It’s time for Part Three of my trip to San Diego last fall. Last week we went over the first three days of HRR, so today is our last full day and my journey to being a princess. Ok, I wasn’t an actual princess but I felt like one. This was a whole day let me tell you.

First up, The Great Book Exhibition which was the Book Signing and Historical Fair. All the amazing authors including my friend M. Francis Lamond set up tables and were ready to meet fans/readers just like me and sign books you can purchase there or bring with you. This event was open to the public so it was filled to the brim with people excited to meet their favorite authors.

Our Special guest author for this event was Julia Quinn, the genius behind The Bridgerton Books which is now a Netflix show. I stood in line patiently to meet her and I did indeed meet her, she was very lovely, and signed a bookmark for me as she was sold out of books by the time I got to her. I can admit I felt weird about admitting I’d never read the books or watched the show when she asked but she was respectful of my answer. It was a cool experience.

I guess to anyone curious, my answer was I don’t follow Fads, when something gets so popular and hyped up I will generally walk the other way. I hate when something is pushed so much that you form unrealistic expectations and then you read the book or watch the show and then you’re left disappointed that it doesn’t match up to what your head imagined. If that make sense? I did explain this better to her lol. Another example is Daisy and the Six, the book and show are huge right now and I have not read the book or seen it. This doesn’t mean I won’t in the future, just not right now.

Edie CayRenee BernardCaroline LeeCecilia ReneCeleste BarclayHeather McCollumEmilee HarrisRuth. A CasieDonna Hatch &Belle AmiM. Francis LamondVirginia HeathChasity Bowlin

There were so many amazing authors at the event, getting to meet them and learn history (which I love FYI) and form friendships was one of the best things about this trip. I got to meet Sabrina Jeffries who I am a huge fan of, I was pretty stoked about that and I acted normal with no verbal diarrhea of any kind. You should be very proud of me. I get nervous I talk and even I’m surprised by what comes out of my mouth so we can count that as a win for me. Lol

This is the beautiful Invitation to the HRR “Bridgerton” Grand Regency Ball.

Remember when I said I needed a crown? I did, and I got to wear that beauty with my blue “Bridgerton” style gown to the ball. I took so many pictures that night. It was magical. I danced and can unanimously agree I was god awful at it. Tried my best it was a NOOOOOOO. And twerking in a ballgown wasn’t trendy, lol. There was a wonderful lady giving instructions and the music was beautiful. Everyone looked amazing in their finery, laughing dancing, and taking all the photos and videos we could to memorialize the moment. It was amazing, and if you ever have the chance to attend a ball, do it. Go all out, and be swept away in the experience.

The Gents Very flirty Sahara on her way to tryst xLadies, compose yourselves lolThese two danced beautifully together.Selfie with ChristinaChasity those ankles my mySahara & ScottCaroline Lee Lord & Lady McCollumLord & Lady LewisLike my crown?The dancing

Alas, the clock struck midnight, and this belle of the ball needed to sleep, so off to dreamland I went. Sunday came too quickly, and we were having our farewell breakfast, exchanging numbers, swapping photos, and solidifying newly found friendships. I met so many amazing people on this trip, and the wealth of knowledge I gained helped me immensely when it came time to publish my first book. I have a newfound appreciation for authors in the historical genre, romance or not, the work that goes into these stories, the research and authenticity brought to these stories is amazing.

My StashAnd more…My Crown, Chip, and name card xMy dedicated HRR shelfLove my poker chip.

That’s all folks for HRR. It was amazing. I loved it 10/10 recommend doing it one cool thing I should mention is the event runs twice in one location before going to another destination so I’m eager to find out where the 2024 HRR is being held. Next Tuesday, I will show you all the places I got to be a complete tourist, the places that I’m irrevocably changed from, and the laughs we had along the way.

Love, Lady Magnolia xx