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Serena Lake – writer

~ where romance and history join together…

Serena Lake – writer

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Charity Shop Book Gems…

02 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

My latest charity shop book find was a hardback version of the History of Underclothes*

The hardback copy…

Now it’s not the original version from 1951, but a 1981 edition with revisions.

I also have this paperback version of it that’s smaller, but I prefer the hardback for the clearness of the illustrations – it may just be the font size and amount of ink used when the book was printed.

(I bought the paperback version in the gift-shop at The Blandford Fashion Museum many years ago during a family summer holiday.)

I always find the material at the back of this book interesting and helpful.

There’s a comprehensive Source of the Illustrations, chapter by chapter.

The Bibliography gives both the primary and secondary sources.

What the materials
are…

I particularly like the Glossary of Materials.

Muslin had different types – something I didn’t appreciate, and couldn’t describe the differences without a little information.

The book covers underclothes from  the Medieval period up to 1940-1950.

There’s even a Appendix of Clothes Rationing for May 1942, giving the number of coupons needed for various items of underclothes, both male and female.

If you disregard C.W Cunnington’s earlier books with his apparent theories on women, fashion and sexuality, those books written with his wife Phillis are a good starting point for historical fashion.

When I began writing, it was their books on English Women’s Clothing in the 18th Century and the 19th century version that were both the first costume reference books I studied.

Don’t ignore those books that Phillis wrote after her husband’s death (1961); they provide interesting and useful information too on the clothes ordinary people wore…

Phillis Cunnington: born 1887 and died 1974.

 

* The History of Underclothes by C. Willett & Phillis Cunnington, with revisions by A. D. and Valerie Mansfield. Faber and Faber, 1981.

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Sympathising with a Character…

25 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

While I’ve been absent and unable to make progress due to work on the wiring and plumbing in my home, I’ve been storing the disruption and emotions to share with the hero of my work in progress, Hugh.

Hugh has a platoon of workmen updating his manor, but trouble-free is not the plan.

He could find alternate lodgings but having been absent for so long it wouldn’t be desirable in the circumstances he faces.

The time away from the manuscript has also allowed me to develop the options for the gaps left in the first draft- that must be resolved in the second.

Also the antagonists have revealed their motives and produced a few surprises.

Progress will be made this year…

Story building blocks…

 

Merry Christmas…

24 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by serenalake-writer in Christmas, Uncategorized

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The months have gone by and I’ve not been able to do as much as I’d wanted. The disruptions will be ongoing for a few months yet while (essential) major work starts on my home in the New Year.

However you celebrate this time of year (or don’t) I wish you a safe and peaceful time…

 

 

Book Reviews – The Devil’s Brood…

12 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by serenalake-writer in book reviews, Uncategorized

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Tags

19th century, book reviews, historical romance

Been a busy year so far, and I’m now in the middle of sorting and packing boxes to go into storage, for work to be done on the house.

This does mean a large amount of books are going into boxes; do I really have that many historical romance paperbacks?

The answer is yes…

There are a few on my Kindle too, so I have been working my way through my to be read list when I need a relaxing read at the end of the day.

Stephanie Laurens is on my favourite authors list, but I’d put off buying her latest Devil’s Brood trilogy until all three books were available.

These are connecting stories concerning the two sons and daughter of ‘Devil’ Cynster Duke of St Ives and his Duchess, Honoria. Years have passed and their children are now grown up and living in early Victorian times.

While you can read each book as a stand-alone story there is an ongoing plot involving gunpowder and more that link the books together.

Whilst this trilogy called The Devil’s Brood, is also part of the ‘Cynsters Next Generation Series’ as book 4, though book 1 in the ‘Brood set’…

(I’ll avoid spoilers as best I can.)

The Lady By His Side (Cynsters Next Generation Series Book 4)

Book 4: The Lady By His Side

Each book immediately follows on from the end of the previous story, so the events take place over a short time span.

Personally, book 4 was my least favourite.

Of course the ongoing plot needs to be set up and the associated characters, I don’t think Sebastian (the Marquess) appealed to me as much as the other heroes.

For me Sebastian was overshadowed by the enigmatic Drake Varisey, and the story didn’t really keep my interest until the first major incident, and the developing relationship between Sebastian and Antonia Rawlings, an Earl’s daughter.

The map of the grounds of Pressington Hall (where the story takes place) between chapters 3 & 4 surprised me. Likely because of being used to seeing this type of extra toward the front of a paperback.

BUT, by the last quarter of the book I wanted to keep reading. And yes I was eager to read the next book…

An Irresistible Alliance (Cynsters Next Generation Series Book 5)

Book 5 An Irresistible Alliance

Book 5 moves on to Michael. He has second son syndrome, no pre-determined role to fill, bored and eager to help when Drake Varisey needs assistance.

This is a just one more chapter book. I didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading to the end at 1.30 am.

Cleo Hendon works in her parents shipping office managing everything, but wanting some excitement in her life; and along comes Michael Cynster seeking information. Cleo is intelligent, daring and not afraid to take the lead and guaranteed to upset any Cynster male.

(Cleo’s parents are Kit and Jack from Captain Jack’s Woman.)

There are lots of twists and turns and misdirection as the gunpowder search continues; as the pace builds toward the conclusion of Michael and Cleo’s adventures.

By the end I wanted to start the next book as soon as I could.

Of the 3 books, book 6 The Greatest Challenge of Them All was my favourite.

The Greatest Challenge Of Them All (Cynster Next Generation Series Book 6)

Book 6 The Greatest Challenge of Them All

Drake (the Marquess of Winchelsea, and heir to the Duke of Wolverstone- from the Bastion Club series) is in charge of defending Queen and country from those intent on causing harm.

When he refers to Lady Louisa Cynster by the name given to her by the ton, ‘Lady Wild’, you can sense his dread, and it’s clear that sparks are bound to fly between two such strong-willed and devious characters.

That gunpowder has moved again, and every time they seem close to getting answers another barrier springs up to stop them as they race toward the answer to the ongoing mystery.

The developing relationship between Drake and Louisa is in some ways complex, but in others simple. He’s the one in charge and she refuses to be relegated to a troublesome assistant, but they each have depths that you know would take their lifetime to discover.

There were a few moments that made me laugh, because I could see what was about to happen and knew Drake would not stand a chance against a determined Louisa. (You’ll know when you get to it!)

Yes, this was another just one more chapter book, and was a further late night.

Each book has an author’s note so you can discover more about the background elements of the story and it is interesting.

I’m glad I didn’t give up at the end of book 4. The running gunpowder plot was intriguing enough to make me want to know what would happen next, so I was willing to give book 5 a chance, and it was worth it.

I also enjoy a happy ever after…

 

 

Book cover images from Amazon.uk

Happy New Year…

30 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

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As 2017 is almost here I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, wherever you are…

fireworks-235813_640

 

Season’s Greetings…

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Christmas, Noel

Christmas Eve and I still have a few tasks to complete, but I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas.

I will be using the Yuletide for making plans, especially as to how I’ll take the blog section of the website forward into 2017.

So for now…

christmas-ornament-474872_640

Highlights from My Summer Break…

25 Sunday Sep 2016

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

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18th century, 19th century, costume, dresses, exhibitions, fashion, history

My blog has sadly been neglected over the summer months, so the time has come to correct that situation.

In June I enjoyed a long weekend away in York, which enabled me to visit two exhibitions while I was there: the Castle Museum, and Fairfax House.

‘Shaping the Body’ at the Castle Museum is an ongoing exhibition, one among many other wonderful exhibits. The route around the Museum starts with a display of a late 18th century Georgian Room that included a large doll’s house in the corner.

18-06-2016-georgian-room-1780-display-at-castle-museum

The Georgian Room with Doll’s House

all-i-need-is-the-dress

Trying on Panniers…

 

Eventually you reach the upper gallery where the costumes are displayed, and while it isn’t extensive there is a good selection of costumes and accessories for each time period.

There’s even a small selection of costumes that you could try on-you need to be slim to fit the dress with the space for panniers, even with Velcro fastenings I could not have gotten the dress up my arms, but I was still able to try on the panniers that went with it.

They were probably much more comfortable than the real thing, as these were a thick foam inside a fabric covering. Nevertheless they still gave the impression of the width that would be created once the dress was in place.

I particularly liked how the exhibition curators had brought context to the exhibits with interesting information.

The pair of brown stays on display (from 1760-80) also noted the UK equivalent size now- size 8. That seems quite thin, but women were smaller and shorter than they are now.

Creating shape

Creating shape

Spread across the displays were shoes from each time period (more about those in my next post).

The Dangers of Fashion were on display too. One cabinet held a beautiful green dress, but the dye was deadly as it contained arsenic. You can find out more about this aspect of fashion from this post.

But it was the large glass Chemist’s bottle that once held Belladonna that drew my attention. The contents were used as drops to enlarge the pupils, but with prolonged use it would cause blurred vision and even blindness.

Chemist's Bottle

Chemist’s Bottle

(As this bottle was low down in the cabinet I crouched down to take the photo, but when I went to get back up, my back bag and gravity tipped me backwards onto the stone slabs. Thank you to the lady who came to offer me help in getting up. Next time I’m in this situation I will kneel instead.)

Leaving the gallery the centuries on show passed by until the sixties arrived, and for anyone over 50 years old, there were lots of recognisable items, toys, posters, music, adverts and information on television shows.

A good place to visit whether young or old, and whatever era you’re interested in…

 

 

 

In New Computer Land…

01 Friday Apr 2016

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It’s been some time since I last posted, but that was because my computer was in rapid decline.

Sadly the blue screen of death and crashes were becoming regular occurrences.Then earlier this past week it finally died on me.

I’m now familiarizing myself with Windows 10, and adding useful bits and pieces that I loved using on Windows 7.

My office isn’t yet back to normal- everything is still in bags and boxes, so my weekend will be spent returning everything to its correct place.

But it is dust-free, as after moving everything to reach the cables, I was able to get the Hoover in and remove the fine coating and dust-webs making a home in the corners…

It’s also given me the opportunity to find the reference books and papers that I need to refer to during my second draft.

I’m eager to start again, but not sure of Office 365 yet; I have a trial copy on the computer.

I miss Windows 7…

Back to routine soon.

serena lace (1)

 

 

More Exhibitions to Visit in Bath

30 Saturday Jan 2016

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

18th century, 19th century, Bath, costume, dresses, exhibitions, fashion, shoes

Like many writers I’m signed up to newsletters from museums and history related organisations, so I thought I’d share with you news of the next main exhibition at the Fashion Museum in Bath.

Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum, Bath reduced size

The Fashion Museum in Bath

It’s called A History of Fashion in 100 Objects. It opens 19th March this year and runs until 1st January 2018.

The exhibition showcases fashion history from 1500 to the present day. So there will be something for every visitor whether you’re a fan of Regency fashion or the elegant gowns of the House of Worth, and then on into the 20th century and beyond.

I like the idea of the ten shoe ‘moments’ they’re including, and ten ‘historical looks’ for children (1700s – 2000s).

Sadly  I have to plan well in advance and save up for trips that can’t be managed within the day – as they’ll require hotel stays, so I probably won’t get to visit the 100 fashion objects until 2017.

If you’re fortunate to live within a short travelling distance from exhibition venues, do visit. So many museums depend upon local support to keep running, whether they’re well known, or a small museum in your town or nearest city.

Meanwhile I’ll be checking the newsletters for any exhibitions or events of interest I can get to.

If you know of any museum newsletters that you’d recommend signing up to, do please share the details in the comments…

 

 

 

Happy New Year…

01 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by serenalake-writer in Uncategorized, writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

history, music

New Year’s Day is spent quietly, though history does still play a part in the day.

The New Year’s Day concert from Vienna is tradition, if I’m at home I will watch it.

It’s delightful to see the Vienna State Ballet performers dancing to wonderful old waltzes and polkas. It looks spectacular on television…

Hearing The Blue Danube played at any time of the year instantly reminds me of January 1st.

As to my new year I have a number of writing projects to get on with so the approaching weeks will be busy.

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and may 2016 bring joy and new opportunities.

ID-100345616

Happy New Year

 

 

 

Image courtesy of Viacheslav Blizniuk & http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

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  • Merry Christmas… December 21, 2018
  • Time and Tide Does Not Wait… November 23, 2018

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Serena Lake

Serena Lake
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Home of the largest shoe collection in the world. We also tell the history of Northampton and have some very nice paintings! FREE ENTRY!

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VICTORIAN TALES FROM WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND

What did our Weymouth and Portland townsfolk get up to in the Victorian era?.

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The Cozy Drawing Room of Laurie Benson

Obstinate Headstrong Girl ... author Renée Reynolds

Writer. Thinker. Talker. Author of smart, saucy, and seductive happily ever afters. I love a good shenanigan.

Words under one roof

Writing, editing, novelling and enjoying life

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The Culture of London

The Duchess of Devonshire's Gossip Guide to the 18th Century

where romance and history join together...

The 18th-Century Common

A Public Humanities Website for Enthusiasts of 18th-Century Studies

SilkDamask

where romance and history join together...

Romancing History

where romance and history join together...

A Covent Garden Gilflurt's Guide to Life

where romance and history join together...

Jane Austen's London

Exploring the world of late Georgian and Regency London

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