What a joy it's been to be a part of this wonderful blog since its inception! Seven years? Wow, the time has flown by!! Seven years ago, I was rejoicing in a contract from Summerside/Guideposts for my first Colonial-era book (and my first book published by anyone but my own company), Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland. I've now re-published it as A Heart's Revolution and have a total of 21 books either published or under contract. I've been so blessed to work with my dream publishers--Harvest House, Bethany House, and Guideposts--and to grow the publishing company my husband and I founded as well, WhiteFire Publishing. And all along the way, I've known that Colonial Quills was here to celebrate with me, teach me new things from these other amazing authors, and let me share some of the fun tidbits I'd learned, too!
I joined CQ back in 2013, after receiving my first publishing contract for the novella
Defending Truth in
A Pioneer Christmas Collection. I've had a lot to celebrate since then! That first novella was nominated for a RITA® award, then two more novella contracts (with a summer in between spent caring for my mother, who passed away that following winter) and after 35 years of writing novel-length fiction, a totally out-of-the-blue opportunity for my first full-length, which releases in October. (
The Cumberland Bride, #5 of Daughter of the Mayflower, Barbour) I also have had the honor of signing with two amazing agents, first with Susan Brower and then two years ago with the stellar Tamela Hancock Murray. I'm a blessed woman to be part of this group!
If you're a Patriot, you might wish for us to pour you
some COFFEE rather than TEA! Simply let us know!
Joan, AKA J.M. Hochstetler, was one of our original founding members of the Colonial American Christian Writers group and a Colonial Quills contributor and we're glad to have her back contributing.
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| Author Pegg Thomas |
Pegg Thomas is both an author and an editor. This past year has been a busy one with her duties at Lighthouse of the Carolinas as Editor. And she's been busy publishing books, including her contribution to
The Backcountry Brides Collection,
The Pony Express Romance Collection and
A Bouquet of Brides Collection -- all from
Barbour Books. She started as a guest post on CQ in 2012 and became a montly contributor in 2015. She's giving one U.S. commenter a paperback copy of
A Bouquet of Brides, which includes her story,
In Sheep's Clothing.
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| Author Janet Grunst |
Last May, the first story of my Revolutionary War trilogy, A Heart Set Free won the Selah Award for Historical Romance. The sequel, but stand-alone novel, A Heart For Freedom was contracted by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and releases October 1, 2018. I'm currently working on the third story as well as a Highland novella. I have learned so much from the other Colonial Quillers and it has been such a delight to be part of the Colonial Quills Team. (CFP: Janet was another original member of Colonial Quills!) GIVEAWAY: One copy of A Heart Set Free by Janet Grunst will go to one commenter.
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| Author Denise Weimer |
Wow! A lot has happened in my writing life since May of 2017. This picture was taken on my daughter's graduation day, when I signed my contract with Barbour Publishing to take part in the Backcountry Brides Collection. Through that venture, I gained an amazing agent, Linda S. Glaz, of Hartline Literary. About the same time, I signed a contract to edit historical manuscripts for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I consider these three happenings a trio of blessings God, bestowed through my author friends at Colonial Quills blog.
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| Author Debra E. Marvin |
Hello dear friends! I've been a contributing member of Colonial Quills for well over five years. I'm always impressed with the attention to historic detail our team uses in their blog posts. I so enjoy being part of a group that shares a love of colonial history and Christian fiction. As a special #GIVEAWAY treat for our anniversary, for anyone who is interested, please nominate (in a comment) a friend who has not read the Backcountry Brides collection and I will read through the comments, gather the names of you and your nominee, and randomly choose one winner of a paperback. (Ends June 1, 2018 9pm) Thank you to all of my fellow contributors and the very supportive and faithful readers here who mean so much to us! Besides my time here, I host book reviewers on my group blog Inkwell Inspirations, and I'm published with WhiteFire Publishing, Forget Me Not Romances, Journey Fiction and of course, Barbour Publishing.
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| Author Christy Distler |
Greetings to all! I've been with Colonial Quills for about three years now. I started doing guest posting while researching for a historical novel, then moved to a more regular posting schedule. I may be the only member who's not yet published as far as historical fiction, although that will be changing soon (more to come about that!). When not writing fiction, I edit for three CBA publishing houses as well as individual authors. Being part of the Colonial Quills family has been wonderful, and I thank all our readers!
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| Author Angel K. Couch |
I've only been along for the ride for the last two years, but what a great blessing Colonial Quills has been to me. Not just the amazing facts posted here every week, but what a great group of women to spend time with! This past year has seen the release of the first half of my Revolutionary War series, including
The Scarlet Coat and
The Patriot and the Loyalist. Lots of anticipation for this fall when book three, The Tory's Daughter makes it's debut!
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| Author Susan F. Craft |
Susan F. Craft is the author of Women of the American Revolution Trilogy which includes:
The Chamomile,
Laurel, and
Cassia.
She also authored a Writer's Guide to Horses which assists authors who
want to write about horses in their works. She's been a member of
Colonial Quills from the beginning. She'll be back posting again on the
blog in the autumn.
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| Author Elaine Cooper |
I suppose the old adage of time flying when you're having fun is true—especially when you've been a part of such a lovely group of ladies as I've been with here at Colonial Quills! Although I've not been a regular contributor to CQ in the last year or so, I've maintained my connection with this awesome group of writers. I've been so busy, I hardly know where to begin.
My last release was Saratoga Letters, finalist in the Selah Award for historical romance. My first 4 Colonial American Books are Road to Deer Run, Promise of Deer Run, Legacy of Deer Run, and the Selah award winner, Fields of the Fatherless. I am in the middle of writing a 4-book series entitled Dawn of America. This historical romance series is set in Connecticut during the American Revolution. The first two books are complete and going through editing.
I want to thank all these wonderful CQ writers who have enriched my world with friendship and knowledge. I also want to express my gratitude to all the many readers who peruse the pages of our historical novels—and keep requesting more. You readers are a gift to authors! :)
Aren't our bloggers "CHARMING"?
We've got a giveaway of a sterling silver Quill charm for one of our Seven Year Jubilee Anniversary Guests!
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| Author Vicki McCollum |
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| Author Gabrielle Meyer |
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| Author Tamera Kraft |
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| Colonial Quills Reader/Reviewer Tina St.Clair Rice |
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| Author Cynthia Howerter |
~~~~~***~~~~~
Some of our original members:
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| Colonial Quills Writing Team meeting at ACFW Conference September, 2011, Janet Grunst, Gina Welborn, Roseanna White, Rachel Wilder, and Laura Frantz |
Some of our Colonial Quills contributors have come and gone in the last seven years, but we appreciate what they contributed to the blog!
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| Author MaryLu Tyndall |
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| Author Lisa Norato |
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| Author Rita Gerlach |
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| Author Kelly Long |
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| Author Dina Sleimann |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAYS Be sure to leave a comment on Monday's review post for a chance to win a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection with stories by eight of our authors! And leave a comment on THIS party post for another chance to win a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection with autographs by Shannon McNear, Denise Weimer, and Carrie Fancett Pagels.
MORE GIVEAWAYS
Winner's choice of one of these books by Carrie: My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring, Seven Brides for Seven Mail Order Husbands, or The Captive Brides Collection.
One copy of A Heart Set Free by Janet Grunst.
Winner's choice of A Heart's Revolution, Ring of Secrets, or Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White
A Bouquet of Brides Collection by Pegg Thomas, paperback copy to one USA resident winner.
WOW, seven years! Congratulations
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Robin! It's hard to believe we're in our Jubilee year! Blessings!
DeleteThank you for commenting, Robin!
DeleteCongratulations 🎈 ladies on your seven year anniversary. How blessed to develop your friendships as well as your blog. You ladies are a blessing. I pray for many more years of blogging. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leila! We have been blessed by our friendships and our help to each other. Hugs back!
DeleteTotally agree, Lucy! What lovely ladies, authors and readers, to network with.
DeleteLucy Reynolds, you won my prize of my trilogy of American Revolution novels. Please contact me at sfc58@sc.rr.com. Thank you.
DeleteI am at work for the day but stopping in with an early 'ahoy the boat'! I look forward to seeing all the lovely faces of our friends for a quick hello. Thanks so much for your support!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Deb! We are so glad you are a Quiller!!!
DeleteI'm off to the dentist, but shall return for the festivities.
ReplyDeleteI am at the car service center with Hubs’ truck. But very happy for our Ann and so glad you are part of the Quillers!
DeleteI'll be at the tire place later. LOL. It's a day for auto service, I guess.
DeleteI waiting for a call back from the RV center to get my new (to me) truck in and get the wiring fitted for our trailer.
DeleteCongratulations!!! A great group of ladies!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa! We are blessed by our readers, too! Thanks for being here!
DeleteCongratulations to all of you! I see some of my favorite authors and some of my new friends! Am reading Backcountry now! It is fabulous ! This is such a great site! I love history and you ladies make it soooo interesting! Thanks heaps and gobs! Blessings!
ReplyDeletePaula, hope you really enjoy the collection.
DeleteOh, I'm glad you like the book!
DeleteIt is so wonderful that y'all are celebrating 7 years! Congratulations! Looking forward to reading more wonderful books from you all!.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joy! Care for tea or coffee? We're thrilled to be celebrating our jubilee!!!
DeleteWhat a wonderful group of authors and bloggers! Congrats on your 7 years anniversary and wishing you many more. I know it’s a blessing and encouragement to each other to be a part of this group. Keep up the good work ladies!
ReplyDeleteperrianne.askew@me.com
Perrianne
Thanks, Perrianne! What a wonderful bunch of authors to hang out with and learn from! They are a blessing! And we are so very grateful for our readers like you! Hugs!
DeleteCongratulations on 7 years, ladies, and on all your published success! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie! I pray God will use all our works to bless and encourage others!
DeleteWow, 7 years. That is worthy of many kudos!! I’ve enjoyed a number of y’all’s books. Thank you for your faithfulness to God’s calling. Debra Marvin, my friends, Debra Moretto, Flo Denny, or Kathy Jusino would love to win a copy of The Backcountry Brides. Thank you all. Blessings to each of you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Anne! Great to see you here! You're a blessing to so many of us, thank you! Hugs!
DeleteThank you all SO MUCH!!! <3 It's you, our readers, who make this what it is. We're just happy to be a blessing!
ReplyDeleteYeah. What she said.
DeleteCongratulations on seven excellent years ladies! How inspiring it has been to watch writing careers grow and flourish during this time. Wishing each of you all the very best.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy! You're an amazing blessing. I'm waiting with baited breath for our September release of The Victorian Christmas Brides collection! Hugs!
DeleteCongratulations to all the sit hits who have participated over the years..wow it has gee. 7 years what an accomplishment for all of you. Thanks fir the opportunity to be able to have a chance at these books...I have read a few of you ladies and have enjoyed each one..thanks and congrats.
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet Rory! Come sit down and try a pétit gateau! We really and truly are baking these at my house today!
DeleteCongratulations on 7 years! I've read and loved so many of your books but also love your posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea! I enjoy the CQ posts by all these talented authors, too! Blessings!
DeleteWhat a wonderful celebration. ‘‘Tis such a pleasure to be here. I brought scones to share, aplenty. We truly appreciate all our readers who kindly support our blog by paying us frequent visits. What a true pleasure it has been to befriend so many of you! Blessing to all!!
ReplyDeleteSeems like just yesterday you were designing the blog for us, Carla! What an exciting moment that was for me seven years ago to see it! So beautiful. Thanks for all your hard work. Yummy scones!
DeleteThanks to everyone for stopping by to share the kind comments. I'll come around with tea in a bit. :) Right now it's lunchtime for me and my two daughters. Who else has young people home for the summer?
ReplyDeleteHi Denise! I have a 16 year old son who just dropped on me the need for a treat for tomorrow for 25 people! So be sure to try the messy looking pétits gateaux au chocolat!
DeleteCongratulations! 7 years already? My, how time has flown. CQs is a wonderful blog with such amazing talent! I have been wanting to read 'A Heart Set Free' for quite awhile now. Congratulations on winning the Selah Award, Janet! And kudos to all of you for your contributions to Christian fiction! God bless.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana! I was down in SC, at my nephew's graduation, when I first got to see the Colonial Quills blog and Carla's design! And I got to meet you then, too! Hugs!
DeleteThat was one of the best days ever! And Carla did such a fantabulous job on the design! Hugs back!
DeleteCongratulations on 7 years! I see several books that I need to put on my TBR. I nominate my friend Nancy Davis. 😊
ReplyDeleteHi Yooper woman! Great to see you here!
DeleteCongratulations on 7 years!!! This is such a wonderful, talented group of authors! The research and the history behind each of these author's books are always fascinating to read. I would nominate several of my reader friends who have already commented here that they haven't read it: Diana Flowers, Rory Lemond, and Andrea Stephens.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becky! We're so happy to have surpassed 1.2 million page views, too! PTL!!!
Delete1.2 million page views - amazing!
DeleteCongratulations on 7 years! You are a wonderful BLESSING!
ReplyDeleteThanks Caryl and thank you for following our blog!
Delete'Tis so nice of you all to visit today, ladies!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all! This is a wonderful book. My friend Marjorie Mitchell and my Aunt Joyce Foster hasn’t read this book. Aunt Joyce is not on FB but her husband is. These two are my reading buddies.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see so many visitors and readers.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on seven years! Prayers for many many more!!!
ReplyDeleteCrissy
Thanks so much, fellow Yooper woman! It's very exciting to have made it to Seven Years! Hugs!
Delete7 years is quite the accomplishment! Congratulations to you lovely ladies! May you guys have many more years of success! Love Debra Dawn.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra Dawn! These ladies have really been doing an amazing job on the blog plus putting out quality books! Hugs!
DeleteHappy Anniversary Colonial Quills ladies!
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl! Did we meet originally through a Colonial Quills tea party? Thanks for joining us for the Jubilee!!! XOXOXOX
DeleteThanks, Joy!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and Happy Anniversary to amazing and gifted authors.
ReplyDeleteSo many familiar and beloved faces and names here today. I wish I could comment on each right now, but I'm spinning too many plates as it is today! Thanks very much everyone!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE ALSO PARTICIPATING IN MY GIVEAWAY!!
Carrie, Wow! Seven years! You are so amazing and I love this group of ladies. Some I hardly know, but of the ones I do--I'm so happy for the works you've done and it has been a pleasure reading both your posts and your stories. Blessings to all of you...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and Blessings!!! And many more years <3
ReplyDeleteFelicitations and congratulations on your 7 year milestone! Carrie, you have been an incredible encouragement to me over the miles, as well as Dina Sleiman (my first writing teacher) and Cynthia Howerter. I learn so much every time I read the Quills...
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy! Thanks so much! We have been glad to be of encouragement. God is so good. I pray He continues to bless you! Hugs!
DeleteSorry I'm late to the party. It's spring on the farm and there are SO MANY chores to do. I spent the morning working in the garden and the early afternoon spraying thistles in the sheep pasture. Now I can finally sit down and relax with a tall glass of iced tea *gasp!*.
ReplyDeleteDebra, I nominate my former student, Tami Mars, for the Back country Brides book - we would both love to read it! I was her English teacher in Hawaii, and we both have moved quite a few places since! I'm in Branson and she's in Virginia's Hampton Roads area.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to all of ladies! CQ has been going for 7 years? I've only been involved with it for maybe 3. I had no idea this was here until Joan Hochstetler mentioned to me. I coming to the tea parties and have a few books from it! I;ve also met some some authors on here.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all at CQ! Such a wonderful group of writers that I've been privileged to know!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 7th anniversary! I would love it if you would pour me a coffee.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! We'll pour you a cup of coffee, Mrs. Patriot! Thanks for joining us!
DeleteAlso my friend Kathy Pyznar hasn't read the Backcountry Brides collection.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone! Chappy can't stay and chat....life and all. I just wanted to say congratulations to all of you! 7 years! That's so wonderful. Oh, the souls you have touched through your posts and books. God bless you all! Here's to another fantastic 7+ years!
ReplyDeleteHi Chappy! You've been a faithful follower over the years and what a blessing you have been! Thanks for coming by to celebrate our Jubilee!
DeleteCongratulations ladies on your 7-year anniversary!! May you be blessed with many more years of blogging. I am honored & blessed to be included with such gifted authors! God bless!
ReplyDeleteThe scones and tea sound refreshing.
Blessings, Tina
P.S..my orginal post from this morning went "missing" so I am reposting.
Hi Tina! Thanks for joining us on Colonial Quills! This is your blog, too, now! We're so glad to have you with us! Scones and tea coming right up! Hugs!
DeleteXOXOXO
DeleteCongratulations on seven years!! I enjoy all the wonderful things I have and am learning from all your research and love the books I have been able to read many of your books, but there are many I have not. Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about the fabulous authors that make up this group, both present and past. Here's to many more years!
ReplyDeleteI'd love a cup of coffee while we visit :)
Hi Betti! I enjoy all the cool research shared on the blog, too. Let me pour you a cup of coffee, Ms. Patriot!
DeleteCongratulations to all of you who contribute to this blog for a great seven years. I have been fortunate to read many of your books and I appreciate your faith-based stories. Thanks for all that you do to entertain and inspire us!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy Anniversary Y'all!! Doesn't time simply fly by?!?!? Thank you all for your hard work & loving your readers.
ReplyDeleterw620 AT aol DOT com
Thanks for stopping by, Robin! Yes, time does fly with all these lovely ladies contributing such great posts! Blessings!
DeleteWhat a delightful party. It is wonderful to see pictures of so many talented authors of books I have enjoyed. I haven't read Backcountry Brides yet but it will definitely be on the summer reading list! Thank you Carrie Fancett Pagels for inviting me to the party.
ReplyDeleteHi Mardell! I hope you'll enjoy The Backcountry Brides Collection! Glad you could stop by!
DeleteCongratulations and Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm not too late to wish us all a hearty congratulations on our 7 year anniversary! I've been deep in researching and writing my next book and lost track of what's going on. lol! Thank you so much, Carrie, for starting this delightful group of writers! I'm so glad you invited me to join. It's been a wonderful 7 years, and may there be many more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and happy anniversary! Seven years...wow! What a blessing. So happy for you all. Thank you, ladies, for your fascinating posts and wonderful stories!
ReplyDeleteMy computer and internet are conspiring against me this evening so I've just not been able to comment as much as I'd like. I'll be keeping an eye on the 'nominations' and will try to catch up tomorrow! It's great to see so many of our friends here!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 7 years!!! Always great history tidbits shared here and in y'all's books. Best wishes and much success in the next seven.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! I love all the wonderful colonial and early American info that is shared on the blog! Hugs!
DeleteCongratulations, Ladies, on the celebration of your 7th Anniversary of Colonial Quills!!! Thanks to all of you for all your hard work and research to bless us with the joyful pleasure of your wonderful books, and the historical posts on the blog! I LOVE historical Christian fiction, and it was through connecting with Carrie Fancett Pagels that I found out about Colonial Quills. Thanks, Carrie!! I've been wanting to read 'A Heart's Revolution' by Roseanna M. White and 'The Captive Brides Collection'. They are both on my TBR list. Thank you for a chance to win these!! ~Alison Boss
ReplyDeletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Alison, for stopping by to celebrate with us! Many blessings!
DeleteA truly wonderful celebration! Oh, look, fireworks!!! Huzzah to all!!
ReplyDeleteHUZZAH! Lovely Fireworks!
DeleteCongrats and Happy Anniversary! :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 7 yrs. That is great news. You bless us with all your wonderful books and your insight. Thank you for your time. mommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net
ReplyDeleteThanks! You're one of my winners! I'll email you! Blessings!
DeleteYay for 7! And here's to many, many more!! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 7 year anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy of Backcountry Brides and any other books I may be eligible for. Congrats on your 7th anniversary! That's a pretty tea set you showed. I drink a lot of herbal tea in the winter. Vivian Furbay jtandviv (at) q (dot) com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Such a monumental landmark!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read the book. I have a friend Stacie, whom I’m sure would love the book, too.
mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom
Congratulations on 7 wonderful years and may you have many more! Thanks to all of you for sharing your talents and love of history with us. (Thanks also for the giveaway) May God bless you all!! lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet Lynne! You're a blessing!
DeleteCongratulations on seven years! I've only recently begun following this blog. So far, I've loved it! Thanks for the giveaways. If I were to win Back Country Brides, I'd probably give it to my friend Mary Lou, who is an avid reader like me. bcrug(at)twc(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCongrats on seven years.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 7 years together. What wonderful times you must have had together. I am reading the Backcountry Brides Collection now and really enjoying it immensely. Good luck on many more years together. princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCongrats on seven years. that is amazing. Ia m glad you are serving tea. I am a Patriot but hate coffee.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Debby! I've got some English breakfast tea brewing for us Patriots who still prefer tea!
DeleteIt's so wonderful to see so many friends visiting to congratulate us! Happy Thursday, everyone!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to all who posted. We have the BEST readers!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Have enjoyed your blog over the years.
ReplyDeleteAw, I think a Colonial Quills party was the first online party I attended...congratulations to all of the amazing authors, & thanks for blessing us with your stories!
ReplyDeleteTrdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
Congratulations ladies!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why, but I'm not getting notifications about your tea parties until late at night after the party has ended. I'm so sorry I missed your party.
Congrats!! so happy for you :)
ReplyDeleteI'm back online after a few days off and finally had a chance to read all of the comments! AND pick a random name from those nominated to win a paperback! MY WINNER IS TAMI MARS NOMINATED BY SANDY SALISBURY! So, I'll be contacting you ladies asap. Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and offer your congratulations! It's been a blessing to see so many faithful friends here!
ReplyDelete