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

Tulip Time

 

My tulips are blooming and filling my flower beds with a colorful display that makes me smile every time I set foot outside. 

These tulip bulbs came from bulbs my husband's grandmother transplanted from her mother's yard back in the 1950s. I felt very fortunate to get a few of them because they are so pretty and different from today's modern bulbs. 

I'm thrilled with the modern stripe and colors, though.

It's so fun to see them blooming. 

And it makes me wonder about the women who lived in rough, rugged places on the frontier. Did they plant tulips for a bit of color?

Or reminders of home? 

Tulips have such an interesting history. They’ve traveled continents, inspired art, and even caused one of the first economic bubbles in history.

Although many people assume they originated in the Netherlands, they were first discovered growing in the Near East and Mediterranean on mountain slopes and steppes. Those tulips looked different than today's garden varieties, with smaller petals and thinner leaves. 

Tulips were cultivated and cherished by the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) as early as the 10th century. The flowers became symbols of paradise, beauty, and abundance. Even the word tulip reportedly comes from a Persian/Turkish word meaning “turban,” because the flower resembled the shape.

Tulips made their way to Europe in the 1500s. The first recorded use of the word "tulip" was in a 1554 manuscript.  A few years later, the flowers were being cultivated although they remained aa bit of a rarity.

In 1590s Holland, Charles L’Ecluse planted the flower at the University of Leiden’s gardens – a leader in botanical innovation – and discovered it could tolerate Northern Europe’s harsh climate. 

For the wealthy, tulips became a symbol of luxury. The unusual colors and patterns made them highly desirable. 

Tulip bulbs were used for trade and lead to a period widely called “Tulip Mania,” which occurred in Amsterdam from 1634 to 1637. During this period, a single bulb could allegedly go for as much as 12,000 guilders – about the price of a fashionable Amsterdam townhouse.

Then the market fell out just as suddenly as it surged, but tulips were still planted. Still adored. 

Tulips traveled to America back in the 1600s. Although The Netherlands is still the leading grower of tulips in the world, there are many places across America that grow them commercially.  I wonder that those pioneer women would think to see acres of land covered in gorgeous tulips.

I bet they'd take a moment just to enjoy the splendor of fields bursting with color. 

What is your favorite spring flower?

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find out more about Shanna and the sweet romances she writes on her website. 

Victorian Parlour Games

 

Last month, we toured a museum all decked out for Christmas, then visited the gift shop. 

When I spied a colorful box, I knew it had to come home with me.

Victorian Parlour Games is just that - parlor games the Victorians used to play. And this set contains 50-era appropriate entertainments.

From the description it states:

"Deal yourself in for a good time as you choose from a selection of games enjoyed in many a Victorian parlour. The box comes with rules to fifty games that can be played without any extra frippery, except perhaps a deck of cards if you fancy a game of Whist. Each game is good for two or more players, with most designed for a group to play together. Card games and guessing games, pantomime and word play—all provide an after-dinner evening of fun, or an afternoon of amusement on the couch or around a picnic table. These games are simple to learn, quick to play, and have silly penalties for when a player is “out.” One side of each card provides the category, the number of players, and the setup for the game while the other has the rules so you can keep them handy as you play.

Test your memory with What’s in Grandmother’s Trunk?, where each player must remember all the other items that have already been named.
Take on The Poet’s Chair by remembering more poems, songs, or rhymes than any other player
Perhaps you wish to Pass the Slipper? Then close your eyes as players pass a small object and on the count of ten, guess who is holding it.
Be careful not to break the rules, or you may have to shake hands blindfolded, pretend to be a parrot, or pay another silly forfeit to account for your blunder."

I'm looking forward to exploring all of them just to see what kind of fun the Victorians had, especially during long winter months that kept them indoors more. 

My Hardman Holidays series includes several scenes of the characters engaged in parlor or after-dinner games. 

Start with The Christmas Bargain to check them out!

One Old West Cinderella discovers Prince Charming is a . . . Cowboy?

The death of her mother left Philamena Booth grieving and at the mercy of her drunken father. After spending more than a decade held captive on their run-down farm, she’s left speechless and dazed when her father strikes a bargain to settle a long overdue debt. In lieu of payment, a handsome cowboy agrees to take her. Mortified yet relieved to leave the farm, Philamena unexpectedly finds herself married to a charismatic, caring man.

Luke Granger might own Hardman’s bank and the fanciest house in this Eastern Oregon town, but he’d much rather be outside riding his horses or wrangling his herd of cattle than keeping his account books straight. In a strange, unsettling turn of events, he finds himself accepting a farmer’s daughter instead of money to cover a loan. If the man hadn’t threatened to sell her to the saloon owner, Luke might have refused. He has no idea what to do with beautiful Filly or their marriage of convenience, but he’s about to get far more than he bargained for.

Full of western charm and holiday warmth, The Christmas Bargain is a sweet Christmas romance filled with the spirit of the season.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

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 online at Shanna Hatfield.

Silver Bell Sweethearts and a Cookie Recipe

I had such a wonderful time writing the Silver Bell Sweethearts series.

It begins in 1876 with Gunder Birke, who comes to Oregon to better his future. He arrives in an ugly little silver mining town named Lovely, and finds the loveliest thing there is Risa Burke, the daughter of his coworker. He works for their mine, but begins repairing jewelry (skill from his mother's side of the family), and dreaming of crafting ornate bells (a talent inherited from his father's family). 

A Joyful Ring is Gunder and Risa's story.

Gunder and Risa's son, Caleb, continues the legacy of working with silver. He falls for Laramee Scott, a young woman running away from a Texas scandal. She finds refuge with her aunt and uncle (who is a horse trainer) while falling boots over saddle for Caleb in A Joyful Love.

In A Joyful Promise, Baylor Birke, Caleb and Laramee's son, works with silver, creating amazing western pieces. He falls in love with shy and sweet Bonnie McClure when she comes to Lovely to take care of her aunt, who has a broken leg, and help out her uncle, who is the community church's pastor. 

The final book of the series, A Joyful Home, is the story of Bo Birke, who has taken the family's silver talents to a whole new level, exhibiting her art around the world. Her favorite place, though, is Lovely and her two favorite people are Grandpa Baylor and her cousin Tanner. Then she meets Rafe Judson, son of a local rancher, and she's ready to add a third name to her favorite list. 

This recipe for Brown Sugar Cookies is old-fashioned and good, and something the Birke family would enjoy! 

Brown Sugar Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter, at room temperature

1 3/4 cups brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon molasses

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small mixing bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until combined, then add flour mixture, blending until combined.

Form the dough into walnut-sized balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar, then place on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake about 8-10 minutes until the dough is set and just barely starting to brown. Remove from oven and cool in pan a few minutes before moving to wire rack to cool.

Yield: about two dozen

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.


Connect with her on her website.

A Joyful Ring

 

There is just something magical about writing a multigenerational series. I love writing about a family and following them through several generations. 

My newest series, Silver Bell Sweethearts, follows the Birke family.

The beginnings of their legacy is humble. They aren't rich, except in character, faith, and love. 

Yet, the create a legacy in the beautiful pieces they make as silversmiths. 

Today, A Joyful Ring, the first book in the series, releases. 

A rugged freighter, a hopeful dreamer, and a Christmas they’ll never forget.

In 1876, Gunder Birke leaves the daily struggle of Pittsburgh behind, determined to build a better life in the rough-and-tumble mining town of Lovely, Oregon. Hired as a freighter to haul dangerous explosives for the local mine, Gunder faces ongoing danger—but nothing as treacherous as the risk to his heart when he meets the beautiful and spirited Risa Hoffman.

After losing her mother and siblings, Risa has spent most of her life on the move with her father, never knowing what it means to have a real home. When she convinces him to settle in Lovely, the remote, uninviting town is far from the idyllic refuge she imagined. Still, Risa pours her hopes into building a future, working at the boardinghouse while dreaming of a finding a husband who can offer stability and comfort.

But when Gunder’s steady kindness and quiet strength awaken feelings she never expected, Risa must choose between the security she’s always longed for and the love that rings true in her heart.

As snow begins to fall across the rugged Oregon landscape, two souls discover that sometimes the most beautiful gifts come wrapped in hope, faith, and the promise of love.

Also, today is my 12th annual Cowboys & Christmas party taking place on Facebook. Come join in a day of fun, games, giveaways and guest authors as we raise funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. 

Hope to see you there!

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

Connect with her on her website.

Whitman's Samplers in World War I

 

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.

 

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

Fashions from 1918

 

I've been existing the past month down a rabbit hole of research into World War I.

One of the things I've particularly enjoyed was studying the fashions from 1918.

Gone are the restrictive corsets. (I bet those ladies were thrilled!)

The skirts, unlike the hobble skirts so popular earlier in the decade are much fuller and practical for moving around.

The skirts are also shorter, above the ankle. I love all three of these outfits and would excitedly wear any of them.

While the clothes are still lovely, they seem much more sensible and wearable than some of the past fashions. 

Yet, they are still feminine and so pretty.

I would totally wear this outfit, if I could get my hands on that pattern!

As for the men, they were as stylish as ever, even if they weren't in uniform.

What is your favorite era for fashions?

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.