I'm delighted to introduce you to a long-time friend (and actually neighbor) of mine. Pam and I met in about 1990 and critiqued together before either of us ever sold. It was exciting when she sold to Harlequin Historicals several books back, and then even more exciting when we were invited to participate in A Western Winter Wonderland anthology together. I've already been hearing great feedback about all the stories, so I'm excited for those of you who don't already know Pam to meet her. Please welcome Pam Crooks:
Okay - I’m going to show my age here, but does anyone remember the movie, The Three Lives of Thomasina? It was released in the early 60’s by Walt Disney, and the film sticks in my mind as being special because it was the first one I ever saw in a real theatre.
I still remember getting out of the car and walking across the parking lot. It was nighttime and cool, and I was very excited. I loved that movie. It starred Karen Dotrice (she played Jane in Mary Poppins) as Mary. When her precious cat, Thomasina, runs away and is injured, she and her friends take the sick cat to see a woman they believe is a witch with healing powers. Mary’s recently widowed father (a vet) tangles with the woman, and they become attracted to one another. Thomasina is instrumental in bringing them all together, the adults fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Of course. :-)
I’d always relished the concept of a character shunned by the community but somehow saves the day and is loved by all in the end . (My second book with Leisure, Lady Gypsy, has this same plotline.) When I had the opportunity to be part of Harlequin Historicals next Christmas anthology with long-time pal, Cheryl St. John and Jenna Kernan, I chose this concept for my story, titled One Magic Eve.
Our editors requested a few things of us for the novellas: each story must have a child, a recipe--and of course be held during Christmas. My heroine, Sonja Kaplan, is known as the Bird Lady for her strange association with pigeons in her Montana community; the hero, Chet Lattimer is a highly respected rancher. Sonja meets Chet’s son, Beau, when the child rescues an injured pup and braves local gossip to ask for her help in treating the creature. Chet is suspicious of her work with the birds and the Indian brave she’s be-friended. Without giving too much away, when a scare forces the three of them to spend Christmas together, he learns she’s not the woman her reputation portrays her as being.
The recipe I included and wove into the story is the yummy rosette, another fond memory from my childhood. The fragile cookies are made by dipping festive-shaped irons into thin batter and then fried; when cooled, they could be dusted with powdered sugar or their edges dipped into a glaze. The fried cookies were a special treat my Sicilian grandmother made for us during the holidays, but it’s a cookie favorite throughout the world.
You’ll find our individual writing styles makes each story in Western Winter Wonderland unique. We hope you’ll be inspired by our tales of the joys of family, love and Christmas traditions you find within the pages.
So, tell us. Do you love holiday anthologies as much as we authors love writing them? Any favorites? Have you had rosettes before? I’d love to hear!
Take a minute to post a comment, and I’ll put your name in a drawing for a special copy of Western Winter Wonderland, signed by all three of us!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY AT AMAZON
CLICK HERE TO VISIT PAM'S WEBSITE
I loved that movie!
ReplyDeleteYour story and recipe sounds great Pam!
I am a big fan of the Christmas anthologies...especially the Harlequins. I am a bit sad though because the local Walmart (where I usually bought my Harlequin Historcials) stopped carrying them so I will have to try and hunt this one down somewhere.
It is pretty hit and miss with the HHs, Jennifer. It's just up to the individual stores, I think. Don't give up! And you can always go to the store manager or call and ask where the heck those great books went! Our Target stopped carrying ALL harlequin Silhouette titles. I was mortified, but I continue to ask where they are.
ReplyDeleteThe first Pam Crook book I read was Hannah's Vow. I kept passing it at Mary's Book Exchange but didn't pick it up because I rarely read westerns. The cover was so compelling I finally had to take the plunge. It's still my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI DO NOT understand why stores don't carry HH's. I search and search for new/good books and end up at the used book store mining for old gold. I can't be the only one out there??
ReplyDeleteWrite your congressman!
ReplyDeleteThe 3 Lives of Thomasina is a favourite film of mine. Did you know that it was orginally a book? I forget the exact title (I want to say the Cat who thought she was God but the exact title is at the end of the credits) but when I was in my teens, I did find it in the adult section of my library and enjoyed the book. In many ways, the book was better than the film.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am looking forward to reading the anthology when it appears in the UK.
Hi Pam!
ReplyDeleteI have never had Rosette's but they look fantastic. Congratulations on the new book. I do enjoy anthologies, especially during the busy holiday season.
Hi Pam! Welcome to the blog!
ReplyDeleteChristmas stories are my favorite stories to read! So keep those holiday books and anthologies coming..LOL!
Good morning,ladies! So nice to see you here on Cheryl's blog bright and early!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, bummer on the Walmart deal. I'm surprised, tho, that your store isn't carrying HH. They're a huge distributor for us. Are you sure they aren't all sold out? :-)
Sherri S,
ReplyDeleteAh, Hannah's Vow. That book is still one of my favorites. Did you notice they modeled the cover off of Titanic--that famous Jack and Rose pose?
At the time, the production assistant was a huge fan of Titanic and had the picture of Jack and Rose posted on her bulletin board. The editor walked by and said--"I want Pam's cover just like that." I was pleased..
I'm pleased, too, you enjoyed the story.
Michelle, what a nice surprise to see you here! Thank you for the kind words. I haven't heard when the book will be in the UK. Have you heard, Cheryl?
ReplyDeleteMaureen, I hope you have the opportunity to try a rosette sometime. The recipe is in the book, you know . . . you'll love 'em. They're different than the normal cookie.
Hello, Kathleen! Great to hear from you. It'd be great to do another Christmas anthology sometime. They're quite festive!
Anthologies are great--then you don't feel so guilty when you read a whole story in one sitting! Holiday anthologies are especially nice since this is getting to be a busy time of year with soooooo many things going on, a quick read is a great way to relax and enjoy. Especially with some cocoa and cookies.
ReplyDeleteThis anthology? All three tales are great, coming at the holiday, child and recipe premise differently. Makes a wonderful read!
I've had rosettes, and have even made them. They're fun, and tasty.
Hi Pam, I love shristmas stories in general and this anthology is on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada, few stores carry Harlequin books... you have to go to the major bookstore to find them, but we still have HHistoricals :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI remeber entering for the contest on the Petticoats and Pistols blog, and now here I am!
Anthologies are great in the holiday season, when we have so much to do, and not much time to read :)
I did not make the Titanic connection with the book cover! It makes sense though, I loved Titanic. Not the story so much - but oh the costumes and the sets :)It's a very romantic cover.
ReplyDeleteI try not to let covers sway me. I don't know how much input an author has in the process. It also seems like they go through trends. Right now everyone is headless. I guess it's October, so it's all in the Halloween spirit!
I liked when Gaelen Foley had the manor houses on the cover. I could read those books in public and not be embarrassed.
Congratulations on the new book. I enjoy anthologies, especially during the busy holiday season.Your story and recipe sounds great Pam.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen The Three Lives of Thomasina. I am a big Disney fan and I am sure I would love it.
ReplyDeleteYour rosettes sound good. I have never had any of those.
I love holiday anthologies. They are great to read during the holiday season. They help boost my holiday spirit. I think the cover for the anthology is beautiful.
And some people really love those headless covers. They bother me. I keep trying to see the person -- the picture is incomplete in my symmetric brain.
ReplyDeleteLizzie, you're one of the few people who have told me they've made rosettes. Aren't they yummy? So light, you can have six and not feel guilty. Well, not *too* guilty anyway!
ReplyDeleteLily, all the way from Canada--wow! Cheryl and I would be tickled pink if you could read our anthology in time for Christmas. Interesting that only big book stores carry HH.
Nathalie, I recognized your name right away! Thanks for following Cheryl and me back and forth from both blogs. We're having a great time at Petticoats & Pistols.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Emma. Nice to hear from you!
Crystal, if you're a big Disney fan and haven't seen Thomasina, I suspect you're wa-ay younger than me. LOL. But at our house, it's a classic. One of those great family films that withstand time.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I rather like the headless covers.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen Dorchester author Kathleen Bacus's covers. Hers is a different take--the heroine on her covers--her Calamity Jane romantic comedy series--has a face, and there's always something in front of it so that you only see her eyes. Kathy tells me that the cover gods will finally reveal her heroine's face in the final book. What a great gimmick!
It is nice that I was unmasked :)
ReplyDeleteI really like your Petticoats and Pistols blog... and very clever name :)
Hi Pam,
ReplyDeleteI just checked, and they have your christmas anthology here :) The major bookstore is Chapters and is like Barnes&Noble or Borders in the US. They have everything.
The H.Presents can be found everywhere though, even in the local drugstore or small markets.
I also read very frequently the Petticoats and Pistols blog... and until last week, I had never rea a christams anthology, so decided to go to my library... and took the only one they had with Elizabeth Mansfield (I know, no HH) and it was really good ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, I went to Walmart today to look and yeah, I am sure they weren't all sold out...there whole book section was pretty depleted...but the section they devote to Harlequins and Silhouettes was full and there were no Historicals.
ReplyDeleteI think the book selection probably has a lot to do with the area I live in...guess the historicals were not doing as well in that store.
The Target is the same way Cheryl...it is hard to find any Harlequin or Silhouettes there.
But I won't give up!
Why don't you order your books from eHarlequin (the books are cheaper, and they often do sales where the shipping is free :) or try reading ebooks - never out of stock.
ReplyDeleteThen you will not have to hunt down the stores which sell HH.
Cheryl, I agree with you about the headless covers! I'd rather see a landscape scene or the entire person! LOL
ReplyDeletePam that is a great gimmick for Kathleen Bacus's books! I would definitely be keeping a look out for each new book!
ReplyDeleteNathalie, it's the 'h' in your name that unmasked you. Very different.
ReplyDeleteLily, you know, even after 10 books out (my 11th next spring) I'm still awed to find my books in far away places from my hometown. Isn't that silly? Good news you find the book!!
Lila, another Petticoats & Pistols friend. Yay!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, yes, I think you're right. Stores definitely vary--different distributors, different income levels, different areas of town--all have influence on how well books sell.
Pam, I can't wait to read your story in the anthology! I love Christmas stories and *lizzie is right that it's nice to read a story in one sitting without feeling guilty.
ReplyDeleteNow, about the rosettes--where do you buy the iron? I've never seen one in a store but then again, I've never looked before either.
I agree with Julie, where can you find the irons? When I read the book, that is what my question was. They sounded soooooo gooood!!! Cheryl, could you please made some for Christmas? Thank you!!! I was telling Cheryl yesterday that the 3 stories played off each other so well. They built your interest, without violence. They each had the child and the recipe, but they were full of hope, suspense and lots of love. I LOVED the book!!! I won mine in one of Cheryl's contest, so I do not want to be entered into yours. I just wanted to tell you how thriled I am with your story!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the Antology!
ReplyDeleteRosettes are especially fun to make (carefully) with children as they are fasinated with the process. I no longer have the iron but am thinking perhaps of putting it on my Christmas list so that I can introduce another generation to these sweet treats.
I have a rosette maker (is that what it is even called?), but I've never used it. Your post and recipe has convinced me that I need to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new book. I just love holiday anthologies.
The H in Nathalie... That is funny...never thought of it :) I am also canadian (and my first language is french) and that is how we write my name.
ReplyDeleteIn my hometown - which is a major city, we can easily find Harlequin everywhere - but always less HH -especially because Harlequin is a Canadian company :) though I think the Historicals' imprint is in the UK.
Julie (are you the Julie I think you are? LOL) and Sue--my grandmother had her irons for decades, and after she died, my aunt got them, so my mother bought her own. I live in Omaha, and she got them at Sur La Table in One Pacific Place. They still carry them and also have a website. I'm sure there are multiple other places online to find them.
ReplyDeleteOh, if anyone makes them this holiday, *please* let me know. I'd love to learn how they turned out and if your family enjoyed them as much as mine does!!
Your story sounds really good. I remember making rosettes with my grandmother and mom for the holidays, too. I remember them being spread over every available counter while cooling off. I got to put the powdered sugar on them and, of course, I wore most of it. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteHave read Western Winter Wonderland twice. Loved it as much the second time as the first. I read Christmas stories all year long. Especially if I am feeling down.
ReplyDeletePam I have made rosettes with the kids a few times while they were little and they were good and easy enough with them if they didn't try and to push to much out at once.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the movie Thomasina either and I love Disney mostly Mickey but you know I have watched all the Disney movies or I thought I had.
You don't have to put my name into the drawing because I already won one and it is great I loved all the stories and recipes..
Nathalie: Oh, I order from online too...love eHarlequin...but I like buying in stores as well when I get impatient. I haven't been able to order as many online though lately...and I like the spelling of your name.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's me! If I make the rosettes this Christmas, I'll let you know how they turn out. :) Maybe I'll bring you some. LOL
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks so much for the movie recommendation! I *love* Disney movies and I think Sarah would love it too. I'm going to get it from NetFlix asap!
Hi all!
ReplyDeleteDon't like headless covers! Ilike to see what they look like. (I always wonder). I've never had rosettes, but they sure look great! I like the Christmas anth.! As for Wal-Mart and the books, complain, complain, complain! Call the main Wal-Mart, and your local District Manager. Also contact the local store manager. I've been havaing problems at my local store getting ANY romance novels out. They only thing they did have out were the Harl/Sil. lines! 4 or 5 other romance novels and that was it!! It is getting better slowly.
Pam:
ReplyDeleteI loved your story in the book. I finished it last weekend and thought all three novellas were great. You don't have to add my name to the drawing since I already have it. I just wanted to say hi and thanks for a wonderful weekend getaway.
Julie, I think your sweet Sarah will enjoy the movie, too. The characters do have English accents, tho--I hope she doesn't find them hard to understand.
ReplyDeleteKimw, yep, while cooling, the cookies took up every spare inch of space. LOL.
I just had to drop by and say "howdy", Pam! I, too, loved The 3 Lives of Thomasina. If I'm remembering correctly, I saw it on The Wonderful World of Disney when it was on Sunday evenings. I'm sooo looking forward to reading Western Winter Wonderland--my plan is to curl up with it when we get our first snowfall, which should be soon. ;-) Next time I go to our local Wal-Mart, my first stop will be the book section...
ReplyDeleteI loved it when they had the "Wonderful World of Disney" movies on Sunday nights!! It was definitely family time to get together and watch a movie that everyone could enjoy.
ReplyDeletePam, kindred soul-THANKS for reminding me of 3 Lives and introducing others to 1964 movie based on Paul Gallico's book Thomasina. His "Love of Seven Dolls" became musical "Lili", Oscar winner in 1953 starring Leslie Caron which was another BIG favorite of mine. Can't say the same of movie adaptation of Poseidon Adventure, unless I review and change my mind. He got a Golden Globe for Hallmark HOF "The Snow Goose" in 1971; NOT avail on DVD or VHS. He had other good novels, including Mrs 'arris Goes to Paris, also a movie.
ReplyDelete(Thank Heaven for access to inform by searching google!)
Okay, checking in realllly late here, but I just finished the Winter Wonderland anthology--it was great!
ReplyDelete