One of the great frontier romance novels is 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey. It has a vivid portrayal of the frontier setting along with a passionate love story. The descriptions of the western landscapes add to the overall charm.
I'd also suggest 'The Bride of the Wilderness' by Randall Parrish. This book has a great plot where a young woman finds herself in the middle of the frontier. Her journey and the love she discovers there make for a great read. It has adventure, danger and of course, romance.
Some of the best frontier novels include 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a sweeping epic that follows a group of Texas Rangers on a cattle drive to Montana, painting a vivid picture of the frontier experience. 'The Big Sky' by A.B. Guthrie Jr. is another excellent choice. It shows the exploration and settlement of the American frontier, especially the adventures in the wilderness. Additionally, 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a powerful frontier novel that deals with themes of justice and mob mentality in the frontier setting.
Frontier romance novels typically involve a lot of action and drama. The characters are constantly dealing with unpredictable situations. For example, they might have to defend their land from invaders or deal with a shortage of supplies. Love stories in these novels are often intertwined with the struggle for survival. The heroes and heroines are not just focused on their romantic feelings but also on making a life in a new and often difficult place. This makes the romances in these novels more complex and interesting, as they are not just about love but also about building a future together in a frontier setting.
Often, they feature the vast and wild landscapes of the frontier. For example, in 'The Big Sky' by A. B. Guthrie Jr., the descriptions of the untamed wilderness are really impressive.
Typically, they have a strong sense of place. The western frontier setting, with its vast deserts, mountains, and prairies, is almost like a character itself. For example, in 'Lonesome Dove', the description of the long cattle drives through the arid landscapes is crucial to the story.
They often feature strong and independent protagonists. Cowboys and settlers are common characters. The settings are usually the wild and untamed Western frontier, with deserts, mountains, and small frontier towns. There's a sense of adventure, with elements like horseback riding, gunfights, and the struggle against nature.
Another great American colonial frontier novel is 'My Ántonia' by Willa Cather. It tells the story of immigrants on the frontier, their struggles, and how they build new lives. It gives a good sense of the vastness of the frontier and the dreams people had there.
The common themes include survival. Since the frontier was a tough place, characters have to fight for their survival, whether it's against the elements or dangerous animals. Family and community also play important roles. Many novels depict how families are formed and how communities develop in the frontier. And of course, there's the theme of the hero or heroine. They are often portrayed as strong - willed individuals who can overcome any obstacle in the frontier, and their love stories are intertwined with these heroic deeds.