And the Band Played On

by Shanna Hatfield

My thoughts have been twirling around like the belle of the ball with a full dance card as I imagine what it was like to attend a grand dance back in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Location would have no doubt played a key factor in setting the tone and deciding on attendance.

Perhaps it would be a fancy ball with gilded, ornate trim and gleaming floors.

Or maybe it was a simple gathering in a barn to welcome spring or celebrate the end of harvest. Straw might cover the floor while lanterns and a  big fire outside provided the light.

Would the women wear their best calico frock?

Or would their gowns have been elaborately embellished?

Would the cowboys have donned their formal attire (if they owned any)?

I like to think they'd at least have taken a bath and put on a clean shirt for the occasion.

Would they have enjoyed picnic supper? Maybe they held a box lunch auction to raise funds for some philanthropic endeavor.

Or would dinner have been an elaborate affair with multiple courses and perfect manners?

It would be so fun to travel back in time and experience both types of events - a country dance and a grand ball.

Since I have yet to locate a time machine, I guess I'll have to make do with imagining and dreaming... and dreaming up imaginative online parties.

I hope you'll join me for the...

 

 Invite your friends to the party, and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift card. Go to the Facebook Party Page, click on the “invite” button, invite your friends, then post how many you invited. One randomly drawn person will win, but you get additional entries for every 25 people you invite! Also, ask your friends when they join the party to share that you invited them on the party wall. Each friend who mentions your name, earns you another entry in the contest! The winner will be announced prior to the start of the party April 9! http://tinyurl.com/petticoatball

Dust off your dancing shoes and choose your formal attire for the Petticoat Ball Party on Facebook April 9, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Pacific Time). Giveaways and games will make for a splendid event as we celebrate the release of Thimbles and Thistles and the debut of Lacy!
The talented and fabulous guest authors joining in the shenanigans include:

10 a.m. – Julie Lence

11 – Rachel Rossano

11:30 – Christina Cole

Noon – Peggy Henderson

12:30 – Kristin Holt

1 p.m. – Karen Witemeyer

1:30 – Kayla Thomas

 The party is part of a week-long celebration:

Join in the fun!



 


The second book in the Baker City Brides series releases Thursday, April 9!
 Thimbles and Thistles takes readers back to Baker City as spring arrives and love is in the air. You can reserve your Kindle copy here: http://amzn.com/B00TCV6BFG
Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon. Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.
Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any available woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.



Lacy, Book 5 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for pre-orders April 9.
Be among the first to order the long-awaited story of Grant Hill. Talk about losing at love… eligible banker bachelor Grant needs to find the right girl.
Those attending the party will also get a first look at the cover!
“Will the bonds of love be stronger than the bonds of tradition…”




It just wouldn’t be a party if  there wasn’t a book available for free! Aundy, Book 1 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for free Kindle downloads April 7-11. Make sure you grab your copy! If you’ve already read it, tell your friends to download it. If you haven’t met the characters from Pendleton Petticoats, here’s a brief intro:
Aundy (Book 1) – One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she’s widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.
Caterina (Book 2) – Frantic to escape a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town’s deputy sheriff.
Ilsa (Book 3) – Tired of relying on others to guide and protect her, Ilsa finally finds the strength and courage to take control of her life. Unfortunately, her independence drives a wedge between her and the man she’s come to love.
Marnie (Book 4) – After giving up on her dreams for a future, Marnie finds her hope rekindled by one caring, compassionate man and the orphans who need her.










To enter the drawing for a $50 American Express gift card, autographed books, digital books, chocolates, and original western artwork, fill out this form. http://tinyurl.com/petticoatballprizes

I hope to see you waltzing by Thursday at the party!



 


A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a bestselling author of sweet romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor. In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
Find Shanna’s books at:
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple
Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:
ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter