Pendleton Petticoats Makeover

A while back, I concluded my P Pendleton Petticoats series (all 11 books) needed a makeover.

Putting new covers on that many books all at once felt like a daunting task, but it was definitely worth it!

I thought you might like to see the evolution of the first book, Aundy.

Back when I first published the book in 2013, I was working with zero budget for buying nice book covers. So I made my own despite my lack of experience with them.

The woman who appears to be running off the cover was me, wearing an outfit my mom had made for me years ago. I photoshopped in the background and the lamb.

That finished the book. And I wrote a few others in the series.

Then I decided Aundy and the other books REALLY needed an upgrade.

By then, I could afford to spend a little on book covers and used images I found on a stock photo website I subscribed to.

I’m not sure if this cover is better or worse!

The next cover was much, much better (my skills had improved and I had access to better images).

Yet, it was still time for an update.

I am so, so pleased with the way Aundy turned out. And I love that Garrett is now on the cover as well!

If you are unfamiliar with the series, Aundy is the first book.

A widowed mail-order bride.

A stubborn rancher.

An unexpected second chance.

Aundy Thorsen crossed the country to become a mail-order bride … only to find herself a widow days later. With nowhere to turn and no intention of going back to Chicago, Aundy sets out to build a life for herself in Eastern Oregon. But forging a future on a rustic homestead is harder than she imagined, especially when it means wrangling unruly chickens, tending sheep, and proving she can manage on her own. The last thing she wants is help from her infuriatingly handsome neighbor.

Garrett Nash has spent his life working the family ranch and understands just how unforgiving the frontier can be. When tragedy leaves Aundy alone, the steady, protective cowboy offers his help out of obligation. Admiration for the brave, determined woman soon turns into something far deeper and richer.

However, Aundy has already risked her heart once and paid the price. She refuses to make that mistake again. But Garrett isn’t offering to rescue her. He’s proposing a true partnership.

In this sweet and wholesome historical western romance, a slow-burn love story unfolds between a strong heroine and the rugged rancher next door. Filled with warmth, gentle humor, and hard-won hope, Aundy is a moving story of second chances, found family, and a love powerful enough to take root in the wild, untamed West.

Welcome to Pendleton, Oregon, where courageous women, steadfast cowboys, and a close-knit community build lives filled with hope, humor, and lasting love. Each story in the Pendleton Petticoats series delivers a heartfelt romance, rich western charm, and a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after.

Start the journey today—and discover the story that began it all.

Aren't they pretty!

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.

Connect with her at her website at shannahatfield.com

Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon and Luna

 

A while back, I happened upon an image that caught my eye. At the time, I was about to start writing a wholesome historical romance set in 1914. 

Suddenly, I knew I'd found the perfect  image for the cover of  Luna.

I recognized the weed she was blowing on from my childhood on our family farm. I'd blown them a few times myself. It had been so many years since I'd seen one, but I recalled the joy of scattering the oversized "wishes" into the air.

My dad called them something like big fuzz, so I had no idea of their proper term, but a quick search brought up details about the plant.

It has bright yellow petals, with long green bracts. Children might mistake it for a super-tall dandelion, but the leaves more closely resemble grass.

The official name is  tragopogon pratensis, commonly referred to as Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, meadow salsify, showy goat's-beard, or meadow goat's-beard.

Wait. What now? 

When I discovered one of the names for the plants was Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon, I absolutely had to use it for my story.  Can't you just envision fairies blowing the little puffs into the air and spreading the seed everywhere?

The Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon name derives from the plant's tendency to close by the time noon arrives. Goat's beard is from the appearance of the seed head, with the little bit of white fluff poking out.

Oddly enough, despite the lack of them in our area in past years, I was about halfway through writing the book when I noticed a plant growing out by our mailbox, then they popped up in the pasture behind our house. It felt like a lovely sign that I'd picked just the right cover for Luna's story.

She’s searching for peace and grace

He’s ready to step into his next big adventure

Haunted by memories of the fateful day that changed her life, Luna Campanelli seeks a fresh start in Pendleton, Oregon. Life in the wild western town is nothing like she imagined, although the rugged beauty of the area soothes her troubled spirit. An unlikely friendship with one of the area ranch hands lifts her hopes, until she discovers the cowboy isn’t who he’s led her to believe.

Hunter Douglas didn’t intend to hide his identity from the woman he met on the train, but when she assumed he was his sister’s hired hand, he didn’t correct her. He never anticipated forming such a deep connection to her, especially when thoughts of her continue to infiltrate his carefully made plans. As a recent college graduate with an inheritance he intends to use to start his own ranch in Pendleton, Hunter must decide if he is willing to open his heart and include Luna in his future.

Will they embrace the unexpected love that has blossomed between them, or let fear tear them apart?

This sweet and wholesome romance is a story of love, healing, and the power of hope in a delightful western setting. Join Luna and Hunter on their journey as they discover what it truly means to love unconditionally.

     Feeling hopeful and full of dreams, Luna spread out the quilt in a splash of sunshine, unpinned her hair and shook it out, and experienced a wave of contentment. Filled with joy she couldn’t contain, she plucked a large flower with a ball of fluff that looked like a dandelion, closed her eyes, and blew, wishing she could have many more afternoons just like this one with Hunter.

“I should have known if I left you alone for five minutes, you’d find a weed and scatter the seeds from here to kingdom come.”

She opened her eyes and grinned as Hunter hunkered down by her.

“A weed?” she asked, holding the stem out to Hunter. “It isn’t a flower?”

“Nope,” he said, taking the stem, then handing it back to her. “It’s got a fancy scientific name Flynn Elliott could tell you, but most folks call it meadow goat’s beard, or even Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, because the yellow flower buds only open in the morning.”

“What a wonderful name, even if it is a weed.” Luna pursed her lips and blew more of the seed heads that looked like spiderwebs of fine white hairs.

“You little weed-spreader,” Hunter groused, making her laugh.

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Buffalo Bill and the Sells Floto Circus in 1914

 

When I was doing research for my new book coming July 2, I was looking into historical events in 1914 in the town of Pendleton, where the story takes place.

One of the happenings that fit in with the time frame of my story was the arrival of the Sells Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill's Wild West in June, 1914.

From the article that ran in the Pendleton newspaper, it seems the residents were a bit disappointed with Buffalo Bill, since all he did was ride around the ring, but otherwise loved the circus. 

I have my hero and heroine attending the circus together. Thanks to several photographs and articles I found, it was fun to incorporate many details into the scene. 

The Sells Floto Circus was the result of the Floto Dog and Pony show and the Sells Brother Circus that merged  together.

 The first two owners were Frederick Gilmer Bonfils and Harry Heye Tammen, owners of the Denver Post as well as the Kansas City Post. The circus was created in 1902 and originally titled "Floto Dog and Pony Show." It was four years later that Sells was added to the title, when Willie Sells joined the show. The newspapers gave publicity to the circus and it thrived when others struggled financially.

Los Angeles Record, April 14, 1914

During 1914 and 1915, the show was called Sells-Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill Wild West,  with Buffalo Bill performing in the show. 

The circus traveled all over the United States and received glowing accolades in many newspaper articles, such as the one above from their performance in Los Angeles. 

In 1921, the circus was incorporated into the American Circus Corporation. In September 1929, the corporation's circuses were acquired by John Ringling, and by 1933 Sells-Floto ceased to exist. There was a  brief revival in 1937-38 as part of the Al G. Barnes and Sells-Floto Combined Circus. 

You can read about the circus from a fictional viewpoint my my book Luna, releasing July 2. I incorporated details from old photographs and newspaper articles to make the experience feel as realistic as possible.

She’s searching for peace and grace

He’s ready to step into his next big adventure

Haunted by memories of the fateful day that changed her life, Luna Campanelli seeks a fresh start in Pendleton, Oregon. Life in the wild western town is nothing like she imagined, although the rugged beauty of the area soothes her troubled spirit. An unlikely friendship with one of the area ranch hands lifts her hopes, until she discovers the cowboy isn’t who he’s led her to believe.

Hunter Douglas didn’t intend to hide his identity from the woman he met on the train, but when she assumed he was his sister’s hired hand, he didn’t correct her. He never anticipated forming such a deep connection to her, especially when thoughts of her continue to infiltrate his carefully made plans. As a recent college graduate with an inheritance he intends to use to start his own ranch in Pendleton, Hunter must decide if he is willing to open his heart and include Luna in his future.

Will they embrace the unexpected love that has blossomed between them, or let fear tear them apart?

This sweet and wholesome romance is a story of love, healing, and the power of hope in a delightful western setting. Join Luna and Hunter on their journey as they discover what it truly means to love unconditionally.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna loves to hear from readers. 

Follow her online at: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter

Pendleton Petticoats

 

When I wrote the first book in the Pendleton Petticoats series, I never imagined one story would lead to so many more, a spin-off series, and even a children's book.

But that is exactly what happened after I wrote the book Aundy. 

Aundy ended up being one of my readers' favorite characters. She's a strong, resilient woman and I'd still like to be more like her when I grow up. 

One mail-order bride discovers

The courage to love

Desperate to better a hopeless situation, Aundy Thorsen leaves behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer’s request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon.  When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, wrangle demented chickens, and raise sheep. Her stubborn determination to succeed upsets more than a few men, including her handsome next-door neighbor.

Born and raised on the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton in 1899. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett steps into the role of Aundy’s protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. He just needs to convince the strong-willed woman to give love another chance.

 Sprinkled with humor and filled with hope, this sweet romance illustrates that courage sometimes arrives in a petticoat and love has a mind of its own.

For a limited time, you can get the eBook of Aundy FREE !

Be sure you check out the other books in the series, all inspired by Aundy.

After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with hope, humor, and hunky heroes.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Find her online at http://shannahatfield.com

Inventions that changed the landscape of farming

 

Yesterday was National Farmer's Day. 

A day set aside to honor, respect, and thank our farmers for the work they do that keeps us fed and supplies our country with much-needed materials. 

I grew up on a farm, raised by parents who grew up on farms. In fact, we've had farmers in our family as farm back in our family tree as anyone has traced. 

I know first-hand how hard, how back-breaking the work can sometimes be. Farmers rarely receive appreciation or recognition for their efforts. 

Even though National Farmer's Day was yesterday, I'm still honoring it today and saying a huge "THANK YOU" to all the farmers out there.

I was thinking about how farming has changed over the years. It's a conversation I often have with my dad who is in his 90s. 

There are eight inventions that made a huge impact on farming. 

1.  Thresher: Before the invention of the thresher, the method for removing kernels from straw involved spreading grain out on a threshing floor and beating it by hand, or sometimes animals trampled it. The straw was raked away and the kernels tossed into the air in hopes the wind would blow away the chaff. The first threshing machine was invented in 1786 in Scotland by Andrew Meikle. Then, in 1830 American brothers invented a thresher as well as adapting a horse tread power to run it. Hiram created a fanning mill and added to the threshing drum to separate and clean the grain at the same time. 

2. Reaper/Binder: For centuries, small grains had been harvested by hand, cut with sickles or scythes, hand-raked, and tied into sheaves. Grain harvesting machines first appeared in Great Britain around 1800, and in the U.S. not long after, but most machines failed. Obed Hussey and Cyrus McCormick developed successful reapers during the 1830s. McCormick’s machine became the more popular of the two and he is credited with inventing the reaper. The reaper made it possible to harvest fields faster and for farmers to grow more crops.

3. Steam Engine: American farmers relied primarily on strong backs and arms to do the work through the 18th century. New farm machines required more power, so oxen, horses, and mules were pressed into service. Stationary steam engines were used to run cotton gins and mills. The improvements to threshing machines led to the development of portable steam power, making its first appearance in 1849. Originally, horses were used to haul steam engines from job to job. During the 1870s, several inventors developed drive systems and self-propelled steam traction engines became a common power for many threshing rigs and plows, particularly in wheat-producing areas.

4. Combines: This piece of must-have equipment on any sizeable farm combines three harvesting operations. It reaps, threshes, and winnows. The earliest combines were developed in the 1830s. After the Civil War, big horse-drawn, ground-driven combines were developed in the wheat-growing regions of the Northwest. The machines were pulled by large teams of horses or mules. The first self-propelled combine wasn't built until 1886.

5. Automobiles: Machinery, animals, and crops all needed to be moved around a farm or to market. Two-wheeled carts sufficed in the early days of arming. Then came 4-wheeled wagons. The first automobile in America was designed in 1893.  Henry Ford invented the famous Model T in 1908. These early inventions paved the way for the first steam and gas-powered farm wagons. These wagons helped farmers move around the farm, as well as transport livestock and equipment. Farm wagons eventually evolved into the modern day pick-up truck,

6. Tractors: Every farm needs a tractor or two (or more!). Tractors help farmers increase productivity, which led the way to larger farms. Tractors were originally powered with steam engines. They were heavy, awkward machines. Combustion engines eventually replaced steam engines, allowing engineers to decrease the size of the tractor. John Froehlich is generally given credit for inventing the first successful tractor in 1892. The first commercially successful tractor was built in Charles City, Iowa, by Charles Hart and Charles Parr.  By the 1920s, tractors were lighter, more reliable, and more affordable. As more tractors were used, fewer horses and mules were necessary, allowing farmer's to sell more feed instead of giving it to their livestock. 

7. Rubber Tires: Wheels on early machines were steel-lugged. They limited speed, vibrated, shook bolts and farmers alike, and easily became stuck in soft ground. Solid rubber tires entered the scene in the 1920s. Florida citrus growers experimented with large truck tires on tractors in 1928. Harvey Firestone fitted large, low-pressure tires to an Allis-Chalmers U tractor in 1932. The tires were a success and Allis-Chalmers began to offer air tires on their tractors - an industry first. The advantages included fuel economy, performance, not to mention comfort and wear and tear on the ground. 

8. Hydraulics: When pressurized fluid powers an engine, it’s called hydraulics. This technology is used in a variety of agricultural equipment including tractors, self-propelled sprayers, self-propelled harvesters, and truck loaders. Reportedly, hydraulics are believed to be a key factor in how the agriculture industry has transformed over the years. Hydraulics have vastly reduced the amount of manual power needed and increases overall efficiency and productivity. Another benefit of hydraulics -  it reduces the risk of injury.

Read about threshers, repeaters, combines, and early tractors in my 

Pendleton Petticoats sweet romance series!

After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with hope, humor, and hunky heroes.

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

The Button Jar

by Shanna Hatfield

Buttons are such a simple thing. One we hardly give a thought to these days (until one pops off unexpectedly!). 

The history of buttons goes back centuries. At first, buttons were ornamental, used almost like jewelry is worn today - purely for decoration.

Dated at 5,000 years old, an ornamental button made from shell and found in Pakistan, is considered to be the oldest button in existence. Early buttons where made from shells, bone, horns, clay, bronze and wood.  Some of the buttons had holes, others shanks, but all were decorative.

Later, buttons were used for more practical duties. In ancient Rome, buttons were used to secure clothes, but they were a far cry from the functional buttons we're accustomed to seeing. 

 It wasn't until the 13th century that proper buttonholes were sewn into clothes. A nod is given to German's for developing the first button and button-hole closure system. Reportedly, returning soldiers brought the idea of buttons back to Europe when they returned from the Crusades.

 New possibilities in fashion arose, allowing for a more form-fitting shape. Buttons were still largely used by the wealthy during this period. In medieval times, buttons equated wealth, both for the maker and the wearer. It was even conceivable one who had gotten into debt could sell a precious button or two to generate funds.

Larger buttons were even used to hide keepsakes or stolen loot in secret chambers. 

Wikimedia Commons, Italy 1700s, buttons and buttonholes.

Those who didn't mingle with the wealthy had buttons, too. These tended to be crudely made, fashioned of materials found at home.

The Industrial Revolution ushered in mass production of buttons. The four-hole button we are all familiar with emerged. This period also saw popularity of brass buttons rise. Following the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria tended to wear black buttons so during the later years of the 19th century, black glass buttons were the most popular of all. 

Designers and fashionistas turned buttons into workhorse rather than a decorative accessory. Mass production and the invention of plastic, made them prevalent in clothing, despite the invention of the zipper. 

When I was a little girl, I used to love digging through the jar of buttons my mom kept near the sewing machine. She made many of my clothes, clothes for my dolls, and clothes for my nieces. 

The jar was filled with buttons she'd saved from clothes that had worn out, as well as odds and ends from various sewing projects. She'd learned to save buttons from my grandmother, who did the same thing - keeping every button because it might one day be useful again. 

I remember stringing buttons on a long piece of crochet thread and thinking I'd made a beautiful necklace. I also remember stringing matching buttons together on a piece of thin copper wire so they'd be easy to find when needed. There were buttons bursting with color. Buttons made of metal. And a few tiny delicate buttons that had once graced baby gowns. Mom would point out a few buttons that were special to her. 

Years went by. I moved out, got married, and started my own button jar. But the buttons in it never held the magical appeal of Mom's buttons. 

We recently lost my mother, but when I was visiting Dad over the weekend I happened upon a large tin filled with buttons. The tin used to belong to my grandmother and it was where she kept her buttons. It appeared Mom had added her buttons to the collection.

I can't tell you how much it means to me to have that tin of buttons. It's a sweet connection to my grandma and Mom, along with some wonderful memories of happy times spent playing with the buttons while listening to the whir of the sewing machine as Mom sewed something and hemmed it with love. 

In my sweet romance, Ilsa, she is a seamstress who defies the conventions of the day and runs her own business.  

One of the most talented seamstresses of her time, Ilsa Thorsen could sell her creations anywhere in the world, but she ends up on her sister’s ranch in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon. Disgusted with the dust, smells, and nearly every aspect of rural life, Ilsa wonders how she’ll survive, particularly with the arrogant Tony Campanelli constantly underfoot.

Enterprising and hardworking, Tony Campanelli embraces life in the small community of Pendleton with his sister and their friends, especially since Ilsa Thorsen moves to town. The uptight seamstress just needs to learn to have some fun and Tony’s convinced he’s the man for the job.

Get your FREE digital copy today!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest 

Gifts of Christmas

by Shanna Hatfield

Last holiday season, I was thinking about how special it would be to write a series of sweet romances that focused on specific gifts of Christmas.

I'm so happy to share those books with you this holiday season.

There are three books in the series.

Although each book can be read as a stand-alone, a fun little detail is that each story ties to one of my other series, too!

Today is the release day for Gift of Grace, book one in the series.

Sometimes the best gifts

Are those freely given from the heart . . .

Ready to begin a new life far away from the sad memories of the Civil War, J.B. and Nora Nash head west on the Oregon Trail. They settle into the small community of Pendleton, Oregon, on a piece of land where they’re excited to build a future and their dreams together.

A devastating tragedy leaves them both reeling as they draw further and further apart. Nora blames J.B. for her unhappiness while he struggles through his own challenges. Only a miracle can bring them through their trials and reunite them for Christmas.

Together, will they discover the gift of grace in this sweet holiday romance brimming with hope, history, and abiding love?

Gift of Grace is the first book in the Gifts of Christmas series, a collection of heartwarming, wholesome romances, featuring precious gifts given straight from the heart.

Much to her dismay and surprise, J.B. stepped onto the bed with his damp boots and picked her up, holding her tight against his chest. Without missing a step, he walked off the other side and toward the bedroom door.

Nora clenched her hands into fists and pounded on his shoulders as he carried her into the kitchen.

The big galvanized tub they used for taking baths sat near the stove and she could see steam rising from the water. She had no idea what J.B. intended to do, but whatever it was she would fight him until her last breath.

“Put me down, you brute!” she demanded, shoving against his solid chest.

“Whatever you say, Nora,” J.B. said, dropping her into the tub.

Water splashed over the sides onto the floor and stung Nora’s eyes. She spluttered, pushing hair out of her face then rubbed her eyes.

Before she could stand and step out of the tub, J.B. reached down and ripped off her nightgown, sending buttons flying into the air. Appalled, she watched in horror as he wadded the ruined cloth into a ball and tossed it into a basket with dirty clothing sitting on the floor near the stove.

He glowered at her, pinning her in place with an unrelenting gaze. “You stink and your hair looks like you rubbed bear grease over your head. Take a bath and wash your hair. Maybe by the time you finish, you’ll feel better. At the very least, you’ll smell better than something left to rot on the side of the road.”

Shocked speechless by his actions, she remained as still as stone as he went into the bedroom and returned with the tray of tea and toast he’d prepared.

“When you get out of there, you eat that toast and drink the tea,” he ordered. “If you don’t, I swear I’ll force-feed you.”

Defiantly, Nora lifted her chin. “I’ll eat when I feel like it.”

J.B. picked up a bar of perfumed soap and a wash cloth then bent down until his nose nearly touched hers. “Either you start scrubbing or I’ll do it for you.”

Nora grabbed the soap and cloth from him. If looks could have killed, James Benjamin Nash would have inhaled his very last breath in that moment.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Pendleton, the Early Years

by Shanna Hatfield

Pendleton, Oregon, is a real place in the west I've used for the setting of a sweet romances that take place in the early 1900s as well as World War II, and contemporary stories. The history of the town goes back to before the Civil War, though.

In 1851, Dr. William C. McKay established a post office on McKay Creek along the Oregon Trail and called it Houtama. Later, Marshall Station was situated about a half-mile to the east on the north bank of the Umatilla River. Marshall Station was then called Middleton since it rested half way between what was then Umatilla Landing and the Grand Ronde Valley (known today as La Grande).

When a county was created in 1862, the temporary county seat was placed at Marshall Station. The post office was established there in 1865 with Jonathan Swift as the postmaster.

On October 8, 1869, the name was changed to Pendleton, named for George Hunt Pendleton, a Democratic candidate for vice president in 1864. The county judge, G.W. Bailey, suggested the name and the commissioners decided Pendleton suited the town. 

Much of the town proper at that time was owned by Moses E. Goodwin and Judge Bailey. Goodwin arrived in the area around 1861. He traded a team of horses to Abram Miller for squatter rights to 160 acres about three miles from Marshall Station. Goodwin Crossing was a stop for freight wagons. 

In 1868, Goodwin deeded two and a half acres of his land to the county for a town. A toll bridge that spanned the Umatilla River was constructed along with a hotel, a newspaper, and other businesses and Pendleton began to take shape as a community.

Back in those good old days, the community had a well where people would gather of an evening and visit. Pioneer accounts claim it was the sweetest water they'd ever tasted. 

That little tidbit of history and others are incorporated into Gift of Grace, the first book in a brand new holiday series called Gifts of Christmas I'll be releasing next month. 

Sometimes the best gifts

Are those freely given from the heart . . .

Ready to begin a new life far away from the sad memories of the Civil War, J.B. and Nora Nash head west on the Oregon Trail. They settle into the small community of Pendleton, Oregon, on a piece of land where they’re excited to build a future and their dreams together.

A devastating tragedy leaves them both reeling as they draw further and further apart. Nora blames J.B. for her unhappiness while he struggles through his own challenges. Only a miracle can bring them through their trials and reunite them for Christmas.

Together, will they discover the gift of grace in this sweet holiday romance brimming with hope, history, and abiding love?

  Excerpt:

Much to her dismay and surprise, J.B. stepped onto the bed with his damp boots and picked her up, holding her tight against his chest. Without missing a step, he walked off the other side and toward the bedroom door.

Nora clenched her hands into fists and pounded on his shoulders as he carried her into the kitchen.

The big galvanized tub they used for taking baths sat near the stove and she could see steam rising from the water. She had no idea what J.B. intended to do, but whatever it was she would fight him until her last breath.

“Put me down, you brute!” she demanded, shoving against his solid chest.

“Whatever you say, Nora,” J.B. said, dropping her into the tub.

Water splashed over the sides onto the floor and stung Nora’s eyes. She spluttered, pushing hair out of her face then rubbed her eyes.

Before she could stand and step out of the tub, J.B. reached down and ripped off her nightgown, sending buttons flying into the air. Appalled, she watched in horror as he wadded the ruined cloth into a ball and tossed it into a basket with dirty clothing sitting on the floor near the stove.

He glowered at her, pinning her in place with an unrelenting gaze. “You stink and your hair looks like you rubbed bear grease over your head. Take a bath and wash your hair. Maybe by the time you finish, you’ll feel better. At the very least, you’ll smell better than something left to rot on the side of the road.”

Shocked speechless by his actions, she remained as still as stone as he went into the bedroom and returned with the tray of tea and toast he’d prepared.

“When you get out of there, you eat that toast and drink the tea,” he ordered. “If you don’t, I swear I’ll force feed you.”

Defiantly, Nora lifted her chin. “I’ll eat when I feel like it.”

J.B. picked up a bar of perfumed soap and a wash cloth then bent down until his nose nearly touched hers. “Either you start scrubbing or I’ll do it for you.”

Nora grabbed the soap and cloth from him. If looks could have killed, James Benjamin Nash would have inhaled his very last breath in that moment.

Gift of Grace releases December 12. Right now, you can pre-order it for just 99 cents! 

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible