Declaration of Love Release Day!

 

Every story begins with an idea.

Sometimes it's a character. Sometimes it's a setting. And sometimes it's a simple "what if?"

For the Petticoats & Patriots series, it all began with a single silver locket.

I wondered what stories that little keepsake might witness if it were passed from one generation to the next. What if it connected women across 250 years of American history? What if each heroine faced her own challenges during a pivotal moment in our nation's story? And what if, through it all, hope, courage, and love endured?

Those questions became eight novels spanning from 1776 to 2026.

Today, I'm delighted to celebrate the release of Declaration of Love, the eighth and final book in the series.

A temporary postmaster. 

A contractor who fixes everything except his own heart. 

And a love story written 250 years ago.

Grady Guthry understands the weight of a promise. Years after returning from the Army to help his widowed sister and young nephew rebuild their lives, he’s created a solid life in Holiday, Oregon. With a thriving construction business and deep roots in his small town, Grady’s world is steady, dependable, and safe—just the way he needs it. The last thing he’s looking for is change, especially not in the form of the town’s new, temporary postmaster.

Kate Barton has always followed the horizon. An Air Force veteran who thrives on freedom and fresh starts, she moves from one assignment to the next, never staying long enough to put down roots. But when she arrives in Holiday, she carries more than just her bags. A cherished locket left behind by her father draws her into a legacy she never knew existed—and begins to stir a longing she can’t quite ignore.

As Holiday prepares for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an unexpected friendship between Grady and Kate deepens into an undeniable slow-burn romance. Grady offers Kate a sense of home she’s never known, while she reminds him there’s more to life than duty.

But with Kate’s departure date looming, the independence they’ve both fought to claim may become the very thing that keeps them apart.

In a season of healing, hope, and second chances, will they find the courage to let go of their plans—and choose a future together?

Courage built a nation. Love made it worth fighting for.

Throughout 250 years of American history, a well-loved locket finds its way into the hands of eight spirited heroines—each standing at the crossroads of love and destiny, and each inspired by a true patriot. As it journeys from one heart to the next, these stories unfold with sweet romance, unwavering hope, and a deep love of country, proving that even in uncertain times, love is always worth the risk. Start reading the Petticoats & Patriots series today!

 

Also, to celebrate the book's release and the end of the series, this week is going to be packed full of fun!

Starting today and running through Sunday, participants in the Petticoats & Pistols Facebook Group can collect Holiday passport stamps, and enter a daily drawing. 

They can also play Bingo each day for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the week.

And ... we're hosting a party to wrap-up the series with a day full of games, giveaways, books, and shenanigans. It begins Thursday morning at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time).

You can join in the fun and the group by clicking the button below.

Have a grand time!

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.

A Patriot's Promise

 

In honor of America's 250th Anniversary, I put together a special boxed set of patriotic wholesome romances.  

Each one of these stories touched my heart as I wrote them, and I hope they'll touch yours as you read them. 

Courage wears many uniforms. 

Love is the promise that brings them home.

From the battlefields of World War I France to the uncertainty of a top-secret World War II mission, from a cowboy veteran returning to the ranch he loves to a former Tomb Guard searching for peace in a mountain town, A Patriot’s Promise gathers four full-length wholesome romances filled with faith in the future, tenderness, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

★ In Sadie, a gifted doctor finally sets out on the grand adventure she has always dreamed of when America enters the Great War. But as the wounded arrive in endless numbers, Sadie Thorsen faces the greatest test of her heart when the man she has loved for years is reported missing in action. Across war-torn France, Harley John Hobbs clings to one hope — seeing Sadie again.

★ In Home of Her Heart, Sergeant Klayne Campbell volunteers for a dangerous World War II mission knowing he may never return. With no family to remember him, he offers spirited Delaney Danvers a marriage of convenience, hoping to leave behind someone who will know he mattered. But one night as her husband gives Klayne something far more powerful than a name on a beneficiary form — a reason to fight his way home.

★ In The Cowboy’s Summer Love, Travis Thompson returns from military service to the Triple T Ranch, restless, wild-hearted, and determined to outrun the memories that followed him home. Tess Morgan has loved him for years, but convincing Travis she is more than his best friend’s sister may be her biggest challenge yet. As summer works its magic, two hearts may finally discover they belong together.

★ In Lake Bride, Bridger Holt’s life has been shaped by duty, discipline, and the twenty-one steps he walked as a sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Unsure what comes next, he retreats to a mountain cabin in Holiday, Oregon, where a sunshine-hearted nurse, a cast of quirky townsfolk, and a few persistent animals might help him find hope, healing, and a future worth embracing.

Heartwarming, hopeful, and rich with the love of country, family, and home, A Patriot’s Promise is a moving collection of four sweet romances celebrating brave hearts, second chances, and the kind of love that stands strong through every season.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet and wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength. Her historical westerns have been described as historically accurate, blending facts with engaging fiction, while her contemporary works have been called laugh-out-loud funny, swoony, and heartwarming.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website.

Silver Bell Sweethearts and a Rodeo Romance

 'Tis the Season!

For Christmas books, that is!

I have five new wholesome Christmas romances that are releasing over the course of five weeks. Three of them have released, one more will be available this Thursday, and the last will release December 11.

The first four are part of a brand-new generational family series that was so much fun to write. 

Some legacies are forged in silver—
others are found in love.

A Joyful Ring

A rugged freighter, a hopeful dreamer, and a Christmas they’ll never forget.

In 1876, Gunder Birke leaves the daily struggle of Pittsburgh behind, determined to build a better life in the rough-and-tumble mining town of Lovely, Oregon. Hired as a freighter to haul dangerous explosives for the local mine, Gunder faces ongoing danger—but nothing as treacherous as the risk to his heart when he meets the beautiful and spirited Risa Hoffman.

After losing her mother and siblings, Risa has spent most of her life on the move with her father, never knowing what it means to have a real home. When she convinces him to settle in Lovely, the remote, uninviting town is far from the idyllic refuge she imagined. Still, Risa pours her hopes into building a future, working at the boardinghouse while dreaming of a finding a husband who can offer stability and comfort.

But when Gunder’s steady kindness and quiet strength awaken feelings she never expected, Risa must choose between the security she’s always longed for and the love that rings true in her heart.

As snow begins to fall across the rugged Oregon landscape, two souls discover that sometimes the most beautiful gifts come wrapped in hope, faith, and the promise of love.

A Joyful Ring is the first book in the wholesome holiday Silver Bell Sweethearts series.

A Joyful Love

One spark of hope. One act of courage. One joyful love.

Caleb Birke once believed adventure waited somewhere beyond the horizon. But after wandering the world, he discovers the one place his heart longs to be is right where he began—home in Lovely, Oregon. Now devoted to preserving his family’s legacy of fine silverwork, Caleb lovingly crafts everything from heirloom sleigh bells to western saddle silver, each piece carrying stories of the past and hope for the future.

A routine delivery trip to Baker City becomes anything but ordinary when he meets Laramee Scott—a lively, sharp-witted horse trainer who steals his breath and quickly claims his heart.

After fleeing a scandal in Texas, Laramee is grateful to find refuge with her aunt and uncle in Eastern Oregon. The land, the horses she loves, and the freedom to rebuild her life are exactly what she needs—until one unexpected encounter with Caleb makes her wonder if she wasn’t running from her past, but being led toward her future.

As Christmas draws near and snow begins to fall on the high desert, Caleb and Laramee discover that love—like silver—can be shaped, refined, and polished into something lasting. But only if they are willing to trust their hearts... and believe that sometimes the greatest gift of all is the courage to love.

A tender, heartfelt holiday romance, A Joyful Love is filled with family legacies, jingling sleigh bells, and the timeless hope Christmas brings.

A Joyful Promise

He crafts silver. She stitches dreams. Together, they discover a joyful promise that could last a lifetime.

Baylor Birke has always known where he belongs—at the silver bench in his family’s shop in Eastern Oregon, crafting Western heirlooms that honor a legacy that is generations strong. Spurs that jangle, bridles that shine, and saddle silver that elevates cowboys into kings makes his work feel both satisfying and meaningful as he labors in the place he loves. But when a shy, talented young woman arrives in Lovely, Baylor begins to wonder if life has more to offer than tradition… perhaps even a joyful promise he never expected.

Bonnie McClure has spent her life preparing to take over her family’s department store in Heppner, but the world of inventories and invoices has never stirred her passion. Her true calling is in the artistry of embroidery, turning simple cloth into something beautiful with every graceful stitch. Sent to Lovely to care for her injured aunt, Bonnie anticipates a quiet holiday season … until she crosses paths with the handsome cowboy who caught her eye in Pendleton at the rodeo.

As Christmas approaches and they are thrust into helping with the church program, Baylor and Bonnie find themselves caught between obligation and longing, expectations and dreams. The magic of the season whispers of possibility— but only if they dare to follow their hearts.

Will the holidays bring them a joyful promise of love and a future stitched together with hope?

Discover a wholesome holiday romance filled with small-town charm, heartfelt tradition, and the timeless magic of Christmas.

A Joyful Home

A legacy rooted in silver. A future shaped by love. And two hearts searching for home.

Silver artist Bo Birke has crisscrossed the globe showcasing her award-winning work, but the only place that truly feels like hers is Lovely, Oregon—the quiet Eastern Oregon town where generations of Birkes have crafted heirloom treasures. Time with her beloved grandpa Baylor and her Birke cousins restores her spirit, while the call to protect her family’s legacy grows stronger every time she steps into her workshop. Bo thinks she knows exactly what her future holds… until a chance encounter introduces her to the one thing she didn’t realize she was missing.

Rafe Judson lives for the rhythm of working with horses. When his parents buy a ranch outside Lovely, they tempt him to move there with wide-open pastures and the freedom to train equines the way he prefers. He’s not convinced this small town is where he belongs—until he bumps into a gorgeous, spirited woman in the local convenience store. Suddenly, staying doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

As the holiday season arrives, Bo and Rafe are drawn together by shared dreams, unexpected laughter, and a growing sense that home isn’t a place—it’s a person.

Will they discover that the joyful home they’ve both been searching for is waiting for them to take a leap of faith?

A wholesome, holiday romance filled with hope and Christmas-kissed nights, A Joyful Home is perfect for readers who love heartfelt family legacies, tender love stories, and happily-ever-afters wrapped in the sparkle of the season.

Covering Christmas is the next installment in my Rodeo Romance series and it releases next week. This was such a sweet, tug-at-my-heartstrings, and make me laugh story because it involves a rodeo cowboy who suddenly discovers he has a daughter and has been given custody of her when her mother passes away. Then there is the rodeo reporter who is drawn to both the cowboy and his little girl.

He wants a gold buckle. 

She needs a fresh start. 

But love—and a little girl—have other plans.

When the reigning world champion bareback rider retires, Keller Drake finally has a clear shot at claiming the title he’s chased for years, until an attorney corners him at a rodeo with life-altering news. Keller has a five-year-old daughter he never knew existed, and Ella’s late mother named him guardian in her will. Suddenly, the man who can ride the rankest broncs in the world is terrified of something far more dangerous—fatherhood.

As Keller fumbles his way through parenting, he discovers he’s not alone. Cobie Quinn, a sharp-witted reporter for All Things Rodeo, jumps in to help. What begins as a professional connection quickly deepens into a friendship filled with laughter, late-night talks, and a growing attraction Keller didn’t see coming.

After walking away from a broken engagement and a high-pressure job, Cobie thought covering rodeos across the Northwest would be nothing more than a temporary assignment. She didn’t expect to enjoy it—let alone lose her heart to a rugged cowboy and his sweet little girl. Then a new opportunity arises, forcing her to choose between long-held ambitions and a future she never imagined.

With the holidays approaching and Christmas joy in the air, Keller and Cobie must decide if they’re willing to take a chance on a future wrapped in faith, family, and the magic of the season.

Fall in love with this wholesome holiday romance sparkling with western charm, healing hearts, and Christmas cheer.

Coming December 11!

    USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences. Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet and wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength. Her historical westerns have been described as historically accurate, blending facts with engaging fiction, while her contemporary works have been called laugh-out-loud funny, swoony, and heartwarming. When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller. To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website.

In December 2023, Captain Cavedweller and I were able to cross one trip off our travel bucket list - seeing the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. That visit inspired me to write a new holiday series of books set in a fictional but beautiful home on the Columbia River in Oregon. The four books follow four generations of the Hudson family, beginning with Brant Hudson, who builds Hudson House, and the feisty woman who captures his heart.

A Christmas Dream - Hudson House Book 1

He came to build the house of his dreams, but found a home for his heart. 

After an extensive search for the ideal location to build a house he’s spent years designing, Brant Hudson knows he’s found the perfect site the moment he sets foot on the land near Silver Bluff, Oregon. However, frustrating delays leave him laboring alongside the very crew he hired to finish the house in time for Christmas. His work leads the woman who catches his eye to believe he’s a carpenter rather than the owner of the grand manor. 

 Holland Drake grew up on a farm, but she aspires to secure a position as a housemaid at Hudson House. While delivering lunch to her brother at the worksite, the door opens to a job when Holland encounters a strikingly handsome carpenter whose charm captivates her. Soon, Holland discovers the enchanting man is none other than the owner of the house and her new employer.

 As the holiday season arrives amid a flurry of excitement and possibilities, Holland and Brant face choices that could change their lives forever. Will fear hold them back from stepping into the future together, or will their Christmas dreams of love come true? 

  A Christmas Dream is the first book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.

 

 

A Christmas Spark - Hudson House Book 2

Will Christmas spark a romance that blooms into lasting love? 

   

After losing his brother and part of himself on a French battlefield during the Great War, Kase Hudson seeks refuge from the haunting memories at his childhood home. He finds solace in carving wooden Santa figurines in his workshop in the stables that he sends to gift shops to sell. Kase distances himself from his family’s unwanted sympathy until his sister, Sarah, arrives for the holidays with her vibrant friend. He never expected beautiful Dori to breathe warmth and joy into the house right along with his heart. 

 With no family of her own, photographer Dori Stanford eagerly accepts Sarah Hudson's invitation to join her for Christmas at her family’s home in Oregon. The two friends travel from their college in California to Silver Bluff, excited to spend the holidays at Hudson House. Once they arrive, Dori makes it her mission to connect with Sarah’s sullen brother, Kase, and draws him into the wonder of the season. 

 Will her persistence and encouragement be the spark Kase needs to step out of the past and into his future—possibly one that includes Dori? 

  A Christmas Spark is the second book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season. 

A Christmas Love - Hudson House Book 3

Will a Christmas romance lead two searching hearts to a lifetime love? 

 Bound to the Hudson House family estate, Vienna Hudson strives to uphold the legacy her grandparents established. When she’s not busy preserving her heritage or managing the family corporation, she steals away for horseback rides across the sprawling grounds—until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger turns her world upside down. 

 Surveyor Sam Bishop is tasked with plotting a new interstate through the Silver Bluff area. He faces a significant challenge when his calls to an elusive landowner go unanswered, prompting an impromptu visit to Hudson House. Excited to explore the beautiful acreage, nothing could prepare him for Vienna's fiery welcome—armed with a pistol and a courageous spirit. 

 As holiday bells ring across the estate, Vienna and Sam work together to navigate the complexities of both the road project and the ever-evolving feelings dancing between them.  Will the pair find a way to embrace their unexpected connection? Or will the pressures of responsibility and ambition tear them apart before they realize love is the most precious gift of the season? 

  A Christmas Love is the third book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season. 

A Christmas Hope- Hudson House Book 4

A heartfelt holiday tale of a family’s legacy that leads two hearts to love.  

Reeling from the recent death of his father, Alex Hudson returns to Silver Bluff to protect his family's legacy. Upon reaching Hudson House, he discovers the once-vibrant estate all but abandoned. On top of that, his conniving aunts seem intent on seizing his inheritance. In search of support, Alex turns to a local attorney. There, he meets a woman who becomes an ally, friend, and the one person who can give him hope and a place to belong. 

 Nori Laroux enjoys working as a partner at her father's law firm. However, when he entrusts an important client to her care, Nori finds herself grappling with her feelings for Alex Hudson from the moment they meet. Committed to protecting his inheritance, she is determined to help Alex preserve the legacy of Hudson House, even if it means risking her own heart in the process. 

 When Alex suggests the idea of reopening the historic home for a Christmas celebration, Nori and her family eagerly step in to help deck the halls and fill Hudson House with cheer. Will the holiday season bring Alex and Nori to the discovery that hope is a special gift and that love is the most treasured of all? 

  A Christmas Hope is the fourth book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.

 

 

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.

Holiday Dreams Trilogy Coming Soon

 

A few months ago, I asked my readers to choose one series they would like to see more stories about some of the secondary characters.

Overwhelmingly, the response was for historical stories in my fictional town of Holiday, Oregon. 

So, I've been busy working on a trilogy of sweet and wholesome western novellas called Holiday Dreams.

The books will release every Thursday beginning March 21!

Release Date: March 21

DREAMS OF LOVE

 Will dreams of love lead to an unexpected future?

Weathered from too many years of apprehending outlaws, Marshal Dillon Durant is resigned to a life of solitude. The small community of Holiday, Oregon, offers the opportunity for him to build lasting friendships while discovering a sense of belonging. Then he encounters an exasperatingly beautiful woman attempting to break into the local school, leaving him to contemplate the possibility of a new chapter in his life.

Desperate to escape the arranged marriage her father is attempting to foist upon her, Zara Wynn accepts a job as a schoolteacher in Holiday. Intent on a fresh start, she doesn’t want anyone to discover she’s a runaway bride. But concealing her past proves difficult, especially when the astute and handsome Marshal Durant captures her heart.

When her father and fiancé find her, will Zara be forced to abandon her dreams of love? Or will Dillon make them come true?

Release Date: March 28

 DREAMS WITH FAITH

 Can faith conquer their fears?

John Ryan is committed to his role as pastor in the quaint town of Holiday, Oregon. He values each member of his congregation, and aims to lead by example. However, his resolve is tested when a free-spirited woman arrives in town. John struggles with his growing attraction to her, determined to keep it from distracting him from his calling.

Following a devastating tragedy that leaves her isolated and shattered, Keeva Holt is eager for a new beginning. In need of consolation and clarity, she decides to seek refuge with her brother in Holiday. As she navigates through her grief and attempts to find direction for her future, Keeva’s vibrant spirit and exuberance challenge those around her, including the reserved Pastor Ryan. While logic tells her that John is beyond her reach, her heart urges her to pursue her dreams and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow.

Will John and Keeva learn to lean into their faith and let go of their fears?

Release Date: April 4

 DREAMS FOR COURAGE

 Will two lonely hearts find the courage to love?

A loner for most of his life, Rowan Reed wants nothing more than to be left alone. He buys a run-down farm near Holiday, Oregon, intending to turn it into a successful ranch through hard work and determination. When a nosy, albeit beautiful, woman shows up on his doorstep, the instant attraction he feels to her sets off nearly as many warning bells as her barrage of probing questions.

Private detective Rhetta Wallace always unearths the truth. Involved in a lengthy investigation into a man suspected of killing a politician's son, her pursuit leads her to the town of Holiday. Accompanied by her adopted son, Rhetta finds herself squaring off against the grumpy, growling rancher she believes is the suspect. Whether or not Rowan admits his true identity, Rhetta is sure of two things: his innocence of the crime, and the deep affection he awakens in her heart.

Will their dreams for courage help them release the past and embrace a future together?

  USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.
When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

 by Shanna Hatfield

We've all heard the song about walking in a winter wonderland. Although it gets stuffed into the Christmas category, it's technically just a song about winter. 

A man named Richard Smith wrote a poem in 1934. At the time, he was in the West Mountain Sanitarium in Pennsylvania, being treated for tuberculosis. While there, he entered contests for jingles and ads for various companies. 

Inspired the beauty of freshly fallen snow outside his window, he penned "Winter Wonderland." 

Later that year, Smith showed his poem to a friend, Felix Bernard. He was a musician who saw promise in Smith's poem. Bernard decided to compose a melody to go along with the poem.

Tragically, Smith passed away in 1935, at the age of just 34. Some say he passed away before he could hear the song. Others say he got to listen to Guy Lombard and his orchestra perform the song the Christmas before he died. 

The beauty of the song inspired me to write a book called Winter Wonderland Romance. The story is about a doctor who returns to her hometown (albeit reluctantly) to take over the medical practice there, and a veteran who needs a quiet place to sort out his life while dealing with PTSD. 

In the book, Alex and Olivia even discuss the song's origins, so I thought I'd include the scene below:

 

Olivia felt like she and Alex strolled through a winter wonderland. Unable to stop herself, she started to hum the tune to “Winter Wonderland.”

 “‘Winter Wonderland,’ right? Seems rather appropriate at the moment. Let’s see. We’ve heard sleigh bells ringing. We’re strolling down a sun-glistening lane. We saw a new bird, if turkeys count.” Alex smirked at her. “But if we build a snowman and he offers to marry us, I’m going to assume my meds are doing weird things and heading home.”

Olivia laughed. “Okay. That’s fair enough. Do you know the history of the song?” she asked as they walked across the footbridge.

Alex shifted the leash from his left hand to his right as he grabbed on to the railing.

“You okay?” Olivia asked, as Alex kept his gaze on his feet.

“Just a little dizzy. No biggie.” Alex glanced up as they stepped off the footbridge.

Olivia stopped and gave him a moment to regain his equilibrium. She wanted to pepper him with a bunch of questions only a physician would ask, but instead she silently stood beside him.

“Thanks,” Alex said a moment later, then motioned to a footpath visible through the snow where others had walked along the banks of the creek.

“You mentioned the history of the song. What do you know?” Alex asked as they walked along the snowy path.

“The words were written by Richard Smith, who was known as Dick. He died young, at age 32, from tuberculosis. ‘Winter Wonderland’ was the most famous of the songs he wrote. Felix Bernard, a World War I veteran, was a professional pianist. He composed the music. Supposedly, Mr. Smith was looking out the window at the snowy landscape of a Pennsylvania park in 1934 when the beauty of the scene inspired him to pen the words for the song. It was the opening song at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show, and was used by Guy Lombardo with the Royal Canadians in the Ziegfeld Follies. It wasn’t until the late 1940s that the part with the circus clown was added.”

Alex grinned at her. “Quite a connoisseur of winter romance songs, aren’t you?”

Olivia laughed. “Not in the least. I had to write a report about the song my sophomore year, and for whatever reason, the details stuck with me. Probably because you can’t help but hear the song dozens of times during the holiday season.”

“It’s odd, though, isn’t it, that there isn’t a single mention of Christmas in the song, but it is such a popular holiday tune.” Alex smiled. “I think it should get to stand on its own as a winter song.”

Olivia’s foot slipped on a hidden patch of ice, and she clung to Alex’s arm, feeling the muscles bunch as he reached out with his free hand. She squeezed it with appreciation, then let it go as they continued on their stroll. “Isn’t a winter wonderland romance as elusive as that new bird in the song?”

Alex shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I suppose it depends on who you ask..."

While I was writing the story, I listened to various versions of the song, but my favorite by far is the one by Dolly Parton. 

What's your favorite version of the tune?

~*~

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

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