnG3XoZAzHCJyqkeR_4ULqK3ccyz65Bey5ar5AjFsx7jCsBXWs5GXKD0f4ARJv1fYAbYRVnpJGBbGsiPw90FbjDzgmO15xE=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm getting ready for an exciting event, an on-stage interview with three other local authors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPr271sv7fFA5QfVJk5lfrp7sX3MxYB9OBEIdz4VDkPrKhbv0VULIzIBpMVDk1aEvtC7EcJoeZAEDjbLHg_9EIkF2KvadvwIcLOvtjHPBDbwLq-_9NtVySOzgISxp5gUz7TAdpT0jPY3sH95Ash71BkeXCZdUhc2TNZlMqnfq6rtYehMo11rYF17Ze=s792" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPr271sv7fFA5QfVJk5lfrp7sX3MxYB9OBEIdz4VDkPrKhbv0VULIzIBpMVDk1aEvtC7EcJoeZAEDjbLHg_9EIkF2KvadvwIcLOvtjHPBDbwLq-_9NtVySOzgISxp5gUz7TAdpT0jPY3sH95Ash71BkeXCZdUhc2TNZlMqnfq6rtYehMo11rYF17Ze=w309-h400" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These days I'm catching up on reading, and will have some new book reviews to post fairly soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Novel #16 is already in progress. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's shaping up to be a big travel year, with the pandemic apparently in retreat. After two years of going no farther than the lake house, I'm ready to dust off my passport, and get airborne again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-88135343671334931832021-12-14T10:53:00.043-05:002021-12-16T19:03:36.555-05:00Interview with Mamie Parris: Broadway star, concert singer, audiobook narrator <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtT7vq3HFlS30OuRuIyN_66HSMDmoxj1kL9RdDVWCyrcF-FzM2fFg-aRnbv-N21NJSb-_lUwmfyAgOfmMcnbdEsTcH-2dDg73sffIyohRiyz8niNX_7GnLXQZhva5dczafOGKUgvaya4gYH_0ez7vNi1vxjuYr3tDPmTdXF2mSMdbl5I0WJTvBZo9z=s3216" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="3216" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtT7vq3HFlS30OuRuIyN_66HSMDmoxj1kL9RdDVWCyrcF-FzM2fFg-aRnbv-N21NJSb-_lUwmfyAgOfmMcnbdEsTcH-2dDg73sffIyohRiyz8niNX_7GnLXQZhva5dczafOGKUgvaya4gYH_0ez7vNi1vxjuYr3tDPmTdXF2mSMdbl5I0WJTvBZo9z=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>I feel so fortunate that the amazing actress and singer Mamie Parris narrated the audiobook of <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><b><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></b></a>. The production process was smooth and entirely professional, and I couldn't be more pleased with the result. And the reviews!</p><p>My own history as book narrator is limited to nonfiction and instructional manuals. So I was curious to get Mamie's perspective on narrating novels--and this novel in particular. She very generously responded to my questions.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Relying on an audiobook narrator with a strong performance
background was important for several reasons. Many of the characters are
themselves performers, in film and theatre. Ginger Rogers, for instance,
arrived in Depression-era Hollywood from the Broadway stage--where you have
also appeared. Her cousin Phyllis Fraser, is striving to become an actress. Did
you feel a connection with them, or other actresses in the novel, by virtue of
being an actress and singer yourself? What impact did that have on your
approach to the material?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I absolutely felt a connection to every performing artist in
this book. Since the age of 17 I've been in New York City struggling, then
working, then finding success as a professional actress. I'm very familiar with
the kinds of struggles and triumphs relayed in the stories of Phyllis, Ginger,
Anne, and Peg. I've even trod the same boards as many of these actors at
theatres from New York to Connecticut to Maine. Our business is unique and very
intimate. I felt privileged to give voice to their stories. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When voicing the well-known Hollywood personalities, did you
carry out any background research, apart from the words on the page? Create
some sort of profile, as I do before writing about them?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I research and create characters for audiobooks the same way
I would for a play. When I have the opportunity to narrate a book that features
real people, my goal is never to imitate, but to take all the information I can
gather, and create a fully realized person in my mind. The way they breathe and
think is as important to me as how they sound. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m curious about what aspect might have been the most
enjoyable about recording <i>The Limits of Limelight.</i> And what you regard
as the greatest challenge.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The biggest challenge was also, in its own way, the most
enjoyable to me. I loved voicing some of the most recognizable actors and
personalities of the era. But with that opportunity comes a great responsibility to
their fans. I hope I haven't let them down.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you have a favorite character to portray? Or a favorite
Astaire and Rogers movie musical? (I can never decide which one is mine!)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I loved Ginger, of course. She's confident and carefree, and
grows into a real firebrand. Phyllis's journey was most rewarding. Of course,
poor Peg Entwhistle was enjoyable for other reasons. She was complex and so
fragile, I wanted to make sure I treated her with respect and love. And who
wouldn't relish the opportunity to step into Katharine Hepburn's shoes?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love a Gershwin tune, so </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shall We Dance</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> might be my
favorite Fred and Ginger flick, though my favorite number has to be "Night and
Day" from <i>The Gay Divorcee.</i> I'm thrilled that Ginger's incredible feathered
dress has a mention in the book (with a killer story to it).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have a home studio, set up with all the necessary
technical equipment for recording books and commercial voice-overs. What is
your typical work schedule when recording an audiobook? Is there an optimal
time of day to do it? How long is your average recording session for an
audiobook?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It all depends. I can generally tell right away how dense
the material is: The number of characters and scenes involving dialogue, the
type and length of the book itself. All this dictates my timeline. When I'm
actively recording a book, I expect to spend anywhere from 4-6 hours in the
studio at a time. I'm fond of working in the afternoon, when my voice has had
plenty of time to warm up and settle. When I finish recording, I can expect
anywhere from a few days to a week of editing and engineering, to make sure the
finished product sounds the best it can.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With in-person concerts and stage performances possible
again, after more than a year of theatre closures due to the Covid pandemic,
please share upcoming events and locations.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I'm thrilled to be back in theatres again! Future
performance dates and book releases can be found at <a href="http://www.mamieparris.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">my website.</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Thanks for the great insights, Mamie! I couldn't be more pleased with the audio version of <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></a>.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This audiobook is available from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Limits-of-Limelight/dp/B09DDJ7SSV/" target="_blank">Audible</a>, <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-limits-of-limelight-unabridged/id1582658123" target="_blank">ibooks</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Margaret_Porter_The_Limits_of_Limelight?id=AQAAAEC89GG0zM" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, <a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780578913681">Libro.fm</a>, <a href="https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/the-limits-of-limelight-by-margaret-porter" target="_blank">Chirp</a>, and many other vendors.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ7X04jadzCgQHNxQD6n3ws4JdgxQ9DsWAYHLyED_dGSM0iinBJs49x-nQB5WgdNHnvzRQb9U9EIJFhYbR46VDaXFb3lywdQO2lZrrGSll74CAjMhIOHgq9i8QZangkvHy1sfBVPQ7QVDB4jPjDSVl6c-XbkcERyDh5QVXXQz-WvC-ijdf7X1O88U4=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="946" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ7X04jadzCgQHNxQD6n3ws4JdgxQ9DsWAYHLyED_dGSM0iinBJs49x-nQB5WgdNHnvzRQb9U9EIJFhYbR46VDaXFb3lywdQO2lZrrGSll74CAjMhIOHgq9i8QZangkvHy1sfBVPQ7QVDB4jPjDSVl6c-XbkcERyDh5QVXXQz-WvC-ijdf7X1O88U4=w394-h400" width="394" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-62285199858309602162021-09-30T00:00:00.146-04:002021-09-30T09:50:47.686-04:00Biopic Blogathon: The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaMJxhaXVfttj1zu57Do4rxbee4KB4-VMxUsB3TDFaMp0qJSkd0Mm4YrS26RQWpblfHw2mM43soAAtsppPhQetAt9bjtEN5wYGL-jf49tFyXOfyj9DpvtXBMU-FkcIFSqW3nSTOEIOII/s380/The-story-of-vernon-and-irene-castle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="261" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaMJxhaXVfttj1zu57Do4rxbee4KB4-VMxUsB3TDFaMp0qJSkd0Mm4YrS26RQWpblfHw2mM43soAAtsppPhQetAt9bjtEN5wYGL-jf49tFyXOfyj9DpvtXBMU-FkcIFSqW3nSTOEIOII/w275-h400/The-story-of-vernon-and-irene-castle.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p><i style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><b>The Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle,</b></i> filmed in 1938 for release in 1939, was the ninth and penultimate
pairing of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, and their final picture for RKO. And
it was the duo’s first and only period piece.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Together we had drunk our cup
of Fame</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And side by side had loved, and
worked, and played</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And Life to us seemed but a happy game;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We met our fortunes laughing—unafraid.</i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Irene Castle</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b><b>Production Background and
Source Material</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p>RKO’s script was based on Mrs. Castle’s
books, <i>My Husband</i> and <i>My Memories of Vernon Castle</i>, but
production was delayed for two years after acquiring the rights. The producers never
refuted Irene’s firm belief that they would acquiesce to her demand for a
nationwide search for the actress to portray her (inspired by David O.
Selznick’s well-publicized "Search for Scarlett.") But from the outset, the project
was intended for Ginger and Fred.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">During pre-production, Ginger had her
first meeting with the former ballroom and cabaret dancer, and reminisced about
it in her memoir. “What an entrance she made! … I could hear the rustle of
taffeta and the swishing of her dress. Then the door opened and in she swept.
Irene Castle was tall, at least 5’10”. [Ginger was six inches shorter.]
Everything she wore was gray: gloves, shoes, hat, and purse…She looked as if
she had stepped out of a <i>Vogue</i> magazine from the early 1920s.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Surprisingly, despite being offered
the role of her own mother, Irene declined. She received script and casting
approval, and was put under contract as technical advisor. An assertive personality
and a stickler for accuracy, she insisted that Ginger appear as a brunette in
the film, with short, bobbed hair in the style made popular as the “Castle
Bob.” Didn’t happen. The director, Hank Potter, constantly ran interference,
according to Ginger, “with care and tact.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Irene achieved victory in the area
of choreography and to a lesser extent, in costuming. She worked closely with
Hermes Pan, already familiar with the Castles’ manual <i>Modern Dancing,</i> recreating
dance steps she and her husband had performed. Ginger’s dance dresses were designed
to replicate the ones worn by Irene, and she was excited by the prospect of
wearing historical costumes from decades earlier. The studio spent a total of $2,775
on her wardrobe.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRNyDz9yFe40VK8UlZGTm-AusoYJhKHkIlG08M8MahQVwb5L2opXw9R8QTHqiQdiH21ugndLpxwOLHZMFBPf0HHARB7YY_yw4bk_o4xUPv_dqY5A2Mzze6PjF0LaW6JMHpy7WOIrNFDk/s797/irene%2526vernon%2526ginger%2526fred.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="797" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRNyDz9yFe40VK8UlZGTm-AusoYJhKHkIlG08M8MahQVwb5L2opXw9R8QTHqiQdiH21ugndLpxwOLHZMFBPf0HHARB7YY_yw4bk_o4xUPv_dqY5A2Mzze6PjF0LaW6JMHpy7WOIrNFDk/w400-h293/irene%2526vernon%2526ginger%2526fred.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irene & Vernon and Ginger & Fred</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But Irene had scant understanding
of the concept of “interpretation” and was constantly disappointed in Ginger,
who later reflected that Fred had it easy, because Mrs. Castle was so intently focused
on her portrayer. Besides, all along, Irene had wanted Fred to play Vernon, and
was especially pleased that he could fit into her late husband’s military
uniforms. During Fred’s early career dancing with his sister Adele, he’d often witnessed
the Castles in action and remembered some of their dances well enough to help
Hermes Pan revive them. was further instructed by Mrs. Castle herself.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The film contains seven dance
duets, some extremely brief. The music and songs were faithful to those of the
Castles’ performances, apart from “Only When You’re in My Arms,” which was
composed for the film.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Although the movie was popular
with audiences, it wasn’t entirely successful for the studio, failing to make a
profit and recording a loss of $50,000.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><b>The Film</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For audiences, then and now,
accustomed to the lightweight plots of an Astaire-Rogers musical, the witty banter
and repartee, misunderstanding-based conflict, and dances that reflect and
inform the romantic plot, <b><i>The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle</i></b> contains
numerous differences. As a biopic, it’s a straightforward—if not wholly factual—presentation
of the real-life performers’ courtship, dance partnership, and wartime
separation, and (spoiler) a tragic accidental death. Fred, collaborating with Hermes
Pan, choreographed solo dances for himself and to perform with Ginger, specific
to the films they made together. The Castles were famous for exhibition dances performed for live audiences in theatres and cabarets. Their original creations became popular
as social dances that anyone could learn—the Castle Walk, the Castle Polka, the Maxixe. They also
added flair to existing dances like the Turkey Trot and the Foxtrot.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>The Story. </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><br /></i></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz01b1KhuGnyV0I3ulMmr9VtUMGvseAgixrX9z_wAul9v4DQKZQ7x3iX7WHpue0kJ1ZQ53oI3SGKsAWn01HJ_319Yaa1F60vwbS0sRzVsHm5uHt-jn1T1K83Be48OIe8QI4qLX6NVjjo/s554/Zowiemovie.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="380" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz01b1KhuGnyV0I3ulMmr9VtUMGvseAgixrX9z_wAul9v4DQKZQ7x3iX7WHpue0kJ1ZQ53oI3SGKsAWn01HJ_319Yaa1F60vwbS0sRzVsHm5uHt-jn1T1K83Be48OIe8QI4qLX6NVjjo/w274-h400/Zowiemovie.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zowie (flim version), with Ginger & Fred</span> </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Young Irene Foote (Ginger Rogers),
a New Rochelle doctor’s daughter, aspires to a stage career. When she
encounters English vaudeville comedian Vernon Castle (Fred Astaire) at the seaside,
where they save a small fluffy white dog from drowning, she invites him home and gives a drawing-room
performance of “The Yama-Yama Man,” in a Pierrot clown suit, copying Bessie
McCoy, the originator. It fails to impress her parents or Vernon. Later, at the
railway station, the indifferent vaudevillian breaks into a dance, convincing
Irene that his talents are wasted in broad slapstick comedy roles for producer
Lew Fields (appearing as himself). She’s already smitten, he eventually
succumbs. They dance together. They marry. They accept an employment offer from
a pair of Parisian producers believing they will perform together as a couple. On
arrival in Paris, with the little dog Zowie and omnipresent servant Walter
(Walter Brennan), Vernon discovers that he’s supposed to appear in his old
vaudeville routine. A chance encounter with a formidable female talent agent
(Edna May Oliver), secures them a fine dinner at the <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Café </span></span>de Paris restaurant and cabaret and the chance to dance there the following night. But when the extremely hungry couple sit down for their delectable meal, a Russian Grand Duke demands that they dance there and then. Vernon escorts Irene, in her wedding dress and lacy Dutch cap, to the floor. Their massive success and lasting legend are instantly assured.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Irene becomes a worldwide fashion
icon, influencing dresses, shoes, and hairstyles. They exhibit their talents
across the continent, these cross-country tours revealed in a process montage
across a map of America. They acquire numerous animals in addition to Zowie, the
little dog that brought them together. All is peachy—apart from occasional
references to excess expenditures—until World War I breaks out, and Vernon
feels the call to enter the fray on behalf of his native land. Irene embarks on
a silent film career. Vernon’s daring exploits as an aviator are depicted. He
and Irene meet up in Paris. Eventually he returns to America as a military
flying instructor in Texas. On the day of his long-awaited reunion with his eager
wife, he’s involved in a fatal airplane accident—and is lauded as a hero for saving
his pupil’s life.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Reality vs. Fiction</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Fred Astaire bears an uncanny
resemblance to Vernon Castle, though his personality was quite different. As
previously stated, Ginger looked nothing like Irene Castle and neither she nor
the studio had any intention of altering her appearance.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Walter Ash, the family servant of
Irene Foote’s family and the Castles’ devoted retainer, was a Black man. In
later years, Irene complained about his being “whitewashed” into Walter Brennan
in order not to offend exhibitors or audiences in the South. This might or
might not be true.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The couple’s “meet cute” didn’t
happen that way, and “The Yama-Yama Man” played no part. Vernon helped Irene get
a proper audition with Lew Fields, who cast her in a show. Vernon’s barber shop
routine, however, is based on fact.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOgvKstn8PCZlXK2_NuS-BeiMO55VgPVFU9HqwpJGARY8CaicYWb9qB0Y5hI7vDwCe8CvU68weq2I6f7izTf8gWRL_GJFoAJrPKyQLTxtP_Tt3wUB1g_DiJwZZMPO6vFf0fW0dUeSbFg/s764/irene%2526zowie.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOgvKstn8PCZlXK2_NuS-BeiMO55VgPVFU9HqwpJGARY8CaicYWb9qB0Y5hI7vDwCe8CvU68weq2I6f7izTf8gWRL_GJFoAJrPKyQLTxtP_Tt3wUB1g_DiJwZZMPO6vFf0fW0dUeSbFg/w264-h400/irene%2526zowie.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>The real-life Zowie was an un-fluffy bulldog-type.
He did accompany the couple to Paris, where they performed in vaudeville revues
and lived hand to mouth, as depicted in the film.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
It was a male agent who booked the Castles at the Café de Paris. On that first night their dinner was interrupted
by a Russian aristocrat who insisted on their dancing immediately, but it wasn’t exactly an impromptu performance—they’d previously rehearsed with the
orchestra. Irene was indeed wearing her wedding dress and her Dutch bonnet. The Russian paid them a tip of 300 francs. The result was a six-month engagement at
the same venue, augmented by private performances.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Castles did travel throughout
Europe with a German Shepherd dog that they brought back to the States.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Castle House—its façade appears
briefly on screen—was their dancing academy, and they operated the Sans Souci restaurant
at 42<sup>nd</sup> and Broadway, and a beachside nightclub. The movie makes it
seems that they were financially as well as professionally successful as
entrepreneurs, but this is misleading. Vernon had lavish tastes and was a
spendthrift, causing practical Irene considerable dismay and concern.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">During World War I, Vernon joined
the Royal Flying Corps and was a distinguished and decorated aviator, receiving
the Croix de Guerre in 1917. Achieving the rank of Captain Castle, he was
transferred to Canada as a flight instructor before arriving in Fort Worth for
that fateful final flight. He took the front seat and insisted on his pupil
taking the rear one. This was his final act of heroism, because when he made
his risky maneuver to avoid colliding with another training plane he was in the
more vulnerable position, and it cost him his life. As indicated in the film,
his student did survive.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu227sK_tZPiZIiH2x3l8J3Q-CL5Fed5Cb-_OWQRnOdhq8l84g7o10tWefaZUlI8eHb-jIzq-6U-sL1r9R1Eesq9Zd2KOI30LsZbTX683Jj4huHbgr1Lebh5eClFnFyjodbUxb6j5R_zs/s600/VernonCastleplane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu227sK_tZPiZIiH2x3l8J3Q-CL5Fed5Cb-_OWQRnOdhq8l84g7o10tWefaZUlI8eHb-jIzq-6U-sL1r9R1Eesq9Zd2KOI30LsZbTX683Jj4huHbgr1Lebh5eClFnFyjodbUxb6j5R_zs/w400-h284/VernonCastleplane.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernon Castle shortly before his death by airplane</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The final image of the Castles
dancing together leaves the impression that Vernon was the love of Irene’s
life. This may be the case. However, his indomitable widow ultimately had nearly
as many husbands (four) as Ginger Rogers (five).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_1eSngasq6KjWQ7TTvFznQ9MolQPKappp9rHmAZKJBzXlIPDR4UYbY1CFe4uacrsIi0W0iQi7sqZUIcmHNJ0rqabR9KmOu3kXLShZJgWMKBnPjgSIeDX1y896vGFJlRRKHLYggjjOk/s1412/Fred%2526GingerasVernon%2526Irene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1412" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_1eSngasq6KjWQ7TTvFznQ9MolQPKappp9rHmAZKJBzXlIPDR4UYbY1CFe4uacrsIi0W0iQi7sqZUIcmHNJ0rqabR9KmOu3kXLShZJgWMKBnPjgSIeDX1y896vGFJlRRKHLYggjjOk/w400-h304/Fred%2526GingerasVernon%2526Irene.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In their own time, Fred and Ginger
were the 1930s edition of the Vernon and Irene phenomenon—a wildly popular dance
partnership, omnipresent in the media of the day, recipients of international
acclaim, and cultural and fashion influencers. This biopic provided Ginger with
the meatier dramatic role she’d been angling for. The movie concludes during
one world war and at the time of its release a second such conflict was already well under way, and again
the U.S. was slow to join the fight. The demise of Fred’s character, as Ginger points
out in her memoir, presaged the death of their dance partnership, which wasn’t
revived until they reunited a decade later for <b><i>The Barkleys of Broadway</i></b>
at MGM.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Don't forget to visit other <a href="https://hometownstohollywood.com/about/announcements/" target="_blank">Biopic Blogathon</a> entries!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwk-rLLvwEok1u_tkCqNsuCxh6570vq26HOnibVbYfT8F_jWWRL8P22Mns3X8Q55l6kB-6YPadI9jEVP0RJA1KPcoQK4ih3SqQGrM9m5eO4B_s4wS4J_PCdNWkkPKor7BeL_BELnkcgE/s566/0-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwk-rLLvwEok1u_tkCqNsuCxh6570vq26HOnibVbYfT8F_jWWRL8P22Mns3X8Q55l6kB-6YPadI9jEVP0RJA1KPcoQK4ih3SqQGrM9m5eO4B_s4wS4J_PCdNWkkPKor7BeL_BELnkcgE/w381-h400/0-2.png" width="381" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-69547695281070788582021-09-16T10:17:00.012-04:002021-09-16T14:45:55.955-04:00Peg Entwistle and The Limits of Limelight<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7UTJCnxyJi6cV_Qe4aOwHz8jjDRzsm1FZA5XtKn_guY1Np6TUyhxqOJO6d9DNRcB9CZkvkyjtHC21LpZLfSHmrytKz8bb7yvl8lj0eJ0QKSXOUs5dKVKkGtpL5WnPyG7L3h7-X9JO3U/s960/242083145_10222889332596364_7861573259448034900_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="789" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7UTJCnxyJi6cV_Qe4aOwHz8jjDRzsm1FZA5XtKn_guY1Np6TUyhxqOJO6d9DNRcB9CZkvkyjtHC21LpZLfSHmrytKz8bb7yvl8lj0eJ0QKSXOUs5dKVKkGtpL5WnPyG7L3h7-X9JO3U/w329-h400/242083145_10222889332596364_7861573259448034900_n.jpg" width="329" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At The Limits of Limelight book launch</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Two nights ago, at my book launch for </span><a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></a><span>, during the question and answer time, a friend asked, “What was the
hardest part of writing this novel?”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Without hesitation,
I replied, “Peg Entwistle.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0lscmroNfI88mxVuIY6tJoTTwAMufMjc2B8eM4voLOcV_Xk5EMjffE0e9LbVoHxMAcEHBFgFroKR2IDLdcSoaU01LFZhKD6J0B3Jt3Z8AqXOwvFAjXi_TQCgLPoBfCkv0psmS4BcHbk/w400-h325/NINTCHDBPICT000001053701-e1588763027363.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Peg</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0lscmroNfI88mxVuIY6tJoTTwAMufMjc2B8eM4voLOcV_Xk5EMjffE0e9LbVoHxMAcEHBFgFroKR2IDLdcSoaU01LFZhKD6J0B3Jt3Z8AqXOwvFAjXi_TQCgLPoBfCkv0psmS4BcHbk/s2048/NINTCHDBPICT000001053701-e1588763027363.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Immersed in her
life, thanks to the exceptionally detailed and brilliantly researched biography
by the late James Zeruk, Jr., there was a great heaviness on my heart and
spirits. As a renowned stage performer, and a promising film actress, she deserved
a much happier fate than the one she chose for herself.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Peg was born in Port Talbot, Wales, to an English theatrical family that worked on both sides of the Atlantic. Her parents divorced, her father died, and she and her two stepbrothers were raised by her aunt and uncle, who had settled in Los Angeles. But Peg's sights were set on the stage, so as soon as she was old enough, she headed East. Unlike many stage-struck teens, she enjoyed rapid and meteoric success. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>I’ve known a
little bit about Peg for a long time. Enough to believe that she must have
needed a close and supportive friend in those final months, weeks, and days. So
I gave her Phyllis. My novel’s main character. </span><span>They were
definitely acquainted with each another, put under contract by RKO at the same,
time along with the other young beauties dubbed “The Baby Stars.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAXOhymead0EE5jq3_lMbxkZqif3VQh6zO5NC_lIlqDCUSCSafOZl2-Qm9VzWckWj4cGc_P2bxC9k86bNdmbKqAltv5PGqZAbOE9US5fo8uGOlv_0ouM1rx_TwHH5HzxkLtaC7TsjtYU/s900/RKObabystarsPhyllisPeg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="900" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAXOhymead0EE5jq3_lMbxkZqif3VQh6zO5NC_lIlqDCUSCSafOZl2-Qm9VzWckWj4cGc_P2bxC9k86bNdmbKqAltv5PGqZAbOE9US5fo8uGOlv_0ouM1rx_TwHH5HzxkLtaC7TsjtYU/w400-h143/RKObabystarsPhyllisPeg.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Phyllis & Peg in makeup class at RK)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizseb5SmRg0j9KjKbw3Www-R4FAG5hmxQJCu9s8n4N06KjFljmzK6vybf_H84YT8PizZdhyphenhyphenNvS3a3q-t8WFpmPG24Z98MHbceE_1dAU7SEaIlT9MIhjCxEbvrLTb-AYaRqPQM4BvNLPYs/s1093/RKObabystarsPhyllis%2526Peg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1093" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizseb5SmRg0j9KjKbw3Www-R4FAG5hmxQJCu9s8n4N06KjFljmzK6vybf_H84YT8PizZdhyphenhyphenNvS3a3q-t8WFpmPG24Z98MHbceE_1dAU7SEaIlT9MIhjCxEbvrLTb-AYaRqPQM4BvNLPYs/w400-h341/RKObabystarsPhyllis%2526Peg.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">RKO's "Baby Stars"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Both were cast in David Selznick’s pet project, <b><i>Thirteen Women,</i></b> with Myrna
Loy and Irene Dunne, and many more. Peg had a significant role, which was
drastically reduced in the final edit—for reasons my novel reveals. Phyllis had
a minor role, and was cut out of the movie entirely.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="768" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismSynZdVp8gbRCszuTUQ0xjh_rYeZkiVFBKssNxIYMEDbQX88aspKaZxUNUvPm0-TJZZrjIwy0cNrZskOf5cQeRe-C-SkuArJUm5SslG-Irye8NcAonXh2_qxzg6hhJErue1j2s-wJ6k/w400-h313/13Women.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lobby card for <i>Thirteen Women</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismSynZdVp8gbRCszuTUQ0xjh_rYeZkiVFBKssNxIYMEDbQX88aspKaZxUNUvPm0-TJZZrjIwy0cNrZskOf5cQeRe-C-SkuArJUm5SslG-Irye8NcAonXh2_qxzg6hhJErue1j2s-wJ6k/s768/13Women.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">On the night of September
16, Peg walked from the Beechwood Drive home of her aunt and uncle, scaled the
steep and rocky path leading to the Hollywoodland sign—in her younger years, she’d
observed its construction, the laborers and trucks had passed by her house. She’d
even climbed onto it, with her brothers, for fun.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1080" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wLWmZJYTkO7zht76oVUG94rEY6dcckun8QMNwjMt3WSF0pZpJVzEH0OhyfUOt-Gdf-zwpWmSTo59Wmq00S3Vr-s6CH7bMoBOVEwBb0V9LKfJGisNteDt2s_GFfPuGe5_bYlyFsgCKZM/w400-h286/hwoodland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Hollywoodland sign from Peg's street</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wLWmZJYTkO7zht76oVUG94rEY6dcckun8QMNwjMt3WSF0pZpJVzEH0OhyfUOt-Gdf-zwpWmSTo59Wmq00S3Vr-s6CH7bMoBOVEwBb0V9LKfJGisNteDt2s_GFfPuGe5_bYlyFsgCKZM/s1080/hwoodland.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Motivated by despair
and disappointment, all too conscious of her own mistakes, depressed about her dire financial situation and a run of bad
luck, she made her final ascent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her body, lying in
a ravine, was spotted by a female hiker, who reported the discovery to the
police. It wasn’t recovered until after dark. Her relatives didn’t learn what
had happened until they read the newspaper—two days after Peg’s disappearance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1AsKn7WwEFFAW3TJcoyxmYA_gqvZM40x3DuMKNY1kRJ5m1gJvXMAp9BaXaNqyjPRLubGCfXcXdgWu1T75-jeLvdnLr0MJl8dMD4F7N2kRfCFYab6WUXnf6ojLkBBqTiqEmRM2A6YtyY/w236-h400/32sep20pegentwistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="236" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A report of her death</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1AsKn7WwEFFAW3TJcoyxmYA_gqvZM40x3DuMKNY1kRJ5m1gJvXMAp9BaXaNqyjPRLubGCfXcXdgWu1T75-jeLvdnLr0MJl8dMD4F7N2kRfCFYab6WUXnf6ojLkBBqTiqEmRM2A6YtyY/s592/32sep20pegentwistle.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The legends about Peg, whose gardenia-scented ghost reportedly haunts the neighbourhood where she lived and died, and assumptions made about her, are endless. And often erroneous. Like her biographer, I feel
too little attention is given to her talent, her spiritedness, her persistence,
her love of family and theirs for her, and her optimism—which eventually, tragically, ran out.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The impossibility
of giving Peg a happy ending is another reason writing about her was painful. I
hope in the afterlife, she and James are chatting up a storm. He dedicated
years of his life to presenting the real Peg. He died before I could send him a
copy of <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></a>, so I’ll never know his response to my
portrayal of her. But I'm forever grateful to him for his lasting legacy--her biography.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUUznuKRXW1rYsqAS_sRqcEAdaym4aZMKiMrk13M9aW2pS3IeYuot5pGJlrm-PgwQjA3kgBN4NuP9XXLgdk4BNTWE45geS2dRR9Xud79CFL2mxlAYjJAuj326NwcF-CisiL8EOpbVUl8/s500/51fNF82FjlL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUUznuKRXW1rYsqAS_sRqcEAdaym4aZMKiMrk13M9aW2pS3IeYuot5pGJlrm-PgwQjA3kgBN4NuP9XXLgdk4BNTWE45geS2dRR9Xud79CFL2mxlAYjJAuj326NwcF-CisiL8EOpbVUl8/w266-h400/51fNF82FjlL.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ8rAatSFnwWEz4z7h0gMu73CKhiVDb6j2wrxggtnWW6Qct0uk9yRPbQozfSU709f8_Ee9SFcQqZGEwsU1_tijfqRxSDicRKj16hqKDLa3ISIB2CgYJPBUmYy5uxvQT5qHbNFuzfQGXg/s1292/pegincolor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ8rAatSFnwWEz4z7h0gMu73CKhiVDb6j2wrxggtnWW6Qct0uk9yRPbQozfSU709f8_Ee9SFcQqZGEwsU1_tijfqRxSDicRKj16hqKDLa3ISIB2CgYJPBUmYy5uxvQT5qHbNFuzfQGXg/w313-h400/pegincolor.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-30274708191813829582021-09-14T09:49:00.009-04:002021-09-14T12:25:36.897-04:00Now Available: The Limits of Limelight<p> It's launch day for <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></a>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FR4qi9LFMeMTQ2ddLBcQsLNuyBKVxX9fv1OMF9rFMqnK1XCCBw07NayyhFMeqIXQMf8S6OAlqcf5E9DB_W8mp3qO25hIFDykZDngOZJ9r31k1G8v7lXMIz_vYit8sS4vwLgGXA8N-g4/s1395/covercomposite.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1395" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FR4qi9LFMeMTQ2ddLBcQsLNuyBKVxX9fv1OMF9rFMqnK1XCCBw07NayyhFMeqIXQMf8S6OAlqcf5E9DB_W8mp3qO25hIFDykZDngOZJ9r31k1G8v7lXMIz_vYit8sS4vwLgGXA8N-g4/w400-h266/covercomposite.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Purchase links for all formats, all vendors, can be found <a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br /><p>This evening, I'll be here, discussing the novel, the real-life characters, and signing:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGPkIFCs12EJ2F24PMBfqRqnICzQSCdCRINHpYrabG7Ixfgswpnld7qI9LFwmo9AfDM25z2RcsxDvY3Diy9-sI6ZrZ-ZPQAplKR_d6zzjoeq4f6GdUVz3XtR15Z94Yx9xlRobvEAXIDU/s941/Gibsons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="941" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGPkIFCs12EJ2F24PMBfqRqnICzQSCdCRINHpYrabG7Ixfgswpnld7qI9LFwmo9AfDM25z2RcsxDvY3Diy9-sI6ZrZ-ZPQAplKR_d6zzjoeq4f6GdUVz3XtR15Z94Yx9xlRobvEAXIDU/w400-h234/Gibsons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>For those who purchase the paperback, and want to request an autographed book plate, you can use this <a href="https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149" target="_blank">contact form</a>. Remember to include your name or someone else's for personalisation, and your postal address.</p><p>Here's a link to the book review at <a href="https://readingthepast.blogspot.com/2021/09/early-hollywood-is-family-affair-in.html">Reading the Past.</a></p><p>And an <a href="https://historicalnovelsociety.org/launch-margaret-porters-the-limits-of-limelight/" target="_blank">interview by the Historical Novel Society.</a></p><p>Links to other interviews and information about my blog tour will be posted soon.</p><p><br /></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-52582545749756156922021-09-04T21:10:00.001-04:002021-09-04T21:11:00.591-04:00Coming Soon--Very Soon--The Limits of Limelight<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Somehow the summer fled, now it's September, and <i><a href="http://margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank">The Limits of Limelight</a> </i>will be released in ten days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received an early author copy, and expect a full carton to be delivered at any minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2t331Zym7irsja5MbounjMcqQj2oUZlr_qflUPr79xyr4OnOgq-aUlBNaLxUSC2MHr7qaWVAZlz9NBgwMho9locX2mE-5UW3OnNxLuZwSh7lFPLcP6cHJindj82jmtK6UCxdmgL6D0/s1440/239211925_10222761231073906_4747746080319545410_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN2t331Zym7irsja5MbounjMcqQj2oUZlr_qflUPr79xyr4OnOgq-aUlBNaLxUSC2MHr7qaWVAZlz9NBgwMho9locX2mE-5UW3OnNxLuZwSh7lFPLcP6cHJindj82jmtK6UCxdmgL6D0/w400-h400/239211925_10222761231073906_4747746080319545410_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The in-person launch day event and <a href="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/thelimitsoflimelightblogtour/" target="_blank">blog tour</a> are scheduled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OqYcuW_QBwq_TcTTw4aqlmBkm6ZDj6ikBXrF6DlTAmDHrpmeUhSGpg95IjYHmnvt_-Zei3BLCDRFfaNcFblA6V3StYOwLuTcMeFjdVMy8EnKsLt21r3-CvmmVwLXp6yWXNVkdHiEFEg/s1440/240915715_10222819708815813_5843558246989213334_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OqYcuW_QBwq_TcTTw4aqlmBkm6ZDj6ikBXrF6DlTAmDHrpmeUhSGpg95IjYHmnvt_-Zei3BLCDRFfaNcFblA6V3StYOwLuTcMeFjdVMy8EnKsLt21r3-CvmmVwLXp6yWXNVkdHiEFEg/w400-h400/240915715_10222819708815813_5843558246989213334_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Book plates for autographing and sending out have been ordered. And book swag for giveaways (fruit smoothie not included!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2INYa4sIGbBjtaeXYYnQ4ZiI7Aq6Hmxuk3H3nvHcP0fyRiGnG1OfsU2YCVsvG0_Oy6QyTu9LLthAQtuTYRHUiReRbh69WSUo-I_y3B7Ap7K13RkcgrYrnCwuZ3ZqAvtpv35YoPB7Lmk/s2015/217349671_10222670060754705_2765689634878364577_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1737" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2INYa4sIGbBjtaeXYYnQ4ZiI7Aq6Hmxuk3H3nvHcP0fyRiGnG1OfsU2YCVsvG0_Oy6QyTu9LLthAQtuTYRHUiReRbh69WSUo-I_y3B7Ap7K13RkcgrYrnCwuZ3ZqAvtpv35YoPB7Lmk/w345-h400/217349671_10222670060754705_2765689634878364577_n.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><p>I've been doing preliminary publicity for the novel, on Zoom and on television.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzFZuuWh6X2kJLJUJ2OVW0t03rbEum6-e2QL1Q-QWtV4bYdxphbiF25s5TLfRJvtIGHe53Qe4Vyf04dQPRJixY0dvwqSwMIpo_JKrbAPOQI5-yA-JquRGYagFIq27trPMRtNE8AhP3H8/s900/214035008_10222553632284066_1126299718066026436_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="900" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzFZuuWh6X2kJLJUJ2OVW0t03rbEum6-e2QL1Q-QWtV4bYdxphbiF25s5TLfRJvtIGHe53Qe4Vyf04dQPRJixY0dvwqSwMIpo_JKrbAPOQI5-yA-JquRGYagFIq27trPMRtNE8AhP3H8/w640-h174/214035008_10222553632284066_1126299718066026436_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's a busy season, true. But I'm taking time to enjoy the roses--still blooming profusely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfYZkrBXFu9esNK78fqt9LIVvoWljcgxFZvUO8OlsB9F_ny_wBZ3ESoGOBFp7njIykfGw2C6eIvxmygBXj_DdfF7hokI4JKncEALee2Harbzqwin73KsLIx1Q45z1cxKbfTfb0aPMpSk/s1440/239999242_10222773469539860_7060385909951250489_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfYZkrBXFu9esNK78fqt9LIVvoWljcgxFZvUO8OlsB9F_ny_wBZ3ESoGOBFp7njIykfGw2C6eIvxmygBXj_DdfF7hokI4JKncEALee2Harbzqwin73KsLIx1Q45z1cxKbfTfb0aPMpSk/w400-h300/239999242_10222773469539860_7060385909951250489_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And I fit in relaxation days at the lake--with husband, dog, and sometimes a fellow author who joins me for a writing day--if she's not hosting me at her house for the same.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwFD2Y51F0BeSNb-Z9PwAQwXJx2Gs7Ay_vjPE-lz7qdm0rGhz6iBJ4qb1cIetN_on_c_XSFTkrquLLKaB9qadIq1PuTAQhUSg0OLS7BgZ8cFbNEc91-KCt2snJwIczNwmG1ElO86-DwM/s960/241106738_10222834766512246_8125251547255514259_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="960" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwFD2Y51F0BeSNb-Z9PwAQwXJx2Gs7Ay_vjPE-lz7qdm0rGhz6iBJ4qb1cIetN_on_c_XSFTkrquLLKaB9qadIq1PuTAQhUSg0OLS7BgZ8cFbNEc91-KCt2snJwIczNwmG1ElO86-DwM/w400-h321/241106738_10222834766512246_8125251547255514259_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The <i><b>Limits of Limelight </b></i>audiobook will also be released soon., and I'll be publishing my interview with my amazing narrator, a star of Broadway and the concert stage.</p><p>I've sent out the first September newsletter, and the second one will be chock full of info. You can sign up <a href="https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/m4o4a6?fbclid=IwAR3uHDaGI7ojJh0jHq2Jx92zW6zNWHPbL4Z8cwKIsLKUpobiAnflUqi-_fg" target="_blank">here</a> to receive it.</p><p>I look forward to more frequent posting in coming weeks--so much to share about my main character, Phyllis Fraser, her first cousin Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela Rogers!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM-_EX6eDXNuN4yNVeviTdXUSNzlsdFRTtkkDY9T97yCCcKnIUXVpJp9n96pmZC8e0JmKC0f_QHA61TgdZNdw1aNYYIbWWaIrtaiZw97_NIUH0bk7cZP2EMx8A351G7M9wMYZ-fbDJvs/s379/mothersday.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="379" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM-_EX6eDXNuN4yNVeviTdXUSNzlsdFRTtkkDY9T97yCCcKnIUXVpJp9n96pmZC8e0JmKC0f_QHA61TgdZNdw1aNYYIbWWaIrtaiZw97_NIUH0bk7cZP2EMx8A351G7M9wMYZ-fbDJvs/w400-h393/mothersday.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger, Phyllis & Lela at a formal event</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB4YpvgqdtPYx8MhmZ8u-2aoVzV0r-S_eZgOmRrtwn-IokHKZGStxuudqdpygKMow8WnF-oMVIyBP2Y8bN2fXw8wgJui-INmrtN0Xg3x4zBkj3x3XCB1t433EU0JKDKwLouPcCeam008/s960/218621832_10222591434509098_7496178837075138167_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="960" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB4YpvgqdtPYx8MhmZ8u-2aoVzV0r-S_eZgOmRrtwn-IokHKZGStxuudqdpygKMow8WnF-oMVIyBP2Y8bN2fXw8wgJui-INmrtN0Xg3x4zBkj3x3XCB1t433EU0JKDKwLouPcCeam008/w400-h380/218621832_10222591434509098_7496178837075138167_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger & Phyllis on a very casual occasion </td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGBCHCopvYoObbIg8HVROpA3zHz9_RxvspssDW5_wV66VA9EHPR_C-1QNC_s6P2BozZs-TTvol4T2pCGhyI6IJQxxQVM1zvataMkU7bxnfBF7YuXP9Dh37bGQPjfTj08QPJnOFJvBrf8/s960/218621832_10222591434509098_7496178837075138167_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-66835395213058671332021-06-28T19:42:00.005-04:002021-06-28T19:44:45.002-04:00Historical Novel Society 2021 Conference: The Virtual Experience<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XjIMk34vpK7I2eaKnXL8y5jmk9AVpXXoJpDFqBGSwMENQ-Llm9TOANywBReXibvxZNJI06Od4XcKy7ycy-b3dJTjAScBB-3cv3aBR87zHE9yNhwLOenri_6j_UQiaR0qoqjK9Cek4U/s732/HNSScreenshots.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="732" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XjIMk34vpK7I2eaKnXL8y5jmk9AVpXXoJpDFqBGSwMENQ-Llm9TOANywBReXibvxZNJI06Od4XcKy7ycy-b3dJTjAScBB-3cv3aBR87zHE9yNhwLOenri_6j_UQiaR0qoqjK9Cek4U/w400-h253/HNSScreenshots.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Originally scheduled to take place in San Antonio, Texas, the </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://hns-conference.com/" target="_blank">2021 Historical Novel Society Conference</a> was successfully transformed into an online event. The <a href="https://historicalnovelsociety.org/" target="_blank">HNS</a> North American Board of Directors worked hard and diligently, working with EventMobi. The result was nothing short of spectacular.</span></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Spread across six days, the pre-conference and post-conference events resembled our in-person conferences in many respects, apart from the reliance on Zoom, the inability to hug friends and hang out in the bar together or sign books in person (the event app included an online bookstore). We remained in our own homes, receiving glimpses of our colleagues' office space, bookshelves, and--occasionally--pets.</span></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My responsibilities this time round consisted of hosting a Conversation Room for <span style="background-color: #f7ffce;">20th Century historical fiction, and moderating two panel discussions: </span><span style="background-color: #f7ffce;"><span style="color: #404040;">NO, REALLY, I DIDN’T MAKE THIS UP: USING THE HISTORICAL NOVELIST’S TOOLKIT TO WRITE COMPELLING NARRATIVE NONFICTION and in the closing hour </span><span style="color: #404040;">THEATRICAL TECHNIQUES TO A BLOCKBUSTER NOVEL: 3 PROFESSIONAL ACTORS SHARE TIPS FOR BRINGING YOUR BOOK TO LIFE.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce;"><span style="color: #404040;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I attended as many sessions as I could in real time, and look forward to catching up with others of interest via the video record</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ings, available to registrants for 90 days.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040;">We even had a successful Hooch Through History session, combined with Historical Trivia.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-weight: normal;">Upcoming HNS conferences include the <a href="https://hnsa.org.au/" target="_blank">HNS Australasia </a> virtual conference (22-24 October) and the HNS conference in Durham, England (early September 2022).</span></span></div></h3><h3><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-weight: normal;">I'm easing back into normal life after being online from early morning till late in the evening for a solid six days. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I look forward to spending more time at the lake cottage, resuming work on Novel #15, preparing for the launch of </span><a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/books.html" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">The Limits of Limelight</a><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">, reviewing books when time permits, instigating an author newsletter, and tending my 175 rose bushes. That should keep me out of trouble!</span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f7ffce; color: #404040; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nb0YWQvg7BlFSpeoExrBoBROKTRg7-zM0-nn0-vzP49-N5aeQ8x3RoXXiWp2rJeSS7gqDnOQZS3i0Ghlev6qSZLRLZhyVvXvbOlfMvTJdJPNttwDpj7g0MVcDOZOnL1zRI8CGL8Oo9I/s960/rosyMe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nb0YWQvg7BlFSpeoExrBoBROKTRg7-zM0-nn0-vzP49-N5aeQ8x3RoXXiWp2rJeSS7gqDnOQZS3i0Ghlev6qSZLRLZhyVvXvbOlfMvTJdJPNttwDpj7g0MVcDOZOnL1zRI8CGL8Oo9I/s320/rosyMe.jpg" /></a></div><br /></span></div></h3>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-46554723856343063582021-06-03T00:00:00.196-04:002021-06-28T19:11:15.366-04:00Giveaway for Women's Fiction Day: The Limits of Limelight ARC & More<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">***Congratulations***</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">to giveaway winner <span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura B. </span>of Ontario, Canada</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwZYSaltK8w9nHtO6VjSQkQ6MrBeehSzvsz9RageC0-dzhqedNyDOUcIo3RMonxaYffJmTdUG4Kv0JRQGROYJxXJRJFz-rXMqzNlUw9iw80wPyLsY8wG1m66h7gYyV1Rze6tsQCq2u8/s800/giveaway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="800" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwZYSaltK8w9nHtO6VjSQkQ6MrBeehSzvsz9RageC0-dzhqedNyDOUcIo3RMonxaYffJmTdUG4Kv0JRQGROYJxXJRJFz-rXMqzNlUw9iw80wPyLsY8wG1m66h7gYyV1Rze6tsQCq2u8/w640-h492/giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">In recognition of Women's Fiction Day, June 8, 2021, a giveaway!</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">The winner will receive:</h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Advance Reader Copy of </span><a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank"><i>The Limits of Limelight</i></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">Sortilège</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Eau de Toile</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">tte, originally created by the House of </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Le Galion in 1937, and often presented to females who drank and dined at New York's famous Stork Club. Worn in the novel by Phyllis Fraser, the protagonist</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Boxed DVD set of Astaire & Rogers movie musicals: <i>T</i></span><i style="font-weight: normal;">he Gay Divorcee, Swing Time, Top Hat, </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span><i style="font-weight: normal;"> Shall We Dance,</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> from the TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection, starring Phyllis Fraser's first cousin--Ginger Rogers.</span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_IKDORhllDFjwwYm3Khrn9HkDUX1VfIDSuqPAtZU_byb3SHhH3VO2KVPJ04dfAkioMzgXAs7C4cghAM6NOlzvAEGEc60SUY8z15qOlVl9XBgkybd0Z1BWkKDiR_4liRQjIJ_kUFj1cg/s496/WFWA+logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="496" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_IKDORhllDFjwwYm3Khrn9HkDUX1VfIDSuqPAtZU_byb3SHhH3VO2KVPJ04dfAkioMzgXAs7C4cghAM6NOlzvAEGEc60SUY8z15qOlVl9XBgkybd0Z1BWkKDiR_4liRQjIJ_kUFj1cg/w640-h554/WFWA+logo.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What exactly is Women's Fiction? Well, according to the <a href="http://womensfictionwriters.org" target="_blank">Women Fiction Writers Association </a>, it delves into family dynamics, female friendships, job challenges, or long-buried secrets. And <i>The Limits of Limelight </i>contains every one of those elements!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>To enter, click <a href="https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149" target="_blank">here.</a> Be sure to write "ARC Giveaway" in the message box.</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">No purchase necessary. No country restrictions. The winner will be randomly selected.</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Entry deadline: June 15, 2021</h3><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here's what reviewers are saying about this novel featuring Phyllis Fraser, Ginger Rogers and her mother Lela Rogers, and other Golden Age Hollywood luminaries:</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h3><blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span></span></span></h3><blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></h3><span style="background-color: #f7ffce;"><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities and adulthood . . . vigorous and involving to the end." ~ </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Midwest Book Review</i><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"></span><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"An Oklahoma teenager arrives in Hollywood and enters a glamorous world thanks to her famous cousin in this historical novel set in the 1930s and based on a true story . . . A witty and meticulously researched treat." ~ </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Kirkus Reviews</i><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"></span><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"A biographical novel as bright as the Golden Era . . . The research and attention to detail in </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><b>The Limits of Limelight</b></i><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> are meticulous . . . A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood . . . a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go." ~ </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Independent Book Review</i><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"></span><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era . . . a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!" ~ Leslie Carroll, author of </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">American Princess</i><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"></span><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;" /><span face="georgia, helvetica, san-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"Porter's elegant, warm and well-researched novel is a joy to read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction and tales of remarkable women. 5 of 5 Stars." ~ Literary Redhead, </span><i style="font-family: georgia, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Goodreads</i></span></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"></i></span></h3></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"></i></span></h3><div><span><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p></blockquote></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">The paperback, ebook, and audiobook will be released on September 14, 2021. More information <a href="http://www.margaretporter.com/books.html" target="_blank">here.</a></h3>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-88687311277516725952021-04-13T05:00:00.008-04:002021-04-16T22:11:12.316-04:00Pre-Order The Limits of Limelight<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBHcZ4zIQ2yWQLBncdb0asHGhUifNP-k1I79Lb5_Xpe0yfLqLpQDlYsG19yAJScFKLYoZmAp9liWzKoP1bQB4N03zxNu2ChyphenhyphenvUuuUcnHTt4U6bS_1TS248YjNWB7eEHU07NBpTuAUAgQ/s1000/PreOrderAnnouncement1000px.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBHcZ4zIQ2yWQLBncdb0asHGhUifNP-k1I79Lb5_Xpe0yfLqLpQDlYsG19yAJScFKLYoZmAp9liWzKoP1bQB4N03zxNu2ChyphenhyphenvUuuUcnHTt4U6bS_1TS248YjNWB7eEHU07NBpTuAUAgQ/w400-h266/PreOrderAnnouncement1000px.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b div="">
<center>
Available for pre-order through <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780990742012" target="_blank">Indiebound,</a>
<a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-limits-of-limelight/9780990742012" target="_blank">Bookshop.org,</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0990742016/" target="_blank">Amazon,</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091WWB4JN" target="_blank">Kindle,</a> <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-limits-of-limelight/id1562420473" target="_blank">Apple Books,</a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-limits-of-limelight-margaret-porter/1139186192?ean=9780990742012" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble,</a> <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Limits-Limelight/Margaret-Porter/9780990742012" target="_blank">Books-A-Million,</a> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-limits-of-limelight" target="_blank">Kobo, </a><a href="https://www.hudsonbooksellers.com/book/9780990742012" target="_blank">Hudson Booksellers</a></center><center><br /></center></b></div>
April 13 is the birthday of Helen Maurine Brown Nichols, who became known as Hollywood actress Phyllis Fraser, first cousin and best friend of Ginger Rogers. There's no better day to announce the start of pre-ordering of my novel about Phyllis, which also features Ginger, and Ginger's mother Lela Rogers, and other notables of Golden Age Hollywood and literary New York.
<br /><br />
<text align="justify"> <blockquote>
Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.<br />
Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.<br />look
While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?
<br />
<blockquote>
"An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities and adulthood . . . vigorous and involving to the end." ~ <i>Midwest Book Review</i>
<br /><br />
"Based on a true story . . . A witty and meticulously researched treat." ~ <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>
<br /><br />
"A biographical novel as bright as the Golden Era . . . A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood . . . a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go." ~ <i>Independent Book Review</i>
<br /><br />
"A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era . . . a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!"
~ Leslie Carroll, author of <i>American Princess</i>
<br /><br />
"Porter's elegant, warm and well-researched novel is a joy to read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction and tales of remarkable women. 5 of 5 Stars."
~ Literary Redhead, <i>Goodreads</i>
</blockquote>
</blockquote></text><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photos of Phyllis, today's birthday girl, with her Cousin Ginger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_amJMYrGwSp6PGp7zrQISGxqbYcS3iNpcOtbe07ZFqO8SOUNghrn-Acs6D_fBZOS_TcA9_NpziFEXT5UQAgjmdetIz4UZS5Gra6I7rJzhd8E3T7Ue5KYxssdfXjbIJMZRCBIe9zErT8/s442/P%2526G1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_amJMYrGwSp6PGp7zrQISGxqbYcS3iNpcOtbe07ZFqO8SOUNghrn-Acs6D_fBZOS_TcA9_NpziFEXT5UQAgjmdetIz4UZS5Gra6I7rJzhd8E3T7Ue5KYxssdfXjbIJMZRCBIe9zErT8/s400/P%2526G1.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGSNlXf-mMZL1WuKat5lqWnfbg6pLxhG9Z4r012hsySdx_uGgUnnJvBUyJgeCemfwkWETq3VUC-uU5RBpXdY64JYY_FPl-ZtlctSL6_56jxXzdKgFUNjVxv-ElUrwsZ-xP8ahMT4zEmo/s808/P%2526G2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGSNlXf-mMZL1WuKat5lqWnfbg6pLxhG9Z4r012hsySdx_uGgUnnJvBUyJgeCemfwkWETq3VUC-uU5RBpXdY64JYY_FPl-ZtlctSL6_56jxXzdKgFUNjVxv-ElUrwsZ-xP8ahMT4zEmo/s320/P%2526G2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QLX5x8AmUIZOicFodhwEaN_-YI-AcPC5kme50KGCJ0ZL5SqRMzLPz_MPwm31jzktlIn1jRsbZCUa0rJsgjV1dd4I_DEm7kOeupAfCzmHexltAW8pt8xLsPjxMLzdYxFgr4K3zhvTrwU/s1077/p%2526g4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QLX5x8AmUIZOicFodhwEaN_-YI-AcPC5kme50KGCJ0ZL5SqRMzLPz_MPwm31jzktlIn1jRsbZCUa0rJsgjV1dd4I_DEm7kOeupAfCzmHexltAW8pt8xLsPjxMLzdYxFgr4K3zhvTrwU/s320/p%2526g4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBSpmsaQldBP_DCEzo2d1lUcAQw7l4kpujlPa6yAM9zIqZtIeo4qyngFvmzcHjh0E9WVCN7RAf3Eubo1JjvOYHvTL1PMdC-lrmEUuyyNkkzY-dQbYsdRsl6jBQzfxldqosruLB3mgQRY/s684/P%2526G3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="684" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBSpmsaQldBP_DCEzo2d1lUcAQw7l4kpujlPa6yAM9zIqZtIeo4qyngFvmzcHjh0E9WVCN7RAf3Eubo1JjvOYHvTL1PMdC-lrmEUuyyNkkzY-dQbYsdRsl6jBQzfxldqosruLB3mgQRY/s320/P%2526G3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-3990865739843025672021-03-06T19:39:00.004-05:002021-03-11T08:33:08.370-05:00The Return to Blogging<p> The blogging went on hiatus for the second half of my Pandemic Year. It wasn't exactly intentional, but not entirely accidental, either.</p><p>As 2020 wound down, my Isle of Man trilogy was re-published in an ebook omnibus edition. Ordering information available<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Islanders-Complete-Margaret-Evans-Porter-ebook/dp/B08MZJKGPW" target="_blank">here.</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Eg_QMOJ7TQXcCrddjhknYbKh6ToE1x6lymR8gguoUtvyPJnBq5S6YOJqfT-KwXnDfJzDSYadXe-O2nreayE4Swefq2ZRjuemCgZ5Lgqb_fPN1R-6BI87HSg_eHx3jF2LJ96tH2Ggds0/s2048/The+Islanders+Series+Boxset+3D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Eg_QMOJ7TQXcCrddjhknYbKh6ToE1x6lymR8gguoUtvyPJnBq5S6YOJqfT-KwXnDfJzDSYadXe-O2nreayE4Swefq2ZRjuemCgZ5Lgqb_fPN1R-6BI87HSg_eHx3jF2LJ96tH2Ggds0/w309-h400/The+Islanders+Series+Boxset+3D.png" width="309" /></a></div><p>I was preoccupied with final proofing and edits and more proofing for <i>The Limits of Limelight,</i> my 14th historical novel, scheduled for publication in mid-September.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8juKziKEzr_gxdvE5LoYfi-AOlFBf9UskET6MkNP-T0wZtsaavlBOBB-s6owNVr0OE8Rpu5bgHR1X5L8z-sxdJBBkeTAuLdI0H3gsIk8kF8XzfjgHMf1iz5EBnRCnd0eydvFlCBlWSg/s500/TLOL3d.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8juKziKEzr_gxdvE5LoYfi-AOlFBf9UskET6MkNP-T0wZtsaavlBOBB-s6owNVr0OE8Rpu5bgHR1X5L8z-sxdJBBkeTAuLdI0H3gsIk8kF8XzfjgHMf1iz5EBnRCnd0eydvFlCBlWSg/w356-h400/TLOL3d.png" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This 3rd work of biographical historical fiction features Phyllis Fraser (whose first cousin was Ginger Rogers), plus notables of Golden Age Hollywood and literary New York. Advance Reader copies are being distributed, and early reviews are most gratifying. I'll be sharing a great deal more as pre-order time and publication day draw nearer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;">The snow arrived early--as it often does--when the roses were still blooming. It made for some interesting photographs:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEO_zYXGASq4hJTFDE-TGhslREG8Es2a_F_ixDxl6w_p2e_yryhNXzepfo-ftHN6nC3ZmHssiqzwxzBpwpDxzkuIuj-ipvoZyGnWFTz5iwPMow1rCAvHEpAnKv-8Y2mmhgM_51oafp7k/s960/123128749_10220810372943672_825087607974702632_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEO_zYXGASq4hJTFDE-TGhslREG8Es2a_F_ixDxl6w_p2e_yryhNXzepfo-ftHN6nC3ZmHssiqzwxzBpwpDxzkuIuj-ipvoZyGnWFTz5iwPMow1rCAvHEpAnKv-8Y2mmhgM_51oafp7k/w300-h400/123128749_10220810372943672_825087607974702632_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Christmas was appropriately festive, despite quarantine conditions. It was also white.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmGK98HUNO4MqZgi1JuUtbkXfWpn6_IxUW2IAIABbMUJRNkb3PdvUrX4UmIG86XwCEgsMT1zbzkhtb2sBuBX6lp7KdT0dNXcnV-uJloLlAerUO30VMXw2IxNYw0x6qijUNm9B496E0xM/s820/127601849_10221007176423636_2137296881299604294_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmGK98HUNO4MqZgi1JuUtbkXfWpn6_IxUW2IAIABbMUJRNkb3PdvUrX4UmIG86XwCEgsMT1zbzkhtb2sBuBX6lp7KdT0dNXcnV-uJloLlAerUO30VMXw2IxNYw0x6qijUNm9B496E0xM/w256-h400/127601849_10221007176423636_2137296881299604294_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As was February, much to young dog Dot's delight. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy9LI2nNT72kqFbrXxxgGGC1i_P7r1YmJAY4l_-OG5-oO-NeG5hQsglo9wGszmC7Pf7muWJiJu9qdIyXq6jUWAez-WxgpQ7o9sQTRzuO1jfk-usOxKNVCtR0H_o-J-3juS4dB3xQrGqY/s960/150814084_10221650505346457_6903674409620682370_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy9LI2nNT72kqFbrXxxgGGC1i_P7r1YmJAY4l_-OG5-oO-NeG5hQsglo9wGszmC7Pf7muWJiJu9qdIyXq6jUWAez-WxgpQ7o9sQTRzuO1jfk-usOxKNVCtR0H_o-J-3juS4dB3xQrGqY/w400-h400/150814084_10221650505346457_6903674409620682370_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Senior dog Ruth, isn't as thrilled.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBFaZe5jc0dRfRrwPvSBFDo5ZO7-Vk-DJ62XWsHSSWIGv-wgh16qBZv0ZEDp3j7x-xFzGBO11ZoHcWrnvmhy9NlcVPZhQc66Tsr8Pj7dnhKE7BuN86XG3y-haN-nVctkqnVE4o-Ewtgk/s960/151290247_10221656975228200_559248830587797846_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="960" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBFaZe5jc0dRfRrwPvSBFDo5ZO7-Vk-DJ62XWsHSSWIGv-wgh16qBZv0ZEDp3j7x-xFzGBO11ZoHcWrnvmhy9NlcVPZhQc66Tsr8Pj7dnhKE7BuN86XG3y-haN-nVctkqnVE4o-Ewtgk/w400-h206/151290247_10221656975228200_559248830587797846_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There has been a benefit to lockdown times, and that's the ability to do writers' conference presentations and to participate in bookstore events and meet with book clubs who selected <b><i>Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr</i></b> as their monthly reading selection. I've had a wonderful time sharing information about Hedy and her frequency-hopping innovation during World War II, and discussing her films and Golden Age Hollywood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwoTJlrQeYLnvhviQf0DNU3ojEXIgZVDXX4E07emXLg6IOgzNC4sJk4LmSecU1GTubWe5xWkUQcC60ONcGy0vL9dwzOtLc-kAXR4gqsW2Zu77cGHWUplyKVd7MNXTbAj0Tnz32wEM6r8/s960/124184629_10220886899856797_4844483883185979599_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwoTJlrQeYLnvhviQf0DNU3ojEXIgZVDXX4E07emXLg6IOgzNC4sJk4LmSecU1GTubWe5xWkUQcC60ONcGy0vL9dwzOtLc-kAXR4gqsW2Zu77cGHWUplyKVd7MNXTbAj0Tnz32wEM6r8/w300-h400/124184629_10220886899856797_4844483883185979599_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've begun work on novel #15, which marks a return to the theatrical realm of 18th century London. When not writing, I've been reading like mad--new releases by author colleagues, advance reader copies from debut and veteran historical novelists. Now that my NetGalley account is reactiviated, I intend to post reviews there and here in coming weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I made New Year's resolutions, one of mine would've been to be a more dedicated blogger in 2021!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934333378761647338.post-83586583029636993402020-09-27T16:30:00.003-04:002020-09-27T16:30:39.426-04:00Celebrating Autumn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbc4wMbt-COe-JuBcVtO2fow0h0DkWyQbZo9q6jdZ4L5Fz5AnZlYywLXs8Ym1fBDBQPwE55EpAYvysNWvEx7CHrmj1BULdCsrw7ElRb5pazowNE_8XlqUMB-GAMqUBXoxdbKYAyklYy8/s960/119890987_10220542410884788_5849378186923359154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="960" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbc4wMbt-COe-JuBcVtO2fow0h0DkWyQbZo9q6jdZ4L5Fz5AnZlYywLXs8Ym1fBDBQPwE55EpAYvysNWvEx7CHrmj1BULdCsrw7ElRb5pazowNE_8XlqUMB-GAMqUBXoxdbKYAyklYy8/w400-h226/119890987_10220542410884788_5849378186923359154_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The hours, days, weeks, and months flow by--differently than they did before the pandemic, yet also much the same. As in prior years, the roses continue to bloom into autumn, the lake cottage provides a chance of scene when needed, the dogs still love their daily walks, research on a new project keeps me occupied, and I participate in zoom meetings related to volunteer activities or book events.</p><p>I study the changing leaves, and realise that 2020 won't last much longer.</p><p>Usually I'm in England or Wales and sometimes Europe at exactly this time of year. I'm missing the people I spend time with there, and look forward to reunion whenever it becomes possible.</p><p>I also look forward to being ready to blog regularly about the next book. Not quite time yet. So for now, some photos!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtQ1ZGvB1F8-F-MTxRKqBaGDWPb-SJ9uo4x4XOt65opJDjwP1IsImO6pW4UW83oTIOt-Q7ZxBVTqtNwTu2ZVEHSJ_tVmf6qzWz20XW7kPbjxt4D62ElPy28cy2r-zi3i4JZASp0o1yzQ/s960/119203522_10220499774138896_4332039329951059747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtQ1ZGvB1F8-F-MTxRKqBaGDWPb-SJ9uo4x4XOt65opJDjwP1IsImO6pW4UW83oTIOt-Q7ZxBVTqtNwTu2ZVEHSJ_tVmf6qzWz20XW7kPbjxt4D62ElPy28cy2r-zi3i4JZASp0o1yzQ/w300-h400/119203522_10220499774138896_4332039329951059747_n.jpg" title="Ruth & Dot arrivign at the lake cottage" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth & Dot arrive at the lake cottage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mv_fM1NAv6i6IRTvJ7j2k9y86n66m7Md_ohTEwhONlJegVGxhgj6GxLYDp9kBfHPJp-PsFrahrF2HtSx2qlhDux5E0PXolX040CC4xt6Zw3h3nKc2byxLZ1khxtoo0HEwBrTbs6k66I/s1440/119606861_10220544595619405_6673011689467020974_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mv_fM1NAv6i6IRTvJ7j2k9y86n66m7Md_ohTEwhONlJegVGxhgj6GxLYDp9kBfHPJp-PsFrahrF2HtSx2qlhDux5E0PXolX040CC4xt6Zw3h3nKc2byxLZ1khxtoo0HEwBrTbs6k66I/w400-h300/119606861_10220544595619405_6673011689467020974_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Driveway Concerts continue<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5cyjflakYglax5BUOEiQrjBdkCYzTJmXh03jfNnLSBR47inKmvvLQRfA9JTh8ClDEY2yT-zd0ojVhT5AgZeGnVKwZkaKqUiaPg7Z-i8Ueq40IkswR4gRm4AcVnIZR2tIifsMmE2P3ag/s960/118801886_10220462093316899_3267379224249140226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5cyjflakYglax5BUOEiQrjBdkCYzTJmXh03jfNnLSBR47inKmvvLQRfA9JTh8ClDEY2yT-zd0ojVhT5AgZeGnVKwZkaKqUiaPg7Z-i8Ueq40IkswR4gRm4AcVnIZR2tIifsMmE2P3ag/w400-h300/118801886_10220462093316899_3267379224249140226_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we dine in style while listening to the music<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZOBKGzUPA89px6GyT5HBs22t3szbA87ODK6HNa0Q9angyCuMGMGEVmSwHh3s7tHjxYFsznpfcSE7oWgp6MnBXxAqHheTGMQexzATgHjA23SsjVIsvby8Gd7aBnpXks6a1Pzl9FsrsHs/s960/120189856_10220576267731188_4505672366105909957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="960" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZOBKGzUPA89px6GyT5HBs22t3szbA87ODK6HNa0Q9angyCuMGMGEVmSwHh3s7tHjxYFsznpfcSE7oWgp6MnBXxAqHheTGMQexzATgHjA23SsjVIsvby8Gd7aBnpXks6a1Pzl9FsrsHs/w400-h329/120189856_10220576267731188_4505672366105909957_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roses still brighten the garden<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTVquuJoR5X775kFHtwilw2UqXzKevnHeUocK4ccjNbul08ikj7sM4Po7exl3b-bzqwf80jnMVmfxs1shZkTdQWVrveS4KKC3UyYTOypoqYFI3D45G4HUHdPYA6aLGeaeSEKNuYhEIuY/s960/120156399_10220576267051171_3725178374393633604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTVquuJoR5X775kFHtwilw2UqXzKevnHeUocK4ccjNbul08ikj7sM4Po7exl3b-bzqwf80jnMVmfxs1shZkTdQWVrveS4KKC3UyYTOypoqYFI3D45G4HUHdPYA6aLGeaeSEKNuYhEIuY/w306-h400/120156399_10220576267051171_3725178374393633604_n.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxVFuW_-JJ9e1O1YcyF41wVn2rL6BXxNrONY6EnQjxL_a5fmobLlcFe4OpcmX00VICJ65tG08JvTt7B9NUXtdYy4uxPW9gP1R60aKIpDLH917oBBmUbIKv4DddxuTh9l__qTEUhLH1GU/s1920/inCollage_20200923_120224709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxVFuW_-JJ9e1O1YcyF41wVn2rL6BXxNrONY6EnQjxL_a5fmobLlcFe4OpcmX00VICJ65tG08JvTt7B9NUXtdYy4uxPW9gP1R60aKIpDLH917oBBmUbIKv4DddxuTh9l__qTEUhLH1GU/w400-h400/inCollage_20200923_120224709.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One week I had a lot of Zoom meetings. One day, as many as 3!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">May your autumn be filled with colour!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwFpuOlSwox2Ek3vAAbqBqsAzhTD0pxRtz2XLUqq-s6YDkwjNl7P6ygf1ukHhMyIioPMfNoN6liBUUW3aapWRVjlskXcPYEk4Kf_GgUiYxm6Z8ruaK2tsGpccwPflNr4INhGnCz_w9mY/s960/119815423_10220582189119219_7014767470154298005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwFpuOlSwox2Ek3vAAbqBqsAzhTD0pxRtz2XLUqq-s6YDkwjNl7P6ygf1ukHhMyIioPMfNoN6liBUUW3aapWRVjlskXcPYEk4Kf_GgUiYxm6Z8ruaK2tsGpccwPflNr4INhGnCz_w9mY/w300-h400/119815423_10220582189119219_7014767470154298005_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margaret Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202290659191790984noreply@blogger.com