The Great Halifax Explosion: The Halifax/Boston Bond

By Terrie Todd

There’s nothing like a disaster to form a bond between two previously rival cities. Citizens of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, once considered Boston, Massachusetts, their “ancient foe.” As the crow flies, these two cities are only 400 miles apart. But with an international border and mass of water between them, travel can be complicated.

The interest in Halifax began for Boston around 1749, when the port was viewed as an asset for shipping and fishing. But during the Revolutionary War, the British evacuated Boston in favor of Halifax. In mid-March 1776, General Howe ordered the evacuation. Under threat of American artillery fire, British troops and Loyalist civilians boarded ships crowded with essential supplies. Thousands of Loyalists who feared retribution from the Patriots chose to leave with the British, contributing to the chaos and overcrowding.

Eventually, of course, the United States declared its independence and peace was established. In 1867, Canada became its own country. For some, bitterness remained between the two cities.

Along came the Great War and with it, the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917. Caused by the collision of two ships in the harbor, one of them loaded with explosives intended for Europe, Halifax was devastated.

Cloud seen for miles following the explosion 

Boston authorities learned of the disaster via telegraph. By ten p.m. they had dispatched a relief train loaded with medical staff, food, water, and more. That night, a blizzard delayed the train. Halifax citizens were amazed when Boston’s train arrived in the early morning on December 8, and immediately began distributing desperately needed supplies. American doctors and nurses went to work, relieving the Nova Scotians who had worked nonstop since the explosion occurred.

Some of the wreckage in Halifax following the explosion.

Over the many difficult months to follow, Massachusetts continued to come to the aid of Halifax with supplies, funding, and personnel. Although help came from across Canada and other parts of the world, many Haligonians praised Boston as their greatest source of assistance. So grateful were they, that in 1918, they sent a beautiful Christmas tree to the city of Boston in appreciation.

Fifty-three years later, in 1971, Boston’s goodness was still not forgotten. The gift of the Christmas tree was resurrected, becoming a tradition that has lasted to this day. The tree is Boston’s official Christmas tree and is lit on Boston Common throughout the holiday season, an important symbol to both cities.

For more, watch this moving video celebrating the bond between these two cities: 102 Years of Nova Scotia and Boston

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax is the final and sixth book in Barbour Publishing’s Enduring Hope series by various authors. In one-fifteenth of a second, the world’s prettiest harbor suffered the world’s largest man-made explosion prior to Hiroshima. A story of love, loss, faith, and honor set against Canada’s most devastating moment of the First World War. Watch for it in August 2026. 

Terrie Todd is the award-winning author of ten historical novels, all set in Canada where she lives with her husband Jon. A former church drama team leader and newspaper columnist, she’s also a frequent contributor to Guideposts Books, mother of three, and grandmother of five.

 

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PETRA

  

By Mary Davis

 

Growing up in the 70s, I listened to a Christian rock band call PETRA. I had the albums More Power To Ya and Beyond Belief. They were controversial at the time. I just liked them. It was years later (long before the internet) that I learned of a special place where elaborate buildings were carved out of sandstone, which is the topic of this article.

 

Al-Khazneh a.k.a. The Treasury

 

Petra, located in southern Jordan, means rock. To its original builders it was known as Raqmu. It’s also called the “Rose City” due to the sandstone’s color in which it’s built.

 

The area around Petra was inhabited long before the famous stone structures were carved, as early as 7000 BC. During the Iron Age, 1200-600 BC, the Edomites occupied this area. This was a logical stopping place for traveling merchants because of water reserves due to the mountain configurations. Thus it became an outstanding place for the trade of wine, olive oil, wood, and other commodities.

 

Around 4^th century BC, the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people, settled this area. Due to its proximity to the spice trade routes, a great deal of revenue was generated for the Nabataeans, hence an excellent place to spend the time and labor to create their elaborate dwellings and other structures. These routes spanned between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia.

 

I used to think that the Treasury (pictured above) was Petra, but there is so much more to Petra than that famous façade. This ancient city spreads out over one hundred square miles.

 

Map of Petra

There are three ways to enter Petra. The ruins are usually approached from the east by a narrow gorge known as the Siq (Wadi Al-Sīq). Among the first sites viewed from the Siq is the Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), which is actually a large tomb.

 

The Sig

The back entrance takes the visitor on camelback through hills and valleys and eventually on foot. It takes several days—not for the faint of heart. The side access is near the royal tombs.

 

 

Royal Tombs

Here are a couple of other structures.

 

Al Deir a.k.a. "The Monastery".

A long flight of stairs carved in the mountain grants visitors access to this monument.

 

Qasr el-Bint a.k.a. the Temple of Dushares has the largest facade in Petra and was a costly project. 

The large altar in front indicates that offerings were made outside of the temple.

Though a desert region, the Nabataeans fashioned an elaborate water system. They had channels in the stone that directed rainfall and regular flooding with dams and cisterns to collect water to use during dry periods, and ceramic pipes to move the water where it was needed. They sold some of their water reserve during droughts. Cha-ching!

 

And so they prospered well in the 1^st century AD. At one time, up to 30,000 people occupied the Rose City. In 106 AD, Nabataea fell to the Romans, and Petra flourished under their rule for a time. This is when the Petra Roman Road was constructed. Then while still under Roman rule, it began to decline, partly due to sea-based trade routes. An earthquake in 363 AD damaged or destroyed many of the structures and crippled the water system, adding to its demise. A 551 earthquake caused even more damage. Though several Christian churches were built in this Byzantine era, the city continued to wane. However, it was still in use into the 7^th century.

 

It eventually became deserted except for a handful of nomads. Twelfth century Crusaders built fortresses in and around Petra but eventually abandoned the area too.

 

To the Western world, Petra was virtually unknown until Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss traveler, discovered it in 1812. Others visited Petra and chronicled it over the years. In 1928, a four-person archeology team excavated and surveyed Petra.

 

Monastery Trail

In recent years, a previously undiscovered room was unearthed beneath the Treasury floor. Due to the elements and age, many buildings were crumbling and therefore thieves had taken off with many of the treasures within. However, this tomb was undisturbed and still had its twelve occupants and the things they were buried with. This provides great insight to the way the Nabataeans lived.

 

There is so much more to Petra than what I touched on here. I encourage you to research more of its rich history.

 

And if not the city, then the band. I have loved rediscovering them.

 

THE QUILTING CIRCLE SERIES Box Set

Historical Romance Series

By Mary Davis

THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT (Book1) – Will a secret clouding a single mother’s past cost Lily her loved ones?

THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT (Book2) *SELAH & WRMA Finalist* – As Isabelle’s romance prospects turn in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams.

THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (Book3) *SELAH Winner* – Nicole heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband. Can she learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?

THE DÉBUTANTE’S SECRET (Book4) – Complications arise when a fancy French lady steps off the train and into Deputy Montana’s arms.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZPRRS2/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3NJNTQ5SD1WGB&keywords=the+quilting+circle+by+mary+davis&qid=1700957455&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C155&sr=1-7

 

MARY DAVIS, bestselling, award-winning novelist, has over thirty titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her latest release is THE LADY’S MISSION. Her other novels include THE DÉBUTANTE'S SECRET (Quilting Circle Book 4) THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3) is a SELAH Award Winner. Some of her other recent titles include; THE WIDOW'S PLIGHT, THE DAUGHTER'S PREDICAMENT, “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection, Prodigal Daughters Amish series, "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in Colorado with Carolina Dog named Shelby. She has three adult children and three incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at: Books2Read Newsletter Blog FB FB Readers Group Amazon GoodReads BookBub

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra

https://www.britannica.com/place/Petra-ancient-city-Jordan

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/article/petra-jordan

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326/

https://www.today.com/news/petra-jordan-tomb-indiana-jones-rcna175463

 

PETRA Band-More Power To Ya--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8SnzjY4mTI&list=RDP8SnzjY4mTI&start_radio=1

PETRA Band-Beyond Belief --https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KY7jLQGHA0&list=RD7KY7jLQGHA0&start_radio=1

What Happened If a Regency Debutante Didn’t Marry in Her First Season?

By Camille Elliot/Camy Tang

A Regency couple at a London ball during the Season (illustrative image)

For many young women in Regency England, coming to London for the Season was supposed to be the most exciting time of their lives.

But it could also be one of the most stressful.

During the Regency period (1811-1820), fashionable society gathered in London while Parliament was in session, usually from late winter through early summer. This stretch of months became known as “the Season,” when aristocratic families filled the city and attended a whirl of social events—balls, dinners, concerts, the opera, and private parties.

For unmarried young women of the upper classes, the Season had a very specific purpose—they were expected to find a husband.

Grand ballrooms hosted many of the social events that defined the London Season (Poetical Sketches of Scarborough in 1813, by J. Green and T. Row Landson)

A Young Lady’s Debut

A girl was usually presented to society around the ages of seventeen to nineteen. Her formal debut often included being presented to Queen Charlotte in her formal drawing room at St. James’s Palace and then attending her first Season of social events under the careful supervision of her mother or another chaperone.

Fashion plates like this one helped young women follow the latest styles for balls and evening events during the Regency period (Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, January 1809)

Balls were particularly important. Gentlemen could request dances, which allowed brief conversations and opportunities for introductions. Over the course of the Season, a young woman might meet dozens of potential suitors.

A successful Season could result in an engagement before the family returned to the countryside for the summer. But not every Season went smoothly.

The Awkward Second Season

If a young woman returned to London for a second Season still unmarried, it could feel like a quiet failure.

Society rarely said such things outright, but expectations were clear. A young lady who had not attracted serious attention during her first Season might worry that something was wrong with her—perhaps she was too shy, too plain, too outspoken, or simply overlooked in a crowded ballroom.

Meanwhile, each year brought a new crop of younger debutantes entering society. A woman returning for her second Season was now competing with bright-eyed girls attending their very first balls.

Almack’s Assembly Rooms was one of the most exclusive venues of the London Season (Illustrated London News, 1843)

Even if she was only twenty, she might begin to feel positively ancient compared to the seventeen-year-olds making their debut.

Mothers could also feel the pressure. A successful match improved a family’s connections and security, while an unmarried daughter meant another expensive Season in London.

When Expectations Didn’t Match Reality

Of course, real life was often more complicated than society’s expectations.

Many women married during their second or even third Seasons. Others chose to remain single and devoted themselves to family responsibilities, charitable work, or managing estates.

And sometimes the quiet young lady who seemed to fade into the background at a crowded ball was observing far more than anyone realized.

Inspiration for My Story

This pressure surrounding a second Season inspired the opening of my Regency romantic suspense novella Lissa and the Spy.

When the story begins, Lissa Gardinier has already endured one disappointing Season in London. She returns for another year determined to behave perfectly and avoid attracting criticism.

Unfortunately, that proves easier said than done.

Between awkward conversations, matchmaking relatives, and suspicious activity among certain members of society, Lissa soon discovers that navigating a London ballroom may be far more complicated—and far more dangerous—than she expected.

About the Author

Camy Tang writes Christian historical and contemporary romance filled with intrigue, adventure, and faith. Under the pen name Camille Elliot, she writes the Christian Regency romantic suspense series Lady Wynwood’s Spies, set in 1811 London where secrets, espionage, and slow-burn romance unfold against the glittering backdrop of high society.

If you enjoy Regency romance with adventure and a dash of humor, you can receive her novella Lissa and the Spy free when you join her newsletter.

Lissa and the Spy

A Regency Romantic Suspense Novella

In Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier enters her second Season seeking a marriage in order to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade.

The enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude is dismayed when a chance encounter with Miss Gardinier entangles her in his world of secrets and subterfuge. He cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor.

As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?

Click here to get Lissa and the Spy

Navigating Power: The World of Roman Women

By Liisa Eyerly

In previous blogs, I’ve explored how status and wealth governed nearly every corner of Roman life. At the center of that hierarchy stood the golden ticket: Roman citizenship—a privilege that carried powerful legal protections and social advantages.

You may have heard that women occupied the lowest rungs of society, and in many times and places throughout history, that’s been true.

But ancient Rome tells a more complicated story.

Roman women were still constrained by cultural expectations and gender roles, yet when it came to citizenship, they held a remarkable position. A woman born to Roman parents possessed the same citizenship status as a man—a distinction that shaped her legal rights, marriage options, and social standing.

Sabina, the sleuth in my Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, lives inside that tension. Though she holds the prized status of a Roman citizen, she must still navigate the cultural barriers that limit how far a woman can push against the system.

So what did a woman’s legal world actually look like in first-century Rome?

Let's take a closer look.

Under Roman law a father was a Roman citizen and legally married to the mother any child male or female—was born a Roman citizen.

Gender made no difference for citizenship status. Because both Roman citizenship and the marriage requirements were met in Sabina’s case, so she inherited her father’s citizenship.

The caveat is the legally recognized marriage. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_marriage_vows.jpg)

        A mother’s rank could strengthen her children’s status, especially if she was a member of an old, established Roman family.

·   Also, helpful in reinforcing the legitimacy and status of the marriage was being a citizen of a prominent colonial family (essentially a mini-Rome).

·   In many provinces by the late 1st century, marriages between Roman citizens and provincials, from the provinces in Greece, Egypt, Spain, etc., were commonly granted and recognized as lawful. Many provincials were wealthy and powerful, often bringing those benefits into the marriage.

Marriage to a slave was forbidden. A slave was considered property under Roman law, not a legal person, and had no legal standing. Because of this a legal Roman marriage, matrimonium, was impossible. The relationship would be considered contubernium, (a cohabitation arrangement).

  So what benefits did women citizens possess?  One of the most important was legal protections:

• Right to due process under Roman law 
• Protection from torture 
• Protection from degrading punishments (no crucifixion, no public flogging) 
• Right to appeal legal judgments

Education & Literacy- Elite Roman women were often:

• Literate in Greek and Latin  
• Trained in accounting, estate management, rhetoric (informally) 
• Given musical instruction
• Expected to run large households and business affairs

Property & Wealth - If a woman was the primary or sole heir she may:

• Inherit property, money, slaves, and businesses 
• Own property in her own name 
• Control assets if legally independent 
• Her dowry remains legally hers, even after marriage 

But—how much control she had depended on her guardianship, and most Roman women—even wealthy ones—were under male guardianship.

Depending on her situation:

• Her father may control her legal actions 
• If married cum manu, her husband controls her (less common in the 1st century) 
• If married sine manu (more common), she remains legally tied to her father or surviving male family member 

·rThe Loopholes - A smart, respected woman could operate with near-independence. Guardian in Name Only: Elite women often had symbolic guardians who:

• Rubber-stamped contracts 
• Looked the other way
• Were persuaded, pressured, or manipulated

·    

Widowhood typically gave more autonomy than maidenhood. A widow could: 

• Live independently within the household 
• Control personal property (with guardian approval) 
• Conduct business informally 
• Move about the city more freely than an unmarried girl
• Decline immediate remarriage

Women could initiate a divorce. Either spouse could dissolve the marriage by:

• Declaring the intention to separate
• Leaving the household
• Sending a written notice to the spouse informing them the marriage was over

Political Power – women cannot:

• Vote
•  Hold public office
•  Speak officially in court, even on her own behalf, any public influence must be through a male relative or guardian.

Though barred from political power, Roman citizen women were far from powerless; citizenship gave them legal protections, property rights, and social influence that made them some of the most legally empowered women of the ancient world.

Step into the shadowy streets of 96 AD Ephesus, where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between friend and foe is razor-thin. Fortunes of Death, plunges you into a world where faith is tested, alliances are shattered, and one woman's courage could be the difference between life and death.

Sabina, a fierce young Christian widow, is thrust into a deadly game when a wealthy citizen is murdered. With her friend’s life hanging in the balance, Sabina must unravel a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. Every clue she uncovers brings her closer to the truth—and closer to becoming the next victim.

This isn't just a murder mystery. It's a gripping tale of faith, resilience, and the power of one woman standing against the darkness

Mystery, murder, and mayhem aren’t your typical Christian themes—but why should secular authors have all the fun solving crimes in ancient Rome? My love of history, scripture, and whodunits led me to blend faith with intrigue, bringing the world of the early Christians to life. Writing from my home in the woods of northern Wisconsin, I also draw inspiration from my travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy, where I’ve walked the same streets my characters once did. Through historical mysteries, I explore a time when faith was a matter of life and death—literally.

Visit me at my website, on my Author Facebook page,

or purchase my books at:

• Fortunes of Death
• Obedient Unto Death

My Amazon book page

R

Western Hearths: Wild West Breakfasts

Mornings on the western frontier came early, often before the sun peeked over the hills. For a homesteader, cowboy, or traveler along the Oregon Trail, the day began with chores. And nothing fueled that hard work better than a hearty breakfast.

Wild West breakfasts were practical, warm, and designed to keep men and women strong enough to endure long days of work. Although plain fare, breakfasts didn’t lack comfort, and they had a way of bringing families and neighbors together. Some of the most tender moments on the prairie happened over coffee, biscuits, or a skillet of fried potatoes.

A Morning on the Plains

Imagine a homestead kitchen in March with the last traces of winter cold lingering in the air. The hearth fire crackles, and the smell of steaming oats or sizzling bacon drifts through the small cabin. Children stir, and adults prepare for a day of duties like tending livestock, plowing fields, chopping wood, or repairing fences. And on the open range, travelers and cowboys gulped down breakfast beside a campfire before the next ride began.

Meals called upon available staples—flour, oats, potatoes, coffee or tea, lard or butter, milk and eggs. A thrifty cook stretched bacon or salted pork by cooking it with beans or potatoes. Bread came in the form of johnnycakes, biscuits, or flat loaves baked over the fire or in a Dutch oven. Even such simple fare offered comfort that cheered families and travelers alike.

Pioneer Skillet Breakfast

Settlers and cowboys often relied on a skillet breakfast of potatoes, onions, and eggs that cooked up quickly and kept hunger pangs at bay for hours. 

This version was inspired by historical accounts.

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons lard, butter, or bacon grease
• 2–4 eggs (depending on availability)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of dried herbs, if available

Instructions

• Heat lard, butter, or bacon grease in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced potatoes and onions, stirring occasionally. Cook until potatoes are tender and lightly browned, about 15–20 minutes.
• Push the potatoes and onions to the side of the skillet, then crack eggs into the empty space.
• Cook eggs to your liking—sunny side up, over easy, or scrambled.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Serve hot.

Tip: For a trail-ready version, parboil the potatoes ahead of time and cook over a campfire for a quicker meal.

Food for Body and Soul

Breakfast on the prairie offered more than fuel. It brought people together. Settlers might gather in a neighbor’s cabin in early spring to share coffee and stories while the children played outside. Cowboys and ranch hands swapped trail tales over a quick meal of beans and cornbread before heading to work cattle. Travelers on the Oregon Trail enjoyed communal meals at forts or campsites as a reprieve from the rigors of the journey.

Sharing a meal nurtured bonds and bolstered a person to face the hardships of the day.

Bringing the Past to Your Table

Recreating a pioneer breakfast gives us a taste of history and lets us experience the comfort of a simple, shared meal. As you make this skillet breakfast, think of the people who prepared similar meals decades ago and remember the love and care often expressed through feeding others.

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Discover Montana Gold 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 

The Children’s Playhouse on Heart Island

One of the first—and only—structures the Boldts got to enjoy while Boldt Castle was being built is Alster Tower. Often referred to as the "Children’s Playhouse," this unique building offers a glimpse into the opulent recreational life of the Boldt family during the early 20th century and illustrates George C. Boldt's imaginative vision and love for his family.

Completed in 1899, Alster Tower was completed before the construction of the grand Boldt Castle. George Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, envisioned the tower as a space dedicated to leisure and entertainment for his family and guests. Unlike the main castle, which remained unfinished due to the untimely death of Boldt's wife, Louise, the family actively used Alster Tower during their summers on Heart Island. 

Alster Tower's design is a departure from conventional architecture created to reflect the charm of medieval European castles. The structure features slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs, and the deliberate irregularity adds to its whimsical character, making it the most architecturally unique building on the island. 

In Madison’s Mission, Mrs. Boldt rests in the Venetian Room and the Boldts entertain here, too. The Tower’s recreational facilities reflects Boldt's commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment. Its amenities included a two-lane Bowling Alley, Billiard Room, Venetian Room, Library, Shell Room and Theater with a stage for performances and entertainment. 

These features made Alster Tower the center for recreation and socialization for the Boldt family and their guests, even before the castle was ready to enjoy. 

After years of exposure to the elements and periods of neglect, restoration efforts are working to revitalize Alster Tower. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority undertook extensive work, including masonry restoration, veranda reconstruction, and interior refurbishments. By 2014, the tower was reopened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its historical and architectural significance firsthand. And the work continues. 

Today, Alster Tower stands as a captivating piece of the Boldt Castle estate. Visitors can explore its unique rooms and envision the lively gatherings that once took place within its walls. The tower's distinctive design and rich history offer a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age elite. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, Alster Tower on Heart Island is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire.

ABOUT MADISON’S MISSION:

Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love. Madison Murray, maid to Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. She meets Emmett O’Connor, but just as their relationship grows, tragedy shatters their world, and Madison is ensnared in a dangerous coverup. When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling, can she move forward? Will Emmett forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.