Monica Fairview, Author

The drums of war beat, and the drama rolls. The first episode of Downton Abbey begins with a bang as we are treated with an unsentimental view of the First World War. Times are a’changing, but not for the better certainly, as a generation of young men ge ts decimated. Still, Downton Abbey drew the heavy guns as it not only managed to divert viewers’ attention away from Spooks, which was airing at the same time, but also captured four Emmy awards as well, the very same night. What fanfare!! It was wonderful to be back in the world of Downton Abbey. The cruelty of war features heavily in this episode, not only to those who go to fight, but to those who are left behind who are made to feel inadequate because they are not fighting. One of my favourite scenes – nicely underplayed – involved a White Feather Girl who give Branson a white feather (symbolizing cowardice).   Still, this episode of Downton Abbey isn’t just about the havoc wreaked by the WWI. It’s about the same problems a...

AUSTEN  AUTHORS 1  YEAR  ANNIVERSARY On September 6, 2010 Austen Authors officially launched. Our group blog has continued to grow ever since and now we are approaching our first birthday. In the tradition of all great celebrations, we plan to party! Not for one day, not for two or three, but for…. SIX WHOLE DAYS!  From  Monday September 5  all the way through  Saturday September 10  we will be serving up the virtual treats and lighting the virtual fireworks. The itinerary is jam packed with fun blogs and awesome prizes. Don’t miss out on the fun!! Ask others to join in! 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

I'm pleased to announce that The Other Mr Darcy is finally available via Amazon.co.uk. I know many of you have been waiting for this moment! This is the Hale edition that has been published through The Faber Factory. I'm thrilled to be part of this project.