Kristin Holt's Blog, page 18

Famous Nineteenth Century Gunsmiths

While researching gunsmiths in the nineteenth century American West, while writing my soon-to-be-released novella: The Gunsmith's Bride, I came across interesting information about the most well-known American gunsmiths (and perhaps, armorers). Key elements that made their way into my novella are the multi-generational family knowledge of the craft and training of their sons, the prevalence and "household word" of the Colt Peacemaker, and the Hawken rifle (as my hero compares the punch of that well-known, to him, rifle to a realization he's had). Take a quick look at history's memory of these three popular gun-makers.

Famous Nineteenth Century Gunsmiths

from the 19th century publication alphabetizing recognized gunsmiths paragraphs about Browning, Colt, etc.

Introducing: I LOVE YOU MORE by Josie Riviera

Introducing USA Today Bestselling Author Josie Riviera and her Valentine's Day-themed title, I Love You More. This sweet contemporary romance contains elements we love: family, second chances, and connections the characters didn't know they had. I'm treating myself to this read for Valentines!

Victorian Americans Observed Groundhog Day?

When did Americans begin celebrating the Punxsutawney Phil, acknowledging the groundhog's emergence from its den...and whether or not it saw its shadow? Is this a new observation, or an old? We know Victorians celebrated a wide variety of holidays we still acknowledge, and some we don't. Did the Victorians' superstitions embrace the Groundhog and his Shadow? Come see!

Introducing: THE VEGAS PROPOSAL by Julie Jarnagin

Introducing: The Vegas Proposal, a sweet contemporary romance by USA Today Bestselling Author Julie Jarnagin. This brand new release is on my TBR list!

Introducing: THE HAPPINESS IN BETWEEN by Grace Greene

Congratulations to Grace Greene on today's NEW RELEASE, a women's fiction/chick-lit title with elements of sweet, clean romance--THE HAPPINESS IN BETWEEN. A woman returns home to hide from her past mistakes and discovers one more chance at happiness.

Introducing: I LOVE YOU THREE by Milou Koenings

USA Today Bestselling Author Milou Koenings has a new release! Coming February 7, 2017, her new title: I LOVE YOU THREE will warm your heart. Milou answers questions about this Contemporary Sweet Romance, and shares insights to the plot and content. This book is on my TBR list!

Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, Part 3

In the third and final article about Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, I share some of the highlights of the history surrounding a Boston entrepreneur's ice company, both domestic and foreign. Historic sources share insights and facts that make ice a pretty cool subject to study! See vintage images of ice cutters at work.

Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, Part 2

Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, Part 2 (of 3): Staged as the adventures (and discoveries) of a boy in New England in the late 19th century, Lawrence's Adventures, published in 1871 in Massachusetts, is instructive and entertaining. One of the chapters focuses wholly on the process of Ice-Cutting, and I share this now public domain content along with era-specific images showing the process. The information about how ice companies actually cut the ice from frozen lakes to provide Victorian America with the tons of ice demanded during the spring, summer, and autumn to sustain perishable food, chill beverages, transport perishable food via train, and aid the sick.

Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, Part 1

Nineteenth Century Ice Cutting, Part 1 (of 3): Ice cutting was a boom business in the mid 1800s. Tons of ice were harvested each winter in the Northeast portion of the United States, housed near rivers and railway spurs, and shipped near and far for use in the remaining seasons of the year. An image from August 1884 Harper's Weekly, a patent from 1841, a spot of Victorian humor, and a newspaper clipping from 1870 shed light on the significant ice trade.