I love researching history for details to add to my wholesome historical romances.
One of the little gems I unearthed while I was digging in World War I was that the Whitman's Sampler (yes, the box of delicious assorted chocolates) once offered a Whitman's Sampler specifically for the troops in World War I.
The Whitman's Sampler story began in 1842 when Stephen F. Whitman opened a small confectionery shop in Philadelphia. His goal was to compete with the finer French candy makers of the time.
His sweet were well received and grew in popularity. In 1912, Whitman's Sampler® is introduced to the public. The box includes a collection of the most popular pieces of candy sold in the confectionary shop. Whitman's becomes the first business in the industry to use cellophane to wrap their products. The cellophane was imported from France until 1924, when Dupont began producing it in the US. For many years, Whitman's is the largest single user of cellophane in America.
In 1917, as American joined World War I, Whitman's modifies its Library Package (that included a book) and gives it the name Service Chocolates. Each pound box includes the trademark Whitman's Sampler candies as well a small "vest-pocket" size classic book by well-known authors, like Rudyard Kipling. The books were easy for soldiers to carry in their pockets or packs, and the candy was a welcome treat. People could send the candy overseas to the troops, and soldiers could send them to their sweethearts.
The lids of the boxes bore the insignia of service (Marines, Army). The assortment of books included was coordinated with a small New Jersey publishing company.
In 1933, the Whitman's chocolate brand become part of the Russell Stover's family where they continue the tradition of making Whitman's Samplers, making it one of the oldest chocolate companies in America.
In my book, Molly, which takes place in 1918-19, the hero of the story, Friday Fitzpatrick, receives a box of Whitman's Service Chocolates from his family and shares them with his friends.
Molly releases today. If you enjoy clean, sweet romances full of history, humor, and hope, I hope you'll read the story!
Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I.She longs to make a difference. He yearns to claim her heart.
After years of managing the Pendleton telephone office, Molly Thorsen answers the call for women to serve as telephone operators during World War I. Upon her arrival in France, she navigates the challenges of working near the front lines and battles the prejudices and skepticism of the men around her. Determined to prove her worth and skill, Molly faces adversity head-on while unexpectedly falling in love with a charming soldier.
Friday Fitzpatrick may not have been eager to engage in combat, but when he is drafted into the American Expeditionary Forces, he embraces the role of a soldier with unwavering determination. While fighting to survive the harrowing battlefield experiences, he clings to his sanity by dreaming about the captivating Hello Girl who has captured his heart. Though his opportunities to see her are limited, she serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of his darkest days.
Through their shared experiences and the trials they endure, Molly and Friday find comfort and encouragement in each other's company, forging a connection that defies the chaos of a world in conflict. As the war draws to a close and they return home, will civilian life bring them together or pull them apart?
Find out in this sweet and wholesome historical romance filled with hope, faith, courage, and love.
When this award-winning author isn’t writing or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter
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