1000 Posts - The Best of Colonial Quills

"My dear, are you finished penning your article for Colonial Quills?"

Celebrating 1000 Colonial Quills blog posts!!


In Colonials America stone markers were set up along the way to show the miles along the road. Today we are putting up our own milestone marking our 1,000 blog post here at Colonial Quills!

We have gone through a lot of virtual ink and quills during our 7 year journey of blogging. During that time our Quillers have written many wonderful articles about our country's Colonial heritage. We've shared about life in 18th century America, brought you along on our research trips, and told you about our experiences writing Colonial fiction. We've also celebrated our many book releases during our famous Colonial Quills tea parties which our dear readers have been our honored guests! We've had over a million page views on our blog. In honor of this milestone, here are the top ten posts of all time.

Georgia's Two Federal Roads: The Cherokee Trading Path by Denise Weimer

Aug 21, 2017, 18357 page views

Literacy in Colonial America by Carla Olson Gade

Jun 15, 2011, 13461 page views

Shipbuilding in Colonial America by Lisa Norato

Feb 11, 2013, 13099 page views

The Art of the Olde Fashioned Insult by Roseanna M. White
Mar 2, 2012, 9390 page views

Francis Cabot Lowell: Businessman, capitalist, spy by Rachel Leigh Smith

Mar 21, 2012, 8938 page views

Colonial American Bakers by Susan F. Craft

Nov 25, 2013, 5578 page views

A Men's Fashion Primer by Rachel Leigh Smith
Sep 21, 2011, 4562 page views

Wedding in Colonial America by J. M. Hochstetler

May 18, 2011, 4239 page views

Eliza Lucas Pinckney and Indigo in South Carolina by Susan F. Craft
Mar 23, 2012, 3444 page views

Dress, Shoes, and Stays - Oh My! by Laura Frantz

Nov 30, 2011, 3335 page views

We hope that you'll take some time to peruse some of these highlights.

Do YOU have a particularly favorite post from our archives? What type of posts do you enjoy reading best? Please post it in the comments.

Colonial Quills Blog SEVEN YEAR Anniversary Party!

Welcome to our SEVENTH Blog Anniversary on Colonial Quills! Pull up a chair and we'll pour you some tea!

Welcome from the Ladies of CQ!!!

~~~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~~

Founder of Colonial American Christian Writers and
Administrator for Colonial Quills Blog, Author Carrie Fancett Pagels

Since our last blog anniversary, I've been delighted to release My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring which received an RT Book Reviews Top Pick. I've also had novellas in several collections from Barbour: Seven Brides for Seven Mail Order Husbands, The Captive Brides Collection, First Love Forever Collection and the latest--with stories from our Colonial Quills members--The Backcountry Brides Collection! I've had two books go into large print hardcover with Thorndike Press! I was blessed to be a finalist in the prestigious Holt Medallion contest for my Early American novella set in Virginia -- The Steeplechase.

Colonial Quills Blog Designer, Author Carla Gade

 I can hardly believe its been SEVEN years that we've been blogging here at Colonial Quills! Since that time we've been bringing our readers gleanings from our historical research from Colonial times. We've covered a lot of miles through the years and a lot of years through the miles!! We hope our passion for Colonial history has shown through. Since we started blogging, the Quillers have penned almost 1,000 articles. We will have a special post coming soon when we hit that milestone! We would be remiss if we did not extend our gratitude to Mistress Carrie, our founder, for bringing us all together! I'm blessed to have been along on this journey for these seven years. Since then I've had ten books published including my two colonials Pattern for Romance and Colonial Courtships (which was repackaged in the American Dream Romance Collection.) I'm currently dreaming up new stories!

Roseanna M. White

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!  

GIVEAWAY ~ I'm happy to offer a paperback to a US address or digital to an international reader of one of my early American novels (A Heart's Revolution, Ring of Secrets, or Whispers from the Shadows)

Author Shannon McNear

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!

Author J.M. Hochstetler

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.

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.

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. 

 

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Author Vicki McCollum

Author Gabrielle Meyer

Author Tamera Kraft

Colonial Quills Reader/Reviewer Tina St.Clair Rice

Author Cynthia Howerter

~~~~~***~~~~~

Some of our original members:

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!

   

Author MaryLu Tyndall

Author Lisa Norato

Author Rita Gerlach

Author Kelly Long

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.

Revolutionary St. Patrick's Day

Many people are unaware of the connection between George Washington and St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. So here's a little history to enrich your knowledge of the holiday.

Saint Patrick was a Roman-British Christian missionary and bishop known as the "Apostle of Ireland." According to his testimony in his Confessio, he was captured by Irish pirates from his homeland of Britian and brought to Ulster, Ireland as a slave at age sixteen.  He lived there for six years, looking after animals until his escape. He returned home and afterwards became a cleric. Upon having a vision, he returned to pagan Ireland to spread the word of Christ. He built his church and evangelized to the pagan people of the Island. It is believed that St. Patrick died on March 17th, thus the day that is celebrated as his feast day.

In Colonial America, the Irish population was second in number only to the English. These early Irish immigrants included the Scots-Irish of northern Ireland who left their country because of religious conflict. Charitable organizations sprung up in the colonies for the aid of the immigrants. In 1737, the Charitable Irish Society was formed in Boston by Ulster Presbyterian colonists. The Society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1771. Many patriots were members of these societies. George Washington was an honorary member of  "The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick" and attended their first meeting, St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1771. Washington's ethnicity is mostly English, 1/8th Dutch, 1/32 French, with distant Welsh and Scottish. But he is also descended from Brian Boru, Last High King of Ireland (941-1014), famed as the most successful warlord king in Irish history.

Under Washington's direction as Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army approximately one third of those serving were Irish and Scots-Irish. Ireland was also a great support to the cause of liberty in the colonies by providing their financial support. Enlisted Irish were Protestants (mostly Scots-Irish) until Catholics were allowed to serve in 1778.


When the American Revolution began, Irish enlisted by the thousands. These stalwart men already bore the scars of striving against the British Empire for their independence in Ireland and now they were ready to defend the cause of liberty in America.  British troops had been occupying Boston for some time. When they set out to Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 to destroy the rebels, their Major Pitcairn proclaimed, "We will drive the Yankees and Irish to cover." When the British retreated back to Boston, militiamen contained the British to the city. Patriots left Boston and Loyalists joined them.

After an eleven month siege, General Washington decided to evacuate the British troops and Loyalists from Boston Harbor. To help fortify the plan, Irishman Henry Knox masterminded transportation of 60 tons of cannons through the snow that had been captured from Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. On March 17, 1776, St. Patrick's Day, the British withdrew from Boston with little resistance, due to a harsh storm, which Washington called “interposition by Providence.” Washington set a password and countersign for safe re-entry into the city as “Boston” and “St. Patrick.”

During the harsh winter at Morristown, New Jersey of 1780,  in a place called Jockey Hollow, war worn soldiers were lacking provisions. Congress's resources were low and the roads were blocked due to the heavy snowy, more so than that endured during the winter at Valley Forge. They were hungry, poorly clothed, cold, and discouraged. Seven out of the eleven brigades there were commanded by generals born in Ireland or  had Irish parents. To boost the morale of the soldiers, who had not had a break in a year, General Washington issued an order on March 16th for a day of respite the following day . . . St. Patrick's Day. They even “enjoyed a hogshead of rum" purchased by their benevolent commander. A caveat was issued, however, that "The celebration of the day will not be attended with the least rioting or disorder."

“The general congratulates the army on the very interesting proceedings of the parliament of Ireland and the inhabitants of that country which have been lately communicated; not only as they appear calculated to remove those heavy and tyrannical oppressions on their trade but to restore to a brave and generous people their ancient rights and freedom and by their operations to promote the cause of America. Desirous of impressing upon the minds of the army, transactions so important in their nature, the general directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for tomorrow the seventeenth, a day held in particular regard by the people of the nation.”

 

In 1783, when American soldiers were taken by the British and kept in Ireland, Washington assured an association of Irish immigrants that "the Hospitality and Beneficence of your Countrymen, to our Brethren who have been Prisoners of War, are neither unknown, or unregarded." He held high esteem to the Irishmen who served for their new country. We, too, are grateful.

“America was lost through the action of her Irish immigrants.”

Lord Mountjoy to British Parliament

“The people of Ireland need that critical moment to shake off
the badges of slavery they have so long worn.”

Marquis de Lafayette

“On more than one occasion Congress owed their existence,
and America possibly her preservation to the fidelity and firmness of the Irish.” 

Major General Marquis de Chastellux

"When our friendless standards were first unfurled,
who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff,
and when it reeled in the fight who more brilliantly sustained
it than Erin's generous sons".
General George Washington

Best-selling inspirational romance author Carla Gade writes adventures of the heart with historical roots. Her maternal grandparents were from Ulster, Ireland and immigrated to Boston settling in New Hampshire in 1718.  

A Token of Love Colonial America - Puzzle Purse Love Letters

Handwritten Valentines were popular in England and Western Europe from the 15th Century, a tradition that was brought to the American Colonies. But sometimes the lovelorn are at a loss for words. At such times, our Colonial friends might refer to English Letter-Writers, in book and pamphlet form, for advice in composing missives to their sweethearts. Among them, The Amorous Gallant's Tongue Tipp'd with Golden Expressions: or, the Art of Courtship Refined. "Valentines Writers" were also for Valentine's Day and other occasions when heartfelt sentiments were in order. Valentine Writers like The Young Man's Valentine (1797) and Every Ladies Own Valentine Writer (1798) were also perused for enjoyment of verse and witty prose. 

VALENTINE

Ye sweet feather warblers that sing thro' the grove,

Convey me this letter to the hands of my love,

Which will case my fond heart with sorrow possess;

I am weary of roving and ne'er can take rest:

Oh now to my pray'r, I pr'y thee incline

And make her for ever my fair Valentine. 

~*~

The feather'd race together meet,

And all is harmony complete.

The tuneful blackbird and the thrull,

Make vocal every tree and bulb.

Like them in love my fair let's join,

And be my faithful Valentine. 

~*~

'Tis true I love you and with great respect,'Tis true I'm treated with a cold neglegt.

I thought thy frowns were but dissemblcd heat,

And all thy threatening looks an am'rous cheat.

As nurses oft seem to deny a kiss,

To make the fender suppliant steal the bliss;

So I believe'd thou didst abscond and flee,

Only to make me faster follow thee.

But now alas! 'tis earnest all I find,

And not pretended anger but design'd.

Relent dear maid soften that heart of thine,
And try to love your loving Valentine.

Houghton Library
Harvard University

The poems and verses inspired by or copied from Valentine's Writers were written on slips of paper or posted in a newspaper by suitors for Valentine's Day. Verses were also transcribed onto handcrafted love-letters that were folded into puzzle purses as love tokens. Introduced by Pennsylvania-German immigrants who called them liebesbrief (love-letter), the puzzles were embellished with beautiful water-colors in traditional fraktur style artwork.
These puzzle purse love tokens were created on a one foot square of "laid paper" (with laid lines from the paper mold) was folded into a square "purse." The delightful Valentine was decorated with verse and decoration on the exterior. Once fully opened, secret messages would be revealed inside and sometimes an additional token of love - a ring or a lock of hair. I remember making similar folded messages in my school days, unbeknownst to me that people had been creating them for centuries.

Please be sure to click on images to see full size view.

Center view - Houghton Library

May Heavenly Angles their swift wings display 

And be your guard in Every dangerous way.

In every state most happy may you be,

Now I am for Distant pray think of me.

Inside view -  Houghton Library

American Folk Art Museum, 1799
To Sarah Newlin

My Dear this heart that you behold / When you these leaves unfold

So my poor heat with love sick pain / Sore wounded is and breaks in twain.

1769 Georg Lang, Free Library of Philadelphia

Translation from German:
When I arrive, I will be here; when I brew, I make beer; when I bake, I make bread; when I die, I am dead as a mouse.

[in hearts, starting at bottom, going counter clockwise]

1. Yes, when I don’t see you, my darling, my heart is filled with dread and sorrow

2. And would at every moment spring apart in many thousand pieces.

3. I desire faithful love, wounded completely with right love.

4. For to love and not being loved back makes many a beautiful heart sad; but if both love, then two hearts are filled with joy.

5. My heart burns in the blaze of love, but it does not know how yours is doing. Is my heart like mine, then the love will persist.

6. My dear darling, our flames of love will come together with time.

7. Hold firmly on to your heart’s love, like the tree to his branches, and the grapevine to its vine; So I will surrender my heart to you.

8. My heart, your heart, one heart, without any joking. The 26th December 1769.

Pennsylvanian or New England 1790-1810 - Soothby's

As turns the needle to the pole
So my heart's fond inclin'd

To the bright magnet of my soul

And you my Valentine

VIEW MORE HERE: Valentine Love Token Puzzle Purses at Free Library of Philadelphia



Best-selling inspirational romance author Carla Gade writes adventures of the heart with
historical roots. With ten books in print, she is always imaging more stories and enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic settings and characters. A native New Englander, Carla writes from her home amidst the rustic landscapes of Maine. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and house plan hobbyist, Carla's great love (next to her family) is historical research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an old fort, or interviewing a docent at an historical museum, it's easier to connect with her online at https://www.facebook.com/CarlaOlsonGade/.

The Backcountry Brides Collection Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

For years I had the idea of a collection of stories set in the colonial backwoods. I began discussing it with other Colonial American Christian Writers a long time ago, with the hopes that one day we'd have a collection. Well, our members have changed over the years but I'm delighted to have our new cover for The Backcountry Brides Collection from Barbour Publishing (May 2018). And I'm so pleased that nine of us have novellas in this collection. I'm in the midst of edits to my novella so I'm getting to spend time in the Shenandoah Valley, which is where my ancestors, the Rousches, lived. My novella is entitled "Shenandoah Hearts" and is set the same year the French-Indian War kicked off. We've got nine stories we hope our readers will love!

Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Travel into Colonial America where nine women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?

Rooted in Love by Carla Gade
1748, New Hampshire Grants (Vermont)
Surveyor Shiloh Morgan pursues wild ginseng trade in America’s northern frontier. When he encounters mixed-blood healer Truelove Walden, might love take root in his restless heart and bring healing to hers?

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757 - (North Carolina)
Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763 - Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764 – (New York)
As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780 – (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1781 – (South Carolina)
Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792 - Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota)
When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?

Giveaway: Want to win a copy of this book? Share this post on social media and come back and leave a comment for a chance to win a paperback! We'll ship you a copy once it releases in May, 2018!

Autumn New Book Release Tea Party!

Welcome to our Autumn Tea Party to celebrate Colonial Quills & CACW New Book Releases!

Please enjoy some apple tarts and gingerbread

along with your favorite cup of tea! 

Our setting today is in the Shenandoah Valley, the setting of Andrea Boeshaar's new release! Please come right up to the house and have a seat in the parlor!

Our party begins here so please participate in the comment area. Be sure to join us again this evening at Facebook from 7:00 - 8:30 when our authors will chat about their books. You may post images of your gowns on the page too! 

Andrea Boeshaar's new novel is set in the early 1800s in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is the  fifth book in the My Heart Belongs series from Barbour!

Andrea will be giving away a paperback copy of Lily's Dilemma to one of our commenters for this party. She'll also be chatting with readers at the Facebook party.

The Captive Brides Collection

Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life’s greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love?

Carrie's heroine travels through many states before she gets to freedom! One of our guests at the party will take home a copy (personalized and autographed if so desired!)

Love’s Escape (The Captive Brides Collection) - Virginia, 1850
With her life in peril, Lettie seeks escape from slavery. When Nathan offers to “conduct” her North via an unusual segment on the Underground Railroad, will his efforts help or do them both harm?

Author Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of fifteen Christian historical romances, including ECPA bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper,” in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Pinterest

goodreads

LinkedIn

Amazon author page

Instagram

Links to purchase:

Christian Book Distributors 

Barnes & Noble 

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too!

This teacup and sauce set will go to one of our guests who comments on our blog post today! My heroine, Letitia, does a lot of travel on the Underground Railroad to get North to freedom! Part of her journey is aboard ship!

Christmas is just around the corner!

Bygone Christmas Brides

Light a candle in the window and sit down to a slice of fruitcake as you delight in six 19th Century romances that welcome love at Christmastide.

Carla is giving away an autographed copy of Bygone Christmas Brides. 

'Tis the Season from Bygone Christmas Brides was originally released in the ECPA bestselling Mistletoe Memories. Now repackaged along with five additional Christmas novellas, I hope you'll enjoy the stories like the warm glow of a rekindled fire at yule.

'Tis the Season - Schooleys Mountain Springs, NJ, 1820
Stephan Yost, resident carpenter of Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey’s fashionable resort, spends off-season working on repairs, renovations, and constructing new buildings. When he is hired to build a permanent home for the resort's physician and his spirited daughter, Annaliese Braun, in time for Christmas, Stephan finds himself enamored by the precocious spinster. But will he be able to compete for her affections against the advances of a manipulative iron baron?

Author Bio: New Englander CARLA GADE writes from her home amidst the rustic landscapes of Maine. With eleven books in print she enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic settings and characters. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and house plan hobbyist, Carla's great love (next to her family) is historical research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an old fort, or interviewing a docent at an historical museum, it's easier to connect with her online at carlagade.blogspot.com.

Facebook Author Page (like me!)

Amazon Author Page (follow me!)

Gina Welborn is in BOTH The Captive Brides Collection and also Bygone Christmas Brides.

A Score to Settle (The Captive Brides Collection)
For JoJo the kiss was a means to an end—she wanted his wallet. For Cyrus her kiss changed everything. He vows to help her escape the snake oil salesman she works for, but exposing the man’s lies may mean settling a score at a cost neither JoJo nor Cyrus can pay.

Mercy Mild (Bygone Christmas Brides)
Civil War widow Mary Ann Plum learns the greatest peace on earth comes from giving and receiving love. (First published in ECPA bestselling Mistletoe Memories.)

Author Bio: GINA WELBORN is the bestselling author of sixteen inspirational romances, including the new Montana Brides Romances from Kensington Publishing. She’s a member of Romance Writers of American and American Christian Fiction Writers, and serves on the ACFW Foundation Board. Sharing her husband’s passion for the premier American sports car, she is a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and a founding member of the Southwest Oklahoma Corvette Club. Gina lives with her husband, three of their five children, several rabbits and guinea pigs, and a dog that doesn't realize rabbits and pigs are edible. Visit her online at GinaWelborn.com.

Gina is giving away winner's choice of one of her books.

Please comment to be eligible for our giveaways! 

What do you like best about autumn?