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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Eight Year Blog Anniversary!


Message from Administrator Carrie Fancett Pagels: Eight years and so many posts later (OVER one million three hundred page views!!!), we're still sharing our love of colonial America with our readers! Welcome to our celebration! With wonderful new contributors and ongoing fantastic colonial-era authors we are really blessed. Come sit down and enjoy a lovely high tea with us! Leave us a comment and you may find one of our many contributors pouring you a cup of tea or offering you a lovely tray of fine sandwiches, savories, and sweets . . . or one of our author giveaways!

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J.M. Hochstetler

Hello, everyone! It’s hard to believe that Colonial Quills is eight years old already. And what a wonderful journey it’s been, full of friends and fellowship and learning new things about the colonial period! It’s a real privilege to be a part of this fun and congenial group, and I’m so grateful for our talented leader, Carrie Fancett Pagels, who started this crazy ball rolling, to all the members who contribute to the blog, and to all our faithful readers!  May there be many more years ahead of us.

For the party I’m giving away a copy of my upcoming June release, Refiner’s Fire, Book 6 of my American Patriot Series—or any of the previous books in the series, if preferred.



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ROSEANNA WHITE

What a joy it's been to be part of the Colonial Quills blog! I've been working primarily in the Edwardian and WWI eras for the last few years so haven't been popping up on here much, but I still consider CQ one of my blog homes. =)

For the party, I'd be happy to offer a reader a signed copy of my June 4 release, The Number of Love.



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Welcome, gentle readers! What a huge blessing Colonial Quills has been to me for the past six years. From my first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, which had the amazing honor to final for a RITA® award, to The Highwayman (originally The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection and now re-released both as a single title and in a smaller collection, To Catch A Bachelor) and The Counterfeit Tory in Backcountry Brides, I've had the joy of writing colonial fiction. My first full-length in print, The Cumberland Bride, #5 of Daughters of the Mayflower, is set in 1794 Tennessee and Kentucky, technically the early Federal Era but a natural extension of my colonial research as it traces some of the early beginnings of Westward Expansion. My next release, The Rebel Bride, is a Civil War story (coming December 2019, #10 of the Daughters of the Mayflower series) but the release after that will be a return to early Federal Tennessee and Kentucky (The Blue Cloak, #5 of the True Colors series). I'm currently hard at work on The Blue Cloak, with an August 1 deadline, but in appreciation to our CQ following, I'm offering one reader's choice of my stories in print! 


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Janet Grunst
Thanks for joining us, Colonial Quill Readers, for our eight-year anniversary. I was honored in the fall of 2011 when Carrie asked me to join this group of fellow Colonial era writers. I’ve learned so much from the other contributor’s blog posts and been touched by the encouragement and contribution of our faithful readers.
A Heart Set Free is set prior to the Revolutionary War and A Heart For Freedom picks up the characters in the early years of the Revolution. I’m hoping the final part of the series will be available before too long. This fall, I’m privileged to be a part of a Highlander collection of novellas releasing. Fellow Quiller, Naomi Much will also have a story in it.

For our Colonial Quills celebration, I will be giving away a signed copy of A Heart Set Free to one USA commenting on the blog. Enjoy the party, everyone.


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Hi Everyone! I'm excited to be part of this blog and this anniversary party. I don't have any new Colonial stories out - yet - but I have some exciting news! My novella In Sheep's Clothing, part of A Bouquet of Brides, is a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope, & Love Awards. And it's set in Colonial Connecticut. I'm so exciterated!!! I'm giving away a paperback copy for the party. 

Comment HERE on the BLOG to be entered. But visit the Facebook page too, because there will be other fun things going on there. 


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Debra E. Marvin
Hello Friends!
Here we are again, thrilled to celebrate with you all. So many stories and wonderful tales of history have passed across this blog's page and we believe there's a lot to come. On the blog, I'll be giving away a book cozy (book sleeve) I made, so please comment if you'd like to be entered in the random drawing. Don't you love this tall ships fabric I found?

2019 will see at least three new stories from me, and I have one with a Colonial setting waiting for a contract! Your friendship and support have been a priceless gift through this writing journey!  Thank you again Carrie and all the CQ authors and friends!


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NAOMI MUSCH
Hey there, CQ readers! I'm probably the newbiest member on the CQ team. I've been here about a year, though I've been a follower for quite a long time. I write in a few different time periods, with the colonial period and early 20th century being my two favorite. (Check out my WWI/1920s books if you enjoy that segment of history.) My last release, Mist O'er the Voyageur, is an historical romance set in the Great Lakes wilderness of the voyageurs and fur traders. It was recently a Selah Awards finalist and one of only a handful of books to receive a judge's perfect score! Mist was also nominated for a NE Minnesota Book Award. In November, watch for another American wilderness romance novella called A Tender Siege releasing in a collection called The Highlanders, in which my Scottish hero is caught up in the French and Indian Wars during the time of Pontiac's Conspiracy.

For our CQ party, I'll be giving away TWO ebook copies of Mist O'er the Voyageur. Comment on the blog to be added to the drawing, and don't forget to join us on the Facebook page on the 29th!



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CARRIE FANCETT PAGELS

I'm excited to announce that I have my first colonial release out since our The Backcountry Brides Collection released in 2018, with numerous authors from the Colonial Quills blog! I have a novella, Mercy in a Red Cloak, releasing in early June in e-book form and later in the summer in paperback! Set in the mid-1700's in Pennsylvania and in the Straits of Mackinac, my colonial scout story features Shadrach Clark who also appeared in my novella "Shenandoah Hearts" in the Backcountry Brides Collection! Shad is a sweetie and I pray readers will love reading his story!


One of my giveaways is this copy of Colonial Michilimackinac: Michigan State Parks, by David A. Armour. It's a great book and I've used it as a great research resource over the years. My own copy is well-highlighted!

Colonial Michilimackinac: Michigan State Parks, by David A. Armour
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CARLA GADE
I'm so thrilled about the Colonial Quills blog 8th Anniversary! Every year we have had a wonderful tea party to celebrate and give you updates on our writing journeys. So much has happened for us all and with the support and encouragement of all of our followers and readers. We appreciate you all so very much and offer you a great Huzzah!! 


When we first started, my debut novel, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter had just released. Although that was a 19th century western setting, my heart was really in the Colonies. I soon enjoyed a visit with our fonder, Carrie, to explore Colonial Williamsburg. With that and some additional research, my first Colonial era, Carving a Future in Colonial Courtships, novella was published and hence republished in The American Dream Romance Collection. Since first becoming published I am now the author of 11 books, including another Colonial, Pattern for Romance.

For nostalgia's sake, I'm offering Colonial Courtships to one of our commenters! By the way, my characters from Carving a Future are included in Colonial Quill's original A Forted Frontier Holiday anthology, along with other CQ author's, available for free reading here on the blog!


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Facebook Party tonight, Wednesday May 29th, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Another giveaway at our Facebook party is a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection. This collection includes all colonial-era Christian Fiction novellas from CQ contributors!

All contributors of The Backcountry Brides Collection are
members of Colonial American Christian Writers!




102 comments:

  1. Welcome to our high tea everyone! We have so many goodies to go along with your cup of tea, including sandwiches, savory tit-bits, and delectible sweets of all kinds. Just let us know what tempts you, take a look at our author giveaways, and join in the conversation! Please comment on this post to be entered in the drawings, and be sure to leave your email addy so we can contact you if you win. Good luck to you all!

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    1. Good morning, Joan! Thanks for helping found Colonial American Christian Writers Group, which led to this blog being started! Huzzah!!!

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    2. Good noon! (I missed the morning.) Happy to be here and excited about the eight year mark.

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  2. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces here today! Congratulations, Carrie on eight years of blogging!

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  3. How Exciting!!! Its hard to imagine that it has been that long... Congratulations to Carrie and all the authors on this Celebration !!! This is one of my most favorite time periods and I have so enjoyed this blog and will for years to come!
    Linda Marie Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacresbooks (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi Linda! Thanks for coming by! Time sure does fly, doesn't it? Come sit down and share this pot of tea with me and these yummy shortbread cookies!

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    2. Thanks for being a faithful follower. :)

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    3. I wouldn't miss a tea party or seeing all you ladies !
      The tea is delightful and the cookies are so good!!!
      Thank you Carrie Dear!

      Pegg, I will always be a faithful follower of so many of you!

      Blessings
      Linda Marie

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  4. Good morning! I will be in and out today as I tend my family and various other duties, but I hope everyone has a lovely visit! Thank you all for helping make Colonial Quills such a success. <3

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  5. Congratulations on your blog anniversary!


    - Kailey Bechtel
    Kaileybehrendt (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thanks! And thanks for standing by.

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    2. Since I couldn’t add it to my original post, I’m mentioning the BOOK SLEEVE here (:

      - Kailey Bechtel

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  6. What a great group of ladies/authors! I’ve read books by several of you but not all. I look forward to reading more in the coming year.

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    1. Hi, Patty! Thank you for joining us. Can I help you to some tea? And those little sandwiches are amazing!

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    2. Hi, Patty! Thank you for the enthusiasm. We're glad to have you!

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  7. Happy anniversary! This is a great group of authors! I've read a lot of your books in the past and I'm looking forward to seeing what all y'all write in the future. jumpforjoy at gmail dot com

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    1. Welcome, Joy! You can be sure we're going to keep those books coming. Lol! Let me pour you a cup of tea, and be sure to check out the goodies on the table. Good luck in the drawings!

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  8. Happy blog anniversary to a very talented group of authors! It is through blogs like this that I have met some of my favorite authors.

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    1. Thanks, Susan! I've discovered a lot of good reads/authors this way too. Thanks for dropping in!

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  9. Ahoy wonderful people! Chappy here. I wanted to stop by to say Congratulations on 8 years of running this marvelous blog. I will be getting my precious granddaughter at about the time the FB party begins, so I'm not sure if I will be able to attend. Have a wonderfully blessed party!
    Hugs and God bless!
    debsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Chappy! We're so delighted you could come by the blog and visit with us. I've got a nice pot of tea here and I have some yummy cucumber sandwiches ready for the high tea! We'll share with your little Poppet, too! Hugs!

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  10. So happy to see folks arriving early for the celebration.

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  11. Good after noon Colonial Quill! What a beautiful day for a tea party celebrating 8 wonderful years! May God bless each one of you and your inspiring writing. I for one have enjoyed your books and look forward to your upcoming and future releases!
    Blessings, Tina

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  12. Hello Everyone! It’s a gorgeous day here in Georgia.... 100 degrees outside! It will be nice to have a tea party in a place where it’s cooler! Congrats on your Eight year anniversary! I think I will have some tea and cookies and catch up with friends!

    Blessings to all of you!

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    1. 100 degrees! Wow! We just left visiting our kids in NC a couple days ago, and we reveled in those temps. Now we're back in northern WI satisfying ourselves with much cooler weather, but at least it's finally greening up.

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  13. An awesome group of authors to be friends with! I have read several books by this group and enjoyed each one!

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    1. Wow, Janet--100 degrees in May! Here's a cup of tea, and let me hand you the tray of cookies. Sit down and enjoy the cooler weather here. So glad you dropped by. :-)

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  14. Hello everyone! I was Carrie’s book The Fruitcake Challenge in Aug 2015. I love reading books where the setting takes place in MI and especially where my heart lies, Mackinac Island. I had done a search to find something to read and that’s how I found Carrie’s books. From her I heard about QC and here I am - a faithful follower. Thank you everyone for all your hard work in creating wonderful books for us to enjoy. I appreciate each of you.

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  15. Happy Anniversary and Congratulations to Colonial Quills!

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    1. Grab some goodies and have a seat, Andrea. I'll pour you some tea. We're glad you came!

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  16. Thanks to all the ladies dropping in already and celebrating with us. I hope you have tea to your taste and a great afternoon!

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    1. We are so glad to have you with us as part of CQ, Naomi! Many blessings! Come try a piece of this chocolate walnut torte!

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  17. So, SO many amazing, talented authors and wonderful stories are featured here at CQ! And a very happy eighth birthday to the blog. I’m so excited to be a part of this group, and it was where I discovered a whole new realm of reading!
    trdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi dear Teri! We're so glad to have you celebrate with us! Try these little raspberry-topped mini cheesecakes, they are delicious!

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  18. Thank you for joining us, Teri! We're so glad that you're enjoying our authors' books, and we'll do our best to keep you supplied. lol! Have a seat and help yourself to these lovely cucumber sandwiches. And the chocolate walnut torte is out of this world!

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  19. Congratulations on your Bloggaversary, can't wait for the party to start! And thank you for this wonderful chance!

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    1. Thank you, Alma! We're so glad you dropped by to join the celebration. Help yourself to some goodies. :-)

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  20. Congratulations, Carrie, and to each of you other Quills bloggers. I have always enjoyed both this blog and the stories and books you've written. Blessings to each of you...

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    1. Good day to you, dear Kay! Happy to have you join us and thank you for the blessings! Hugs!

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  21. This is one of my favorite spots to absorb history! Some of my absolute favorite authors are here. Congratulations on your anniversary! Blessings! I look forward to reading more from these fabulous authors!

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    1. What a sweet thing to say, Paula. "Tis such a privilege to be part of this group.

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  22. I enjoyed reading about what each of you authors have been and are presently writing. Looking forward to reading all these wonderful books! Thanks for the chance to win a copy :) A little tea and a sweet would go down very well right now.

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  23. What an amazing gathering here! Glad to be with y’all while we in the Northeast wait for another massive thunderstorm and possible tornado.

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    1. Oh, no, MJSH! Glad you could join us, but stay safe!

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  24. What a Great group of Authors & Books 📚
    Thanks for sharing them with us 😍❤😍

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  25. How exciting! Eight years. Thanks for sticking with it and bringing your readers some excellent reading materials! Here’s a wish for many more years to come.

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  26. It' so sad for all of you who have been suffering with bad weather conditions.

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  27. Good afternoon everyone. I've enjoyed rading all of your author info and the book titles mentioned, This is going to be an amazing party and I hope to be able to be there most of the time. Blessings to all!!

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    1. I forgot to mention the great prizes that I would love a chance to win. I appreciate the chance to win these gifts: Joan Hochstetler-- Refiner’s Fire; Roseanna White--The Number of Love; Shannon McNear--Reader's choice; Janet Grunst--A Heart Set Free; Pegg Thomas--A Bouquet of Brides Collection; Debra E. Marvin--book cozy; Naomi Musch--2 ebook copies of Mist O'er the Voyageur. Thank you again!

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  28. Okay I'm not sure how this works...but happy 8th year to your blog!! :-)

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  29. I am so excited to be able to attend the tea party celebrating 8 years! Congratulations to all!
    Carrie, I am sorry you are suffering so and hope you find relief soon. ♡

    Pegg Thomas, congrats on being a finalist!!

    Naomi Musch, it is nice to "meet" you.

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  30. Hello to everyone, fun to read each author's post while enjoying high tea. I miss the tea room in our home town that we could enjoy high tea with family and friends with delicious flavors of tea and danity sandwhiches, sweet treats, etc.

    Congratulations to Colonoial Quills for eight years and so many views of this informative interesting blog.

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    1. Thank you for joining in on the celebration, Marilyn.

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  31. Congratulations on 8 years. I love to read the blog even though I don't always comment.

    I have read from new authors to me at the time because of reading this blog.

    Must get back to the party.

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  32. Replies
    1. So many good books! Not enough time to read. I'd like the book sleeve. Cool idea.

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  33. CQ was one of the very first blogs I followed as I began my own writing journey. You have been a pioneer in many ways, Like the heroes and heroines you write about, forging new territory and making grand settlements in the blogosphere. So thrilled for all of you as you enjoy this auspicious anniversary. Good work! And best wishes on a bright future

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen. There have been such a wide range of posts with so much interesting information.

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  34. Debra, that book cozy is so pretty! I'm always amazed at people who can make things like this :-)

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  35. Happy 8th Anniversary to Colonial Quills. Praying blessings over each author.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  36. Congratulations on eight years!!!!
    I hope you feel better Carrie! Praying for you!

    Wonderful authors! Love a tea party!


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    1. Crissy, you are the winner of an e-copy of Mist O'er the Voyageur! If you send me your email, I'll send that out to you asap! Thanks for joining us for high tea last night too!

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  37. Happy 8 year Blogaversary. I love reading historicals and learning interesting facts from many talented authors!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

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  38. It doesn't seem like it's time for the 8th anniversary already! I love all the prizes of the books and book cozy sleeve. It is always fun to party with the authors on Facebook.

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  39. Hi CQ Authors: Congratulations! Debbie- this book sleeve is beautiful--lovely gift! Would be perfect for a book on my coffee table; (have colonial decor) Blessings to you all!

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  40. What a great accomplishment! Congratulations!!!!

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  41. Thank you, readers, for joining us today for our Colonial Quills celebration. I will be giving away a signed copy of A Heart Set Free to one USA commenting right here on the blog.

    What do you look for in choosing to read historical novels, setting, time, theme, author?

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    1. For me it's a time frame...I love Regency especially! While I have a few "favorite" authors, I love discovering new ones. I love romance so anything with romance in it is good as long as it's also Christian fiction.

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    2. All of the above! I don't really have a favorite time period. I enjoy any tid bit of history I can learn while reading a fictional story.

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    3. I look for an intriguing plot and a pretty cover. :-)

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    4. All of them, with a great blurb will get me to interested!

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  42. Just stopping by to wish you ladies a vey happy 8th anniversary of the blog! Thanks for taking the time to feed us some historical tidbits. And that book cozy, 8 would LOVE to have. Congrats ladies!
    perrianne(DOT)askew(AT)me(DOT)com
    Perrianne Askew

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  43. Happy 8th Anniversary, QUILLERS!!! It's been an amazing journey for y'all so far with informative articles and fun parties and giveaways. As an avid reader, it's always nice to learn more about our great country and what better way than a good book! I hope y'all are around many more years! I've read several of the books above. I'm loving that book cozy and the Brides Bouquet collection cover is soooo pretty!!!
    Blessings!

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  44. I really am enjoying meeting new-to-me authors on the Facebook party! It's been a lot of fun

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    1. Wonder if I should leave my email as I see some other people doing.

      teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    2. Thanks for leaving your email addy, Trixi! It's easier to contact you that way, but as long as you're at the Facebook party too, we'll find you. lol!

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  45. Congratulations to all you wonderful Authors ON YOUR Colonial Quills 8 year Anniversary!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah, and thanks for stopping by.

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  46. I love the material used to make the book cozy and appreciate the chance to win it.

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  47. Happy Anniversary! Loved meeting all these authors! The Number of Love is so good! Enjoyed the Backcountry Brides too. Toss me into the drawings please.
    dkstevensne at outlook dot com
    Hope you feel better soon Carrie!

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    1. Deanna, you're the winner of a signed copy of "A Bouquet of Brides." I hope you enjoy it!

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    2. Wow.. Thanks so much! I am sure I will love it!

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  48. Debra Marvin I would love a book cozy.

    Roseanna White I received a very special book in the mail. Thank you for the copy of The Number of Love.

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  49. Ladies, Congratulations on eight fabulous years! This blog is a blessing! (((((HUGS))))

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Thanks, Pal! You've been a huge encouragement over the years!

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  50. Congratulations to a lovely group of authors on their blogging anniversary! It is so nice to meet everyone, and thank you all for hosting such lovely giveaways!

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  51. Carrie, I saw your post on Facebook and have been praying for you today. Wouldn't it be nice to snap our fingers and any pain would go away? I hope you feel better soon!

    Happy 8th year blogversary!

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  52. Happy Anniversary. hope for * more

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  53. CONGRATULATIONS AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FOR 8 WONDERFUL YEARS OF HISTORICAL BLOGGING!!! Thank you to each of you Colonial Quilling authors for blessing us through the years! We appreciate you!! And thank you for the wonderful giveaways you are offering in celebration!! Please throw my name in the hat for the drawings. I am especially interested in Roseanna White's new book, The Number of Love. :) God's richest blessings to all of you amazing authors! ~Alison Boss

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. Congratulations to you all! Many blessings to you, and thanks for hosting the party! bcrug(at)twc(dot)com

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  55. Congratulations to everyone! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  56. Great job and happy blog anniversary. I've been a follower for years and will keep on doing so. Thanks for 8 years of great posts and interesting topics. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Sonja! We've enjoyed having so many readers visit with us to celebrate our blog anniversary!

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  57. Thank You for this generous giveaway.
    MarionMPC@aol.com

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  58. I'm not a colonial writer, but I LOVE reading it. I saw a post on the ACFW main email loop from Pat Iacuzzi that you're celebrating your Eighth Anniversary. Congratulations! But, I see I'm two days late getting over here to help you celebrate So happy to see J.M. Hochstettler here> I love her stories but I see I've missed a few. I'll remedy that immediately. I'll be subscribing to your blog so I don't miss more updates.

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  59. I missed the Facebook party but tea is one of my favorite drinks. Hope I can be considered as an entry in your great giveaway. Vivian Furbay jtandviv(at)q(dot)com

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