A few months back I conceived an idea to write a western romance series revolving around historic Texas hotels, some no longer in existence, others still welcoming guests today. Due to life events such as having to tear apart my office before installing new carpeting, then unpacking and re-shelving my collection of books, I haven't gotten very far with the first book in this new series.
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| Bookshelves on one side of my office |
However, I thought I'd share a little about the story and other settings I'm considering for future books. The working title for book one is Pirate's Bride. Set in Galveston a few years before the catastrophic 1900 hurricane, it's about a time traveling Spanish pirate (he calls himself a privateer) who is whisked two hundred years ahead in time to atone for a wicked deed he was forced to commit. He lands unceremoniously in the lobby of the posh Tremont House Hotel, practically at the feet of the heroine. I blogged about the Tremont a few months ago, so I won't repeat myself, but if you like, you can check out its dramatic history here: http://tiny.cc/bamv9y
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| Tremont House, 2nd incarnation; courtesy of Rosenberg Library |
Two other hotels I plan to feature in this series are the Menger Hotel in San Antonio and the Paso Del Norte Hotel in El Paso. The Menger is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. Opened in February 1859, the hotel featured wrought iron balconies and a stained-glass-roofed lobby. It was a huge success, bringing a touch of sophistication to the Texas frontier. It is also said to be one of the most haunted places in the Lone Star State. Hmm, maybe a ghost or two will appear in my book staged at the Menger. LOL
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| 2005 photos by Ted Ernst; the 1865 historical photo hangs in the Cavalier Room of the
Menger Hotel. |
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| Paso Del Norte Hotel ca. 1913; illustration in public domain |
So, what do you think of my idea for a series of hotel romances? And can you suggest other historic Texas hotels I might like to use as a setting?
Hi, I think your idea sounds Great!! You might want to look up The Holland Hotel in Alpine Texas, it's supposed to be haunted. Have a Great week, I enjoyed reading this post. Thank you. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alicia! I will check out the Holland Hotel. I had not heard of it before, so I appreciate your suggestion.
DeleteI look forward to your new series, Lyn! The Menger is in my book that's releasing August 9, AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA. I was really impressed that the dining room served mango ice cream. I don't know why that interested me as much as it did, but I used it in the book.
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