Kristin Holt's Blog, page 20

New Release: The Marshal’s Surrender (includes opening scene!)

What about Gus?

U.S. Marshal August "Gus" Rose first appeared in Maybe This Christmas, book #2 of the Holidays in Mountain Home Series. The back of the book (description) gives it away...Luke eventually gets the girl (Effie) (I'll let you discover for yourself how that comes about). Many readers contacted me wanting to know "What about Gus?"

I'm delighted to announce that Gus's HEA (happily-ever-after) is here! The Marshal's Surrender has been available for pre-order for a few weeks, and the NEW RELEASE is HERE today, December 20, 2016.

This blog article shares with you the entire opening scene.

Armed Gunmen: Holsters, Braces, and Scabbards

I'm a woman. I've never fired a gun (other than a BB gun when I was twelve). I read a lot of western historical romance and I write it too. When writing The Marshal's Surrender (the most gun-intense book so far), I still had to do a lot of research to make sure my story stood on an accurate historical platform. Where did gunmen stash their Colt revolvers? What did their holsters look like? Did they wear a belt? What about a hidden, back-up gun (like gamblers always seem to have)? In this article, I share vintage photographs and an 1877 patent image, showing those of us unfamiliar with nineteenth century firearms what they looked like.

The Marshal's Surrender releases in just 3 days! Coming 12-20-16.

Weather as a Fictional Character: The Marshal’s Surrender

Weather can be a character in a book, just like a person or an animal. In the case of The Marshal's Surrender, Winter is a setting and a villainous character, hiding clues, endangering lives, impacting nearly every scene as a sense of place and timing. Have you ever thought of weather in the role of character?

U.S. Marshals: In the Beginning

When did U.S. Marshals begin? What were their responsibilities? Can you believe President George Washington signed the Marshals into law for the purpose of working the National Census? Over time, their job description changed, but they've been the one law enforcement position with a time-limit. At the turn of the century, Marshals still didn't have universal badges. My new release, coming December 20, 2016, is a U.S. Marshal turned small-town Sheriff. He's learning his problems aren't smaller or easier.

The Marshal's Surrender

Coming December 20, 2016

Blog Tour: Garden of Her Heart by Shanna Hatfield

USA Today Bestselling Author, Shanna Hatfield, introduces her new release Garden of Her Heart. Set in Oregon in 1942, this sweet romance between a wounded soldier and a fugitive discover love midst the greatest of challenges, in the least likely of places. This Blog Tour article shares where the idea for the book originated, a peek inside the new release, and more info about Shanna and her sweet romances.

BOOK REVIEW: Garden of Her Heart by Shanna Hatfield

I had the privilege of reading an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Garden of Her Heart by USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield. This article is my honest review of this sweet romance, set in 1942, midst World War II and the internment of American Citizens of Japanese descent. This well-written, heartwarming sweet (clean) romance is a FIVE STAR read. Shanna's blog tour for this new release will follow this book review in three days, on release day, December 7, 2016.

Victorians Flirting… In the Personals?

Flirting, during the American Victorian era, was often deemed in poor taste (and a sign of low-breeding). Men and women in large cities found a way around the censure--they flirted in the personals column of newspapers. Examples illustrate the personals used requesting an introduction (or interview), private and secretive communications, and to find a lady to begin a courtship. Mother (and/or chaperones) may not have approved...but what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

Historic Pie Recipes

Vintage pie recipes, true to the pioneer and Victorian era experience, look a lot different than modern recipes. In this article, I share recipes from vintage newspapers and Prairie Farmer magazine (1841-1900). One includes "Pie Plant", an ingredient I remember from the Little House on the Prairie series, but never knew what it actually was!

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday SALE

Short Term Price Discount: 67% off three bestselling titles, The Bride Lottery, Lessie: Bride of Utah, and Josie: Bride of New Mexico. Each title, 99¢ from November 24, 2016 through November 29, 2016. This is the FIRST time The Bride Lottery has been discounted from $2.99 since it debuted at a low price introductory rate. Grab it now at 99¢!

Courting in Public Parks: NY, NY, May 1893

In 1893, expectations surrounding courtship made it improper for a couple to show affection for one another in public. Baltimore apparently outlawed simple signs of affection in their city parks, raising the alarm in New York City where Central Park was a key location for courting couples to go about their courtship (which included simple things like sitting on a bench together, a man's arm about his sweetheart's waist). This article includes a newspaperman's interview with two different Central Park policemen, one who favored strict laws prohibiting such displays of affection and one who was most tolerant. Step back in time and enjoy an entire vintage newspaper article and historic images of Central Park in the late 19th century.