I'm excited to welcome Regency-era author Erica Vetsch as she shares about a time she loves to write about, and as she takes us behind the scenes of her latest book.

I write Regency romance. Regency Romance is a specific sub-genre of Historical Romance, which is a sub-genre of Romance Fiction. Kind of like a nesting doll. But when I tell people I write Regency romance, often there is a bit of confusion about exactly what that is. If we don’t have time for a lengthy conversation, I say it’s books set in the time of Jane Austen, so think Pride & Prejudice.

If we have a bit more time, and the person is interested in history, we can get down to the nitty-gritty. There are actually two definitions of the Regency period, one specific and one general.

The Specific Regency Era: From 1811-1820, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, when George III was deemed unfit to rule the country due to his mental/physical illness, and his son, the Prince of Wales, ruled by proxy in his stead as the Prince Regent. When George III died, his son, the Prince Regent became King George IV.

The General Regency Era: From 1795-1837 is known as the broader Regency Era, where there were distinctive trends in architecture, literature, culture, customs, fashions, and politics. It was a time that saw the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the restructuring of Europe, the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, and an increase in tensions between Britain and Ireland. Britain’s naval power was on display, and global colonization was rampant.

The Regency is a fascinating period, whether you ascribe to the specific or the general, and readers can’t seem to get enough of stories set during this time. Whether it’s the clothes, or the customs, the beauty of the English settings, or the general romance in which the era is held, Regency readers love the time period. As an avid history lover, I can’t get enough of researching this fascinating era in which to set my stories.

The Debutante’s Code

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series

Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love.But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.

Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.

Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?

Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance. You can find her at www.ericavetsch.com