Please meet Shehanne Moore: writer, author, publisher, wife, mother and one of the official Art Gowns models. By Resa McConachy.
SMART + SEXY = SMEXY
The Smexy Pen of Shehanne Moore
I just finished reading “Loving Lady Lazuli”
Cassidy Armstrong has had an unfortunate life, that has scarred her in more ways than one. Cast off from family as a baby, and her brother dead from beatings, she is pressed into being a jewel thief. Nonetheless, she has managed to hoard her virginity like it was a massive collection of fine Waterford Crystal worth more florins than any working class person would see in a lifetime
Now, she has returned to claim her birthright. As a fake widow, Lady Cassidy Armstrong can move around more freely, searching for her proof of heritage. Yet, even after 10 years of aging, donned in a widow’s “Crow Black” and with a new name; Devorlane Hawley (fifth Duke of Chessington) recognizes her.
I asked Shehanne: Devorlane Hawley – Fifth Duke of Chessington, was off at war for 10 years. Was it the Napoleonic Wars? If not, which war was he in, and can you give a bit of history of the war and/or London around the time of this story?
Answer: It was the Napoleonic Wars but he was in the military a little before they actually started in 1803, as an unwilling recruit shall we say? And obviously since the book is set in 1810 and the wars didn’t end for another five years, he’s no longer a soldier, having been badly wounded and invalided out. The Wars came out of chaos that was the French Revolution and for some time, a long time, it looked as if Napoleon Bonaparte could become master of Europe, until he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled to Saint Helena. I imagine that life for people in London and indeed elsewhere, would–as ever, even as we’re seeing today– depend on your wealth. Whatever your class, most people had a relative in the army or navy and would be anxious about that but that’s roughly where any kind of things in common would end. For the rich there was the chance to make more money, for the women to adopt new fashions, go to charitable balls and see some wonderful re-enactments of battles etc onstage. For the poor–the usual struggle for survival. All the English counties had a militia, there to protect the county and of course there was espionage, the suggestion of which the heroine of this book uses to her advantage at one point.
“Never judge a book by its cover, unless there’s a gown on it.”
I came up with that exceptionally memorable saying, after reading “Splendor”. It was the first book by Shehanne that I read. I pair it here with “Loving Lady Lazuli”, as they are both part of a series about London Jewel Thieves.
You can read my review, and mini interview with Shehanne by clicking on the drawing of “Splendor”, above.
I read “The Viking and the Courtesan” quite recently. It is definitely a bit of a departure from the other stories.
Malice Mallender is quite the piece of work. For the right price “Strictly Business” will destroy any marriage, usually by dealing with the wife nuisance. The right price; enough to buy the latest pair of shoes she covets in Madame Faro’s window. So, what happens when “Strictly Business” is inadvertently hired to destroy Malice’s own marriage to Lord Cyril Hepworth?
I asked Shehanne: In “The Viking and the Courtesan” – How did you come up with the idea of “time displacement” ?
Answer: My dearest, lovely Resa, first let me thank for all your kindness and especially for the gowns and asking me here today. You may know I must be amongst your biggest fans, not just as a mega admirer of your work but the fact you make gowns to be used for charity.
Okay, so to answer your question, I had a flash moment. I never ever set out to write a time displacement story. Just like I never ever set out to write any book. But I had written the first few chapters of this book exactly as they stand now, to the bit where she goes to her husband, Cyril’s flat. The story was to be a second chance love story between them but one day as I was belting away at the keyboard, I thought that idea was a bit too similar to the Lady Fury book. Then the little voicewhispered… you know that Viking idea you have where you have the hero’s story but not the heroine’s? Hmm?? Well … why don’t you just bung that in here? Quite understandably I thought, no way. Are you serious???? I mean, come on. Then I went and thought about it for a moment. And I thought, okaaaay. Maybe I should just give it a try for a chapter or so, no more? What have I got to lose really? And that was it. That’s the truth. It just popped into my head.
The moment I saw the new cover of Shehanne’s re-released tale of Lady Fury (Genoa 1820), I fell in love with the gown. I read chapter one on Shehanne’s blog. Then I read the book.
“Rule One: There will be no kissing. Rule two: You will be fully clothed at all times… Widowed Lady Fury Shelton hasn’t lost everything—yet. As long as she produces the heir to the Beaumont dukedom, she just might be able to keep her position.”
Perhaps ex-privateer Flint Blackmoore (a man she’d rather see rotting in hell than sleeping in her bed) has never been good at following the rules, still she decides to use him to produce an heir.
I asked Shehanne: In “Lady Fury” – What was your impetus for coming up with “the rules”? Did you have a reason for making Blackmoore a privateer… ie: a love of ships, a port you have been stimulated historically by?
Answer: Ooh, I have always loved pirate stories since I read Treasure Island as a kid. I was reared on all the old films and one of my fav board games was buccaneer. I was gutted to learn it just wasn’t possible to pursue my chosen choice of career actually. But I did always want to write a book about a pirate or a privateer. As for ‘the rules’, well, once again I had written first few chapters and I thought, now what? You can tell by now I never ever think anything out. And I thought, well, he’s got her cornered which she’s er…not going to take lying down. So what would she do here to pay him back and keep any feelings which she sees she sort of still might have, under wraps Then I thought I could maybe have a little fun dissecting a certain activity shall we say? I am a great believer in having fun especially with rules on anything. Let’s face it, I dunno about you but over here in Scotland right now, and England, well .. I never saw so many that were badly thought through.
his is my favourite book by Shehanne. It is her most recent, and proves that she gets better with time. As the ending demands a sequel, I am hoping there is one in progress!
You can read my review, some Q&A with Shehanne and see the gown drawings by clicking on my above rendition of Destiny
Shehanne’s titles are available worldwide on Amazon, Ingram Books & Barnes and Noble. If you click on the above banner, you will go to Amazon’s universal “select a country” page. Once there, select “Books”. In “Books” search “Shehanne Moore. It will take you to all of her titles.
LOVE!
A wonderful tribute to a complete star and top person. Apart from keeping a job in Woolworths is Sheh is brilliant at everything, even chocolate slices. xx
LOL… Gary, you are too kind. And who would want to have kept a job in Woolies… Not forgetting that box of rockyroads and straberry slices will be yours at xmas xxxxxxxx
What a wonderful post. I can verify just what a fine writer Shehanne is having two of her novels to my name…sadly one such book has been claimed by a cunning young lady, aware of Shehanne’s work and is reluctant toreturn of my property. I particularly like Resa’s observations, beginning thus, ‘I can hear the clop of hooves over cobblestone…’ and all references beyond.
Mike xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I got your latest on kindle btw. Can’t wait. Resa did a great job and I do love what she said. It was so kind and made my day, just as you have here too xxxxx
I love Resa’s gowns and drawings. I love the way you mixed her gown drawings and your books.
It was Resa who did that Timothy. She is amazing. I just reblogged her post. She got each of the galz there in their own way, be it a fancy stocking that heroine would sell hr soul for, or the shoes that that heroine has already sold her soul for, or the hair coming undone. Great to see you. .
I thought it looked familiar. It was too early not enough coffee.
Hope you have had your quota now xx
This is awesome! Lovely books, gorgeous gowns and wonderful interview. Loved it! ❤️
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx my friend. I wanted to thank Resa for her kindness and all her work. xx
You both did a beautiful collab ! It was fabulous and fun. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
She does amazing collaborations, always has brilliant ideas.
Ohh my! Poor little gownless hamsters! I might have an old very fluffy gown in the basement I can send their way. They can dig holes, make nests, drink vodka and cossack dance in it.
Thank you Shey! Lovely repost! Or as the Dudes say, a Sheymless repost at their expense!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
But wi din’t dig holes. Wi ur law abidin hamstirs… We don’t drink voddie eithir. Thes ir fake pids….
Right!!!!
Im shur u er prefect hamstirs! Not.
We cannot think why we wid not be…hic..
Resa, ignore them. Thank YOU again for the wonderful opportunity to be on your blog Met some great folks there I must say. That is before I even get to the gowns. And I was just holding off to share. So GLAD that I have now done that to thank you again. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PS…had this surreal moment there with the ladies all fighting a la Dude over the gowns, tearing hair , the lot… Fury going..I want that one. Destiny going ‘ Get your soddin’ hands off.’ (SHe has not got much hair to tear that one) etc.
It was a FUN post to make.
I enjoy your books, a lot. I do believe I have wonderful blog friends, and I am very happy to hear you say “great folks”.
I am very pleased with the gowns I designed for your heroines, and that my perception of their characters has pleased you!
I also really love the drawing I did of you!
You will be back on Art Gowns soon, as a model, or after I read another book!
Love you, & stay safe! xxoxoooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
You do have wonderful blog friends and not just wonderful, such an array of talent, it’s been exciting actually to meet them, read their posts, LOVE Timothy’s photographs, Rebecca’s beautiful reflections, Dave’s literary forays into books. Great, great people. And YES, i love the perceptions of the characters. What is it they say, ‘ the devil is in the detail,’ and you have not just given them their stockings, and shoes the things that are appropriate to each lady, when I look closer at Malice, I see she’s not really smiling, it looks like it, But there’s that hint of coldness there. And you’ve done that with the stroke of a pen, as you’ve captured them all. I also LOVE the one of me. I am so honored. Love you to bits xxxxxxxxxxxx
I’m on Chapter 5!!! “Dread held her immobile!!!” YIKES! What will happen next!
Oh GOD!!!> This is where I run away and hide…full of dread. 9 I ..er… like high octane and I like cliffhangers everywhere, even if it just emotional ones xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wonderful post!
Aw Leslie xxxxxxxxxxxx. Resa did this for me. She is both amazingly talented and kind. I wanted to reblog despite the dudes’ moans because of all the trouble she took and how she captured every one of my ladies.
She did beautiful work.
She did. I loved answering her questions as each one related to an aspect of that book. But I feel she captures so much with a pen stroke. i was saying that to her how Malice looks as if she is smiling but actually she’s not. There’s that coolness there.
Truly magnificent drawings and a wonderful tribute to your talent, dear Shey!
Dolly, I do agree with the first bit and they are indeed fantastic captures of my ladies, in every way. But you’re too kind re any talent, you lovely lady. Seriously Resa is just amazing. The gowns she makes for charity are something to see. In addition to so much else she is also a great collaborator.
A perfect match of two talented ladies!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dolly
Fabulous post, Resa and Shey, more strictly than strictly! Love the gowns, and the story summaries, very tantalising, and Smexy!
Resa is wonderful Cath. Her spare time when she’s not designing professionally for film and TV is spent making the most wonderful gowns for charity, and sketching as you can see.. And she has captured the ladies to perfection, there’s Splendor’s fancy stockings which she can’t stop buying… with money that’s not hers… There’s Malice’s shoe, she would sell her soul to have-poking out and while she looks to be smiling, she’s not. it’s pure ice and that is her too. There’s Fury’s hair coming undone, just as she does to match her name right left and centre, despite trying to keep it all battened down. Resa just gets it all. I am putting a gown in my present WIP for her specially
I love this post, it is absolutely sparkling. The inspirational tales behind the books, the book covers, the gowns…oh the artwork of those gowns and my favourite dude has put the song “Knock Knock Who’s There” in my head. What a beautifully happy post to read on a Monday. Two wonderfully talented ladies xxx
Well, my lovely Sparkling lady, we have Resa McConaghy to thank. She drew all the ladies with gowns and she captured them perfectly, their fondness for certain things on show but also down to the iciness of a certain lady’s apparent smile. She’s amazing and she drew me too. She then wrote up the questions and asked me to her blog and I wanted to reblog it here now so folks can see how talented and kind she is. She also has an amazing mural graffiti blog. Her ‘artgowns’ blog though is amazing. every so often she does this story featuring the art modes, of whom I am one and she draws us all on our adventure. I just love it. I am so pleased you like that song. I struggled for a moment or two to get the song for that dude to murder this post.
The gowns are beautiful and I wish I was sophisticated enough to wear one. Could the talented Resa perhaps design elegant threads for the dudes? xxx
Resa is wonderful. She did design a Splendor gown for Hamstah Splendor a while back. They dudes never ate it either. Nice to see you xxx
Wow, fantastico! The gowns are gorgeous. How amazing to have Resa design your character’s couture. And of course the dudes feel left out once again ,poor guys, lol. xxxxx
Resa did design a Splendor hamster. Splendor hamster lasted all of five seconds before there was a lynching. Resa is fabulous seriously. She’s done all the ladies she’s read in their colors and things that matter to them.. Fancy stocking..shoes… The important things in life. I am having a gown scene in my present WIP even though this lady isn’t really into anything fancy for obvious reasons!
Well having Resa design the gown is good enough reason. And still lmao on the Splendor hamster. I couldn’t even imagine that going over well LOL 🙂 xxxx
Splendor Hamster was lovely, all simple, pale golden gowns which is Splendor’s trademark and little things on her head. Presently she is in hiding…
Wow — this post has everything! Humor, book descriptions, cover art, gowns… A treat to read!
Dave thank you so very much. I have to give full credit to Resa. She’s a star in every way. Her questions were a pleasure to answer, I liked how she took the three books she’d not long read and asked one about each BUT the gowns??? The gown are just something else. Nicely detailed in ways relevant to each lady.
What a talented pair of women you are, and the synergy of combining your work — one really does feed the other. Love love love it. And since Lady Fury was the last Shey book I read, I guess I’ll have to get O’Roarke’s Destiny based on Resa’s statement that it’s her fav. Don’t mind if I do. xox
AW Pam, my lovely Pam, you’re too kind. OF course the other ladies noses are out of joint but i was thrilled Destiny is her fav. She was hard to craft xxx Of course there is a gown scene in it. But Resa is amazing, truly so talented and generous with it, which is a diff thing. I ordered copies to make a spesh pic, hoping that they come this week. Our post is torture just now.
Not so torturous, but a fine read and viewing what with all the fanciness on display. 🥳❤️
I loves me that fanciness I does.
Most beautiful post.i like very much the gowns made by Resa.she is amazing talented girl.oh .so much popular,i just now know by your post.💕💕💕💕
She is amazing x xxx
Everytime I read your posts I have to go through multitudes of tonge twisters.
Lol, my friend.I will tell the little hamsters to be kinder to your tongue xxxxx
Please don’t. That’s the beauty of your work. I better up my reading skills.😊
That is so so kind of you. Truly and I take my hat of to your own skills, All of them xxxxxxx
yay!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
AMAZING WORK
Resa is just so talented but into the mix she absolutely loves what she does. Designing gowns especially. Thank you for the lovely comment. xxxxxxx
my pleasure
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Nancy, enjoy your day. Pouring rain yet again—ahhh where is summer?– where we are. Hope yours is sunny,
What a n interesting post, Shey. I love the gown approach and Resa, you are so talented. You make the gowns come alive. Beautiful.
Resa is amazing. Truly. Just waiting for all my pics I ordered of these new gowns to arrive so I can get a while display up of them all. She has captured the essence of my galz. xxxx
Love the Hamsters it reminded me of Ralph, great interview, Resa’s gown posts are getting better and better, nice job.
Charlotte, that is really kind. of you, truly. She is amazing. and I don’t know what has happened to Ralph. I see today there are promises of money for arts. I truly hope that these will be kept and it means that people like your good self WILL get back to what they excel at xxxxxxx
I remember Ralph saying he was having problems typing in messages but I got a like on a post a short while back so I hope all is well. It sounds a lot of money doesn’t it but I think most of it will go to the shut theatres and museums etc. because they have massive establishment costs, I hope I’m wrong. The SEISS self-employed furlough was generous too but there are lots of people in the creative industry who fell through the cracks.
I will find a way to do this, I have to.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I know that re the funding and that is why I said, there are promises and I hope they are kept. AND as ever the biggies with the big costs get the bulk of the cake, whether they actually earn their keep or not. Also the furlough sounds good on paper but there’s always people who fall through cracks. A society without its art is no society. I was listening again to your Disney concert because that’s not opera there but your voice is amazing whatever you sing. Watching all you achieved before this, I just know you are the kind born to make it. And I am not just saying that. So yes, you will find a way, you have to. I saw something on the comments about Patreon and I would explore everything and anything right now and keep your ear to every piece of ground going, especially where your previous work was concerned. Re Ralph, I do hope all is well. He’s a great guy and very supportive. I am sure he will pop up again one day soon. The very best to you xxxxxxxxxxxx
Great post, Shehanne 🙂 And the gowns!
Resa is the genius behind this post. It was all her idea, she designed the gowns and did the questions. I must own up. I only reblogged. OH and ordered up piccies of the news gowns which have just arrived….. She is amazing, truly . How lovely to see you truly too. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oh, Sweet Shey. You see how you inspire us to create our best? These dresses are a wonder, full of color and fire–just like your stories. xxxxxx
Milady J. YOU are too kind. Resa is a wonderful talent out there. Just got my copie of all the ladies here done..the new ones and now thinking how best to display them all on the wall. They are amazing and I just love how she has the detail of each lady and not just in the little things they love or the gown color but even the bat of an eye lid or line of a lip, THAT is some ability,.
What a wonderful post!
Thank you
Luisa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. It was all down to Resa. She is amazing. I just reblogged the content and added the dudes. Oh..and ordered copies of her drawings. Tomorrow they are All going on the wall. It is wonderful to see you xxx
Her drawing are excellent!
Have a wonderful weekend, dear Shehanne
🙏🌺🤗🌹
… drawings (sorry)
She is wonderfully talented. The gowns she designs for charity and makes from old bits and pieces are stunning. And she is so generous with her talent too. You have a wonderful time too, always lovely to see you xxxx
I have a request, my question, I would like to know how to cook fish in batter batter (fish and fries), your kind, !!!!! Scottish style, it is possible !!! Have a nice Weekend.!!!((((*L*))
It is indeed possible. The main things to watch are the heat of the oil pan and the consistency of the batter on the fish. We have this top rated fish and chip shop about five mins from where we live so since we came here I’ve not made fish and chips. I have found you a good article here okay, with the amounts of flur you will need and also pan heating temps . If that is wrong you end up with mush. Also here we serve it with mushy peas, that is penas cooked , and mashed in cream and pepper. This recipe uses rice flour, I just used to use plain. AND the beer bit is optional! How to make the perfect homemade fish & chips – Scotsman Food and Drink https://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/food/how-to-make-the-perfect-homemade-fish-chips/
Early part of post is most funny forcing to laugh.my dear Resa!! Your amazing designs of gowns are calling me to you.🌹🌹🌹🌹
If you’ve not visited her wonderful blog you must pop over. She’s amazing x
My dear friend!! I am following her.she is amazing gown designer and maker.her gowns are most popular among the Models and Hollywood’s celebrities.I love her gowns❤
They are absolutely gorgeous, aren’t they? You can see she loves designing and making them. I also love her graffiti blog too. She’s amazing. AND, the best bit? She’s generous with her time. xxxxx
One of these days I’m going to come here and see that you have mixed in a cheetah with the hamster crew,Shey. On that day we will light up the sky with fireworks and slurpees!!
We can do that. Cheetah can come here I’ve just left you a message on your contact page.
Lovely…
Kamal, thank you. Resa has done a wonderful job with these drawings. I now have them all framed so I can see them every day. xx
It’my pleasure…😍😍
xxxxxxxxxxxx you .
Wooow wonderful post ! She is amazing
She is indeed amazing. xxx
And those terrible messed-up rules you speak of just keep on coming.
I’m hoping I’m very shortly going to be in a position to mess up a load of them… and maybe ruffle their hair…
and maybe go on the road, find some wild places, get my head wonky (I’m telling people it’s to get my head straight, basically because they tend to go for that more and it saves me explaining stuff)
Lol, watching the space, Woodsy hoping you’ll find more dragons ‘between the wingbeats of herons….’
Most funny but lovely blog,my dear!! Plz tell the jerry to not try stealing the amazing gowns of my dear friend Resa☺
Guard them with my ;life, my friend. x
Okay,with great pleasure❤
She’s amazing. Framed all the images to put on my walls.
Bonjour ou bonsoir mon amie SHEHANNE
Bonjour mon amie ami

Je pense que cette journée sera illuminée de soleil
Je viens te souhaiter une belle journée
Sous une mélodie chanter par les oiseaux
Journée de bonheur ou rien ne viendra te perturber

Cette journée sera de beauté
Bonsoir Amie AMI
Pour cette nuit
Je te souhaite une nuit de repos bien méritée
Remplit de rèves flatteurs
Des rèves que toi seule à le secret de bien gardé
Sache que certains reves peuvent devenir réalité
Que cette journée et soirée te soit des plus agréables
Bisous amicales Bernard
My friend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx you as always. xxxx
Reblogged this on sketchuniverse and commented:
🐭❤🐭❤🐭 HELLO LOVELIES! IN MY OPINION THIS IS A WHOLE AND WONDERFUL POST, BUT IF SOMEONE IS AFRAID OF MICE, SHOULD QUIT THIS PAGE 😁
Oh my, how did I miss this. You are the most amazing of writers! Even your covers send my heart on a flight to romance. Beautiful dear Shey and a wonderful tribute to Resa’s gowns, they are a perfect accompaniment to your writing . Oh those lovely ladies.
Oh resa asked me such wonderful questions. I loved answering them. It was all her idea and to draw the ladies the way she did. She is amazing. She captured them in the finest detail AND I have a big frame of them in my kitchen, which is quite a sizeable room so there’s a lot of time spent there. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx my lovely amazing writer friend.
I couldn’t agree more about Resa. She is talented in so many ways. And so are you !
xoxoxo
You’re way too kind. But Resa ….when you look at the drawings, the eyes the faces, you see how she has expertly captured each lady with a flick of a line. Incredible. xxxxxx