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Navarro's Gold
A Cole Baxter Adventure - Book 1 (Cole Baxter Western Adventures)
Dustin Hansen
2024 Finalist
189 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
In Navarro’s Gold by Dustin Hansen, the story starts in 1706, piquing the reader's interest, then jumps to the year 1868 to Nebraska, and then the reader is hooked. It is a cowboy story with the most captivating main character who leads the reader on a merry dance through the book with his innocence, trust, and belief in human nature. The reader will find that once they have met Cole Baxter, Maggie, Tilly, and Eliot Bianchi, the grandson of Dr. Lorenzo Bianchi the astronomer, the story starts to take a winding trail with many a surprise and twist that sometimes is unexpected and sometimes expected.
There is a treasure, romance, intrigue, impossible odds, and action for the reader to enjoy. The main character Cole Baxter is a mixture of a gentleman, an adventurer, an innocent, a romantic, someone who never seems to lose his love for life no matter what fate throws at him along the way. In Navarro’s Gold, Dustin Hansen has brought the genre of cowboys and Westerns back to life in the most delightful way with a sense of humor, a sense of innocence, and an old-fashioned adventure. It was a pleasure to read. I have not read a cowboy story in a long time and this made a wonderful change. The main character Cole Baxter is a treat. The reader will keep reading to the very last page just to find out who wins and the twist in the tail is truly something they will definitely not expect. This is a book that I certainly will be picking up again.
In Navarro’s Gold by Dustin Hansen, the story starts in 1706, piquing the reader's interest, then jumps to the year 1868 to Nebraska, and then the reader is hooked. It is a cowboy story with the most captivating main character who leads the reader on a merry dance through the book with his innocence, trust, and belief in human nature. The reader will find that once they have met Cole Baxter, Maggie, Tilly, and Eliot Bianchi, the grandson of Dr. Lorenzo Bianchi the astronomer, the story starts to take a winding trail with many a surprise and twist that sometimes is unexpected and sometimes expected.
There is a treasure, romance, intrigue, impossible odds, and action for the reader to enjoy. The main character Cole Baxter is a mixture of a gentleman, an adventurer, an innocent, a romantic, someone who never seems to lose his love for life no matter what fate throws at him along the way. In Navarro’s Gold, Dustin Hansen has brought the genre of cowboys and Westerns back to life in the most delightful way with a sense of humor, a sense of innocence, and an old-fashioned adventure. It was a pleasure to read. I have not read a cowboy story in a long time and this made a wonderful change. The main character Cole Baxter is a treat. The reader will keep reading to the very last page just to find out who wins and the twist in the tail is truly something they will definitely not expect. This is a book that I certainly will be picking up again.
Recommend this book:
Raising Elle
S.E. Reichert
2024 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert is a heartfelt tale of resilience and redemption set in the quaint town of Sweet Valley, Wyoming. The story follows Elle Sullivan, who returns to her hometown, battered and carrying a significant secret. Determined to reclaim her life, Elle embarks on a journey to regain her strength and assist her family in saving their struggling horse ranch. Her path to recovery is complicated by the reappearance of Blake O'Connor, her high school sweetheart, who stirs up old feelings and memories. The novel beautifully navigates themes of hardship, forgiveness, and the healing power of love as Elle confronts her past and strives to build a brighter future.
S.E. Reichert's writing is both poignant and engaging, drawing readers into Elle's emotional journey from the very first page. The plot is well-crafted, blending moments of intense drama with tender, introspective scenes that highlight the complexities of personal growth and forgiveness. The pacing is steady, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences without feeling rushed. The action is rooted in the everyday challenges of ranch life, adding an authentic touch to the narrative. Characters are richly developed, with Elle and Blake's evolving relationship serving as the emotional core of the story. Themes of resilience, love, and healing are interwoven seamlessly, making the novel both compelling and inspiring. Reichert's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human emotions make Raising Elle a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and stories of personal transformation. The novel leaves readers with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert is a heartfelt tale of resilience and redemption set in the quaint town of Sweet Valley, Wyoming. The story follows Elle Sullivan, who returns to her hometown, battered and carrying a significant secret. Determined to reclaim her life, Elle embarks on a journey to regain her strength and assist her family in saving their struggling horse ranch. Her path to recovery is complicated by the reappearance of Blake O'Connor, her high school sweetheart, who stirs up old feelings and memories. The novel beautifully navigates themes of hardship, forgiveness, and the healing power of love as Elle confronts her past and strives to build a brighter future.
S.E. Reichert's writing is both poignant and engaging, drawing readers into Elle's emotional journey from the very first page. The plot is well-crafted, blending moments of intense drama with tender, introspective scenes that highlight the complexities of personal growth and forgiveness. The pacing is steady, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences without feeling rushed. The action is rooted in the everyday challenges of ranch life, adding an authentic touch to the narrative. Characters are richly developed, with Elle and Blake's evolving relationship serving as the emotional core of the story. Themes of resilience, love, and healing are interwoven seamlessly, making the novel both compelling and inspiring. Reichert's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human emotions make Raising Elle a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and stories of personal transformation. The novel leaves readers with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
Recommend this book:
Scorched Earth
This Hallowed Ground Book 2
Donna E. Lane
2024 Bronze Medal
474 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Scorched Earth: This Hallowed Ground Book 2 is a work of fiction in the Christian, historical, and Western genres. Penned by author Donna E. Lane, this gripping tale is set in 1883, blending the essence of the American West with themes reminiscent of the biblical story of Job. Mac and Ester, settled on their Georgia land, face unexpected peril when shadows from Mac's past resurface, leading to a harrowing revelation of his identity as a wanted Civil War criminal and Union army deserter. Forced to flee, they embark on a treacherous journey to escape authorities, with Mac's decision to return to the West unveiling a saga of survival against unforgiving landscapes and relentless pursuit.
Author Donna E. Lane utilizes both history and faith to craft a riveting read that immersed me in the rugged world of the American West while exploring themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of love. Lane's vivid descriptions are plentiful, detailed, and multisensory, transporting readers to the vast and unforgiving landscape of a harder time of living, where Mac and Ester's journey unfolded against a backdrop of adversity and danger. The palpable tension of the plot keeps you eagerly turning pages as the pace quickens and Mac’s past resurfaces, rooting for the protagonists as they face unimaginable challenges to their future happiness. There’s a keen sense of emotion in the dialogue, and it’s easy to read between the lines and explore the impending pressure on the couple, as well as their love for one another. Lane weaves together a strong biblical allegory with this compelling, emotionally charged style of storytelling, creating a narrative that feels natural, but also has a lesson that resonates long after the final chapter. Overall, Scorched Earth is a highly engaging Western drama with a lot to offer, and I’d certainly recommend it.
Scorched Earth: This Hallowed Ground Book 2 is a work of fiction in the Christian, historical, and Western genres. Penned by author Donna E. Lane, this gripping tale is set in 1883, blending the essence of the American West with themes reminiscent of the biblical story of Job. Mac and Ester, settled on their Georgia land, face unexpected peril when shadows from Mac's past resurface, leading to a harrowing revelation of his identity as a wanted Civil War criminal and Union army deserter. Forced to flee, they embark on a treacherous journey to escape authorities, with Mac's decision to return to the West unveiling a saga of survival against unforgiving landscapes and relentless pursuit.
Author Donna E. Lane utilizes both history and faith to craft a riveting read that immersed me in the rugged world of the American West while exploring themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of love. Lane's vivid descriptions are plentiful, detailed, and multisensory, transporting readers to the vast and unforgiving landscape of a harder time of living, where Mac and Ester's journey unfolded against a backdrop of adversity and danger. The palpable tension of the plot keeps you eagerly turning pages as the pace quickens and Mac’s past resurfaces, rooting for the protagonists as they face unimaginable challenges to their future happiness. There’s a keen sense of emotion in the dialogue, and it’s easy to read between the lines and explore the impending pressure on the couple, as well as their love for one another. Lane weaves together a strong biblical allegory with this compelling, emotionally charged style of storytelling, creating a narrative that feels natural, but also has a lesson that resonates long after the final chapter. Overall, Scorched Earth is a highly engaging Western drama with a lot to offer, and I’d certainly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Smoke and Other Storms
The Revere Trilogy #1
J.L. Delavega
2024 Silver Medal
384 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Out in the Rim, everything goes and your survival depends on you alone. In Smoke and Other Storms: The Revere Trilogy #1 by J.L. Delavega, we follow the Revere family headed by the matriarch Moira and her descendants. Having made a name for themselves in all the worst ways, no one would dare try to take on this family. Only it seems that someone is stupid enough to target the Reveres. It is up to Adelaide and her family to protect one another and everything they have worked to build in this desolate place they call home.
Smoke and Other Storms by J.L. Delavega was a pleasant surprise for many reasons, the first being that it is a story led by a family of strong female characters; from the matriarch Moira who has a strong will and even stronger resolve to protect her family to Adelaide, the silent but vigilant granddaughter, and her sister Leagan who is a badass sniper. These women embody their strengths and cover each other’s weaknesses and it was so refreshing to read a book that didn’t have a man coming in to save the day. As much as I’m a fan of romance, I loved the tone and plot of this book. Delavega did such an amazing job, not only with the world-building but the dialogue in the story. I felt as though I was being transported to the Rim and facing every obstacle alongside the Reveres. Smoke and Other Storms truly is a breath of fresh air and I highly recommend this book to any avid reader.
Out in the Rim, everything goes and your survival depends on you alone. In Smoke and Other Storms: The Revere Trilogy #1 by J.L. Delavega, we follow the Revere family headed by the matriarch Moira and her descendants. Having made a name for themselves in all the worst ways, no one would dare try to take on this family. Only it seems that someone is stupid enough to target the Reveres. It is up to Adelaide and her family to protect one another and everything they have worked to build in this desolate place they call home.
Smoke and Other Storms by J.L. Delavega was a pleasant surprise for many reasons, the first being that it is a story led by a family of strong female characters; from the matriarch Moira who has a strong will and even stronger resolve to protect her family to Adelaide, the silent but vigilant granddaughter, and her sister Leagan who is a badass sniper. These women embody their strengths and cover each other’s weaknesses and it was so refreshing to read a book that didn’t have a man coming in to save the day. As much as I’m a fan of romance, I loved the tone and plot of this book. Delavega did such an amazing job, not only with the world-building but the dialogue in the story. I felt as though I was being transported to the Rim and facing every obstacle alongside the Reveres. Smoke and Other Storms truly is a breath of fresh air and I highly recommend this book to any avid reader.
Recommend this book:
She Died Then Showed Me
The Pioneer Ranch Saga
Samar Reine
2024 Gold Medal
330 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
She Died Then Showed Me: The Pioneer Ranch Saga by Samar Reine is about Peyton Chase’s struggle to keep her inheritance. Peyton felt overwhelmed when her father passed away, having to deal with both her grief and the enormous debt she inherited from him. Peyton was shocked to learn that her father had tried to sell her late mother’s paintings. Peyton's quest to learn her family's secrets is sparked by cryptic messages in her mother's paintings. Peyton is determined to keep her family's inheritance, but she can only do it if she can figure out the hints concealed in her late mother's work. Peyton asks Blake Adler to lead a corporate hunt on the property as a last resort to salvage the family ranch. However, Blake quickly sets his sights on Peyton instead.
She Died Then Showed Me: The Pioneer Ranch Saga by Samar is interesting and exciting. The story was fast-paced and full of action. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. It was a page-turner, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. The descriptions of New Mexico were so vivid that I could visualize them. The characters were intriguing and dynamic. I could relate to them, and they could be anyone I know. My favorite character was Peyton. I could relate to her struggle with her demons. I enjoyed the developing romance between Peyton and Blake. Relationships, self-discovery, and struggles were woven into the plot. The story was vivid and beautifully written, and it is a lovely story about family and love.
She Died Then Showed Me: The Pioneer Ranch Saga by Samar Reine is about Peyton Chase’s struggle to keep her inheritance. Peyton felt overwhelmed when her father passed away, having to deal with both her grief and the enormous debt she inherited from him. Peyton was shocked to learn that her father had tried to sell her late mother’s paintings. Peyton's quest to learn her family's secrets is sparked by cryptic messages in her mother's paintings. Peyton is determined to keep her family's inheritance, but she can only do it if she can figure out the hints concealed in her late mother's work. Peyton asks Blake Adler to lead a corporate hunt on the property as a last resort to salvage the family ranch. However, Blake quickly sets his sights on Peyton instead.
She Died Then Showed Me: The Pioneer Ranch Saga by Samar is interesting and exciting. The story was fast-paced and full of action. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. It was a page-turner, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. The descriptions of New Mexico were so vivid that I could visualize them. The characters were intriguing and dynamic. I could relate to them, and they could be anyone I know. My favorite character was Peyton. I could relate to her struggle with her demons. I enjoyed the developing romance between Peyton and Blake. Relationships, self-discovery, and struggles were woven into the plot. The story was vivid and beautifully written, and it is a lovely story about family and love.
Recommend this book:
A Death in Durango
Doug Twohill
2023 Finalist
220 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Former NYPD Detective Jim Barlow received the news that his only daughter Patty, who had been working at a ranch in Durango, had committed suicide. In all his years with the NYPD, Jim had dealt with lots of homicide cases but never imagined that one day he would be investigating his daughter’s demise. Jim did not believe that Patty had taken her own life as the authorities in Durango claimed. On landing in Durango, Jim realizes that Patty had been seeing an abusive boyfriend from a notorious family in Durango and that Patty may have been murdered. The local authorities seemed to be covering up the truth and insisted they had closed their investigations. In his quest to uncover the facts behind his daughter’s death, Jim finds himself on a path of discovery about the history of the town and its two prominent and rival families. What happened in Durango and did Patty take her life? Get yourself Doug Twohill’s A Death in Durango to know more.
Doug Twohill is a magnificent writer. In A Death in Durango, he kept me on edge with compelling adventure, suspense, tension, and thrills. The storyline hinges on a tale of Native Americans, ranchers, cowboys, gold miners, rustlers, looters, war, vengeance, betrayal, greed, envy, and deception, as well as good and evil. Twohill captures the mood and settings through impressively vivid and picturesque depictions. He made me feel as if I was right there in nineteenth-century Colorado beside the characters. He makes the scenes tremendously dramatic and witty. Twohill develops his characters, boldly and aggressively bringing out their personality traits. All of this made it easy for me to connect with the characters and empathize with them. I could only imagine what would motivate a human being to be as evil as the Strickland family.
Former NYPD Detective Jim Barlow received the news that his only daughter Patty, who had been working at a ranch in Durango, had committed suicide. In all his years with the NYPD, Jim had dealt with lots of homicide cases but never imagined that one day he would be investigating his daughter’s demise. Jim did not believe that Patty had taken her own life as the authorities in Durango claimed. On landing in Durango, Jim realizes that Patty had been seeing an abusive boyfriend from a notorious family in Durango and that Patty may have been murdered. The local authorities seemed to be covering up the truth and insisted they had closed their investigations. In his quest to uncover the facts behind his daughter’s death, Jim finds himself on a path of discovery about the history of the town and its two prominent and rival families. What happened in Durango and did Patty take her life? Get yourself Doug Twohill’s A Death in Durango to know more.
Doug Twohill is a magnificent writer. In A Death in Durango, he kept me on edge with compelling adventure, suspense, tension, and thrills. The storyline hinges on a tale of Native Americans, ranchers, cowboys, gold miners, rustlers, looters, war, vengeance, betrayal, greed, envy, and deception, as well as good and evil. Twohill captures the mood and settings through impressively vivid and picturesque depictions. He made me feel as if I was right there in nineteenth-century Colorado beside the characters. He makes the scenes tremendously dramatic and witty. Twohill develops his characters, boldly and aggressively bringing out their personality traits. All of this made it easy for me to connect with the characters and empathize with them. I could only imagine what would motivate a human being to be as evil as the Strickland family.
Recommend this book:
Four Aces
1880s Deadwood Diaries
April Holthaus
2023 Honorable Mention
130 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Set in the latter half of the 19th century, Four Aces is a historical romance by April Holthaus. Recently widowed Emily Taylor desperately wants to save her farm that her late husband left behind alongside a mountain of debt and unpaid loans. Meanwhile, former US Marshall Jake Reid arrives in the lawless town of Deadwood in search of the notorious outlaw Harmon Elwood, whose gang robbed the Midtown Lincoln Stage the year before. Hired by the Pinkerton Agency, Jake is taken aback by the corrupt and lawless nature of the town while working as a farmhand for Emily. Soon, romance blossoms between the two, leading Jake to fear for Emily's safety when old friends and new enemies converge upon Deadwood for a final confrontation that will leave many bodies in its wake.
With a delicious blend of western and romance, April Holthaus has crafted a captivating love story that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you hooked until the last. Four Aces is full of mystery, allure, and action, set in the wild west where dangerous outlaws, fearless bounty hunters, and corrupt lawmen used to roam the treacherous terrain. Holthaus has created some fascinating characters with well-developed story arcs and backstories that provide depth to their outward personas. Jake and Emily's relationship is at the heart of the story, while the rest of the narrative plays out like a typical western revolving around the two of them. This gives a unique tone to the narrative that lovers of both westerns and romances can enjoy.
Set in the latter half of the 19th century, Four Aces is a historical romance by April Holthaus. Recently widowed Emily Taylor desperately wants to save her farm that her late husband left behind alongside a mountain of debt and unpaid loans. Meanwhile, former US Marshall Jake Reid arrives in the lawless town of Deadwood in search of the notorious outlaw Harmon Elwood, whose gang robbed the Midtown Lincoln Stage the year before. Hired by the Pinkerton Agency, Jake is taken aback by the corrupt and lawless nature of the town while working as a farmhand for Emily. Soon, romance blossoms between the two, leading Jake to fear for Emily's safety when old friends and new enemies converge upon Deadwood for a final confrontation that will leave many bodies in its wake.
With a delicious blend of western and romance, April Holthaus has crafted a captivating love story that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you hooked until the last. Four Aces is full of mystery, allure, and action, set in the wild west where dangerous outlaws, fearless bounty hunters, and corrupt lawmen used to roam the treacherous terrain. Holthaus has created some fascinating characters with well-developed story arcs and backstories that provide depth to their outward personas. Jake and Emily's relationship is at the heart of the story, while the rest of the narrative plays out like a typical western revolving around the two of them. This gives a unique tone to the narrative that lovers of both westerns and romances can enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Sheriff of Starr County
Westward Sagas
David A. Bowles
2023 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Sheriff of Starr County, the fifth in the Westward Sagas series by David A. Bowles and the second to feature protagonist Will Smith, tells the story of a Texas Ranger who arrives in the Nueces Strip just after it was annexed into Texas after the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that established the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas. Recommended by influential leaders from the Mexican-American War, Will is tasked with keeping the peace in newly established Starr County as its first sheriff. To keep the peace and bring justice to the frontier, he must round up outlaws, navigate political intrigues, keep the Indians at bay, and do his best to win over the hearts and minds of Tejano and Anglo residents struggling with being part of Texas. His journey involves working with influential statesmen, early entrepreneurs, the US Army at Fort Ringgold, and falling for different women.
David A. Bowles has developed an intriguing and authentic novel based on the lives of his ancestors. Bowles does more than just tell a story; he has you sweating in the Texas heat while you worry over whether Will will be able to survive a task that is next to impossible. You will be transported into the dangers and intrigue that were part of the birthing pains and early years of the Great Republic, understanding the hope and promise of a prosperous future just beyond the horizon. I was swept up in how Bowles integrated some of the great names of Texas history in a down-to-earth fashion that touched on the hopes and dreams of the unknown heroes who were the backbone of the state’s transformation into one of the epitomai of the American dream. Saddle up and be prepared to ride with an example of a true hero of the American West.
Sheriff of Starr County, the fifth in the Westward Sagas series by David A. Bowles and the second to feature protagonist Will Smith, tells the story of a Texas Ranger who arrives in the Nueces Strip just after it was annexed into Texas after the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that established the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas. Recommended by influential leaders from the Mexican-American War, Will is tasked with keeping the peace in newly established Starr County as its first sheriff. To keep the peace and bring justice to the frontier, he must round up outlaws, navigate political intrigues, keep the Indians at bay, and do his best to win over the hearts and minds of Tejano and Anglo residents struggling with being part of Texas. His journey involves working with influential statesmen, early entrepreneurs, the US Army at Fort Ringgold, and falling for different women.
David A. Bowles has developed an intriguing and authentic novel based on the lives of his ancestors. Bowles does more than just tell a story; he has you sweating in the Texas heat while you worry over whether Will will be able to survive a task that is next to impossible. You will be transported into the dangers and intrigue that were part of the birthing pains and early years of the Great Republic, understanding the hope and promise of a prosperous future just beyond the horizon. I was swept up in how Bowles integrated some of the great names of Texas history in a down-to-earth fashion that touched on the hopes and dreams of the unknown heroes who were the backbone of the state’s transformation into one of the epitomai of the American dream. Saddle up and be prepared to ride with an example of a true hero of the American West.
Recommend this book:
The Dolan Girls
S. R. Mallery
2023 Silver Medal
212 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Fans of westerns are in for a treat with S.R. Mallery's The Dolan Girls. The book follows the Dolan sisters, Cora and Minnie, as they inherit and run a parlor in the small town of South Benton in Nebraska in the 1880s. Sexually assaulted as a sixteen-year-old, Cora Dolan has lost the ability to put her trust in others for the past twenty years. After inheriting Madam Ana's establishment, she and her sister Minnie continue to provide entertainment of all sorts to the inhabitants of South Benton. When Cora's daughter Ellie returns home to be the new town schoolmarm, Cora is determined to keep her reputation intact. But the notorious Soltano gang is roaming the countryside with a new member who has a heinous history. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Pinkerton agent brings the past swirling back into Cora's life.
Full of romance, gun-toting cowboys, and lively saloons, The Dolan Girls is an absolute blockbuster of a novel for any lover of westerns. At its heart, this book is the story of two sisters as they carve out a life for themselves in a time and place where men with guns ruled the world. S.R. Mallery paints a vivid portrait of a late 19th-century American town, with characters that leap off the pages, some of whom you will love while others you will love to hate. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions and actions bring their personalities out upfront. You will find yourself rooting for Cora, Minnie, and Ellie until the end. I loved the book and will gladly recommend it.
Fans of westerns are in for a treat with S.R. Mallery's The Dolan Girls. The book follows the Dolan sisters, Cora and Minnie, as they inherit and run a parlor in the small town of South Benton in Nebraska in the 1880s. Sexually assaulted as a sixteen-year-old, Cora Dolan has lost the ability to put her trust in others for the past twenty years. After inheriting Madam Ana's establishment, she and her sister Minnie continue to provide entertainment of all sorts to the inhabitants of South Benton. When Cora's daughter Ellie returns home to be the new town schoolmarm, Cora is determined to keep her reputation intact. But the notorious Soltano gang is roaming the countryside with a new member who has a heinous history. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Pinkerton agent brings the past swirling back into Cora's life.
Full of romance, gun-toting cowboys, and lively saloons, The Dolan Girls is an absolute blockbuster of a novel for any lover of westerns. At its heart, this book is the story of two sisters as they carve out a life for themselves in a time and place where men with guns ruled the world. S.R. Mallery paints a vivid portrait of a late 19th-century American town, with characters that leap off the pages, some of whom you will love while others you will love to hate. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions and actions bring their personalities out upfront. You will find yourself rooting for Cora, Minnie, and Ellie until the end. I loved the book and will gladly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Blood and Silver
Vali Benson
2022 Finalist
105 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Blood and Silver is a work of fiction in the historical western and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Vali Benson. Written for young adult audiences, the work is accessible to all readers as it does not contain graphic content. The setting is Arizona, 1880, in a town where a young girl finds herself lacking in options when her drug-addled mother is unable to help her. Wise and plucky, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont hatches a plan to help her mother and escape the brothel in which she lives, but it involves making some unlikely friendships that may bring yet more danger that she was not anticipating.
Author Vali Benson has created an accessible and updated take on the western genre which can be enjoyed by young adult readers and nostalgic adults alike. At its center, the story takes on the bond of Carissa and Mai-Lin, an emotional arc that resonates strongly and is well developed in the narrative presentation and dialogue of the characters. Both girls are hardy and quick-witted for the era, which makes for an exciting and nail-biting adventure when they have to find ways to get out of trouble. All of this is set against a fiercely accurate historical backdrop, where it’s clear that Benson has put a lot of work into researching the way of life, the cultural and racial mix of people, and the grim realities of life in the old west. Overall, I would definitely recommend Blood and Silver as an enthralling historical read.
Blood and Silver is a work of fiction in the historical western and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Vali Benson. Written for young adult audiences, the work is accessible to all readers as it does not contain graphic content. The setting is Arizona, 1880, in a town where a young girl finds herself lacking in options when her drug-addled mother is unable to help her. Wise and plucky, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont hatches a plan to help her mother and escape the brothel in which she lives, but it involves making some unlikely friendships that may bring yet more danger that she was not anticipating.
Author Vali Benson has created an accessible and updated take on the western genre which can be enjoyed by young adult readers and nostalgic adults alike. At its center, the story takes on the bond of Carissa and Mai-Lin, an emotional arc that resonates strongly and is well developed in the narrative presentation and dialogue of the characters. Both girls are hardy and quick-witted for the era, which makes for an exciting and nail-biting adventure when they have to find ways to get out of trouble. All of this is set against a fiercely accurate historical backdrop, where it’s clear that Benson has put a lot of work into researching the way of life, the cultural and racial mix of people, and the grim realities of life in the old west. Overall, I would definitely recommend Blood and Silver as an enthralling historical read.
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