Thank you for inviting me to your blog. It’s been several years since I posted here, and I’m delighted to be back. Today I’d like to address the topic of Love Inspired western stories. Why are these some of our bestsellers? Because these are my favorite books to read, perhaps our LI readers agree will with me.
First of all, the American Wild West is legendary around the world, fed by the plethora of western movies and television shows over the past century. I grew up watching those shows and fell in love with the Cowboy mythos. The cowboy hero is manly, and the cowgirl heroine is feminine. Both are honest, strong, and hardworking. They face the hardships of the untamed West with courage and resilience. We all love brave characters who overcome adversity and the Bad Guy. Throw in a few horses, a herd of cattle, and we are cheering for them to earn their happily-ever-after.
A couple of years ago, I rewatched almost the entire twenty years of Gunsmoke on INSP. Part of it was for nostalgia, and part for research, since I’d begun writing historical western stories for Love Inspired. I fell in love again with Marshal Dillon, Miss Kitty, Chester, Festus, and all the rest. My favorite character was Doc Adams, and every frontier doctor I ever include in my stories, whether historical or contemporary, is modeled on that dear old man. All of my heroes have a hint of Matt Dillon in them. And while my female characters have very different occupations from Miss Kitty (ahem, we won’t go there), they all have her courage and feminine resiliency.
Loving westerns as I do, it was natural for me to write them. My first was a novella, Yuletide Reunion (LIH 2010). Inspired by the little ranch where my late sister retired, I set my story beside the Rio Grande in New Mexico Territory and created the Mattson family of five brothers, each of whom deserved his own story. I took time out to write a six-book historical western series set in Colorado (also a family saga), then came back to New Mexico to explore more about those five brothers. In the end, each brother found his happily-ever-after with the perfect heroine for his personality. I’m honored to say Finding Her Frontier Family and Finding Her Frontier Home were both finalists for the prestigious Selah Award. These stories were so much fun write, and I was sad to leave this family behind. With the Love Inspired Historical line coming to an end, I was doubly sad, because I love to write historicals. By the way, you can find my complete Booklist and more info about my writing at my website: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/
After LIH closed, I was feeling a little bit adrift and searching for something contemporary to write. Then it occurred to me that I could write about the modern Mattson family! I mean, think about it. If there were five ranching brothers in the late 1800s, just think about how many descendants they would have! And many of them would have stories worth telling! My editor at Love Inspired loved the idea, and so far, I’ve written two more books in the series. The first one, Safe Haven Ranch, was released last month, and I’ll save the news about the next book, A Faithful Guardian, for another day.
Here’s the story of Safe Haven Ranch:
Can two little children help turn a feud into a family?
It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more…
GIVEAWAY: I’m delighted to give away one print copy of Safe Haven Ranch to a U. S. resident. Please leave a comment below and answer this question: Do you have a favorite Western hero or heroine from the old movies and television shows? What did you admire about that character? Full sentences, please.
South Carolina author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Awards and is a current finalist for the 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a member of the Christian PEN and has been copyediting for well-known authors for fifteen years. Married for fifty-four happy years to her beloved husband, David, Louise is now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.
Website at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMGougeAuthor
Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge
I loved Dr. Quinn. Not only was she the town doctor, she was raising children, and she found a love interest. Couldn’t have been easy being a woman doctor then, but those in town had no choice, and they embraced her as one of their own.
Denise, I loved Dr. Quinn, too, for all the reasons you stated!
I always like tge Jimmy Stewart westerns. His characters always seemed real. I also have read the horse he ride in the film would do whatever he wanted it to do and did so even when there was a scene where the horse was alone in the scene. Stewart talked to the horse, told it what to do, and the horse did it.
I read that about Jimmy Stewart and the horse, too. He was also a favorite of mine.
Does the Little House on the Prairie series count as a western? I was first drawn to the series because I enjoyed reading the books so much. Laura’s adventures and her relationships proved to be just as enjoyable on TV as they were in the books. I admired her “can do” attitude and the realistic way sibling life was portrayed.
Mary, I would think Little House could be a western. Certainly it was a pioneer story with strong, admirable characters.
My all-time favorite would be John Wayne. He was a manly man. He was tough but also had a humorous side.
You’ve named my favorite cowboy hero, Ann!
I grew up watching the Lone Ranger. I have always loved a happy ending where the good ones always win. I am drawn in by strength of character even when the times are tough. I feel integrity, determination and a proper respect for people make good qualities for my cowboy heroes.
Danielle, I also grew up watching the Lone Ranger. Such an admirable character!
I like the Lone Ranger and Tonto. They seemed to always be where they were needed to help get rid of the bad guys.
Hi, Scaredsilly! Yep, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were great heroes. I still enjoy watching those old shows.
no, don’t watch them
Hi, Bn100. Thanks for the comment.
I’m not a fan of the old westerns.
Hi, Anxious 1959. Thanks for the comment!
Hello and welcome! I used to purchase LI books many years ago. I’m ruined on Kindle Unlimited now. I noticed some LI are KU. Good to know! I’m glad to know you could leave the Historical genre, and still write some contemporary stores. I’ve been known to read a few, but not many. But, it seems to be headed that way. Times are changing it seems.
As far as old westerns, I love them all! And like you, I loved Gunsmoke. But, I’m going to choose The Big Valley. My favorite character was Nick Barkley. I know. He was a hot head. But, he was so human! Not always nice, rarely sweet, but he was dependable! I would want him in a gunfight defending me! He was rough around the edges, but loved his family. And it helped that he was handsome! LOL
Tracy, I love your response! Yes, Big Valley was a great show, and Nick Barkley was a genuine hero. Yes, it helped that he was handsome. LOL!
I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and enjoyed watching how Laura and her family interacted. In fact, I still have several of the Little House books that I used to read.
We are so blessed to have Laura Ingalls Wilders’ books and the television show that brought her stories to life. Seeing how hard life was for folks back then makes us appreciate our modern conveniences and medical advances.
I always loved Little Joe on Bonanza. He road a beautiful horse and we watched it every week.
Hi, Quilt Lady. Little Joe was an enjoyable character, wasn’t he? I liked the whole family.
I love all of the old westerns, both movies and TV shows. I was born and have lived over half my life in my beloved Arizona, so that may explain it! My favorite character on a TV western was The Rifleman. As for western movies, if I had to choose a character it would be any one of John Wayne’s characters. As a young girl I had the privilege of meeting both Roy Rogers and John Wayne and as a teen I met Chuck Connors (at a golf course of all places!).
Oh, Karin, you’ve made me jealous. I always wanted to meet John Wayne! I did meet Roy Rogers and Dale Robertson, so I’ll count my blessings.
No, we didn’t watch TV very much.
Hi, Bridgette. Thank you for the comment.
I grew up watching Westerns and I’m still a fan. I have many heroes but I must give a shout-out to Annie Oakley. I loved that a ‘girl’ could ride, rope, and catch the bad guys!
Oh, Connie, thank you for the reminder of this female star! Gail Davis did a great job of bringing this heroine to the screen.
I grew up watching Westerns. They were my favorite form of entertainment and I was enthralled with the acting, setting and characters. Cowboys were my heroes since they were brave, and had principles and work ethics. I had so many favorites but Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel was special. Richard Boone was a great actor.
Anne, I loved Paladin! That show didn’t last long enough. Only one season, I think. Sure did like that grumpy hero!
Westerns were meaningful since they showed me how cowboys were men, real men. I was impressed with their values, and that was important. I enjoyed so many programs. Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Wyatt Earp, The Rifleman and Roy Rogers. These men and their character were what shaped my choices in life.
Hi, Ellie. You and I think alike! The integrity of the characters they portrayed set an example for me when I was young.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were my Western personalities. I iked the way they interacted and the stories they told.
Hi, Joye. I loved their television show. They were the real deal in life as well as in the movies.
I loved watching westerns growing up. I liked High Chaparral. There were some very nice men in that one. I also like the old John Wayne movies.
Hi, Debby236. Thanks for commenting. I think you and I like the same types of heroes.
The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, The Cisco Kid and Poncho. I love watching the reruns.
Oh, my, Barbara. Thank you for mentioning the Cisco Kid and Poncho. What a great hero and sidekick! Loved Roy and Dale, too!
John Wayne. I liked how he was usually the good guy come to save the day. He was a true hero.
Hi, Jackie. From what I’ve read, John Wayne was a good guy in real life, too. He was always my favorite.
One of my first crushes was Blue Boy from High Chapparal. I liked him because this show was filmed at Old Tucson in Arizona where my father was stationed with the Army.
Hi, Becky. Blue Boy was a cutie, wasn’t he? I was a little too old to have a crush on him, so Manolito was my favorite on that show.
I always loved to watch John Wayne movies. He was a great actor. He could be tough but also had a softer side.
Linda, John Wayne was always my favorite, too. A good man in real life, too.
I grew up watching westerns with my Daddy. The earliest one I remember was Guns of Will Sonnet, and though I was only about 5 when it started, I had a huge crush on Dack Rambo. I remember when the series ended, I about cried, because he wouldn’t be on each week anymore. I still watch Gunsmoke every day on MeTV, and I watch reruns of westerns on GRIT. I really can’t pick a favorite, as I loved James Stacy on Lancer, and thought Trampas was great on The Virginian. Which ever one I’m watching is my favorite at the moment!
Trudy, it was my dad who also got me interested in the old westerns. You gave me a laugh when you said the one you’re watching is your favorite. I can relate to that! LOL!
My favorite was John Wayne. He was an honest, hardworking cowboy with integrity.
My favorite, too, Karijean!
Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman was a favorite of mine. Seeing how brave she was to move out West and deal with all of the conditions and bias at the time.
Hi, Colleen. That was great show, and Dr. Quinn was a great heroine.
I have several male characters I love/loved. Tom Selleck was very versatile as he was Quigley in “Quigley Down Under”, also all business with Sam Elliott as brothers whose sister was kidnapped which led them on the search to get her back. Then there’s Sam Elliott himself who was a super actor in many westerns with his wife. Audie Murphy, western as well as military tales. He kept me entertained with his toughness and small stature, which left a person astounded when he attacked.
Hi, SextonJudy4. Thank you for mentioning Audie Murphy. He was a real life World War hero, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. I’ve always admired him, and thought his western career wasn’t long enough.
I love Miss Kitty, and all of the other characters from Gunsmoke. Fun fact: I knew a man who was a stunt double for James Arness. He used to say that while Matt Dillon was falling for Miss Kitty, he was falling for Matt Dillon….literally! LOL
Hi, Kimberlygail23. How neat that you got to meet this man. Thanks for the laugh!
I have always Loved watching the Westerns I would have to say John Wayne, he was a down to earth Cowboy !
Hi, Sarah. I think John Wayne is the overall favorite here.
Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman was a favorite for me. I admired her bravery to move out west like that knowing all the hardship she would face. It takes real courage to do something like that.
Hi, Cherierj. Yes, Dr. Quinn was a terrific heroine!
I don’t know if I have a favorite Western unless you count Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. I loved how she had the courage to go from fancy living in the city to move out west to be a doctor knowing the hardships she would face. On top of that, becoming a mom to three children who lost their mom, all learning from each other.
Hi, Joannie. I would definitely count Dr. Quinn as a strong, admirable western heroine.
One of my favorites was the dad on Rifleman, Lucas McCain. I like the relationship he had with his son, Mark. He was a good & fair disciplinarian and an understanding father. He was concerned about friends and making sure justice prevailed.
Hi, Patricia. Those are all the reasons I admire the Rifleman. Just wish they could have let him fall in love and get married, but that’s because I’m a romance writer. LOL!