Tag Archives: romance

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS: MENTAL HEALTH IN FICTION – Jane Cable on romance in the wake of World Mental Health Day

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When I was a rookie author working with my first editor I wanted to write a book with a central character who had OCD. I had a friend with quite a severe form of the illness and he was willing to help me to get it right. But I was told in no uncertain terms that I couldn’t write romantic fiction with a hero like that because no-one would want to read it.

I was prepared to accept the fact I couldn’t write it due to my technical ability, but not that the subject was taboo. Yes, it might make uncomfortable reading but surely it fitted perfectly with the romantic genre: X wants Y and Z stops them getting it.

I put the manuscript to one side (it’s still there, but for a different reason) and in the meantime The Cheesemaker’s House won the suspense and crime heat of the Alan Titchmarsh Show’s People’s Novelist competition. I was almost relieved when judge Sophie Hannah told me I needed a better editor. And totally vindicated when Jeffery Archer found Owen (who is teetering on the brink) a fascinating character.

With The Faerie Tree I was inspired to take things further. I had a good friend who’d suffered a major breakdown and I suppose I wanted to show him that a character with similar problems could get their life back on track. Robin’s struggle with depression is central to the story but he’s just like any other romantic hero – he’s funny, self aware and loving – he certainly doesn’t have ‘damaged goods – pity me’ stamped across his forehead.

The Faerie Tree, book, book review, review

Readers loved him too. Amazon reviewers said, “I fell a little in love with Robin myself,” and “Love, relationships, grief, depression, hope. The Faerie Tree covers it all, yet it’s not all doom and gloom.” But the best was from blogger extraordinaire Ann Cater: “Jane Cable creates characters that are believable, who have problems, who are often annoying and frustrating, but whose story is compelling. She cleverly takes the reader into the heads of two damaged and fragile people, and this is done so very well. Despite their faults, both Izzie and Robin are characters that the reader will root for throughout this really excellent novel.”

I’m not quoting these to show off – I’m making a point. People with mental health issues do make good characters in romantic fiction. Not just shuffling on and off the side-lines, but right in the centre of the story. The reviews also made me brave enough to tackle the thorny issue of PTSD amongst service personnel in Another You.

I’m not the only one: search PTSD romance in Kindle books and there are 341 titles in contemporary alone. Big publishers and writers are tackling the issue too, with books like Kristin Hannah’s Home Front (published by Pan) and USA Today best-selling author Kallypso Masters’ Nobody’s Lost.

Sadly it seems more people are suffering from mental health issues. But perhaps it’s just that happily they are more likely to seek help and not feel ashamed. There is a greater understanding that depression and other illnesses have a physical source in the imbalance of brain chemicals (read Tim Cantapher’s Depressive Illness: The Curse of the Strong if you want to know more) so stigma and taboo really shouldn’t come into it.

While readers want romantic fiction to take them away from their everyday lives, many need to be taken to a world they recognise. And in a way that gives them hope. X wants Y and despite Z, they get it.

Valentine’s Day Poem: Will You Still Love Me? (With apologies to W.B. Yeats)

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AngelavalentinesdaypoemAngela Taplin, scribbler of fiction, poetry and (sometimes) Deep, Meaningful Reflections on Life. She’s a member of Chesham Writers and Scribblers and prefers la dolce vita to Ryvita any day.

 

Will you still love me? (With apologies to W.B. Yeats)

When we are old and grey

  • -Well you, anyway –

(I’ll still be softly fair

Courtesy of Shirley’s Hair)

And our joints creak

And our diaries speak –

For better or for worse –

Of regular dates with doctor or nurse,

Will you still love me?

And after so many years

Of the struggle and the tears

That life inevitably brings

  • -The swings

And roundabouts of married life

(Shall I make a good wife?)

The heartaches and the sorrows

Of so many unknown tomorrows,

Will you still love me?

When we sit in silence side by side,

By shared emotions and long memories tied,

An old dog lying on the floor,

World’s troubles held at bay beyond the door,

Will you still love me?

Will it still be me you see?

Will your heart, like mine, be true?

Well then. I will. I do.

Great Movies For a Couple’s Night In

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couple's night in, night in, The daily drag can become rather monotonous at times. Wake up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep, repeat; such a routine could make even the most positive individuals among us screech with boredom. For couples, this monotony can be even more tedious, repetition ruining an otherwise blissful co-habitation. If you need an injection of fun though, getting your fix isn’t difficult- just pop on a movie, tear open a bag of popcorn and have a couple’s night in! Here are some of the top films if you’re struggling which to pick.

 

Romance

 

A genre often reserved for couples that feature a man who is highly permissive, romantic films aren’t all painful watching for guys and there are a host out there that both partners will enjoy. For those dabbling in hipsterdom, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a fun, rock-filled bet, or perhaps you’d both like to go classic with the Woody Allen original Annie Hall. Failing these two, Lost in Translation is a great flick that dabbles in romance whilst still preserving the humour of Bill Murray that any film-lover will enjoy.

 

Action
The opposite of romance flicks, most guys would be stunned if their beloved offered to watch an action film, but the experience doesn’t have to be a Michael Bay explosion-fest. The Bourne Trilogy- they’re all very good- is a great mix of action and espionage, plus a little romance for the ladies, whilst Johnny Depp’s drug docudrama Blow will enthral both of you. Oceans Eleven and Twelve are also two pretty good picks; both paint a very true picture of the high-stakes, dangerous lifestyles of casino thieves, and are naturally a great choice if you or your partner are interested in the new craze of online gambling sweeping the globe! If you’re enthused after watching, a great, fun idea could be to join Euro casino games lounge for a few online rounds of poker together; you won’t be able to card count, but hey- don’t let that ruin the fun!

 

Horror

 

Scary films are a great divider when it comes to date nights. Having one spook-averse member of the couple regularly stops the notion in its tracks, though if both of you love a little scare. The Shining is a classic that’s not too gory, so could be a good choice, plus the performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. 28 Days Later, a haunting zombie flick that still keeps a nice bit of indie filmmaking swagger, is also a lot of fun to watch, Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle not getting too bogged down in zombie killing, gore and action, instead focusing largely on emotion and character development.

 

 

New York Times Bestselling Author Elizabeth Buchan | Writer Interviews

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Elizabth Buchan I Can't Begin to Tell YouWhat is the key to writing a good romance novel?

Good question and I think the answer is the same as it would be if you asked: what is the key to writing a good novel…? The answer must be absolute commitment to get the material down onto the page in a way which is truthful, resonant and as gripping as you can make it. That includes the love story and the emotional roller coaster of it, the thriller, the war drama and delicious social comedy. I would like to point out that these aims sound very simple and easy to achieve … but, in my experience, they are anything but.

Do you have a favourite book that you have written?

No, they are all my children… having said that some were easier to produce than others. Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman tripped off the pen. So did Daughters and I Can’t Begin to Tell You

What is your writing routine?

Breakfast with newspaper (and cats). I cannot go without any of those. Then, out for power walk around Clapham Common (can’t go without that either). I usually settle into the office about 9.30 where I write until lunch time and then again through the afternoon. If I am on the final stages of a book, I will be work until quite late.


How do you come up with your ideas?

I wish I could tell you. I just pick up something – from a book, the paper, a conversation and, suddenly, I seem to have a subject. But I have to wait for that coup de foudre to happen. It is useless to try and force yourself to write about a subject with which you haven’t fallen in love.


Do you ever get writers block?
Yes. The trick is to do something deeply boring – such as the ironing. Exercise is another way of letting the brain solve a problem without you being aware of it consciously. Also… ahem… I find a little light retail therapy works as well.


How long does it take you to write a book?

Anything from about eighteen months to two years


Advice for wannabe writers?

Do it. Don’t talk about it. Don’t dream about it. Don’t put it off.
Do it. Try and isolate a part of the day in which you function best (are you a night owl or a lark?) and set yourself a realistic target a day. Half a page. A page. It is amazing how it grows and observing it grow encourages you onward.


Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Was it Bernard Shaw who said: ‘If you fail, pick yourself up and fail again better’. (I am sure someone will know the quotation).

Favourite authors/books?

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Ian McEwan’s Atonement, Anne Tyler’s Breathing Lessons Richard Holmes’ Footsteps, Kingsley Amis’ Lucky Jim, William Boyd’s Any Human Heart and Robert Harris’ Enigma. I have many more.

You are a judge for the Costa awards. Is it hard choosing a winner?

Extremely.

You review for The Sunday Times, how do you write a good book review?

Reviewing is a different animal from judging. It acts as a form of introduction to the reader. In effect you, the reviewer are saying: this is the book, this is what it is, this is how well I think it works and, now, it is up to you. If you can relay over the flavour and substance, offer acute reflection and perceive it fairly you are doing a good job. You are not really there to entertain. Having said that, reviewers who write brilliantly deservedly have a following.


What’s next for you?

I am writing the next novel, Aftermath, which is set in South London just after the Second World War. In it, I will have a fractured family who show how difficult it was to pick up the pieces having experienced violence, disruption and hatred of an enemy. There is also a death. Is it suspicious or not?

Elizabeth Buchan’s latest novel, I Can’t Begin to Tell You, is published in Penguin.

Where To Spend Valentine’s Day

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Bespoke Valentine’s Day menu at Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place

 

Head chef, Tim Allen from Launceston Place, will be creating a bespoke menu for one couple this Valentine’s Day. Upon booking, the couple will have the exclusive opportunity to have their ultimate menu created by Michelin starred Tim Allen, featuring their loved ones most desired dishes and favourite foods. The couple will enjoy their meal with the luxury of privacy in the romantic Chef’s Office, with each course served to them personally by Chef Allen. In addition to this, Launceston Place’s head sommelier will work with the couple to choose the perfect accompanying aperitif and wines to complement the bespoke menu. With a minimum spend price tag of £500, this unique experience is one of London’s most lavish ways to spoil your other half this Valentine’s Day. For more information or to book this bespoke experience contact 020 7937 6912 or email Ruth (ruthb@danddlondon.com). www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/valentine-s-day-experience/1648

 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ZINC
This VALENTINE’S, brand new nightclub Zinc will throw a Valentine’s party where people could find love in the air at the summit of the iconic Centre Point building. Already becoming renowned for its world class DJs playing a unique blend of beach house, melodic, hard house and electro and a 24-hour license, Zinc will host a Valentines’ Party that looks set to be both a musical and visual feast. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s cocktail, world class DJs and the chance to find love above the clouds!

Love is in the Air at Zinc

Friday 14th February 2014
10pm-4am
£55 per person
East Side tables: £1500
West Side tables: £500
Zinc
Centre Point
101-103 New Oxford Street
London , WC1A 1DD
www.zinc.uk.net

 

Share the love at Benares

 

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Benares, Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, will be offering a five course Valentine’s Day menu designed for sharing. Couples will begin their evening with a specially created Champagne cocktail before tucking into dishes such as pan roasted Scottish scallops, ginger and grape dressing, classic tandoori organic free range Suffolk chicken for two, red onion salad, olive and tomato naan and Atul’s re-invented cream roll with strawberries.

 

The Benares Chef’s Table, an exquisite private dining space, is also available for an evening of Valentine’s indulgence. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a special gift from Benares, couples will be treated to a six course tasting menu with perfectly matched wines whilst watching the chefs in action through a glass wall.

 

The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Friday 14th from 6.30pm for £75 per person, or at lunch and before 6.30pm for £50 per person. The Chef’s table package is priced upon enquiry.  www.BenaresRestaurant.com

 

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE AMPERSAND HOTEL

Deluxe Studios from £280

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea from £32.50 per person

 

A romantic break in London is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and a stay at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, is sure to woo loved ones. Guests looking for the wow-factor should book a Deluxe Studio; complete with king size bed, a grand freestanding bath and impressive views of London. With its stunning botanical themed interior, love is sure to bloom.

 

Once settled in, guests can choose to enjoy a Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in the privacy of their guestroom.  The Ampersand Hotel ensures a soupçon of romance is sprinkled throughout the guests’ experience, from the book of love poetry placed in guest rooms to the love note that guests are encouraged to pen to their loved one prior to thestay; left on the guests’ bed as an additional surprise.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY FOR SINGLES

Ensuring that it’s not just couples that have all the fun on Valentine’s Day, The Ampersand Hotel will also be serving Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Rooms; perfect for a group of friends.

 

APERO

For a relaxed Valentine’s Day meal, head to Apero and enjoy the delicious sharing menu created by Head Chef Chris Golding. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious décor of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates and cocktails.

 

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day at Plum + Spilt Milk, located in the renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel. Priced at £65 per person, their delicious sharing menu includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. www.plumandspiltmilk.com/

 

Copa de Cava (located beneath Camino Restaurant Blackfriars)

Enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at Copa de Cava; the UK’s first authentic cava bar, this Valentine’s Day. Priced at £60 per person, their specially designed menu combines six authentic cava’s each carefully paired with accompanying tapas dishes including the Presa Ibérica; a succulent shoulder of rare Ibérico pig, creamy pearl barley, Ibérico ham and Manchego. For anyone with a sweet tooth the Crema Catalana; cinnamon custard foam, crispy caramel and freeze dried raspberry, is the perfect end to a romantic evening. www.camino.uk.com/restaurants/copa-de-cava/

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts www.bonniegull.com/

 

HONK IF YOU’RE HORNY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT HONKY TONK
Valentine’s day is just around the corner but fear not singletons, Honky Tonk has the answer to all your prayers. This year come and join the singles party on 14th February at both Honky Tonk Chelsea & Honky Tonk Clapham and Honky If You’re Horny! Each table will have a very special cupids horn on it and when you see a certain someone who catches your eye, give it a good squeeze & let them know that they could be your valentine’s this year!

For those attending the party at Honky Tonk Clapham the wheel of fortune will also be transformed into the wheel of love where you can win a shot and other prizes to give to the lucky lady or lad who you may have your eye on. So come down and celebrate Valentine’s day the Honky Tonk way.

Both Honky Tonks are rapidly becoming West London’s destination diners of choice. They offer regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Honky Tonk Valentine’s day
Friday 14th February 2014

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16a Clapham Common South Side,
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honkytonk.clapham/
Twitter: @honkytonklondon
Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

 

FISHBone pop-up diner at Kensington Place

Inspired by the restaurant’s hit summer menu, Kensington Place in Notting Hill will transform its private dining room into a pop-up diner of the same name this February. Dishes will include a range of ‘fast-fish’ dishes, including Salmon ‘doner’ with pitta, cucumber and yoghurt and Pulled skate with beurre noisette and capers, alongside the classic Scallopdog with brown shrimp and cucumber vierge. White wine sangria, hot and cold sake and a selection of British beers and spirits make up the drinks list. Seating only 36 diners, FISHbone will be a quirky and informal addition to the West London dining scene. www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/fishbone-pop-up-coming-soon/1640

 

Get hooked on Angler at South Place Hotel this Valentine’s Day

 

Feed your romance at the Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, located in The City atop the cool and contemporary South Place Hotel, a rose-petal trail away from Liverpool Street station. With stunning views of the London skyline, the award winning Angler is a gourmet dining experience to share with your other half. The restaurant will be serving a decadent Valentine’s Day set menu on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, priced at £85 per person, prepared by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The simple yet sophisticated six course menu will feature the best of British seafood sourced from across the British Isles. The beautifully presented dishes include carpaccio of octopus, served with a salad of squid and mango, with soy and ginger dressing; fillet of brill with ragout of squid, fennel puree and sea purslane; and milk chocolate mousse with blood orange to share.

 

Couples wanting to completely escape can indulge with the “Chef’s View package” which includes dining in Angler’s Chef’s View to watch the skilled team at work, while taking in the venue’s beautiful interiors and signature mirrored ceilings. Guests can tuck into a personalised menu created by Tony himself and take advantage of their own dedicated sommelier for the evening, before staying overnight in South Place Hotel’s luxury Suite 610: a chic open-plan living space filled with design classics and saucy artwork, whilst offering panoramic City views and did we mention the glass bathtub? The offer is priced at £1,370 and also includes a bottle of Moet Champagne on arrival, homemade chocolate truffles and rose petals on the bed at turn down.

http://anglerrestaurant.com/

 

Copa de Cava

 

For true romance this Valentine’s Day, enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at the beautiful Copa de Cava, the UK’s first dedicated cava bar. Priced at £60 per person, their tasting menu carefully matches six of the best cavas from Spain with creative and authentic tapas. From Presa Ibérica and hand carved jamón, to seafood and cheeses, to a deliciously sweet Crema Catalana, you’ll enjoy a romantic voyage of discovery through Spain’s incredible food and wine producing regions.

 

Call 0207 125 0930 or email reservationscopadecava@camino.uk.com to book a table. Copa de Cava is located a minute from Blackfriars station and 5 minutes from St Pauls.

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

 

This Valentine’s Day, Plum + Spilt Milk are offering a delicious sharing menu for two priced at £65 per person including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. Located in the newly renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel, it is the perfect setting.

 

http://plumandspiltmilk.com

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts

Pont de la Tour – #PontMemories

 

Iconic Butlers Wharf restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has started its Valentine’s Day celebrations early, by running a social media campaign called #PontMemories. They are calling for diners past and present to share happy memories of times spent at the restaurant for a chance to win a complimentary glass of champagne over Valentine’s weekend. In addition, one lucky couple will win a complimentary meal. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ametsa at The Halkin by COMO

 

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by treating your other half to an eight course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction which specialises in exquisite New Basque Cuisine. The set menu is priced at £105 per person, and at £145 per person with matching wines.

 

Couples looking for a more casual way to spend the evening can enjoy “Love Bites”, a selection of Ametsa’s delicious Basque tapas dishes served in the cosy Halkin Bar. Priced at £24.50 per person, the menu includes mini desserts and wine pairings. Ametsa is located in the refined and luxurious Halkin by COMO, in London’s Belgravia. For bookings please contact Ametsa on 020 7333 1234 or email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.com. www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/dining/ametsa

 

Shake Shack’s “Valentine”

 

This Valentine’s Day Shake Shack customers will be given a Shake Shack “Valentine” voucher for a complimentary single cup or cone of their legendary frozen custard.

Dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun fresh daily right at the Shack, the frozen custard can be redeemed on their next visit through to 31st March 2014. Any couples dining on the day will also be offered a complimentary glass of prosecco.  Happy Valentine’s from the team at Shake Shack!

www.shakeshack.co.uk

 

Valentine’s at Vertigo 42

 

This Valentine’s Day couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at London’s highest Champagne bar Vertigo 42. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be enjoyed with tea, toasted with a glass of Palmer Rose pink Champagne for £40 per person.

 

Vertigo 42 is also offering a Valentine’s evening package of a bottle of Palmer Rose Champagne, a canapé sharing platter for two and a selection of macaroons. Served with breathtaking views of the City skyline for £150 per couple. http://www.vertigo42.co.uk/

 

Romance In Modern Age: 52% of Women Would Contribute To Engagement Ring

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The New Engagement Etiquette in the Age of Equality

TV diamond expert, Vashi Dominguez, Founder and CEO of Vashi.com reports that in a recent survey, over 50 percent of women admit they would make a contribution to their engagement ring to ensure they got the ring of their dreams. 52 percent of women answered that ‘yes, I would probably consider [contributing to my engagement ring]’ or ‘yes, I would definitely consider it as it would mean I could have the style and size I want.’ A further 7 percent of women surveyed had already contributed to their engagement ring. The statistics also reveal that a quarter of women surveyed would partake in subtle hinting, such as comments to their partner when walking past jewellery stores, to ensure they received the engagement ring they wanted.

engagementring

Pear Cut 0.6 Carat D/VS1 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring | £1,899

The financial crisis of the late 2000s caused employment rates for men aged 25-44 in the UK to decrease by 3.2 percent. The employment rate of women in the same age range dropped by a lesser 0.7 percent. Consequentially, more couples now share the cost of living; large expense items such as a new car, holidays or an engagement ring are now more likely to be a shared expense. Couples’ finances in general are now so interlinked prior to engagement that an even higher percentage of women could be contributing to their ring subtlety through linked finances.

The survey results also strongly suggest that engagements in the UK are planned (more frequently than being spontaneous) due to men’s financial circumstances and budget constraints. However, a relatively large proportion of men did not plan romance around the planned engagement – this is according to 24 percent of women who revealed their partner did not plan anything specific for their engagement, with another 13 percent of women stating that their partner did not get down on one knee.

In light of the survey results, Vashi.com anticipates a growing number of sales will be a result of joint decisions made by a couple. Post-survey, Dominguez stated: “These results represent a welcome shift in the way couples approach engagement now. The team and I notice more women being involved in the process compared to previous generations. Traditionally, men were the breadwinners and often as a result, the decision makers. However, we’re beginning to experience a new engagement etiquette. Our male customers are relying on their partner’s input too, whether it be financially or at least from an aesthetic point of view. Not only this, now vashi.com is receiving an increasing proportion of business from female customers.”

Vashi Dominguez continued, “women know what they want and our survey shows they’re not afraid to contribute to ensure they get what they want!”

1000 women aged 20-50 were surveyed UK-wide.

Source re survey: Census Wide on behalf of vashi.com

Source re recession: The Labour Force Survey from 2007 Q1 – 2007 Q4

 

2 Out Of 3 Think Modern Men Have Lost The Art Of Chivalry

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· 2 out of 3 Brits believe modern men have lost the art of chivalry

· 67% of over 55s have experienced a romantic gesture from their partner in the last year

· Listening and spending time with each other are valued more than materialistic gestures

 

As the nation gears up for Valentine’s Day, it seems ‘the Facebook Generation’ of UK men may need to brush up on their romantic skills. A survey by over adult only hotel group Warner Leisure Hotels has revealed that 2 out of 3 Brits (27,999,654) believe modern men have lost the art of chivalry. Women are suffering from the lack of love, as one fifth has admitted that their partner hasn’t done anything romantic in the last year.

Jaine and Tim Hewett, celebrating Valentine’s with 400 roses at The Warner Leisure Cricket St. Thomas Hotel in Somerset

Jaine and Tim Hewett, celebrating Valentine’s with 400 roses at The Warner Leisure Cricket St. Thomas Hotel in Somerset

Love needn’t cost the earth as the study found the little things in life – listening to your partner (25%) and never going to bed angry (10%) are the best ways to keep romance alive. 10 million (9,971,806) Brits value spending time with partners and the survey by Warner Leisure Hotels also revealed that going on holiday is important to 2 million (2,014,010).

The best way to keep romance alive in a long-term relationship as surveyed by OnePoll *

· Listening to your partner: 24.25%

· Spending time with each other: 20.30%

· Small gestures e.g. giving compliments, buying small gifts: 9.50%

· Never going to bed angry: 9.95%

· Letting the small things go: 9.95%

Though diamonds are allegedly a girl’s best friend, keeping the spark in a relationship doesn’t have to mean ostentatious gestures – the classics are still the best. With the over 55s leading the way in the art of wooing, younger generations have a lot of catching up to do:

Ways a partner has been romantic in the last year (over 55s) as surveyed by OnePoll *

· Complimented you in some way: 35.28%

· Bought you flowers: 24.54%

· Bought you chocolates: 20.61%

· Cooked a romantic meal: 18.41%

Hannah Sardar, PR Manager for Warner Leisure Hotels

Chivalry is not dead; it’s clear that with a little guidance and a few tips from those who know romance the best, the younger generation can keep romance alive. Relationships and romance require quality time together, trying new things as a couple and investment but the small things – cooking a meal or going on a spontaneous trip for the weekend – really do make a difference. No matter your age, it’s always important to make your partner feel special.”

 

Frost Interview | Novelist Hannah Fielding

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We were very excited to interview The Echoes of Love: A Story of Secrets, Tragedy and Haunting Love in Venice
author Hannah Fielding. Hannah is a great writer and is very well travelled. Read on for her thoughts on her novel, getting published, her writing routine and her favourite places. Portrait of Hannah Fielding and photos of where she writes.

Tell us about your novel

Seduction, passion and the chance for new love is at the heart of The Echoes of Love.

Set in the romantic and mysterious city of Venice, the beautiful landscape of Tuscany and the wild maquis of Sardinia, The Echoes of Love is a touching love story that unfolds at the turn of the new millennium.

What is your writing routine?

I have a very rigid routine which has served me well. Having researched my facts thoroughly, I plan my novel down to the smallest detail. Planning ahead, I have found, makes the writing so much easier and therefore so much more enjoyable. Then, when I am ready to begin writing, I settle into a regular routine – writing each morning andediting the previous day’s work, taking a break for lunch, writing a little more and then going for a walk somewhere inspirational, like the woods or the beach.

How hard was it to get published?

This only gets more difficult. As readers move from paperback to ebooks, publishers are developing new business models and nothing stays the same. My new publisher resulted from the very positive reception of my first book, Burning Embers, which was published by Omnific in the USA. Working with a London publisher and a younger team is very different, but just as enjoyable.

Why did you choose Venice as a setting for your novel?

I first visited Venice as a young child. Then, as now, I was wide-eyed and enchanted by the beauty of the city. I distinctly remember standing in the main square, the Piazza St Marco, gazing up at the stunning architecture of Saint Mark’s Basilica, and feeling I had somehow entered another world – a fairytale world. Then I looked down, at the square itself, which was overrun by hordes of pigeons. There was nothing beautiful about those birds. They were quite spoiling the place. And it struck me then that Venice is a city of two faces: that which the tourists flock to admire, that makes the city the capital of romance, that breathes new life into the imagination and leaves a permanent, inspirational impression. And the other side, the darker side, that which is concealed in what Erica Jong called ‘the city of mirrors, the city of mirages’.

When I returned to the city as an adult, I became quite fascinated by the concept of Venice – what it means to be Venetian; what the city really is beneath the layers of history and grandeur and legend. Frida Giannini wrote, ‘Venice never quite seemsreal, but rather an ornate film set suspended on the water.’ I understand this quote – there is something fairytale about the place, and with that comes some reluctance, perhaps, to see the realism beyond.

Venice so captured my imagination that I knew some day I would write a romance novel set in this most elegant and fascinating of cities. But it had to be the right story to fit the place. For me, that meant a story that reflected the two faces of Venice – the mask she wears, and the true form beneath.

Tell us about your characters

Venetia Aston-Montagu is a young architect in her mid-twenties who has already suffered heartbreak and loss. Brought up by a despotic father and a weak mother who always deferred to her husband, she can’t wait to leave home and work in Venicein her Italian godmother’s architectural practice. Her past experience has left her reserved and wary of men, but deep down she is a romantic who dreams of meeting the man of her dreams.

Paolo Barone is a millionaire Italian entrepreneur in his mid-thirties who has also had his share of suffering, which makes him at times taciturn. The affinity he feels for Venetia is instant. To start off with, like Venetia, he is afraid of the power of the emotions. Still, Paolo’s past and present are filled with secrets that he jealously keeps locked up in his heart, even from Venetia.

Is Venice the most romantic city?

Italy, for me, is the most romantic country in the world, and Venice is the best of its many ancient and beautiful cities. That is why time and again it tops the polls as the most romantic city in the world.

There are so many reasons I can give for this: the stunning architecture, the sense of history all around, the romantic music, the sublime cuisine, the colours of the buildings and their reflections in the water, the Casanova connection, the passionate

Venetians and their beautiful language, the dreamy drift of the lagoon, the blend of hubbub and calming serenity, the exciting Carnival, the gondolas that bear you around the city in such a timeless, gliding fashion…

You were born in Egypt and have travelled a lot. Where are your favourite

places?

1. Aswan, Egypt

One my favourite places in the world is the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan in southern

Egypt. Built on a granite promontory in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile,

the dark pink edifice, in the style of Belle Époque villas of the 19th century, has

retained all the beauty and splendour of yester-years.

 

2. The Rift Valley, Kenya

I set my debut novel, Burning Embers, in Kenya because after visiting the country

as a young woman I was captivated by the scenery and the people. The Rift Valley,

in particular, took my breath away, and I could not resist writing a balloon ride into

Burning Embers to allow my heroine, Coral, to take in the magnificent landscape.

 

3. St Paul de Vence

A beautiful hilltop village in Provence, and one of the oldest – founded in the ninth

century. It is known as Le Bijou de la Côte d’Azur (The Jewel of the Côte d’Azur).

The French painter Marc Chagaechoesoflovehannahfieldingll made the village his home for 20 years, and here he

painted wonderfully warm pictures that pay homage to love, some of which can be

viewed at La Fondation Maeght , 623 Chemin des Gardettes.

Your first novel was published last year. Was this one harder to write?

Yes. Because Burning Embers had such a good response, I found The Echoes of

Love a much more challenging experience because I wanted to live up to my readers’ expectations.

 

What next?

I have written a trilogy set in Andalucía, Spain, spanning three generations of a

Spanish/English family, from 1950 to the present day.

Greece is also on the map for a new Hannah Fielding romance novel. I am now in the process of researching and planning a very dramatic love story that takes place on one of the many Greek Islands. I chose Greece because I know that captivating country and its people well – I have good Greek friends. I bought my wedding dress in Athens and my husband and I honeymooned on Rhodes Island. Greek mythology was part of the literature course I read at university and Greece is not far from Alexandria, where I grew up.