Kristin Holt's Blog, page 19

Second Chances Romance Trope

As you may have guessed by my recent release's title, Pleasance's First Love, the story is a Second Chances trope. Come on in and sit a spell while I share a bit about this trope, what it is, and why its a favorite among romance readers. First love, second chances. Some romances aren't meant to be....others will always deserve another chance.

No Matter How You Say It…

Have you ever stumbled across a turn of phrase (hold your horses, for instance) in a western historical romance and wondered if it fit? Or if that phrase was too new to be accurate historically? I have. While writing my past few western historical romances, I've paused and taken the time to look up most of these phrases, but I probably missed some. I want to share a handful with you here (that appeared in Pleasance's First Love, set in 1879), along with the history behind that common phrase (colloquialism), when it came to be, and how we know that origin.

New Release: Pleasance’s First Love (What Did Pioneers Use for Quilt Batt?)

Quilt-making was an important part of "women's work" in the 19th century (as well as before and after). My ancestors' journals tell of a ransom demanded for the return of their little boy, kidnapped by the Black Hawk Indians in central Utah--including five quilts. The family got by with husk-filled bedding until Mother could gather enough wool from the barbed-wire fences to make batting for another quilt. She wasn't alone in this frugal (and apparently necessary) practice. TODAY is Release Day! PLEASANCE'S FIRST LOVE is here! 99-cents for just one more day, then $2.99. It's #6 in the acclaimed Grandma's Wedding Quilts Series.

Pleasance’s Flying Geese

As each book in Grandma's Wedding Quilts series has its own quilt pattern, I share some historic tidbits about the meaning behind the Flying Geese quilt blocks. Pleasance's quilt, Flying Geese, to her 10-year-old mind wasn't fancy enough, but by the time she marries and better understands the value of Grandma Mary's gift to her, the significance of this quilt pattern (and her grandmother's work) means a good deal to her. I share quotes from the book, beginning and end, with Pleasance's attitudes about her very plain quilt pattern.

Pleasance? Is that a real name?

Pleasance. That's an unusual name for a heroine... even for a story set in 1879. Where did it come from? Did you make it up?

New! Grandma’s Wedding Quilts Series

Allow me to introduce the eleven authors behind the twelve novellas and novels of our new sweet, clean historical romance series: Grandma's Wedding Quilts. Each book is connected by family ties: each living grandchild of Grandma Mary (siblings and cousins) makes an appearance in their own book. My new title, Pleasance's First Love is #5 of 12, coming on January 13th. This series will release in its entirety in January, 2017.

A Double-Topped Quilt: Remembering a Love of a Lifetime

GRANDMA'S WEDDING QUILTS Series debuts today with the release of THE PREQUEL, a short introduction title by Kate Cambridge. My contribution to this 12-volume series (including the prequel) is Pleasance's First Love. In this article, I share the gem of an idea, true-to-history, that came from researching quilts in Colorado in the 19th century. Who knew a quilt could have two "tops"?

How to Conduct a Sleigh Ride (Victorian America)

True sleigh rides are a thing of antiquity that most of us consider romantic. Did you consider how expensive such an outing could be? Or dangerous? No wonder a newspaper columnist of the day, in good humor, suggested an alternative. Vintage paintings, photographs, and newspaper articles shed light on this sport, transportation, and social outing.

A Child’s Benevolent Wish, Christmas 1883

This article contains the transcription of a brief recounting of one five-year-old boy's letter to Santa Claus, published in Chicago Daily Tribune on December 26, 1883. The vintage newspaper report sheds light upon the attitudes and perceptions of our late Victorian-era ancestors, a young and well-to-do boy's Christmas wish-list, and how his parents must have attempted to impress upon him an awareness of the good he might do for others. I find it interesting that residents of the Old Ladies' Home are referred to as "inmates".

Victorian Letters to Santa

During the latter half of the nineteenth century, Letters to Santa Claus were a common appearance in newspapers. Whether the practice alerted parents, shared heartwarming tales of postal employees gathering nickles from among their department to stand in as a "Secret Santa" (modern lingo), or perhaps brought about by a store's advertisements in the newspaper, Letters to Santa Claus provide a unique glimpse into the past. Want to know what toys children found appealing in the 1880's? Or what dolls were fashioned of? Take a peek inside!