Kristin Holt's Blog, page 39
January 18, 2015
Short Term PRICE REDUCTION
It’s the perfect time to pick up this 3-book set of sweet western historical romances, at your favorite eBook retailer. Available for Kindle, Nook, and on iTunes and Kobo. It’s on sale at all of Amazon’s sites: Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, etc.
This box set contains:
THE BRIDE LOTTERY by Amazon Bestselling Author Kristin Holt ($2.99)
THE RANCHER by Amazon Bestselling Author Kelli Ann Morgan (currently $1.49)
THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH by Amazon Bestselling Author Marsha Ward ($3.99)
When you buy the box set at regular price of $2.99, you save $5.48 or more (I believe THE RANCHER is currently discounted). But when you buy the box set this weekend, for $0.99, you save $7.48 (or more).
See REVIEWS for this box set.
January 14, 2015
2015: Many New Releases to Come…Be The First to Know!
January. New Years’ Resolutions. A Time of New Beginnings.
My writing goals for this year are lofty…but doable. If the year goes well, I’ll more than triple the number of titles I have available for readers–for you. I intend to make this year go well.
One of my big projects for 2
015 is to write and publish the third book in The Husband-Maker Trilogy, previously tentatively titled FINALLY A BRIDE, wherein Lilian is, you got it, finally a bride. But in keeping with the other two stand-alone books in this trilogy (THE MENACE TAKES A BRIDE and THE COWBOY STEALS A BRIDE), book #3 is titled THE DOCTOR CLAIMS A BRIDE. This third installment of the trilogy will be published as a stand-alone full-length book (roughly 85,000 words, 375 to 400 paperback pages).
The Trilogy will also come out as an omnibus (previously published) bundle.
One would think that a Trilogy is complete with books #1, #2, and #3 in print, and typically that’s so. I have plans for a bit of a sequel, if you will. Stay tuned…and see what happens to our three grumpy old men in this series. And watch for the follow-up to be announced upon publication of this title and the bundle.
As promised, Amazon #1 bestseller (in four separate categories: Western Romance, Genre Fiction Western Frontier & Pioneer, Victorian Romance, and Inspirational Romance) THE BRIDE LOTTERY will not be a lone tale. During 2015, I have plans to publish four companion stories to supplement this novel, telling the tales of four other brides traveling with Evelyn. To stay informed about the development of these short stories and/or novellas, visit my Coming Soon page. To have the good news delivered right to your inbox (I promise every single emailed newsletter will matter; I hate junk mail too), please sign up for my (very occasional) newsletter. I promise to respect your privacy and that means safeguarding your email address.
THE BRIDE SELECTION
by Kristin Holt
I have another Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance in the works, with a fun twist on the traditional themes. THE BRIDE SELECTION, as far as today’s plans might pan out, will be a stand-alone, full-length novel of approximately 200 to 225 paperback pages. We’ll see if that guesstimate is accurate.
This mail order bride has no idea her employer has marriage in mind…and frankly, neither does the groom. Watch for a blurb to post on my Coming Soon page.
Isn’t the cover gorgeous?
But that’s not all. I’m either overextending myself or have delusions of grandeur. Or maybe I simply have an overactive imagination and too many mail order bride romances to tell.
You’ll want to stay in touch by checking my Coming Soon page often… or by signing up for my newsletter… because I have (probably) two collaboration projects scheduled this calendar year. I love multi-author bundles because they give me the chance to discover other authors like those I already know and enjoy, and that’s always a welcome find.
For those of you who’ve read and enjoyed my HOLIDAYS IN MOUNTAIN HOME series (HOME FOR CHRISTMAS and MAYBE THIS CHRISTMAS), as promised, Gus will get his happy ending in A CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP…my current project that will release soon. Stay tuned! The more I learned about Miranda;s and Luke’s (sister and brother from books 1 and 2) younger sister Noelle, the more I learned about their parents…and the story behind the story. For your reading enjoyment, a novella/novelette tentatively titled THIS NOELLE about Phil and Caroline Finlay’s most difficult experiences in the early years of their marriage. We might know they’re happily married parents of adults and grandparents who enjoy their family…but this short will reveal family secrets their now grown children know nothing about.
Watch for Cover Reveals for both A CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP and THIS NOELLE…coming soon!
As always, I hope you’ll be open to the thought of savoring a Christmas-set sweet historical romance any time of year. I have long-term plans for the HOLIDAYS IN MOUNTAIN HOME series…and I do hope you’ll become familiar with these loosely-connected, truly stand-alone novellas. Each contains its own hard-won happy ending and is filled with themes of family, commitment, trust, and honor.
I have a few more ideas floating around… but this seems like a very long list of To Do’s for 2015. The good news is it’s still January, and I have about 350 days left to produce and share my stories with you.
Happy New Year!
December 1, 2014
WHISPERED PROMISE: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set
New Release
December 1, 2014
An Omnibus (previously published) Collection
of Bestselling Sweet Western Historical Romances
by three Amazon Bestselling Authors
THE BRIDE LOTTERY, by Kristin Holt
THE RANCHER, by Kelli Ann Morgan
THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH, by Marsha Ward
This Triple Treat Romance Box Set (3 terrific romances, 1 low price = $2.99 USD)
is widely available:
November 18, 2014
Mail Order Brides in the 19th Century American West
Mail Order Brides
~ in the 19th Century American West ~
Fans of Mail-Order Bride Romances adore reading about courageous women who left home, headed west, and risked everything for a brighter future. We admire brave men who sent for a bride with no more courtship than letters could provide. We enjoy the conflict, hurdles, and challenges the characters face before earning their happy ending.
One reason I’m personally a fan of mail-order bride historical romances is the tale usually involves a married hero and heroine. It’s almost magical to see a husband and wife develop tender feelings for one another, gradually fall in love, learn to trust and rely on one another, and find themselves significantly better off because of their union.
The natural progression of courtship, falling in love, commitment, and marriage tends to be all out of order. Often marriage comes much earlier in the course of things, and the falling in love part takes a while. It’s different from what most of us experience, and that makes it interesting.
Did any of this stuff happen in real history?
Yes.
Many different circumstances contributed to the phenomenon of mail-order brides: the loss of so many men in the War Between the States, the California Gold Rush, Westward expansion, Chinese immigrants working in mining and railways…just to name a few.
Men went west first, seeking land of their own, fortunes, and a desire to explore. Men often found themselves on the frontier with limited to no marriage prospects.
Most mail-order brides in the 19th Century American west were single and had very few options–if they wanted marriage, this arrangement could prove their only opportunity. A few had been widowed and often brought children along. Some were runaways. A few dodged the law and hoped to disappear into the Wild West and take on a new identity.
Occasionally potential brides (and the men who sent for them) used a brokerage firm to arrange their matches. Most men bypassed the few firms of the day and sent notices to friends, relatives, or pastors in the more populated eastern states. Some posted advertisements in church bulletins or town newspapers where they knew no one, so they didn’t have the benefit of a trusted person vouching for a potential bride’s character.
Did real life mail-order bride arrangements become love-matches?
Sometimes.
Men often misrepresented themselves…and so did women. After all, what drunken miner with a worthless claim would expect the truth to attract a wife? What woman would freely admit the truth of her circumstances if she believed doing so would spoil her chances of finding safety, protection, support, and a home?
Historic advertisements provide clues as to what potential husbands revealed, and what they sought: a help-meet, companionship, building a life together on his land. Few admitted a desire for a love-match. Most ads were succinct, minimal, and without the usual exchange of letters to follow, provided very little information. Many invitations west resulted in hasty marriages that survived a pathetically brief time as abandonment, death, or the truth of a legal (and still living) spouse surfaced and brought about the marriage’s termination. History reveals instances of fickle mail-order brides whose groom paid her railway passage…but she married someone else because he seemed a better prospect.
But in books, readers expect romances to conclude with a hopeful, confident, it’ll-all-work-out ending. Readers want to see the couple earn that happy ending (and triumph over the conflict keeping them from easily falling in love and committing). We want resounding joy. That’s why romance authors walk a fine line between writing life-like fiction…that mirrors reality and creates a rewarding read…including that happiness of a love story gone right.
Four of my six current titles are Mail Order Bride Romances, with many more in planning stages.
November 11, 2014
Review of CONNOR (In The Company of Snipers, Book 5) by Irish Winters
It’s Veterans Day!
Connor
IN THE COMPANY OF SNIPERS Book 5
by Irish Winters
Review: 5/5 stars
While I write Sweet (wholesome/G-PG) Historical Romance, I read a wide variety of fiction. One of my favorite genres is Military Romantic Suspense. There’s just something fabulous about strong heroes and strong heroines, pitted against threats to national security (or even small-town security), and triumphing–together–because of their training, grit, expertise, and determination. Oh, and because they’re far stronger as a couple than either would have been alone.
I’ve had the recent pleasure of reading CONNOR (In The Company of Snipers, Book 5) by Irish Winters…and WOW! I LOVED it! Any book that draws me in, holds me fast, makes me care–desperately–about the characters (from the very first scene) is worthy of savoring word by word. I forfeited many hours of sleep as I didn’t want to put it down. To say I enjoyed the journey alongside ex-Marine sniper Connor Maher and the one woman for him, ex-Marine sniper Isabella (Izza) Ramos…would be a significant understatement. I LOVED it.
This beautiful story of second chances, love of family and friends, and how love changes everything for Connor and Izza will stay with me for a long time.
The book description
Heartache hurts so much worse than gunshot…
How many times can a man say he’s sorry?
Connor Maher is about to find out. As if dogging the brutal Sonoran Cartel through sun-baked Utah isn’t tough enough, he’s come face to face with his worst nightmare. Diminutive ex-Marine spitfire, Isabella Ramos, has just three words to say to him: I. Hate. You. Like he hasn’t heard that before.
Why was he the one who got to live?
Izza only accepted the Utah operation because of Connor. It’s time he knew the truth, but how can she trust him with her life much less the secret she’s come to share? He’s nothing but grief personified behind the guise of an blue-eyed, honorable man. Not until the cold-blooded SC dumps her and Connor in the farthest corner of the relentless Utah desert does she begin to realize….
There are worse things than death.
As with other books (try ‘em all! I highly recommend them) in this series, Irish Winters skillfully weaves multiple characters, significant plot elements, true-to-life (or better) emotional connections, and masterful storytelling, into page-turning action-adventure that appeal to men and women alike.
Irish rates her books PG-13.
Wholeheartedly recommended to fans of Military Romantic Suspense, Action-Adventure, Contemporary Romance, and beyond.
It’s Veterans Day!
Connor
IN THE COMPANY OF SNIPERS Book ...
It’s Veterans Day!
Connor
IN THE COMPANY OF SNIPERS Book 5
by Irish Winters
Review: 5/5 stars
While I write Sweet (wholesome/G-PG) Historical Romance, I read a wide variety of fiction. One of my favorite genres is Military Romantic Suspense. There’s just something fabulous about strong heroes and strong heroines, pitted against threats to national security (or even small-town security), and triumphing–together–because of their training, grit, expertise, and determination. Oh, and because they’re far stronger as a couple than either would have been alone.
I’ve had the recent pleasure of reading CONNOR (In The Company of Snipers, Book 5) by Irish Winters…and WOW! I LOVED it! Any book that draws me in, holds me fast, makes me care–desperately–about the characters (from the very first scene) is worthy of savoring word by word. I forfeited many hours of sleep as I didn’t want to put it down. To say I enjoyed the journey alongside ex-Marine sniper Connor Maher and the one woman for him, ex-Marine sniper Isabella (Izza) Ramos…would be a significant understatement. I LOVED it.
This beautiful story of second chances, love of family and friends, and how love changes everything for Connor and Izza will stay with me for a long time.
The book description
Heartache hurts so much worse than gunshot…
How many times can a man say he’s sorry?
Connor Maher is about to find out. As if dogging the brutal Sonoran Cartel through sun-baked Utah isn’t tough enough, he’s come face to face with his worst nightmare. Diminutive ex-Marine spitfire, Isabella Ramos, has just three words to say to him: I. Hate. You. Like he hasn’t heard that before.
Why was he the one who got to live?
Izza only accepted the Utah operation because of Connor. It’s time he knew the truth, but how can she trust him with her life much less the secret she’s come to share? He’s nothing but grief personified behind the guise of an blue-eyed, honorable man. Not until the cold-blooded SC dumps her and Connor in the farthest corner of the relentless Utah desert does she begin to realize….
There are worse things than death.
As with other books (try ‘em all! I highly recommend them) in this series, Irish Winters skillfully weaves multiple characters, significant plot elements, true-to-life (or better) emotional connections, and masterful storytelling, into page-turning action-adventure that appeal to men and women alike.
Irish rates her books PG-13.
Wholeheartedly recommended to fans of Military Romantic Suspense, Action-Adventure, Contemporary Romance, and beyond.
It’s Veterans Day!
Connor
IN THE COMPANY OF SNIPERS Book...
It’s Veterans Day!
Connor
IN THE COMPANY OF SNIPERS Book 5
by Irish Winters
Review: 5/5 stars
While I write Sweet (wholesome/G-PG) Historical Romance, I read a wide variety of fiction. One of my favorite genres is Military Romantic Suspense. There’s just something fabulous about strong heroes and strong heroines, pitted against threats to national security (or even small-town security), and triumphing–together–because of their training, grit, expertise, and determination. Oh, and because they’re far stronger as a couple than either would have been alone.
I’ve had the recent pleasure of reading CONNOR (In The Company of Snipers, Book 5) by Irish Winters…and WOW! I LOVED it! Any book that draws me in, holds me fast, makes me care–desperately–about the characters (from the very first scene) is worthy of savoring word by word. I forfeited many hours of sleep as I didn’t want to put it down. To say I enjoyed the journey alongside ex-Marine sniper Connor Maher and the one woman for him, ex-Marine sniper Isabella (Izza) Ramos…would be a significant understatement. I LOVED it.
This beautiful story of second chances, love of family and friends, and how love changes everything for Connor and Izza will stay with me for a long time.
The book description
Heartache hurts so much worse than gunshot…
How many times can a man say he’s sorry?
Connor Maher is about to find out. As if dogging the brutal Sonoran Cartel through sun-baked Utah isn’t tough enough, he’s come face to face with his worst nightmare. Diminutive ex-Marine spitfire, Isabella Ramos, has just three words to say to him: I. Hate. You. Like he hasn’t heard that before.
Why was he the one who got to live?
Izza only accepted the Utah operation because of Connor. It’s time he knew the truth, but how can she trust him with her life much less the secret she’s come to share? He’s nothing but grief personified behind the guise of an blue-eyed, honorable man. Not until the cold-blooded SC dumps her and Connor in the farthest corner of the relentless Utah desert does she begin to realize….
There are worse things than death.
As with other books (try ‘em all! I highly recommend them) in this series, Irish Winters skillfully weaves multiple characters, significant plot elements, true-to-life (or better) emotional connections, and masterful storytelling, into page-turning action-adventure that appeal to men and women alike.
Irish rates her books PG-13.
Wholeheartedly recommended to fans of Military Romantic Suspense, Action-Adventure, Contemporary Romance, and beyond.
October 29, 2014
Bestselling title now available for NOOK! (iBooks, Kobo)
THE BRIDE LOTTERY
A Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance (Rated PG)
is now available for Nook!
THE BRIDE LOTTERY has been available exclusively for Kindle since its initial release on July 30, 2014. I’m delighted to announce, effective Oct 29, 2014, it is widely available at e-book retailers. Nook owners will find this bestselling title available on BN.com.
Multiple formats (for Kindle, for Nook, and all other e-readers) are available:
Smashwords
Kobo
Scribd
Apple (iBooks)
THE BRIDE LOTTERY spent many weeks at the top of multiple bestseller lists on Amazon.com, including the #1 spot on these Top 100 Bestseller Lists: Western Romance, Victorian Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance, and Pioneer & Frontier Genre Fiction. This title has garnered 163 reviews on Amazon.com, with a 4.4 star average (out of 5 possible).
Coming December 1, 2014, this bestselling title will be released as part of an anthology with two other sweet (wholesome) Western Historical Romances, in a Triple Treat Romance box set by Mirror Press. Look for WHISPERED PROMISE on multiple e-book sites, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. This box set is available now for preorder on Amazon.com. Three books, one fantastic price ($2.99).
October 23, 2014
An honest-to-goodness Pioneer Recipe
As October wanes and temperatures drop, I’m interested in hot comfort foods. This recipe is an old family favorite.
My great grandma was born in 1896 in the heart of the American West. While this chicken and dumplings recipe is attributed to her, family lore insists she made this honest-to-goodness pioneer dish the way her mother did…so this recipe is an oldie and a goodie. One bit of trivia lost to the current generation(s) is the practice of butchering chickens to be bottled on the farm…and the fact that newly butchered hens would contain eggs that hadn’t been laid. Pioneers wouldn’t waste these shell-less eggs…so no wonder they developed dishes such as chicken and dumplings to use them up.
I love my great-grandmother’s recipe so much, it’ll show up in HOLIDAYS IN MOUNTAIN HOME, Book 3 (featuring the kind, gentle man who did not get the girl in MAYBE THIS CHRISTMAS, Holidays in Mountain Home, Book 2. Stay tuned for title reveal (Nov), cover reveal (Nov), and book release–the first week of December, 2014.
GREAT GRANDMA SORENSON’S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
From Kristin Holt
This recipe is easily adjusted to the size/appetite of your family. Make as small or as large a pot as you wish, with the ratio of chicken to vegetables that you prefer.
1 whole chicken, boiled and bones removed (OR use 4 to 5 chicken breasts, boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces, OR use a rotisserie chicken)
2 quarts chicken broth (from a can or bouillon; I like Better Than Bouillon)
Salt and pepper to taste
7 to 8 sliced carrots
5 to 6 potatoes, cubed (if soup isn’t soup without potatoes…grandma left them out)
Boil chicken. Discard liquid, skin, and bones. Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat broth with vegetables and pieces of chicken until it comes to a boil.
Meanwhile, prepare dumplings.
DUMPLINGS
WHOLE POT (SERVES 8 TO 10):
½ cup real dairy butter
1 ½ cups milk
1 ¾ cups flour
3 eggs
3 Tbsp. sugar
SMALL POT (SERVES 3 TO 4):
3 Tbsp. real dairy butter
½ cup milk
Heaping ½ cup flour
1 egg
1 Tbsp. sugar
Melt butter in a frying pan. Remove pan from heat. Stir in milk and flour until it forms a paste. Return to heat and fry dough until it turns translucent and opaque.
Crack egg(s) into mixing bowl. Add sugar. Add milk/flour mixture. With an electric mixer (I’m sure grandma whipped it with a wooden spoon), whip all ingredients together until smooth.
Drop dumplings by tablespoonfuls into boiling soup in an even single layer across surface.
Boil soup for 10 minutes with lid on. Uncover and boil another 10 minutes without lid.
What are dumplings? See this fun and informative site about the history of dumplings.
October 17, 2014
99-cent Western Romance Event!
You are going to love this!
I’m so happy to announce the first ever Pioneer Hearts 99c Western Romance Event!
This sale includes dozens of books for your Kindle, and a selection for your Nook or iBooks libraries, as well. And you know what else is fun? You can win some pretty snazzy prizes!
Want to win one of two $10 Amazon gift cards? Share our sale and follow our authors! You could also win signed books, a beautiful turquoise pendant necklace (voted a favorite by the Pioneer Hearts Readers Group!), and more! See Rafflecopter here and win!
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