Comment to enter to win a copy of THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE and please welcome Simone St. James (a fellow Canadian) to the blog. 🙂 I’m also going to throw in the second season of Downton Abbey–love it, have it, watch it often; can’t wait until third season.
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Why the 1920’s?
Having set my gothic historical ghost story romance, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, in 1920s England, I sometimes get the question asked – why set my story in the 1920s? What is it about that era that readers should be interested in?
A lot! I think the popularity of Downton Abbey speaks for itself – though the first seasons were set in the pre-World War I and World War I years, it’s easy to see the appeal of the early 20th century for today’s audience.
First – it’s modern, but not too modern. We recognize a world with radios, cars, and telephones, but we can still be swept away to an era in without relentless cell phones, video games, airport security, traffic jams, and blaring TV’s. (Personally, I read historicals just to get away from these things!)
Second – the clothes. Dresses, heels, and stockings for women, topped with gorgeous cloche hats. Spunky bobbed hairdos, dark eyes, and bright lipstick. For men – oh my. Who can resist a man in a suit and hat? Yum.
Third – The role of women in society. Times were changing, and with all the men away at war, more women worked for a living. With so many men who never came home, thousands of women were left single or widowed, supporting themselves, sometimes with children. Women got the vote, learned to be independent, and built careers – a great opportunity to create heroines.
Fourth – Did I mention the clothes?
Fifth – The aftermath of the Great War. The war had a far-reaching effect on almost every aspect of society. An entire generation of men – the ones who came home at all, that is – was left with injuries both physical and psychological, and terrible memories that none of them could ever speak of. The women who loved these heroes were just as brave. Courage, heroism, cowardice, fear, and sacrifice – it’s a deep, rewarding well for any writer or reader to jump into.
I love this era, and it’s been wonderful to see Downtown Abbey bring it to the forefront, helping lots of other people discover it too. Here’s hoping for lots more early twentieth century settings!
About the Author:
Simone St. James wrote her first ghost story, about a haunted library, when she was in high school. Unaware that real people actually became writers, she pursued a career behind the scenes in the television business. She now writes in her off hours and lives with her husband just outside Toronto, Canada. To learn more about the author, visit her website at www.simonestjames.com.
I am loving all these books coming out nowadays about the 1900s-1940s! For me, it is a time that I heard about from my grandparents who always spoke of ‘the good old days’ and I would think (back then, when I was 10 or so) how on earth could they live without televisions? Now I dream of a time where we weren’t so isolated with out modern gadgets!
Huge fan of Downton Abbey AND ghost stories AND romance so this giveaway is very exciting! Thank you —
I’m glad to see some non-Regency historicals being released! Sounds interesting, and thanks for the opportunity.
I can’t wait to read this book! I’ve heard so many fabulous things. I love that it’s creepy and romantic at the same time and that it takes place in the 1920’s.
Have to say — I love the cover!
I’m also a big fan of Downton Abbey — I think the 20s was such an interesting time — technology was “new” and was something to wonder at and worry about. And there was the war and the changing landscape of the world in terms of politics.
Congratulations on the new release!
I am looking forward to reading, “The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James”. I have read a couple of novels written in later historical time period, but this novel sounds interesting and romantically inticing. Thanks for the opportunity of this contest.
Great post. Have heard wonderful things about this book. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am so excited that gothics seem to be making a tentative comeback. This book sounds absolutely wonderful and the era perfect.
Simone, your book sounds wonderful and I’d love to read it. The cover is really nice too.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My grandmother who 96 years old was born in 1915. Needless to say all of her best stories are from about the 1920’s to the 1940’s. I love hearing about this simpler time(in some ways, not so in other ways). Thanks for the giveaway.
The Haunting of Maddy Clare sounds compelling and wonderful. I enjoy books set during this era and the cover is dramatic. Downtown Abbey is my ultimate favorite British Series. Loved every minute of this memorable and fabulous series. Many thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Haven’t read the book but I’m already loving it. I love the time it takes place, early 1900’s anything that can take me back to something related Downtown Abbey is welcome. Can’t wait to read your book.
I’ve not read it yet, but I love that era too (well, I love most historical eras, especially with the clothes. Though I wouldn’t want to explore in said clothes).
Thanks for this special feature which appeals to me greatly. Anything British and Downton fits the bill perfectly since I am addicted. This novel looks so fascinating as well. best wishes and much success in your writing and happiness.
This makes the 20’s sounds so great to read about. Looking forward to it! The book sounds very interesting! I have not seen Downton yet (Thinking I am the only one out here that hasn’t) I am going to my local video store to see if I can rent it, I’ve been dying to watch!
The 1920’s is one of the historical eras that I am least familiar with, but I am always interested in learning more about history (especially history that I don’t know much about). Also, p.s… I still haven’t seen Downton Abbey.
I love Simone’s first reason for writing in this era. I agree! I am so sick of my cell phone and yet, I can live without it!
The books ounds great and I love the era that she has choosen to write about. I would love a copy of this book.
What lovely cover art! Look forward to reading this new book. Thank you for the author interview. I also adore Downton Abbey. The plot, characters, and location make it a delightful show!
Oh I started out reading gothic romance and would love to try this one!
I am always looking for new authors to read be they Canadians or Americans. This book sounds really good and I like the time period of it.
Years ago I read some Dorothy Garlock stories that were set in the early twentieth century and I enjoyed them very much so it’s nice to see more stories set during those years. Downton Abbey has been a real treat to watch and the clothes are wonderful.
I am SO glad authors are venturing into these new eras in fiction. I am honestly a great fan of the early 1900s and getting a chance to read stories that take place in that time setting pleases me Greatly ! Thank you for doing so . I really look forward to reading The Haunting of Maddy Clare via my wonderful library when it is finally in stock here. Kudoes to you on this new book and the lovely cover art as well !
I love the 1920’s, sometimes i think i was born in the wrong era lol but anyways i can’t wait to read the Haunting of Maddy Clare and I love Downton Abbey mostly because my fav actress Maggie Smith is in it 🙂
This sounds like such a good book. I enjoy reading books set in this era, and I hadn’t heard of this one until your column. Thanks.
Suits, enough said. I love it when my husband has to wear a suit for work, doesn’t happen often but I wish it did! Nice to see you picked an era that is not seen very often. You sure packed a lot into this, history, ghosts, romance. Good luck with your book!
OMG!!!! this books sounds amazing! I have never read a horror novel before so this sounds like a great start. Thanks so much!
I’ve always thought the fashions of the 20s were amazing. What a crazy era to live through though. All the changes in society, innovations in technology, women learning new roles and gaining more freedom. I’m sure it was exciting, if not more than a little scary too.
Plus… omg I love Downton Abbey. I can directly thank this blog for introducing me to this deliciousness. It was mentioned a while back on here (before season 2 started) and I checked it out and loved it. THANK YOU.. 😛 *sigh* Matthew at season 2 finale. *sigh*
Can I just add my own *sigh* for Matthew in the season 2 finale. LOVE HIM!!!
I love Downton Abbey and I love this era. I hope to see more books set in it.
I’m sold, I’d love to win a copy of The Haunting of Maddy Clare. I’ve always liked the ’20’s and I’m glad to see that there are stories set in that time period. I’ve heard of a few more coming, so I’m looking forward to them as well.
I really like this time period. And the story sounds interesting.
Wow, thanks for the great response, you guys! I’d love to see this era grow in popularity. And I wish I could earn the added prize, as I haven’t seen Downton Season 2 yet!
Simone
Hi Simone,
Congrats on the book. I love that era too. I’d love to set one of my books in it. 🙂
You MUST see Season 2. OMG sooooo good.
I have never watched that show. I think I must. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Congratulations on the release of The Haunting of Maddy Clare!!! I love ghost stories and I find there are more good stories out there than ever before. And I love the 1920’s as the setting – it’s sounding like a great read! Thanks for the chance!
I’ve heard so many great things about this book, so count me in on this giveaway. Plus, I love a good ghost story, and post-WWI England is a really meaty setting.
Hi Simone!
Great post, thank you for sharing with us!
I so enjoy reading historical romance books, but a gothic historical ghost story romance, woohoo……….. how great is this!
I can see myself wearing all those fabulous clothes, that alone is worth reading your book!
Plus, women were really standing up for themselves more and more by those times. YAY for the gals!!!!
Wishing you the best!
Thank you for the giveaway!
sounds interesting
Great interview! The book sounds very intriguing.
Hi Simone,
Your book THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE really looks good and sounds very interesting. I love reading about different era’s and I can’t think of many books I’ve read that took place in the 1920’s. And I also like reading gothic books set in England! I really enjoyed reading your blog post.
I’ve never seen DOWNTOWN ABBEY but I’ve heard such good things about it. Now I’m curious to see it! 🙂
This sounds awesome. I also enjoy Downton Abbey, and this is definitely an interesting era for a story to be set in.
I love ghost stories and the older the story or setting the better. War heroes fresh from the war are also great to admire and to learn from. Lots of courage, loyalty and love to consider. Congratulations on your release, Simone.
I haven’t read any books set in this time period. Interesting! I haven’t watched any of Downtown Abbey. it does sound fascinating!
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I just love ghost stories. Add in a historical element and I’m so there! Can’t wait to read this one!!!