Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

The Maynwarings by Digger Cartwright is everything a western novel should be and so much more. The Maynwarings are an influential family living in Carson City, Nevada, shortly after the Civil War during the time of reconstruction. Barron is the head of the family as well as the State Senator, dividing his time between Washington, D.C. and his Greenbrier spread, the largest cattle ranch in the area. Carson City is a typical western town until they suddenly begin having all sorts of trouble. There is a hanging, cattle rustling, unexplained killings, sick cattle and mass confusion. There is also a newcomer in town, Gideon Van Thorn. The Maynwarings are slowly able to connect the dots and blame all of the trouble on Thorn and his unruly group of men.

The Maynwarings is 428 pages long and the action is continuous on all of the pages, in each paragraph and in every sentence. Digger Cartwright has written a western story that not only tells the story of the old wild west cowboys and ranchers of early Nevada days, but there is also politics, family, drama, suspense and mystery to keep you reading well into the middle of the night. I found myself looking at the Maynwaring family as old friends. I hurt for their pains, cheered for their joys, and booed the bad guys. The Maynwarings would be such a great movie; I even have a cast of Hollywood stars picked out for them. This is a must-read book; I know you will not be able to put it down until you reach the unexpected ending.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Orphan Moon: The Orphan Moon Trilogy, Volume 1 is a historical coming of age story written by T.K. Lukas. Barleigh Flanders was nineteen years old when her family's ranch in Texas was burned to the ground by a raiding party of Indians in September of 1860. Her father, Henry, had prepared for just such an event by digging out a hidden cellar in their goat shed, but only Barleigh, her Aunt Winnie, and her new baby sister were able to reach the hidden shelter in time. The bodies of Birdie, Henry's second wife, Uncle Jack and Henry were found among the smoking ruins of their farmstead the next morning. The Indians had taken the family's horses, but their cattle had been shot and left for dead. Barleigh's plans to rebuild and restock the ranch are shattered when Mr. Goldthwaite at the bank tells her that Henry's savings will not cover the taxes that he owed. He could cover those bills providing that Barleigh marry him and sign over the land to him. Barleigh's got a better idea. On her way to the bank, a flyer had been caught up in a gust of wind and landed at her feet. The Pony Express needed boy riders and orphans were preferred. Barleigh's mother died in childbirth and, with Henry's untimely passing, she fitted the job requirements -- if only she were a boy.

T.K. Lukas' historical coming of age story, Orphan Moon: The Orphan Moon Trilogy, Volume 1, is well-plotted, meticulously researched and very entertaining. Barleigh is a marvelous character who is strong, independent and convinced that she can overcome the obstacles to her plans for her sister's and her future. I was spellbound reading about her solitary horseback trip to apply for the job in Missouri, and loved reading about the tryouts for the jobs. Lukas carefully weaves historical data about the cultural limitations and challenges women and slaves faced in the late 1800s into her story. She also covers the role of secessionists in fomenting violence that would be blamed on Indian tribes, as well as detailing their attempts to block the mail from reaching the west coast. The real high points of this book for me, however, were found in Lukas' masterful and exciting descriptions of the Pony Express rides undertaken by Bar and her friend, Stoney Wooten, as they race to get the post through the roughest territories in the west, battling the weather and natural obstacles that made it even more challenging. Orphan Moon is a literate and beautifully written novel that's filled with action and adventure, and stars a most impressive role model in the strong and resourceful Barleigh Flanders. It's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Lee Mattingly is a complex man, having shown many different aspects in his life. Starting as a teenaged gambler, he joins the South to fight in the Civil War. After four hard years, he returns to his gambling and along the way picks up the reputation as a gunfighter. Then from time to time he’s also traveled on the wrong side of the law, robbing stagecoaches, payrolls, banks, and even on occasion done a little rustling. But, he has a set of values not often found in a bad guy, plus he’s loyal to a fault. Lee and his friend Brian Clark hope to change their reputations by becoming owners of a new hotel. Trouble starts the first day when Ike Nash, a man with money and power, decides he wants everything for himself and proceeds to take it all. Lee and Brian only know one way to respond: at the end of a six shooter. However, there are several little bumps along the way.

Tell Cotton has another winner here with Lee, his latest in the Landon Saga. To me, Lee Mattingly has been the most interesting of all Tell’s main characters. In the first books, Lee has always been there, but the reader, until now, has not had a chance to really get to know him. As with all the books in this series, Lee is written in short chapters that keep the reader's attention and interest. The author’s writing style is simple but effective. His characterization brings to the reader's mind what the old West was really like. If you’re a fan of Western fiction, you can’t go wrong with this outstanding series.

Reviewed by Geoff Baggett for Readers' Favorite

GP Hutchinson’s Strong Suspicions is the second and latest installment in his Emmett Strong Western Series. It traces the ongoing adventures of Texas Ranger Emmett Strong, his sidekicks, and his new Oriental bride upon their return to Texas after a bloody confrontation in Nevada. The action resumes in the shady border town of El Paso. Strong and his companions are assailed on multiple fronts. They are accused of a heinous crime that they did not commit and pursued by enemies old and new. With so many potential adversaries, it becomes impossible for Emmett Strong to trust anyone but his faithful wife and trusty sidekick, Juanito. The book is peppered with numerous tense encounters with various foes, and builds like a brooding symphony toward the final, dramatic confrontation with the treacherous enemy who was the mastermind of their El Paso troubles.

I am a huge fan of the western genre. I own a vast set of antique Zane Grey books and am still working my way through the stack. I know that Western fiction abounds and that there are numerous “cheesy,” predictable stories in print. Indeed, some are difficult to stomach. This, my friends, is NOT one of them! This work by Hutchinson is a most excellent addition to the genre. I couldn't put it down! I read it in two sittings in less than a day. It was THAT good!

The primary characters were already well developed from the first novel in the series. They were also believable. The dialogue was spot-on and easy to follow. And that dialogue was peppered with just the right amount of Wild West slang and Spanish. Any less and it would have seem less than authentic. Any more and it would have seemed contrived. The local color and language were absolutely perfect. The action was heart-thumping. The heroes were very believable and honorable. The editing and format of the book were immaculate. It was amazing!

I give this book a hearty five stars. I loved it. My only problem is that now I have to go back and buy book #1 to give me the full context of the action of this story. My recommendation: grab both volumes in the Emmett Strong Western Series now. You’ll have many hours of entertainment and escape to the wild streets of 1880s El Paso.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Full Circle (The Belanger Creek Ranch Book 2) by Gloria Antypowich is a love story dedicated to all those who have gone through painful experiences and have faced betrayal, wrath, and also unconditional love while being in their relationships. Shauna Lee Holt has left her past behind and worked hard to reach where she is today. She owns Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Services. Though she is known for her accountancy skills in business circles, no one knows about her personal life and her pain. Brad Johnson, who has moved to Swift Current to set up his company, is attracted to Shauna Lee Holt. As their love story progresses, there are a lot of other things that get in the way to shake their relationship. It's a story of unconditional love, betrayal and passion, which portrays the nuances of human relationships.

The characters in the story are portrayed so well that they seem real and readers can connect with them. This love story has its complications and does not come that easily. The challenges that Brad Johnson and Shauna Lee face in their respective lives and their personal experiences give the plot many dimensions. It's a compelling read and the author's style of writing is elegant and simple but very effective. The narration is detailed, making the scenes visual to readers. What makes the read interesting is that the plot has love, betrayal, passion, denial, hatred, and anger all woven together to make it an undeniably engrossing love story. A love story readers will definitely enjoy reading.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Deadman's Fury (The Deadman Series Book 2) by Linnell Jeppsen is the second book in a classical Western story. In this tale set in 1892, Amelia Winters is sent to live with her Aunt Iris. Before they can meet up with the rest of the family, Sheriff Matthew Wilcox, Iris’ husband, finds out that Amelia has been abducted, one of many hundreds of women who have been sold into slavery for sexual purposes. He learns that an auction of these girls is about to take place and he must get there before it happens. The sheriff and his men set off, making life difficult for the bandits who have the girls. The outlaws decide that they must get rid of the sheriff, but Matthew is not about to make things easy for them. Can Matthew get to the girls in time?

Deadman's Fury (The Deadman Series Book 2) by Linnell Jeppsen is a sequel to a book I didn’t get to read so I hope I haven’t given anything away. It was a gripping story, written in true Western style and full of drama and surprise at every turn. Each character has something to hide, a motive that could put them in the frame, and this makes the story into a 'can’t-put-down' book. Clearly, a great deal of thought has gone into this and it really shows in the way it has been written. This is a must-read for anyone who loves the Western genre, but I guarantee that even those who aren’t fans will enjoy this. I would like to have read the first one and definitely want to read any others in the series.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Yancy by Tell Cotten is the latest installment in The Landon Saga. This book focuses mainly on Yancy with a side spotlight on Cooper Landon. Yancy has been a lawman most of his life, with his latest job as peacekeeper being in Midway, Texas. Politics have changed though and now he finds himself forced to run for the office of sheriff, instead of just being appointed. When his older brother Cooper learns a young boy has been kidnapped by the Apache, he vows to rescue him and, of course, Yancy isn't going to let him go alone. Will Yancy be elected sheriff and how will he and Cooper ever outsmart an old Indian enemy?

It's no wonder Tell Cotten is an award winning author; his writing style is smooth and easy to read, and he always leaves me wanting to read more about his characters! His way with words easily gets me into the mindset of the time period, allowing me to imagine the dangers that seemed to lurk at each turn. He also captures the ideal that it took a special kind of man to be a lawman and he creates that special man with Yancy. The entire Landon clan seems to have a propensity for doing what's right, even though it's usually far from easy. I found it amusing that Yancy seemed to get tongue tied when he was around a certain female, and I can only hope that perhaps someday he will finally get his girl. Mr. Cotten does a wonderful job of balancing a tightly woven, sometimes tense plot with the right amount of witty banter between the characters to provide a bit of levity to lighten the mood, something that makes his writing seem very realistic. I found more than a few laugh out loud moments where Cooper and his wife Josie were concerned, especially when it came to her cooking and healing skills.The mention of the Texas Rangers really left me wanting to learn more about their inception, something I hadn't really thought about until reading Yancy.

I have read several of the books in the Landon series and have to say I love the recurring mention of Jug-Head. While the author provides enough background information that this book could be read alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order so that you get a greater understanding of the characters. I admit I somehow missed the last book, but plan on remedying that situation right away. Anyone looking for an engaging western read that provides great characters, more than a bit of danger and a plot that will pull you right back to the days when the west was still untamed should check out Tell Cotten's series, The Landon Saga.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Lantern in the Mist, Book One by Liliana Shelbrook is one of the best books I have read in an incredibly long time. I was pulled in and felt the joy and the sadness, and cried and laughed along with Kathleen from page one until the very last words. Kathleen Colby is a young woman living in the difficult times of 1899, having full responsibility for the care of Josie, her paralyzed sister. Kathleen has little knowledge of the real world, but lives through the romance of her books. Kathleen and Josie start in Alaska and the trek takes them to New York City before it is over. When Kathleen’s mother dies and she is forced to be on her own, it becomes a long and painful journey for the sisters. Kathleen makes some bad choices and picks some bad men and is forced to flee several times, always carrying Josie in her arms with their few meager belongings and an old horse named Joe. She finally vows to let no man ever get close to her again, but when Sam rescues her from several dangerous situations, the sisters are forced to have him accompany them on their travels as they finally reach New York City.

I cannot say enough good things about Lantern in the Mist. It was impossible to put it down and leave Kathleen, Josie and Sam behind even for a little while. My chores were left undone until I finished the book and I am anxiously awaiting the next one. Liliana Shelbrook has easily jumped to the top of my favorite authors list. Lantern in the Mist has it all; life in the old west, romance, heartache, happiness, a good plot, strong characters, a very likeable heroine and hero, and so much more. Lantern in the Mist is a Ten Star Winner. Lantern in the Mist is a must-read for everyone. Thank you, Liliana Shelbrook, for a few hours of total enjoyment.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

A challenging journey has led Captain Sam Wyllie, his family, and two lone women to Boonesborough, Kentucky, in search of new lands and a new life in New Frontier of Love: American Wilderness Series Romance Volume 2 by Dorothy Wiley. Full of pain after losing his first and only love to the horrors of the Revolutionary war, Sam distinguished himself with bravery and determination, fighting for the fledgling country. These same traits bring him into conflict with a disreputable bunch of buffalo hunters who promise to make Sam’s life difficult when he won’t give in to their demands. The family sticks together to face the various threats that come their way and Catherine, one the two women rescued along the trail, becomes more and more important to Sam, warming his frozen heart. Subject to complicated laws regarding the acquisition of land and legal issues arising from trumped up charges, Sam takes the lead in securing his family’s safety and future in the only way his warrior’s soul knows how – fighting for his beliefs like a man. Will the frontier prove to be too wild for the Wyllies to make a new life for themselves or will frontier justice work in their favor, allowing Sam to relax and let love in?

The American frontier of the late 1700s in nearly virgin Kentucky is the beautiful setting for New Frontier of Love: American Wilderness Series Romance Volume 2 by Dorothy Wiley. Vivid descriptions of the land, the people and the hardships create the historical background for this romance/adventure story full of action, emotion and excitement. The love story simmers slowly until near the end but the entire book is full of a wide range of feelings shared by family and close friends who have endured a tremendous amount of difficulty while looking hopefully toward a better future. Volume 2 stands well on its own merits although there are occasional references to events that occurred in Volume 1. The simple knowledge of these trials is all that is needed to relate to the action in Frontier of Love so further discussion is not warranted. More than just a romance, this book explores the challenges faced by pioneers of the American frontier. Excellent story! The characters really come alive and the experiences they face are deeply moving. Great action, wonderful historical insights and beautiful descriptions of a wild, virgin land.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Cooper by Tell Cotten opens in 1872 in New Mexico Territory. There are a few stories going on within the pages of this book. The author transitions so smoothly and ties them together so expertly that I was left satisfied, but his knack for storytelling left me wanting more! Cooper Landon and his brother Yancy set out to find the man that robbed a stagecoach and murdered several people. Along the way, they meet a woman named Josie who was raised by the Apache. When Cooper is shot in the hip, his brother leaves Cooper and Josie at the Midway trading post and continues the search. About this time, Josie spots several Apache Indians painted for war so she convinces Cooper to leave and head into the mountains. After a week, they decide to go home and that's when Cooper finds himself facing outlaws and what looks like certain death. Meanwhile Yancy gets his man and realizes that Cooper is missing and decides to search for him. With plenty of outlaws, Indians, and a few lawmen roaming around on the mountain, one can't help but wonder what's going to happen.

Tell Cotten certainly knows how to tell a story. His ability to create strong, well-fleshed characters and a page-turning, action-packed read kept me riveted from beginning to end! He truly portrays the way the west was, with gun fights, the good guy going after the bad guy, and of course stage coach robberies and Indians. With all this packed into the story there was never a dull moment. The descriptive prose really had me imagining the scenes as they unfolded. I found myself laughing on more than one occasion, but also totally surprised more than once as well. Plenty of well thought out action made the plot zoom along, allowing me to read this book in one sitting. I loved the character of Cooper; it seemed that something was always going on where he was concerned. While Cooper is the third book in the Landon saga, it can easily be read as a stand-alone work. The author provides a glimpse of Rondo, the next book in the Landon Saga and I can't wait to read it!