For those of you who have followed my writing journey over the years, you may have been a little surprised when I announced my newest novel, PICKLED FOR REVENGE. After all, I'm best known for writing historical fiction. I have happily spent years immersed in archives, biographies, letters, and centuries-old mysteries while bringing remarkable people from history back to life. My books have taken me from medieval Europe to the Tudor court and beyond. So, writing a contemporary

Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shakespeare was born or when J. K. Rowling celebrates her special day, but I wanted to shine a light on the talented authors who may not be household names—yet still enrich our lives through their stories. While their names may not appear in history books, their words matter, their creativity inspires, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. Join me each month as we honor an author and help wish them a very H

The pickle is officially out of the jar! 🥒🎄 After months of writing, editing, formatting, planning, and introducing you to some of the residents of Ettering through my #EtteringCaseFiles, I’m delighted to announce that PICKLED FOR REVENGE — A Christmas Mystery is officially here! This book is a bit of a departure for me. Most of my novels are historical fiction, often featuring strong women and stories rooted in the past. But every once in a while, an idea comes along that

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "How much of your books is based on real history?" For my historical fiction novels, the answer is usually, "Quite a lot." But even though PICKLED FOR REVENGE is a contemporary Christmas mystery, many of the traditions woven throughout the story are very real. In fact, researching those customs was every bit as enjoyable as researching kings, queens, and empires. While the mystery itself is fictional (thankfully!), many of the Chr

Can you believe it’s September already? Where did the time go? Before we know it, autumn will be here, with cooler days, colorful leaves, and all the cozy things that come with the season. But before I get completely sidetracked by thoughts of fall, let’s take a moment to look back at August. So, without further ado, here are the most popular blog posts of August 2026, as chosen by you, my wonderful readers: Wholesome Canine Nutrition: Lip-Smacking Birthday Pupcake Recipe Bir

Every year on August 26, National Dog Day offers a special chance to celebrate the joy and companionship dogs bring into our lives. This day is not just about pampering your furry friend but also about recognizing the important role dogs play in families and communities. Whether you have a dog or simply love these loyal animals, National Dog Day is an opportunity to show appreciation and support for dogs everywhere. Why National Dog Day Matters Dogs have been human companions

Every novel begins with a single idea. Sometimes it's a historical figure whose story deserves to be told. Sometimes it's a forgotten event hidden deep in the archives. And sometimes… It's a pickle. Yes, really! If you've never heard of the Christmas pickle tradition before, you're probably wondering whether I've finally lost my mind. Trust me, when I first came across it, I thought exactly the same thing. But the more I learned about this quirky Christmas custom, the more my

Birthday Pupcakes. Quick, easy, and packed with flavour. These lip-smacking pupcakes are my dogs' favourite treats - soon, your furry friends will crave them, too! This week is Zoey's birthday, and as it has been our tradition for many years with our current furry children as well as our last two, Lana and Darren, I baked some yummy pupcakes to help us celebrate. While the baked goods were made for our furry companions and their friends, they can also be consumed by humans, a

Can you believe it's already August? Where has the year gone? It seems like summer just began, yet before we know it, autumn will be knocking at the door. But before I get swept away by more summertime adventures, it's time to look back at the month that was. So, without further ado, here are the most popular blog posts from July 2026, as chosen by you—my wonderful readers! Birthdays in Literature - Rowan Burrows Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shake

Writing historical fiction is a journey that never truly ends. Every page turned, every fact checked, and every detail uncovered leads to more questions. The research process is not a one-time task but a continuous exploration that shapes the story and deepens the author’s connection to the past. This post shares a candid look at why research remains an ongoing part of writing historical fiction and how it enriches the creative process. The Endless Quest for Accuracy Historic