The Christmas Salon

The year was 1814....

I love it when my side characters decide to form a story of their own - don't you? This one all takes place in the art world of Paris - where there was a lot going on.

The year 1814 was a pivotal period for Europe, especially for those familiar with Regency history. Following Napoleon’s abdication and exile to the island of Elba, the Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed by several European powers in April 1814. 

By November of the same year, the Congress of Vienna had convened, bringing together the leading statesmen of Europe to reshape the continent’s political landscape in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.

Although the British Crown and Parliament refrained from signing the Treaty of Fontainebleau - being skeptical of Napoleon’s willingness to abandon his imperial ambitions - they actively participated in the Congress of Vienna. One of their primary goals was to seek the restitution of the many works of art looted by the French during their conquests, which included treasures from some of Europe’s most renowned cultural centres, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice.

One of these plundered masterpieces was Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, a neoclassical sculpture by Antonio Canova. Despite efforts to reclaim it, the piece has remained in the Louvre Museum to this day.

Cupid and Psyche: A Symbolic Love Story

The myth of Cupid and Psyche has endured through the ages as a profound allegory for love’s complexities. Psyche, symbolising the soul (often depicted as a butterfly), and Cupid, the god of love, represent both the physical and spiritual dimensions of romantic love. However, their journey towards eternal union is fraught with misunderstandings and trials, reflecting the struggles that lovers must overcome to achieve a deeper, more meaningful connection.

This timeless myth provided inspiration for my holiday reunion novella The Christmas Salon, where I explore similar themes of love and reunion.

The Christmas Salon

Canova’s evocative artwork served as the creative spark for The Christmas Salon. In this story, Henry, a British major and avid art collector, finds himself haunted by memories of Louisa, the woman he once knew. While visiting a gallery, he encounters a portrait that bears a striking resemblance to her. Concerned for her wellbeing—especially given that posing for such a portrait would have been scandalous for a society lady—Henry sets out to discover the truth behind her circumstances.

Writing about these secondary characters from Always a Princess has been a delightful endeavour, and I look forward to exploring their stories further. If there are any other characters you’d like to see more of, feel free to let me know. I have plenty of storylines in reserve!

SPECIAL OFFER:

For every review you post of The Christmas Salon, I'll send a free digital copy of of Always a Princess in the format of your choice.

How it works:

Simply get your hands on The Christmas Salon, read it and post your review - and tag me on IG, X, Facebook, Tiktok, Pinterest or Goodreads.

Happy Holiday Reading!