The Steel Guitar ~ Julie Lence

 With the exception of the 50’s/60’s era rock-n-roll, I grew up on country music. Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride; Dad had his favorites, and it wasn’t long until his favorites became my favorites. To this day, I still remember how I couldn’t wrap my head around Mom telling me Loretta Lynn wasn’t married to Conway Twitty. I stared at her as though she was the crazy one and not me. Loretta sang with Conway (Dad had the albums) just like Tammy Wynette sang with George Jones (He had those albums, too). And since Tammy was married to George, my little girl mind reasoned Loretta was married to Conway. But Mom explained that just because a girl and a guy sang together didn’t mean they were married. I remember walking away completely dumbfounded, and still loving Dad’s albums. 

Fast forward a few years and my love of country music shifted to the background as disco and 70’s/80’s rock became my norm. I enjoyed school dances, and club hopping with friends hubby before ricocheting back to country music in the late 80’s. I don’t recall the reason for this, but blame George Strait (lol!). He’s my all-time favorite and all I can think is I must’ve heard him sing and realized how much I missed this type of music. Through George, I gravitated toward other artists, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lorrie Morgan, to name a few. I became a concert junkie, collected cd’s, tee-shirts, and magnets, and through the madness, one thing stood firm in my admiration for the genre; the steel guitar. Every time George or someone else featured the steel guitar on a song, chills ran up and down my spine, which is probably why George’s, Amarilla By Morning, is one of my all-time favorite songs.  

Native to Hawaii from the late 19^th century, the steel guitar is a guitar in which one hand lightly presses a steel bar (or something similar that is hard) against the strings while the fingers on the other hand pluck the strings. The bar is the ‘steel’ part and is different from a regular guitar in that is has no frets, only markers that look like frets, and produces both a crying sound and deep vibrato imitating a human singing voice.    

Known as the Hawaiian guitar, from its shortening the length of the strings to change the pitch, the instrument became popular in the U.S. in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and saw a change in design to accommodate the shortening of the strings. The steel lap guitar came on scene, allowing the player to hold the instrument flat on his lap, but the guitar was not as loud as other instruments and often couldn't be heard at large performances. George Beauchamp and Adolf Rickenbacker changed that in 1934 with their invention of the pickup; picking up the sound of the strings through electrical signals which could be amplified.     

The earliest use of the steel guitar in country music is believed to have occurred in the 1920’s when cowboy movie actor Hoot Gibson brought Sol Ho ‘opi’ o to L.A. to perform in his band. From there, duo Darby and Tarleton featured the steel guitar on their recording of ‘Birmingham Jail’. The 1930’s ushered in the western swing, played on the newly electrified steel. The 1940’s saw Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and others using the steel in their honky-tonk country music songs, with the pedal being perfected and added to the steel in 1948, creating a new sound for the guitar and for 1950's Nashville. Through the 1990's and even today, cowboys and cowgirls hit the dance floor Friday and Saturday nights to two-step or slow dance to the twang of a steel guitar, what I consider the true heart and soul of country music, alongside the fiddle.     

***A fret is a metal strip embedded in the neck's fretboard   

 

Humor ~ Julie Lence

Most of us enjoy a good laugh. Clutching your sides… tears seeping from the corners of your eyes… a hiccup or two; laughter is good for the soul. This month, let loose a few giggles at unique phrases and housekeeping/life hints from the olden days.

Phrases:

Airin’ the lungs: cussin’

Blow-pipe: a rifle

Fodder-forker: Cowboy jargon for a hay hand or farmer

Educated thirst: a man who drinks champagne or fancy mixed drinks

Greasy-sack ride: a group of riders sent to scour the country-side for stray cattle without a chuck wagon

Huckydummy: baking powder bread with raisins

Idaho brain storm: a twister

Paint the tonsils: to drink whiskey

Ranny: a top hand

Scratching gravel: climbing a steep bank on horseback

Housekeeping and life:

Early rising is one of the secrets to successfully managing, but never exit the bed from the left side. It’s unlucky.

While painting, keep the room ventilated, and eat acid fruits.

If you have clothing that smells bad, bury items in the ground for a day or two

A good husband will eat a cold dinner without complaint on wash day

When at the butcher, be a good judge of chicken. If the butcher doesn’t twist the wing in front of you, do it yourself & pork is unfit for female food. Never trust your stomach with its digestion.

Once must always be pleasant at basket socials, even if the one bidding on your basket is an oaf.    

Blow in the ear to remove a foreign object from the throat.

 

 

 

The Belt Buckle ~ Julie Lence

 

my belt buckle

One distinct image comes to mind when I hear the term cowboy; a broad-shouldered, handsome man wearing scuffed boots, denims, chaps, checkered shirt, Stetson, and a wide belt buckle. Often featuring colorful gems or tri-colored metal, the belt buckle is crafted from sterling silver, brass or pewter, is either oval or square in shape, and offers several different center motifs, to include a bucking horse, a bull, a logo, a lasso, or a person’s name. Some are won at rodeo competitions, but mostly, they’re bought at a western store. Back in the day, I had several; my go-to was my Wrangler buckle, which I still have and sometimes wear.       

The buckle itself traces back to the Romans. Made of metal, it was developed for military to hold straps for sword scabbards and horse riding gear, to secure clothing, and to fasten armor. As the metal industry evolved with time, so did the buckle. Now made of silver and brass, the buckle was added to European fashion as a decorative feature and was sometimes engraved to signify wealth. Eventually, the buckle found its way to the United States, with the army using the metal for fastening clothing and gear, as the Romans did, and for belt buckles. The cowboy also used the metal for belt buckles and for their saddles. Today, the buckle is featured in several different manners, including automotive seat belts, ratchet straps, and decorative ornaments on shoes.       

Montana Silversmith

Sunset Trails designers are credited with creating a belt buckle Kevin Costner’s character on Yellowstone. Molly’s Custom Silver is another maker of belt buckles, but it’s Montana Silversmiths who lead the way in manufacturing today’s cowboy belt buckle. Always sparkly and shiny, the belt buckle is more than a necessity in clothing. It’s jewelry and fashion, and in a cowboy's blood.   

Summer Cooking ~ Julie Lence

 

It’s July 1^st.  Sunshine… warm temps… Can you believe we’re halfway through the year? And getting ready to celebrate our nation’s independence? For me, oftentimes New Year’s Day and January feel like ages ago. Other times, I feel as though I just put away Christmas. Either way, I’m all for pleasant weather, morning walks with the pup, and cooking outside; I’m not a fan of cooking in a hot kitchen and can’t imagine how pioneer women cooked over an open fire those scorching months of summer, especially wearing those long dresses and numerous un-mentionables. But they did, and if they were lucky, they sometimes escaped the kitchen’s heat for a picnic, or for social celebrations in town. What might one find in those picnic baskets or box lunches?  A variety of cold meats such as roast beef and ham, sandwiches made with thick slices of bread, and tinned sardines were popular. Pickles, stuffed eggs (our version of deviled eggs using the yolk, mustard, cayenne, vinegar, and butter), and baked beans were also found beneath the lid. And don’t forget jam tarts or puddings for dessert and lemonade to drink. An over-abundance of food, just like at many of today’s 4^th of July celebrations. Check out a few quick recipes below to combat the heat of the kitchen.

 

Turkey Apple Panini

Ingredients:

4 slices of hearty bread

2 tbsp butter softened

¼ cup apple butter

4 oz sharp cheddar cheese thinly sliced

1 apple thinly sliced

½ pound sliced deli turkey

 

Directions:

Pre-heat the panini maker.

Spread the butter evenly on one side of each slice of the bread.

Place one slice of the bread on the preheated panini maker, buttered side of bread down.

Working quickly, spread apple butter evenly on that piece of bread.

Add the cheese, then the apples.

Layer the turkey evenly

Top with more apples and then cheese.

Add apple butter to the other side of the remaining piece of buttered bread.

Place that piece of bread on top of the sandwich.

Close the panini lid and press the sandwiches together.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crispy and browned. Serve warm.

 

 

Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

20 ounces Three Cheese Tortellini

10 ounces Mini Pepperonis

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

6 ounces Whole Medium Black Olives, pitted

1 cup Banana Pepper Rings

2 cups Italian Dressing (Bottled)

5 ounces Shredded Parmesan Cheese

 

Directions:

  Cook tortellini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse. Set aside to cool.

  Mix the pepperoni, tomatoes, olives and banana peppers in a large bowl. Toss with cooled

  tortellini. Gently stir in the Italian dressing and cheese until all ingredients are evenly coated.

  Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Serve cold.

 

 

Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup canned pineapple juice

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Directions:

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or large resealable plastic bag to get ready for marinating.

Mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich marinade.

Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it up, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors soak in deeply. This step is crucial for authentic Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken taste.

Remove the chicken from the marinade but save the liquid for later use.

In a medium saucepan, simmer the marinade for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, turning it into a glossy sauce.

Preheat your grill, place the chicken on it, and brush on the cooked marinade while grilling for added flavor; cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Wrap the chicken in foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy.

Serve chicken whole or sliced, with extra hot teriyaki sauce on top for a finishing touch.

 

Character Interview with Barbie Bennett ~ Julie Lence

 

On a warm, spring afternoon in Reno, Nevada, I’m visiting with pop music star and CEO of Bella Cosmetics, Barbie Bennett. Exiting the elevator into Bella’s newly renovated offices of charcoal grey and raspberry, Barbie’s niece and assistant, Tina, strides toward me, a red skirt swishing around her knees and the hum of typewriters and hushed voices wafting behind her.  After a warm greeting, Tina leads the way to Barbie’s office; a large room with the same grey and raspberry colors, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the mountains outside of town, and an over-stuffed sofa and chairs grouped around a coffee table. Seated in one of the chairs is Barbie Bennett. Long dark hair, flawless makeup, and a blue pin-striped suit tailored to fit her slim figure, Barbie’s smile puts to ease any jitters I may have regarding the famed singer. Tina is quick to make introductions and point me to a chair, then she leaves and Barbie turns her attention my way.         

 ‘Thank you for meeting with me today, Ms. Bennett.’

‘Please, call me Barbie.’

‘All right,’ I swallow nervously. Afterall, she is famous world-wide. ‘Barbie, can you tell my readers a little about yourself? Please?’

A small crease in her brow, she lifts a silver coffee carafe off a tray on the table before us and pours coffee into two cups. ‘I’m not sure what I can tell your readers that hasn’t already been printed about me.’ She sets the pot down, pushes the creamer and sugar my direction, and a platter of pastries, which I decline, even though they look sinfully delicious. ‘Everyone knows I have a twin sister—Bailey. She’s a big star in country music.’ She fixes her coffee then, with cup in hand, sinks back into the chair’s cushions. ‘We grew up on a ranch outside of Reno with our six older brothers. They’re all married now, with children of their own. Mom and Dad still live on the ranch, along with our several head of cattle and numerous horses. Almost everyone in the family rides, and alongside our ranch hands, we have three barns to house most of the horses. The others are housed at my brothers’ private barns. A smile spreads across her heart-shaped face. Zach works the ranch. He and I have been together ever since the afternoon he rescued me at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.’              

‘When was that? And how did he rescue you?’

‘Four years ago. At the time I didn’t know, but Zach was a bull rider. He was at Frontier Days to compete in the rodeo. I was there to sing. My tour bus and trucks had just pulled in to the back lot when my crew decided to go in search of turkey legs, including my bodyguard, Seth. I wasn’t hungry, so I decided to walk behind the chutes and pens housing small animals. Two days on the tour bus and I really needed to stretch my legs.’ She pauses for a sip of coffee. ‘Anyway, my ex was there, which I didn’t know. He and I didn’t part on good terms.’ She grips the cup, and hard. ‘He came up behind me, accused me of sabotaging his career—he’s a musician. I tried to get away, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. That’s when Zach pulled him off me and shoved him to the ground. Before I could react, Seth appeared and squired be back to the bus. Later, I sent Seth in search of Zach, to ask him to join me for supper.’       

‘How did that go?’

Her eyes twinkling, a blush creeps into her cheeks. ‘He was… I was…’ She swallows hard. ‘I don’t remember what we ate, but I can tell you, I wanted him to kiss me. So much, I actually ached for his touch, which surprised and scared me. As I said, my ex and I didn’t part on good terms. He broke my trust and my heart, so much that another relationship was the last thing I wanted. But Zach was different. He was every bit the cowboy; polite, quiet, and so gosh-darn handsome. And those muscles…’  She sighs dreamily. ‘He’s still all of those things. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful I met him the following afternoon behind the chutes.’         

‘How would you describe Zach?’

‘Honest, hard-working, loyal; someone you’d want for a friend. Lucky me, I’m the one who has his heart.’ 

‘How would Zach describe you?’

 ‘A total mess.’ She emits a small laugh. ‘Anxiety-ridden, spoiled, stubborn, demanding to a fault… Sometimes, I can’t believe he willingly puts up with all of that, but he does. And I love him more than words can say.’    

‘What is your biggest fear?’

‘Losing Zach. He’s everything to me, the one person except for Bailey who knows me better than I know myself. He keeps me grounded, and warms my heart every time he smiles my way. The fame and fortune; I’d give it all up in a heartbeat. But not him. There’s no living without him.’

‘How do you relax?’

‘Friday nights, I snuggle against Zach on the couch in my suite at Ringo’s, the family casino. The lights are low, soft music plays on the radio, and with his arms around me, that’s the best way to forget the tension and stress of the week.’ 

 ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’

‘With Zach. Hopefully, in our own home either on Bennett Ranch or in town. I see him promoted to one of the three foreman we have and me continuing to find ways for Bella to remain successful while singing at the casino.

 ‘I can positively say I and my readers wish you and Zach all the best. The way you glow when talking about him, I’m certain you’ll have that home with him in less than five years.’

 Blushing, she ducks her head. ‘Thank you.’

‘Thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with me. And for those of you who haven’t read Barbie and Zach’s story, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of, The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll be glad you did!’

 www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

 

 

Character Interview with Zach Maldonado ~ Julie Lence

 

Nothing says springtime like horses playfully chasing each other around a corral. I’m at Bennett Ranch this morning asking Zach Maldonado some of the same questions I asked Barbie Bennett last month. A former bull rider on the rodeo circuit, Zach now works the Bennett Family Ranch. Standing outside the corral with him, it’s easy to understand why Barbie is completely enamored with his dark hair and broad shoulders.

‘Thank you for talking with me today, Zach. What can you tell my readers about you?’

‘Ain’t much to tell. I grew up in San Diego. Dad worked a ranch outside the city. He had me work alongside him and the other cowboys every summer of my teen years, to keep me off the streets. He cracks a grin. Probably the best thing he ever did. That grin widens. Anyway, I learned to rope and ride, and when I turned 16, he took me to the rodeo. Bull riding was my favorite event and it stuck with me. I spent the rest of that summer learning to stay on the back of one for eight seconds. Good thing. Those lessons helped me take care of Mom after Dad passed away.’

 ‘I’m sorry for your loss.’

He nods.

‘How long were you part of the rodeo circuit before you met Barbie?’

‘A handful of years. I always liked her music. Never thought I’d meet her.’  He wipes a hand over his jaw. ‘Was nothing but dumb luck that day I happened upon her. I didn’t even know it was her. Just saw a guy grab a girl and stepped in to help her.  If she hadn’t sent her bodyguard to find me later that afternoon, that woulda been my only time seeing her face-to-face.’

‘What did you think that night when you had supper with her?’

‘Lots of things.’ He hooks his booted foot on the bottom rail, stares at the horses on the opposite side of the corral. ‘I always thought she was pretty, but up close, she was more than pretty. She was drop-dead gorgeous; the kind of face guys dream about.’ He pauses. ‘But, she was more than that. She was sweet… kind… and thanked over and over for helping her. All the time she was talking, I wanted to kiss her, but didn’t dare.’       

‘Why not?’

‘Her crew and bodyguard were lollygagging around outside the tour bus; some bigger than me. Had a feeling if I tried, they wouldn’t hesitate to trounce me.’

“Did Barbie want you to kiss her?’

He shrugs. ‘Too scared to ask. I mean… I was with Barbie Bennett. Her face was on the cover of every magazine in the country… six brothers, cars, homes, money, thousands of screaming fans chasing after her…I was just a bull rider who helped her. I didn’t find out until months later that she would’ve let me kiss her.’  

‘You and she have been together for a long time. How would you describe you relationship?’

‘Barbie’s the best thing to have happened to me. I like to think she feels the same about me.’ He pauses again. ‘She stood beside me when that bull threw me and busted my knee, made sure I had the best doctors, and then badgered the heck outta her brother to give me a job. When she was away on summer tours, she called me every night. I woulda called her, but she wasn’t always back on the tour bus the same time each night. We learned to trust each other, to ignore the gossip magazines… I tell her every day how much I love her. She swears the same to me, and that’s all I need, ‘cause deep down, I know she isn’t leaving me for anyone else.’  

‘How would you describe Barbie?’

‘A sweet, kind, fun, loyal, bossy when it comes to her career, anxiety-riddled woman I’d give my life for.’ 

 ‘How would she describe you?’

 He thinks a moment, cracks another grin. ‘She says she likes my muscles, so I have that going for me.’ He faces me. ‘I think she thinks I’m honest. Someone who would never hurt her.’

‘Between working the ranch and trying to carve out a life with Barbie, how do you relax?’

 ‘Friday nights on the couch with her at my side. Don’t know how she does it, but she brings a calm to me that I’ve never experienced.’

 ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’

 ‘With her, in a home of our own on. If not on this ranch, then somewhere close. Could be a condo or a tent, as long as she’s with me, I don’t care.’

 And that, readers, is true love. To learn more about Zach and Barbie, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll thank me!  

 www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

 

Writing Scams Aren't A Joke ~ Julie Lence

 

Today is April 1^st.  Many refer to it as April Fool’s Day, the day to pull harmless pranks on the unsuspecting.  Some are elaborate schemes that require time to plan and carry out. Others are spur of the moment, with both hoping to achieve an end result of laughter. What isn’t funny is the elaborate scheme meant to cause harm, and in the writing world, such has been happening as far back as last summer.  

Authors are individuals who spend their days (and nights) sitting alone in front of a computer writing a story in the hopes someone will read it and enjoy it enough to brag about it to friends and family. Some may think we’re loony shutting ourselves off from society, and they may be right. But any author will tell you that days of eating potato chips for lunch and tuning out the sights and sounds around us are worth it just to hold our published book in our hands. What isn’t worth the blood, sweat, and tears we poured into a novel are the tricksters looking to steal our dreams.

Daily, authors are bombarded through email and social media accounts by people claiming to be professional book marketers wanting to help them succeed. They’re offering to put your book in front of book clubs to net you Amazon reviews… to market your book to thousands of readers via their own social media pages and groups… to turn you into the hot new break-out author earning thousands in just a short amount of time. Most will have the title to your book and offer a quick sentence stating they read the book and loved the plot and the interaction between the characters, which is nothing more than a lie. With the use of AI, it’s easy for them to locate character names and plot points to make you believe they are legit. In reality, these book clubs and social media accounts don’t exist; the sender (scammer) being from a foreign country hoping to steal your hard-earned money and then disappear faster than you can blink. 

Since last year, I’ve received plenty of these emails and inquires. I’ve also been contacted by fake profiles of legitimate authors who want nothing more than to hook me up with an unscrupulous agent who is going to do the same thing; take my money and run. The best I can advise—be aware that these scams exist, and if you are contacted by someone, err on the side of caution by doing a thorough search on that person before inviting conversation with them. Keep your money (and sanity) out of the hands of the wicked.   

 

Dime Novelist Laura Jean Libby ~ Julie Lence

Last month, I discussed the romance dime novel and gave three samples, to include what is considered the first romance dime novel, Malaeska, the Indian Wife of the White Hunter. Laura Jean Libby penned a story for that work, and it wasn’t her last. During the course of her career, she sold over fifteen million copies of her books.

 

Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 22, 1862 to Thomas and Elizabeth Libbey, Laura lived most of her life in the city and began writing around age 20. Some of her earlier works appeared in The New York Family Story Paper, The Fireside Companion, and New York Ledger and were popular with readers, enabling her to negotiate exclusive contracts at higher salaries during the 1880’s. Her earlier works were later reprinted in dime novels by publishers George Munro, Arthur Westbrook, and John Lovell, with Laura striking it big in 1889 with The Pretty Young Girl, which sold over 60,000 copies in one month.  Though she had little formal education, Laura was a savvy businesswoman and went on to edit Munro’s Fashion Bazaar from 1891-1994, earning over $10,000 per year, according to her financial records.

 During her career, when fellow authors changed genres according to public likes and dislikes,  Laura stayed true to her genre and voice. Many believed she used a format for her stories since they had the same elements, but she denied the claims. As time progressed and interest in the dime romance dwindled, she moved away from penning stories to writing a love advice columnist for the New York Mail. Sadly, she met with little success in this endeavor.

Little is known about Laura’s private life, other than her mother forbid her to marry young. At age 36, (two years after her mother’s passing) she married Brooklyn lawyer Van Mater Stilwell. They had no children, as Laura’s writing career and being identified as an author were more important to her, so much that even after marrying Stilwell, she was still publicly known as Laura Jean Libbey. She passed in 1924 due to complications from cancer surgery and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.     

 

Dime Novel Romance ~ Julie Lence

Ah, February. The month dedicated to love. Sweethearts gift each other with flowers, candy, and dinner. Students address cute Valentine’s Day cards to hand out to classmates while snacking on anything from cupcakes to heart-shaped candies. Parents may surprise their kiddos with a small trinket, and Hallmark continuously airs romance movies geared to tug at your heartstrings. But neither Hallmark nor the movie industry were the first to draw your attention (and your purse strings) to sweetheart’s month. Books did that, to include the dime novel.

When I think of dime novels, the first thing that comes to mind is a short stand-alone paperback from the 1800’s featuring dashing heroes from the old west. While some of what I imagine is correct, there was more than one story in a dime novel and not all centered around action, adventure, and intrigue. Some were romances. Selling for 10 cents a copy (some for 5 cents) and averaging 100 pages in length, with their brightly illustrated covers and slimness, dime novels were easy to carry and often marketed toward the working class.

While one person isn’t credited with creating the dime novel romance, Erastus and Irwin Beadle were the first to publish the dime romance, under the imprint Beadle’s Dime Novels. Malaeska, the Indian Wife of the White Hunter was the first title.  Check out this dime novel and a few others below.

Malaeska, the Indian Wife of the White Hunter by Ann S. Stephens, is often cited as the first American dime novel. Malaeska includes works from authors Charles Garvice and Laura Jean Libbey, to include Only a girl's love and Daisy Brooks; Or, A Perilous Love, respectively Other stories  include The Girl He Loved by Adelaide Stirling and Forrest House by Mary Jane Holmes. 

 

Belles & Beaux: A Home Weekly for Winter Nights and Summer Days. [1874]

Belles & Beaux was one of the very first story papers devoted exclusively to young women and marked publishers Beadle & Adams’ first attempt to reach an all female audience. Launched in  January 1874 for ten cents per copy, it was a mixture of serialized love stories, (usually with two stories running at a time) short stories, poems, and reader’s letters. The first issue featured a poem entitled “Belles and Beaux, Greeting”, and included a large illustration detailing the phases of courtship and marriage.          

 

Waverly Library. “The Only Young Ladies Library of First-Class Copyright Novels Published. Complete and Unabridged. Price but Five Cents Each.” [1879-1886]

The Waverly Library was Beadle & Adams most significant contribution to women’s dime novel romances. This series began in November 1879 and was one of the first sustained and successful attempts to reach a woman’s market in cheap, mass-produced fiction. It promised to cover “the field of Love and Society Romance” with a complete story in each issue. Advertisements promised “Wholesome, Vigorous and Fresh” stories avoiding tedious narrative… nothing but good strong stories of today.  (Source: https://chnm.gmu.edu/dimenovels/wp/romance-series-and-story-papers.html)

 

My favorite romance stories are Double Standards by Judith McNaught and Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsay. What are some of your favorite romance stories?  

 

 

Welcome 2026 ~ Julie Lence

 

Greetings Cowboy Kisses Readers! 2026 is here and I sincerely hope it’s a good year for everyone. As we put away the Christmas decorations and try our best to stick to resolutions made, the one thing I am asking for this year is to not break another bone. Last January, I fell on the ice and broke my wrist. This year I have promised myself to not venture outside for a walk with the pup if it is cold or snowing, even if the sidewalks are clear. I don’t relish another six weeks in a cast, weeks of PT, and basically getting back to normal.

Speaking of normal, the Cowboy Kisses authors are gearing up for another year of dazzling you with their blogs. Whether it’s something writing related, a character interview, or a fascinating outlaw or inventor from the old west, be sure to continue following this page. We greatly appreciate of your support, (more than words can express here) and invite you to interact more with us on our Facebook group page. There you’ll find new releases, sales, pre-orders, and prompts to join in the fun. Get to know more about the Cowboy Kisses authors and meet fellow readers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CowboyKisses

Until next month, enjoy January and keep warm!

Julie

Christmas Cookies ~ Julie Lence

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with it comes sugary treats many of us cannot ignore. Every year, I have to remind myself to not over-indulge. One year, hubbs and I went through 4 bags of candy! So when in stores, I stay away from the candy. But who can resist the cookies? I know I can’t, so that’s another thing I try to stay away from. Sometimes it really isn’t hard. I’m the only one who eats them. But other times…

This month I’m sharing simple cookie recipes, because who am I kidding? I’m going to indulge, and you should join me.

 Enjoy, & Happy Holidays! 

Santa’s Trash Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 c. crushed potato chips

3/4 c. crushed pretzels

1/2 c. red and green sprinkles

Flaky sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture and beat until just combined.

Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles (reserve some for pressing on tops of cookies).

Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and arrange on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Lightly press down on each cookie to flatten, then press reserved chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles on top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake cookies until edges are just starting to get golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a50432/santas-trash-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Italian Lemon Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup (200 g.) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

 

Glaze:

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3 Tbsp. (or more) fresh lemon juice

Finely grated lemon zest, for serving

Directions:

Cookies:

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat granulated sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating to blend after each addition. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cream, and vanilla. Beat, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Using a small ice cream scoop (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.), scoop dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, roll each to a 5" to 6" rope. Form rope into a circle, then tuck one end through the center to create a knot. Repeat for a total of 24, spacing 2" apart between 2 parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies, rotating sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through, until bottoms are lightly golden brown and tops are still pale, 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough and a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.

Glaze:

Step 1In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar lemon juice until a thick but pourable glaze forms (add a little more lemon juice, 1 tsp. at a time, if glaze is too thick).

Step 2Dip top of cooled cookies into glaze, then set on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Grate lemon zest over tops before glaze has fully set. Let set before serving, about 15 minutes.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41411629/italian-lemon-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar, divided

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

24 caramel-filled milk chocolate kisses

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg, egg yolk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the next 5 ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie (cookie will crack around edges). Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-caramel-kiss-cookies/