Q & A with Texas Ranger Chisholm Hart +Giveaway

A chill is sweeping across the country, so come on in and warm yourself by the El Regalo's fireplace. Today, we're in for a treat. An interview with a very handsome, dimpled Hart brother.

When you hear the words Texas Ranger, what do you think of? Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger or maybe strains of the William Tell Overture play in your mind as the masked Lone Ranger sits abreast a rearing white stallion and yells, "Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!"

But Chisholm Hart is a far cry from either Norris or the Lone Ranger. He does, however, have a trusty steed named Bullet and a strong desire to protect and defend the citizens of Texas.

Chisholm has agreed to join us today to be interviewed about his life as a Texas Ranger.

Chisholm, what made you interested in becoming a Texas Ranger?
One year, my older brothers all went on a cattle drive but I was left home to keep an eye on the ranch. A Texas Ranger came by, looking for murderer. I used the tracking skills I'd learned from an Indian friend to find the man and helped the Ranger bring him in. The Ranger encouraged me to become a Ranger. He said that Texas needed men like me.

Is that the only reason you joined?
No, that's just what introduced me to the Texas Rangers. Being second to the youngest, I was too young to fight in the war, so I think I've always needed to prove myself. I also saw the need for law and order first hand. Texas is awash in outlaws right now. Our state needs men of honor and duty if it's going to survive.

What can you tell us about how the Texas Rangers came to be?
The original Texas Rangers began in 1823, when Stephen Austin decided to employ 10 men to defend the Texas colonies. These men didn't have badges or six shooters or Stetsons. They were farmers who came together when there was a threat to early Texans. Captain "Rip" Ford said, "They did right because it was right." I live by that motto, too.

But when did the Texas Ranger corp begin?
In 1835, the Texas government passed a resolution creating a corp of over 50 rangers. By '58, we were a hundred strong, and today we've got about 300 Texas Rangers in six frontier battalions. Did you hear what the editor of Texas Siftings said about us  two years ago, in 1872? He said, "The Rangers have done more to suppress lawlessness, to capture criminals, and to prevent Mexican and Indian raids on the frontier, than any other agency on the frontier." And you know what? The man is right.

I can tell you're proud to serve as a Ranger. Who would you say is the most famous Texas Ranger?
Are you trying to get me in trouble? I couldn't pick just one. The Rangers have one legendary man after another. I can tell you about is a Ranger from the early days. John Coffee "Jack" Hays came to San Antonio in 1837. Three years later, he'd already been named Ranger captain. He built his reputation on fighting marauding Indians and Mexican bandits. He led the Rangers in the Plumb Creek war. I think every Texas Ranger wants to be like Jack Hays. I'm honored to say that my little brother is named after the man.

What qualities do you think a good Ranger should have?
Well, they need a little of everything--trustworthiness, honor, a strong moral code.  Besides being a a praying man, tenacity is probably the most important thing to have and a good sense of humor. And it sure doesn't hurt to be a good shot, either.

What's the hardest part of being a Texas Ranger?
That's an easy one. The hardest part is being away from the people I love. I keep reminding myself that Texas needs me.

One more question. You obviously love being a Texas Ranger. Could you give it up for the love of a woman?
Sorry, I can't answer that here. You'll have to read the story and find out.

So, do you have any questions for Chisholm Hart? Is so, he's sticking around today to answer them. What do you think would be the hardest part of being a law enforcement officer back then? What about today? What can we do as citizens to better support law enforcement officers?

I'll be giving away a copy of Shannon Vannatter's Rodeo Queen to one lucky commenter today. Shannon is my crit partner, and I know you'll love her modern day Texas Ranger almost as much as Chisholm.

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Lorna Seilstad

Lorna Seilstad brings history back to life using a generous dash of humor. She is the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series and the Gregory Sisters Series and is a Carol historical romance finalist. She and her husband are almost empty-nesters and call Iowa home. 

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Find her on her website.

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Heroines: Sweet or Spicy? + Cookie Giveaway

Yesterday, I said I'd giveaway a surprise book to one lucky commenter, and I drew Kirsten Rinehart. Congratulations! Please leave me your e-mail in the comments below, so I can get your snail mail address.

And if you weren't chosen this time, keep reading to discover what I'm giving away today.

If this if your first time joining us, let me fill you in. Each of the seven authors of Seven Brides for Seven Texans will be taking turns sharing on this blog. We are appearing in the order of our stories. Since my story "The Heart of Texas" is second in the book, I get to follow the terrific Gabrielle Meyer.  You can go back and read her posts if you missed them, and Erica's from Saturday about the story behind the story. Next week, Amanda Barratt will be your hostess.

Week One: Nov. 28-Dec. 2 ~ Gabrielle Meyer
Week Two:  Dec. 5-9 ~ Lorna Seilstad
Week Three:  Dec. 12-16 ~ Amanda Barratt
Week Four:  Dec. 12-23 ~Keli Gwyn
Week Five:  Dec. 26-30 ~ Susan Page Davis
Week Six:  Jan. 2-6 ~ Vickie McDonough
Week Seven:  Jan. 9-13 ~ Erica Vetsch

Things are Heatin' Up with Caro
What do you like in the heroines you read about? Do you like them to be sweet or do you like them to have a little spice? If you like them spicy, then Caro Cardova will be your kind of gal.

After Caro's father is killed fighting in a rebellion, she and her mother flee Mexico. They find a new home taking care of the ranch house and cooking at the Walking Diamond. When Texas Ranger Chisholm Hart shows up, Caro struggles with his presence. She believes her father's sense of duty made him abandon them and believes the same thing will happen with Chisholm. After all, who's more duty-bound than a Texas Ranger?

Caro's heart and fear might be palpable, but she doesn't wallow in pity.  She's a woman who can take care of herself--or at least she thinks she can--and doesn't want to give her heart to any man with a star on his chest. Situations heat up quickly whenever spicy Caro is around.

One of my favorite scenes in "The Heart of Texas" involves a special dinner plate Caro serves Chisholm. I don't want to give it away, but clearly Caro knows her way around the kitchen. What she doesn't realize is that Chisholm can take anything she dishes out.

Let's Get Cookin'
Since we're on the topic of food, let's get down to some food for ourselves. Like Caro, I love baking. In fact, I sell cookies at Christmas and am known as The Cookie Lady around here. The photo above is from one of the big order days. One year, I made 145 dozen cookies. I make a lot less nowadays--maybe 50 dozen or so.

I have my own tried and true cookie recipes that I seldom share. However, for all of today's special guests, I will giveaway a .pdf of my personal recipe book with the most often ordered cookies to anyone who leaves a comment along with their e-mail. I know it's an unusual giveaway, but hey, Caro is an unusual gal and this is her day! So everyone's a winner today.

Yesterday, I mentioned Mexican Wedding Cakes and promised you all the recipe. That one is in the .pdf along with 21 others. Mexican Wedding Cakes or bizcochitos are an old tradition, however, the name Mexican Wedding Cake is new, dating to the 50's or 60s. These butter-rich shortbread, nut-filled cookies have been served at celebrations, like weddings, since Medieval times.

Mexican Wedding Cakes use the same recipe as Russian Tea Cakes. Growing up, my mother always said that Mexican Wedding Cakes used pecans and Russian Tea Cakes black walnuts, but I can't find anywhere that confirms this. Still, whatever you call them or whatever you put in them, the melt-in-your-mouth texture and the distinctive appearance, like a little powdered sugar dusted snowball, make this a must have cookie recipe.

So grab a cookie and let's chat. How do you like your heroines--sweet or spicy?  What's your favorite Christmas cookie? Have you had any baking disasters? And did any of you recognize my inspiration photo of Caro from an old Western? Erica did. Let me know if you can guess which one.

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Lorna Seilstad

Lorna Seilstad brings history back to life using a generous dash of humor. She is the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series and the Gregory Sisters Series and is a Carol historical romance finalist. She and her husband are almost empty-nesters and call Iowa home. 

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Find her on Facebook

Find her on her website.

Remember to sign up on Rafflecopter below for a chance to win the LOADED Kindle Fire. 

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"The Heart of Texas": The Story Behind the Story + Giveaway

Have you spotted Seven Brides for Seven Texans in your local bookstores or big box stores? If so, please let us know. It's always so fun for us to hear about book sitings. It's kind of like seeing the Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot--only better.

Is it cold where you are today? It is here in Iowa, so I've whipped up some Ghiradelli hot chocolate and some Mexican Wedding Cakes. (I'm known as The Cookie Lady in my other life.) Will you join me for a cup and a cookie? I'll share the Mexican Wedding Cake recipe tomorrow during my post about the Caro Cardova, the heroine of "The Heart of Texas."

And make sure you sign up for a chance to win the loaded Kindle Fire on the Rafflecopter below. Look at all the books you'll receive if you're the lucky winner! 

I'd like to add that I'm giving away a "surprise" book. Yep, you read that right. I'll draw one lucky winner from those who comment today, and that person will receive a book in the mail from one of my favorite authors. I love surprises, and I love it when God surprises me.

Which brings me to my topic today -- the story behind the story. It's a story of God working in a way that only He can.

I hadn't chosen an exact town for the "The Heart of Texas" story to be set in, and I'd written over half of it. Unlike most of the stories in the book, mine wouldn't be set in Hartsville since Chisholm was away from home on Texas Ranger duties. 

I knew my the location of the story had to meet certain criteria to fit what I'd written. It needed to be a town that was around in 1874. It had to be a town large enough to have things like stores and a saloon. The area needed to hilly and be a place where bluebonnets would grow. It needed to have a river or large spring of some kind. I needed it to be hub for area ranches, and it had to be within a week's riding distance of the Hart ranch.

Remember, I had already named my story "The Heart of Texas." As I'm looking through towns that were around in mid to late 1800s, I happened upon Brady City. Something about it stood out to me. I did some additional investigation and found out it fit all of my criteria from rolling vistas of bluebonnets to the wide Brady Creek.

Then, God made me smile. I looked up the town's history and discovered Brady City is called "the heart of Texas" because it is the geographical center of the state of Texas.

What a sweet surprise!

Let's chat now. When was the last time you received a surprise or when you surprised someone? Do you like surprises? If so, what kinds are your favorites? 

Remember, when you leave a comment, you'll be entered in today's "surprise" book giveaway.

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