by Kristin Holt | Sep 29, 2015 | Articles
This book review of an historic cookbook illuminates my reasons for a 4.5-star review. This vintage cookbook is so much more than a collection of historic recipes–it provides a peek into the homemaker’s roles, available ingredients, methods of food preparation and attitudes about waste, as well as regional favorites. Small elements–such as reference to measuring salt with a dessert spoon–explains much to amateur historians about the way things once were. Article includes one of the recipes from the book: cream pie with a rich pie crust.
by Kristin Holt | Sep 26, 2015 | Articles
This article shares the entire opening scene of my new release: The Drifter’s Proposal.
by Kristin Holt | Sep 20, 2015 | Articles
HISTORY OF THE TELEPHONE is an incredibly readable resource. Entertaining, enlightening, an historic gem. I delved right in, entirely unaware that it had been written more than 100 years ago. It reads with the same clarity and ease as if it had been written recently, and by a gifted historian. It’s that insanely well-written.
by Kristin Holt | Sep 17, 2015 | Articles
Despite knowing this book was probably only about the Victorian Era in England, and hence households in Great Britain, I was hopeful I’d learn plenty in this nonfiction volume about households of the era outside of GB. I’m satisfied that I did, without the author touching on it.
While America wasn’t mentioned, more specifically, my specialty of the Western United States, the fact remains that the Old West (and the U.S. at large) did have a Victorian Era. England’s Victorian attitudes, practices, expectations, and culture most certainly did impact and strongly influence the United States. It’s evident that many things would be the same in all western cultures, e.g. housekeepers dyed curtains and repainted furniture as needed– upkeep that is most out-dated presently.
I read this book specifically for my own ongoing research and understanding of history. It explains a great deal in four chapters: 1) Middle-class Victorian Homes, 2) Mistress of the Household, 3) Recruiting and Replacing the Servants, and 4) Life Below Stairs.
5 STARS.
by Kristin Holt | Sep 14, 2015 | Articles
My book review of the title: The Pony Express: The History and Legacy of America’s Most Famous Mail Service, by Charles River Editors, the audio version. This title is available in several formats. 4 out of 5 stars. I list the top 5 things I learned about the Pony Express while listening to this book.
