Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 10)

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning all! Here’s the latest from

PENZANCE !

The morning of August 7, I left Bath en-route for Cornwall and the seaside resort of Penzance. Unlike previous train journeys, this one was a piece of cake: no changes and I reserved a seat the whole way. All four hours was a lovely trip down into Cornwall.

I once directed and played a role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, but I had other reasons as well for visiting the Cornwall coast. I’ve actually set two of my novels there. The first was a time travel novella I’m currently turning into a novel, working title Falling in Time, and the second is the upcoming fourth book of The Widows’ Club series, Much Ado About a Widow, which takes place primarily in St. Just, a mere eight miles west of Penzance.

My B&B this time was The Warwick Guest House, a beautiful prospect that overlooks the water. Almost better, I was situated on the first floor. No steps!

WARWICK HOUSE

My first night I took a stroll down the Promenade, right beside the water. Beautiful weather, sunny and a mild temperature in the mid-60s.

PROMENADE 1

PROMENADE 2

Not only did I go for a walk, I stopped at Fraser’s fish and chips where they made a fabulous gluten-free version of the classic and in different kinds of fish. I had the hake, a locally sourced fish from the waters I was walking beside. Not only delicious, but worth coming back to Cornwall for next year as well!

FRASER’S FISH AND CHIPS

Next day I took the Hop on-Hop off bus on a tour of the southern tip of Cornwall. I went through Mousehole, Lamorna, Porthcurno, Land’s End, Sennen Cove, all the way around to my goal: St. Just. Because Georgie and Rob’s story is set on the Cornish coast in the town of St. Just, I had to pay a visit and take some photos.

TOWN CENTER

IN TOWN ST. JUST

LOOKING TO THE COAST

ST. JUST

My second day in St. Just I used to rest and do some writing. I’ve started on the last of my House of Pleasure books, Only Pleasure Will Do, and I got three chapters edited and a fourth almost completed.

Next morning I was off and running again to another part of the country. Those details coming soon!

Cheers!

Jenna

Posted in Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | Tagged Cornwall, Fraser's Fish and Chips, Jenna Jaxon, Penzance, St. Just, Warwick Guest House, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 1 Comment

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 9)

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning all! Here’s the latest from

BATH !

This is the city, out of all those in my travels, where I felt most connected to the Regency period. Even though the town’s popularity was waning during the early 19th century, so many places are still available to see, I just had fangirl moment after fangirl moment.

Arrived to find I was staying in the heart of the city, Great Pulteney Street, in a Georgian house B & B.

MY B&B IN BATH

And since my most current WIP, It Happened at Christmas, is set in Bath, I was thrilled to find out I wasn’t staying a block away from where I had my heroine, Portia Willingham, living in the book.

THE SHOPS ON PULTENEY BRIDGE

I ended up walking just about everywhere, although my first full day, I used the Hop on Hop Off bus so I could see everything, then go back to the places I needed to visit in person.

The first of these was the Upper Assembly Rooms. This is where I began to get a little verklempt. I had just been writing about my heroine and hero dancing in the Ballroom and suddenly I was standing in that very ballroom! And let me tell you, it is huge! It could accommodate up to 800 people and looking at it, I believe it. The chandeliers are monstrous and gorgeous. There are five of them. I stood looking at them and could imagine perfectly what the scene would have looked like with all the candles lit, the ladies and gentlemen mingling or dancing. So verklempt.

BALLROOM AT THE BATH ASSEMLEY ROOMS

SEDAN CHAIR AT BATH ASSEMBLY ROOMS

(Outside the ballroom I had another moment when I saw they had on display two period sedan chairs–just like the ones in the scene I’d written the night before!)

I managed to continue through the Octagon Room and the Cards Room (now a cafe), then downstairs to visit the Costume Museum. Gorgeous period era clothing, including Regency of course.

REGENCY FASHIONS

Then up the street to the Royal Crescent, where I had my novella’s hero living. Took pictures of the Crescent and of No. 12 (where Benberry and Daventry live in the book), although it looked vacant.

ROYAL CRESCENT

The next morning I went the other place that had me verkelmpt–Sydney Pleasure Gardens. This park, the only existing 18th century Pleasure Gardens still in existence, was down at the end of the street where I was staying. I walked all over it, taking picture after picture which helped me immensely as I finished the book that night, with a scene set in Sydney Gardens! It really doesn’t get any better than this.

SYDNEY PLEASURE GARDENS

(If you want more info or pictures on Sydney Pleasure Gardens, click here to go to my recent article on it for Historical Hussies.)

Afterwards I went to the Jane Austen Center, the Bath Postal Museum, and finally stopped at the Pump Room for Afternoon (Gluten-Free) Tea. A long, relaxing time with delicious food and a three piece orchestra playing tunes from My Fair Lady when I walked in. 🙂 If you are ever in Bath, you should do the tea at the Pump Room. Afterwards, I went to the Roman Baths, and finally back to my B & B.

WRITING WITH QUILL AND INK AT JANE AUSTEN CENTER

TEA AT THE PUMP ROOM

Next morning I was off and running again to a completely different part of the country. And another story for another day. 🙂

Cheers!

Jenna

Posted in Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | Tagged Afternoon Tea, Bath, Bath Postal Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Jane Austen Center, Jenna Jaxon, Pump Room, Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Upper Assembly Rooms, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 4 Comments

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 8)

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning all! Here’s the latest from

KENDAL !

Sorry this post is so late, but have been so busy getting to and enjoying my stay in the Lake District.

Train service is great in England, but you have to take a lot of trains sometimes. I had to change trains 3 times to get to Kendal, then missed the connection at Oxenholm and had to wait an hour for the next one.

When I finally got to the town of Kendal I needed lunch, but there was literally nothing near the station. I had to hoof it up and down hills, with three pieces of luggage, and finally found a gluten-free option: Subway. Just a bit different in England, but still delicious. They didn’t have GF bread, so I got a salad. As someone once said, Hunger is the best sauce!

Caught a taxi out to my guest house, The Gateway, which was about 2 miles outside of town. Beautiful former manor house that’s now a B & B with a fabulous restaurant. After an exhausting day and a gourmet meal of lamb cutlets, I crashed in a very comfy bed.

PUB AT GATEWAY

MY ROOM

Next morning I had signed up to take the High Adventure tour of the Lake District. It was an all day tour with many stops to get out and take pictures. Beautiful country, with roads that were basically one lane wide. Very tricky maneuvering when other cars came along.

LAKE WINDERMERE

ELTERWATER BRIDGE

DRY STONE WALLS

FOOTBRIDGE AT SKELWITH

My third day there I had originally planned a train trip to Gretna Green, however, it would have meant taking innumerable taxis once I got there, and I was pretty tired still from the tour. So I took the day instead to write on my Christmas novella, It Happened at Christmas, and got it all done but the last chapter! Also had two great meals at The Gateway and did some writing outside in the English countryside.

WRITING IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

That was more than inspiring. I plan to dedicate the story to the staff at the Gateway who were so helpful and took such good care of me!

The following morning, I packed up and headed out for the next stop on my world-wind tour of England. But that’s a story for another day. 🙂

Cheers!

Jenna

Posted in Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | Tagged Albany, Fortnam & Mason, Jenna Jaxon, London trip, Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, St. James Park, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 3 Comments

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 7)

Posted on August 3, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning all! Here’s the latest from

LONDON !

Spent a very busy two days in London visiting several places I’ve either used in my books or intend to use. And in one case, fulfill an item off my bucket list.

First full day I took the Underground to Green Park, first stop: The Albany.

A very prestigious address both during the Regency and now. Matthew, Lord Lathbury, the hero of What A Widow Wants, resided there when he first met Fanny. Their first liaison took place in his apartment there.

From the Albany I crossed the street and had a peep into Fortnam and Mason’s at all their fabulous foodstuffs. (I’m going back there to send good home when I return to London!).

Then I was off to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This a a recreation (and as close as they could possibly get it) to the actual theatre of Shakespeare’s time. I’ve been wanting to see this for 20 years, ever since one of my dissertation advisers, Dr. Frank Hildy, talked about it and showed the pictures. He was a consultant on the building of it because he is an architectural theatre historian. They built it using the same materials and techniques available in the late 16th century, including wooden pegs instead of nails and thatch for the roof (the only current thatched roof in London).

The only difference with this theatre is that because of the thatched roof (which was the reason the original Globe burned to the ground), the insurance company made them install a sprinkler system.

Inside, the theatre is as close to being what Shakespeare’s audiences would have experienced as possible. Today’s audiences can pay 23-47 pounds (just like the middle classes in the 1590s) for a seat in one of three tiers of galleries. Or for 5 pounds (in the 1590s it would have been 1 penny) you could be a groundling and stand in the courtyard around the stage.

Having already walked over a mile that day, I opted to be a middle class person and gladly paid 23 pounds for a ticket to see The Merry Wives of Windsor at the matinee. I also wisely rented a cushion for the performance (if you don’t, I swear your bum will go numb on the hard oak benches). You can also buy a seat back, but I braved that one out. The play was wonderful and afterwards I took a tour of the theatre and got even more pics of the theatre.

Day 2 in London was all about parks: Vauxhall Pleassure Gardens and St. James Park.

Vauxhall has been used as a setting in Georgian, Regency, and Victorian romance novels so I absolutely had to see it. It is a far cry from what it was in its heyday (then it was sort of a Disney World for adults). Today it’s a very quiet park, with people playing bowls and walking their dogs mostly. However I detected a remembrance of days past in the park and spent a bit of time sitting and thinking about how ladies and gentlemen had used that place for courting, trysting, and all kinds of shenanigans. 🙂

St. James Park, in contrast, was teeming with people (although I managed to miss most of them in my pictures). I did find one spot, by the lake in its center, that was the exact place I had in mind for the duel that didn’t happen between Lord Manning and the Marquess of Dalbury in Only Scandal Will Do. The Marquess describes the place where he’s dueled before as “by the duck pond.” And I found it!

The Duck Pond

I took many, many more photos of these places, as well as ones of Bow Street, what I believe to be Whites Gentlemen’s Club (under construction so I couldn’t get a good picture of it), and Brooks. I’ll be using these on my blog in future posts and maybe even in some promo. But just seeing these places with my own eyes has given me ideas about how to describe them for my readers.

I was off early on August 1st, headed to my next destination! I’ll post about that tomorrow!

Cheers!

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 6)

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Good Morning all my followers! I bid a fond farewell to NYC on Sunday night and woke up this morning in

LONDON!

Ella Quinn and I left JFK after sharing an Uber to the airport and we spent time together in the Delta Sky Lounge until her flight was called. Hers left NY around noon and mine didn’t leave until 6:00 pm.

After Ella left, I continued to enjoy the perks of the Lounge with Lulu.

and met an interesting guy named Eric who used to live in Gloucester and knew a lot of the people and places I did.

Small World Moment!

Once I got on the plane, I had a very nice surprise: the seat next to mine remained vacant.

So I got to stretch out quite a lot and used the other tray table as well as mine. Very smooth flight, very smooth landing, although I only dozed a bit here and there. And despite all my trepidation, I sailed through customs and was met by my taxi driver who was very chatty as we wound our way through London as it woke up on a Monday.

Arrived at my lodgings, The Charlotte Guest House, in Hampstead way too early for check-in, but they offered to give me breakfast (it comes with the room each morning) and will hold my luggage until my room is ready, sometime after noon. So I’m ensconced in the back garden of the Charlotte until my room is ready. It’s so nice out here, and so perfect a day, I could just camp out here for the 3 days of my stay!

Today I plan to reset my internal clock, so not much activity other than going out to eat and getting my bearings. Maybe writing some if I don’t fall asleep at 4:00 pm!

Tomorrow I take the tube into London to see as many Regency sites as I can.

Stay tuned!

Posted in Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | Tagged Charlotte Guest House, Jenna Jaxon, London trip, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 1 Comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 07/28/19 Married by Christmas ~”You’re Angry at Me?”

Posted on July 28, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

In keeping with my Christmas in July theme (and the fact it’s a new release) I have switched this month to my new Christmas novella Married by Christmas.

BLURB:

A wager he should have refused…

After two miserable Seasons, Miss Marianne Covington is determined not to have a third and enlists the help of longtime friend William Stanley to assist her. Will wagers he can find her a husband before Christmas. But when none of the suitors suit, he is ready to do something drastic for the woman who’s become more than just a friend.

I’m starting with a scene a little into the story. Marianne has bemoaned the fact that there are no decent gentlemen to marry. Her friend Will has wagered he can find her a husband by Christmas.

In this week’s snippet Marianne and Will are at a winter costume ball. He’s dressed as Ullr, a Norse god, including a beard. He’s just suggested introducing her to another gentleman, but after a comment from Marianne that goes a bit too far, her mother insists she must apologize and dance with William as penance. After the dance, William does introduce Marianne to Lord Sherston.

In today’s snippet, Marianne has accosted William because she believes he has tried to trick her with an unsuitable suitor and has dragged him out onto the balcony.

We are in now in Marianne’s POV.

The snippet has been slightly altered to accommodate the WWW format.

SNIPPET:

“You’re angry at me?”

“Who else would I be angry at?” She stamped her foot again and cried, “How could you introduce me to Lord Sherston, who, even though he seems a very pleasant gentleman, has but one thing on his mind: to find a mother for his four sons–four sons, William!”

Astonished, he took a step backward and bumped into the balustrade that surrounded the balcony, some twelve feet above the ground. “Sherston has four sons?”

“You know he does and that is the second cruel trick you’ve played on me.” She moved toward him, fire in her eyes.

Suddenly, Will no longer felt safe backed against the balustrade. Inch by inch, he slowly made his way around the curved end of the balcony until his back rested on the hard stone of the building; he sighed in relief.

Marianne had followed him until now she stood before him, her hands opening and closing rapidly–would she actually plant him a facer?

Married by Christmas is currently available on

Amazon !

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Christmas Books by Jenna Jaxon

Posted in A Match Made at Christmas, Christmas stories, Hearts beneath the Mistletoe, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Married by Christmas, Promotion, Seduction at the Christmas Court, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged Christmas in July, Christmas romance, friends to lovers romance, historical romance, Holiday romance, Jenna Jaxon, Married by Christmas, Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 20 Comments

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 5)

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m still in New York City!

I would have posted sooner today, but I have been on the go-go-go ever since I got here.

Wednesday I actually WALKED and, wait for it, BY MYSELF, in New York City. While not a first, I’ve only done it once before (a very long time ago, in a galaxy far, far way).

Times Square

However, I managed to walk–without getting lost, mind you– to Hatsuhana, a wonderful upscale Japanese restaurant for lunch and a meeting with my agent, Kathy Greene. It was truly wonderful to meet Kathy for the first time in person. I’ve talked to her for the past three years via phone and email, and had been querying her since 2011. So the meeting was long overdue. She’s a fabulous person to talk to, very savvy about the industry, and made me feel very much at ease.

No sooner did I get back to the hotel than it was time to walk in the opposite direction, to a meeting with my editor, John Scognamiglio at Kensington’s offices. Again, managing not to get lost, I arrived and John gave me the grand tour of the company, meeting people who had previously only been names on emails. I also got introduced to the publisher, Lynn Cully, who took the time out of her busy afternoon to chat with us for a bit.

Thursday was the first day of the actual RWA conference and I attended several great workshops, including “Trope-tastic,” a two hour (well, it ran about 2 1/2) intensive on romance tropes and how to effectively write them, given by Damon Suade, a fantastic speaker who exhausts his listeners with his energy.

As soon as I got out of the workshop, it was time to dress and hurry over to the Kensington Party, this year at the restaurant The Ribbon, just across Schubert Alley from the hotel. Great food and drink all evening. I met quite a few new people and talked a lot (for me). Kensington always gives us a book related gift, and this year we got wonderful picture frames with our current or upcoming book featured in the frame.

Much Ado About A Widow

Then today, Friday, was the Kensington book signing at 11:00 am. I was signing the current Widows’ Club book, What a Widow Wants. I also had beside me–for promotional purposes–the framed cover of Much Ado About a Widow, and my stuffed King Charles spaniel, named Lulu, after the dog in the upcoming book (you can just see her leg in the picture below). I had originally planned to raffle Lulu off this week, but I’ve grown so attached to her that she’s going to be my mascot on my trip (there’ll be an opportunity to win a Lulu stuffed dog in October, so stay tuned).

Kensington Signing with Lulu

Tomorrow I’m forgoing some workshops in order to get the mess with Sprint–yes, the debacle is going into its 8th day!–sorted out before I fly out on Sunday. Will let you know how that turns out on my blog on Sunday (in addition to my weekly Weekend Writing Warriors post).

All for now, with more updates to follow!

Jenna

Posted in Book Signings, Much Ado About A Widow, RWA Nationals | Tagged Book Signing, Jenna Jaxon, John Scognamiglio, Kathy Greene, Much Ado About A Widow, New York City, RWA National Convention, The Widow's Club, What a Widow Wants, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 3 Comments

Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon? (Part 4)

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

My big adventures of the summer have begun!

Monday morning I boarded a train (at 5:30 in the morning!) and arrived in New York City for the Romance Writers of America National Conference that afternoon.

Amtrak Train

Quiet Car

The conference is at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square–right next to the theatre where Hamilton is playing! (What I wouldn’t give to get a ticket for that!)

Tuesday I attended–for the first time–the Beau Monde Chapter Mini-Conference for writers of Regency romances. The workshops were very informative, on everything from West Africa during the Regency to London mansions to Research techniques to Regency dancing.

Last evening the chapter threw a soiree, complete with food, silent auction, and actual English Country Dancing, which I got to participate in! Fun time, but totally exhausting. I haven’t been to the Williamsburg English Dancing group in over a year, so I was totally out of shape, but still danced three sets. (And as I was dancing, I go no photos!).

Today I have meetings with my agent and my editor at Kensington, then the conference starts in full swing on Thursday. I’ll post more on Friday, after the Kensington signing (where I’m raffling off a toy stuffed King Charles Spaniel named Lulu–a character in my upcoming Much Ado About A Widow book) and the Kensington party that night.

All for now, but updates will follow frequently!

Posted in RWA Nationals | Tagged Jenna Jaxon, New York City, RWA National Convention, train travel, Where in the World is Jenna Jaxon | 7 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 07/21/19 Married by Christmas ~ A Proposal?

Posted on July 20, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

In keeping with my Christmas in July theme (and the fact it’s a new release) I have switched this month to my new Christmas novella Married by Christmas.

BLURB:

A wager he should have refused…

I’m starting with a scene a little into the story. Marianne has bemoaned the fact that there are no decent gentlemen to marry. Her friend Will has wagered he can find her a husband by Christmas.

In today’s snippet, William is lurking outside the supper room, watching the interplay between Marianne and her potential suitor.

We are in now in William’s POV.

The snippet has been slightly altered to accommodate the WWW format.

SNIPPET:

Lord Sherston grasped Marianne’s hand–good Lord, was the man about to propose?

“No,” he whispered under his breath. How could the man ask a perfect stranger to marry him? A woman William had known all his life and would never think of marrying…or would he? He stood, confounded by the notion. His mother had put the kernel of an idea in his head days ago. Would he truly ask Marianne to marry him if given the opportunity?

He turned his attention back to Sherston, who was looking earnestly into her eyes. William held his breath–had he waited too late to consider Marianne?

Married by Christmas is currently available on

Amazon !

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Christmas Books by Jenna Jaxon

Cover Reveal ~ New Cover for Seduction at the Christmas Court

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Jenna Jaxon

Back in January, as part of my 10th year as an author celebration, I revealed new covers for my medieval romance series, Time Enough for Love.

All but the one for the medieval Christmas novella: Seduction at the Christmas Court. I wanted to save that one to reveal during the Christmas in July promotion. And so finally, here it is!

How about that for some steamy Christmas in July? 🙂

And it’s on SALE this month on Amazon for just .99! Just click here.

Now for the blurb and excerpt. Enjoy!

BLURB:

Christmas tidings of comfort, joy, and temptation…

Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment.

However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship.

But how long will he take “No” for an answer?

EXCERPT:

Alyse stared in horror as Guy nonchalantly raised her hand to his lips. The skin seemed to shrink, as though it would crawl off her bones to escape his touch. She longed to snatch it away from the vile man however, mindful of the thousand eyes that marked her every movement, she instead gave him a coy look and a nod. “You are kind to remember me, Guy, now that you have my sister to wife. I doubted you would give me a glance in the wake of her beauty.”

Geoffrey moved closer to her, his hulking presence a subtle warning.

An she knew her husband, he was now sorely tempted to run Guy through with his sword. Thank God it lay safe in their chamber. “I give you good evening, Sir Guy. It has been long since last we met at my father’s house.” Remind him who had triumphed that evening and mayhap he’d keep his distance and his head.

“Too long, cherie. Perhaps now we are to be kindred, we will see much more of one another.” His gaze rested on her mouth and he licked his lips.

Bold villain. Alyse drew closer to Geoffrey. The man’s dark-eyed gaze would peel the clothes from her like the skin from an orange an she endured it much longer.

Face blackened in a scowl, Geoffrey bumped her side as he stepped between her and Guy. “My wife will enjoy her sister’s company as often as she likes while we are at court, Sir Guy. An you are in the room you may bear them company as well during the Christmastide. Should you journey to Longford after you are wed, of course, we will always open our home to you.” Her husband’s teeth clenched so tight his jaw creaked. He’d rejoice in Guy’s company when the last trump sounded.

“Pippa,” Alyse said, turning to her sister, sorry that she must bear witness to Guy’s disrespect. Pray God His Majesty never heard tell of this conversation. She grasped her sister’s hands, pulling the girl from Guy’s side. “’Twill only be a short time ‘ere we are gone from here. This feuding twixt Guy and Geoffrey will last only so long as we remain here. Once you are married—”

“Once I am married to him there will be no escape, Alyse.” Pippa’s voice, hard-edged, flat, and filled with anger, made her cringe. “I will be forever chained to a man who cares nothing for me, only for my sister.”