Love Inspired Historicals discussion

This month we have a relatively new author Keli Gwyn joining three veteran Love Inspired Historical authors: Lacy Williams, Renee Ryan, and Rhonda Gibson. Today we will be chatting with Lacy Williams .
Tomorrow we will have Renee Ryan
Thursday is Rhonda Gibson and finally on Friday Keli Gwyn
So without further ado, let's get started!

Please join me in welcoming Lacy Williams She is a wife and mom from Oklahoma. She loves dogs, reading, hiking, and watching movies.

Her debut novel won ACFW’s prestigious Genesis award before being published. She promises readers happily-ever-afters guaranteed.

Lacy combines her love of dogs with her passion for literacy by volunteering with her therapy dog Mr. Bingley in a local Kids Reading to Dogs program.
This month her latest Love Inspired title is Her Convenient Cowboy

Do You Take This Cowboy?

A blizzard traps rancher Davy White in his family's secluded cabin with Rose Evans…and she's nine months pregnant! Help is miles away, and Davy must work to keep them both alive. As the storm rages outside, he comes to care for the vulnerable widow. Enough that he's willing to offer her his name—against his family's objections.

Rose will do anything for her baby, but she's recently widowed. She doesn't know if she can trust the feelings she has toward Davy. And she refuses to come between him and his family. But the more time they spend together, the less she can resist the comforting, caring cowboy.

Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love"

I love a cowboy, Lacy. Who doesn't? How about you ladies? Do you enjoy a story with a cowboy and why or why not?

This one was really good. I've got a question though. Is it taking place at the same time as Ricky's story?

As you all know, I do love my cowboys. This is the fifth book in this series and I've loved writing each one.

Hi Dawn! Yes it runs concurrent with Ricky's story. It was actually supposed to publish first but my editor didn't want to spoiler everyone that Ricky gets his happy ending (since he appears toward the end).

Good morning Lacy and Lyn,
I was on FB yesterday when you introduced this book and so many fans fell in love with the cowboy...I know there must be a story as to why there is a pregnant lady with Davy in the blizzard, is this something you can share? I always like reading your stories -have just finished the one where Emma and Nathan are on wagon train together and her plans to marry another man at the end of trail changes when these two meet.

Hi Paula!

Basically the story is that she was traveling through with her husband and he died and left her stranded in the wilderness.

Boy, it doesn't take this group of readers any time to get the ball rolling!

That's why I love this group--so full of ideas and enthusiasm!

Cowboys, wagon trains, pregnant widows!!! My kind of stories right here! Lacy, this sounds like a great book. I have really enjoyed the Whites and look forward to reading Davy's story. I can just imagine what kind of excitement there will be with a pregnant woman along for the ride!!!

Thanks for hosting this week, Lyn. What an amazing line-up of ladies we get to talk to.

Hi, June!

Davy definitely got more than he bargained for, but he does have those sisters-in-law who have softened his edges a little--nothing like Oscar when he first met Sarah!!

In October, Matty will have his story called "Her Cowboy Deputy". I'm excited for everyone to read that one too.

I'm working on a contemporary cowboy story--does anyone have any good horse stories???

Lacy, will you be writing stories about each of Jonas's adopted kids? It seems like it. Briana's is the one I think I'm the most excited about.

Hi, Dawn.

I will be indie publishing Breanna and Seb's stories and also Cecilia (Oscar's oldest adopted daughter). I'm calling the spin-off series "Daughters of Wyoming". And it will be available in ebook and paperback (though it won't be at Walmart... :( )

I'm really excited to write Breanna's story later this year--she plans to go on an endurance race (like the movie Hidalgo) and of course we'll get to explore more about her past with Jonas adopting her, etc.

The best way to stay up-to-date with new releases is to join my newsletter list (it's right on my website www.lacywilliams.net).

So if you're indy publishing their stories, does that mean you have other contracts in the works with LIH?

By the way, I just signed up for the newsletter.

Actually, I don't have more LIH books in the works. I have decided to go all-indie for now. It has been a hard decision to come to (I love my editor!) but it is the right thing for me at this time in my career.

Oh. Ok. That makes sense.

LIH definetly gave you some good exposure! And once you have the readers, you should do well with indie. Seems like a good enough plan.

I've actually been indie publishing along with doing the LIHs since 2011, so it's not jumping in without any experience. :) And I'll still get to do my historicals, so it's a win!

Well, Lacy, if you're going all indie, will any of your books be available in print online?

Yes. I publish in print via Createspace, so they are available at Amazon and other major retailers like B&N.com and BookDepository.com.

You have more courage than I have, Lacy. All of you younger ladies are brave about jumping into the indie publishing pool. I wish you great sucess.

I'm curious about Davy being isolated with this very pregnant lady. Does he diliver the baby? DON'T ANSWER! I'm headed for Walmart this afternoon and if the June LIHs have hit the shelves this month I'll be able to buy the book.

Thanks, Dorothy. I try to go through the doors God opens for me and I've been praying about this a lot.

You asked such a loaded question and then said don't answer! Ha! I can say there is a baby by the end of the book.

I have written several babies being born and did a lot of research on this for Maxwell's book (Return of the Cowboy Doctor) and it has made me ever so thankful for the hospital and cleanliness when my three were born!

Congrats on this new book, Lacy! I have enjoyed this series. One question-is there someone else in the cabin with them? I know the rules are strict about having the hero and heroine alone together and was wondering how you handled that aspect.

Hi Karen! The rules are strict sometimes:) there is a little dog (Breanna's dog) but my real secret is Davy slept in the lean-to with the horse (kind of a porch or back room to the cabin). What a nice guy.

Lacy wrote: "Hi Karen! The rules are strict sometimes:) there is a little dog (Breanna's dog) but my real secret is Davy slept in the lean-to with the horse (kind of a porch or back room to the cabin). What a n..."

He is, especially in a snowstorm! Thanks for answering.

I figured the horse would have some body heat to keep him warm... Even if they didn't snuggle!!

Hello Lacy! I am a sucker for any good cowboy hero! Gets me every time! This looks amazing, as always. I love the way you write! :)

Ahhh Poor Davy sleeping in a lean-to , I guess the horse kept him warm. I am enjoying reading the comments from everyone.

Thanks, Melody! This series has been really fun--and challenging. I put all the brothers together for The Homesteader's Sweetheart not knowing they would get their own series. So I had to go back and make up their backgrounds based on what little info I had snuck into that book. And all orphans but I had to make their backgrounds different! But it has worked out (at least I think so!).

Paula--the sleeping arrangements stumped me for a bit while planning the book. But I figured he wouldn't leave his horse out in the elements all winter, so that solution worked!

Oh, this sounds good. I love this family! Like Dawn, I too am really looking forward to Breanna's story. She really captured my heart in

While it's sad we won't be seeing you with LIH anymore, I'm really pleased the indie route is working so well for you. Wishing you all the best with your stories!

Thanks, Wendy. I can't wait to tell Breanna's story and find her a man to tame a little of her independence. :):) (not all of it though)

Congratulations on your latest release, Lacy! I'm eager to read Her Convenient Cowboy! I love cowboy stories and yours are among my favorites. I wish you much success with your indie publishing and will continue to look forward to your wonderful stories!

Thank you, Britney.
There's just something about a cowboy, isn't there?

Fun sidenote: write now I'm writing a contemporary cowboy scene where the *cowgirl* is teaching her city boy to ride. Sometimes it is fun to turn the tables!

What is everyone's favorite cowboy movie? Mine is probably Man from Snowy River even though it isn't an American cowboy movie!

I liked the snowy River man too, but some of the older westerns like Roy Rogers melt my heart.

I recognise Davey's name Sounds like a fun story again.

Funny how I would never think of Nan from Snowy River as a cowboy movie cos I guess I don't think of Aussie movies as westerns but I guess they are. Not sure what my favourite western would be. I loved them as a child and still do.

Hi, Jenny! Snowy River isn't an American western but it's oh, so good. I listen to the soundtrack often when writing.

I still have ideas for a historical Aussie story (similar time period as man from snowy river). I just need more time... :):)

I don't think I have watched any cowboy movies! Just read millions (haha I only wish) of cowboy books!

I'm late to the chat! I'll try to make it earlier tomorrow. Congratulations on your latest book, Lacy! I'm going to go back and scroll through to see what I have missed. :-)

Hi Brittany!

Great thread! Congrats on the indie releases you are working on, as well. I have loved the books of yours that I have read. I think I still am behind on one in this series, so I need to catch up. But, I look forward to catching up and then reading what books you publish in the future. Gotta love those cowboys and I love the set up for this book!

Hey Lacy you could have an aussie cowboy who is say looking for gold and gets waylayed in your town cos of a Lady!

Thanks, Brittany. I appreciate your loyalty to my stories!

Jenny, I still remember talking to you on Skype and have a notebook filled up with pages about the different wildlife that would make scary noises at night!

Also found it very interesting researching the rainy seasons in certain parts of Australia and how that could make characters very isolated (ha!).

True just recently as last week the north of my state got more rain in a day than they normally get for the whole month of May and it cut the roads south so they were cut of. The phone network isn't the best outback either so if you get cut off on the roads you may not be able to let anyone know you are in trouble either.

Thanks Keli. Congrats on your new release!

Well, good morning! Our featured author today is Renee Ryan, a familiar face here.

Renee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.

Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?

And here's her latest book WAGON TRAIN PROPOSAL

For the Sake of His Children

A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn't possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks—someone to love her for herself.

Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she's winning over his shy little girls, and the next she's tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan's unexpected second chance at happiness…if he'll risk his wary heart again.

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail

So please welcome Renee Ryan!

I was wondering if you enjoy wagon train stories as much as I do?

I have loved your LIH series Lacy and am thrilled that Davey gets his story and that Matty, Brianna, Seb & Cecilia will as well. Since these won't be LIH will they be a little riskier or will you still keep the general tone of a LIH novel? I have no problem with secular novels I just really try to find ones that are close to the Love Inspired type. I dislike stories where by the first chapter the characters are in bed together.

Oh, a marriage of convenience and a wagon train story. Perfect match! Renee, I have a tough time imagining what circumstances would propel me to risk my life and endure hardship in the hope of something better. That's probably why these stories are so compelling. Congratulations!

Christine wrote: "Oh, a marriage of convenience and a wagon train story. Perfect match! Renee, I have a tough time imagining what circumstances would propel me to risk my life and endure hardship in the hope of some..."

I must agree. But I think life was harder all around at the time. I mean the wagon train women weren't giving up indoor plumbing, furnaces, hot and cold running water. (I'm so glad I was born in the 20th century!)

I think the hardest thing would be leaving family.

Hi Renee, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books. I'm sure this one will be just as great since you put so much time into your research!

I think the biggest push for wagon train travel was that life where these people lived wasn't that great and luxurious. The end of the wagon train rainbow gave them HOPE for something better. There was land and a chance to make their dreams come true. We look at it today and think that mode of travel is insane compared to what we have. We would have to compare important things to this day to understand. Like Black Friday shopping. Would you stand in a line for hours, dark, cold weather, to get that bargain item? Or a top notch competitive job, would you do some of the insane things required to get it? Would you study an insane number of hours to get the best grade in the class? There ARE people today who are just as insane as those pioneers were! LOL

Renee - I LOVED this book. It was probably my favorite of the three wagon train books.

Was it hard to write as part of a continuity series?