A Twist of Tobacco

IT'S HERE A Family is like a twist of tobacco, layered, folded and twisted until each leaf becomes inseparble. Every individual carries within them a bit of family members who have gone before.  Scoundrel and Scallywags! Saints and Sinners! Discover who was real and who was fictional in the A Twist of Tobacco Trilogy. Explore the history and heritage of six American Colonial families. Tennessee to Texas contains 300 images and encompasses more than 350 years. Genealogy research and family stories for the Ownby, Cheek, Winstead, Blankenship, Taylor, Penn and Canaday families. Available at Fountain SpringPublishing   Amazon    

Book Launch for Heaven's Promise-The Final Twist. January 28, 2017. Readings from all three books in the A Twist of Tobacco Trilogy with Rita Ownby Holcomb, Ellen Gardner author, Brenda Sampson and Cheryl Williams Available on Amazon

I received the sweetest letter yesterday from the kids at the Parkside Baptist Churches summer camp program. I had presented a program on antebellum dress during their lunch period.  They were engaged and curious and we had so much fun as I stood there in 14 layers of clothing while they were all wearing shorts and t-shirts  LOL Even the boys enjoyed the program.  One youngster texted his mother and said, "We're watching a lady take her clothes off."   As Art Linkletter said "Kids say the darnedest things!"

My first but definitely not my last Author event.  As a new author I went in blind and came out with so many promotion ideas that this old head is still spinning.  Made many new friends, and renewed some long ago acquaintances. We both decided it was college just 2 years ago. (add 40 years to that and it'll be accurate.)  I'm ready for the next one, Bring it on.

Not only do reviews help with sales for authors, face it, our ego's thrive on them too.  When I get one like the following, I just want to sit down with a glass of sweet tea and read the book like I didn't write it. Wonderful saga for all ages By islandbb on April 9, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition This story is unforgettable for history buffs and anyone else who would enjoy reading a true account of a real family play out on the written page. I laughed; I cried; and when I read the last page, I realized I had seen a depiction of American life in the 19th century South at it's best. This tale by author, Rita Ownby Holcomb, reminded me of the love and the sorrow and the pure joy experienced by our ancestors. Rita does not disappoint and the good news is that this is the first of a series with her newest book, " A Vow Unbroken " coming out soon. Treat yourself to this uplifting and historically correct book.

Are you weary of naked bodies on book covers; bored with the half dead walking amongst us; perplexed by alternate worlds and dimensions; well past the age of teen-age angst? Do you ant to read a good story about real people, in a down to earth fashion with an authentic historical background? Then order your copy of A Twist of Tobacco today. Available in softcover or Kindle editions at Amazon . Or receive a SIGNED copy from the Author .

Historical fiction at its finest! By S. Breheny on February 10, 2016 Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase This is the kind of writing I absoluting LOVE! The writing flows so smoothly making it easy to "get lost" in the story immediately. The wording and phrases are accurate for the time period and locale. I especially appreciate all the descriptive passages so I can visualize clearly what each character is doing and might be feeling. It is apparent that Rita has done abundant research on many subjects combining all those elements to create a vivid portrait of real life in 1800's Tennessee. Thank you, Rita, for your labor of love! A Twist of Tobacco

I really like your book! Tears were running down my face yesterday when I was reading it! I am not even half way through! I received this message today on a completely unrelated thread. Authors depend on reviews to generate sales but also to keep us motivated. We need to know that people are reading and getting our message, what ever it might be. Notes like that really make my day. Get your copy today   A Twist of Tobacco  

The United Daughters of the Confederacy  To honor the memory of those who served and those who fell in the service of the Confederate States. To protect, preserve and mark the places made historic by Confederate valor. To collect and preserve the material for a truthful history of the War Between the States. To record the part taken by Southern women in patient endurance of hardship and patriotic devotion during the struggle and in untiring efforts after the War during the reconstruction of the South. To fulfill the sacred duty of benevolence toward the survivors and toward those dependent upon them. To assist descendants of worthy Confederates in securing proper education. To cherish the ties of friendship among the members of the Organization I am proud to have six family members so honored.  First and foremost is my great grandfather Watterson Knox Polk Ownby 

That First Post War Christmas 1865 A Twist of Tobacco The snow continued to fall thickly as the buckboard carried them home. Ed and Sam unhitched the horses and took them to the barn. Eli and Watt carried Maggie and Henry into the house. Lizzie went straight to the kitchen to warm the spiced apple cider she had made earlier, and Jack carefully lit the tiny walnut candles on the tree. This was the first Christmas Maggie and Henry could remember a tree being lit with shiny ornaments and their eyes were wide with wonder. Walnut shells have many uses. As tiny beeswax candles or as settings for the Nativity. The lovely Christmas ornament below was purchased in 1972 on our honeymoon. It is the first tree ornament we bought together. Through the years there have been many other decorations. Some stayed and some went the way of old socks.  Silently into the night--(trash can.) But this beauty is wrapped and carefully stored every year. Although the star is tat...

A Christmas Treat for Mack Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, Not even a mouse, The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there, The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. Written in 1823, the Clement Moore classic was firmly established by the Civil War. The holiday was more secular in the South than the North but was still basically of a spiritual nature. Celebrated on Christmas Day, not for two months prior, the day would start with Church services. While the women cooked the main meal, the young people would decorate the tree.  Small evergreen trees for a table top were the norm in most homes, adorned with edible gingerbread cookies, bright paper ornaments and perhaps gilded nuts.  The true highlight of the day was the same thing that dominated every other day; FOOD!  As to...

Watch the trailer for this new historical novel by Rita Ownby Holcomb A Twist of To bacco

A Band of Brothers All Civil War buffs and most Movie fans are familiar with the rousing tune and lyrics of The Bonnie Blue Flag.  It chronicles the struggle of the south's determination to maintain states rights and the pride they had for their country. It doesn't matter if you agree with the political aspect or if you disagree.  The song is rousing in tune and the lyrics carry a major impact. We are a band of brothers, Native to the soil Fighting for the property We gained by honest toil. And when our rights were threatened, The cry rose near and far; Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! chorus: Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights, Hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star! As long as the Union Was faithful to her trust, Like friends and brethren, kind were we, and just; But now, when Northern treachery Attempts our rights to mar, We hoist on high the Bonnie Blue flag That bea...