I Love Westerns!
Sep 22nd 2009
LoriHandelandGoddess Classics & Lori Handeland & On Writing!
Of any kind–movies, tv shows, romance novels. And boy do I miss them. Good ones–like Dances with Wolves, (or my favorite movie of all time Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. ) Anyone remember Rawhide? I’m dating myself, I know, but Clint Eastwood–hubba hubba! 
What about Maggie Osborne’s The Wives of Bowie Stone, Silver Linings, well any of her books really. (When she retired my heart broke).
I have never understood the death of the Western. What’s not to love?–a time when men were men and so were the women. I truly believed that after 9/11 the Western would make a resurgence. It’s a pure American art form. We should preserve and protect it.
I have proposals for westerns that would keep me writing until the cows came home. (Ha.) And I wrote a series of westerns with another author (The Rock Creek Six) that were some of my best work. They sold about three copies each. It killed me.
But I still have high hopes that some day the western will rise again. I recently read that a remake of True Grit (an absolute classic) is in the works with
Jeff Bridges in the John Wayne roll. I doubt it’ll be as good as the original, but hopefully it won’t be downright bad. (Like Open Range. Do NOT get me started.)
Do you like westerns? Why or why not? Why do you think the western has died (or at least gotten very, very sick)? What’s your favorite western of all time?
65 Comments »
65 Responses to “I Love Westerns!”
evlqn on 22 Sep 2009 at 4:46 am #
McLintock, Big Jake, Sons Of Katie Elder, okay I’m a John Wayne fan. I also love Louis La’mour, especially The Sackett series. I think westerns didn’t actually die they went out into space. What was Outland if not a western sheriff up against the bad guys with no one willing to help him? Han Solo was a gunslinger with a heart of gold. See they are still there, just changed venue.
Lisa H on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:22 am #
Lori – I’m not a huge Western fan, but the editor in chief at The Wild Rose Press is. Everytime I see her she is asking for “Cowboys”. Who can blame her? My favorite Western scene which is all of about 2 minutes long is in “Romancing the Stone”. It is a scene with Jesse and Angelina, the characters in Kathleen Turner’s head. That scene stayed with me so much, I named my son Jesse.
TrustMe_2_Forget on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:44 am #
I also LOVE Westerns…and have turned to the Harlequin Historical line to feed my need for new ones, there I’ve discovered Stacey Kayne, who has become an auto-buy! Thankfully Linda Lael Miller is still spinning some out, though I really really wish more would come out. How can we NOT love a cowboy!!! LOL And the pioneering families…these folks struggled to make a living…give me Little House on the Prarie or Janette Oakes “Love” series – I love it when they play th series back to back on Hallmark…esp. in the winter when I can cozy up to watch it, I even got my husband into it! LOL
TrustMe_2_Forget on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:46 am #
ohh and my favorite Western is a tie, both by Johanna Lindsey: BRAVE THE WILD WIND and ANGEL
Archer on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:49 am #
I’m not big on westerns either. I think its because for me its not as unknown as the regency period and things aren’t as forbidden so not as fun. Although in Turkey old westerns are still popular.
Although there are a few westerns that I really enjoyed. Debbie Macomber – Morning Comes Softly, Johanna Lindsey – Glorious Angel, Catherine Anderson – Fancy Free… this one was sooo funny.
My favorite western tv show was Legacy. I was so disappointed when it was canceled. Especially since you can’t even get it on dvd. Take a look at the actors in it and share my disappointment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ytHQm22wAA&feature=related
One bad thing I picked up from westerns and regencies is wanting to learn horseback riding. Its so much fun, but definitely a lot harder than it looks.
Archer on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:50 am #
as usual my comment is waiting moderation
Cail on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:56 am #
I’d probably enjoy reading a western, since most of the time, i like a well written book. HOWEVER, I never ever go for them. It’s just not my historical period. Give me some civil war, colonists or any of the early American settlers, and i’m a happy girl. (not that you ever really see that.) What I really like are pirates and privateers. Lucky for me, they still keep popping up from time to time. Now, I just read the regencies. I like the foreign feel to it.
Margaret on 22 Sep 2009 at 6:03 am #
Oh do I remember “Rawhide”. Clint Eastwood was a very young, very sexy Rowdy Yates. Mmm. I agree that the western didn’t die so much as morph into space dramas with the advent of astronauts, man walking on the moon and space explorations. Star Trek and Star Wars are prime examples of space-terns.
I also think westerns were a victim of political correctness. It couldn’t be good guy cowboys vs bad guy Indians anymore. And the other way around worked to a limited degree. I really don’t know what happened with the western. I’m sure it will be back around one of these days. Maybe not exactly as it was before but it’s not really dead. Just dormant.
Frankly, the one story type that I absolutely don’t enjoy is the sheik ones. Especially when we learn of how they treat their women and after 9/11. I can’t imagine anybody roaming the hot desert draped in yards of cloth is going to smell too good at bedtime either. JMNSHO mind you.
Speaking of “True Grit”, they’d be hard pressed to find worse actors than Glenn Campbell & Kim Darby. But John Wayne shown in that movie. One of his best.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 6:08 am #
You and I are on the same page, Evlqn. The Duke Rocks!
I loved all those Jesse scenes in Romancing the Stone. They were classic.
Oddly I’m not a big fan of the contemp western, Trustme. Not sure why. I’ve enjoyed a few of Linda’s historicals though.
I like Civil War and Pirates too, Cail. Maybe Civil War Pirates! Hmm. There’s an idea.
I agree that a lot of the “western’ feel has gone into the space dramas. In fact, there is a movie being made now that is supposed to be a space western. Which is what I always considered “Firefly.” I LOVED Firefly. SO bummed it only lasted one season.
Harris Channing on 22 Sep 2009 at 6:13 am #
Hmmm…do you suppose Westerns haven’t recovered from the overkill of the 50’s and 60’s? I don’t know what my favorite Western would be. Would you consider Jeremiah Johnson a Western? Or The Outlaw Josey Wales? For more traditional Westerns…I do have to say, GUNSMOKE really is a good series and does actually stand the test of time. Unfogiven is an awesome movie…and True Grit will always be a favorite of mine…Gotta love John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn!
Tanya on 22 Sep 2009 at 6:30 am #
I really like westerns, there are so few these days. I absolutely LOVE Dances With Wolves. The part that makes me cry EVERYTIME is; “I am Wind in His Hair, Dances With Wolves is my friend!” Oh man, just thinking about it gets me.
Freshechelle on 22 Sep 2009 at 6:55 am #
Sorry to say I’ve been kind of indifferent to Westerns but the fact that you feel the ones you co-authored are your best work inspires me to seek them out.
My fave Western film is the Ox-Box Incident because it’s a great morality play more than a great western.
I’m not into the genre but can appreciate the enthusiasm you all show for it.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:00 am #
That could be, Harris. Hard to say. Although I’d think that by now we’ve got Regency/Victorian overkill and I don’t see them slowing down.
I definitely consider Jeremiah Johnson and Josey Wales westerns. Love them both.
There are so many great moments in Dances, Tanya. Just watched it the other day and was struck by the sweet beauty of Kevin Costner playing with the wolf. It was adorable. Of course I have that thing for wolves.
I have not seen that movie, Fresh. Will have to check it out.
LisaK on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:03 am #
I haven’t read or watched many westerns but I’d absolutely love to have more of them – I mean, romance is the perfect genre for it, isn’t it? Since I’m not from the US, I can’t really imagine why the western got ill since it was never as big here as it was in America. However, I’d absolutely support a More Western Movement. I’ve read that several romance authors would love to write a western story or have even already written one, but publishers don’t accept them because the market isn’t good for them at the moment. Well, so why doesn’t one of them start with again publishing westerns so that others can follow if they’re afraid to do so themselves? I don’t get it…
nancyg on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:19 am #
I’m not a huge western fan in books. Don’t know why – maybe because I live in Dallas & there’s so many “weekend” cowboys out & about. The real cowboys/ranchers don’t advertise – they just have a presence.
I used to LOVE all the John Wayne westerns! Rio Grande, Rio Lobo, etc. I also LOVED The Magnificent Seven. They made a Brat Pack comeback for awhile with Young Guns. I still haven’t seen The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward… but heard it was good. My all-time favorite? Lonesome Dove, hands down! Tommy Lee Jones & Robert Duvall (throw in bad-guy Robert Urich “Jake”) – classic!!
Mr. G is a western/war movie fanatic. I think we have all the oldie but goodies here – really old school 50’s/60’s era to Clint Eastwood, Fistful of Dollars, etc.
I recall this 80’s era Phil Collins video – in the beginning, they name their favorite all-time westerns – dream sequence video…. Don’t Lose My Number, I think… I’ll see if I can post the You Tube link…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8azy2AtJQ
dbrown3400 on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:25 am #
Elizabeth Lowell’s westerns both contemporary and historical have always grabbed me. Her “Only” series in particular is one of my favorites and Nevada Blackthorne in Warrior is yummy although dark and mysterious. I also like Linda Howard’s Wolf MacKenzie in MacKenzie’s Mountain. Tom Selleck’s Monte Walsh made a good TV western. I liked all the shows he did with Sam Elliott.
Lori, I still have your Rock Creek Six books. Nate is my favorite.
dbrown3400 on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:27 am #
Linda Lael Miller wrote some good westerns and still writes them although I haven’t read any of her recent work.
Claudia Dain on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:28 am #
I really do love westerns. I can’t understand why they aren’t popular any more.
Some of my favorites are Big Jake, The Cowboys, and The Searchers (love John Wayne!) I also love Conagher with Sam Elliot. If you haven’t seen it, do! It’s wonderful.
For books, I haven’t read one in so long that I’ve forgotten! Isn’t that sad?
I agree with Eviqn: it’s gone spacey. Firefly, which I just watched and loved, was a classic western in space. And it got canceled. That tells you something, doesn’t it?
Claudia Dain on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:30 am #
Oh, Fresh, I LOVE The Ox-bow Incident, though it’s as dark as dark can be. But the acting! Wow. It’s a powerful story.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:33 am #
This is true LisaK. Many authors–myself–included have tried to get a western bought and published with no luck. I have a new proposal that I love, but haven’t sent it around because right now I have 4 books to write in the next year. I love being employed!
Thanks for posting that link, NancyG. I hadn’t seen that video before.
Thanks, D. Nate is my favorite too!
Have not seen Conagher, Claudia, but love Sam Ellliot in anything!
KimC on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:52 am #
You know, sadly westerns are just one genre I can’t get into. No idea why because I like them in my movies.
Julia London on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:53 am #
God, I am so with you, Lori. I love them. I am dying to write one. Unfortunately, agent and editor don’t think that’s a really good idea for me at the moment (not that I have the time). I keep threatening to write one and put it up on my website.
TrishD on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:55 am #
I don’t know if I love westerns, but I know that I do love cowboys, ranchers and their stories… does that make me a western lover??
One of my favorite westerns is Catherine Anderson’s Cherish. When Race sleeps under the wagon Rebecca’s in to keep her safe makes me wonder why we ever got ride of covered wagons!
I will watch anything on TV having to do with the west and gunslingers, especially Billy the Kid, Jessie James, the Earp Brothers. My favorite Western movie shows my age… Young Guns and Young Guns 2. I do like Dances with Wolves but give me a choice and I choose Emilo Estevez and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Michelle B on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:57 am #
Love westerns! John Wayne is king at our house. Quigley Down Under with Tom Selleck was good. Silverado is still a favorite of mine. A very young Kevin costner in it.
I haven’t read a good one in a long time. I used to adore Jude Deveraux’s Montgomery’s and Taggart’s in her western set books. She had a time travel one where a modern lady chef finds an old flour tin and goes back in time to the old west. Can’t remember the name of it, but the whole story has stuck with me.
On TV I liked Big Valley and Bonanza. Always a love story there, with many a broken heart.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:58 am #
Hard to say, KimC. Have you read many?
Same here, Julia. My agent’s eye started twitching when I told her, but she was game. My editor is one of those who keeps saying she’d love to publish a western. If I ever catch up I plan to push it.
Works for me, TrishD. I’d say you’re a western lover. I enjoyed Young Guns as well, although I kept yelling “That’s not right! That’s not true!” at the screen. Kind of like I do with The Tudors.
nancyg on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:02 am #
Oh, I loved Bonanza! My babysitter used to watch it every afternoon after school… became a Michael Landon fan then & there.
GSM on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:18 am #
I love some older Western movies–the 1939 “Stagecoach,” with a very young John Wayne, and “High Noon,” with Gary Cooper, are my favorites. Clint Eastwood’s recent “Unforgiven” is excellent, as well. And, for some reason, if “Sons of Katie Elder” is on TV, I absolutely can not change the channel!
SheridanLA on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:43 am #
For some reason, I have never really been into westerns…. I have read some I liked, but it has never been a genre I love… but then I am also fickle and go in phases with book genres as I do everything else. I so wish that the book industry was not so insanely trend driven (of course all industries are this way.) They hook onto trends (Regencies and vampires for example) and forget there are other genres out there.. Not that I don’t like those genres, but it is getting a bit too saturated to me. It’ll just take one or two in another genre to make it big, then there will be a shift.
Lori… they could start talking in Pig Latin on the Tudors and I am not sure I would care as long as Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Henry Carvill were on screen…
I have only seen season one, but wow…. almost visual and aural overload. ~sigh~
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:50 am #
We always watched Bonanza too, Michelle. And then Little House. Always had a thing for Michael Landon.
Love every movie Clint made, GSM. Have quite a few here too. Unforgiven, The Good the Bad etc, Fistful of Dollars, Josie Wales. All brilliant.
You’re right Sheridan. All it will take is a few westerns to hit and then we’ll be back. I just wish it would happen. (and that one of those that hit would be mine. LOL!)
I’m with you on The Tudors. I’m always saying “not right!” but I keep watching because the show is so gorgeous in man candy and sets and costumes etc.
Sherry James on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:53 am #
Howdy, Lori!
I, too, love Westerns. Big time! That’s why I write them. So far I have only contemporary westerns out, but I am currently working on an historical western. My first love!
Dances with Wolves is one of my favorites, too. But I also love an older Clint Eastwood in Pale Rider. Sexy! He was great in Rawhide as well. What’s not to like about Clint?! Of course, I was a big Bonanza and Big Valley fan as well. Although I did get a little frustrated with the Cartwright curse on women! Ha! But as for a more recent western series, I absolutely loved the Magnificent Seven! Love it, love it! What’s not to love here? Seven men, seven male archetypes, seven romances and endless story possibilities. I was so mad at the network for axing it. But at least I have the complete series on DVD to enjoy over and over.
As for books, Cheryl St. John writes a great western. One of my favs of hers is The Gunslinger’s Bride. And I agree with you on Maggie Osborne. The Wives of Bowie Stone was terrific. It’s on my keeper shelf. Pam Crooks is another great western writer if you’re looking for more! Absolutely love Hannah’s Vow!
Okay, stop me. I could go on and on!
Sherry James
Janae on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:56 am #
I abhor anything that takes place in American history because I have yet to find an author who accurately portrays real American history. They seem to rely on their elementary school social studies for their sources, and as an American history major, it offends my sensibilities. I can take a little bit of tweaking, but not much more than that.
Rachel Gibson on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:30 am #
IMO, the Americana killed the Western. Now, I loved LaVyrle Spencer’s Americanas. There were a few other authors that were very good too. But for the most part, Americanas were too much like Little House On The Prairie. Too much Ma and Pa and farming and working the land. There wasn’t any roping and riding and shoot outs. I think Westerns got lumped in with Americana and when the Americana market died, so did the Western.
rachel
LauraR on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:36 am #
Geez, no one has mentioned Zane Grey! I read a lot of his stuff when I was a kid and there was a lot of romance along with the horses and cows.
The glut of westerns on tv when I was a kid was amazing. Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Rawhide with Clint Eastwood, The Bounty Hunter with a young Steve McQueen, and lots more. My favorite western movie is The Searchers with John Wayne.
I cannot imagine a remake of True Grit. Kim Darby as the girl was forgettable, but anyone else as Rooster Cogburn is bound to fail.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:43 am #
My Rock Creek Six series is basically The Magnificent Seven with romance. I love that movie, and the series.
I can understand it being hard to read American set historicals if American History is your major, Janae. It could be maddening.
Could be, Rachel. I was never a fan of all the Americana myself. I like violence and grit!
The Searchers was great, Laura! There’s also another old one called Three Godfathers that I enjoyed.
Karen Rose on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:47 am #
Lori, I find I’ll watch a western mainly for the actor. My favorite actor is Gregory Peck and my fave of his movies is The Big Country – a simply unrivaled picture, and a wonderful western. Maybe I love it because it’s kind of an anti-western. Peck is an easterner who doesn’t feel the need to prove himself to the bigger-than-life westerners who think he’s a pansy. Of course he’s not and proves this again and again. My favorite line in the movie is Jean Simmons to the blond who’s Peck’s fiance: “How many times does a man have to win you?”
I guess I love the movie – that it’s a western is kind of incidental. It’s a wonderful romance between Peck and Simmons!
There’s something macho about a man who can handle a horse, I must admit. Of course, nobody ever talks about the fact that he probably smells like a horse too! I can’t get past that one, LOL. Just like I don’t get the lure of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow – he needs a bath and a toothbrush. Ew.
Karen Rose on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:50 am #
Rachel, I loved LaVyrle Spenser’s westerns, too! But I loved all her work, so again, being a western wasn’t the draw – she was.
Karen Rose on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:52 am #
Two of my faves of LaVyrle are both westerns, kind of, now that I think of it. Vows and The Gamble. The Gamble’s second half is on a Mississippi plantation though, so maybe it’s only 1/2 western.
Both great books, if you haven’t read them!
evlqn on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:10 am #
GSM what is so appealing about The Sons of Katie Elder is a family coming together to mourn, celebrate and avenge a loved one. It really did have it all. Back when we still bought TV Guide to see what was on for the week, we called it the John Wayne guide.
Ellen on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:10 am #
I LOVE Westerns. My first completed mani is a western. However, EVERYONE tells me to write something else because the Western is dead.
I just love me some cowboys.
Ellen on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:18 am #
By the way…want to hear TRUE ROMANCE???
I was in DC all last week for a medical trade show. I had to drive back to NY (7 hours with traffic) and was really tired and crabby when I got home.
My DH had dinner waiting, the house clean and the teen at a movie…..and…wait for it….a copy of Karen’s new book “Kill For Me” on my pillow.
What a keeper! (The DH AND the book!)
kay on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:36 am #
Movies: The Searchers, High Noon, Ox-Bow Incident, Little Big Man, Once Upon a Time in the West and just because I had a crush on Errol Flynn, They Died with Their Boots on. Guilty pleasure Westward the Women.
TV shows: I am from the generation that was swamped with cowboy shows, Wagon Train, Wyatt Earp, Have Gun will Travel, Sugarfoot, Cheyanne, Maverick, The Rifleman, The Virginian, Laredo (had a crush on William Smith)…there were more, but I can’t think of all of them.
My favorite book, is an old one by Laura Lee Guhrke called Conor’s Way. Takes place on a wagon train.
Nicole Jordan on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:48 am #
I hear you, Lori! I wrote several Westerns myself before the market tanked. And I never was able to finish the 3rd book of a trilogy bc my publisher only wanted Regencies from me.
For those of you who love Western romance novels, on of my fave authors has one out right now. NEVER LOVE A LAWMAN by Jo Goodman. Jo used to write Westerns and Americana, then switched to Regencies. This is her first Western in years. I highly recommend her books.
It’s only if readers vote with their pocketbooks that Westerns can make any sort of comeback.
evlqn on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:55 am #
I loved Sugarfoot and Have Gun Will Travel! We watched ALL of the westerns at our house. My dad had the entire La’mour collection in hand-tooled leather. We also had the m in paperback for everyone to read. My brothers and I would shamelessly steal the books from one another so if they were lain down they were fair game.
Meow Ellen on 22 Sep 2009 at 11:14 am #
OMG, Kay. I forgot about my MAD CRUSH on William Smith. Whatta honey!
Madeline Hunter on 22 Sep 2009 at 11:21 am #
I am a huge western fan. We have DVDs of all the significant ones. I married a man who already had a library of research books on the West, and we have added to it.
As for why western romances have become a niche—I have heard it said it is becuase everyone is poor in them, LOL. IOW, the hard-scrabble existence is not seen as very romantic. I’m not sure I agree, but it is one theory.
I probably know the words to Clint’s westerns, and Silverado, by heart.
Madeline
Suzanne Enoch on 22 Sep 2009 at 11:33 am #
I love Westerns, too! My favorite: “Silverado”. Did you see “Appaloosa” with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen? That one was great.
I think the perception is that Westerns are too…simplistic. Not in the storytelling, but in the perception of ‘good guys wear white hats and bad guys wear black hats’. You always know who the enemies are, and the good guys always win. Life these days seems more complicated than that.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 11:34 am #
I miss LaVyrle’s books so much, K-Ro. Hummingbird. Sigh.
What a lovely story, Ellen. And a lovely man.
How could I forget Little Big Man, Kay? I had a crush on Dustin Hoffman. Go figure.
Will have to check out Jo’s book, Nicole. I do like to vote with my dollars as you say.
Loved Have Gun Will Travel! Had forgotten that too.
Wasn’t William Smith usually a villain? Not that I don’t have a thing for villains. Or at least very bad boys.
Hmm. Never considered that, Madeline. I never really thought of the characters as poor. I guess they aren’t rich. But I always saw their lives as so exciting. Of course I would have been a wagon train dropout in MO. I’d never have made it west. Too much of a wimp.
Pesky on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:15 pm #
Huge John Wayne fan. Jacob McCandles and the greens in Big Jake. “I thought you was dead.” “Not Hardly.”
There is a western being made that was written by Madeline Stowe that will be starring Hugh Jackman and Robert Pattinson so you may get your re-emergence wish!
I’m not sure why they fell out of favor. The action movie seems to be what has taken over for the western. The layout of the plotlines are similar, invasions by outsiders, a big fight scene and gads! Special Effects! Not a lot of special effects in a western. The spaghetti western is being replaced by the indie, the “loner” with something to prove. Same archtype, more urban background. Then you had your comedy westerns, “Support Your Local Sheriff”, “The Cheyenne Social Club”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Eastward Ho!” Not sure what replaced that.
Pesky on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:16 pm #
(contd)
As to the western romance, depends on who writes it. Sometimes I can get into it, but…honestly I’ve been up at 4 in the morning to run down to my grandparents and milk the cows and feed the sheep and steers and chickens…gads I hate chickens, except nicely grilled. I can’t really find anything romantic in the farming process. It’s smelly, it’s sweaty and filthy, and not once did a guy come strolling up with his shirt off sporting a 12 pack. More likely the pervy middle aged guy sporting a cooler.
kay on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:25 pm #
Yes, William Smith often played a villain, but in Laredo he was a big muscled ranch hand/cowpoke. Peter Brown, Neville Brand and Phillip Carey were in it and probably Peter Brown was supposed to be the heart throb, but I like William.
Tanya on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:54 pm #
I would like to officially place my vote for Johnny Depp being in a western!
ladydawgfan on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:56 pm #
I also like a good Western now and again, but it really depends on who is writing it. I love all of Catherine Anderson’s books, for example. And some of the books that I kept from the early 90’s were westerns that just sparkled with humor, romance and a great storyline.
Michelle B, the Jude Deveraux book you are looking for is Legend, a fantastic TT book that is also a western.
Also, Both Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot were in a western together called “The Shadow Riders.” It was originally on TV, but I have it on DVD now. Great fun, guys on horses saving the day, and the bad guys getting theirs to boot.
And I would read a Julia London western in a heartbeat!!
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:59 pm #
Could be, Suzie. I’ve always liked my westerns with a lot of gray hats.
Anti-heroes. Clint Eastwood types.
No way, Pesky! Pattinson and Hugh? I’m already there and I don’t even know what it is!
Johnny Depp western. I’m also THERE!
I liked many of Catherine A’s books too, ladyd. Another great western romance was Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis .
evlqn on 22 Sep 2009 at 1:18 pm #
Shadow Riders was from another La’mour book. I love Selleck and Elliott to death! Both exceptionally sexy guys.
Suzanne Enoch on 22 Sep 2009 at 1:22 pm #
Johnny Depp HAS been in a Western, and he’s making another one. He was in “Dead Man”, kind of an existential Western, and he’s going to be starring as Tonto in the remake of “The Lone Ranger”.
Pesky on 22 Sep 2009 at 1:59 pm #
Yep. It’s called unbound captives. It’s in pre-production right now but is slated for 2010.
Julia London on 22 Sep 2009 at 2:23 pm #
Ellen, that is definitely true romance! That’s so wonderful!
Jill Gregory is another one who wrote great westerns. She’s writing thrillers now.
Suzanne, they are re-making the Lone Ranger?!?!? Oh be still, my five year-old heart!
evlqn on 22 Sep 2009 at 2:32 pm #
Who gets Clayton Moore’s part?? I loved Jay Silverheels as Tonto, he was the main reason I watched.
LoriHandeland on 22 Sep 2009 at 3:39 pm #
I didn’t know that about Johnny, Suzie. It all sounds good. Can’t wait to see him as Tonto. He always has an interesting interpretation.
Unbound Captives–have to go check that out.
And yes, who will be Clayton Moore’s part? Inquiring minds want to know.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 22 Sep 2009 at 5:41 pm #
I remember Rawhide, The Rifleman, Bonanza, Paladin, Bat Masterson, Maverick, and Gunsmoke so you aren’t alone. I grew up watching westerns (obviously) but moved away from them as I got older. However, a perennial favorite is Paint Your Wagon. Clint Eastwood singing. He’s no Placido Domingo, but he can carry a tune—and he’s really easy on the eyes.
Looneytune on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:28 pm #
My favorite TV western type story was “Young Riders” about a group of handsome looking young pony express riders. (Brolin and Baldwin to name two) I think the pony express rider idea would make a good historical romance as well, although those riders were generally stringy young kids who could ride fast with lots of endurance. My two favorite western stories are Cherish by Anderson and Nobody’s Darling by Medeiros.
Sabrina Jeffries on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:50 pm #
I liked Westerns as a kid–I read Zane Grey a lot–but I confess that I don’t much like them as an adult. No clue why. I did love Johanna Lindsey’s Savage Thunder, but it’s the only Western romance on my keeper shelf. Oh, and Claudia’s western, A Kiss to Die For (very good Western, for those of you who enjoy them).
That’s about the only two Westerns I have on my shelf. Sad, but true.
Tina on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:35 pm #
I love westerns, I even like western romances.
I’ve read a dozen or so Louis L’Amour.
My favorite western movie is “Silverado”. (Jake fell off his horse!!!)
Favorite western tv series is tied between “Gunsmoke” and “The Young Riders”.
Patricia Barraclough on 22 Sep 2009 at 10:46 pm #
Love westerns and read them. Have my bags packed for a trip to OK and Texas and there are 6 or 7 books in there all set in that area. I don’t know why the western died as far as TV and the movies is concerned. Loved The Rifleman, Rawhide, Wagon Train, Paladin – Have Gun Will Travel, Bonanza. There were more, but then I would have to go way back and embarrass myself. Odd to say, but I don’t think the wester is face paced enough to compete with the police and medical shows.
LoriHandeland on 23 Sep 2009 at 5:29 am #
Clint can really play the piano too, Gwynlyn. What a Renaissance man!
Oh, Looney and Tina! I’d forgotten Young Riders. I loved that show.
Perhaps that’s why they’ve morphed into space westerns, Patricia. Adding some speed to the pace.