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Recommend this book:
A Brother's Truth
A fast-paced race against time in the Wild West
Jenna Morrison
2022 Honorable Mention
307 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
A Brother's Truth by Jenna Morrison is a young adult thriller set in the “wild west.” Taking place in the late 1890s, the story follows the fate of two brothers and their cousin as they fight the worst fate has to offer. Brothers Matt and Will are as different as they could be. One of them was the perfect child while the other was always on the bad side of everything for some reason. However, things got worse when Will was arrested, revealed some secrets that were best left buried, and now the brothers were in serious trouble. They were not the only ones in danger. Their cousin Lilianna found out some disturbing secrets about her own family. Her already shaken world was shattered when her parents were murdered by a blood-thirsty gang. Seeking revenge, Lilianna was ready to do whatever it took to avenge her parents. Somehow, Matt and Will were roped in as well, and now all three were struggling to survive. What would happen next?
The story was darker than I expected, and I loved it. From the very beginning, I was sucked in and enjoyed the descriptions the most. The descriptions were, in fact, vital in understanding the characters and the plot. While there were morally ambiguous characters in the story, I found Matt to be very simple. He was confused and unable to find his footing, especially when it came to his brother Will. Jessa’s character was fun, and she was perhaps the only person who could slap Matt and get away with it. The pace was fast, the action was intense, and something was happening at any given moment. A perfect story for someone who enjoys young adult fiction with plenty of realistic imagery and believable characters. Intricate, dark, and very entertaining!
A Brother's Truth by Jenna Morrison is a young adult thriller set in the “wild west.” Taking place in the late 1890s, the story follows the fate of two brothers and their cousin as they fight the worst fate has to offer. Brothers Matt and Will are as different as they could be. One of them was the perfect child while the other was always on the bad side of everything for some reason. However, things got worse when Will was arrested, revealed some secrets that were best left buried, and now the brothers were in serious trouble. They were not the only ones in danger. Their cousin Lilianna found out some disturbing secrets about her own family. Her already shaken world was shattered when her parents were murdered by a blood-thirsty gang. Seeking revenge, Lilianna was ready to do whatever it took to avenge her parents. Somehow, Matt and Will were roped in as well, and now all three were struggling to survive. What would happen next?
The story was darker than I expected, and I loved it. From the very beginning, I was sucked in and enjoyed the descriptions the most. The descriptions were, in fact, vital in understanding the characters and the plot. While there were morally ambiguous characters in the story, I found Matt to be very simple. He was confused and unable to find his footing, especially when it came to his brother Will. Jessa’s character was fun, and she was perhaps the only person who could slap Matt and get away with it. The pace was fast, the action was intense, and something was happening at any given moment. A perfect story for someone who enjoys young adult fiction with plenty of realistic imagery and believable characters. Intricate, dark, and very entertaining!
Recommend this book:
Dovetails in Tall Grass
A Novel
Samantha Specks
2022 Bronze Medal
328 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Dovetails in Tall Grass by Samantha Specks is the story of Emma and Oenkika; two young women trying to understand and change the direction of the problems between the white man and the Dakota Indians. The year is 1862, and the place is Minnesota. The event centers around the execution of 38 Native Americans, some innocent, some guilty of attacking the white man. The Sioux are being pushed off their land and given nothing to help them survive in this new world so they are ready to fight for what they believe is theirs. When Emma and her sister are attacked on their farm, life quickly changes for them. Oenkika watches the Dakota-Sioux attack as her husband is drawn into the battle against the white man. Tashunke is the husband of Oenkika and a hero to Emma and her sister. Both young women are forced to follow their hearts and do what they believe is best for their tribe, family, and country.
Dovetails in Tall Grass contains plenty of facts that Samantha Specks pulls into the fictional story, making it real and exciting. I found myself rooting for both sides and many of the involved players. Dovetails in Tall Grass is a western story of farmers against Native Americans, a story of love between husband and wife, sisters, family, tribes, and friends. Dovetails in Tall Grass would make a great TV movie and, hopefully, there is a second follow-up book. I would love to learn how both Emma and Oenkika have fared. I highly recommend Dovetails in Tall Grass. It is a top-notch winner.
Dovetails in Tall Grass by Samantha Specks is the story of Emma and Oenkika; two young women trying to understand and change the direction of the problems between the white man and the Dakota Indians. The year is 1862, and the place is Minnesota. The event centers around the execution of 38 Native Americans, some innocent, some guilty of attacking the white man. The Sioux are being pushed off their land and given nothing to help them survive in this new world so they are ready to fight for what they believe is theirs. When Emma and her sister are attacked on their farm, life quickly changes for them. Oenkika watches the Dakota-Sioux attack as her husband is drawn into the battle against the white man. Tashunke is the husband of Oenkika and a hero to Emma and her sister. Both young women are forced to follow their hearts and do what they believe is best for their tribe, family, and country.
Dovetails in Tall Grass contains plenty of facts that Samantha Specks pulls into the fictional story, making it real and exciting. I found myself rooting for both sides and many of the involved players. Dovetails in Tall Grass is a western story of farmers against Native Americans, a story of love between husband and wife, sisters, family, tribes, and friends. Dovetails in Tall Grass would make a great TV movie and, hopefully, there is a second follow-up book. I would love to learn how both Emma and Oenkika have fared. I highly recommend Dovetails in Tall Grass. It is a top-notch winner.
Recommend this book:
The Great Loveda Brown
The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book One
Jolie Tunnell
2022 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Great Loveda Brown is the first installment of The Idyllwild Mystery Series by Jolie Tunnell. Set in the small town of Idyllwild in mountainous southern California, the book follows Loveda Brown, a tenacious young woman fleeing from her estranged husband, Billy Dunn. Loveda is on her way to Los Angeles when circumstances bring her to Idyllwild, wearing one shoe and with Billy on her trail. However, just after her arrival, she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery when the dead body of her ex-husband turns up unexpectedly. While the local sheriff asks her not to leave town, Loveda decides to solve the mystery herself and find the killer. But as the stakes keep getting higher, Loveda delves into a dangerous game where she puts her own life in mortal danger.
Fans of whodunnit murder mysteries will be ecstatic because The Great Loveda Brown contains all the ingredients necessary for a delicious murder mystery. Author Jolie Tunnell's page-turner of a novel feels like a cross between the hit Hollywood movies The Hateful Eight and Knives Out. Moving at a blistering pace, the plot keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and turns, and you can't help but turn the pages in eager anticipation of what's to come. Loveda is a likable protagonist whose tenacious resolve and grit make you root for her from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed her chemistry with John Wyman. Any reader who enjoys westerns or a well-written murder mystery will find The Great Loveda Brown a thoroughly entertaining reading experience.
The Great Loveda Brown is the first installment of The Idyllwild Mystery Series by Jolie Tunnell. Set in the small town of Idyllwild in mountainous southern California, the book follows Loveda Brown, a tenacious young woman fleeing from her estranged husband, Billy Dunn. Loveda is on her way to Los Angeles when circumstances bring her to Idyllwild, wearing one shoe and with Billy on her trail. However, just after her arrival, she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery when the dead body of her ex-husband turns up unexpectedly. While the local sheriff asks her not to leave town, Loveda decides to solve the mystery herself and find the killer. But as the stakes keep getting higher, Loveda delves into a dangerous game where she puts her own life in mortal danger.
Fans of whodunnit murder mysteries will be ecstatic because The Great Loveda Brown contains all the ingredients necessary for a delicious murder mystery. Author Jolie Tunnell's page-turner of a novel feels like a cross between the hit Hollywood movies The Hateful Eight and Knives Out. Moving at a blistering pace, the plot keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and turns, and you can't help but turn the pages in eager anticipation of what's to come. Loveda is a likable protagonist whose tenacious resolve and grit make you root for her from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed her chemistry with John Wyman. Any reader who enjoys westerns or a well-written murder mystery will find The Great Loveda Brown a thoroughly entertaining reading experience.
Recommend this book:
Cold as Hell
Black Badge Series Book 1
Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
2022 Gold Medal
372 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
James Crowley is a Black Badge working for the White Throne. Many years before, he died doing the one decent thing he ever did, saving a mother and her young daughter from the hands of his then leader, Ace Ryker. Now he is on his way to Lonely Hill, a small town in the Wild West, no longer a Scuttler or outlaw but a Badge to keep the Supernatural outlaws in check. How the tables have turned. Outlaws are running amok, robbing small-town banks, and blazing a frozen trail to Revelation Springs, where the owner of said banks is preparing for the Founders Fair. Ever veering off his path Jack helps some hapless humans along the way escape from werewolves and demons, collecting stray humans as well as supernatural artifacts and infuriating his handler. Once in Revelation Springs, a crime so old and revolting comes to light, and shadows from Jack’s past come back to haunt him. In the end, Jack does what is expected from the White Throne, and it seems that justice is served, or maybe this is where the real journey begins.
Cold as Hell by Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle is a whopper of a wild ride through the Wild West. In places where the law has no real footing, things that go bump in the night must be kept in check. Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle write a novel that feels so authentic you can hear Jack’s voice grating like sandpaper. The characters are genuine and far from story perfect, making the whole book a believable ride through the gunslinging West. The manner in which the story is presented makes the supernatural aspects blend seamlessly with the mundane. In an untamed world where men are as bad as monsters, it is disconcerting to find that real monsters also exist, so bad that the worst of the outlaws can become the weapon to hunt them down. I simply loved it. As a fan of Supernatural and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, this was just up my alley. Add a good number of gunfights and fistfights that belong in a spaghetti western, and it is near perfection. This most definitely is my next favorite series.
James Crowley is a Black Badge working for the White Throne. Many years before, he died doing the one decent thing he ever did, saving a mother and her young daughter from the hands of his then leader, Ace Ryker. Now he is on his way to Lonely Hill, a small town in the Wild West, no longer a Scuttler or outlaw but a Badge to keep the Supernatural outlaws in check. How the tables have turned. Outlaws are running amok, robbing small-town banks, and blazing a frozen trail to Revelation Springs, where the owner of said banks is preparing for the Founders Fair. Ever veering off his path Jack helps some hapless humans along the way escape from werewolves and demons, collecting stray humans as well as supernatural artifacts and infuriating his handler. Once in Revelation Springs, a crime so old and revolting comes to light, and shadows from Jack’s past come back to haunt him. In the end, Jack does what is expected from the White Throne, and it seems that justice is served, or maybe this is where the real journey begins.
Cold as Hell by Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle is a whopper of a wild ride through the Wild West. In places where the law has no real footing, things that go bump in the night must be kept in check. Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle write a novel that feels so authentic you can hear Jack’s voice grating like sandpaper. The characters are genuine and far from story perfect, making the whole book a believable ride through the gunslinging West. The manner in which the story is presented makes the supernatural aspects blend seamlessly with the mundane. In an untamed world where men are as bad as monsters, it is disconcerting to find that real monsters also exist, so bad that the worst of the outlaws can become the weapon to hunt them down. I simply loved it. As a fan of Supernatural and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, this was just up my alley. Add a good number of gunfights and fistfights that belong in a spaghetti western, and it is near perfection. This most definitely is my next favorite series.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Goodnight Trail
Roy V Gaston
2021 Finalist
262 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Goodnight Trail by Roy V. Gaston is a boisterous Western novel filled with breathtaking adventure and action. Pete Horse is a former Texas Rangers scout who accepts the invitation of his friend, Charlie Goodnight, to go on a trail ride across Texas to New Mexico Bosque Redondo Navajo reservation. Pete knows these lands and is aware that it is infested with bandits and scum who will kill just anyone as long as they get something — or they just kill for the sheer pleasure of killing — so he expects to encounter a horde of night riding gangs and unfriendly Comancheros. What he never expected was to encounter factional groups fighting over a thousand stolen Army rifles. When he kills two men who attempt to steal his horse, he attracts the explosive wrath of a renegade sect leader and his followers. It is the beginning of a nightmare that could engulf the entire West.
Beyond the Goodnight Trail is written for anyone who loves Westerns. It is littered with action and well-described gunfights. Characters like Pete, Charlie, Bigfoot Wallace, Bass Reeves, Britt Johnson, and many others are well-developed. Roy V. Gaston plunges the reader into a world that is rife with conflict and chaos and gives readers the real definition of survival-of-the-fittest. The worldbuilding is wonderful and the story takes place in a setting that is not just rough but lawless. Beyond the Goodnight Trail is captivating and written in elegant prose. I enjoyed the way the author crafts the dialogues, mimicking the accents of the characters, and beefing up the plot with action. It is filled with adventure and fun; deftly plotted and skillfully written.
Beyond the Goodnight Trail by Roy V. Gaston is a boisterous Western novel filled with breathtaking adventure and action. Pete Horse is a former Texas Rangers scout who accepts the invitation of his friend, Charlie Goodnight, to go on a trail ride across Texas to New Mexico Bosque Redondo Navajo reservation. Pete knows these lands and is aware that it is infested with bandits and scum who will kill just anyone as long as they get something — or they just kill for the sheer pleasure of killing — so he expects to encounter a horde of night riding gangs and unfriendly Comancheros. What he never expected was to encounter factional groups fighting over a thousand stolen Army rifles. When he kills two men who attempt to steal his horse, he attracts the explosive wrath of a renegade sect leader and his followers. It is the beginning of a nightmare that could engulf the entire West.
Beyond the Goodnight Trail is written for anyone who loves Westerns. It is littered with action and well-described gunfights. Characters like Pete, Charlie, Bigfoot Wallace, Bass Reeves, Britt Johnson, and many others are well-developed. Roy V. Gaston plunges the reader into a world that is rife with conflict and chaos and gives readers the real definition of survival-of-the-fittest. The worldbuilding is wonderful and the story takes place in a setting that is not just rough but lawless. Beyond the Goodnight Trail is captivating and written in elegant prose. I enjoyed the way the author crafts the dialogues, mimicking the accents of the characters, and beefing up the plot with action. It is filled with adventure and fun; deftly plotted and skillfully written.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Rio Gila
Scott G. Hibbard
2021 Honorable Mention
375 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Rio Gila by Scott G. Hibbard is a historical and coming-of-age story that features multidimensional and exquisitely developed characters. The main protagonist is seventeen-year-old Moses Cole who leaves home and walks from the Shenandoah farmland to Pennsylvania and eventually becomes a First Dragoons underage recruit. The adventure follows Private Moses Cole on a journey from Virginia to San Diego and back, a tale of loss, friendship, humanity, and love—it is enriched by the humor, the encounters with different characters, and shared humanity among characters of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
The story evokes strong elements of history, especially the Mormon Battalion from Council Bluffs to San Diego in 1846 to 1847 during the Mexican-American War. Against an unforgiving, historical backdrop, the author brings to life a story that features immigrants, the effects of religious persecution on a pregnant woman, a drunk intellectual, and many others. The narrative is a story of adventure, love, and the resilience of the human spirit, told in a captivating voice and exploring the beauty of human intercourse, the balm of humor, and the hidden joys of perseverance. The writing is crisp and it reflects the cultural background of the characters, with dialogues that capture both the intelligence and the way the characters think and speak. The witticism and insights infused into the conversations had me delighted as I read from one gripping page to the next. Beyond the Rio Gila is not just a historical novel; it is classic, a well-crafted story with sophisticated characters, a smartly written plot, and humor that sinks its teeth to the very core of the reader. You will love Scott G. Hibbard’s characters, his attention to detail when it comes to the setting, and his exceptional ability to write scenes that feel real to readers.
Beyond the Rio Gila by Scott G. Hibbard is a historical and coming-of-age story that features multidimensional and exquisitely developed characters. The main protagonist is seventeen-year-old Moses Cole who leaves home and walks from the Shenandoah farmland to Pennsylvania and eventually becomes a First Dragoons underage recruit. The adventure follows Private Moses Cole on a journey from Virginia to San Diego and back, a tale of loss, friendship, humanity, and love—it is enriched by the humor, the encounters with different characters, and shared humanity among characters of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
The story evokes strong elements of history, especially the Mormon Battalion from Council Bluffs to San Diego in 1846 to 1847 during the Mexican-American War. Against an unforgiving, historical backdrop, the author brings to life a story that features immigrants, the effects of religious persecution on a pregnant woman, a drunk intellectual, and many others. The narrative is a story of adventure, love, and the resilience of the human spirit, told in a captivating voice and exploring the beauty of human intercourse, the balm of humor, and the hidden joys of perseverance. The writing is crisp and it reflects the cultural background of the characters, with dialogues that capture both the intelligence and the way the characters think and speak. The witticism and insights infused into the conversations had me delighted as I read from one gripping page to the next. Beyond the Rio Gila is not just a historical novel; it is classic, a well-crafted story with sophisticated characters, a smartly written plot, and humor that sinks its teeth to the very core of the reader. You will love Scott G. Hibbard’s characters, his attention to detail when it comes to the setting, and his exceptional ability to write scenes that feel real to readers.
Recommend this book:
Days of Hope, Miles of Misery
Love and Loss on the Oregon Trail
Fred Dickey
2021 Bronze Medal
442 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Days of Hope, Miles of Misery: Love and Loss on the Oregon Trail is a work of fiction in the history, drama and realistic sub-genres, and was penned by author Fred Dickey. Written for adult audiences, the work contains some scenes of violence and moderate profanity and sexual references. As the subtitle suggests, the work is set during the pioneering time of the mid-nineteenth century when brave folk set out to carve their destinies via the harrowing journey of the Oregon Trail. We follow many lives as they intertwine, but most notably that of doctor Hannah Blanc and mountain man Nimrod Lee. As the pair struggles with their own demons, their union brings about yet more complexity and strife.
Author Fred Dickey has crafted a really interesting novel with plenty of historical flavor, setting out the harsh realities of this time period, but also its many rewards and triumphs for true hard work. It was clear to see that the author engaged in heavy research for the piece, as every page is packed with intricate historical details. This treatment also extends into the dialogue and atmosphere of the story, which felt authentically voiced and never too modernized, and yet it was penned in a style very accessible for modern audiences to grasp. This is in part due to the trailblazing Hannah, who is ahead of her time and makes an excellent central focal point for the tale. Overall, I would highly recommend Days of Hope, Miles of Misery: Love and Loss on the Oregon Trail as an accomplished work of historical fiction.
Days of Hope, Miles of Misery: Love and Loss on the Oregon Trail is a work of fiction in the history, drama and realistic sub-genres, and was penned by author Fred Dickey. Written for adult audiences, the work contains some scenes of violence and moderate profanity and sexual references. As the subtitle suggests, the work is set during the pioneering time of the mid-nineteenth century when brave folk set out to carve their destinies via the harrowing journey of the Oregon Trail. We follow many lives as they intertwine, but most notably that of doctor Hannah Blanc and mountain man Nimrod Lee. As the pair struggles with their own demons, their union brings about yet more complexity and strife.
Author Fred Dickey has crafted a really interesting novel with plenty of historical flavor, setting out the harsh realities of this time period, but also its many rewards and triumphs for true hard work. It was clear to see that the author engaged in heavy research for the piece, as every page is packed with intricate historical details. This treatment also extends into the dialogue and atmosphere of the story, which felt authentically voiced and never too modernized, and yet it was penned in a style very accessible for modern audiences to grasp. This is in part due to the trailblazing Hannah, who is ahead of her time and makes an excellent central focal point for the tale. Overall, I would highly recommend Days of Hope, Miles of Misery: Love and Loss on the Oregon Trail as an accomplished work of historical fiction.
Recommend this book:
High Plains Redemption
Cimarron Jack Westerns Book 2
GP Hutchinson
2021 Silver Medal
280 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Do you love western movies directed by the likes of Quentin Tarantino? If the answer is yes, grab a copy of G.P. Hutchinson's High Plains Redemption. Bronco Buster Quint Woodall finds himself embroiled in events far more than he bargained for when he unwittingly rescues a damsel in distress, Cora Blake, from her cruel future fiance, Julias McAdams. After surviving a beatdown by Julias's goons, Quint takes Cora to the only place he knows; his mother's ranch where he grew up. However, he finds an unexpected nemesis in Slash W., as a certain Hew Boggs preoccupies his mother's attention. To make matters worse, Cora's cold-blooded father uses his influence to make Quint an outlaw and seeks to regain control over his daughter's life. Can Quint and Cora forge a life for themselves and be free?
Author G.P. Hutchinson crafts an engaging western filled with action, romance, and southern banter that makes you turn the pages with eager anticipation of what's to come. The plot moves at a fast pace and is riddled with twists and turns that keep you thoroughly immersed in the narrative. The characters are colorful, with distinct personalities that pop out of the page. Quint and Cora's relationship drives the narrative forward, and I found their dynamic one of my favorite aspects of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of humor sprinkled throughout the pages, and those moments made the narrative all the more enjoyable. I would recommend High Plains Redemption to anyone interested in well-written westerns.
Do you love western movies directed by the likes of Quentin Tarantino? If the answer is yes, grab a copy of G.P. Hutchinson's High Plains Redemption. Bronco Buster Quint Woodall finds himself embroiled in events far more than he bargained for when he unwittingly rescues a damsel in distress, Cora Blake, from her cruel future fiance, Julias McAdams. After surviving a beatdown by Julias's goons, Quint takes Cora to the only place he knows; his mother's ranch where he grew up. However, he finds an unexpected nemesis in Slash W., as a certain Hew Boggs preoccupies his mother's attention. To make matters worse, Cora's cold-blooded father uses his influence to make Quint an outlaw and seeks to regain control over his daughter's life. Can Quint and Cora forge a life for themselves and be free?
Author G.P. Hutchinson crafts an engaging western filled with action, romance, and southern banter that makes you turn the pages with eager anticipation of what's to come. The plot moves at a fast pace and is riddled with twists and turns that keep you thoroughly immersed in the narrative. The characters are colorful, with distinct personalities that pop out of the page. Quint and Cora's relationship drives the narrative forward, and I found their dynamic one of my favorite aspects of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of humor sprinkled throughout the pages, and those moments made the narrative all the more enjoyable. I would recommend High Plains Redemption to anyone interested in well-written westerns.
Recommend this book:
In This Land of Plenty
Mary Smathers
2021 Gold Medal
454 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
In This Land of Plenty by Mary Smathers introduces the reader to Nicole Sinclair. A woman who finds DNA documents that show a history far different than the Northern European background her father always said they had. With the help of her great-grandmother, she dives instead into a rich history that includes a Spanish soldier and a native Ohlone girl. While discovering this history, Nicole must try to get her father on board and save an old house from being sold off. A family saga that is ripe with the history that belongs in the very soil of California today.
As someone who has spent a lot of time digging around their own family roots, I absolutely love stories about rich family history. I connected with Nicole almost immediately. This story is full of fantastic history, reminding all of us today just how much California has to offer, not only in beautiful land but the rich history of our nation. Mary Smathers manages to weave this story beautifully in such a way as to keep every reader who picks up this book completely enthralled.
It was almost impossible to set this book down. I found myself learning a lot that I didn’t know about the history of California while we travel with Nicole through 250 years of family history. This book is truly a treat for the mind. You will find yourself painting the pictures being described to you as you read and I promise you will find yourself feeling as if you are walking through events right along with the characters. If you love a good story and a great history lesson, In This Land of Plenty is a book for you.
In This Land of Plenty by Mary Smathers introduces the reader to Nicole Sinclair. A woman who finds DNA documents that show a history far different than the Northern European background her father always said they had. With the help of her great-grandmother, she dives instead into a rich history that includes a Spanish soldier and a native Ohlone girl. While discovering this history, Nicole must try to get her father on board and save an old house from being sold off. A family saga that is ripe with the history that belongs in the very soil of California today.
As someone who has spent a lot of time digging around their own family roots, I absolutely love stories about rich family history. I connected with Nicole almost immediately. This story is full of fantastic history, reminding all of us today just how much California has to offer, not only in beautiful land but the rich history of our nation. Mary Smathers manages to weave this story beautifully in such a way as to keep every reader who picks up this book completely enthralled.
It was almost impossible to set this book down. I found myself learning a lot that I didn’t know about the history of California while we travel with Nicole through 250 years of family history. This book is truly a treat for the mind. You will find yourself painting the pictures being described to you as you read and I promise you will find yourself feeling as if you are walking through events right along with the characters. If you love a good story and a great history lesson, In This Land of Plenty is a book for you.
Recommend this book:
Matamoros
James Kahn
2020 Finalist
419 Pages
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Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Matamoros by James Kahn is a rollicking Civil War adventure with strong hints of romance, set in the Rio Grande in 1863. It is a turbulent period with war going on. With the Confederate ports all blocked by the Union, Matamoros remained the only access to the outside world, a foreign port where a lot of smuggling went on and where all types of characters appeared: runaway slaves, cotton smugglers, spies, and rascals. It is here that Clay runs his gambling business, partnered with Allie, an ex-con artist. With the whirlwinds of change and their differences in political inclinations, can the romance between Clay and Allie survive?
Matamoros by James Kahn is a historical novel that captures a social situation, transporting readers back in time to explore a city where all sorts of people come and go and where all kinds of shady businesses take place. The reader gets a vivid glimpse of what this city looks like in times of war, with danger always close by. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the different elements of the setting, exploring the historical and social aspects. The prose is beautiful and highly descriptive, and readers will enjoy the social commentaries that punctuate the narrative. The characters are sophisticated, and I particularly loved the way Clay and Allie are developed. The characters have different layers of personality and I enjoyed how they survive the stress and dangers of Matamoros. This is an awesome read, fast-paced and filled with action. The author paints exciting images of a town flourishing in times of war and makes readers feel as though they were part of it.
Matamoros by James Kahn is a rollicking Civil War adventure with strong hints of romance, set in the Rio Grande in 1863. It is a turbulent period with war going on. With the Confederate ports all blocked by the Union, Matamoros remained the only access to the outside world, a foreign port where a lot of smuggling went on and where all types of characters appeared: runaway slaves, cotton smugglers, spies, and rascals. It is here that Clay runs his gambling business, partnered with Allie, an ex-con artist. With the whirlwinds of change and their differences in political inclinations, can the romance between Clay and Allie survive?
Matamoros by James Kahn is a historical novel that captures a social situation, transporting readers back in time to explore a city where all sorts of people come and go and where all kinds of shady businesses take place. The reader gets a vivid glimpse of what this city looks like in times of war, with danger always close by. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the different elements of the setting, exploring the historical and social aspects. The prose is beautiful and highly descriptive, and readers will enjoy the social commentaries that punctuate the narrative. The characters are sophisticated, and I particularly loved the way Clay and Allie are developed. The characters have different layers of personality and I enjoyed how they survive the stress and dangers of Matamoros. This is an awesome read, fast-paced and filled with action. The author paints exciting images of a town flourishing in times of war and makes readers feel as though they were part of it.
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