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A Sky So Big: A Romantic Clash
(Clean western) A gusty young woman and a Latino man, both searching for missing family, clash amid a Nevada silver rush scheme that leaves each unsure who to trust—and scrambling to stay alive.
What if you returned from a journey to discover your family missing and someone else in your house—trying to kill you? Is the drifter her ally or her enemy?
You’ll love the genuine conflict, mistaken identity, and rash choices a person must live with when they presume to know what’s what. Set around historic Carson City and the Lake Tahoe region, the writing comes from intimate knowledge of the territory. Having lived off the land, Wilcox depended on his wit, grit, and strength (and on his animals) for survival. He and Beckstrand weave authentic detail, care for the terrain and its creatures, and folksy vernacular in a romantic thriller that will make your heart stop.
Get this stand-alone mystery with bonus short story or listen to the audiobook : To Swallow the Earth (family safe—ages 14 & up; New Adult/Y.A. survival western; also a Young Adult novel/ebook—soon a graphic novel with a strong female lead, Hispanic protagonist, and a Native American Indian family). 54,000 words by award-winning author Ransom Wilcox ( Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California ) and college media instructor Karl Beckstrand ( Anna's Prayer —read all of Beckstrand’s 60+ diverse books); cover by Mike Condie. 5.25”x8” paperback, 200 pages, Premio Publishing (worldwide rights © 2015) PremioBooks, Audible, libraries, and all major distributors. 2015937400, FIC027270, FIC027230, FIC027110, FIC022070, FIC002000, FIC030000, FIC033000, FIC056000, FIC059000, JUV001010, JUV002000, JUV028000, JUV029000, Audio B07VGP9DC6, 978-0692426777, 978-1311092038
What if you returned from a journey to discover your family missing and someone else in your house—trying to kill you? Is the drifter her ally or her enemy?
You’ll love the genuine conflict, mistaken identity, and rash choices a person must live with when they presume to know what’s what. Set around historic Carson City and the Lake Tahoe region, the writing comes from intimate knowledge of the territory. Having lived off the land, Wilcox depended on his wit, grit, and strength (and on his animals) for survival. He and Beckstrand weave authentic detail, care for the terrain and its creatures, and folksy vernacular in a romantic thriller that will make your heart stop.
Get this stand-alone mystery with bonus short story or listen to the audiobook : To Swallow the Earth (family safe—ages 14 & up; New Adult/Y.A. survival western; also a Young Adult novel/ebook—soon a graphic novel with a strong female lead, Hispanic protagonist, and a Native American Indian family). 54,000 words by award-winning author Ransom Wilcox ( Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California ) and college media instructor Karl Beckstrand ( Anna's Prayer —read all of Beckstrand’s 60+ diverse books); cover by Mike Condie. 5.25”x8” paperback, 200 pages, Premio Publishing (worldwide rights © 2015) PremioBooks, Audible, libraries, and all major distributors. 2015937400, FIC027270, FIC027230, FIC027110, FIC022070, FIC002000, FIC030000, FIC033000, FIC056000, FIC059000, JUV001010, JUV002000, JUV028000, JUV029000, Audio B07VGP9DC6, 978-0692426777, 978-1311092038
210 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
About the author
Ransom Wilcox
5 books3 followersRansom Wilcox was born in Taber, Alberta, Canada, in 1907. Because he was sickly, it was suggested that the family move to California. They bought land in Vina, north of Chico, but financial hardship forced them to move in search of work. They farmed, tended livestock, and did a lot of hunting and fishing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Once, to escape a charging boar, Wilcox stuck a pole he was carrying in the ground and climbed up!
One season the family lived in a tent while the men worked cutting hay. Another year, Wilcox joined his father and brothers in Arizona, building a school on an American Indian reservation. Many elements of Wilcox’s stories come from his early experiences.
In 1943 he enlisted in the army. After the war, the Great Depression, and a divorce, Wilcox finished his schooling and opened a chiropractic practice off Union Square in San Francisco. Wilcox’s friends called him Ray (for R.A.) or Doc. Besides writing, Wilcox loved to walk in the great outdoors. Near the end of his life, he joked about leaving his body to science; “I’m sure they can use my brain. It’s in perfect condition—never been used.” His short stories and poems are published under the title, Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California.
One season the family lived in a tent while the men worked cutting hay. Another year, Wilcox joined his father and brothers in Arizona, building a school on an American Indian reservation. Many elements of Wilcox’s stories come from his early experiences.
In 1943 he enlisted in the army. After the war, the Great Depression, and a divorce, Wilcox finished his schooling and opened a chiropractic practice off Union Square in San Francisco. Wilcox’s friends called him Ray (for R.A.) or Doc. Besides writing, Wilcox loved to walk in the great outdoors. Near the end of his life, he joked about leaving his body to science; “I’m sure they can use my brain. It’s in perfect condition—never been used.” His short stories and poems are published under the title, Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 19, 2016
I thought this book was fun! I've always loved John Wayne movies, and this book was reminiscent of my favorites. Gun-slinging, tasteful romance, stolen property and family feuds, this story swept across the varied landscape of the Sierras. It satisfied my main requirement: I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed this classic western and would recommend it to anyone looking for a rip roaring read.
April 30, 2021
A Sky So Big By Ransom Wilcox & Karl Beckstrand
This was an adventurous read, most of the plot was in the wilderness fighting against harsh nature and wild west hunters. The style is not a favorite but it kept my interest, I liked the characters and how they’re written, and Wade’s was very real and very special. I expected a long boring read, fortunately this wasn’t the case.
This was an adventurous read, most of the plot was in the wilderness fighting against harsh nature and wild west hunters. The style is not a favorite but it kept my interest, I liked the characters and how they’re written, and Wade’s was very real and very special. I expected a long boring read, fortunately this wasn’t the case.
July 1, 2015
A Sky So Big earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
"A Sky So Big" is a western mystery turned love story. This intensely thrilling novel boasts a healthy dose of action interspersed throughout. With great skill and finesse, author Karl Beckstrand has brought completion to this book which was a partial manuscript inherited from the late Ransom Wilcox. Beckstrand’s mastery of the written word provides such tangible moments you can nearly feel blood splashing in the fight scenes in this dramatic novel, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The story transports readers to the magnificent landscapes of Nevada, California ... Extreme shoot-outs, brawls, and challenges of strength and endurance are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. ... this is a book which we wholeheartedly recommend for mature young readers.” - LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews
“A must read. ... I loved reading this novel. ... After reading the back cover ... my curiosity of which man might be on the front cover lured me. ... one of the two main men is the real bad guy; but which one—and will Patricia Laughlin find out before it’s too late? In this intriguing and realistic portrayal of the Western lifestyle I found myself drowning into the deepest part of the plot. ... Which man will keep? ... A romance ... stunning masterpiece ... an irresistible tale. ... Mystery, suspense ... A Sky So Big has it all. ... five out of five stars.” – Danielle Urban, Universal Creativity
“[Y]ou will want to grab this book. There is a lot of action ... a page turner [that will] keep you guessing. And the conflicts with Wade and Patricia might surprise you, as well. Never a dull moment in this read. ... so well written you can completely see what he is describing. You will enjoy this book. 5 stars!” - Sonja Nishimoto, blogger
“A lot of action, hair breadth escapes ... Well done western novel.” - Randy Johnson, Vine Voice (Amazon)
“A good read for all western fans. ... The action starts with the first page and doesn’t stop ... from start to finish. The dialogue was done well. ... The characterization was good. ... the authors did it very well.” - Paul Johnson for Readers’ Favorite
“[A] lot of ‘classic’ elements ... the fun comes in how they, our heroes, get there. ... Wilcox, with Beckstrand's assistance, has woven an adventure that Louis L’Amour would approve. ... I read this with buying the film rights in mind. If I had the spare cash, the check would be in the mail and I'd be thinking about casting my leads. ... The writers tell the tale with good characters (real people, not 1950s Hollywood cowboys), fabulous scenery that cries out for ‘filmed entirely on location,’ and a plot line with as many switchbacks as a high-mountain sheep track. A short, easy read that will brighten up any evening.” - Phoenix Roberts
"A Sky So Big" is a western mystery turned love story. This intensely thrilling novel boasts a healthy dose of action interspersed throughout. With great skill and finesse, author Karl Beckstrand has brought completion to this book which was a partial manuscript inherited from the late Ransom Wilcox. Beckstrand’s mastery of the written word provides such tangible moments you can nearly feel blood splashing in the fight scenes in this dramatic novel, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The story transports readers to the magnificent landscapes of Nevada, California ... Extreme shoot-outs, brawls, and challenges of strength and endurance are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. ... this is a book which we wholeheartedly recommend for mature young readers.” - LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews
“A must read. ... I loved reading this novel. ... After reading the back cover ... my curiosity of which man might be on the front cover lured me. ... one of the two main men is the real bad guy; but which one—and will Patricia Laughlin find out before it’s too late? In this intriguing and realistic portrayal of the Western lifestyle I found myself drowning into the deepest part of the plot. ... Which man will keep? ... A romance ... stunning masterpiece ... an irresistible tale. ... Mystery, suspense ... A Sky So Big has it all. ... five out of five stars.” – Danielle Urban, Universal Creativity
“[Y]ou will want to grab this book. There is a lot of action ... a page turner [that will] keep you guessing. And the conflicts with Wade and Patricia might surprise you, as well. Never a dull moment in this read. ... so well written you can completely see what he is describing. You will enjoy this book. 5 stars!” - Sonja Nishimoto, blogger
“A lot of action, hair breadth escapes ... Well done western novel.” - Randy Johnson, Vine Voice (Amazon)
“A good read for all western fans. ... The action starts with the first page and doesn’t stop ... from start to finish. The dialogue was done well. ... The characterization was good. ... the authors did it very well.” - Paul Johnson for Readers’ Favorite
“[A] lot of ‘classic’ elements ... the fun comes in how they, our heroes, get there. ... Wilcox, with Beckstrand's assistance, has woven an adventure that Louis L’Amour would approve. ... I read this with buying the film rights in mind. If I had the spare cash, the check would be in the mail and I'd be thinking about casting my leads. ... The writers tell the tale with good characters (real people, not 1950s Hollywood cowboys), fabulous scenery that cries out for ‘filmed entirely on location,’ and a plot line with as many switchbacks as a high-mountain sheep track. A short, easy read that will brighten up any evening.” - Phoenix Roberts
January 11, 2016
A Sky So Big
By Ransom Wilcox & Karl Beckstrand
2015
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“Before Reno – before the riches of Las Vegas – there was Carson City and the surrounding outposts that serviced the gold and silver mines that sprang up in Nevada’s silver rush of the latter 1800s. The Comstock Lode and Ophir Mine brought people of all kinds to the territory – soon after called the Silver State. This land was rugged, as were the people.”
The authors immediately set the time and place.
Chapter one begins the introduction of three of the key people in this fast gripping story: Patricia Laughlin, Wade Forester, and Bridger Calhoun.
With attention to detail, exceptional characterization, and realistic dialogue, the writing compels readers back in time to experience the interactions of these three people, as well as with the multitude of others of the time that their actions impact.
Author Ransom “Doc” Wilcox, born in 1907, and having lived off the land himself, brings an authenticity that readers will appreciate. After Wilcox died in 1992, author Karl Beckstrand “inherited A Sky So Big as an incomplete manuscript and carefully honed the characters while preserving the original story’s action and earthy vernacular.”
Readers benefit from the combined creativity in a story that not only quickly will grip them, but which additionally will keep them involved as if contemporaries until the satisfying conclusion.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Ransom Wilcox & Karl Beckstrand
2015
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“Before Reno – before the riches of Las Vegas – there was Carson City and the surrounding outposts that serviced the gold and silver mines that sprang up in Nevada’s silver rush of the latter 1800s. The Comstock Lode and Ophir Mine brought people of all kinds to the territory – soon after called the Silver State. This land was rugged, as were the people.”
The authors immediately set the time and place.
Chapter one begins the introduction of three of the key people in this fast gripping story: Patricia Laughlin, Wade Forester, and Bridger Calhoun.
With attention to detail, exceptional characterization, and realistic dialogue, the writing compels readers back in time to experience the interactions of these three people, as well as with the multitude of others of the time that their actions impact.
Author Ransom “Doc” Wilcox, born in 1907, and having lived off the land himself, brings an authenticity that readers will appreciate. After Wilcox died in 1992, author Karl Beckstrand “inherited A Sky So Big as an incomplete manuscript and carefully honed the characters while preserving the original story’s action and earthy vernacular.”
Readers benefit from the combined creativity in a story that not only quickly will grip them, but which additionally will keep them involved as if contemporaries until the satisfying conclusion.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
May 26, 2015
I've read this twice now...wow, a jam packed and ingenious story with accurate and knowledgeable descriptions of the old west, specifically the Sierra Nevadas. The body count was the book's main drawback for me--hey, I'm a girl--but it is an old fashioned western fight for land against avaricious land grabbing wicked men, so that's what you get. Think Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour. There are some pretty awesome "special effects" for a book, with amazing escapes based on local area and time period, including cliffs, trees, and even wild horses! A subtle, sweet and completely clean love story in the background...just right!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews