One of the main characteristics is the sense of time and place. Authors transport readers to different eras, whether it's the Regency period or the American Civil War era. The romances are slow - burning in many cases. The relationships develop over time as the characters get to know each other. There's also often a touch of adventure. Maybe the characters are on a journey or involved in a political intrigue. And the authors use historical events as a backdrop to the love stories, which gives the novels more depth and authenticity.
The works by these authors often have detailed historical settings. They might describe the architecture, the clothing, and the social customs of a particular era accurately. For example, in a Regency - era romance, you'll find descriptions of the balls, the carriages, and the strict social hierarchies. Another characteristic is the central love story. It usually involves some sort of conflict, like class differences or family feuds. The characters are also well - developed, with the hero often being charming and strong, and the heroine having her own agency and personality.
One characteristic is their attention to detail in the historical setting. They research thoroughly to accurately portray the time period, from the clothing and food to the social customs. Female authors of historical novels also often challenge the traditional historical narrative. They may highlight the voices and stories that have been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream historical accounts. For example, they might tell the story of a lower - class woman's struggle during a time of great political upheaval when most historical records focus on the upper - class and male - dominated events.
One characteristic is that they blend historical facts with fictional elements. Authors do research to ensure the major historical events are correct, like battles or political changes. But they also add fictional dialogue, relationships, and minor plot details. Another aspect is that they can provide different perspectives on history. Instead of just presenting the dry facts from a history book, they can show how events affected ordinary people or how different groups within society reacted. For example, a historical fiction novel about the Industrial Revolution might focus on the experiences of factory workers rather than just the industrialists.
European authors of historical fiction novels usually pay great attention to period - specific language and dialogue. In 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas, the language used gives a sense of 17th - century France. They also like to show the evolution of society over time. For instance, in Josephine Tey's 'The Daughter of Time', we can see how historical views and interpretations change. And another characteristic is the exploration of moral and ethical issues within the historical context, as seen in many of these authors' works.
One characteristic is intense passion. The relationships in their works are often highly charged with sexual tension and physical attraction. For instance, in many of these novels, the characters' first encounters are filled with a palpable chemistry.
The settings can be diverse. Some are set in small towns, highlighting the unique experiences of gay characters in more close - knit communities. Others are in big cities, showing the vibrant gay scenes there. For instance, Alexis Hall's books often play with different settings to create unique atmospheres for his characters' romances.
One characteristic is the strong presence of faith. In these novels, the characters' relationship with God often plays a crucial role in their romantic journey. For example, they might pray for guidance in their relationships or find strength in their faith during difficult times.
Typically, they have a strong sense of place. The Western setting, like vast deserts, ranches, or small frontier towns, is very prominent. For instance, in many novels, the hero might be a cowboy working on a ranch, and the ranch itself becomes an important part of the story.
Many of these novels also incorporate elements of historical accuracy. They might touch on events like the building of the railroads in the west or the conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. This historical backdrop adds depth to the love stories and makes the whole reading experience more immersive.
The works often feature detailed descriptions of ships. For example, the types of vessels, their construction, and how they function in different sea conditions. Also, naval battles are a big part. Authors will describe the tactics, the chaos of the fight, and the role of different crew members.