Today I would like to welcome the lovely Hildie McQueen who is joining us with her recent release of WESTBOUND AWAKENING.
The world of Westbound Awakening. Westbound Awakening came to be while I wrote the first book Where The Four Winds Collide in which these two characters appeared. Mae Hawkins, the young and beautiful owner of a brothel and John McClain a stern and absurdly handsome cavalry captain who comes to collect his wayward men. It was evident by their interaction that their story was going to be next.
As a western historical writer, I am forced to do the dreaded research. Although my books don’t have a lot of history in them (on purpose), I still strive to ensure not to write things that are wrong.
It occurred to me that as romance writers we draw pictures that gloss over the common day routines of people in our stories. After all it would be quite boring or bizarre even to follow the hero and heroine around while they brush their teeth or such things. Therefore when writing we cut all of those things out so that the reader will not lose interest and toss the book over their shoulder.
One area that draws me is the area of courting and relationships in 1800s western America. Its funny how much life was like today in some ways.
Did you know that…
Women in the west were not inclined to marry. They married older than the eastern women because It meant they were confined to their home and often their lives became more restricted.
Men on the other hand were more excited at the prospect because marriage meant sex.
Courtships consisted of walks, cuddling in a hayloft, dancing at parties, church socials and tie in the front parlor.
Ten percent of women were already pregnant by the time they married.
What fact do you find the most interesting or unexpected? Let me know and one commenter will win a special gift pack from Hildie! (Be sure to leave your email address!)
Westbound AwakeningBy Hildie McQueen
AMAZON
Captain John McClain finds himself on the wrong end of a shotgun when attempting to find his child. Heading west to find the mother of his son and the outlaw who shot him, John is forced to escort an enticing woman whose lifestyle goes against every one of his moral standards, yet she calls to every part of him.
Heading west to meet the dying father she never knew, and possibly starting a new life, Mae Hawkins didn’t expect the added complication of traveling with the one man she always loved.
When they're joined along the road by a minister and his wife, things get beyond complicated for John and Mae who awaken to the lesson that sometimes differences are more imagined than real in this unforgettable journey.
Author’s Bio & Picture:
Hildie McQueen loves storytelling and unusual settings, pair that with humor and you’ve got an idea of what her writing is like.
She makes sure action, intrigue, and sizzling romance add up to a story, her readers won’t soon forget. Her favorite past-times are traveling, shopping and reading. She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and two unruly Chihuahuas.
Website/Blog: www.hildiemcqueen.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHildieMcQueen?fref=ts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14290310-where-the-four-winds-collide
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hildiebm/
Giveaway:
Coach wristlet (Stagecoach days and all) and an e-copy of Westbound Awakening
I can't believe that 10% of women were pregnant for that time period. Interesting facts. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to reading this book. It's been added to TBR stack.
ReplyDeleteLori :)
lorih824 at yahoo dot com
Definitely goes to show that people embraced their sexuality despite social confines :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I love books from this time period. Cant wait to read. Thank you for the wonderful book.
ReplyDelete