Brougham Castle

One of the coolest castles we saw in England this spring was Brougham (pronounced "broom") Castle in Cumbria. Not only does it have well-preserved ruins and stairs leading all the way to the third floor, but I love the story behind this castle.

Unlike other females at the time, Lady Anne Clifford was supposed to inherit her father's properties, including Brougham Castle, upon his death. However, they went to an uncle instead. So Lady Anne spent years getting back the Clifford properties and restoring them. She actually died in Brougham Castle in 1676, in the same room her father was born in.

This castle is going to be featured in a couple of scenes in Book #3 of my WWI trilogy - and may involve an aeroplane ride and a kiss or two. ;)

Take That Fear of Heights!

I don't know if I've mentioned my fear of heights on here, but it's bad. I don't ever plan on going to the top of the Space Needle or the Sears Tower. And drives through the mountains with steep cliffs and that itty-bitty guard rail make me physically cringe.

But I took another step toward ignoring and conquering that fear! Last night, with a bunch of youth from my church, I went rappelling. And not just a short rappell. No, this was down a 100 foot cliff face.

Was it scary? Yes, especially at the beginning when you have to climb over the cliff ledge. But I didn't look down at all. And when I got to the bottom, my hands trembling from gripping the rope so tight, it was the coolest, adrenline-rush feeling to know I DID IT.

What have you done to conquer your fears lately? Have you ever been rappelling?

This is Cumbria!

The Lake District, in northwest England, is located in the part of the country known as Cumbria. This area of England is home to famous authors such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. And while some things you'll find there are universal to all of Britain, there are some things that are uniquely Cumbrian!

You known you're in Cumbria when:

1. You see views like these

2. The (two-lane) roads look like this

3. You hear words like "fell" (which means mountain) or "beck" (which means stream)

4. You have the opportunity to hike this

and see this

5. The fences look like this

6. People think you're crazy for not bringing your "wellies" (rubber boots)

7. A couple centuries ago, you were fighting off Scottish raiders from invading these

8. Full dark doesn't come until 10:30 p.m. in the spring/summer, and by 4:45 in the morning, it looks like this

9. You fall in love with the Lake District and its people!

Have you heard of England's Lake District before? Does it look like a place you might like to visit?

Downton Abbey in Scotland

Those who've read my blog for some time know I'm a Downton Abbey fan! So when I learned one of the homes they used for filming was a mere three-hour drive from our place in England, I HAD to go. Thankfully my husband and kids didn't mind.

Those who've seen the finale of Downton Abbey Season 3 will recognize this castle! Inveraray Castle was used as the Grantham's Scottish retreat. It's located in the Western Highlands of Scotland, northwest of Glasgow.

For those who've seen that famous episode and those who haven't (I promise no spoilers!), here's a picture tour of Downton Abbey at Inveraray Castle.

The Grantham family enters the castle from this set of stairs (behind me in the picture). In reality, this is the garden entrance, with the castle's main entrance on the either side.

Remember this amazing weapons-decorated hall the Granthams walk through? It's incredible - three stories high and featuring all sorts of swords, muskets, battle axes, etc.

The dining room is another part of the interior that was used in this episode. Remember the bag-piper who comes in and walks around the table? Here it is.

These cool-looking arches are the spot where Mr. Bates and Anna stumble on Rose smoking a cigarette, before her mother leans over the balcony above and tells Rose to come inside.

The gardens were also used in this episode for a stroll and talk between the Dowager (Maggie Smith) and Rose's mother.

This spot on the nearby river looks very much like the one where Matthew and Edith's editor go fishing.

Here's the river from the opposite side, looking toward the cool, stone bridge.

While not in the show, the woods near Inveraray Castle are stunning! The bluebells were in bloom and the forest, with all its moss-covered trees, was absolutely gorgeous.

While it wasn't Highclere Castle near London (which is the Downton Abbey home in the show), Inveraray Castle was amazing - and so worth the trip!

The Romance of a Sheep Pasture

Last week we returned from a three-week trip in England. Yep, my husband and kids accompanied me on my research jaunt across the Pond. While it was a little crazy at times, with three kids in tow, it was so worth going as a family and seeing all that we did, together.

We stayed in the northwest part of England, in the Lake District, so I could soak up the sights and culture for my book. But we drove all over - logging almost 2700 miles in our car!

One day we went searching for a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, to fit the setting in my head. We would pull over frequently to take pictures of the countryside. One such time, we pulled over, but unfortunately, some trees blocked our view of the valley. So my husband climbed out and headed into the muddy, poopy sheep pasture next to us to get a better shot.

As we waited in the car for him, I had an epiphany. He'd been willing to sacrifice convenience and his shoes because he loves me and wanted me to have a good picture for my research. To me, that's true romance!

Cheerio!

If you're interested in seeing the latest pics and posts from my research trip (for Book #3) to England, check out my author Facebook page here.

My Recommendation: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

What It's About:
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

My Thoughts:
Most of you already know I'm a big fan of Karen Witemeyer's books! I've read every book she's written. And I think I'd have to say this one is probably my favorite.

I loved both Travis and Meredith - they were both very likable and a great match for each others' strengths and weaknesses. I really liked the premise of the book - it's a unique, fresh twist on the "marriage of convenience" plot line. I liked that Travis and Meredith met years earlier and she's pictured him as her "hero" ever since. Their story - like all of Witemeyer's - had the right amount of adventure, humor and romance to make it a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read. I also liked how all of the Archer brothers had distinct personalities. Witemeyer's next book comes out June 1st and it follows one of Travis' brothers, which I'm also very excited to read!

Find it here on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.