Reader’s Corner: My Favorite Halloween Reads

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

 

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday!  I always go all out with decorating and when my kids were younger we did elaborate parties with all kinds of spooky treats.  So today as  treat for both you and me, I thought I’d share my favorite scary books–the ones you can’t put down and then have to leave the lights on because of!

Probably the first scary story I remember reading was The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and let me tell you–Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman scared the crap out of me as a child!  But it’s so delicious to be scared, isn’t it?  I guess that began my love affair with the horror genre.

These are in no particular order–I’ve loved reading them all–except I am saving my absolute favorite for last.  (And I have tried not to make this a promotional event for Stephen King, but he is my number 1 horror author.)

The Masque of the Red Death.  I found this story wonderfully scary at a very young age.  I was always fascinated by Medieval history and the Black Death and I bet it stems from reading this Edgar Allen Poe masterpiece.

Endless Night.  One of the Agatha Christie books I devoured as a teenager that really creeped me out.  Not a mystery so much as a chilling tale.  Brrr.  Even the title is spooky.

The Lottery.  Can’t remember when I first read this Shirley Jackson classic story.  The one lottery you don’t want to win.  And such an indictment of human nature.  Shivering as I type.

The Exorcist.  Yes, I saw the movie (this one makes that list too), but I read the book afterward and it scared the beejesus out of me too.  More on that tomorrow.

Midnight.  This was the second Dean Koontz book I ever read, and while it’s not particularly frightening, the transformations are eerie enough to make me think of Halloween.  The plucky little girl is also my favorite Dean Koontz heroine.  I so wanted to be her!  She rocked!

The Mist.  NOT the movie, but the novella.  Great scary stuff.  The movie was just depressing and the novella does not end that way.  You really should read it.  I always imagined it taking place in my hometown supermarket, which had a huge plate-glass front.  And to this day seeing fog un-nerves me.

The Stand.  Probably the second Stephen King novel I ever read.  I picked it up to read on vacation and promptly came down with a cold while reading it!  Boy, was I ever creeped out.  I’ve since read the expanded version as well and loved the made-for-TV movie (well done for a Stephen King).  A definite fave. 🙂

The House Next Door.  By Anne Rivers Siddons.  I read this because Stephen King mentioned it  as a good, scary read.  He was so right!  Talk about a haunted house!  A great, haunting tale of the South.

The Shining.  The book was so much more frightening than the Jack Nicholson movie.  I remember the ending (again, not exactly like the movie) that chilled me so much I had to put the book down–as if the evil would come through the pages and infect me!  Definite daytime read. 🙂

And my absolute Favorite Scary Book–It by Stephen King.  Love, love, love the characters and their interaction.  Those were the kind of friends I wish I’d had growing up.  But without the clown or the spider (always imagined it to be like the queen in Aliens!).

So those are my favorite scary reads for this Halloween!  I’d love to know what your favorite scary book is. Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of E. Ayers’ Halloween Treat A Skeleton at Her Door.  Happy Hauntings!

Posted in On Reading, Reader's Corner | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

E. Ayers At My Door (Blog)

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

 

I am so very pleased today to have my good friend and fellow author E. Ayers with me at Jenna’s Journal to tell us about her inspiration for her brand new Halloween story A Skeleton at Her Door.

Hi, Jenna, thanks for inviting me here.

My newest novella, A Skeleton at Her Door, does have a bit of truth behind it. Many years ago, before cell phones, when my daughters were tweens, I was in charge of a huge Halloween bash for our neighborhood. Luckily, we had some wonderful creative people involved, and it was a huge success. But a few days before this big event, there was a knock at my door. I opened it to this fabulous skeleton. Where did he get that costume? I have no idea. Amazing!

I knew my neighbor was going to be a skeleton in this big upcoming event so I assumed, dragged him inside, and called my girls downstairs to come see this guy. Every muscle in this guy’s body showed and he had some muscles. My girls scurry down the steps, and the youngest, who was maybe ten at the time, sat on those steps and stared at this guy as if she were dissecting him in science class.

The guy is not saying a word. The makeup job on him was first class. His lips and a portion of his cheeks had been carefully painted to look like teeth, and it didn’t take much to figure out that he was afraid to talk for fear of messing up this facial artwork. My oldest, who was about thirteen, walked around him. I thought she was admiring the costume. That’s about the moment when my youngest says, “Mom, that not Bob Smith. Bob has blue eyes and this guy has brown eyes.”

Panic sets in! Who did I just drag into my house? I’m alone with my two “little” girls and hubby isn’t even due home for another hour. The guy rolls his palms up and shrugs. I offered him pen and paper. With gloved hands he writes a note. He had the address transposed. I told him the correct address. He waved, and left. I kept telling myself that 99% of people in this world are good, decent, honest people.

My youngest daughter glibly comments, “He looked good, real good!”

The oldest looked at me, blew out a breath through pursed lips, and fanned her face. “He was hot.”

At thirteen, she was not supposed to know about hot! Guess my little girls weren’t so little anymore. But that incident stuck with me.

So what would happen if a man in a skeleton costume had the wrong address today? And what if that wrong address belonged to a single mom? It’s called A Skeleton at Her Door.  

 AMAZON http://tinyurl.com/3v99xjw

 B&N  http://tinyurl.com/3zk5eya

and other major stores

Thank you so much for being my guest today, E.  I can’t wait to read about this “skeleton ” and what he does for this single mom.

And anyone who wants a chance to win a copy of A Skeleton at Her Door, just leave a comment below and include your name and email address.  It’s the easiest Treat you’ll get this Halloween!

I’ll be continuing the Halloween festivities the rest of this week with a look at my favorite scary books, my favorite scary movies, and on Halloween I’ll tell you a spooky story that’s true.  I know, because it happened to me!  ‘Til then, Happy Haunting!

Posted in Guest Bloggers, On Holiday Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

November Blog Hop Preview–In-Between Days Blog Hop

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

 

Beginning next Friday–November 4th–I’m participating in a month long blog hop featuring 18 Decadent Publishing authors.  We are all promoting our recent or pending releases, which means you’ll be hearing more about my 1Night Stand erotic contemporary Almost Perfect. 

There will be contests and giveaways by all the participants, so you’ll have  a month of opportunities to win not only Almost Perfect, but a host of other great books, gift cards, bookmarks, and general swag from Decadent authors. 

So plan on coming back next week when I post the linky list of authors and you can hop to your heart’s content!

And don’t forget–tomorrow I have E. Ayers as a guest blogger with her new Halloween treat A Skeleton at Her Door! 

 

 

 

Posted in 1Night Stand, Blog Tours, On Almost Perfect | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Almost Perfect Playlist

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Monday to everyone!  I’m officially back from my hiatus.  My production is over and my pre-edits for Only Scandal Will Do are completed and sent to my fabulous editor at Lyrical Press.  So what am I doing now?

Well, for starters I’m blogging today at the Daily Dose of Decadence blogspot.  I’ve posted my playlist for Almost Perfect, a very eclectic list of songs that ran through my head while I was writing my 1Night Stand story.  Please stop by the site at http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com/ and tell me what you think.  Almost Perfect is set to release on November 25th!

 I’m also putting finishing touches on my collection of Christmas stories called All Wrapped Up.  I had hoped to reveal my cover for this Christmas anthology today, but a last-minute technical problem has postponed that unveiling for a day or two.  I truly hope to have it to you–along with blurbs on all four stories–later this week.

I’m also continuing to work on two WIPs–my historical As Long As You’re Mine and my contemporary erotic Seven Days of Seduction.  I’ve missed working on them.

And on Wednesday I have good friend and author E. Ayers as guest blogger to tell you about her newest release A Skeleton at Her Door, just in time for Halloween!  You’ve also got a chance to win a copy of the book by coming by the blog and leaving a comment with your email address.  How easy is that?

So head on over to Daily Dose of Decadence, then come back tomorrow to win a copy of A Skeleton at Her Door. 

Have a great Monday!

Posted in 1Night Stand, Guest Bloggers, On Almost Perfect | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Another Visit with Rafe and Samantha from As Long As You’re Mine

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Hello, everyone.  I know that there is no Six Sentence Sunday today, due to “technical difficulties” with some authors not following the rules.  I respect the creators of SSS and understand their objection to people who break the rules.  I am an avid rule follower–always have been–so I like to abide by the rules and applaud the administrators for their stand and refusal to compromise on the standards they have set for their site.

I have, however, decided to post an excerpt from As Long As You’re Mine today.  It’s a bit longer than the one I would have posted for SSS, but a short excerpt nevertheless.  Because I’m sort of on a schedule.  Next week is the final week I plan to post from ALAYM, so I need today’s post to pave the way for my closing six. 

This excerpt comes immediately after Samantha’s seeming acceptance of their circumstances and impending marriage.  Please enjoy!

“Will you remain here at your uncle’s estate until the three weeks are up or do you travel to Essex with us at the end of the house party?”  With her cool tone she might have been asking if he took lemon in his tea.

            “I have some business in Lancashire as you heard me explain to my aunt.  After concluding that I will journey, probably with my aunt and uncle, to Essex.”  He took in her calm demeanor, her steadfast eyes.  He didn’t believe it for a minute.  She was formulating a plan.  But he had to offer something.  Something to try to make this whole situation even a little right.  “I hope that we can spend some time together before the wedding, get to know each other a bit better.  Will that be acceptable, Samantha?  This doesn’t have to be a fate worse than death.”

            Her nose flared and her lips thinned, then she swept past him toward the horses.  “We should go back now,” she called over her shoulder.  In a moment she mounted and rode out from under the tree, the sound of insistent hoof beats tapering off gradually. 

I do hope you enjoyed this short excerpt and will join me for the final one from As Long As You’re Mine next Sunday at Six Sentence Sunday.

Meanwhile, join me as I unveil my next project–a collection of Christmas stories I’m planning to self-publish soon.  Tomorrow I’m posting the shiny (very shiny!) new cover for the collection, entitled All Wrapped Up.  Hope you come by and take a peek.

My other historical romance,  Heart of Deception, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, at the reduced price of just .99.  Hog Wild, an erotic Fractured Fairytale, is available from New Dawning International Bookfair.  And both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks. 

Below I’ve also included the cover for my latest erotic contemporary, Almost Perfect, due out November 25th from Decadent Publishing!  I’m also guest blogger on Monday, October 24 at the Daily Dose of Decadence blog site.  I’ll be showing you the list of songs that was playing in my head when I wrote Almost Perfect–an Almost Perfect Playlist actually. 🙂

Have a great day! 

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–10/22 Sing A Christmas Carol

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back for more Christmas candy at Sweet Saturday Sample this week.  My many thinks to all who come by each week.  I truly appreciate your time and comments.

Today’s sample  comes from a third story in my  Christmas collection of love tales called All Wrapped Up.  I’m unveiling the cover for the collection in a post here on Monday, so come back to take a look.  It’s pretty darn awesome, if I do say so myself!

Today’s story is another contemporary romance that revolves around the Christmas tradition of carolling.  In this excerpt college student Chase has been given the odious task of telling Lauren she’s being kicked out of their group of Christmas carolers because she can’t sing.  It’s called Sing a Christmas Carol and I hope you enjoy!

Chase knocked again on the door in the upper hallway of Duke, the upperclassman girls’ dorm.  The sound of Christmas music drifted through the door, something older, like Bing Crosby, maybe?  Was that “White Christmas?”  At last the wooden door jerked open and Chase found himself face to face with Lana, Lauren’s roommate. Dressed in jacket and muffler, she looked ready to leave.

“Hey, Lana.  Is Lauren here?  I couldn’t get her on her phone.”

“Not surprised.  Welcome to Christmas Central.”  She waved towards the dimly lit room, awash with Christmas lights.  “I think her phone’s set to ‘Jingle Bells,’ so she doesn’t realize it’s ringing.  Lauren!”  She turned toward an inner door that was open a crack and raised her voice to be heard over Bing.  “Chase is here!”  Lana shook her head when there was no response.  “Go on in, she’ll be out of the bathroom in a minute.”

Chase stepped back as Lana adjusted her shoulder bag and brushed past him.  “Where’re you off to?”

“Anywhere that’s not so ‘Ho, ho, ho-riffic.’”  She continued down the corridor without a backward glance, just a wave of her hand.

He glanced around, then tentatively stepped into the room and shut the door.  The dorm room had been transformed into a winter wonderland all right.  A small artificial tree sat in the bay window that overlooked the quad.  Its lights flashed red and green in counterpoint to the strands of multi-colored lights, strung around the windows, and running around the perimeter of the room.  Bing finished “White Christmas” and moved on to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” 

Chase had to admit, the man’s voice was incredible in its richness and timbre. Lauren might not have a good voice, but she had an ear for quality. 

Decorations filled desktops, stuffed Santas and snowmen perched on the beds, well, on the bed to his right.  The one to his left had a single pillow, non-holiday themed, which he assumed to be Lana’s.

The bathroom door opened and Lauren walked out, head bent to the side as she rubbed her long wet hair with a towel.  Thank God she wore a robe!  A skimpy, plush red robe with white collar that made her look like an erotic version of Mrs. Claus.  Chase shook his head.  Where the hell had that idea come from?

“Chase?”  Her eyes grew bigger and she straightened.  First she pulled the robe closed across her breasts, then tugged it down over her behind.  It didn’t seem to have much give.  “What are you doing here?  Where’s Lana?”

“I think she went out to study.  She called you, but I guess you didn’t hear her.  You want me to wait outside until you get dressed?”

She shook her head then pressed the towel to her damp head.  “I’m fine.  What’s up?  Is there an extra practice or something?  You could have texted me.”

“Yeah, I tried to call, but you didn’t pick up.  No, there’s no practice.  I just wanted a chance to talk to you.”  This was going to be even worse amidst all the Christmas cheer.

“Really?”  Her face lit up, her smile genuine and warm. 

He was suddenly reminded of Cindy Lou Who from How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  That was it.  He was the Grinch, about to steal Lauren’s Christmas.

Do you think Chase will go through with it?  Or will he manage to distract Lauren somehow? Check out the anthology, coming in early November, to see if he’s the newest Grinch in town. 

Thanks again for sampling my sweets.  Come back next week for the last of my Christmas “Sweet Samples” or join in the fun with your own.  Follow this link to Sweet Saturday Sample to find more “sweet” offerings.  have a great weekend!

Posted in On Holiday Stories, On Sweet Saturday Sample | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday 10/16–As Long As You’re Mine

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m back!  In the home stretch with Only Scandal Will Do and my production ends today, so I have just a minute for another six from As Long As You’re Mine.  My great thanks to everyone who’s been stopping by and commenting on ALAYM–I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my snippets.

In today’s six:  After Samantha assures Rafe that she doesn’t want to “indulge” in anything with him, he informs her that they will be married in three weeks.  Please enjoy!

 

 

“Your father named the day this morning and I did not feel in a position to gainsay him, seeing that he himself witnessed our indiscretion, or part of it.”    Rafael sighed then continued, “It is not what either of us want, Samantha, but your father insists.  And if you do not consent. . . “

            “He will disinherit me,” her voiced softened as her eyes narrowed, “and I have lived with that threat for quite a while—it drove me to Raiford’s bed and ultimately to you.”  Samantha tossed her head back, the filtered light glinting on the various shades of gold in her hair, reminding him of nothing so much as a crown.  She acquiesced with the grace of a queen and his opinion of her raised a notch. 

Hope you enjoyed this snippet!  For more great sixes please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join us for more fun next week with six of your own.  

If you liked my six, why not try some of my other work as well?  Heart of Deception, another historical romance, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, at the reduced price of just .99.  My erotic contemporary, Hog Wild, is available from New Dawning International Bookfair.  And both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks. 

Below I’ve also included the cover for my latest erotic contemporary, Almost Perfect, due out November 25th from Decadent Publishing!  

Have a great week! 

 

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–10/15 The Present

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back for a new sweet treat at Sweet Saturday Sample!  I do appreciate everyone coming by and commenting very much.  Thank you also to first-time visitors.  I appreciate everyone stopping by.  

Today’s sample  comes from a another short story in my anthology of Christmas love tales called All Wrapped Up.  This particular story is a contemporary romance called The Present.  Hope you enjoy!

 

“I won’t do it, Janice.  You can do your own dirty work.”  Tessa Avery turned the vacuum cleaner back on and returned to cleaning the carpet in her sister’s living room.  She stared at the noisy thing as she pushed it back and forth so violently she almost took out a small end table.  Don’t look her in the eye.  It’s all over if you make eye contact.

Sudden silence descended as the vacuum stopped dead.  Tessa whirled around to find Janice holding the disconnected plug.  “You will do it or I won’t pay you for the month.”

It was a threat Tessa had to respect.  Unemployed for six months, she counted heavily on the money she got from cleaning her sister’s apartment.  But this was going too far.  “It’s not in the job description, Jan.”

“It is now.”

“Look, just call and tell him you don’t want to see him any more.”

“I can’t do that.  He’s flying back from California and won’t be in touch until after 7 o’clock tonight.  At which time I will be dancing with that hunky Kevin at the office Christmas party.  I don’t plan to be home before one o’clock.”  Her eyes glittered like cold stars.  “If I’m really lucky, I won’t be home at all.  So when Hal shows up, you can just tell him I decided we weren’t right for each other.”

“This is low even for you, Jan.”

Her sister stared at her, beady-eyed, as she waggled the cord back and forth.  “Up to you, Tess.  Stay here, let Hal down for me, and there’ll be a nice bonus in your envelope.  Leave and….”  Janice’s smile could have wilted the poinsettias.  “Well, I can always find another cleaning lady.  It’s two days before Christmas.  If you want it to be a merry one, I suggest you stay.” 

She bent and plugged the vacuum back in, so the sudden noise masked the “Witch!” that slipped out of  Tessa’s mouth.  Janice headed to the bedroom, leaving Tess to contemplate the merits of sororicide and starvation.  At least they feed you in prison.

* * * *

Tessa sat, curled up on the couch, flipping back and forth between the classic It’s a Wonderful Life and the equally classic Miracle on 34th Street.  She frowned.  I need some “bah-humbug.”  One hundred and three channels later she determined no one was into the darker aspects of Christmas tonight.  Well, Hal certainly would be when she dropped Janice’s little bombshell on him. 

She wouldn’t have minded so much if the guy had been a perv, or too geeky for words.  Hell, even geeks deserved better than a second hand brush off.  She tossed the remote onto the coffee table and went to the kitchen in search of solace.

Tess poured herself a stiff rum and coke and stirred her drink, watching idly as the coke foamed over the rim.  Hal was a decent guy.  He might not be the most handsome man around, but he’d treated her sister well in the six months they dated.  Tessa met him several times; they talked at Janice’s birthday party last month and she liked his offbeat sense of humor.

She shook her head and took a gulp.  Hal was too good for Janice.  Half a glass later, she was convinced this rejection was for Hal’s own good, though he wouldn’t see it that way.  He had given Janice a diamond necklace for her birthday.  Crap!  I hope he’s not giving her a ring for Christmas! 

Tess drained her glass.

Not exactly a Merry Christmas for Tess or Hal, is it?  Check out the anthology to see if they managed  to squeeze out some kind of Christmas cheer. I hope you enjoyed another little breath of Christmas.

Thanks again for sampling my sweet.  Come back next week for another Christmas “Sweet Sample” or join in the fun with your own.  Follow this link to Sweet Saturday Sample to find more “sweet” offerings.  have a great weekend!

Posted in On Holiday Stories, On Sweet Saturday Sample | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday 10/09–As Long As You’re Mine

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Hello again!  Pre-edits almost done for Only Scandal Will Do so I’m here again with the next six from As Long As You’re Mine.  Remember Rafe just kissed Samantha twice and stopped her from slapping him a second time.  I hope you enjoy!

 

“I could say the same thing about your kisses, Mr. Beauregard,” Samantha said, trying to twist her arm free.

“If you really thought so, you shouldn’t have encouraged me during the first one,” he said, grinning at her furrowed brow. 

“I did no such thing,”  she insisted, her exasperated huff ruffling the hair on his forehead.

“I regret to disagree, but you most certainly did.  And there’s no reason we can’t indulge in a little dalliance with a clear conscience now.  We blew the barn door off the hinges last night and that horse isn’t coming back.”

 

An offer too good for Samantha to refuse?  LOL

Hope you enjoyed this snippet!  For more great sixes please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join us for more fun next week with six of your own.  

If you liked my six, perhaps you’d like some of my published work as well.  Heart of Deception, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, at the new, reduced price of just .99.  My erotic contemporary, Hog Wild, is also available from New Dawning International Bookfair.  Both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks. 

Below I’ve also included the cover for my latest erotic contemporary, Almost Perfect, due out November 25th from Decadent Publishing!  And my Georgian novel, Only Scandal Will Do, may be out as early as Spring 2012 from Lyrical Press. 

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–10/08 ‘Tis the Season

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back for a new sweet treat at Sweet Saturday Sample!  I do appreciate everyone coming by and commenting very much.  Thank you also to first-time visitors.  I appreciate everyone stopping by.  

Speaking of first-time visitors:  I wanted to give everyone a heads up–I’m participating in the Hauntingly Erotic Scavenger Hunt with several other authors.  If you’re here for the hunt, the details are in my previous blog.  If you’re here for Sweet Saturday Sample, but are still interested in erotic romance, you might want to play along.  Two lucky winners will receive three free ebooks!  So check out my previous post and go have some fun!  Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? 🙂

I’m changing things up a bit this week–including the season.  I wish I had a spooky story to share, but I only read them. LOL  So I’m fast-forwarding to Christmas!  The sample today comes from a short story I plan to self-pub soon in an anthology of Christmas love stories tentatively called All Wrapped Up.  This particular story is called ‘Tis the Season.  Hope you enjoy!

     “I believe we are all here, my dear.  Will you carve the goose?”  Mama smiled expectantly at Papa, very splendid in his new white silk cravat.  Jenny picked it out herself at the haberdasher’s last week and presented it to him this morning along with all the other Christmas gifts.  It was a very special gift, perhaps the last Christmas gift she would give her father as an unmarried woman. 

     The same thought occurred over and over.  This time next year I may be presiding over my own Christmas table.  Jenny celebrated her eighteenth birthday on the first day of December, which meant this spring she would make her come-out with all the other young girls and be unleashed on London to secure a husband.  And Jenny was confident she would do just that amidst the social whirl that was The Season:  balls, musicales, masquerades, excursions to the theatre and Vauxhall Gardens.  She looked forward to her season for so many reasons.

     Jenny smiled as she gazed around the table. The whole Crowley family had gathered for Christmas luncheon, which of course included their dear neighbors, Sir John and Lady Ellen Isley and their son, Thomas.  The Crowleys and the Isleys had been friends since before she was born, Papa and Sir John having gone to university together.  Their daughter Margaret had been Jenny’s bosom friend until she made her come-out two years ago.  Now she was married to a viscount and had just presented her husband with a son and heir not two weeks ago.  Jenny could only hope she would be as fortunate two years hence.

     Papa carved busily and plates were passed back and forth, vegetable dishes, bread and Yorkshire pudding made their rounds of the table.  But when her father at last sat and picked up his napkin to say grace, it was Great-Aunt Henrietta, sitting at the mid-point of the table, who spoke.  “So, Charles, when is the wedding to take place?”

     “Wedding, Aunt Henrietta?”  Papa’s voice rose in a question, but he cut his eyes towards Mamma, who shot a frightened look at Jenny.  That look puzzled her, but no more than her great-aunt’s question.  Whose wedding was she talking about?

     “Yes, Charles.  Jenny’s wedding to young Thomas here.”  Henrietta nodded across the table to Thomas Isley, whose eyes shifted wildly from side to side, as though he thought the old lady quite mad.  Jenny thought so herself.  “She’s eighteen now, and you promised me when she was of age I’d see her married into the Isley family.  I have lived for the day that I could see one of my family move into the titled class.”  She glared at Mamma, who blushed and turned to Jenny.

     “It’s not as bad as it sounds, Jenny darling.”  But Mamma’s wild eyes said yes, it was that bad.

     “Is this true, Mamma?”  Jenny’s voice didn’t sound like her own, stiff with shock at the revelation.

     “Yes, my dear, it most certainly is.”  Aunt Henrietta nodded with such vehemence that the flowers on her hat bobbed back and forth.

I hope you enjoyed this little breath of Christmas cheer (though Jenny’s world doesn’t seem very cheery right now).

 

I remind you that the price of my other historical romance, Heart of Deception, the little “sweet treat with a bit of heat,” has been lowered to .99, so if you liked the historical you  read today, you can hop on over to the publisher or Amazon and catch another Victorian romance!

Thanks again for sampling my sweet.  Come back next week for another “Sweet Sample” or join in the fun with your own.  Follow this link to Sweet Saturday Sample to find more “sweet” offerings.  have a great weekend!

Posted in On Holiday Stories, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments