Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Hello, my name is Kristin Holt




I'm new to Sweet Romance Reads, and popped in to say a quick hello. I know many of you already. Looking forward to becoming well acquainted with all! I love rubbing virtual shoulders with readers and writers of sweet romance. Like many authors, I'm a big-time reader. I love to read romance. I suspect you and I have a lot in common.

A little about me...
Like the cast of Sweet Romance Reads authors, I write Sweet Romance. One difference is mine are all set in the Victorian American West (19th century). Old West, mining towns, ranches, farms, dairies, mail-order brides, lady lawyers, lady doctors, bandits, marshals, posses, small-town romances... My novels and novellas are always rated G or PG. (Be advised--one anthology I participated in contains a variety of sensuality levels--Silver Belles and Stetsons; my story within it is sweet.)

I'm a mother of four adult children, none of whom have seen fit to give me a grandchild. {Hear my baby hunger, and anticipation of much joy to come in that next stage of life.} I've been married to the same wonderful guy since I was too young to know better (21 years old), and we're rapidly approaching our 29th wedding anniversary. I'm a Registered Nurse (Labor and Delivery) and Certified Childbirth Educator. I've kept my license active but don't currently work in medicine. I spent a happy, busy decade working for Weight Watchers: receptionist, leader, and ultimately a Territory Manager. Want to know more?


Now, I write full-time. Boy-howdy, do I love it! To date, I have fifteen titles (one is on pre-order, one is free to my newsletter subscribers--only through my website), and another western historical anthology (Gunsmoke & Gingham), coming February 15th, will increase that count to sixteen. Tip: If that anthology interests you, LIKE that FB page, so you'll be in the loop when that book releases, promptly on 2-15-17! I had the tremendous gift of an invitation to participate with a box set, Mail-Order Bride Collection: A Timeless Romance Anthology, which debuted about one year ago and hit the USA Today Bestseller's List, July 2016. Woot woot!



It's a party!
Today happens to be my fiftieth birthday. It's true. The BIG Five-O. (I'm not one to take my age too seriously.) Some people see my silver hair and assume either A) I qualify for the Senior Discount at their establishment, or B) I paid good money for this hair color at an upscale salon. True story--I'm allergic to hair color and sincerely don't care if I'm silver. Mother Nature gave me this hair color in my prime, and I'll roll with it.

Because it's my birthday, I feel like giving presents in celebration! Five winners (because it's the big five-o!), drawn at random, will each win their choice of any of my kindle titles. Winners must be willing to provide me their standard email address, privately, by Facebook's IM [instant messaging] / PM [private messaging] for use only in delivering their choice of books through Amazon. I promise winners will not suddenly find their email on my newsletter list or sold to some strange company. The drawing will close at midnight tonight (1-25-17), and winners will be drawn and announced tomorrow morning (1-26-17) in two places: an update to this blog post AND on Sweet Romance Reads Cafe (on FB).

TO ENTER, do two things: 1) Comment on this blog post, right here on SweetRomanceReads.com with an answer to this question: Have you read, in the past year or so, a sweet romance set in the Old West?--and if so, did the title or author stick in your mind (or what did you like about it)? 2) Comment on the pinned post on Sweet Romance Reads Cafe (this link on Facebook), about this blog post. A simple return greeting will do! (I wrote, hey, I'm new! I'm Kristin Holt. You might reply with "Hi, Kristin.") This one's easy! Then stay tuned! You might want to follow this post so you can come right back here tomorrow morning and see if you won! I might have ONE way to contact you--if you win--and that's through IM/PM on FB...so heads up, especially if we're not yet FB "friends". (Messages from not-yet-friends hide in "Message Requests".)

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll enter the drawing for your choice of my books. I'd love to make your acquaintance, and sharing my writing with you seems like a good way to do that.

Sign up for our e-Newsletter today!


Hi! I'm Kristin Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author.
I write frequent articles (or view recent posts easily on my Home Page, scroll down) about the nineteenth century American West–every subject of possible interest to readers, amateur historians, authors…as all of these tidbits surfaced while researching for my books. I also blog monthly at Sweet Romance Reads, Sweet Americana Sweethearts, and Romancing the Genres.

I love to hear from readers! Please drop me a note. Or find me on Facebook.


Copyright © 2017 Kristin Holt LC

51 comments:

  1. Happy 50th. I hope you have a great day.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! I'm welcoming 50 with open arms. (Better than the alternative.) It's a pleasure to have met you because of our joint affiliation with Sweet Romance Reads.

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    2. Happy Birthday!🎁 and yes, I just completed all of the books in grandma's quilt series. They were terrific!

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    3. Hi Anita!
      Many thanks for the kind birthday wishes. You read ALL of the Grandma's Wedding Quilts series? Outstanding! I'm so glad you enjoyed the whole series. That makes me so happy. And my genuine, heartfelt thanks to you for your reviews! Reviews are quite possibly the BEST gift any reader can give to authors. Reviews matter SO MUCH to other readers, browsing and trying to decide where to spend their money, and to the success of a book, and to authors. My heartfelt gratitude to you!
      Cheers--
      Kristin

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  2. Yes I have read Shanna Hatfield's Tad book recently - loved it too = Happy Birthday!!!

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    1. Hi Teresa!
      Ooooh---excellent choice! Shanna is, quite possibly, the strongest Western Historical Romance Writer I know. =)
      Thanks for the birthday wishes!
      Best,
      Kristin

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  3. Happy birthday, Kristin! I have not read a sweet romance set in the Old West. :( I better get to work on that!

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    1. Hi Brittina--
      No problem! The beauty of Sweet Romance is it spans so many eras, locations, and different types of settings, there's definitely something for everyone. Not that I wouldn't be happy to see you discover Old West sweet romance too. Variety is good. =)
      Thanks so much for stopping by and contributing to the conversation. It's a pleasure meeting you!
      Kristin

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  4. Happy 50th Birthday and never change your hair because it is gorgeous. I don't color my hair although many think I do and I doubt that I will ever start. Too much trouble! I recently read The Bounty Hunter's Baby by Erica Vetsch and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I grew up watching westerns with my Daddy so I am a fan!
    Thanks for this giveaway.

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    1. Hi Connie!
      Thank you for the birthday wishes and the kind compliments about my silver. You're a lucky gal that you've stayed youthful in your hair's appearance! (You're right--hair color is a lot of trouble and $$$ too!) Oooohhh--I need to add Erica Vetsch's THE BOUNTY HUNTER'S BABY to my TBR list. If you enjoyed it, chances are I will too. I'm glad you're a Westerns fan. =) Your name is in the Stetson for the drawing (you did check in on the Cafe page (FB), right?)
      Cheers--
      Kristin

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  5. Love your books, Kristin and I'm not entering because I want other lucky readers to win and enjoy your stories as much as I do. But, I did want you to know I stopped by and am wishing you a very happy 50th birthday! I hope all your dreams come true today.

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    1. Thank you so much, Cissie! You're a gem--and I know how much you love Western Historical Romance. =) Thanks for the kind birthday wishes!
      Kristin

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  6. Happy Birthday Kristin!! I haven't read your books but after looking at them, I know I'll like them. I love historical and books set in the western era.

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    1. Hi Teresa S--

      I'm so glad you love historicals and Westerns--and thank you for your kind remarks about my titles. And for birthday wishes! (I honestly didn't say "hey, it's my birthday" just for attention. =))
      Many thanks for stopping by and contributing to the conversation. <3
      Kristin

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    1. Many thanks, Jean!
      It's a pleasure associating with you at Sweet Romance Reads. <3
      Kristin

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  8. Happy birthday! Love the old west settings! Have read a couple!
    rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you, Rhonda!
      (For birthday wishes) and for loving Old West settings. I'm glad you've read and enjoyed a couple. You're all entered in the drawing (your name is in the Stetson)... (you did stop by the Cafe (FB page) and comment there, right?)
      Happy reading!
      Kristin

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  9. Hi Kristin. This month I've read and reviewed three western books Barbara Goss sunshine in the Rain, and Romantic Rusr. Shanna Hatfield's Tad's Treasure.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Judy--
      You've read and reviewed THREE westerns--just this month?! Excellent! Beautiful choices (especially Shanna's). Thanks for stopping by, contributing to the conversation, and entering the drawing!
      Best,
      Kristin

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  10. Happy Kristin 5-0 Day! I have read numerous books like you described and the thighs that sticks with me is the inaccurate timeline in quite a few of the ones I have read. For example, the ranch is 10 miles from town and they make several round trips during the daylight hours of one day, or the train ride that takes 3 days halfway across the country, or the wagon train that takes a month or get from the East to the Western part of the US. Other than this, I love these kinds of stories, and I just share the time inconsistencies with my husband. We have quite a few laughs and ardent discussions about them.

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    1. Hi Lili--
      Thanks for the birthday wishes!
      It's so true--inaccuracies in historical fiction (particularly in timeline and possibilities) can be a big problem. You sound very well-informed, and one who enjoys history. =) That's fantastic. I find myself researching at length, trying to avoid errors such as those you've mentioned. I'm fascinated by the details of life in the era...train schedules posted in historic newspapers, first-hand accounts of wagon-train journeys from jumping-off places to the Willamette Valley, Oregon, etc. Sometimes the research part is so compelling I have to tell myself 'enough!'. =)
      Many thanks for stopping by! You've commented on the Cafe (FB page) post, right? I'd love to enter you in the drawing.
      Best,
      Kristin

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  11. Happy birthday, Kristin! And welcome to Sweet Romance Reads! We are so happy to have you in our group and look forward to partying with you in our Valentine's author bash on Feb 9th.

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    1. Many thanks, Denise. I'm fallen in LOVE with Sweet Romance Reads and have felt so welcome. I'm looking forward to our Valentine's author bash on Feb 9th too! =)
      ~ Kristin

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  12. Wonderful post, Kristin. It's nice to get to know you. Best of luck with your books and your giveaway.

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    1. Thank you, Patricia! I appreciate your kind words, welcome, and supportive contribution to the conversation. =)
      Best,
      Kristin

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  13. Happy birthday, Kristin! It's so nice to have you here. I am really looking forward to discovering your books!

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    1. Thank you, Milou! I'm glad to be here. =) My genuine thanks for your kind interest.
      Best,
      Kristin

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  14. Happy and Blessed Birthday!!!! ����������

    Learnin' the Ropes by Shanna Hatfield was Romantic, mystery, adventure and a fun read.

    Camilla Cruz Uphaven

    Mrsdayseye (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, yes! Wasn't LEARNIN' THE ROPES fantastic? I'm a Shanna Hatfield fan too.
      Thanks for entering the drawing! Your name's in the Stetson, ready for the late-night drawing. Winners will be announced tomorrow morning. Thanks for making it easy for me, with your email addy!
      Cheers--
      Kristin

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  15. Happy birthday!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡ **hugs**

    Yes! I finished up Shanna Hatfield's Tad recently. A most excellent book!!!

    I've got that silver thing going on too. I'm 45. My grandpa gotit in his 20's, so I was happy it waited until my later 30's to start!!!!

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    1. Hi AKhuskergal--
      Yes--TAD was an excellent book! Shanna's a master of the genre. =) I'm so glad to associate with her here at Sweet Romance Reads.
      We do have that premature silver thing in common, don't we? I was visibly gray in photographs at age 25. You're lucky to have hit 30 before yours began...but your grandpa! In his 20s! Amazing how that happens to some of us (and runs in families). Oh well. Silver is gorgeous, isn't it? (If I do say so myself).
      Hugs back--
      Kristin

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  16. Happy 50th Birthday, Kristin! So glad you're a part of our SRR group of wonderful authors. :)

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    1. Thank you, Josie! I'm enjoying FIFTY. I hear it's the new FORTY (or maybe new thirty-five...?) It's just a number (to me, anyway). Thanks so much for the warm and gracious welcome to Sweet Romance Reads. It's my genuine pleasure to be affiliated with all of you. Wonderful authors, indeed!
      Warm regards,
      Kristin

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  17. Happy birthday! If I've read a sweet romance set in the old west in the past year, I can't remember it. Would love to try one your yours.

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    1. Thank you, Alison-- for the birthday wishes and for your interest in trying one of my sweet romances in the Old West. =) Thanks for entering the drawing!
      Best,
      Kristin

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  18. Welcome, Kristin! I thoroughly enjoyed your post and learning about you and your writing. Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Grace! It's a pleasure to join the SRR family, and I so appreciate your support and welcome.
      Warmly,
      Kristin

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    1. Thank you, Merrillee! It's a pleasure to be here. I appreciate the kind birthday wishes!
      ~ Kristin

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  20. Happy Birthday and I have read Shanna Hatfield's Tad's Treasure and loved it.

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    1. Hi Joanne--
      Thanks for stopping by! It's kind of you to wish me a happy birthday. I agree, Shanna's TAD'S TREASURE was something special! I hope you also dropped by and commented on the Cafe (FB) page so you're all entered in the drawing. I'm headed there next to check.
      Best wishes! And happy reading--
      Kristin

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  21. I also read Tad's Treasure. I love Shanna's books! I also read Monica's Mystery from that series. It's the first book I've read by Kate Cambridge, and I really enjoyed it!

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    1. Hi Shannon. Thank you so much for stopping by, reading, and sharing your recent favorite western historical romance reads. I loved those two books too! I contributed to that series, book #6, Pleasance's First Love (so I might be a bit partial {wink}).
      Thanks for entering the drawing!
      Best,
      Kristin

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  22. Hi, Kristin! Happy Birthday!!!! I have been reading a lot of older Love Inspired Historicals set in the Old West. It was a harder time, but most people seemed to be involved with community life, working together to make their area better. I would have loved to live then. Thanx for the giveaway.

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  23. Hi Jennifer!
    Thank you!--for the birthday wishes and for sharing why you've enjoyed the Love Inspired Historicals you've read of late. I agree--I would have loved so much about living then (Old West). I'm so glad you stopped by and entered the contest!
    Kristin

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  24. :::::::::::::::WINNERS ANNOUNCED:::::::::::::::::::
    Hi everyone! I put all the entries into a Stetson, and drew out the promised FIVE names! The five winners, in order they were drawn are:
    1) Alison (Alexander?)
    2) Jennifer Hibdon
    3) Anita Rohn
    4) Connie (Porter Saunders?)
    5) Judy Tucker
    (The names in parenthesis are my best guesses, based on the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe member postings on Facebook, and might not be correct.)
    Winners--Please email me at Kristin(AT)KristinHolt(DOT)com OR contact me through my website: www.KristinHolt.com/contact-kristin with A) your email (so I can gift your prize gift through Amazon) and B) your selection from among my titles listed on Amazon (including the one pre-order). It's truly winner's choice! Any of my titles you wish. Just let me know and I'll award it right away through Amazon (you'll receive an email with an easy download link).
    :::::::::::::CONGRATULATIONS, WINNERS!::::::::::::::::

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  25. I love western stories. I read and reviewed EE Burke's "Valentine's Rose.

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  26. So happy to have you join us, Kristin, here our SRR - and happy, happy 50th Birthday to you! :)

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