KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE By Kathleen Lawless @Kathleenlawless

 

           Mrs. B bustled in carrying a bowl full of punch.  “Look at you two under the mistletoe.”

          Noelle looked up in dismay.  Grant’s lips quirked in amusement.  “So we are.  Merry Christmas, my dear.”  He placed a finger under her chin and held it still for his kiss.  “May tonight mark the first of many joyous celebrations.”  His lips settled over hers, warm and full and sweetly familiar.  She started to melt into his embrace, parted her lips slightly, ready for more, when the door knocker banged loudly. 

          Grant pulled back, and stroked her full bottom lip with the tip of his finger.  “We’ll get back to this later.”  And tucking her arm through his, he flung open the door to admit the first of their guests.  From Mail Order Noelle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GNYZD23

          Mistletoe history dates back thousands of years as a healing herb and romantic overtones likely began with the Celtic Druids.  Because mistletoe blossomed even during the frozen winter, Druids administered it to humans and animals in hopes of restoring fertility.  This association continued through the Middle Ages, and by the 18^th century was incorporated into Christmas celebrations where the kissing tradition first caught on among the servants before spreading to the middle class.  Men were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman standing beneath it.  To refuse was considered bad luck.

          I particularly like the tradition where the kissing couple is to pluck a single berry from the mistletoe with each kiss, and stop once the berries are all gone.  I haven’t used that yet in a Christmas romance, but as you can see from the above excerpt, mistletoe is a useful prop. especially if either of the smitten couple is shy about making the first move. 

Mail Order Noelle is part of the Impostor for Christmas series.  You can see the series here.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KRGTCZX

USA Today Bestselling author Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.   

Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero.  Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Newsletter to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers.    http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

 

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MY VERSION OF A MODERN-DAY COWBOY By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 

I write in several different genres, but the bulk of my books are set in the American West where cowboys ruled the range and capture our hearts. Over the years and the generations, as the American West was settled and the demand for beef grew, helped along by the arrival of railroads, cowboys continued to adapt, whether it was their equipment and technique, or the type of clothing they required due to weather or other factors. 

I like to think my heroes have adapted as well.  My latest hero, Blaze, is my version of a modern-day cowboy.  Riding onto Blue Sky Island on his Harley, Blaze is a legend in his own way as the world’s greatest stuntman.  The bike also gave me license to dress him in leather chaps, which I still think of as one of the sexiest things a man can wear. 

I also see the work of a stuntman as being very similar to that of a cowboy, with grueling physical labor and long hours, both parties facing danger head on every day.  At the end of each day, when Blaze climbs onto his Harley and rides off into the distance, their lives seem not so different.  The man.  The legend.

Here’s where my heroine and Blaze meet in ONE FANTASY FALL

“You’re early.”  Kaitlin opened the door to see a man clad in dusty, formfitting leather, his shaggy caramel-colored hair badly in need of a trim.  She stepped back a pace.  “Come on in. Let’s see what you look like under all that road dust.’’

The stranger stepped past her and into the front hall. “You must be Kaitlin. Steve said—’’

“My brother knows I can’t resist a challenge.’’ Kaitlin circled the man, eyes narrowed as she inspected him from all angles. Actually, in the right clothes, this one should clean up quite nicely. And he did possess a certain undeniable something.

“One good thing. We should be able to fit you off the rack..” Broad shoulders tapered to lean hips, which were hugged by a modern-day version of cowboy chaps in supple-looking black leather.

“But those chaps. The look is all wrong unless you’re auditioning for a cowboy commercial.” The garment in question sheathed him like an intimate glove, up over snakeskin boots to hug an impossibly long length of leg, before ending in a V of faded denim below his belt. The scrap of exposed denim was the exact same shade as his eyes.  Realizing where her gaze lingered, she looked away and hoped she wasn’t blushing.

He rocked back on his heels and crossed his arms over his impressive chest.  One side of his mouth quirked up in an endearing half-smile.  “I wasn’t expecting an audition.”

“This is only the beginning.  Tomorrow is your photo shoot and Bethany, from the modeling agency, needs your portfolio before she meets with the client.” She cocked her head. “I’d better book you a facial. You look like you haven’t slept in two days.” Something in the way he turned those gray-blue eyes on her caused an unsettling flutter in her nether regions.

“Good guess. Considering I just drove straight through from California.”

Kaitlin’s jaw dropped. “What were you doing there?”

“I live there.”

Dead silence hung between them and Kaitlin felt herself flush.  Weren’t people supposed to outgrow adolescent blushing?  Apparently not her. Even her ears were burning. “Somehow, I get the feeling you’re not my brother’s friend/wannabe model I was expecting.”

“Is that what he told you?”  The newcomer braced one shoulder against the doorframe as if he had every right to be there, thumbs hooked in the pockets of his jacket.

She blew out a breath that didn’t do a thing to help cool her down.  “I’m sorry.  Were you looking for Steve?  He’s at work right now.”

His half-smile turned into the real thing.  The change in expression deepened the grooves in his cheeks and gave him a lazy look that matched his careless pose.

His smile was addictive and Kaitlin caught herself starting to smile back.

“How about I introduce myself properly? The name’s Blaze.” Lazily his right

hand stretched toward her, broad and sun-browned with a faint line of scars

visible across the first two knuckles. “I’m your date for the weekend.”

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096CRGV1L

Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.   

Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero.  Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Newsletter to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers.    http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

 

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The Dalles Military Road

by Shanna Hatfield

I've been doing a lot of research for my current work in progress, set in northern central Oregon. 

Grass Valley is the specific town I've been researching, although the history of the region has become an fascinating side study. The town was located on both the Barlow Road and The Dalles Military Road.

The Dalles Military Road has an interesting history.

Around the time prospectors struck gold in Canyon Creek in Oregon, the U.S. Congress toyed with the idea of stimulating private enterprise in the American West. They granted millions of acres of public domain to private companies as an incentive for them to borrow money, hire surveyors, and construct / operate railroads and wagon roads across the West. Through this "give away" of public lands, they hoped to encourage the private sector to create a transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of miners, settlers, and developers of town sites. 

Oregon was the target of a series of land grant wagon roads. These were supposed to get individuals to build roads that could be used for military purposes and were designated as "military wagon roads." 

One such road was The Dalles Military Road. It qualified for a government land grant and was supposed to create a wagon road from The Dalles, Oregon, to Fort Boise, Idaho. 

Investors in The Dalles-Fort Boise Military Road studied a route into the John Day region that followed the stream east to the Blue Mountains. A trace, established by mule teams and wagons, the existing Dalles to Canyon City Road would become part of the military road.

In October, 1868, legislature approved the franchise of The Dalles Military Wagon Road Company to construct the route. The terms of the grant provided that as soon as the company had constructed ten contiguous miles, it could seek up to thirty sections of land (more than 19,000 acres). In June 1869, Governor George L. Woods claimed he made a "careful examination" of the road and the certification process began. 

The road the company supposedly built (and spent about $6,000 on construction) consisted largely of existing trails and roads (some Indian trails). They took credit for building the well-traveled, pre-existing road between The Dalles and Canyon City.

The company also took credit for building a road from Canyon City to the Oregon-Idaho border near Vale, Oregon. The claims of a good wagon road were reportedly exaggerated.

The road was used to haul food and other supplies in wagons pulled by oxen and mules with forts and stations spaced every thirty miles or so along the route. 

In June 1874, Congress authorized the transfer of lands to the State of Oregon, and in December, the Commission of the General Land Office withdrew from public entry all odd-numbered sections within three miles of either side of The Dalles Military Road.  The road company selected its grant, then sold it for $125,000 to Edward Martin of San Francisco, California.

That single transaction made Edward Martin one of the largest landowners in the Pacific Northwest. At his death, Martin's Eastern Oregon and Company held a reported 450,000 acres of land in Oregon. 

Public outcry over the wagon roads grew. At best, they road companies had built rudimentary traces through rugged terrain, leaving travelers to deal with mud holes, washouts, fords rather than bridges, landslides, and multiple delays. 

The Grant County Express in March, 1876, printed a view of the road:

There are places on the Dalles Military Road where the bottom has dropped out. If the Road Company should follow their road to where it ought to go they would find a warmer climate than Grant County. Like a great serpent it has dragged itself through the John Day valley, poisoning the whole country. The road is an illegitimate child of one ex-Governor Woods — after a carpetbagger in Utah. It was and is a great swindle.

Public discontent eventually led to a lawsuit. The U.S. Attorney General argued the land had been privatized through fraud and should become public domain. The suit was dismissed in 1893 under the argument that the governor at the time had certified the road as complete and therefore the grants were valid and would not be reversed. 

Today, parts of the original road have merged with Highway 97 and Highway 26. There are still areas, though, where there are visible traces of the original road. Much of the road is used by ranchers, fishermen, and hunters.  

. 

Find out more about Grass Valley and the fictional residents that live there in my September release Grass Valley Brides.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. 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 loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

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Old Spanish Mines

By Kristy McCaffrey

Long before the westward expansion of the United States, the Spanish were present. Markings on a canyon wall in central Utah consisting of a cross symbol bear the date ‘1667’. Hieroglyphics and pictographs originally thought to be placed by Native Americans are actually markers along the Spanish Trail, which led from Mexico to the Uinta Mountains (in Utah) and beyond. This trail was the main link between Mexican and Spanish outposts, and it’s posited that they were religious outposts. The Spanish presence lasted well into the 1800’s, when packs of Mexicans were reportedly leaving the Uinta Mountains laden with gold.

The Uinta Mountains of Utah.

Until the 1800’s, the tales of the Spanish gold mines were the subject of Native American history, with few white men knowing of the mines. The Spaniards used the Native Americans as slave labor, and after many years of oppression it’s believed that they revolted and killed most of their Spanish captors. Supposedly the Native Americans returned the gold bullion to the earth and sealed it in the very mines from which it had come.

Thomas Rhoades

Thomas Rhoades, a close assistant to Mormon Church leader Brigham Young, was one of the first white men to fully understand the implications of the Spanish mines. Young had become a religious mentor to a Ute Indian named Chief Walkara, who spoke of a secret cache of gold in the Uinta Mountains. The chief agreed to give the gold to the church, and Rhoades was selected to transport it to Salt Lake City.

Unfortunately, the Indians refused to remove the gold, believing it to be cursed. But it was easy for Rhoades to transport since it was already mined and left in bullion form. His first trip was said to have lasted two weeks, yielding more than sixty pounds of pure gold. For several years, Rhoades continued to transfer gold until, in 1887, he discovered additional mines located off Indian ground. This spurred interest in the lost Spanish gold mines, since it appeared there wasn’t just one mine to be found but many.

Searching for the mines could be deadly. In the early years, stories circulated of prospectors being shot and killed, often by Native Americans protecting the sacred mines. Even as recently as 1990 there have been reports of modern-day prospectors being fired upon as a warning by Native Americans who protect the land near historic mining operations.

Old-timers in the Uinta Mountains have claimed there are seven mines lined with pure gold that supplied the Aztecs, serving as the basis for the seven golden cities of Cibola sought by early Spanish explorers.

In ROSEMARY, Book 11 of the Widows of Wildcat Ridge Series, Rosemary goes in search of the fabled Floriana mine in the wilderness of the Utah Territory in 1884. While The Floriana is a fictitious mine, I based it on tales of the time.

Rosemary Brennan is recovering from the loss of her husband five months prior in a devastating mine accident that took the lives of nearly all the men in Wildcat Ridge. The mine owner, Mortimer Crane, has given the widows an ultimatum—find husbands or he will evict them from their homes and businesses. Desperate to keep the assay office that her deceased husband had managed, she heads into the hills in search of an old Spanish mine called The Floriana in the hope she can lay claim to a bonanza of gold.

Ex-U.S. Deputy Marshal Miles McGinty arrives in Wildcat Ridge to pay his respects to Jack Brennan’s widow. He and Jack had a history, and Miles is heartsick over the loss of the young man he had come to think of as a brother. When he learns of Rosemary’s problems with the piggish Crane, he will do anything to help her—even offering marriage. But when it becomes clear that Crane knew of Jack’s criminal past and was blackmailing him over it, Miles must decide whether to tell Rosemary the truth, because doing so may drive her away. And to his surprise, Miles has fallen in love with his new wife.

A sweet romance set in 1884 Utah Territory.

Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.

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Old West Handcuffs

by Shanna Hatfield

In my new sweet historical western romance releasing next week, I have an easy-going sheriff as the hero.

When I was developing the idea for the story, I decided it would be fun for the one person who drives the sheriff crazy to be a prim and proper woman who arrives in town quite unexpectedly.  Of course, he does his best to antagonize her and she goes out of her way to snub him.

Eventually, he ends up arresting her (twice) and hauls her off to jail. In fact, the cover of the book shows her standing outside the jail with cuffs around the wrists.

Since I couldn't find any models wearing an 1890s outfit with cuffs on their wrist, I ordered a pair of reproduction cuffs and had Captain Cavedweller snap a photo of  them on my wrists.

I am here to tell you from first-hand experience these things are heavy (really heavy), incredibly uncomfortable, and aren't the easiest things to get on or off.

It made me wonder about the history of handcuffs. According to information I found, the first recorded mention of handcuffs was in Virgil's telling of  the myth of Proteus, an ancient Greek shape-shifting god. The son of Apollo discovered the secret to preventing Proteus from shape shifting and escaping was with handcuffs.

The Bronze and Iron ages ushered in the first metal handcuffs, which were “one size fits all” for centuries. The inability to adjust the handcuffs brought with it any number of problems. If a suspect's wrists were too large, the cuffs were painful (and they hurt bad enough when they aren't too small) or wouldn't close. If the suspect's wrists were too small, they could slip right out of them.

In 1862, a man named W.V. Adams patented the first adjustable ratchet design. Orson C. Phelps followed with a patent that improved upon the original ratchet design.

John Tower used their patents to manufacture what were the industry standard from the mid-1800s right up until World War II.  Tower Handcuffs introduced the first double-locking cuff design in 1879.

George Carney invented the first swing cuff handcuffs  in 1912, similar in design to the handcuffs used today.  The revolutionary design made it possible for a law enforcement officer to quickly secure the cuffs with just one hand, vastly improving security and ease of use.

 Corsets and Cuffs releases May 12 and it is currently available for pre-orders.
Here's a little excerpt:

~*~

Her jaw dropped open as she gaped at him. “This is ridiculous. Remove these cuffs and release me, this instant.”

“Not happening, your highness.”  He swung open the door to the jail and escorted her through the office back to the cells. No one else was in the building, something for which Brianna was grateful. Mortified to be manhandled in such a manner on the way to the jail, she certainly didn’t need any spectators to her unexpected imprisonment.

Tully marched her into a cell then removed the cuffs. A smile played around the corners of his mouth as he slammed the door and turned a key in the lock. “You’re under arrest.”

Furious, she spluttered in protest. “For what? I have done nothing more than demand you carry out the responsibilities of the job the good citizens of this town entrusted into your care. You have no right…”

Tully took a step back as she grabbed hold of the cell bars and rattled them. He smirked. “You are under arrest for assaulting an officer of the law.”

Defiant and insulted, she lifted her chin. “You deserved the slap after that impudent comment.”

Tully ignored her and continued. “You’re under arrest for assaulting an officer of the law, being a public nuisance, harassment, and disorderly conduct.”

Incensed, she rattled the bars again. “I did no such thing, and you know it. This is an outrage. You, sir, are a bully and a beast! I demand an immediate release. Wait until your superiors hear about this. I’ll have you removed from your position. In fact, I won’t stop until the governor of this state has you tossed in prison!”

“Good luck with that, sweetheart.” Tully stalked over to the door, leading to the jail’s office, his gaze hard and penetrating. “Your time might be better spent reflecting on how you ended up in here, Miss Smarty Britches.”

~*~

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, USA Today best-selling author Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with relatable characters. When this hopeless romantic isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find Shanna’s books at:

 Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

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

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Crazy Mules, Lunatic Chickens and Love

by Shanna Hatfield

I love creating characters for my stories, and sometimes I have the most fun creating non-human characters.

My latest sweet historical western romance features plenty of odd animals. 

There's a loony chicken out for blood named Napoleon. A crazy mule named Steve think he's a dog. And then there's a beautiful horse named Mud.

Bertie, the long-awaited sixth book in the Pendleton Petticoats series, releases Thursday, April 7!

She needs an adventure —  

He needs the warmth of her smile… 

 Bertie Hawkins survived a traumatic ordeal that stripped away her sunny outlook on life and left her afraid of every shadow. Terrorized and tired of reliving the past, she accepts an offer to change her situation. Although she only intends to work through the summer, the peace she finds at Nash’s Folly keeps her there every bit as much as her interest in a mysterious new ranch hand.

Desperate to escape his memories, Riley Walsh buys a run-down farm in Pendleton, Oregon. To pay for the many necessary repairs, he goes to work for his neighbor, never intending to fall in love with the effervescent girl who helps around the house.

Riley isn’t the only one enchanted with Bertie. His own crazy mule and the neighbor’s son both share his infatuation, driving him past the brink of jealousy.

A sweet romance that embraces the trials and triumphs of yesteryear, Bertie blends laugh-out-loud adventures with heartwarming moments.

Order your copy today on Amazon — http://amzn.to/1LbOdJV

 

Aundy, Book 1 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for free Kindle downloads April 7.

Make sure you grab your copy!

 Desperate to better her situation, Aundy Thorsen agrees to leave behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer’s request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon. When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, even if it means her stubborn determination to succeed upsets a few of the neighbors.

Born and raised at Nash's Folly, the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton as the 20th century approaches. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett takes on the role of her protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. He just needs to convince the strong-willed woman to give love another chance. 

 

If you haven't met the characters from Pendleton Petticoats, here's a brief introduction:  

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.

 Lacy (Book 5) – Bound by tradition and responsibilities, Lacy has to choose between the ties that bind her to the past and the unexpected love that will carry her into the future.

Dust off your dancing shoes and choose your formal attire for the Petticoat Ball Party on Facebook April 7, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) Giveaways and games will make for a splendid event as we celebrate the release of Bertie and cover reveals for two new historical romances!

Invite your friends to the party, and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift card. Go to the Petticoat Ball Party page, click on the "invite" button, invite your friends, then post how many you invited. One randomly drawn person will win! The winner will be announced prior to the start of the party April 7! http://tinyurl.com/petticoatball2

 

   

To enter the drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card, autographed books, digital books, an adorable apron, a tote bag, vintage picture frame, old-fashioned candy and more, fill out this form. 

http://tinyurl/petticoatball2form

Here's a little excerpt from Bertie:

~*~

“I, um…” Bertie stopped a few feet away and scuffed the toe of her shoe in the dirt, stirring up little puffs of dust. “I owe you an apology, Mr. Walsh.”

   Riley stopped fussing with Mud’s saddle and turned to stare at Bertie. “For what?”

   “It was completely inappropriate for me to throw eggs at you yesterday. In addition, I failed to thank you for coming to my rescue. Left to my own defenses, I might still be sitting in the pen, surrounded by demented chickens intent on inflicting harm.”

   He chuckled and shook his head. “I think you would have been just fine without my help.” His eyes trailed over her from head to toe then settled on her face. “I’m sorry I laughed, Miss Hawkins. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

   Bertie didn’t know what to say to his sincere apology. She could tell it was earnest by the humble look on his face and the kindness in his eyes. “You’re forgiven, this time.” Bertie smiled and held out a square of fabric to him. “Unless I’m mistaken, this belongs to you.”

   As he took his neckerchief from her hand, his fingers brushed across her open palm. They both drew in a startled breath at the jolt the touch created. Bertie raised her gaze to his. Her eyes were wide and luminous as surprise and something Riley refused to acknowledge shined in their depths.

   Hastily, he stuffed the square into his pocket and nodded his head. “Thank you for returning it. Did you find the flowers?”

   “I did. Daisies are my favorite.” Bertie took a step back, too aware of her interest in Riley Walsh. Too unsettled by what his handsome features and resonant voice did to her sensibilities. Around him, she felt like a tongue-tied ninny. Yet, at the same time, her thoughts lingered on how much she’d like to be held in his arms, taste his kisses. It was positively… indecent how frequently he’d invaded her thoughts in the last week.

   

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, USA Today best-selling author Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with relatable characters. When this hopeless romantic isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find Shanna’s books at:

 Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

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

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

The Spirit of the Season

by Shanna Hatfield

When I was a little girl, my family often gathered in the family around the television to watch a few favorite shows together.

In the winter, I always chose the spot closest to our wood stove, soaking up its warmth and growing sleepy-eyed as the noise from the TV hummed in the background.

A few weeks before Christmas, my dad had his 1970s version of a remote control (that would be the youngest child  - yours truly - standing to the side of the TV set manually turning the knob) surfing through the five available stations and we stopped on a holiday movie that was just starting.

It was a Hallmark movie starring a young Beau Bridges, based on a book written by Jack Schaefer.

If you've never seen it before, Stubby Pringle's Christmas is guaranteed to touch your heart.

The story begins with a young cowhand named Stubby Pringle. It's Christmas Eve and he can't wait to get to the annual Christmas dance. He met a girl there the previous year and fell in love, but  forgot to ask her name. So, in true romantic cowboy fashion, he has bought her a few presents is eager to see her again.

On his way to the dance, he happens upon a needy family and ends up helping them

What Stubby learns is the true spirit of the season - of selfless giving with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
 
 Below is a link to a YouTube video of the movie. You can also find the story at Family Christmas Online.
May your holidays be filled with the joy and wonder of an old-fashioned Christmas.

 ~*~ 

 Shanna's latest release is part of the American Mail-Order Bride series!
Dacey: Bride of North Carolina —

A conniving mother, a reluctant groom and a desperate bride make for a lively adventure full of sweet romance.

Braxton Douglas spends his days managing the family’s plantation and blissfully avoiding the state of matrimony. Unbeknownst to him, his mother tires of waiting for him to choose a wife and sends for a mail-order bride. When the woman arrives, ready to wed, Braxton has his work cut out for him if he plans to remain unaffected by the lively, lovely Dacey.

Dacey Butler has nothing to lose when she agrees to travel to North Carolina to marry a stranger. Eager for an opportunity to put her past behind her and enjoy a new beginning, she embraces the adventure of traveling south to marry a man she thinks is a simple farmer. Upon her arrival in Asheville, she immediately decides Braxton Douglas has no idea of her existence, and there is nothing simple about the man.

 ~*~ 

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is convinced everyone deserves a happy ending and is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.

When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

The author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts.

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:

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Christmas Past

by Shanna Hatfield

While I was working on The Christmas Vow , the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series, I wandered through past Christmases by looking through images of antique Christmas items.

As a huge fan of the Victorian era and Christmas, those hours spent researching were entirely full of bliss for this girl! The story takes place in the 1890s in the eastern Oregon town of Hardman. 

Columbia River Pilot Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, to pay his last respects after the sudden death of his life-long best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago.  Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and cherished as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame.  When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise Toby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son.

Throw in a cranky cat named Crabby, some well-meaning friends, and a meddling brother... and you've got some real holiday fun.

A few of the items I found in my research ended up in the story, like this fun sleigh with lithographs printed  on the sides. In the story, Adam has the storekeeper fill the open section with nuts.

A big skating party plays an important part in the story.

 While Adam and Tia are having a grand time, Toby and his little friend spend more time falling down than they do upright.

This photo inspired a fun interaction between the children and adults.

Every little boy needs a sled. This one is similar to the sled Toby receives Christmas morning.

The Christmas Vow  will release Nov. 12!

You can pre-order your copy today for only $2.99! http://amzn.to/1KQHhvI

  

Teaser

 “I believe that’s exactly the point.” Adam’s lopsided grin revealed his dimples and made her mouth water for want of his kiss.

Aggravated with herself, Tia aimed her fury at Adam. “The point is your recklessness might get you or someone else horribly injured.” She turned around and strode toward the kitchen door. “I insist you…”

A snowball caught her square in the back. Mouth hanging open in surprise, she spun around and glared at him.

Adam worked to form another snowball, ignoring her scowl.

Incensed, Tia surrendered to the need to stamp her foot. “How dare you!”

“Just like this.” He grinned and lobbed another snowball at her, catching her on the shoulder. Bits of snow sprayed into her face and hair.

“Oh! You are in for it now, Adam Guthry!” Tia bent down and hastily formed a snowball. With unmistakable precision, she threw it at Adam, hitting him on the chin.

He spluttered and returned fire, barely grazing her arm as she twisted away at the last second.

Peals of her laughter filled the quiet December afternoon and drew Toby outside as she and Adam continued to throw snow at each other.

“Mama?” The little boy’s lip quivered. “Did you send me inside so you could play without me?”

    

 

Don't miss out on the Hardman Holidays series!


The  release of The Christmas Vow  is part of a very special event!

The 2nd annual

Cowboys and Christmas

Blog Tour!

Raising funds and awareness for the
  Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Ring in the Holidays with a Helping Hand

November 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total. Don't forget to add books to your Christmas lists!   

Also releasing Nov. 12 is Capturing Christmas is the third installment in the sweet holiday western Rodeo Romance series.

Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.

Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor. Will Kash and Celia capture the spirit of the season?

Pre-order your copy today! http://amzn.to/1FC8ZQj

Teaser

Too stunned to reply, Celia gulped and continued staring at him, gradually comprehending she hadn’t been killed.

At least she assumed she hadn’t died, unless angels wore dusty cowboy hats, dark blue chaps, and were breath-stealing handsome.
 

Celia experienced the most unreasonable urge to run her fingers along the stubbly expanse of his cheeks, down his square jaw, and over his strong chin. Mesmerized by his full bottom lip, she inhaled a deep breath and nearly choked.

The very scent of him hinted at a lethal combination of freshly fallen snow, a warm winter fire, and sweet seduction rolled into one incredibly enticing package. 

 

Get all three books in the Rodeo Romance series!

You’re Invited to PARTY!

You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party, Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more (many of the giveaways will stay open until the following morning)!

Here’s the link to the party: http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty2

The talented guest authors joining in the celebration include: 

10 a.m. - Carmen Peone 

10:30 - Kayla Dawn Thomas 

11 a.m. - Melanie D. Snitker, Author 

11:30 - Julie Cerniglia Lence 

Noon - Author CJ Samuels 

12:30 - Rachel Rossano 

1 p.m. - Author Kristin Holt 

1:30 - Dani Harper

Enter to Win Prizes!

To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, Wrangler Tote Bag, Rock & Roll Cowgirl T-shirt, autographed books, chocolates, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced Nov. 16. http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasprizes2

Where to Find The Books

 

Start the Rodeo Romance Series with The Christmas Cowboy.

Kindle | Amazon
 

 

Travel back to a time of grandeur in the old west

with the Hardman Holidays series.

The Christmas Bargain begins the popular series

and is available free for next week Nov 8-12!

Kindle | Amazon

About Shanna Hatfield

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is convinced everyone deserves a happy ending and is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.

When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

The author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts.

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

Make sure you sign up for her newsletter to get the latest on new releases and exclusive giveaways!

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