Shannon here: Janalyn Voigt shares insight into her real-life romance, plus winner’s choice of one print copy of any of her Montana Gold books. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Oct 29th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Janalyn:
- Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
It might sound crazy, but a ghost town. Most people wouldn’t say that, I suppose. My husband John reads every historical interpretive sign he comes across down to the very last sentence. Me? I’m all about imagining what it was like to live in historical places back in the day. We share such an enthusiasm for history that one year we celebrated our anniversary by going on a research trip for a western historical romance series set in Montana goldrush towns. I didn’t yet have a contract for what would become the Montana Gold series, but we couldn’t help ourselves. The allure of one of the West’s best ghost towns beckoned us onward.
We arrived in Bannock City, now a designated state park, and fell instantly in love. How could we not adore walking through historic buildings without a guide? Sights such as ladderback chairs around a long table ringed by shelves that still held dishes and a barber’s chair awaiting a customer charmed us. But the best moments were when we walked hand-in-hand over a footbridge across Grasshopper Creek and along a path toward Yankee Flats, once a part of the town where Union sympathizers lived. The incredible pathos of finding the area crowded with undergrowth rather than buildings gripped us with a sense of the transitory nature of life. Hold your loved ones close, dear friends.
- Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?
Since I include romance in everything I write, it might be fair for me to lay claim to this. After all, I cry over movies, turn to mush over romance in novels, and love holding hands during drives. However, my husband never misses an opportunity to open a door for me. He remembers every occasion and regularly urges me to leave the workaday world behind and walk in the quiet of nature with him. Maybe we’d better call a tie.
- Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
We honeymooned at Washington state’s Discovery Bay. We stayed in a private condo on the shoreline. There is nothing so peaceful as gazing out across placid water beside the man you love. Driving to Port Townsend, a historic seaport that retains its character, provided one day’s adventure. We married in October, and trees were bursting out in one last glorious display before winter clears the branches. Washington is known for its evergreens, but it has its share of deciduous trees also. We gravitated toward the old part of Port Townsend, content to gaze at the Victorian architecture, poke in the shops, and savor a warm meal at one of the town’s many restaurants. We took drives through the wild forest that dominates the Olympic Peninsula. Always, in the background, snow-clad mountains raised their heads against the sky. Food, beauty, and peace all combined to make the trip a perfect start for our new life together.
- What romantic location would you like to visit?
We want to visit Scotland. Both John and I have Scottish ancestry, and the trip would help us connect with our family histories. My grandmother was a Campbell, so I’d love to visit the Isle of Skye and Inverary Castle in Argyll where the Laird of the Campbell clan lives. My husband is descended from the Bennetts, which calls for a jaunt to Roxburgh County in the southern uplands to explore archeological remains and take a romantic drive along the Tweed River.
Question for Readers: What romantic destination do you dream of visiting?
About Janalyn: Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales “written” in her head.
Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. The same elements–romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy–appear in all her novels, no matter what the genre. Learn more & connect:
Janalyn’s Website Janalyn’s e-mail signup Jananlyn’s Facebook
Janalyn’s Goodreads Janalyn’s Bookbub Janalyn’s Website for Writers
About the Montana Gold series:
The Montana Treasure series explores faith, courage, and love in the Wild West
Book 1: Hills of Nevermore: Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on helping her survive?
Book 2: Cheyenne Sunrise: Can a woman with no faith in men learn to trust the half-Cheyenne trail guide determined to protect her?
Book 3: Stagecoach to Liberty: Can a desperate young woman trust the handsome Irish stranger who wants to free her from her captors?
Book 4: The Forever Sky: Can a young widow with no faith in love hope for a future with the man who broke her heart?
Book 5: The Promise Tree: A preacher’s daughter shouldn’t encourage a troublemaker—no matter what her wayward heart desires.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Janalyn’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! Janalyn’s books
Come back Oct 25th for Pat Nichols!
Texas. It may not sound romantic. But we have family there and I love the state. Next time we visit, we’re planning to go to Surfside Beach. It’s supposed to be the best shelling in Texas. That’s all I want from the beach, walking along the shore picking up shells.
Picking up shells on the seashore is a worthy occupation. It’s fun to look for bits of weather-polished glass too.
Thanks for hosting me today, Shannon. I forgot I’d be traveling today, which is why I’m a little late commenting. We’re on our annual anniversary trip, headed on the ferry to a remote island. 🙂
I would love to do a Mediterranean cruise someday.
I’m not sure about a cruise, but I’d love to go to the Mediterranean also.
Florida and Hawaii I hear the beaches r Really pretty in January I will be going to Hawaii for my brother’s make a wish trip.
Congratulations on your Hawaii trip. I once lived on Oahu, and it is beautiful.
I have a winner! Suzan B won the drawing. I appreciate Janalyn for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.
Thanks again for hosting me.