Author Guest Post with Virginia Barlow: On This Christmas I Thee Wed

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum.

Welcome to the January 8th on the blog tour for On This Christmas I Thee Wed by Virginia Barlow with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, more guest posts, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.

Author Guest Post

The Pros and Cons of Writing in My Genre

The Pros

One of the most enchanting aspects of writing historical romance is the era itself. The Regency and Victorian periods, in particular, exude romance in every detail. Picture gentlemen in black top hats and coattails, gallantly holding open doors or offering a lady their seat. Imagine ladies adorned in silks and satins, fluttering lace fans, and batting their lashes in candlelit ballrooms. High-heeled satin slippers, silk stockings, and white gloves—it’s a world brimming with elegance and charm.

These eras provide a rich backdrop for unique conflicts and dynamics that simply don’t exist in contemporary settings. The rigid social hierarchies, arranged marriages, forbidden love, and class divides are tailor-made for larger-than-life romance tropes.

The genre’s enduring popularity owes much to iconic authors like Jane Austen, Tessa Dare, and Lisa Kleypas, as well as timeless adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Jane Eyre, and Sense and Sensibility. Modern series like Bridgerton have only deepened our fascination with these periods, captivating audiences with their lush settings and passionate storylines.

Writing historical romance allows me to revel in the beauty and drama of Victorian England and the Regency era. The traditions, the grandeur, and the romance—it’s a joy to bring it all to life on the page.

The Cons

However, writing in this genre comes with its challenges. Achieving historical accuracy requires significant research into customs, language, clothing, and events, which can be both time-consuming and daunting.

Striking a balance between historical detail and an engaging romantic plot is another hurdle. Too much historical exposition can overwhelm the story, while too little can leave it feeling inauthentic. Capturing the voice and dialogue of the period without sounding stilted or outdated is a delicate art.

There’s also the issue of differing opinions. Many readers base their understanding of the era on movies or series they’ve watched, and it’s not uncommon for people to challenge your portrayal based on misconceptions. I’ve been surprised more than once during my own research by truths that defy popular assumptions.

The market for historical romance is fiercely competitive. Standing out requires not only strong storytelling but also a fresh take on beloved tropes.

And then there’s the challenge of navigating the social norms of the time. These eras were often restrictive, especially for women, and crafting heroines who are both authentic to their time and relatable to modern readers can be tricky. A proper young miss who meekly follows societal expectations is unlikely to captivate today’s audience.

Why I Love It

Despite these challenges, I can’t help but be enchanted by the magic of the era. There’s something irresistible about the chemistry between a handsome gentleman and a proper lady whose heart races when he kisses her hand.

While I’ve experimented with other genres—paranormal, erotic, and Western romance—Regency romance remains my one true love. Writing these stories brings me a deep sense of joy, as if I’ve traveled back to England between 1795 and 1837. It’s there, amidst the elegance and passion of another time, that the magic truly happens.

About the Book

On This Christmas I Thee Wed
Christmas in the Castle
by Virginia Barlow

Published 18 December 2024
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Genre: Holiday Historical Romance
Page Count: 249
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum. Determined to put men and marriage behind her, she is unprepared for the duke’s interest or his heated kisses. The Duke of Chauncy believes love is a weakness and refuses to take a bride despite his mother’s scheming. When the duchess makes a wager he will marry by Christmas, he considers the matter a lark. Until Lavinia gets under his skin, and he rethinks his position on love and happy ever afters.

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Excerpt

She nodded to soothe his anger before answering him. “I wager ten thousand pounds you will be wed by Christmas. I will have Cecil hold the money.”

His glare could have melted solid stone. “And if I refuse to take this wager? I will not marry, Mother. That is my final answer.”

She shrugged. “If you are so insecure in your conviction, you do not wish to place a paltry ten thousand-pound wager. It is just as well. I would have won without much effort, anyway.”

He leaned back in his chair and stared at her. “You forget for a wedding to be legally binding, both parties must consent to certain terms. And since I have no such intention, I will accept your wager and give Cecil my money to hold, as well. But rest assured, you will not be

the victor. “He rose to his feet and threw his napkin on his empty plate.

“Your Graces, Lady Lavinia Holbrook and Lady Victoria Beaumont.” Cecil stepped aside and allowed the two women to enter the room.

Lavinia wore a pale blue muslin day gown that drew out the unusual shade of her eyes. Her curly blonde hair was plaited and tied behind her back with a matching ribbon. She strolled into the room beside Lady Victoria dressed in an emerald-green muslin gown with her fiery red hair in a similar plait. They were stunning. Arabella shot a discreet glance at her son. He stood as if turned to stone with his gaze on Lavinia.

About the Author

Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be.  Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She loves to write steamy romances whether fantasy, historical, or contemporary, all are liberally spiced with adventure and sensual, seductive heroes. Her heroines are just as compelling with equal parts intelligence, sass, and backbone. They give as good as they get whether saving their man’s life or responding to his heated kisses, they’re all in.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next love story.  Virginia has published fifteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling around inside her head eager to make their debut.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway Alert!

The author will be awarding a digital copy of A Lilli By Any Other Name to a randomly drawn winner.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.