Kristin Holt's Blog, page 21

19th Century Earrings: Fact or Fiction?

Were earrings popular and common within the nineteenth century? Or did they come into vogue (and acceptance) post 1900? This article references period newspapers, catalogs, and vintage photographs, and discloses an element of my next release's cover: (Gus's Story) The Marshal's Surrender, along with my forthcoming new release exclusive for newsletter subscribers, This Noelle.

This Day in History: November 16

November 16, 1880 (136 years ago today). A look back in time through three newspapers from the Old West: The Daily Commonwealth (Topeka, Kansas), The Independent Record (Helena, Montana), and Lawrence Daily Journal (Lawrence, Kansas). Brief clippings from each paper highlight how much has changed over the years...treatment for sinus congestion, focus of Thanksgiving, and ability to fight wildfires (and prosecute the fire-bug).

BOOK REVIEW: the Remembrance Nye Trilogy

The Remembrance Nye Trilogy by Mary Jane Auch consists of three Y.A. titles suitable for readers of all ages. I enjoyed them and share my no-spoilers review of all three books. Whether you're shopping for young readers (these are not "chapter books"; I recommend age 11 or so through great-grandparents) or interested in a clean read yourself, these books delve into accurate history. I only review and share books I personally enjoyed.

BOOK REVIEW: It Happened At The Fair

My honest evaluation of Deeanne Gist's 2013 publication, IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR, a Christian Historical Romance Novel set in 1893 Chicago's World Columbian Exhibition. I present my Top 5 reasons for rating this title with 5 stars! Includes public domain photographs of the fair's buildings, original Ferris Wheel, inside an exhibition hall, and more.

Pioneers’ Yellow Roses: blooming on the Cartwright kitchen steps

As part of Colorado’s Centennial Celebration, two Georgetown women, Eva Mackintosh and Geraldine Merrill, designed a stitchery project honoring women. At first, they thought they might do something in macramé, but macramé was too trendy, so they settled on an embroidered and appliquéd tapestry. They dubbed it “Women’s Gold,” for the Harison’s yellow roses that […]

Note to Readers: Courting Miss Cartwright

When Courting Miss Cartwright was published within the Western Historical Romance anthology, Cowboys & Calico, I didn't include the "Dear Reader" letter, but it appears in the newly available stand-alone title (Courting Miss Cartwright). I share the brief note inside this article, in case you read the anthology, because I'd love to share a bit about why the Yiddish words and phrases, more about the quotes at the beginning of chapters, and how this title connects to two of my series. BTW: the 99-cent sale lasts just a few more days! If you're interested, grab this title at a 66% price reduction.

New Release: Courting Miss Cartwright (stand-alone)

Courting Miss Cartwright, previously released in the Amazon bestselling sweet western historical romance anthology Cowboys & Calico, released TODAY as a stand-alone kindle edition and paperback. The kindle edition is reduced by 66% for just a few more days, and the autographed paperback edition is 45% off on KristinHolt.com for TWO DAYS only! Don't miss this affordable gift-giving opportunity!

Victorian America Celebrates Halloween

Victorian-era Americans enjoyed holidays--filled with patriotism, fun, remembrance, religion, and fashion. Halloween began far earlier than the 19th century, when All Hallows Eve was a sacred, religious observation. Come catch a glimpse of our Victorian American ancestors' fun with Halloween: "Hallowe'en Cake" and its fortune telling methods, parlor games filled with superstition, phrasing for party invitations, historical cabinet cards of Victorian Halloween costumes, and more!

Freckles, Complexions, Cosmetics, and Victorian Beauty Concoctions

While dimples and beauty marks were seen as attractive and stylish, Victorian Americans deplored freckles, "moth marks", suntans, and sunburns--most unfeminine! Commercial products promised to eradicate such unwelcome blemishes and guaranteed beauty! If potions and powders failed, one photographer promised no freckles showed in his cabinet cards.

False Beauty Spots

It's no surprise in today's environment that women (and men) can choose any color hair they desire, piercings and tattoos at will, and permanent makeup (tattooed eyeliner and lip-liner). I shouldn't have been surprised to learn today's plastic surgeons offer dimple surgery to create the desirable feature Mother Nature forgot to grant. What shocked me was the inventive Victorian who figured out how to artificially bring about dimples.