[belated] publication day to Lilian Darcy‘s Marry Me, Cowboy and celebrate the publication day today of her short story, Rodeo Sweethearts–both part of the Copper Mountain Rodeo Series by Montana Born Books. Here, Lilian has shared with us her top five books that inspired her to become a writer:

The Money Cat

“It was a little book for early readers, probably only about forty pages, and probably the first book I ever read that had an actual plot – and a mystery plot at that – rather than just the ‘See Dick run,’ stuff. I was hooked on page-turners from then on.”

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

“What is it about Lucy Maud Montgomery and her books? I must have read each of the “Anne” books about twenty times, starting at about nine years old.”

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

“I was staying with friends in a fairly chaotic household and badly needed an escape. Romance, cooking, gossip, flea market antiques and murder… the perfect mix for my mood. When I’d finished, I turned straight back to page 1 and read it again.”

The Alberta Trilogy by Cora Sandel

“Cora Sandel is not well-known to English-speaking readers, but this is the most beautiful trilogy about an unusual woman in early 20th Century Norway and France. I thoroughly recommend it.”

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

“Gotta include one male author! Haunting and compelling and in the end almost shockingly uplifting, considering the tragedies and struggles his characters go through. I loved his way of looking at the world.”

Pinterest PS – In case you haven’t gotten enough of hot cowboys and the Montana lifestyle, check out this Pinterest board!