Downton Abbey by Darcy, Staff Blogger

Downton Abbey is the new smash hit written by Academy Award winning actor Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). It has won six Emmy awards as well as numerous others. The second season has just ended on CTV, with a third season soon to be in the works.

If you like historical drama, coupled with steamy soap opera elements, you'll love Downton Abbey. The story opens in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and follows the fortunes and affairs of the aristocratic Crawley family, and their servants. Take a look at the official site, complete with videos, photos, character guides, etc. Fans can also browse Downton Abbey News for additional detail about the actors, fashion etc...

If you'd like more detail about the behind-the- scenes set of Downton Abbey check out:

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

A lavish look at the real world - both the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama - of the spellbinding Emmy Award-winning Masterpiece TV series Downton Abbey April 1912. The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear that it seems as if the way it represents will last for another thousand years. It won't. ~ publisher

If you'd like to read an actual account of 'life below stairs', try the true account of Margaret Powell, who started life asa kitchen maid at the age of 15 in 1922. ' Entertaining and Poignant' it recreates a vividly written account of early 20^th century life.

Below the Stairs by Margaret Powell.

Arriving at the great houses of 1920s London, fifteen-year-old Margaret's life in service was about to begin... As a kitchen maid - the lowest of the low - she entered an entirely new world; one of stoves to be blacked, vegetables to be scrubbed, mistresses to be appeased, and even bootlaces to be ironed. Work started at 5.30am and went on until after dark. It was a far cry from her childhood on the beaches of Hove, where money and food were scarce, but warmth and laughter never were. ~publisher

If you liked the themes of love and loss set against an early 20^th century backdrop, these brand new titles might appeal:

Fateful by Claudia Grey

18 year old Tess, who is traveling with a wealthy British family aboard the Titanic, meets and falls in love with a handsome first class passenger, who just happens to be a werewolf. Can Tess overcome their differences and the mounting danger to discover true love?

WildWing by Emily Whitman

When Addy is swept back in time, she couldn't be happier to leave her miserable life behind. Now she's mistaken for Lady Matilda, the pampered ward of the king. If Addy can play her part, she'll have glorious gowns, jewels, and something she's always longed for ‑‑ the respect and admiration of others. But then she meets Will, the falconer's son with sky blue eyes, who unsettles all her plans.... ~publisher

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

In Timeless, Michele travels back to 1910, and she meets and falls in love with Phillip, a boy that she's dreamed about her entire life. It's an atmospheric story, 'powered by mesmerizing romantic trysts, heartfelt emotions and the timeless and time conquering appeal of true love.' ~ Joy Fleishhacker

So now you can watch, read, and 'travel' back in time,

Darcy

Staff Blogger

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