Friday, July 2, 2010

Guest: Paty Jager

Today I have a guest, The Wild Rose Press author Paty Jager talking about her new book Doctor in Petticoats.




When I decided my hero in Doctor in Petticoats needed to attend the blind school in Salem, OR, I had to find out about means of transportation across the state in 1889. After sending several e-mails to a reference librarian, she hooked me up with an expert on the railroads of Oregon. Through his information and references he sent me, I was able to piece together a trip from Salem to Baker City, OR.

My characters had to take a five hour trip with many stops from Salem to Portland on the Oregon California line. They boarded the Oregon Rail and Navigation Company in Portland at 7 PM and arrived in Baker City by noon the following day. The fare ranged around $20 plus a $2 charge if they stayed in a sleeping car.

At the time Pullman Palace cars, the most luxurious of sleeping cars were being used. These cars had berths for 48 people. The glass doors were decorated with etched glass. Ornamental chandeliers, mirrors, black walnut paneling, and wainscoting decorated the elaborate cars. The seats faced one another and were made into a top and bottom bunk at night by the attendants. The cars were heated and had hot water in the men's and women's lavatories.

Some trains had dining cars for small fare, like drinks, sandwiches, and baked goods. The train stopped at Bonneville and Meacham for the occupants to purchase $1 meals at the railroad owned restaurants.

A portion of my book takes place on the train trip from Salem to Baker City. My characters joined the 1889 version of the "mile high club" in the men's lavatory.

Blurb for Doctor in Petticoats

After a life-altering accident and a failed relationship, Dr. Rachel Tarkiel gave up on love and settled for a life healing others as the physician at a School for the Blind. She's happy in her vocation--until handsome Clay Halsey shows up and inspires her to want more.

Blinded by a person he considered a friend, Clay curses his circumstances and his limitations. Intriguing Dr. Tarkiel shows him no pity, though. To her, he's as much a man as he ever was.

Can these two wounded souls conquer outside obstacles, as well as their own internal fears, and find love?

Excerpt

“Slip your undergarment and dress back up. Someone’s knocked on the door twice.” He kissed her forehead and helped her into the top half of her dress.

Clay ran water into a basin and steadied his racing heart. If not for the man wanting in here, he would have taken her the first time in a washroom. He grimaced at his lack of control.

Rachel slid off the counter. Her clothing rustled, and when he deemed she was put back together, he handed her a wet cloth and buttoned his shirt.

“Thank you.” She took the rag and kissed his cheek. “For the rag and the wonderful ride.”

A knock sounded louder.

“I think we better head back to our seats.”

Walking out of this room with him would be embarrassing for Rachel. He wouldn’t see the looks and leers, but she would. Once again he’d let his body overrule his head. “I-I hope you don’t get ridiculed for this.”

She tucked her arm in his. “Let me worry about that.

They walked to the door, a wooden slat slid, and she pushed the door open.

“Excuse me, sir, could you step back. My husband is blind, and I don’t want him tripping over you.” Rachel tugged on his arm. “Thank you.” They walked the fifteen steps to their compartment.

Her hat bumped against his shoulder. “See, nothing to it. Not a snide remark or over-calculating look.”

Clay shook his head and smiled. After the way he’d ravaged her in the washroom, she should have been blushing and fumbling about, but his Rachel could handle any situation.

Blog Tour Contest

Today is my fourth day on my fifteen blog/twelve day tour. Leave a comment and follow me to all the blogs on my tour and you could win an autographed copy of my June release, Doctor in Petticoats, a B&N gift card, and a summer tote filled with goodies. To find out all the places I'll be, or have been, go to my blog- http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com to find the list.

Website: http://www.patyjager.net
Blog: http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com
Buy: http://www.thewildrosepress.com

17 comments:

Me :) said...

Thanks for the great info on trains. You have given many interesting tidbits along this blog hop :)

annasmallbooks said...

Can't wait to read this one, Paty! I guffawed (and I hate that word!) about the mile high club! I guess they weren't "steam trains" for nothin'. Good luck!

Paty Jager said...

Thanks, Ann. I like to inform people, hopefully entertainingly.

Anna, LOL. Thanks!

Paty Jager said...

I just found out I received a 4 spur review. You can go here to read about it. http://www.lovewesternromances.com/2010Reviews/docinpetticoats_review.html

Me :) said...

Paty, I have already gone and read the review. Congrats :)

Paty Jager said...

Thanks, Ann!

Fedora said...

How fun, Paty! I've always been curious to take a long train trip, but haven't had the pleasure :) It's fun to read about journeys and on the relationships that blossom on them...

And a huge congrats on the great review, Paty!

Marie Tuhart said...

Pati,

Thanks for being on my blog today. Sorry I wasn't around much, have family visiting and they're taking up all my time.

Best of luck to you with Doctor in Petticoats.

Paty Jager said...

flchen1, Thanks!

Hi Marie, Thank you for having me!

Clarissa Southwick said...

What a fascinating story, Paty. I live in the region so it's particularly interesting to me.

Tracey Devlyn said...

Hi Pati,

DIP sounds wonderful. And thank goodness for librarians!

Tracey

Paty Jager said...

Clarissa, I grew up in the area, that's why I find it so fascinating.

Tracey, Hi. I agree! Librarians are wonderful! they were gods to me as a child and now they are my saviors.

Alice Trego said...

Hi, Paty -

Thanks for sharing your train research. It's amazing how much authors have to research so they can give readers a smidgeon of authenticity.

I so loved your newest excerpt!! I can not wait to read this wonderful story! Rachel certainly can think on her toes...

Alice :)

She said...

The new excerpt is good. Interesting on the length and cost of the train trip. Also about food availability. It's fun learning new things.

LORETTA CANTON said...

I didn't realized that some of the trains were so rich.

lorettaC

April Vine said...

Hey Marie and Paty

Very interesting, Paty and most intriguing your version of 19th century mile high club! : )
Congrats on your review too. Definitely one I should be reading.

Paty Jager said...

Loretta, I was a surprised by the extravagance also.

Hi April, Thanks!