My wagon is loaded full of thanks to the Fillies for inviting me over to Petticoats and Pistols today.
Rather than jingle my spurs and slap dust from my ol’ cattleman’s hat, I thought I’d veer a different direction and talk about dresses, specifically ball gowns.
Wouldn’t it be a hoot to receive an invitation to a ball and have the opportunity to choose a fancy gown, pin up your hair, and dance the night away?
Admittedly, I love the attire from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. I’m especially fond of the Gibson girl era. A new corset that bent the figure into an S shape was all the rage and shaped the fashions of that time. The resulting silhouette was undeniably feminine while the fabrics were soft and flowing.
If it wasn’t for the fact a winch, pry bar, and a healthy dose of tranquilizers would be required to get me into the corset, I’d vote for wearing those fashions all the time (at least when I could leave the home place and head into town).
Evening gowns of the day often featured frilly embellishments with lace and ruffles. Ornaments of beading, spangles, rhinestones, and velvet ribbon were popular, as were skirts that flared at the hem, most with short trains.
The wheat on this dress makes me think of the women from my Pendleton Petticoats series. Pendleton, Oregon, the setting for the stories, was (and is) wheat country. It’s easy to picture one of the characters wearing this gown.
I lose the ability to think rationally when I see the combination of roses and lace. This gown whispers quite loudly to my heart and makes me wish I could attend a ball.
Oh, wait…
I am attending a ball – and you all are invited, too!
Dust off your dancing shoes and choose your formal attire for the Petticoat Ball Party on Facebook April 9, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Giveaways and games will make for a splendid event as we celebrate the release of Thimbles and Thistles and the debut of Lacy!
The talented and fabulous guest authors (including sweet Fillie Karen Witemeyer) joining in the shenanigans include:
10 a.m. – Julie Lence
10:30 – Kathleen Ball
11 – Rachel Rossano
11:30 – Christina Cole
Noon – Peggy Henderson
12:30 – Kristin Holt
1 p.m. – Karen Witemeyer
1:30 – Kayla Thomas
Invite your friends to the party, and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift card. Go to the Facebook Party Page, click on the “invite” button, invite your friends, then post how many you invited. One randomly drawn person will win, but you get additional entries for every 25 people you invite! Also, ask your friends when they join the party to share that you invited them on the party wall. Each friend who mentions your name, earns you another entry in the contest! The winner will be announced prior to the start of the party April 9! http://tinyurl.com/petticoatball
In celebration of the ball, and because I’m so doggone happy to be here today, I’m giving away an e-copy of both books in the Baker City Brides series to one lucky commenter.
To enter to win CRUMPETS AND COWPIES and THIMBLES AND THISTLES, just answer this question:
What would you rather wear… a ball gown or a pair of dusty boots?
T
he second book in the Baker City Brides series releases Thursday, April 9!
Thimbles and Thistles takes readers back to Baker City as spring arrives and love is in the air. You can reserve your Kindle copy here: http://amzn.com/B00TCV6BFG
Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon. Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.
Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any available woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.
Lacy, Book 5 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for pre-orders April 9.
Be among the first to order the long-awaited story of Grant Hill. Talk about losing at love… eligible banker bachelor Grant needs to find the right girl.
Those attending the party will also get a first look at the cover!
“Will the bonds of love be stronger than the bonds of tradition…”
It just wouldn’t be a party if there wasn’t a book available for free! Aundy, Book 1 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for free Kindle download April 9. Make sure you grab your copy! If you’ve already read it, tell your friends to download it. If you haven’t met the characters from Pendleton Petticoats, here’s a brief intro:
Aundy (Book 1) – One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she’s widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.
Caterina (Book 2) – Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town’s deputy sheriff.
Ilsa (Book 3) – Relying on others to guide and protect her, Ilsa finally finds the strength and courage to take control of her life. Unfortunately, her independence drives a wedge between her and the man she’s come to love.
Marnie (Book 4) – Giving up on her dreams for a future, Marnie finds her hope rekindled by one caring, compassionate man and the orphans who need her.
In conjunction with the Petticoat ball, you may also enter the drawing for a $50 American Express gift card, autographed books, digital books, chocolates, and original western artwork, fill out this form.
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen one story at a time. Her best-selling sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with realistic characters. In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Find Shanna’s books at:
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple
Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:
ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter
In answer to your question… a pair of dusty boots.
I would love to join your ball, but alas, I work during the day and will not be able to attend.
Have a blessed day!
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Hi Cindy!
Thanks for stopping by. It’s hard to beat a good pair of boots! If you want to drop by the ball after work, you are sure welcome to. Many of the prize giveaways will stay open until the following morning to give everyone a chance to enter.
Enjoy your day and thanks again for stopping by!
Shanna
Ball gown all the way. 🙂 Unfortunately, I will have to join the party very late since I work that day. 🙁
So glad you can join in the fun, Faith – no matter what time you arrive! 🙂
Love your comment – ball gown all the way!
The dresses are gorgeous. But I would skip on the corset. I have enough trouble breathing when I wear blue jeans. I couldn’t imagine how the ladies felt in corsets.
That sounds like a great idea, Janine! I don’t think I’d have survived long wearing one. Have a fabulous day and thanks for stopping by today!
Hello Shanna! right after I change out of my old dusty boots, I’ll be at the Ball ! It’ll be a challenge, but I’ll wear one of those Ball Gowns to attend the your FB party!! Best wishes on your book…
Love it, Deanna! Look forward to seeing you waltz by at the ball! 🙂
id drather wear a pair of dusty boots,,but I do enjoy dressing up occasionly,,we are going on a cruise at the end of the month and they have a formal night so ill get to dress up and be fancy for a night,,but i wont be wearing a corset,,,that had to be touture,,wonder how they cleaned those fancy gowns back then? just air them out?
Hi Vickie – Your cruise sounds like such fun! I wear boots most of the time, but it’s nice to put on a dress and “fancy up” sometimes, too! I agree- no corset! I assume they had to air out many of the gowns since the fabric was often too delicate to clean.
Dusty boots- is therr’ any o’ter kind? Bein herin Texas we say if we cantin wearin our wranglers and boots aint no reason inagoin .. gussied up for us – ‘dress’ wrangles and polish themthere boots….
Oh, Kathy! You make me smile. May your boots kick up a little dust and sunshine today.
It has been a while since I wore a dress… I like the black one above! As for the dress or dusty boots… I guess I will say the boots… no facebook for me, but I hope you have a wonderful party!
Thank you, Colleen. So appreciate you stopping by today. Hard to go wrong with a comfy pair of boots.
I just wanted to say The Christmas Bargain was one of my favorite books of 2014. It was such a sweet story:) (Please do net enter me in the drawing…don’t have an e-reader)
You are so sweet! Thank you so, so much for sharing that and for dropping by today! I appreciate it more than you can know! 🙂
Feel free to enter the drawing at this link in conjunction with the Petticoat Ball… it includes fun prizes like chocolate, paperbacks and a gift card. http://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B9fNyYK0nU0smUy2sVi5AX-1u8O4J21ih1fNmegl0H8/viewform
Welcome to the Junction, Shanna! I love the dresses, too, and since I became a Cowboy Action Shooter, I get to dress up in similar costumes for our fancy parties. However, a corset? Not yet! Maybe never. 🙂
Oh, Tracy! That sounds like such fun (and no corset sounds even better!) Thank you for hosting me today. Very much appreciated! Happy shooting! 🙂
I have to go with dusty boots and comfortable outdoor attire. The whole idea of a corset binding and holding your breath just does not sound appealing.
Hi Anita! Thanks for stopping by today. You are not alone in the desire to stay far away from corsets! I’m in line right behind you. 🙂
I have to go with the dusty boots and comfortable attire for outdoor adventures. The whole idea of a corset and binding and holding your breath just does not appeal.
I would have to say dusty boots, I not a ball type girl. These ball gowns are beautiful. I have read the book Aundy and really enjoyed. Also was wondering if its OK to wear sweat pants and t-shirt to the ball along with my flip flops.
Dear Quilt Lady – Would love to have you join us at the ball regardless of what type of attire you choose. Sweat pants, T-shirt and flip flops will work quite well! Hope to see you there! Thanks for stopping by today!
Oh my I would wear a ball gown!!!! And I will be there at the petticoat ball!
That’s awesome, Cori! Look forward to seeing you waltz by in a beautiful ball gown!
I’ll be honest, I’m a dusty pair of boots type gal. I wear high heels under protest but I will dress up occasionally – though I’m happier if I can just dust off the boots to wear with a dress or skirt. 🙂
Nothing wrong with that, Glenda! Glad you could stop by and post a comment! Thanks so much!
I can’t wait for the ball, what fun this will be. I can’t wait to attend in my lovely ball gown. This will be my first ball here and I know it’ll be a blast !
Hi Deanne! So glad you will be able to make it to the ball. Look forward to seeing you there in your lovely ball gown! Best wishes!
We have a winner! The lucky commenter that won an e-copy of both CRUMPETS AND COWPIES & THISTLES AND THIMBLES is
(drumrolllllllllll)
DEANNA S!!!
Congratulations, Deanna, and happy reading!
Best of luck with your release of LACY!
Unfortunately, I will also be working during the ball. I will check back in the evening. In honor of the ball I’ll wear a gorgeous coral colored ball gown with some exquisite jewelry.
Welcome to P&P.
I’m looking forward to downloading your first book, AUNDY, tomorrow.
THANK YOU!