Friday, February 22, 2013

Romancing the West Blog Hop




Why do we enjoy writing and reading about the West? What is it about cowboys that is just plain irresistible? Over thirty authors and bloggers tackle these and other questions by explaining why we love Romancing the West.


But that’s not all, as you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.


***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO QUALIFY***


Grand Prize: A swag pack which includes books (both ebooks and paper), Amazon gift card, custom made butterfly jewelry, book cards, magnets and much more all tucked away in a keepsake box. (Available to US residents only. Winner will be announced on February 26 at 10 PM EST)

 
My love for the west began at an early age with Little House on the Prairie. I freely admit that to this day Michael Landon is the hero I picture in any romance novel that I read. From there I followed him to old Bonanza reruns, more the "classic" western of days gone by. It was only natural that as I got older I started scouring bookstores for western romance. My preference is definitely historical, I'm not really a fan of contemporary romance at all. To me there is something magical about reading of the past...I find it much more romantic than anything modern day. I love my historical westerns in all heat levels...I read everything from Love Inspired's inspirational historicals to the erotic westerns of Gem Sivad and Beth Williamson.
 
My favorite subject matter to read about is wagon trains, probably because of that opening scene of the covered wagon in LHOTP. I can't imagine what those pioneers went through as they made their way west to carve out a new life for themselves, with only their dreams for a better life driving them forward. Isn't that the quintessential American story?

Last spring I was shopping at Tractor Supply and stumbled upon the cutest covered wagon planter which now sits in my living room and holds my collection of Little House books. It expresses my love for a genre that is essentially the story of our heritage.





25 comments:

Katreader said...

I enjoy westerns as well, historical ones at that. My preference though is for the Native American hero. Katreader(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Judy said...

There is just something about the guy in those skin tight wranglers, cowboy hat and Justin boots... As the good song says, "Save a horse, ride a cowboy!"

Bookworm (dot) judy (at) gmail (dot) com

SueFitz said...

sounds fun

suefitz1 (at) gmail (dot) com

Rita Wray said...

I grew up watching westerns and still love them. My whole family would sit and watch Bonanza. I feel sorry for kids nowadays because they don't know what they're missing.

Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

JeanMP said...

Favorite shows to watch growing up were westerns, loved watching Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
skpetal at hotmail dot com

D'Ann said...

Oh, I want that planter! It is too cute!
D'Ann

Joanne said...

Cowboys, Westerns, and romance...what's not to love. I grew up watching LHOTP, Bonanza, and The Rifleman.I also love reading books by Diana Palmer and Emma Lange/Beth Williamson. I enjoy reading them because back then, the times seemed to much simplier compared to now and who doesn't love a sexy cowboy.
That planter is really cute. I'm jealous!

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Videoclimber said...

I love cowboys and westerns too....and who couldn't love Michael Landon! I was country when country wasn't cool...and I'm still country! I love Butterflies! Awesome giveaway!
videoclimber(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

That is a very cute planter! Heheh I want <3 I remember Little House on the Prairie I use to watch that show as well, good memories.

lilypondreads at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

What an adorable planter. Absolutely perfect for the LHOTP books. I do remember watching LHOTP as a child on our little black and white TV. I loved it! I am hoping to introduce my Goddaughter to them as she gets a little older.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

Sue said...

Cowboys can be rough and rugged---and yet emotionally vulnerable and innocent---that makes them irresistable to me.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Beckey said...

Like your new look (sorry a follower of your blog & I just noticed that...)

I have a friend who has a strange, quirky resemblance to Landon... Nope no not family related.

BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I love me some westerns...

rebekahm95(at)gmail(dot)com

Nay Nay said...

I grew up watching Bonanza, and The Rifleman, and then came LHOTP. I loved those shows. And I love me some cowboys too.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win. <^_^>
reneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Susan Frances said...

Hi Melissa,
The planter is charming. When I first saw the photo, I thought your kids liked playing in it. Put a tarp over that baby and the kids have a perfect hiding place. It's a great find.
susan_francesny [at] hotmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

Cowboys are you just strong loving men with values and worth ethic. Respectful to woman and are plain sexy!!!

josiehink122026(at)gmail(dot)com

Ellen Thompson said...

I love westerns and I love cowboys.
Thanks for the great giveaway!

thompsonem3 at aol dot com

katsrus said...

Love cowboys and westerns. Grew up watching westerns on TV. You have a really cute blog.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

Anita Yancey said...

I love westerns and cowboys, and I really enjoy reading books about them.Thanks for this chance to win.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

kchorak said...

I love cowboys in tight jeans and cowboy hats. Thanks for participating in the blog hop.

Unknown said...

i am obsessed with your wagon that you got for your LHOTP books!! such a cute idea. i absolutely love pioneers! i grew up in utah and have pioneer stories ingrained into my soul!! i too cannot imagine what they must have gone through. the stories are unreal. thanks so much for being a part of the hop!
pepperpenn42 at gmail dot com

Sherry said...

I love cowboys and have since I was younger. I guess some of my love comes from watching watching Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

maudemaxine@gmail.co, said...

I love cowboy books and would like to win. Maxie mac262(at0me(dot)com

Amanda Ray said...

I love the wagon! Too cute!! I have always been fond of books with cowboys or pioneer women! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
luvs2read4fun(at)gmail(dot)com

Shadow said...

That wagon is adorable! I love it!! Its cool you turned it into a shelf. Id put my books on it too! Too cute! Love it! Thank you for the awesome hop and giveaway!!! :)
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com