With less
than two months until Christmas (I know hard to believe), I’m delighted to tell
you about author Jodi Thomas’ latest historical short story ONE NIGHT AT THE
ST. NICHOLAS will be released tomorrow (Oct. 29th) in A
TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS.
In
addition, Jodi’s eBook version of ONE WISH: A CHRISTMAS STORY,
will also be released tomorrow.
* A
TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS
* By Jodi
Thomas, Celia Bonaduce & Rachael Miles
* Kensington
Books
* Trade
Paperback/Fiction
* 978-1-4967-2130-3
*
Setting: Dallas, TX - 1859
A TEXAS
KIND OF CHRISTMAS is a holiday-themed collection of three connected
stories set in 1859 Dallas and based on the true history of the St. Nicholas
Hotel. Built and managed by Sarah Horton Cockrell, a Texan businesswoman known
for her contributions to the development of the state, the famed St. Nicholas was
one of the most fashionable, grand hotels of its time. The book celebrates the
rich history, indomitable pioneer spirit and Dallas holiday traditions.
It’s
Christmas Eve, 1859, and everyone who is anyone is headed to the glorious St.
Nicholas Hotel for the most talked about ball of the season…
In the
hands of Jodi Thomas, Celia Bonaduce, and the historian and novelist Rachael
Miles, this real-life setting comes to life in three romantic tales infused
with vivid imagery and witty prose. A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS
evokes the grandeur of a bygone era and the indomitable pioneer spirit of the
region and is sure to be the fan favorite romance collection of the Christmas
season.
The History Behind A TEXAS KIND OF CHIRSTMAS
Sarah Horton
Cockrell opened the St. Nicholas Hotel in 1859 under her own management, on year
after her husband, Alex Cockrell, died at the hands of a Dallas sheriff. It was
known as one of the most fashionable, grand hotels of its time until it burned
down in the Dallas Fire of 1860. It was the first building constructed taller
than two stories and the crowning social event Dallas society was the grand
ball with which it made its debut. Sarah Horton Cockrell named the hotel after
the man she chose as its manager – Nicholas H. Darnell, a captain in the Indian
Wars of 1839, Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Texas Congress of
1842, and Lieutenant Governor elected in the first state election of 1846.
Sarah Horton Cockrell (1819-1892)
An astute
businesswoman, real estate maven and transportation pioneer whose wealth and
power defied gender conventions of the time, Sarah Horton Cockrell went on to
own nearly ¼ of Downtown Dallas, opening the Dallas Hotel (later known as the
St. Charles), a number of flour mills and other businesses. She constructed the
first iron bridge across the Trinity, leading to enormous economic development
for the state.
After
Sarah Horton Cockrell’s death in 1892, The Dallas Morning News’s obituary
stated that her funeral procession and floral tributes were among the largest
ever seen in Dallas.
ABOUT THE
AUTHORS
 |
| Author Jodi Thomas |
 |
| Author Celia Bonaduce |
 |
| Author Rachael Miles |
You can
meet the three authors at several upcoming events.
Wednesday,
Nov. 20, @ 6 p.m. DALLAS WOMAN’S FORUM at the Alexander Mansion of
Dallas Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres with Jodi, Rachel and Celia (author talk, followed
by Q&A and book signing) 4607 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
Thursday,
Nov. 21, @ 11 a.m. DALLAS WOMAN’S FORUM at the Alexander Mansion of
Dallas Luncheon with Jodi, Rachael and Celia (author talk, followed by Q&A
and book signing) 4607 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
Thursday,
Nov. 21, @ 6 p.m. INTERABANG BOOKS, 10720 Preston Road, #1009B,
Dallas, Texas
Saturday,
Nov. 23, @ 11 a.m. DALLAS ARBORETUM – Rosine Hall, 8525 Garland Road,
Dallas, Texas.
Thanks so
much for stopping by today. Doesn’t Sarah Horton Cockrell sound like a
fascinating lady that was ahead of her time?
Two months to Christmas? Wash your mouth out.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Sarah Horton Corckrell sounds like a complete dynamo.
What a shame the hotel burned down after only a year. Was it rebuilt?
ReplyDeleteThat's a really interesting idea to have three inter-connected stories, Mason. It's a different format to a novel, or even a novella, but it still tells a larger story. And this one sounds quite appropriate for the upcoming time of year. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove the concept of this book. Now I need to go look up the hotel.
ReplyDeleteFirst building in Dallas over 2 stories - I'm sure it was a big attraction when it opened.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun book to write with good friends. The hotel was very interesting to research and it was not rebuilt. Glad you all are enjoying the story!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the hotel is a character in and of itself! Very cool!
ReplyDelete