This book was previously published in 2013 under the same title. While the text and cover have been updated, the story remains the same.
It’s been five years since a woman came between Ethan Barstow and his brother, Charley, and it’s high time they buried the hatchet. When Ethan travels to Arizona Territory to make amends, he learns that Charley has abruptly disappeared after breaking more than one heart in town. And an indignant fiancée is hot on his trail.
When Charley Barstow abandons a local girl after getting her pregnant, Kate Kinsella pursues him without a second thought. She’s determined he set things right, and even more determined to end her own engagement to him, a sham from the beginning. But an ill-timed encounter with a group of ruffians lands her in the company of Charley’s brother, Ethan, who suggests they search together.
As Ethan and Kate move deeper INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, family tensions and past tragedies threaten to destroy a love neither of them expected.
A sensuous historical western romance set in 1893 Arizona Territory. Into The Land Of Shadows is a stand-alone, full-length novel.
2014 Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award Finalist
“Kristy McCaffrey brings us a story with heart and spirit, characters that live, and an understanding of the place and people that far surpasses a traditional romance…” ~ Marcy Waldenville, author of Tears of the Damned
“… a must read … a story that is engaging and edge-of-the-seat gripping. [McCaffrey’s] vivid descriptions and great cast of characters, with exceptional dialogue, bring this story to life.” ~ Coffee Time Romance & More
“…a haunting story with suspense, passion, and excellent character building.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
“With a vividly painted background, engaging and compelling characters and pages that just fly by, Into The Land Of Shadows is a superb read for any western or historical romance lover.” ~ Romance Junkies
“The author’s descriptions of the Arizona desert and the Indians who inhabit it are beautiful. You almost feel as if you are there. There are surprises, an element of the paranormal, which is done exceptionally well, and romance. If you love Westerns, then don’t miss this one.” ~ Paranormal Romance Guild
“…as if ‘Romancing The Stone’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ and ‘Dances With Wolves’ got together and had a kid.” ~ Reading Alley Reviewer
Kristy McCaffrey writes historical western romances brimming with grit and emotion, as well as romantic contemporary adventures. Her work is filled with smoldering romance, compelling heroes, determined heroines, and her trademark mysticism.
Although she holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering, she shifted to being a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer until her four children were grown. Now she runs her writing business full-time while enjoying the perks of being the boss, which mostly entails playing with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arises.
Her first novel, The Wren, was a CAPA winner for Best New Author Traditional, a Texas Gold finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist for Best First Book. The Sparrow was a 2012 Winter Rose Winner. The Blackbird won the 2015 Laramie award for Best in Western Romance. Her contemporary adventure, Cold Horizon, was a 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction winner, and Ancient Winds was a 2022 HOLT Medallion finalist.
An Arizona native, Kristy resides in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue mutt - an American Bulldog named Jeb. Sign up for her newsletter at http://kmccaffrey.com/subscribe/ to receive her latest book news as well as subscriber-only content.
Kate and Ethan meet in difficult yet humorous circumstances at the start of the book. I liked the author's attention to detail, but not so much that the story gets bogged down. But enough to make the setting etc seem more realistic. Ethan is on a trek to find his estranged brother Charlie, only to run into his fiance, Kate... who is also looking for Charlie. It takes the whole book to find him so it's a little bit of an odyssey across Northern Arizona. Meeting different people along the way. Each of these people has a stake in finding Charlie. I wasn't sure what to think of Charlie, but by the end, I really didn't like him. I did however, like Ethan and Kate. You get both their POVs. Their back stories were interesting and by the end of the story the whole place felt like a small world after all. I was thinking this would be a 4 star read, but the ending got a little corny for me with the whole Navajo mysticism thing, and the way their pasts were connected. It just seemed a little out of left field and taken too far.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've seen plenty of 'old western' movies, but I think this is the first time I've ever read an 'old western' book. I remember my dear old grandma - that's all she used to read - western romance novels. And now I understand why.
The book is very well-written and easy to follow. I loved the characters. Kate was very easy to relate to, and Ethan was very easy to imagine and drool over. Along with them are a wealth of other great characters - Charley (Ethan's brother, who everyone is searching for), a gang of bumbling bad guys, many awesome indians, and even a ghost thrown in for good measure. Yes, that's right - I said ghost! There's some paranormal stuff going on in the book too, which made it all the better. Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that there were a lot of secondary characters in this book. And quite often, in books with so many characters, it gets confusing as to who is who, what they are each doing, and so on. Not the case here at all! The author did a fantastic job of keeping everyone straight in my mind.
There were no huge suprises or plot twists in this book (okay, there was one thing that I didn't see coming), but that's alright. It's one of those stories that you get a sense of satisfaction from predicting the outcomes. You can praise yourself with, "I totally knew that would happen!"
In conclusion, Into the Land of Shadows is pure entertainment - a good old-fashioned western, a romance and an adventure with a tiny bit of comedy and a good twist of paranormal thrown in. I loved it! :)
Into The Land Of Shadows by Kristy McCaffrey is a smoothly written western historical romance with a strong presence of Indian spirits. Ethan and Kate join forces in the Arizona desert in search of Ethan's brother, Charley. Ethan is hoping to mend the rift between him and Charley, and Kate is looking to end her charade of an engagement to Charley. With Ethan's two horses, Whiskey and Brandy (love their names) and Fred the donkey, Ethan and Kate find themselves exchanging gunfire and horses with three 3 inept outlaws, while an old Indian man guides them toward Charley. But Joe isn't quite what he seems, and Ethan and Kate find themselves in a battle with evil spirits.
For those who love a good western historical interspersed with Native Americans, this book is sure to please. Ethan and Kate are endearing, and Ms. McCaffrey does an excellent job of putting the reader right in the center of the Arizona desert and the Native American way of life. The Indian children Ethan and Kate encounter are adorable, funny and resourceful, and the spirit world will ensnare your attention and keep you guessing as to what is real and what isn't.
McCaffrey has yet another hit with this one. It will definitely stand the test of time. I found myself firmly placed in the time period. McCaffrey does a brilliant job of developing not only her scenery but the storyline itself in a very visual manner. The fact that her characters never take the easy route makes the story all the more compelling. I was thoroughly entranced throughout.
McCaffrey’s characters are brilliant as well. Not only are the main characters compelling individuals that you want to see succeed; they are individuals with heavy pasts that they must learn to deal with. Getting to know them was very emotionally rewarding. The supporting cast was also quite varied, well developed and suited the story perfectly. I loved how they interacted with each other and how they always stayed true to form.
McCaffrey makes history your present while reading her work. This was a brilliant read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Weaving supernatural elements peppered by action-adventure, mystery, and romance shape the story into a voyage of self-discovery as Kristy McCaffrey leads her characters on the path to finding happiness, or more precisely finding a home for two perennial drifters. Kate Kinsella and Ethan Barstow are each built with a restless spirit and a need to settle down. Their encounter is destiny in action as Kate learns that Ethan had caused her father’s murder after she irrefutably falls in love with him. Theirs is a love blocked by obstacles which take self-awareness to topple and simultaneously garner the audience‘s sympathy.
Ethan Barstow and Kate Kinsella are looking for the same man, Ethan's brother Charley, in the action packed western romance.They are under several misconceptions. Kate's looking for Charley Barstow to return him to his pregnant fiancé, Agnes. Kate mistakenly thinks Ethan is a killer and outlaw per Charley's drunken ramblings. Ethan is looking for his brother Charley to mend fences and make peace. From conversations in town, Ethan thinks Kate is Charley's fiancé. They decide to continue the hunt together after an action packed rescue of Kate by Ethan. This story features two very strong people who believe the worse of each other, but know in their hearts it can't be true. Ms. McCaffrey gives us raging river crossings, outlaws and as Kate stated the most inept outlaws ever, mysterious appearances of Joe an Indian, a wolf called Bart, is there when needed, attacks by Indian children, good and evil spirits, and attraction between two main characters that grows day by day until there is nothing to do but give in. Ms. McCaffrey kept the story moving with a good plot, and sub-characters. The story has more than a touch of the paranormal that was very enjoyable and added flavor to the plot, as well as the mystery. I found the mystery intriguing and when I thought I had solved, I was wrong. I couldn't wait to solve the mystery.
I would recommend this book to young adult to adult due to sexual content.
I received this book from Readingalley.com in return for an honest review.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Into the Land of Shadows by Kristy McCaffrey has it all: the Good in Kate and Ethan; the Bad and near-bad in Ethan’s brother, Charley, and three rogues that show up at the oddest times whose actions are reminiscent of The Three Stooges; and the Ugly in the demonic possessions of a Navajo brave and Kate with near cataclysmic consequences. Then there’s Bart, the wolf and the apparition, Joe Tohonnie, who are there when they’re needed most. It’s a feast so tasty it keeps you coming back for more. The novel is set in the Old West of Arizona with scenes so compelling you’d swear you can smell the smoke from the campfire and hear the howl of a coyote in the distance. McCaffrey’s love of and familiarity with Arizona comes through in her vivid descriptions, making the reader want to see it for herself. While I was surprised at the supernatural apparitions which seem unusual in a western romance novel, it added unexpected depth and drama to what could have been a more traditional tale. Ms. McCaffrey has demonstrated proficiency in her earlier novels but with Into the Land of Shadows, she has become a master. Where she plans to go from here, I don’t know, but will definitely go along for the ride.
I was given this book by the author for a honest review.
WOW this book started off and didn't stop through out it. It starts out with Kate being chased by men and Ethan saving her and helping her look for his brother. She doesn't trust him due to what his brother said. The men chasing didn't stop there, they turn up every time you turn around, throw in a few Indian children, a wild wolf, ghost, spirits and a few other things and you have a great read. You find yourself pulled into the story, looking for the brother who is looking for gold, but really wanting to find the father, seems everyone is looking for Ethan brother but not all for the same reason.
There is all the romance you could ask for, the good and the bad along with the sad, throw in a little humor and you have a good read. Kate finds out a few things about Ethan's past that she doesn't know if she can forget much less forgive. To find the answers you will have to read the book. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Love the romance mystery and adventure old western book. Love the ALL the Characters. Please check out this book out Felt like you're watching an old time western. Been I good idea if it would be a movie. Tigerbrock42@hotmail.com also review this book for an honest review reading alley.com
Never read a western before, so this was new to me. I was quickly sucked into this story of Kate and her love for the brother of her fiancé, Ethan. Well written and fantastic characters. This was a Good Reads giveaway and thank you to Kristy McCaffrey for the thoughtful gift package. Wow! Looking forward to reading All of her books!!
Everyone, listen up! Do not miss this book. Kristy has brought us the most beautiful story of love and adventure that I have read in a long time. Kristy cannot write fast enough for this reader.
This was such a good western mainly set in Arizona. A brother out looking for his other brother meets up with a lady who is a mystery to him and she is looking for the same brother. This has a lot of twists and turns in it and I liked that. Kristy hit a home run with this!
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. A good old-fashioned western, a romance and an adventure with a tiny bit of comedy and a good twist of paranormal thrown in.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the western theme, with the Indian spirits and the romance. I would recommend the book to anyone loving western reading.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Its been years since I’ve read an old western romance and Into The Land of Shadows included all the earmarks of an old western story chock full of charm and folk lore. As I was reading, I had the strong sensation of this adventure as if “Romancing The Stone” and “The Good, Bad and The Ugly” and “Dances With Wolves” got together and had a kid. So we have Kate Kinsella, who is rescued by Ethan Barstow, from outlaws who have stolen her horse but in turn, she’s stolen their mule. There is something quite valuable in one of the saddle bags which Kate is unaware is hidden. Hence, the continuous attacks made on Kate and Ethan on their journey to find Charley, Ethan’s brother. Ethan begins to grow feelings for Kate but refuses to act on it as he believes she is Charley’s betrothed. They both have misconceptions of each other but this gets cleared up at the end.
Ms. McCaffrey has written an action packed adventure that includes scenes of a raging river, outlaws shooting, Indian spirits, three lovable Indian kids, a mysterious wolf following the journey, tunnels, and gold. It is a clean romance. The writing was steady, the story full of twists and turns, and nice characterization. I would recommend this story for those that like reading westerns with a bit of Indian spirits.
Quiet a strange adventure. A woman has this hair brained scheme to find her fake fiancé & get him to return to pregnant girlfriend. The hero trying to find his estranged brother attaches himself to the heroine & fights his attraction.
All sorts of things happen robbed repeatedly, lost, shot at, near drowning, learning about a new culture, revealing circumstances of a much mourned death, even up to an exorcism.
Plenty of action but kinda weird how sometimes annoying characters kept popping up.
Wow! Loved this book! Filled with humor, romance, mysticism, suspense, a worthy hero and a strong heroine, it kept me busy swiping the pages. Add three bumbling bad guys, horses, a donkey and a wolf, all with their own distinctive personalities, it flowed from the first page to the last. Very well written and filled with wonderful descriptions of the surroundings, just as I come to expect from this author. All in all, an enjoyable experience. JudyE
Into The Land ode Shadows has three main components that make a great novel. It doesn't disappoint and will never sit under a layer of dust on my shelf. It'll be re-read many more times!