Cowboys and Knights

 

OpenArt.ai Desilusión@shepherd_scientific_29

 There seems to be a general tie-in between knights of old and cowboys past and present. Whether they rode for the brand, for their liege lord, or for the cross they were loyal, protective of women and children, and their life could depend upon the bond of trust they built between themselves and their horse. 

They had a code by which they lived, and it goes without saying, when faced with injustice they were courageous and willing to fight against all odds. Of course there were blackguards, outlaws and ne'er-do-wells no matter the time period, which made their lives dangerous as well. 

 Hope-Eriana-Photography

     Many years ago, when I started reading romance novels, medieval settings were the most popular. I've now branched out to historical westerns, in both reading and writing. Knights and cowboys inspire stories of romance and bravery. But these protagonist can be more complicated then they appear as they navigated society, politics, and a changing world. 

 

   From longbow to crossbows, and from repeating rifles to double action revolvers, scientific inventions also changed their lives. 

    Although often solitary, a special friend or partner with whom to hangout or go adventuring with was always welcome.  

   They sought respect and reputation, their word was their bond, but most were humble, not braggarts, letting their actions speak for themselves. And they were certainly not perfect, in fact often flawed. In a romantic sense that makes them more relatable, and tugs at our heartstrings. And while they may have had wanderlust in their DNA, like all of us, they harbored hopes and dreams, and the desire to love and be loved. 

   Whether you favor cowboys or knights, there are  plenty of winter evenings left for reading snuggled up by the woodstove, or being tucked in under a warm quilt. 

 Keep the spirit of the season going with my Medieval Novella  Promise Me Christmas, a Colorado Authors' league finalist (e-book only $.99 until Dec. 31st) Or perhaps try Break Heart Canyon, my Olde West romantic adventure, christened Best Historical Romance of the year by Colorado Authors' League. 

Available here    99 cents until 12/31/24 

     Blurb: The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  
   Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  
   As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 
   On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

                                                                      Available here

Blurb:               

 Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land. 

   Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, she has enough to worry about. 

   Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her Deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most, the woman or the artifacts? 

    When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Now only daring and blind trust can save them. 

                   

       Wishing everyone a prosperous, 

                   peaceful, happy, Holiday Season. 

My stories: 

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate * Special Delivery. 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart                                 *Promise Me Christmas. 

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream 

Fantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence 

Blog   www.ginirifkin.blogspot.com

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/people/Gini-Rifkin-Author/100001680213365

Amazon author              https://amzn.to/2R53KA9

Pinterest                         https://www.pinterest.com/ginirifkin/pins/

Goodreads                     http://bit.ly/2OnHbrK

Barnes and Noble          http://bit.ly/2xPs9S4

AudioBooks                  https://adbl.co/2OlWbGJ

LinkedIn                        https://www.linkedin.com/in/gini-rifkin-15950489/

Universal link                https://books2read.com/u/3JLGMv

   

When Was The First Thanksgiving in North America? by Reggi Allder

Two quotes about Thanksgiving:

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” Lionel Hampton

“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” W. Clement Stone

The First Thanksgiving in North America

According to the Smithsonian, The World History Encyclopedia, and Joshua J. Mark, there is some debate about the date of the first Thanksgiving in North America. A thanksgiving ceremony was held on May 27, 1578, in Newfoundland, now part of Canada.

There is evidence of a celebration in the Jamestown Colony of Virginia in 1610. The time between 1609 and 1610 was called the starving time because of severe drought conditions. The settlers held a Thanksgiving prayer when English supply ships arrived.

However, most think of the Thanksgiving celebration in the US colonies as the harvest feast in 1621 by citizens of the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims and the Indigenous Americans of the Wampanoag Confederacy. These people taught the pilgrims to grow corn, beans, onions, and squash and helped them survive the first winter.

Though the pilgrims and native Americans had a complicated relationship, this 1621 celebration is credited as the beginning of the traditional yearly Thanksgiving holiday.

President Abraham Lincoln

In 1863, during the US Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln agreed to have Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. It is thought that President Lincoln hoped it would encourage unity in the country. In 1941 a congressional Joint Resolution officially set the fourth Thursday of November as a  National Thanksgiving Holiday.

 I wondered what the pilgrims ate for the first dinner. Many researchers decided that no turkey was served. However, historians think there may have been wildfowl, geese, ducks, and the like. Deer roasted on a spit was probably cooked, and perhaps venison stew as there were likely onions, beans, carrots, and corn. Succotash may have also been served. Sorry, there were no pies for dessert. :)

Today, pies are part of the festivities. My family always asks me to make pumpkin pies, but apple pie is popular at our house too. 

 

Do you have a favorite pie for Thanksgiving dinner? Please leave a comment and vote for pie with ice cream or without ice cream? 

 

Pumpkin Pie

If you love cowboys, small towns and second chances take  a look at my Sierra Creek Series. Small town romance you could start with Her Country Heart Christmas Edition and read all four the the book in the Series. :)

 🌲 NEED A FEEL-GOOD READ TO TAKE YOU AWAY? OR USE FOR A GIFT? 🌲🎅 HER COUNTRY HEART CHRISTMAS EDITION by Reggi Allder. 

What readers say: “So emotional you’ll want to read all the way through to the end!” “Perfect when you need a feel-good read.” “So good I didn’t want it to end.” “5 Stars, I’m HOOKED!!! Great characters!” . “If you love small towns, second chances, and real-to-life characters, the Sierra Creek books are for you!” There are four of them.

Will Amy have a home for Christmas?

Amy Long needs a forever home. Downsized, she lost her apartment in the city and returned to the small town of Sierra Creek to find a fresh start. However, she's in the way of cowboy Wyatt Cameron’s plans and as executor of her grandmother’s estate, he has the power to send her packing. If Amy and her little boy can't stay on the farm, they will have nowhere else to go. What can she do to change Wyatt Cameron's mind?

https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B0758R6SV8

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0758R6SV8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0758R6SV8

Amazon

Bookbub

Facebook

Reggi's blog

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the day! Thanks for coming by. Hope you will stop by again. Reggi

Author of Small-town Romance and Romantic Suspense Novels