THE FABULOUS BARRYMORES by Renee Ryan

Published at July 11th, 2009 in category History - General, Inspirational Western Romance

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mq3UFZdU9CA/SY4AAlQ9vmI/AAAAAAAAFAg/RKLtDlZpQ1o/s320/Renee+Ryan.jpgThanks to all the fillies for inviting me to guest blog this weekend.  It’s both a privilege and an honor to be in the midst of such talent and expertise.  I’m humbled.

Like most writers of historical romance, I love researching the past.  I adore getting lost in former days and learning what life was like “back then.”  I am consistently amazed at the unusual tidbits I come across, things I never learned in my high school or college history classes.  It’s these small factoids and glimpses into times-gone-by that make the past come alive for me. 

Having said that, while in the early plotting stages of HANNAH’S BEAU, the second book in my CHARITY HOUSE series, I knew I wanted to focus on characters with unique backgrounds.  In other words, I didn’t want to focus on the typical outlaw or cowboy or even rancher.  I wanted something different.  Thankfully, I fell across an article on the Golden Age of Theater and the ideas quickly burst forth.

During my research I became fascinated with the premiere acting family of the American Theater: The Barrymores.  You’ve probably heard of Drew Barrymore, an accomplished actor in her own right who has garnered a lot of popularity and success, despite a few setbacks in her youth.    

Maybe you’ve even heard of Drew’s famous grandfather and his equally talented siblings: Lionel, Ethel and John Barrymore. There is no question that these three Barrymores dominated early American cinema.  But, contrary to what I had thought prior to my research, Lionel, Ethel and John weren’t the first to “tread the boards” in their family.  They literally grew up in the theater.  Their parents, Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Drew (AKA Georgie Drew Barrymore), were famous stage actors during the Golden Era of American Theater – 1880-1920. a-maurice_barrymore

The patriarch of the family, Maurice Barrymore, was born Herbert Arthur Chamberlayne Blythe in India.  His father was a surveyor for the British East India Company.  Young Herbert was sent back to England for his education.  He attended Harrow School and then went on to study law at Oxford University.  Much to his father’s chagrin, Herbert fell in with a group of actors and never became a barrister.  In order to spare his father the shame of his chosen profession, Herbert changed his name to Maurice Barrymore.

After some success on the British stage, Maurice left for America in 1874.  He made his Broadway debut in December 1875 in the play Pique.  In the cast was a young actress, Georgiana Drew.  After a short courtship the two married and proceeded to have three children, the above mentioned, Lionel, Ethel and John. 

Maurice eventually started his own theater company and toured to cities in Arkansas, Louisiana and even Texas.  He was a true pioneer of the stage.

So, what does Maurice (and his famous family) have to do with my latest release, HANNAH’S BEAU?  My hero, Horatio Beauregard O’Toole, is a rebel preacher who comes from a large acting family.  Because of his unique upbringing, he’s able to see past sinners’ behaviors straight to their hearts.  His ministry takes him to mining camps, brothels and saloons on the western frontier. 

Although he has a unique understanding of human frailty, he secretly wants a comfortable life as a pastor of a small church.  Enter the heroine, Hannah Southerland.  On the surface, she’s everything Beau wants to avoid in a wife.  She’s flamboyant, eye-catching and conspicuous.  But she also has a heart for all people and soon teaches Beau a thing or two about grace and unconditional acceptance.  I had a lot of fun writing Hannah and Beau’s story.  Some of the secondary characters tried to take over.  Two in paa-cover_beaurticular needed a few serious talks from the author before they would stay in their proper place. J

 

I’ll be giving away five copies of HANNAH’S BEAU throughout the weekend, so make sure you leave a comment so you can be entered into the drawings.

Again, thank you to the fillies for inviting me along for the ride.  Yeehaw!

Renee Ryan writes for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical line.  You can contact her at www.reneeryan.com

 




51 Responses to “THE FABULOUS BARRYMORES by Renee Ryan”

  1. Tanya Hanson, on July 11th, 2009 at 2:18 am Said:

    Hi Renee, I’m a night-owl, so I am very happy to be the very first to welcome you to Wildflower Junction this weekend! Nice to “see” you again. The information on the Barrymores was excellent, and I’m intrigued at your use of non-conventional 19th century characters. I surely hope those two secondary characters will find their own place in a future book! Okay?

    One of my favorite adjectives is “flamboyant,” probably because I am so boring. I can’t wait to meet Hannah.

    oxoxoxoxo

  2. Victoria Bylin, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:15 am Said:

    Hi Renee, Tanya stays up late and I get up early. It’s great to have you at P&P! I’m a huge fan of your books. I loved “The Marshall Takes a Bride” and have Hannah’s story in my stack of LIHs.

    Interesting stuff about the Barrymores. Talk about a family tradition! It goes back a long time, almost like owning a family farm. I wonder how much of their success is natural interest / talent and how much is growing up in the business?

  3. Dina, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:59 am Said:

    Hi Renee, I’m new to you and ejnoyed your blog today. Do you need to read the 1st book 1st?

    Thnaks,
    Dina

  4. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:37 am Said:

    Hi Tanya,

    Oh, yeah, flamboyant is the completely opposite of me as well. I think that’s the best part about writing, creating characters that have little reflection of myself…at least on the surface. Kind of like getting to be someone else for a little while. ;-)

    Now get to bed, already!

    xoxoxoxo — back at ya!

  5. Sherry, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:43 am Said:

    Hi Renee

    Love the history on the Barrymores. Nice to see where Drew’s name originated from.

    Your new book sounds great.

  6. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:44 am Said:

    Hi Vicki! My fellow LIH author. I’m so glad you enjoyed TMTB, because I remember reading your book, THE MAVERICK PREACHER and thinking…WOW, now that gal has talent!

    You make a good point about the Barrymores. Acting was and is the family business. A rebel from that standpoint would probably work in an office. Boggles the mind. ;-)

    ~Renee~

  7. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:46 am Said:

    Hi Dina,

    Oh, I love making new friends. HELLO! And, no, you don’t have to read the first to enjoy HANNAH’S BEAU. My editor made sure of that. ;-)

    ~Renee~

  8. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am Said:

    Hi Sherry,

    I’m glad you enjoy my blogged. One of the perks is that I really found a new respect for Drew after doing my research. What a legacy!

    ~Renee~

  9. Kathleen, on July 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am Said:

    Welcome to the blog Renee!
    I really enjoy this blog because all of the history that I get to learn!…and how they are related to all of the great books posted!
    Thanks for sharing your research about the Barrymores! I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I’m going to start with this one!!

  10. Paty Jager, on July 11th, 2009 at 9:04 am Said:

    Hi Renee, Fun information! The first historical I wrote had an actress as the heroine, but it is under the bed and may never see the light of day. Researching and learning new things is the best part of writing historical. Congrats on what sounds like a wonderful book.

  11. Sherry, on July 11th, 2009 at 9:04 am Said:

    Renee

    I just checked out your website it is awesome!

  12. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 9:18 am Said:

    Kathleen, I’m with you! Learning where ideas come from, especially historicals is fascinating! I hope you enjoy Hannah’s story.

    Hey, Paty, you never know…that manuscript’s time may come. Although, I have a few gathering dust myself so I completely understand.

    Sherry, glad you liked my website. I owe it all to the fabulous web desiner Shelley Kay of Webcrafters. She did an awesome job of translating my hopes into reality!

    ~Renee~

  13. Linda Broday, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:08 am Said:

    Hi Renee,

    Welcome to P&P! We’re so glad to have you again. Hope you pick up lots of new readers.

    Your book looks wonderful! I love the acting twist you gave your story. And rebel preacher heroes are my favorites. I’m going to have to make a trip into Lubbock to find a copy. Your books never disappoint. Good luck with it!

  14. Abi, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:18 am Said:

    Oh, I love historicals. I Love the Love Inspired line of books. This one sounds ever so good. I’d love to in this one. Thanks. Love the post.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

  15. Charlene Sands, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:24 am Said:

    Hi Renee,

    It’s good to see you here again. I loved learning about the history of the Barrymores. I wasn’t sure until today that our present day Drew was truly related to the family. Do you know who’s daughter she was? Great blogging with you today!

  16. Karen B, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:28 am Said:

    History is so interesting! One of my great/great,etc grandfathers was burned at the stake.

  17. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am Said:

    Linda! Thanks for your kind words. I have to say, I was excited when my editor allowed my actress heroine. You know what they say…no actors, no rock stars, etc. The heroine of Book 3 is Beau’s sister and an opera singer!

    Welcome Abi! Your name is definitely in the drawing. I’ll be drawing the first two winners later this afternoon.

    ~Renee~

  18. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:42 am Said:

    Hi Charlene,

    Thanks for having me. Yeah, I wondered that myself. But Drew truly is a real Barrymore. Her father was John Drew Barrymore, Jr. — the son of John Barrymore — one of Maurice’s two sons (Lionel was the other one).

    WOW, Karen, burned at the stake??? Now that must be quite a family story.

    ~Renee~

  19. Connie Lorenz, on July 11th, 2009 at 11:07 am Said:

    I enjoy history and enjoyed reading about the Barrymores. Makes me want to know more about them so may have to do some research myself! Can hardly wait to read your books!

  20. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 11:18 am Said:

    Hi Connie,

    Glad to meet a kindred spirit. The whole history of the American Theater is really fascinating. I highly recommend digging deeper.

    ~Renee~

  21. Dina, on July 11th, 2009 at 11:40 am Said:

    Good to know Renee, I don’t always get to read books in order, nice if I can, but like to be able to read any book whenever.

  22. Quilt Lady, on July 11th, 2009 at 11:47 am Said:

    Hi Renee, welcome to the Wildflower Junction! Your post was very interesting! I love reading the history behind books. Your new book sound awesome and I am very interested in reading it. Thanks for sharing with us today!

  23. Roberta Harwell, on July 11th, 2009 at 11:53 am Said:

    Hello Renee,

    I never knew all the information you brought up about the Barrymore’s. It was interesting reading. Your book sounds interesting as well. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. Please count me in. Have a great day.

  24. Colleen, on July 11th, 2009 at 12:55 pm Said:

    Renee, Thanks for sharing this info on The Barrymore’s and the little tidbit about your book. I really like the sound of HANNAH’S BEAU! :D

  25. Judy A., on July 11th, 2009 at 1:00 pm Said:

    Renee, I loved reading the history of the Barrymore’s. When I think of Drew I remember E.T.
    Their family has a rich history. Can’t wait to read Hannah’s Beau.

  26. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 1:15 pm Said:

    Hi Quilt Lady, Roberta and Colleen…good to see you all here. You’re all entered in the drawing. ;-)

    Judy, oh WOW…E.T. was a big favorite of mine. I remember how adorable Drew was in that movie. She’s come a long way.

    ~Renee~

  27. JOYE, on July 11th, 2009 at 1:34 pm Said:

    Enjoyed reading the comments. I remember as a teenager seeing the movie Duel in The Sun with Lionel Barrymore acting in it even thought he was confined to a wheelchair. He was an excellent actor.

  28. Lori S., on July 11th, 2009 at 1:42 pm Said:

    Great post! Your books sound wonderful.

    I have a friend who collects the Love Inspired Historical series ~ I would love to win this copy for her.

    Thank you!

  29. Vickie Couturier, on July 11th, 2009 at 2:06 pm Said:

    Welcome,I enjoyed your writings today,an that book sounds heavenly,I love books like that,again welcome an enjoy your stay!

  30. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 2:21 pm Said:

    Joye,

    I think Lionel was the best of his siblings. I love black and white movies. I watch them whenever I get a chance. I can honestly say I’ve never been diappointed by any movie with Lionel in it.

    Lori, here’s hoping you win!

    Thanks for the welcome, Vickie! Sounds like you’re my kind of reader. I do love books that twist conventional stories. What can I say? I’m a rebel! ;-)

  31. Estella, on July 11th, 2009 at 2:59 pm Said:

    I learn something new every time I come to this blog.
    I did not know anything about the Barrymores parents.
    Your book sounds like a very good read.

  32. Winnie Griggs, on July 11th, 2009 at 3:14 pm Said:

    Hi Renee! Really great to have you here at Wildflower Junction! I absolutely loved The Marshall Takes a Bride and Hannah’s Beau is right at the top of my TBR pile. Thanks for such an interesting post – I never knew the Barrymore legacy went so far back.

  33. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 4:08 pm Said:

    Hi Estella, thanks for your kind words. I’m with you. I, too, learn so much here. I’m just glad I could bring something new. ;-)

    Winnie!!! Waving frantically. Glad to see you!!! Seems I’ve been following you around the publishing biz for years. Can’t think of a better role model. I’m looking forward to your next releaase. Hope you enjoy Hannah’s Beau.

  34. Renee C., on July 11th, 2009 at 4:22 pm Said:

    Hi…love your name ;-) . I read Marshal Takes a Bride and LOVED it so I’m excited to read Hannah’s Beau. I love anything historical so I’ve read just about all of last year’s Love Inspired Historicals already and can’t wait for the new ones to come out every month, I’d love to win yours! Great article too, I never knew that Drew Barrymore had such an interesting family!

  35. Stephanie, on July 11th, 2009 at 4:37 pm Said:

    What an interesting history. One of the things I love at logging in here to P&Ps is to get my history lesson for the day.
    I saw Hannah’s Beau at the store this morning, but my 2yr old was fussing in the cart so I didn’t get to stop to read the back cover… Had to run and pick up other things.
    Now I know it is a must-read!
    Thanks so much!
    Stephanie

  36. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 4:52 pm Said:

    Hey, Renee, with a name like that you must be a very lovely woman! So glad to hear you enjoyed The Marshal Takes a Bride. All the characters show up again in Hannah’s Beau, so I hope you enjoy that one as well.

    Hey, Stephanie, a fussy toddler always, ALWAYS wins over back cover oopy! I hope you’ll get a chance to Hannah’s Beau another time…maybe even here. Good luck! ;-)

  37. RobynL, on July 11th, 2009 at 5:09 pm Said:

    very nice cover; hi and welcome Renee.
    Hannah and Beau are characters I’d love to become friends with between the pages of this book.
    I bet ministering to mining camps, brothels and saloons on the western frontier brought about some colorful folks/stories.

  38. Fedora, on July 11th, 2009 at 5:25 pm Said:

    Hi, Renee! Thanks for sharing about your latest today and some of your research–it’s always fun to hear more about what goes into a story! Hannah and Beau’s story sounds like a good one! (And with a first name Horatio, I’d probably opt to go with Beau, too ;) )

  39. Crystal B., on July 11th, 2009 at 5:30 pm Said:

    Hi Renee. Great post. Hannah’s Beau sounds great. Beautiful cover.

  40. Kimmy L, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:04 pm Said:

    Hi Renee Newbi here to you and your books. Loved the cover and excerpt. Can’t wait to read it.

  41. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:14 pm Said:

    Hi RobinL,

    Yes, Beau has come across his share of odd characters in his ministry. Some actually show up in the book, for better or worse.

    Fedora…I agree with you. Beau is much better than Horatio. What can I say? His parents are quite flamboyant themselves. At least he didn’t get his older brother’s name–Harcort. :-)

  42. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:16 pm Said:

    Crystal, thanks for the compliment on my cover. I especially love Hannah’s dress. Certainly stands out.

    Welcome KimmyL! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book.

    ~Renee~

  43. Pat Cochran, on July 11th, 2009 at 7:51 pm Said:

    Thanks for the information on the beginnings of
    the acting Barrymore family. This is the first
    I have heard of the parents. I did a know a bit
    about Lionel, Ethel, and John, I see where Drew
    got her first name! She’s always been a favorite,
    especially in E.T.! Thanks for visiting with us today, I look forward to reading Hannah’s Beau!

    Pat Cochran

  44. Patricia Barraclough, on July 11th, 2009 at 9:03 pm Said:

    Thank you for the very interesting information on the early Barrymore family history. I now know where Drew got her name.
    Your story sounds lovely. Will those 2 characters who had to be kept in their place be getting their own story/stories?
    Have a wonderful rest of the summer.

  45. Renee Ryan, on July 11th, 2009 at 9:28 pm Said:

    Hi Pat, I think it’s really interesting that Drew was named after her great grandmother. I love that sort of continuity in families. I hope you enjoy Hannah’s Beau.

    And, yes, Patricia, some of the characters do have their own books coming in 2010, while one character will show up in every book until she is ultimately redeemed. At least, that’s the plan. So far, she’s still pretty naughty! ;-)

    Renee

  46. Teryl Oswald, on July 11th, 2009 at 10:17 pm Said:

    Hi Renee,

    So good to see you back on the blog. Fun facts about the Barrymores. It’s great to see Hannah’s Beau is on the shelf. The characters are so rich and the writing compelling. I LOVE the cover. Will you sign a copy for me in DC this week?

    Safe travels.
    Teryl

  47. Renee Ryan, on July 12th, 2009 at 6:55 am Said:

    Teryl!!!! Good to see you here! And, absolutely, I’ll sign a copy for you. Between you and Cindy Kirk (my fabulous critique partners) this book wouldn’t exist. You ROCK ;-)

  48. Caroline, on July 12th, 2009 at 8:44 am Said:

    Hi Renee—good Sunday morning!

    Great post!

    Loved all the fascinating information on the Berrymores. I’ve been a Drew fan since ET! LOL Dates me a little. But, who couldn’t love her in that!?!

    Your Hannah’s Beau sounds delightful and I can’t wait to pick it up.

    ~Caroline

  49. Cathy, on July 12th, 2009 at 9:18 am Said:

    I was very interested in what you had to say about the Barrymores. Count me in to win a copy of your book. It is on my to read list. I plan on buying it next week as soon as I get out.
    Hugs, Cathy

  50. Laney4, on July 12th, 2009 at 8:30 pm Said:

    Thanks for the history lesson re the Barrymores. I’m old enough to remember them, but not in all that detail, of course. Enjoyed your blog tremendously. Hope you’ve had a great weekend.

  51. Ashley Ludwig, on July 12th, 2009 at 8:58 pm Said:

    Excellent blog — nice to see you all here! I love tying in real to life ideas with fiction. Inspiration can be found everywhere.

    Thanks for the post, and the information on the Barrymores! Well researched, and I look forward to picking up a copy of your book!

    Ashley

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