You can find me guest blogging on Fresh Fiction today talking about descriptions of Georgian dress in my books.I've been very busy this last fortnight mostly talking about my book! Here's my chat with Naida from The Bookworm.Thank you Naida for inviting me to talk about my about my favourite Austen novel, and how it helped me to write my new book, Willoughby’s Return. My favourite Austen novel is a difficult choice because I love them all, but, if I could only choose one, it would have to be ... Read Full Story

Vic from Jane Austen's World let it slip that it was my birthday yesterday - thanks to everyone who sent birthday messages! I had a lovely day. One of the highlights was this card my son made for me - well, it made me laugh. I don't think he's considering a career change, but you never know!I'm a guest on Love, Romance, Passion today. Click here to read about the sights and sounds of Regency Britain. Read Full Story

Please join me today for a guest blog on Jane Austen's World. It was lovely to be interviewed by Vic again - thank you so much for the opportunity to talk about my book, Willoughby's Return.Today's question is for fun! Which hero from Sense and Sensibility do you like best - would you fall for an Edward Ferrars or a Colonel Brandon? Are you influenced by the actors who play these roles? The top photo shows Alan Rickman and David Morrissey as two very gorgeous Colonel Brandons and the equally... Read Full Story

Sense and Sensibility centres on the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. They appear at first to be opposites - Elinor is rational and sensible and Marianne seems to think and act only on her impulsive feelings and highly charged emotions, though by the end of the book we have witnessed quite a crossover in the way that both girls behave and interact with the world. Jane Austen and her sister were very close. There were just under a couple of years between them, and we know th... Read Full Story

I am having a lovely time on my blog tour. Thanks so much to everyone who has given me such a warm welcome. Follow the links for more guest posts and giveaways from The Bookworm and here is a review from Books Like Breathing I have been yearning for a Sense and Sensibility sequel. Colonel Brandon is my second favorite Austen hero (sometimes he even beats Darcy). Sometimes I get a bit tired of Darcy (just bought two more P&P; sequels) and yearn for some Brandon, Wentworth, Tilney and Knightley... Read Full Story

OK - so that's just the dream scenario and one surely every writer thinks about! In my absolute fantasy, of course, I have Emma Thompson phoning me begging to let her produce the film (she tells me she has already written the screenplay based on my book, which she couldn't wait to buy!) In the next breath she is saying that Greg would make a perfect Colonel Brandon now his temples are greying so deliciously - I hesitate, only because on the other line my husband's mouthing at me that Sony wan... Read Full Story

More fun in celebration of my book Willoughby's Return! To win a copy of Willoughby's Return simply answer the questions about Colonel Brandon, the true hero of Sense and Sensibility.1 Where does Colonel Brandon live?2 What is the name of Colonel Brandon's ward?3 Who first decides that the Colonel is in love with Marianne?4 Which character says the following of Colonel Brandon?"I have three unanswerable reasons for disliking Colonel Brandon: he has threatened me with rain when I wanted it to ... Read Full Story

I did enjoy yesterday's competition answers - thanks so much to everyone who participated and shared their wonderful musical memories! The competitions to win the CD and the painting are still open until November 14th - click on the links in the sidebar.I'm conscious that a lot of the giveaways on my blog tour are for the US and Canada only - so, I am adding a copy of Willoughby's Return - anyone can enter - leave a comment below in answer to today's question!Thank you to Barbara and Serena f... Read Full Story

I loved this film version of Sense and Sensibility and the music by Patrick Doyle is beautiful! In celebration of day 3 of the publication of Willoughby's Return I am offering this brand new CD of the soundtrack. Willoughby and Marianne share a love of music when they first meet in Sense and Sensibility. After he breaks her heart there is a very poignant passage where Marianne tries to overcome her feelings by playing again - but it will not do.After dinner she would try her pianoforte. She w... Read Full Story

Do you think you know Sense and Sensibility? Today's competition in celebration of the publication of Willoughby's Return is to win a pack of Effusions of Fancy notecards. The pack of cards designed by yours truly from original watercolour paintings will comprise of the following:Pump Room at BathJane at LymeJane Austen and Tom Lefroy at the Ashe BallChristmas at Steventon (Jane and Cassandra walking in the snow)Steventon Rectory in WinterJane and her FatherJane Austen PortraitL'aimable JaneA... Read Full Story