Valentine's Day and Nicolas Hansen's Unshakable Excuse.

It is my pleasure to introduce historical author and friend Kris Tualla, speaking today about Valentine's Day and her hero, Nicolas Hansen.

Nicolas Hansen - hero of the Woman of Choice/Prince of Norway/Matter of Principle trilogy - did not do anything to signify Valentine's Day on ANY of the February 14ths that transpired in the three books. And Sydney, his wife let him off the hook.
Why do you suppose she did that?

In his defense, Nicolas IS Norwegian in heritage, and in Norway and the Nordic countries the celebration of Valentine's Day was an unknown practice until the late 1900s. So it wasn't built into his cultural awareness.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated around the 1600s. By the middle of 1700s, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection. It is thought that Americans began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s.

During the 1800s, hand-painted copper plates molded in the shape of hearts replaced paper cards. But the first mass-produced Valentines in America weren't around until the 1840s.

Since the trilogy happens in 1819-1822, Nicolas is "safe" again.

But you know what? He doesn't have to be. Nicolas Reidar Hansen is a romantic from the start. That's why he was so knocked off-kilter when his first wife died. His gentle first wife, his betrothed from childhood, who was never really strong enough for him, who never would have pushed him to be the man he was destined to be. He thought his one shot at love was gone when she passed.

In truth - he needed the stronger, spunkier Sydney by his side pushing him and allowing him to do what he needed to do.

And Nicolas is an amazing gift-giver. His choices are always non-traditional, but perfectly suited for the recipient. Somehow he taps into Sydney's or his son Stefan's or his orphaned cousin Leif's deepest desires and nails it every time. A custom-made corset and breeches… short swords for training… a stethoscope and business cards… a handful of dirt. (Really.)

Nicolas Hansen is the best gift-giver I have ever known. So February 14th? I'll cut him some slack. He's so worth it.

Is it time you discovered Nicolas Hansen?
Please allow me to help.

For every 10 people who comment here, I will give away one free e-copy of A Woman of Choice - the beginning of the trilogy. And, yes. Commenter #11 warrants 2 copies! Comment #21? I'll give away three.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

In February at the end of my blog tour, I'll give away one SIGNED PAPERBACK SET of the trilogy. Here's how you can get in on that deal:

1. Go to http://www.kristualla.com/  and find the "Secret Word" on my home page.

2. Send an email to ktualla@cox.net  with "Signed Trilogy Giveaway" in the subject line. Put the secret word in the body.

3. Comment on any blog at any time in the tour to activate your entry. Each day's blog location is listed at http://kristualla.wordpress.com/blog-tour-dates-locations/

A Woman of Choice, A Prince of Norway, and A Matter of Principle are all available at http://www.goodnightpublishing.com/


A Woman of Choice - Missouri Territory, 1819

A woman is viciously betrayed and abandoned by her unfaithful husband. She is rescued by a widower uninterested in love. In desperation, she becomes engaged to his best friend. One woman, three very different men. Life is about choices.

A Prince of Norway - Christiania, Norway, 1820

American-born Nicolas Hansen has been asked to candidate for his great-grandfather's throne. His new wife Sydney isn't about to let him go to Norway and face that possibility alone. The moment they arrive at Akershus Castle, the political intrigue and maneuvering begin. Can Sydney trust anyone? Will Nicolas resist the seduction of power? Or will he claim the throne for himself? Most importantly: will their young marriage survive the malicious mischief of the ambitious royal family?

A Matter of Principle - St. Louis, State of Missouri, 1821

Nicolas Hansen has returned from Norway determined to change the world. But when he runs for State Legislator in the brand-new state of Missouri, the enemies he made over the past two years aren't about to step quietly aside. Sydney has made enemies of her own, both by marrying Nicolas and by practicing midwifery. When a newspaper reporter makes it his goal to destroy them, Nicolas must rethink his path once again. But this time, it's a matter of principle.

Leave a comment, and a winner will be selected for a free download of A WOMAN OF CHOICE.
Good Luck!