Stay Tuned

I have something real special tomorrow!!!!

Reread Challenge for August

I know I’m a day early but I have something special for the next couple of days and I didn’t want to not do the Reread Challenge that Nath runs.

Last month I missed Nath’s reread challenge for July – mind you I had a good reason – I was a busy little beaver heading off to the RWA convention in Washington, collecting books and meeting people. When I confessed this missed month though, I promised her two to make up for it. And I made it!! I have two for your pleasure. And considering we just had The Great Western Drive and it brought back to mind all the great Westerns I’ve read over the years, it should come as no surprise that both the Reread books for August are.....Westerns.

The Way Home by Megan Chance

Why this one: In one of the comment on Wendy’s blog, Victoria Jenssen requested a certain Megan Chance book. Although I hadn’t read that particular book, it did bring to mind The Way Home and I added it to the list of recommendations and as I did, the book screamed at me for a reread. I found it in the ‘library’ and that as they say, was that.

Steam Level: Who says a book has to be steamy to be wonderful? Though there is a love scene or two, they don’t go into great detail

Blurb: Eliza Beaudry was determined to get out in the big wide world – even if it meant trading a few kisses for her freedom. When she met traveling gambler Cole Wallace, she thought her fantasies had come true. But Cole’s daydreams didn’t include Eliza Beaudry. He was a man used to taking what he wanted, so he took what Eliza offered and neither of them thought about what might happen later.

Penniless and pregnant, Eliza found a saviour in Cole’s shy brother, Aaron, who fell for her instantly. He surely wasn’t the man of her dreams, but could her dreams change?

My thoughts: I did good in recommending this book. It really is wonderful. The hero and heroine are both warm and caring people and although Eliza starts off quite young and foolish and at the start of the book, you may wonder how the author can bring her past this foolish move she makes, please, keep reading because she does get into your heart. And while Aaron, the hero, is totally incapable of expressing his thoughts to Eliza, he deeply feels them nonetheless.

In brief, hopefully without giving away any spoilers, Eliza Beaudry is looking for a way to escape her dirt poor life and sees an opportunity is the suave gambler Cole Wallace. Well, Cole has his own plans that don’t include a white trash type like Eliza and when ‘caught’, convinces, bullies, blackmails his younger brother into doing ‘right’ by her. Eliza expects her life to improve, but Cole hasn’t told her the complete truth about Aaron, that he’s a recluse who avoids the agony of going to ‘town’ where he suffers humiliations. Instead Aaron lives mainly in his head and dreams to escape his own lonely existence. The story is of these two lonely souls trying to adjust and communicate and find happiness with each other – and what will happen when Cole comes back and realizes what he gave away.

This is truly a heart warming story and I’m oh so glad I read it again and was oh so glad I included it in my Western Recs. If you love your heroes Beta, then Aaron is the hero for you. And don’t give up too soon on Eliza; she will make you fall in love with her!

Grade: 4.75 out of 5

This is a .25 lower grade then the first time I read it, but still very much a keeper

And now for the second book

Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare

Why this one: It was one I recommended for The Great Western Drive and when I came across it in my ‘library’, thought I’d see if it stood the test of time since it was a while ago that I read it.

Steam Level: Nice - not too hot and not too cold

Back Blurb: He was her downfall

Notorious gunslinger Joshua Hawk was to hang in Gambler’s Notch when the sun rose. He had but one regret. He had never found his grandfather’s book with his family’s history – and prophecy that the Hawk line would never die. Yet Josh didn’t die at daybreak because the young widow of the man he shot suddenly lied to set him free. He wanted to know why....

Or her destiny...

Kate Dixon looked into the cold eyes of the Hawk and felt him steal her breath away. He had freed her from her brutal husband only to swoop down and take possession of her heart. It seemed as if some force had brought them together to complete a fate ordained long ago. But, as swiftly as his passion aroused her, his reputation attracted dangerous men. To save her, the Hawk would have to leave her and move on...unless, to save him, Kate stood her ground and fought for the love of her life...

My Thoughts: While the back blurb sounds a bit over dramatic, it basically is the outline – though it ISN’T what I would consider a soul mate story – for those who don’t care for them *big grin*

This is part of a series that Ms. Dare started and not unlike the Futuristic series, the publisher – damn their hide – chose not to finish what she had started and she only wrote three books, a contemporary, a medieval and a Western; with a central theme running through all of them.

Joshua Hawk is tired of living. He is tired of being what he is, a hired gun, and is ready to hang. This makes him the last of the Hawk family. But a mysterious promise, which occurs in the medieval, insures that the name with live on.

It’s an interesting premise and actually starts with the contemporary, Wild Hawk, then continues with this one and then finally moves to the beginnings of the prophecy.

So, when Josh is ready to give it up; to hang for shooting an unarmed man, evidence comes to light that there really was a gun and Josh killed the man in self-defence. Although sceptical, it’s Katherine Dixon, the widow, who confirms the existence of the missing gun, thus saving Josh from a hanging.

Josh feels obligated to stay and help the young widow, even more so when he realizes what a monster her husband was. And at the same time, a mysterious book appears, a book that his confirmed the stories his grandfather has told him about for years. The book tells the history of the Hawk family and the inexplicably added story of his own life.

Although she never thinks to let another man into her life, she feels herself drawn to Josh. And for his part, Josh is drawn more and more to Kate. He doesn’t think he is good for though, a gunslinger who has spent his life killing.

So – does this one stand the test of time? Was it a good recommendation?

Yes! Absolutely! Once again – if I do say so myself, I done good. I loved this one just as much this time through as I did when I first read it in 1996. I originally gave this one a 5 out of 5, but now just a tad lower, not for either the hero or heroine, but an annoying secondary character who didn’t stick out as much as annoying the first time.

Grade: 4.75 out of 5

And another one!

Ahhhh - the joys of following links. I found another new-to-me blogger this morning.

Marissa of Marissa's Booklair!!

I find it a never ending fascination to discover fellow romance lovers from all over the world!! Marissa lives in the Netherlands. Kewl!! She also has a contest going for an author I've been meaning to try for a little while now - so drop in and say 'hey'.

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE - WINNERS

Now They Can Love You Back

And since it's Saturday and this is the day to announce who won what in The Great Western Drive......








A Texan's Luck by Jodi Thomas
JennJ




Wanted by Patricia Potter
Mary G




The Scotsman Wore Spurs by Patricia Potter
Aztec Lady




The Wives of Bowie Stone by Maggie Osborne
Marg




The Bridegroom by Linda Lael Miller
Leslie




Rachel and the Hired Gun
Karen W




Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne (didn't know I had 2 copies so I added it too)
Maered




Dear Penelope by Sharon Ihle
Keira




Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett
Mari

AND THE GRAND PRIZE

Never Love A Lawman by Jo Goodman

Throughthehaze









So - to all the winners Congratulations and send my your address - email in my profile - and Westerns shall be coming your way

Calling all bloggers to unite in the fight against piracy

I was just doing some blog hopping and came across this at Karen Scott's . I feel a lot of helplessness in the fight against piracy but this is one time we can do something! I'm just going to copy Karen's whole post since she did such a good job of it.

Talk about blatant piracy.

This fuckwit here, http://englishbookworm.blogspot.com/, has a whole host of books up, and he’s offering free e-book downloads to the public.

The following titles are included in his never-ending list:

Acts of Mercy – Mariah Stewart
The Neighbour – Lisa Gardner
Unbound – Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, Melissa Marr
Alex Cross’s Trial – James Patterson
Hunting Ground – Patricia Briggs
Novel Collection, including works by Ava Rose Johnson, Catherine Coulter, Christine Feehan, JA Konrath, Kresley Cole,
Forbidden Fantasies – Lynn LaFleur

Now blogger is hard for just anybody to complain-they have to be the copyright holder.

But one thing that may at least give him pause or make things harder is paypal. He uses paypal to take ‘donations’ to buy more books for him to pirate.

Paypal’s user terms prohibit using their service for illegal purposes. Copyright infringement is illegal.

What people can do if they want to help:

Go to paypal. use this form.

Fill in the form.

His blog
http://englishbookworm.blogspot.com/

his email:

dasblueuk@gmail.com

In the comment box, just write the following:

This Paypal user is using his money to help him to continue buying books for him to upload to his website. In Paypal’s user agreement, it specifies that the service cannot be used for illegal activities, and copyright infringement is illegal. I hope you take appropriate action.

The more people who complain, the more likely we are to accomplish something, so please feel free to repost on your respective blogs.

I did as she asked and there is another suggestion in the comment section which I also followed

"One thing that might help get the message to blogger.

If you go to this link

It will take you to a page that explains how to report offensive bloggers. It offers no help, however at the bottom, it offers a question “was this helpful?” If you click no, a comment box pops up.

If enough people put the pirate’s blog in the comment box that he is pirating material and nobobdy at blogger is responding to author complaints? Blogger doesn’t want to look irresponsible. They are not responding to author complaints very well so it is not a lie."

If we can only fight them one at a time - so be it - I'm all for it!!

A new baby blogger

I have to say thanks to Wendy for finding this new baby blogger.

Novelnelle of The Lonely Bookworm is so new, this is her first month blogging! So drop by and welcome her to the 'land' so she won't be lonely anymore - she has found her 'peeps'.*g*

AND....

She loves Westerns!!

And now I have to follow all the new/new-to-me blogs who dropped in for The Great Western Drive.

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE - Backtracking

I had to leave town on the last day of The Great Western Drive and was mostly MIA for the past few days. I'm just trying to get caught up now.

Although I'm late - and she did her post on Sunday, Leslie of Leslie's Psyche asked a good question!

For those who love Westerns, which author would you love to see write one. She suggested Lisa Kleypas and I would be SO on board with that author.

And still in the country

Though I came back for about an hour to check mail and feed the kitties.

I miss blog hopping and blogging! I only have very limited time out there - just enough to read comments (not respond) and check the emails that need responding to the most. But I'm back tomorrow night (and back to work on Thursday) and I know I have a lot to catch up on!!

One thing about being in the country though - with Very Limited internet and no cable - I've had time to read and I have TWO books to post about on Nath's ReRead Challenge. And guess what genre they are - heh heh.

And last - but not least - there is still the contest that runs until Saturday!!

And I look forward to adding all kinds of names to The Great Western Drive!!

Now - time to head back.

Just in case you are wondering

What the hell happened to me, my si ster from the US is up for a visit and I'm out here in the country with both Lisa and Nance - have been since Saturday afternoon. Internet connection in the country isn't nearly what it is in the city so I haven't been on all that much - but when I am, I've been checking in to see how things are going with the Great Western Drive. I'll be here until Wednesday.

I'm BEYOND thrilled that so many are willing to try a Western and will be checking in one a day until I'm once again a 'city' girl and can be here for a much longer time

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE - FINAL DAY

Read A Western; They ALL Need Love

Prizes and Pleadings!!

Hang onto your hats - the is is going to be a long one!

And - as the sun slowly sinks into the West, we come to the end of The Great Western Ride.

But!!

Not Really.

For it is just the beginning.


I mentioned at the beginning of the week, that one of the main reasons I came up with the idea of featuring Westerns - and with much, MUCH help from my Cowgirls Sybil and Wendy, who both posted more this week then either of them had for ages - if ever - was the lower votes the Western got (and more one that in a moment).

But there was another reason too! One of the books I've been anticipating more then most is Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman. To me she is an author of such richness and depth you can't rush through her books. They are to be read slowly, so as to savour them. I wanted readers not to see that this book was a Western and think 'b'ah, not gonna bother. I was hoping by having The Great Western Drive, when readers see this one come out on the shelves in September, those in blogland who have been visiting the three of our blogs - or any of the other wonderful ladies who have picked up the torch and blogged about Westerns - will think to themselves, not "'b'ah", but instead, "hmmm, I think I will just give this one a go" . Judging by the response at Dear Author when they offered up free copies, there are a lot of readers who will do just that!

The Prizes

So in order to keep this one front and centre in your thoughts, Sybil scored some copies from Kensington and is sharing with Wendy and me. So! I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader.
The is the Grand Prize - but not the only one. Sybil and Wendy both have other contests running for books so how could I do any less?? In addition to the Grand Prize here at Ramblings, I have me some other Westerns to give away too.


Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett

Who can resist that cover? And the story inside is pretty good too!







Dear Penelope by Sharon Ihle

She didn't get a mention this week, only because of the vast numbers already, but if you like your stories on the light and humorous side, then she's an author to look for





Rachel and the Hired Gun by Elaine Levine

This is great book and one I mentioned in the interview at Petticoats and Pistols







Bridegroom by Linda Lael Miller

I'll be finding out along with whoever wins this one since it's a new release and I haven't read it. I got 2 copies of this one - one to give away and one for me - not only 'cause I love Westerns, but oh mama do I love this cover!!





The Wives of Bowie Stone by Maggie Osborne.

Now Maggie is Wendy's girl, but I've read this one too and really enjoyed it.







The Scotsman Wore Spurs by Patricia Potter

Now Patricia Potter is my home girl. She is the creme de la creme of Westerns so I have two by her. Leslie back's me up on this one!






Wanted by Patricia Potter

Another Most Excellent Potter Western. Whoever gets this one is one lucky reader







A Texan's Luck by Jodi Thomas.

Now I'm behind in reading her newer books, but this one is an older book I've read and can easily recommend!

The Pleadings

The short version - The Western genre - please read one.

The longer version because that's always more fun. I've said a few times I've no pride and no shame when urging readers to try something I've read and loved (or watched and loved) and the Western certainly fits into that category. From many of the comments I've read between our three blogs and at other blogs who have taken up the Ride, many reader used to read Westerns and loved them and then they kind of slipped their minds. We aim to remind those readers what they've been missing. To them I beg "Come Back. Come Back. Wendy, Sybil and I are desperate. We want more Westerns. We want the choices we used to have for this neglected genre". But the publishers are saying they aren't selling. So we need you to help us!

And for those who haven't tried a Western - put aside your Paranormals, your Vampires, your Shapeshifters, your Dukes, Viscounts and Earls - just for a short time (because I love them too!) and try a Western! Sybil, Wendy and I have offered up a lot of our choices but you can be like Lea and Amy and try one not on our list. Barbara has promised to read my all time fave. And Nath has mentioned us too. Samhain publishes a lot of Westerns - I have three Beth Williamson books I'm dying to dive into.

We long to see a resurgence in this genre. I mentioned the site Love Western Romance and the poll they had. Well this seems to be an ongoing poll and they have the results as of July 31/09. Visit the site - they have a whole passel of Westerns.

And Petticoats and Pistols is also a Must Visit blog. And I'm not just say thing because THE Cheryl St. John interviewed ME!! They have some great authors posting, most of whom I've read or at least own books of - and those who don't I plan to! And at this point I'll mention that they donated a great prize themselves - details at The Good, The Bad, The Unread - though only open to US residents so you don't have to worry about me winning all the loot *g*. And a reminder Sybil also has the Sarah McCarty contest open to all

And read Wendy's post today. She's pretty good at pleading and begging herself and also has a contest to win Never Love a Lawman as well as the previously announced Maureen McKade book. And dang - but I forgot to link yet another post at TGTBTU wherein Sybil, Wendy and I also answer more questions about what is is about the Western.

By now you may be thinking - enough with the pleading - just tell me how to win! Well, I'm going to give away the books alphabetically by author last name unless you specifically say there's one you don't want (like you already have that copy of such and such a book but would like a chance to win another one) What YOU have to do, is commit to reading a Western and name the book. They are so easy to find at bookstores, UBS's, the library, an e-copy - where ever you can find one.

And! You will be added to the list on the sidebar for The Great Western Drive. You can see I've already added Sybil and Wendy and I know there are already more but I didn't put them up yet so they can drop by here for a chance to win. I want to get that list going down the entire sidebar!! And then! You can add the icon to your own sidebar if you have a blog.

So - what do you say? Will you take pity on the three of us and Ride a Cowboy; Read A Western? Is there one book that is calling your name? Let me know in the comments for a chance to WIN!!

And I figure a week is enough time to pick on out to read. So the winners will be announced one week from today.

I hope to do a revisit down the line and find out what you all thought of the one (or ones) you read.

And smack me on the head and call me stupid! I almost forgot to mention I issued myself my own challenge - which I answered and that was to get an Inspirational Western. While at the book store the other day I picked up a copy of The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist.

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE DAY 5

Read a Western; Calvary Officers Need Love Too

I'm keepin' it simple with this post. I'm on the afternoon shift this week and too many late nights planning things out and the flurry of excited emails with Sybil and Wendy. I was going to go all out - but now I think I'll save that for Saturday - cause I am tired.

So instead you get a




Recent Read


Mountain Wild by Stacey Kayne

Why This One: I've only recently discovered her and I'm lovin' her books And - heh - it's a Western

Steam Level: Makes for a very nice drink

Author Website Blurb:

In the midst of a range war, Garret Daines is dead-set on keeping his ranch from greedy local cattle barons. An attempt on his life during a winter storm lands him in the healing hands of a mountain recluse. He can hardly believe the youthful beauty he discovers hidden beneath her mountain woman attire or the passion unleashed by her tender touch.

When "Mad Mag" pulls the handsome rancher from the snow she has no idea he'll be the man to thaw her wounded heart. But Maggie is hiding a mess of secrets in her mountain sanctuary, none of which she’s willing to share. Murderous cattlemen threaten their fragile bond and Maggie has to face the fears of her past or risk losing her hope for the future. Garret will defend his wild woman at any cost, but can he convince her their love is worth the risk?

My Thoughts: When I went to Washington, I took two books; Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh and Mountain Wild by Stacey Kayne. Now as anyone who has been to a RWA conference knows, reading time is severely limited and the little bit of reading I did get done was Branded by Fire. I had barely started Mountain Wild and was distracted by other books when I got back. But as luck would have it, this one started calling to me. The only problem - I couldn't remember where I put it. While searching in my luggage that is STILL not totally unpacked, this one was in a seldom used pocket of my luggage and what with it being The Great Western Ride, what better time to settle down in what little time I seem to have and give it a read.

This one is the third in a trilogy. I read the second one, Maverick Wild (and yes - part of the appeal was the cover) and quite enjoyed it. So it was a no brainer when Mountain Wild came out that I would get it. The heroine of this one made a brief appearance in MW and to be honest, I was kind of leery. See - I don't really care for Westerns where the heroine wears pants so to speak and Maggie - or Mad Maggie as she is called seemed to be more then most.

But you know - a funny thing happened while reading this book. I liked her, a liked her quite a bit!! She had a sad story as to how she came to be the loner she was and I really bought into it. And while she was tough, it wasn't in a tough kind of way. She didn't chew tobacco or swear or any of those things. Instead her persona was more of a disguise and a way to hide from the villain and I totally bought it. She made for a strong on the outside but tender on the inside heroine and I really warmed up to her!

And what are 'my thoughts' without mentioning the hero? Garrett was an equally enjoyable hero. He had been unlucky in love - but wasn't bitter about it. He was totally accepting of Maggie and her 'different' ways. Gotta love that in a hero.

And in a nice change of pace, it was Maggie who saved Garrett - more then once. That's two books in a row where the heroine does the saving and I like it.

For those wondering if this can be read on it's own without having read the first two - the answer is yes!! The previous characters are in this one, but not in a way that makes you regret not reading the first two. The 'unlucky in love' situation with Garrett happened between Maverick Wild and Mountain Wild so nothing was missed there.

So the fact that this one surprised and delighted me is a Very Good Thing. I kind of expect I told you so from Wendy, who also read and reviewed this on TGTBTU.

Now I'm going to be sure to get the first one - though I'm pretty sure I already do!

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

And because this is The Great Western Ride - I really have to hand it Harlequin. I love the fact that they publish Westerns every month; good quality Westerns. I don't always purchase all the Harlequin Historical line - but I do buy just about every Western I see!! So they too get the

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE DAY 4 POST 2

Read A Western; Preachers Need Love Too

I know I already did today's post but since I really did it yesterday and set it post today, in real time, today is today's post. It will be a short one though.

Today's topic - Linkage. Make sure you follow them or I may have to face you at High Noon.




Already other bloggers have joined in the fun at The Great Western Drive. Emily at Dreaming on the Job has listed her favourite Movies, Actors, Authors, Romances and Television Series. Do drop in and add to the fun!!

Erotic Romance Author Victoria Jenssen has also joined in the fun and listed her favourite song, novel, television, romance, erotic romance, movie and cowboy and horse (she names Roy Rogers and Trigger but I think The Lone Ranger and Silver could give them a run for their money). She's asking for yours, so let her know!!

Dear Author has also joined the Round-Up with a couple of posts! First where they pimp The Great Western Drive and then a review of a book I'm looking forward to. Never one to say in 10 words what can be said in 100, I had to add my 2¢ worth

When I heard some months ago now that Jo Goodman’s next book was going to be a Western, I was so tempted to dance naked in the moonlight!! In fact, the fact this one is being released soon is the motivating factor in The Great Western Drive this week.

I’ve loved Westerns for a very long time now and feel that they are currently under-represented so the whole idea of the week long celebration of the Western was to get readers to try one – at least one. And with Never Love a Lawman coming out soon, what better time?

I’ve loved Jo Goodman for years now and it’s wonderful to see her finally starting to get the recognition she has deserved for so long.
A Jo Goodman book + A Western = something I’m looking forward to more than many can imagine!!

I urge everyone who is interested in trying a Western before this one comes out or after or during, to stop by and see what they are all about. As many who may know me, when I get on a mission I lose all pride and have no shame *g*

I only quickly skimmed your review as I hope to read this one myself asap – and when I do, I’ll come back and revel in it. In the meantime, I feel like dancing nude in the moonlight that you enjoyed it so much. The only thing stopping me is the fact that it’s not a full moon tonight prevents me from doing just that!

And here's a site I found while surfing the net looking for all things Western - Love Western Romances . com. They have a survey!! I LOVE doing surveys.

Wendy, our own SuperLibrarian, has her next post up where she gives more choices. And! She has a contest - the prize? A copy of A Reason To Live by Maureen McKade. I've read this book and loved it!! It got top marks from me. So Go and visit Wendy and comment to enter. This is truly a book worth reading.

Sybil, the third of us cowgirls has a wonderful interview with Cheryl St. John on Inspirational Westerns. At this point I'm offering a challenge to myself - READ ONE KRISTIE - OK - I will.

Sandy M, also of The Good, The Bad, The Unread and the ar-tiste of these great Icons (of which one can be yours - details coming) has a review of a Western I haven't heard of - until now!! Where The Wind Blows by Caroline Fyfe is a book I'll be tracking down. Damn it all but Chapters doesn't stock a lot of Dorchester books (and am I het up under the collar about that situation - have been for years - so it's in my shopping cart). And a bit of a side rant/ kudo's. I've always admired Dorchester as they have consistently been putting out Westerns. When other publishers were cutting back or eliminating them altogether (Avon - I'm talking about YOU), Dorchester has helped keep the genre going. For that you get a



But I digress.

And I've saved the most exciting link for last. Be sure to cover your ears for this but.....

SQUEEEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLL

As in this week hasn't proved it enough - one of my favourite authors - Cheryl St. John inteviewed ME *doin' the happy cha-cha* over at Petticoats & Pistols, a wonderful blog for Western lovers, chock full of great authors. And if you don't want to check it out for what I have to say, I had me a tough ole time looking for the eye candy of who I think is a Very Fine Western type looking hero. So go for the eye candy alone - heh heh heh heh.


And because it's The Great Western Drive and the less sleep I get, the more excited I get, I leave you with this

LOVE THIS SONG

And More

Sybil's been having blog issues - don't we all hate those, but she has her post up on with her recommended Westerns. And they be good ones!!

UPDATE READ FURTHER!

Oooohhh - I LIKE this link day!! Tumperkin of Isn't it Romance has joined The Great Western Drive and has a very thoughtful post on despite why she leery of Westerns, she's going to give one a try. And she has an excellent perspective on the Western hero versus the English hero. And if that isn't enough to visit - go and watch the video she's posted - it's hilarious and sure to make you laugh.

One more - that's it - just one more!

For Sybil - she knows why



**************

Do you remember when I said just one more?? Well - it seems I lied. In honour of The Great Western Drive, Sybil came through again and has something Very, Very Special for all those Sarah McCarty fans. And I know there are a lot of them. Go Forth And Visit.

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE DAY 4

PART 2

Read a Western; Outlaws Need Love Too

And picking up from yesterday, here is the second five of ten authors who have written some incredible Westerns over the years





I have featured one book in particular by this next author on more then one occasion because for me it's the quintessential Western. She has also written a number of Indian Romances that I loved. I know that this sub genre of the Western has gotten a bad wrap over the years mainly to due to one author in particular, but those written by this author are a horse of a different colour and Very Good. Who can forget Barbara's excitement when she found a long lost one!?!? Yes - she got some bad covers, but the insides, they be Very Good.

Rosanne Bittner
Outlaw Hearts
Lawless Love
Embers of the Heart
Thunder on the Plains
Sioux Spendor
Prairie Embrace

*******************************

This next author has been writing for years and although I'll confess to not reading her for a while, I know other readers have enjoyed her recent books and I loved her earlier ones. It's mostly the vast number of books I have that have kept me from reading more. I know this isn't the many for this author and I know there are more I enjoyed, but that's all I can find that I remember well enough to recommend.

Jodi Thomas
The Tender Texan
To Tame A Texan's Heart
The Texan's Wager

*******************************

I'm almost - no - I am ashamed about this next author. I read quite a number of books and enjoyed them then the unthinkable happened. I found out what I thought she - was a he and he dropped off my radar. That isn't right of me as one would think I'd be all over a guy who writes romance!! But I do plan on making up for my sexist attitude and try some more books of his.

Leigh Greenwood
Rose
Laurel
Fern
Ward
Jake
Daisy

*******************************

This next author I've been reading for-ever. I discovered her with her first book and I do believe I have every one she's written. I featured one of her books too on Book day, but I've loved all of them. Wendy loves her too. Her books are tender and poignant and WONDERFUL reads. If you haven't read any of her books - READ ONE!! The first four links are all for blog posts I did. There are more still that I haven't listed, but I'm not 100% sure I've read them. I will be if I haven't though!!

Cheryl St. John
Saint or Sinner
The Preacher's Daughter
The Lawman's Bride
His Second Hand Wife
Rain Shadow
The Doctor's Wife
Heaven Can Wait
Land of Dreams

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And last but by no means least, this final author of 10. There's nothing, nothing bad I can say about her Westerns and I know both Sybil and Wendy (and many others) will agree with me. Her Westerns will make you cry and they are books you will remember for YEARS after. If you ever, ever see one of her Westerns in a UBS - Get It!! I've been looking for years just so I can send them out to whoever is looking for one - but they are Very Rare.

Lorraine Heath
Always to Remember
The Outlaw and the Lady
Parting Gifts
Sweet Lullabye (my favourite of all)
Texas Destiny
Texas Glory
Texas Spendor
Never Love a Cowboy
Never Marry a Cowboy


So - there you have it!! Ten great authors and every one and every book I loved to one degree or another.

THE GREAT WESTERN DRIVE - DAY 3

Part 1

Read A Western; Gamblers Need Love Too

Yesterday was all about the books. And what would the books be without the authors that write the books? There are so many fabulous authors who have written Westerns over the years, I'm almost afraid to tackle this topic as I know I will be leaving so many good authors out. Here are a list of 10 who have blown me away over the years - in no particular order

When I think Western this first author comes to mind right away. I've already featured one of her books this week and I could spotlight a lot more. I wish I had started keeping track of grades and outlines a long time ago so my memory wouldn't be so spotty. But although some may be a bit hazy in the list I'm giving of this author, I know I enjoyed them all!


Patricia Potter
Lawless
Defiant
Diablo
Relentless
Renegade (my first PP book)
Seize the Fire
The Marshal and the Heiress
The Scotsman Wore Spurs
Wanted

And these are just her Westerns!! She has quite a few others I've read and enjoyed too.

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This author has written so many heartwarming stories. She's no longer writing Westerns and I miss her Westerns like crazy. Reading them was like cuddling up in a nice warm blanket on a cold stormy night

Stef Ann Holm
Crossings
Harmony
Hearts
Hooked
Forget Me Not
Portraits
Weeping Angel

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This next author has also left the Western Fold. It's been a while since she's had a book out and I hope she comes back - soon! Her books are those of the poignant kind, the kind that make you sigh at the end.

Alexis Harrington
Allie's Moon
The Bridal Veil
Desperate Hearts
Harper's Bride
Montana Born and Bred
A Taste of Heaven

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This next author - oh this next author - how I loved her Westerns. She moved into contemporary but I think she might now be writing Inspirational Romance. And I will follow her there. She's always been an autobuy author for me

Jill Marie Landis
After All
Come Spring
Last Chance
Past Promises
Rose
Sunflower

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I so miss this next author's Westerns. We won't get into why she's not writing them anymore - it makes me angry. I've also featured one of her books yesterday, but all of them are wonderful

Susan Kay Law
Home Fires
The Last Man in Town
One Lonely Night
Reckless Angel
A Wanted Man


Well - that's five authors so far. If I were like Wendy, I would have had these all ready to go, but since I'm the Great Procrastinator, I left it until last minute - and then I simply HAD to watch SYTYCD Canada. Combine that with working the later shift and time is not my friend! So tomorrow - five more.
And there is something else I've been working on which ties into this too that is coming up soon!

Well isn't this just ducky - none of the links work and it's 1:14 am. There's not much point yelling "They Do!! They Do Exist. I was there!!"
I shall fix links tomorrow.

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Update

I hate to say this - but my "fix" is lame *heavy sigh* I pondered it while trying to get to sleep earlier this morning and short of tracking down all kinds of links all over the place, or writing short blurbs which I'd love to do if I had the time, (and after not going to bed until real late) the energy, or calling in sick (which is tempting but not good little worker bee approved) and fixing them *breath* I came up with this lame way of doing it.
Fiction DB is a GREAT website - just type in the authors name and a list of all their books comes up. Then click on them for the cover and blurb. It's become my go-to site.

And Wendy has Wednesdays post up wherein she shares the Maggie Osborne lurve.