Category Archives: American History

Do You Know These Words and Phrases?

 Do you know “bromide”? A bromide is a phrase or platitude or cliché whose excessive use suggests insincerity or a lack of originality in the speaker. The term “bromide” derives from the antiquated use of bromide salts in medicine as mild tranquilizers and … Continue reading

Posted in American History, British history, history | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

William “520 Percent” Miller, Inspiration for “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain”

In my latest release, Mr. Darcy’s Bargain, Elizabeth pleads with Darcy to save the citizens of Meryton from a scam being perpetrated upon them by Mr. Wickham. But how did I come up with the idea of this scam as … Continue reading

Posted in American History, Anglo-Normans, Austen Authors, Barbara Kyle, book excerpts, book release, books, British currency, British history, British Navy, business, Chaucer, commerce, contemporary romance, eBooks, George Wickham, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency romance, romance, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Call for Philip Morris!!!

Recently, I did a post on the R. J. Reynolds tobacco company and Camel® cigarettes. One of my friends, who smoked Philip Morris for years, asked what I knew of the Philip Morris company beyond the advertising of “Call for … Continue reading

Posted in American History, British history, business, commerce, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

R. J. Reynolds’s Tobacco Connection to King Edward VII

I live in North Carolina where for many years tobacco was “King.” Tobacco Road was an historic tobacco-producing area of central North Carolina. Among the many who rode the “tobacco wagon” to riches (until the 1980s when the U. S. enacted anti-smoking … Continue reading

Posted in America, American History, buildings and structures, business, commerce | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Beginnings of Betty Crocker, America’s First Lady of Food

The Washburn Crosby Company (later renamed General Mills) entered their finest flours into the 1880’s First Millers International Exhibition in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fortunately, their flours took the gold, silver and bronze medals. Soon after, Washburn Crosby Company changed its name to Gold Medal … Continue reading

Posted in American History, commerce, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Release of “The Road to Understanding” with an Excerpt and a Giveaway

Back in 1984, I went into labor 5 weeks early in the middle of my Theatre/Acting class. That early delivery was the joy of my life, especially as I had lost two previous children. Over the April 16-17 weekend, I … Continue reading

Posted in American History, Appalachia, book excerpts, book release, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Congratulations to the Winner of Heidi Sprouse’s “Whispers of Liberty”

Congratulations to kwithey, who will receive a signed copy of Heidi Sprouse’s time slip novel, Whispers of Liberty. Heidi will contact the winner directly for her mailing address. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!

Posted in American History, giveaway, Guest Blog, Guest Post, historical fiction, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Congratulations to the Winner of Heidi Sprouse’s “Whispers of Liberty”

The Day the Music Died: 3 February 1959

This post is designed to have a look back at events that marked our world in popular culture and in literature. This one is on “ The Day the Music Died.” Do you recall the event that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, … Continue reading

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Excerpt from “The Great Road to Understanding: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary”

I am currently writing three novels at the same time. Two are set in the Regency period, but one is a sequel to my next Regency title, while the other is a Pride and Prejudice Vagary. I’ll share excerpts from … Continue reading

Posted in America, American History, British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Scandal: Ingrid Bergman’s Fall From Movie Royalty

 Tell me, do you recall the extramarital affair with nearly destroyed Ingrid Bergman’s career? What do you think of how this affair shook out? Does it change how you feel about the actress? Leave your comments below. Bergman had once … Continue reading

Posted in America, American History, film, real life tales, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments