Welcome! Introductions

[Rebecca]

Thanks for the welcome Sandy and Misfit! I am so glad I found this group! I just finished reading LOVE and WAR by Patricia Hagan and I loved it! I ordered the second book today as it is not on Kindle yet. I look forward to getting and giving "southern romance" recommendations!

[Haley]

Hi everyone, my name is Haley and I LOVE the Civil War and Antebellum era. I'm excited to join this group. I have been collecting historical novels set in the 19th century U.S for years. My library is so extensive I ran out of space and am now collecting ebooks! And yet I'm always on the hunt to find the next "Old South" book I haven't read yet. Your recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Is this group just interested in Civil War era books? Can someone give me a time frame so I know which books to recommend?

[Misfit]

Hi Haley, I'll gobble up just about anything prior to the 20C. Don't know about the rest here.

[Haley]

Misfit wrote: "Hi Haley, I'll gobble up just about anything prior to the 20C. Don't know about the rest here."

Thanks, Misfit! I gobble up anything prior to the 20c too. :)
I'll just post some recommendations and if it isn't the right era for them then they don't have to read it, right?

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Hi Haley and welcome to the group! The time period for the "Southern Romance" Group say's 1861-1865 and 1865-1877,but Im with Misfit as long as its prior to the 20c Im good, and would look forward to new books/recommendations. So if you have something say..out of this "time period-frame" feel free to make a new folder/thread or Misfit or I could set it up for you. looking forward to sharing books & chatting with you :)Also feel free to add books to the bookshelves too.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I forgot to mention..we also have a "author-Promotion" folder for aspiring authors to promote their books,blogs,giveaways..ect

[Sandy]

Hi Haley and welcome!!

[Haley]

Sandy wrote: "Hi Haley and welcome!!"

Thanks Sandy and Sandi! Now I need to check out the bookshelf and other threads.

[Linda B.D.]

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Welcome to the Southern Romance Group! Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and why you like to read Southern Romance novels." Oh goodness! So glad I found this group. I live 30 minutes from Franklin, TN. Several battles are right at my house & land!Still finding all sorts of Civil War things on the ground. I swim in the Duck River crossing where the Confederates crossed.I also found a cave with shelves of confederate things!There's so many stories I could tell you, but I'll hush for now:) Love southern genre. Especially true.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Well welcome Linda! You have come to the right group then if you love southern genre! I would love to hear more of where you live and all the historical stuff around you! Dont hush! Share with us when you have a moment, I for one would love to hear all about your findings and what you have explored:)

Edit..and if you have any book recommends that we havent got on our shelves please share that too :)

[Misfit]

Hi Linda, welcome.

[Linda B.D.]

Gosh there is much I can tell you about where I live! I'm dying to get a metal detector. The Duck River is a legend. That's where the soldiers bathed & drank. (it's spring fed & clear). There are many Civil War homes people have bought & coverd with brick or siding to them look like new. In one case, a man bought a huge 2 story Civil War house & decided to gut it just to see if he could find anything hidden in the walls. He didn't find anything. When he was closing the front door for the last time, there had been an old barley sack, that had been used to keep the door open. It was just lying on the floor. He picked it up - it had sand in it. He dumped the open bag on the floor, yep, there was over 50 coins of gold & silver!An old timer I know said everything is hidden "in plain sight". That house is just around the corner from me! I've walked all around it with images of solders in it. It sits close to the banks of the Duck. The cave...it is very deep in the woods, it takes a 4 wheeler to get to it.I talked to the people that own the property. They showed me the well that was made in 1861.(It's picture & info is in Nashville museum). This entire area is gigantic rocks, cliffs, and A LOT of poison snakes. No, my house is NOT in the woods where the snakes are. I'll bet many people died of snakebite! There's also giant sink holes. Some so large they can hold 2-3 houses. The cave is large & inside of a huge mountain of rock. The confederates chisiled (sp?) shelves along the walls & made seats from trees. Everything is still there. Owners won't let many people in to see it.Very few know about it. It's 12ft X15 ft. That's pretty big. All kinds of belt buckles , knives, ect were in there.Over 25 cannon balls were found close to there. There's another place I need to check out. Will let you know what I find after I go. I need to stop buying so many books so i can buy that metal detector! I had to have a custom bookshelf made to hold them. It's 10 ft long & 8 ft tall. I had to give away 4 boxes of books!I've read almost all books that have been discussed here, except some of the new ones. Sometime I will tell you a short story of my great grandfather & his true love during the war!

[Linda B.D.]

About the book, "One Wore Blue by Heather Graham". You can also buy the 3 books combined into one big book. "one wore Blue, One wore Grey and One Went West".

[Misfit]

Linda wrote: "About the book, "One Wore Blue by Heather Graham". You can also buy the 3 books combined into one big book. "one wore Blue, One wore Grey and One Went West"."

These are out on e-book now, and possibly available via library loan. Mine has the kindle versions available to lend.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Linda wrote: "Gosh there is much I can tell you about where I live! I'm dying to get a metal detector. The Duck River is a legend. That's where the soldiers bathed & drank. (it's spring fed & clear). There are m..."

That is so interesting Linda! but sad in a way that someone would "gut" the house just to find a treasure of some sort. It's a shame alot of the historical buildings are no longer around or the funds arent there to restore them.Are there certain books advailable to buy with info of your area?

[Linda B.D.]

Hi, I know there are maps, but I'll check & see if there's any books.

[Linda B.D.]

About the house where they found the gold & silver...It was not changed on the outside. looks just like it did then. I want to post some pics but I cannot get into my profile! I already contacted GR but haven't heard anything yet.

[Linda B.D.]

Hi, Has anyone read, Beyond the WoodJust wondered what your thoughts were on this book..

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Linda wrote: "Hi, Has anyone read, Beyond the WoodJust wondered what your thoughts were on this book.."

This one looks good Linda,thanks for letting us know and I will add to our bookshevles:)

[Gigi]

Hey guys! My name is Gigi (Gi). Its nice to meet you all! I've just recently been introduced to 19th Century South novels (ex horror fan). I can't hardly get enough! Lol. I'm just starting "The Kitchen House" tonight. Kinda pricey, if you ask me, but I have faith it will be worth it!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Welcome to the group Gigi! I hope you find lots of new reads here:)

[Linda B.D.]

Hllo Gi, Glad you are here. I just joined & I love this group!

[Misfit]

Hi Gigi and Linda.

[Sandy]

Hi Gigi and welcome to our group! Have added this to my WTR list. Thanks Gigi!!

[Linda B.D.]

The Bride PriceOh yes, it's a time travel, but she goes back to the Civil War.Romance, suspence, confusion. I read this in one day Really good book!It is not a tiny paper back, I ordered the isbn#9781453660416. It's a larger paper back.(about 12 inches tall). I'm trying hard to get new friends, so please add me as a friend. I'll be going to the hospital for the next few days. that means I'll read a book a day. I'll let you know about them when I get home. Oh, also I dug deep & found really old books Civil War romance that I'll be reading. Some are coming back in print!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I hope all goes well at the hospital Linda,read up and let us know what Civil War romances you read and would recommend!

[Sandy]

Hi Linda! Hope everything goes well at the hospital for you. The Bride Price is the first in a series of 8 books by Tracey Jane Jackson. You can find all of them listed under "Saga's & Series". If you are reading them on a Nook, I will be more than happy to lend them to you. Add me as a friend and I can lend them to you. I have all but the last one I think. I have the last one on a Kindle and will need to convert it over to the Nook. Just let me know. This is a wonderful series and I am sure that you will become a "Bride" addict as I have. Again, hope all goes well at the hospital for you!!

[Linda B.D.]

Sandi, I didn't know where to put this: I just got my bookshelf! I haven't measured it , but I think it's got to be close to 10ft long. at least that the size of that wall and just a little over 8ft tall. It had to be made in two sections to get it in the house. He made me another long piece of wood to go on the top to make it appear as one large case. I haven't put it on yet. there's some pictures of it. I think he did a good job. Now you can see why I need to get rid of some books! i also have another big box of books that may go on the top shelf-but I can't reach it! We have 9ft cielings. Linda D

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Hey Linda that's great! Ive made a new folder in the group called "Chittin and Chatting" so if you want to Chit & Chat or share some news you can go there! :)

[Sandy]

Did someone say "Brides". Love all of Tracey's writtings. She is an amazing storyteller. I have the entire set in ebooks. I have been asking her when she is going to continue the storyline. She hasn't committed as to when we can expect her next book. :D

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Sandy wrote: "Did someone say "Brides". Love all of Tracey's writtings. She is an amazing storyteller. I have the entire set in ebooks. I have been asking her when she is going to continue the storyline. She has..."

I have them too Sandy in ebook,but havent read them yet as I dont much care for the device. But I can get them in PB..better yet I wonder if the library would have them? And if you hear that a new one of hers comes out let us know! :)

[Sandy]

I will be the first to post if she does. I checked my library and they didn't have them. I think I will put in a suggestion to them about the books. They are a wonderful addition to any library.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Welcome to the group Tania!You have lived in some pretty fasinating places.And you spent a whole month in the South? Wereabouts did you travel threw? What did you like the best? Im hoping someday I too can travel threw certain parts(have to say the planation country is my aim) :)

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Well..it seems like you got quite alot packed into the time you had and saw great stuff. And you can always go back to finish some day:)...me I want to hit the Plantation tours,New Orleans..ect. Too many to name too much I want to see..and yes time and money factor :(

[Sandy]

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Well..it seems like you got quite alot packed into the time you had and saw great stuff. And you can always go back to finish some day:)...me I want to hit the Plantation tours,New Orleans..ect. To..."

I love New Orleans. My favorite place is the French Quarters. Sitting there you can almost imagine that time period. There I feel like I am at home. Welcome Tania.

[Sandy]

I was able to go a swamp tour when I saw in Louisiana last. They fed the gators too. That was very interesting. I have been to Vicksburg and that was such a sad visit. Just to imagine all the lives lost in that battle. My son lived in Charlotte, NC for several years and people there are very nice. Tennessee is very nice to visit there also. My in laws are from Arkansas, so visited Pea Ridge a couple of times. But I loved being in Louisiana and Mississippi. You are so right about the southern hospitality. There isn't anything like that anywhere else in the US. Love the laid back, slow pace of like there. Some day, I would love to visit all the southern states and the plantation tours would at the top of my bucket list.

[Victoria]

Hey y'all! Nice to find a place where I can chat with other lovers of Southern historicals. Like most of you, I too grew up loving "Gone With the Wind." Read the book several times and watched the movie over and over again. Then I moved from California to Georgia, and read the book again while living in Atlanta. Suddenly all those places were real to me. A move to rural Fayette County, home of Margaret Mitchell's ancestors, introduced me to a classic white columned Antebellum home that was part of her real story. Turned out it also had links to the Western legend Doc Holliday, who was related to Mitchell. According to old family stories, Doc's sweetheart was the model for Melanie in "Gone With the Wind." Like the Old South meeting the Wild West and falling in love! As a writer, I couldn't resist retelling the story. You can read more about it at my website www.VictoriaWilcoxBooks.com. Will put other author information in the appropriate folder, not on this thread. I join many of the rest of you in being disappointed in "Scarlett" and "Rhett Butler's People." Don't mess with a classic! But I still wanted to visit the places and the people behind GWTW -- so fun discovering the real people behind the characters, and being able to include them in my own book. I look forward to talking with more lovers of Southern romance here!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Welcome to the group Victoria! I will look forward to hearing more about you as an author as well as your book.
Also in the "Author-Promotion" folder let us know of your websites,blogs, where we can find your book,promo's ect..Again welcome! :)

[Misfit]

Hi Victoria. Rhett Butler's People *shudder at the horror of it*

I did find a copy of Scarlett at the thrift store and may build up courage to read it. Maybe.

[Victoria]

Misfit wrote: "Hi Victoria. Rhett Butler's People *shudder at the horror of it*

I did find a copy of Scarlett at the thrift store and may build up courage to read it. Maybe."

Being a devoted "Gone With the Wind" fan, I was the first in line to get "Scarlett" when it came out. I had heard that Alexandra Ripley, in trying to get a feel for Margaret Mitchell's writing, hand copied long passages out of GWTW onto yellow legal pad. I appreciated her efforts, but wasn't sure how that would get her a feel for Margaret Mitchell, as Mitchell did all of her writing on a typewriter. But the real difference between the two women as Southern writers was that Mitchell was from Georgia writing stories she grew up learning from her family, which seemed very present to her, and Ripley was based in Charleston looking back at history. They were telling stories of two different worlds from two different perspectives. So Ripley's Scarlett may look like Scarlett O'Hara, but somehow she isn't the Scarlett we know. I actually preferred the TV miniseries based on "Scarlett" , as the screenwriter had a chance to rethink some of Ripley's plotting and present the story in a more familiar way. Margaret Mitchell wrote The End at the end of "Gone With the Wind" because she felt that Scarlett's story was done. Very hard for any other writer to continue it! That being said, I had my own idea where the story should go, which would've been to follow Rhett Butler. He was the undiscovered character, the one whose motivations we never understand. So I was excited for "Rhett Butler's People" to come out, and got it as a Christmas gift that year.... Maybe I'll have to write my own version, after all!

[Misfit]

I hated Rhett Butler's People. What a boring rehash of the original story and characters. I would have preferred going back to his life prior to meeting up with Scarlet. Now that has possibilities.

[Victoria]

Misfit wrote: "I hated Rhett Butler's People. What a boring rehash of the original story and characters. I would have preferred going back to his life prior to meeting up with Scarlet. Now that has possibilities."

Interesting idea...have a first person Rhett tell his own story from the early days, then skop over the Scarlett years, as "Y'all have already heard this part," then go on to what happened after. I like it!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Hmmmm..they always say a classic like Gone With the Wind should be left alone. I do have Scarlett and will read it one day just to see but have no interest in any "Rhett" spin-off's but like Misfit a story "prior" would be interesting.

[Victoria]

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "Hmmmm..they always say a classic like Gone With the Wind should be left alone. I do have Scarlett and will read it one day just to see but have no interest in any "Rhett" spin-off's but like Misfit..."

As for stories, what's the one behind "The Pirate Wench"? My next book (after the Southern Son trilogy comes out) is about a real-life Barbadian sugar planter turned pirate. I could use some advice from a pirate's wench!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I read many different kinds of books, but Ive always loved a really good swashbuckling pirate romance( have too many to count).
I love those dashing pirates male or female fictional or not.. Anne Bonny/Grace O'Malley..ect And if you are writing a pirate story this "wench" looks forward to the read! Just let me know when it's out! :D

[Victoria]

Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* wrote: "I read many different kinds of books, but Ive always loved a really good swashbuckling pirate romance( have too many to count).
I love those dashing pirates male or female fictional or not.. Anne B..."

Aye, Matey!

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

I love the idea of a "Southern-turn-Pirate theme. My two favorite background settings. When you have more info/details on this upcoming book join me over in the "Pirate Romance Group" I have a Author Promotion section there as well..always love to hear of new pirate reads:)

[Debra]

My TBR pile is growing. I'll have to check out Heather Graham's books.

I'm Debra Glass and I live smack dab in the Heart of Dixie. I'm a Civil War historian and focus mainly on the 20th TN Infantry. I love all things Civil War Western Theater and adore CW Romances. Love the moniker Plantation Porn. lol

I write erotic historical and paranormal romance and aside from a handful regencies, I write what I know - Civil War.

I'm looking forward to being a part of this group.

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*]

Welcome to the group Debra! Being a Civil War Historian I would love to hear more of things of interest or favorite Eras/locales (which the group has folders/threads)for but is sadly lacking in info:(
We also have a folder for author promotions if you wish to share your books with us. Looking forward to chatting with you:)

[Sandy]

It's very exciting having a Civil War Historian in our group. Welcome to our group Debra!! Looks we like some of the same genre of stories Debra. Would love to read some of your writings. Right now, I have veered a little off course and currently reading "Bound by Fire" by Tracey Jane Jackson. It's a continuation to Bound by Blood.

Again welcome to the group Debra! Looking forward to chatting with you.