Welcome
After more than two decades as an attorney, I began writing historical novels about fascinating women who lived in challenging times. It’s my passion, and it took me to Swedish castles and archives, where I met interesting people and new friends. My debut novel, a tragic love story about two star-crossed lovers, a countess and a prince, is based on real-life characters who lived in Sweden in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. It’s for fans of Philippa Gregory, Outlander, and Bridgerton.
I live on the Connecticut Shoreline and in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where I bang away on my MacBook Pro whenever my husband, three stepchildren, two children, and Shih Tzu cooperate. At heart, I’ll always be a Jersey Girl.
My first novel will be published in 2026.
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Emily Matchar Q&A
Posted on February 6, 2026 in Favorite Authors, Interviews, Monthly Blog
Having read and loved Emily Matchar’s debut historical novel, I was so pleased when she agreed to join me for a conversation about her upcoming historical fiction release, The Lost Girl of Craven County. Kelly: Emily, your background is in journalism…
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Interview with Kim Monaghan of Books Uplift (1/2/26)
Posted on January 2, 2026 in Butterfly Games, Interviews
I joined Kim Monaghan of Books Uplift for an author Q&A about my debut historical novel, Butterfly Games, the research behind its Swedish royal setting, and my journey from law to fiction. We talked about the real historical figures who inspired…
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A Conversation About Following the Story and Butterfly Games
Posted on December 26, 2025 in Butterfly Games, Interviews
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryan Nowak for his video podcast All Things Writing, and it turned into one of those conversations that stays with you long after the recording ends. We talked about Butterfly Games, of course—but als…
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Butterfly Games
For fans of Philippa Gregory, Allison Pataki, Bridgerton, and The Crown, Butterfly Games is Kelly Scarborough’s debut biographical historical fiction novel about a young Swedish countess whose youthful love affair with the heir to her country’s throne has profound personal and political repercussions.
In some games, winning means losing everything that matters.
In the opulent world of the Swedish royal court, Jacquette Gyldenstolpe walks a dangerous tightrope between romance and political intrigue. Neglected by her parents and ostracized by the people around her, the young countess falls in love with Prince Oscar, heir to the Swedish throne—but their passionate affair has far-reaching consequences for the new Bernadotte dynasty, which is already challenged by threats from inside Sweden and beyond.
By the time Jacquette learns that the Butterfly Game is not for the faint-hearted, it is too late. For she has a secret—one as precious to her as it is potentially devastating to the crown—and she will stop at nothing to protect it.
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