Announcements

10 Year Anniverary & New Releases Winners: Carrie Fancett Pagels' Butterfly Cottage - Melanie B, Dogwood Plantation - Patty H R, Janet Grunst's winner is Connie S., Denise Weimer's Winner is Kay M., Naomi Musch's winner is Chappy Debbie, Angela Couch - Kathleen Maher, Pegg Thomas Beverly D. M. & Gracie Y., Christy Distler - Kailey B., Shannon McNear - Marilyn R.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Colonial Fiction Tea Party for August Releases - Debut for LORI BENTON, New Novel for CARLA GADE!!!

Celebrating Lori Benton's Debut Novel and
Carla Olson Gade's first colonial novel!

Town crier at Old Fort Western.
Jim Phelan, Kennebec Journal.
 We are holding our virtual celebration at Old Fort Western in Augusta, Maine.


Please have a seat in the parlour of the great house and partake of some liberty tea.

And now, our featured books and authors!


Burning Sky by Lori Benton

The 18th century New York frontier bred courage in those who survived its perils. Willa Obenchain has courage to spare. Returning to her white parents' abandoned homestead after twelve years of Indian captivity, Willa believes a solitary life is the only way she'll never lose again what's twice been lost: her family, and her heart. As she begins the backbreaking work of reviving her farm, Willa's determined isolation is threatened. First by injured botanist Neil MacGregor, found unconscious on her land, and also by her Mohawk clan brother Joseph Tames-His-Horse, a man who cannot give up the woman he calls Burning Sky. Willa is a woman caught between two worlds and the residents of the nearby frontier village, still reeling from a bloody revolutionary war, are reluctant to welcome her home. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, Willa must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow, and answer the question, "am I brave enough to love again?" 

A note from Lori:

I have a tendency to write from the point of view of characters who hail from cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and races other than my own. I’m not Mohawk, or Scottish, or a botanist, slave, warrior, farmer, mother or man, yet to tell the story of Burning Sky I had to get inside the hearts and minds of each of these sorts of people—these sorts of people who lived over two hundred years ago. It’s a good thing God granted us empathy, imagination, and the ability to educate ourselves about what we don’t know, or haven’t directly experienced. In my case, I relied on primary sources (journals and letters of the time), dozens of secondary sources by historians, and people I know who’ve lived some of those experiences and have insights I lacked. Being tenacious in research is a challenge. It’s also one of the joys of writing historical fiction. The more I discover about the fascinating 18th century, the more I’m convinced there are stories enough left to tell to keep me busy for decades to come. Read the first two chapters of Burning Sky, visit the book’s Pinterest Board, listen to a podcast interview about the story, and more at my website


Lori is giving away a copy of Burning Sky and, inspired by character Neil MacGregor (physician, botanist, and member of the American Philosophical Society), a set of Nature’s Pharmacy Deck, History and Uses of 50 Healing Plants from The New York Botanical Gardens (both to one commenter).


Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.

When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan. 



A note from Carla:

A few years ago, when I visited CACW/Colonial Quills founder, Carrie Fancett Pagels, I was waiting to hear back on my submission for Pattern for Romance. I enjoyed a fantastic trip to Colonial Williamsburg where I saw some quilts, similar to the ones featured in my novel and learned about the trades of mantua-making and tailoring. How exciting it was to come home and learn I had a contract for this novel in Abingdon's Quilts of Love series. The colonial setting is the earliest of all the Quilts of Love books as is the whole-cloth quilt I featured which I based on an extant 18th century New England quilt. I lived near Boston most of my life and worked there, too, so it was a pleasure writing about this historic setting. You can learn more about my research at carlagade.com and Pinterest story board.
 

Carla is giving away a copy of Pattern for Romance along with a thimble such as the tailors and mantua-makers from my novel would have used in colonial times.



Giveaways:  Please leave a comment responding to the question below along with your email address to be eligible for our giveaways of Lori's book "Burning Sky" and beautiful Nature's Pharmacy deck or Carla's book "A Pattern for Romance" and thimble. We're also giving away a package of heritage loose tea from Colonial Williamsburg so one lucky reader can brew a cuppa ye olde fashioned way! (USA winners only this time!)


If you could go back in time and relive one historical moment (famously documented or not) during the 18th century Colonial, Revolutionary, or Early Federal period, what would it be? And if you’d like to, please tell us why. 



91 comments:

  1. Congratulations to our delightful Tea Party hostesses, Lori and Carla! I am so thrilled about these new releases!! I know both of these novels will delight readers far and wide. :) I would love to have a small cup of Liberty tea as I must hurry to work. But thank you so much for inviting me to this lovely party in Maine (BEAUTIFUL state!).

    As far as this thought-provoking question, I think one moment in history that I would like to experience would be sitting in the Continental Congress in July of 1776, and watching the faces of the delegates as they voted for independence. I would watch with fascination as the men realized the ramifications of what they had just decided. It must have been a sobering, frightening, and triumphant moment.

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    1. That was my second choice, Elaine. What a moment in history to have witnessed! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  2. Many thanks for the invitation to tea! I have just finished my first cup for the day.

    It would seem both of these books involve subjects near and dear to my heart, given my small income is based almost entirely off of seamstress work (though on clothes, not quilts), and I have long studied and photographed wildflowers for the joy of it. I look forward to reading them!

    I would love to be among the first settlers to cross the Cumberland Gap and see all that wild land where so few white men had ever been and then go explore it! The beauty of it must have been breath-taking.

    rdalquis(at)css(dot)edu

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    1. Rachael, you share my pioneering heart. I've often wished for a glimpse back in time to see what certain parts of this continent looked like before it was so thickly settled. Especially what the old growth forests looked like that early explorers described.

      Thanks for joining us, and do have another cup of tea.:)

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  3. Thank you Carrie, and ladies of Colonial Quills, for hosting me and Carla today and celebrating our books. The tea is lovely, and I can't wait to see who comments and wins a copy of Burning Sky, and the nifty set of botantical cards that remind me so much of my character Neil MacGregor, and his passion for creating a botanical field guide.

    I'll be first to answer that question, though of course I'm not entering the drawing. It's a tough question, only because there are SO many historical moments in the 18C I'd like to have been an eye-witness to. In writing historical fiction, there's always a niggling voice at the back of my mind that wonders if it really happened the way historians tell us, or even as those who lived it related it later. Can we ever really know what was in the heart of a man or woman who made a choice that shaped our nation's history? To varying degrees, yes. But that endless wondering of mine is part of what drives me to write my stories.

    And to finally answer that question... today I'll pick the Philadelphia Convention, May to Sept of 1787. I would like to be able to sit in on all the debates, as the United States Constitution was birthed into being. At least there were no bullets flying (as far as I know).

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    1. While I was composing my lengthy message, Rachael and Elaine beat me to it! Thanks for joining us ladies!

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    2. I also would have liked to have been able to see our constitution being shaped and based on the Bible and GOD. And, to have met the men who signed it. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  4. Congratulations on the book, Lori. It sounds great.

    I would love to have been at the dinner table when Nancy Hart got the drop on six British soldiers. I love a strong-willed woman who can back it up!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! Yes, I'm with you about strong-willed women. They are such fun to read about. And to write. :)

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  5. Congratulations on the books, both sound very interesting.

    Can't stay for the whole tea party, heading to PA for the weekend visiting Amish country.
    Enjoyed the one cup of tea with you, have a great party.

    I often imagined what our country looked like when it was first settled and the years afterward leading up to our Liberty. That would be a time I would like to "re-visit" if possible to see history in the making. Sure, there were many trials and hardships but a great nation was born.

    blessings, Tina Rice
    tfrice@comcast.net

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    1. Thank you, Mrs Tina. Amish country... enjoy! I envy you the journey. :)

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  6. Hi Ladies!!! Don't enter me in the contests, I'm just dropping by for tea and to offer my congratulations to Lori and Carla on their new releases!! My goodness, they both sound WONDERFUL!!!

    I have to say I agree with Elaine about being there for the first Continental Congress. I don't think we realize how radical an idea it was at the time to break from their mother country Britain. It took a great deal of courage and a bit of madness to even propose such a thing. I would have loved to have heard the conversations and arguments and seen the passion of these great men who eventually came up with the foundation for a new government of Freedom that has lasted for 200 years... although it's on the way out now, sadly. :-(

    Anyway, on that happy note, I do believe I'll have some tea!!

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  7. What a lovely party -- a muffin and some peppermint tea would be wonderful!

    Congrats, ladies, on the publications of your two wonderful books! Please don't enter me; I just wanted to stop by and offer my support. I remember when I first met Lori on FB b/c of our mutual love of a wonderful author. I asked Lori if she had had a book published yet. She said she was working on it. And her hard work certainly paid off...it is an awesome book!

    Since some of you picked the same time as I would have, I'd like to have been there the first time our American flag was flown! Many tears had to have been flowing and many goosebumps raised! According to popular legend, the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who was acquainted with George Washington, leader of the Continental Army, and other influential Philadelphians. In May 1776, so the story goes, General Washington and two representatives from the Continental Congress visited Ross at her upholstery shop and showed her a rough design of the flag. Although Washington initially favored using a star with six points, Ross advocated for a five-pointed star, which could be cut with just one quick snip of the scissors, and the gentlemen were won over.

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    1. Diana, so glad to come by! That is such cool info, Diana! You should do up a guest post for us!!! Hugs!!!

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  8. This is my first visit to Maine. What lovely country! I would love to have a cup of liberty tea.

    I'm so excited for you two ladies. Congratulations on your publication! I can't even imagine how joyful you must be. I'm looking forward to reading both of your books.

    As to the question, there are so many significant moments in history, but I do have one that comes to mind. Ever since I was a child, I've thought it would have been magnificent to have heard Patrick Henry give his speech where he said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" What passionate words!
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Excellent choice, Kay. It would indeed be magnificent. And to see its effect on those who heard it. Thanks for stopping by for tea and a chance to win a book!

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  9. Carrie, a delightful setting you've chosen for our tea party! I've only been to Maine once, many years ago, and I'm thrilled to visit this beautiful state again, and particularly this historic site. What a lovely parlour, and the tea set is exquisite. The liberty tea smells so fragrant. Please do pour me a cup.

    And what wonderful new releases we're celebrating! Congratulations, Lori and Carla! I own a copy of Burning Sky, so no need to add me to that drawing. The winner is in for a real treat. I can testify that this debut novel is an amazing, heart-wrenching, uplifting, and absorbing story. If you don't win a copy, you'll definitely want to buy it, and Carla's novel too. However, I wouldn't object to winning a copy of Pattern for Romance, which I would love to read; the thimble; or those botanical cards, which sound amazing! :-)

    The historical moments that have been mentioned are ones I'd also love to have been present at. The American colonial and RevWar eras are my especial favorites, as I'm sure you all know since I've been immersed in it for too many years to count. lol! There are so many events I'd truly love to have witnessed firsthand, but if I had to choose one, it would be from my Hochstetler ancestors' experience, when my multi-great grandfather at last received back his two sons, who had been captured by the Indians during the French and Indian War and were finally returned years later after the war's end. What a wrenching, glorious, and blessed scene that must have been!

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    1. Joan, Oh goodness. What a moment to have experienced. Yes, I think if I had such a moment in my own ancestry I'd want to somehow have witnessed it too. Thank you for your kind words of praise for Burning Sky. It's been a joy traveling this road with you for so many years now--on line and literally. I'll never forget our road trip!

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    2. I'll never forget that trip either, and I hope we can do it again one day before too long--either here at my new place or at yours. What fun that was! Hmmm....need to see if Jay can get a trip to the Medford area. :-)

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  10. I'm working today, but just had to stop in for a quick cup of tea and to offer Lori and Carla my congratulations, support and best wishes for much success! Lori, I am so thrilled for you celebrating your first release! A proud moment! May Burning Sky find and bless readers everywhere. And the same with Pattern For Romance. Carla, blessings on your first colonial novel. Both stories sound wonderful!

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  11. Congratulations, Lori and Carla! What a glorious place for some tea and fellowship, and to talk great literature. Wishing you ladies all the very best!

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  12. So excited for both of these books! I just finished Carla's--she has such an amazing Colonial voice!--and have Lori's ordered, so it should reach me in the next week. =)

    As for the question...hm. You know, I'd have liked to be there on 1 June 1774, when the nation observed a day of fasting and prayer to decide how to respond to the British closing Boston Harbor. I can only imagine how the Spirit must have moved when the whole nation took to its knees!

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    1. Oh, that's an excellent one, Roseanna! I'd like to see this nation start doing that again. How the Lord would move!

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    2. I just got goosebumps just thinking about it, Roseanna. Thank you for that wonderful compliment, too! You are a gem!

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  13. I am running as fast as I can to find that point where I can finally sit and read Lori's. I have it on the top of my TBR, but I'm also anxious to grab Carla's.
    What a lovely setting and so peaceful! I feel so close to all my colonial friends today as I work on stays, and shifts and do handwork on historical clothing. We all must be good with a needle!

    Another splash of tea before I must be on my way? Thank you!

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  14. (Chaplain Debbie enters with a smile)
    Hello ladies, it is so nice to be here. I shall be in and out for the most part...so many chores to attend to...I just wanted to say congratulations to these ladies and wish them success with their new releases. Hmmm...I really must get busy, but a short sit-down may do me some good. May I have some refreshments, please. When I get to doing my chores, I hardly ever take the time to stop and refresh myself.....time just seems to get away from me.
    Where would I go if I could spend time in the past? **she ponders that question for a bit** I really can't pick just one...it would be fun to go on a vision quest, where I could just pop into different places and times for just a short time...then 'poof' I am somewhere else. Hahaha!
    Have a pleasant day, ladies and God bless.

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    1. Hi Debbie, I am just back from Hampton where my son and I had lunch with my BFF. So goo to see you here. And since I am let me bring you your own luncheon fare - salmon salad with goat's cheese and strawberries and a hearty tankard of root beer!

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    2. Hello Carrie! Thank you so much for the food....the root beer really hit the spot! I hope these ladies have plenty of visitors today. I shall help spread the word! Hugs!

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  15. Was in Maine in the '70's during the fall. Had a sampler platter of seafood. Should have had a bracing cup of hot tea.
    I would have loved to be there for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What a great time in our history.
    All the gifts look lovely. Those botanical cards mean a lot to me. One of my brothers was a pharmacist. We used to talk about his classes, and about medications. He is struggling with Parkinson's now, so we are not able to talk much.
    Good luck to everyone!

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    1. Fall is pretty chilly in Maine! But I'm glad you got to partake of some good Maine seafood.

      So glad you came by. Visuals are probably a great way to connect with your brother. Lori is full of great gift ideas for her giveaways.

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  16. I would like to go back to when Gone With The Wind was set. I love the clothes they wore. Congratulations to both ladies!!! angelachesnut246@gmail.com

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  17. Late to the party, as always. :-) Congratulations both of you, Lori and Carla!!!! How very exciting!

    Lovely tea and muffins ....

    And hmm, I'm not sure I can pick just one. At the signing of the Declaration is a biggie. Just to be different ... :-) maybe to be in one of any number of communities when the British pulled out for the last time. Although, that was often bittersweet, if family members who chose "the other side" were leaving as well.

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  18. I love the location you chose for the Tea Party! I have always wanted to visit Maine.

    Both books soundalike such good historical fiction reads! I am sure they are both quite lovely. Colonial Quills only promotes good, clean, romance books.

    Congratulations to both of you on your releases! Especially for your debut book! That is so exciting!

    Thank you for letting us know about the books and giveaway!

    ks4readin(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Its a beautiful place at Old Fort Western is the oldest standing fort in America, built in 1754.

      Thanks for coming by to help us celebrate!

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    2. I am glad I could! A book release is always an event!

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  19. My first time to Maine! Lovely! Thank you for the invitation! Lori, you're book is amazing and I enjoyed it so much! Carla, I need, need, need to read yours after hearing so much about it! Congratulations to you both! Mount Vernon is one of my very favorite places. I've been there many times and have always wondered what it would have been like to have been there with George and Martha! So, in answer to the question, I think I should like to have followed Martha when she traveled to meet with George at camp during the Revolutionary War. She did that often during the eight years, risking her personal safety, and gave her support to the men who fought beside Gen. Washington. She also organized a campaign to raise funds to provide direct aid to those in the Continental Army. I can just picture her making a cup of tea for George as they huddled by the watch fire!

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  20. The signing of the Declaration of Independence comes to mind first, but I think it would be interesting to stand in the harbor and watch the Boston Tea Party first hand too.

    mandaandtom(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Just popping by on my lunch break (that scratching sound you might have heard is me scribbling, not mice nibbling, up above the parlor. I'm in the midst of edits on my second novel) to thank you all for joining the tea party to celebrate our new novels. I'm looking forward to sending a copy of BURNING SKY, and the card deck, to one of you soon!

    More tea? Muffin? There's plenty!

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  22. This is so fun, I LOVE these books! I'd love to be entered to win!--but either way, I plan to read them. As far as what time in Colonial History...I'd like to be in Sandwich, MS and just see what life was like in the turbulent years before the Revolution...probably 1773.
    historicalchristianreview at gmail dot com. I love this blog, keep up the awesome stuff!!!
    HUGS!
    Amber

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    1. Thank you Amber! Even though I'm the one that posed that question, you just got me thinking that witnessing a simple, ordinary day of someone in the 18C would be lovely too.

      How about the day BEFORE one of these historic folk did what they did or said what they said that got written in the history books? Were they up all night in prayer, knowing what was coming? Pacing the floor with doubt about their part? Or going about their business completely clueless that life was about to shift under their feet?

      This must be part of what compels some people to write books. ;)

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  23. I visited Maine a couple of years ago and found it to be a lovely place.
    No need to enter me in the contest, I'm just stopping by to offer my congratulations to you both, Lori and Carla on your new releases.

    I also would love to experience any of the Continental Congress sessions. I can't imagine what courage and determination it took to know they were going to challenge the most powerful army and navy. I can't help but think the Lord was directing their steps. I love how they would stop their deliberations and pray, and at time fast. Oh, that we would have leaders who sought God's will now.

    Can't wait to read the books.

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  24. Wow. Both of these books look so good. I love this time period. As to what historical moment I would like to witness, I am not sure. There are too many to pinpoint. I love American history, but I don't know nearly enough about it.
    I would love to win either one of these books.

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  25. Thank you all for coming by! I'm soryy for being late to the party, but I have had a nasty migraine to contend with. Feeling better now and wanted to say hello. I'm sure will find some of that lovely tea to be most refreshing.

    A huge congratulations to my friend, Lori Benton! I know your fellow CACW's have waited for this time of rejoicing with you on the publication of your first novel! I'm so proud of you and I know the others are as well. You've worked long and hard to achieve this goal so a great huzzah to you!!

    I'm also pretty excited about the release of Pattern for Romance. Although I wrote a novella in Colonial Courtships that released last year, this is my first colonial novel. I adore this time period so it was such a blessing to write and I know so many of you prayed for me through it with my wrist injury.

    An event that stands out that I would have loved to participate in, and perhaps some of my ancestors did, was the 1753 spinning bee on Boston Common. To commemorate the 4th anniversary (and to serve as a fundraiser for the spinning schools), 300 women of all ages and class, dressed in homespun, lined up in 3 rows on the common to demonstrate their spinning skill. I'm sure many were awed by the sight and sound. But moreso, I am impressed by themovement of the women of Boston, and the many other colonial women, who participated in supporting their liberty by creating their own textiles to be free from the unfair taxes on the imports from Britian. Many women did their part be it spinning, brewing their homegrown teas, and much more. I think they are the unsung heroes of liberty!

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  26. I agree, Carla! they were a courageous lot! Glad you are feeling better. Time to relax with cup of tea! Congratulations on your novel! I love the time period, too and look forward to reading Pattern for Romance! Take care!

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  27. Hello Ladies--

    Yes! The computer is up and running (for how long I don't know!) But I cannot pass up sending blessings and congratulations to these two wonderful ladies--Carla and Lori! Hope to see you soon on my spot, H.I.S. Stories. Need to get more info from you Carla, and schedule you for the week of the 18th, if that's o.k. with you? (Would love to be in the giveaway offer for your book too, Carla! --thanks!)

    Great post...A peaceful night to both of you; and may God bless you His healing touch, Carla.

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  28. Oh how splendid ! Do we have any maple scones and some bedtime tea ? Thank you Kathleen for inviting me...hugs. I so long to Lear more history of my home state of NY to teach my children. I feel like I know so little but I would love to relive the days my great grand father and grandmother Fisher settling here. He worked the Erie Canal and my great grandmother a true keeper at home tended the farm and made awesome food that kept him going. I have parts of his diary to read and glean from. Farming was in their blood and was carried down thru the years by his Son my grandfather Fisher , my Moms Dad. We for a time lived on the farm my Mom grew up on, oh the stories she would tell and she spoke German , Penn Dutch to us as her grandma did to her. My 8th grade science teacher lives on their farm today !
    I would so love to win this giveaway and add the books to my homeschooling my children, the herbal botany cards to my study of naturopathy. The thimble a reminder of my grandmothrs quilting...
    Ok, now I'm teary eyed....sniff, fanning my eyes with my most femine hankie ....smile

    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com
    Faithful Acres Homestead
    Red Creek, NY

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    1. Thanks for sharing this remarkable history, Linda. Maple scones and some chamomile tea...sweet dreams tonight.

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  29. Wonderful post on a wonderful blog. Susan Craft has been raving to me about these works. Best wishes all around to the Colonial Quills authors! Much success to you all!
    The moment I would like to be there to see is when Elizabeth Jackson leaves her young son Andrew to go care for his cousins on the prison ships in Charleston. Did she really give him the advice he later remembered? How did she explain to a young man just recovering from illness that she had to go care for others? A remarkable woman.

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    1. Thanks for your generous comments, Paula, and for stopping by to help us celebrate. That is an interesting history for sure, one that I must read up on.

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  30. Congrats to Lori and Carla! The Revolutionary War period has always had a part of my heart. Blessings to all! :-)

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    1. As it should for all of use who appreciate our freedom! Thanks, Gwendolyn!

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  31. Both books look intriguing. I love history and I have a fascination with period dress(and lifestyle). We went to what's called a Rendezvous that was held in our area where groups camped out in 16th-17th century style for a week or more. It was a wonderful experience and I came home with a period dress/ensemble. There are so many moments in history that I would like to have witnessed, but I cannot bring one specifically to mind. Perhaps I would have stood alongside Nathan Hale, or perhaps any other Revolutionary War hero/heroine for that matter. I cannot wait to read both books and I would LOVE to win either of them. Congratulations!
    Blessings, Juli
    emeraldelena@hotmail.com

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    1. As do we! Love those colonial fashions. I'd love to go to a Rendezvous sometime. Sounds like a great experience. Thanks for stopping by at this late hour. We love to party!

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  32. It's never to late to party at CQ! Thanks for coming by whatever the hour!

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  33. I would have loved to live in Boston to see all the fashions and to be at the parties we read so much about.

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    1. Oh, I agree! It would be fun to experience that together, my friend. Thanks for stopping by to help celebrate!

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  34. Umm, I'm Canadian, and I don't actually have a favourite moment from *your* history. Although, how about that wee skirmish in 1812, eh?

    I LOVE that the tea party is in Augusta, Maine! I could actually drive there tomorrow.

    Congratulations, ladies, on your releases!!

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    1. We appreciate you coming by, Jennifer! I live right around the corner from Augusta, Maine so it looks like we are neighbors!

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    2. Jennifer! I wrote a book about Canada so I know well what you're 1812 comment was about. LOL. I love the story of 1812 and Mackinac Island. No territory was gained but the Canadians defended their territory well and actually "beat" the Americans (as Canadians view it). How about that fire where Dolley Madison rescued our nation's most precious artifacts, eh? ;-)

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  35. I would have loved to be present at the signing of the Declaration! While it is an amazing moment in American history, my reason isn't really patriotic ... the founding fathers just sound like they were characters, and I'd have loved to have heard their comments and conversation while they signed. :)

    cdegr002@gmail.com

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    1. I agree, Carrie. Just to see them in action, get a sense of their personalities, their various chemistry with each other. That would be very cool. Thanks for stopping by CQ and celebrating with us. :)

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  36. Thanks everyone for stopping in for tea today. I appreciate it so much, and I know Carla does as well. You all have blessed us with your good wishes and just by being here.

    It's getting on toward my bedtime, so I'll say good night. Blessings all, and happy reading!

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  37. I would love to be standing on the edge of the forest watching and listening to George Washington as he knelt and prayed at Valley Forge for his men, for this country, and for hope.
    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Heidi, wow, that would be cool! Can i offer you lunch? Tea?

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    2. Ohhhh, yes, a sacred moment. To witness that.

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  38. I may be too late but wanted to say hi. Sorry wasn't here sooner. I like the Colonial period, but the revolutionary years are also interesting. Hope everyone had a great visit. I even missed the goodies. God bless you all and good night. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie I have lunch coming right up!!! So great to see u here!! Tea?

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    2. Very much okay my friend. Wonderful place for he tea party, and I want to congratulate Carla and Lori on the release of their new book. MAXIE

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  39. Congratulations, Lori and Carla, on your new book releases!

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    1. Thanks, Jen, that means a lot to us. May I serve you some tea?

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  40. Better late than not at all! Congratulations to Lori on her first novel. It sounds intriguing and I look forward to reading it. And to my favorite author and daughter, Carla, I look forward to reading the final version of Pattern For Romance. Congratulations! It is so wonderful to see you succeeding at doing what the Lord has called you to do! Joyce Buckley

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    1. Joyce!!! Carla is so blessed to have u for her mommy!!!! I have lunch coming up. Tea first?

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    2. Mom, you are such a blessing indeed! I literally could not have done it without you. You are the best first editor, research partner, and mom ever!

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    3. And by the way, my fantastic mom not only drives me all over creation and tromps through my research adventures with me, but she helps me brainstorm and edits with me into the late hours of the night on the pressure of a looming deadline. She deserves a big huzzah!

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  41. Oh, so sorry to have missed the tea party. My granddaughter, who is visiting us for the week, and a couple of friends and I spent yesterday learning how to bake bread. We had such fun, and the bread turned out yummy, especially with strawberry preserves. I loved Burning Sky and cannot wait for Lori's next book. I truly enjoy anything that Carla writes. Congratulations to two lovely Christian ladies. I'm so grateful to be a part of the CACW sisterhood.

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    1. Me too, Susan! And thank you. And Jennifer and Joyce and everyone else who's popped in to say hello since I went to bed. Bring on the tea!

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    2. Thanks for coming by, Susan! Our tea parties linger so we are still serving up a great time with some of those delicious muffins. We even had some "chamomile" last night!

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  42. Congratulations to both ladies! Whata lovely tea party! I would love to go back and be at the signing of The Declaration of Independence. I'm sure that was a great day. Thank you for sharing and entering me in the giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. I'd love to witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence and chat with all that were present. This would be a dream come true because I am a firm believer that these men were very wise and had our country's best interest at heart with these documents.

    Thanks for the giveaway - the prizes are so exciting. Both books look quite interesting.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. Congratulations to Carla and Lori! The time period I'd love to visit most? That is such a difficult question. If I were a man I'd like to work with signers of the Declaration of Independence. If I were a woman, I'd like to be Mrs. Washington or a friend of hers and visit her lifestyle and life. I'm a DAR member so the revolution is very important to me. I'd love to witness the courage of the families during that time. Wonderful post! karla (dot) akins (at) karlaakins (dot) com.

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    1. I am going to a DAR meeting this Saturday, Karla, where an expert on genealogical research will help us! Blessings!

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  45. What a great tea party! Congrats on the books - what a blessing. :)
    I have to agree that I want to see the Declaration of Independence signed and ask them questions as to what kind of future they saw for the country.
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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  46. Maine is beautiful & the tea was wonderful!

    I agree with those who would have liked to have been present for the signing of the Declaration of Independence - just wonder what those present then would think about the loss of so many of our religious freedoms today?

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Bonnie, I wonder , too! What would they think if they could see how we can freely celebrate our faith? Blessings!

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  47. These both sound wonderful! I would have to go with the signing of the Declaration also. To be there for the birth of our country would be amazing, especially being able to meet some of our Founding Fathers. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  48. I would like to have lived in Appomattox VA and be able to be present at the Surrender of Lee to Grant. I grew up in Appomattox VA and my daughters and I LOVE to go to the Appomattox Historical Park!
    Thanks, Rhonda
    rhondanashhall@gmail.com

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    1. Rhonda, that would really have been something, eh? Two powerful men with such fascinating histories! Blessings!

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  49. Wow! What a party! You all have blessed our colonial socks off!

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    1. Yes, you have! Thanks everyone for stopping by and entering our drawing.

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