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The Stage Driver's Daughter

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After Winnifred Morgan loses her pa, she trades her dresses and bonnets for trousers and boots and beats the boys in a race for a position as Woodruff and Ennors’ newest stage driver. Teaming up with shotgun guard Benjamin Sharpe to protect the express box full of treasure, Winnie outplays several attempts to rob her coach.

But trouble is waiting in the wings, for her pa carried a secret to his grave… and now those who seek it are coming after Winnie!

The Stage Driver’s Daughter combines the adventure and danger of a true western with the sort of romance that can withstand it.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2019

72 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Krystal M. Anderson

27 books69 followers
Reading has always been a passion of mine. I always wanted to become an author but it was a "someday" sort of goal. In 2017, I decided to make my dream a reality and began my first book. While I enjoy nearly all fiction, historical novels particularly fascinate me.

My family and I live in Southern Utah, USA. I grew up on horseback and treasured any time I could spend riding through the red sands and sagebrush. My husband Randon and I have four children - including a set of twins. Nothing makes me happier than being a wife and mother.... but reading is a very close second!

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5 stars
72 (63%)
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35 (30%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews333 followers
September 30, 2019
I love a good, strong female lead, but I'm not at all brave like Winnie is! My heart was pounding and racing from the very start when she disguises herself as a guy and wins a race, becoming the newest stage driver. I know I would faint dead away coming in contact with the dangerous villains and situations like Winnie did.

Although this story isn't very long, the adventure and peril are strong and honestly, your heart will thump as hard as the pounding of these stage horse hooves, but nothing will make it beat harder than the blossoming, sweet romance.

Benjamin is a strong, protective man who immediately sees through Winnie's facade. I really enjoyed his character, especially how progressive and sweet he was with Winnie and her strength. These two are the perfect complement to the wild, wild West.

Content: mild danger/moments of peril; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
May 30, 2021
The Stagedriver's Daughter is a well-written historical western romance. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning. Winnifred was a character full of spunk, intelligence, and well taught as a whip by her father.

The story is suspenseful, mysterious, and has a sweet romantic ending. It has lots of surprises along the way that will keep you entertained. I have to warn you that it does have an ending that doesn't completely conclude the story, which I sense another book coming in the series.

I love westerns set in the 1800s and this was entertaining as well as inspirational. Can't wait for the next installment.


841 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2020
A Really Good Book

The Stage Driver's Daughter-a woman stage driver? That is exactly what I thought when I saw a review for this book. I had to get it and start reading it.

Winifred Morgan grew up in a family where her father was a stage coach driver--one of the best drivers ever. She had ridden with him for years and had learned his tricks for getting away from road agents (robbers) and when he died she wanted to take over his route. She successfully was the job of driving stage and had never been robbed. But she had to dress and drive as a man. She had been driving for some time when she had a new guard n the bench beside her when robbers approached the stage. She cracked the whip (her father's whip) and was able to outrun the outlaws. This began the legend of Winn Morgan, the stage driver who could not be robbed.

Eventually, it became known that she was a woman, but she was able to continue driving because of her skill in protecting the human cargo and gold that she carried. And she married a stage driver.

Profile Image for Linda.
Author 61 books652 followers
May 23, 2020
A fast moving story that starts with a bang, The Stage Driver’s Daughter has action, adventure, mystery, and romance. I loved the main characters, Win and Benjamin. A complex mixture of insecurities, bravado, and tenacity Win sees nothing wrong with disguising herself as a man to get the job of her dreams: stage driver. Fearless in the face of danger, she thinks she can handle anything curves life throws at her. Then she meets Benjamin Sharpe, and her life turns upside down. Benjamin is a swoonworthy hero. Good looking, yes, but filled with integrity. Guilt-ridden at his perceived failures, he’ll stop at nothing to find his brother. The author uses dialect-laden dialogue to evoke the era without being distracting. Her descriptions immersed me into the dust, sweat, and smells of the old West. There are several “Oh wow” moments, and the ending is perfect. Highly recommended, even for those who don’t read western fiction.
1,236 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2023
Always enjoy a creative and different plot in this historical Western novel. Growing up accompanying her stagecoach driver father, Win continues on as a man to follow in his footsteps following his untimely death. Known for her finesse and talents, the only one wise to her ploy is her shotgun guard. Together, they managed to avert many hold-ups. An attraction follows despite his secret of knowing his brother, whom he has been searching for, was involved in the circumstances surrounding her father's death. Yet, jealousy abounds at her capabilities and threats arise from others about her dad's knowledge of a profitable mine. For those who are looking for a Western with a creative plot, this one is recommended.
Profile Image for Anne Fox.
Author 25 books47 followers
March 22, 2022
Ms. Anderson did her homework on this one, creating a realistic historical fiction set in the old west. When Winnie sets out to follow in her father's footsteps, she has to hide her identity, knowing that a woman would not be accepted in a traditionally male occupation: stagecoach driver.

You root for Winnie as she repeatedly demonstrates her prowess at the task. Her real identity becomes known, however, when the man sitting shotgun with her on the perilous routes she travels correctly ascertains that she is not as she appears to be.

I don't want to give out any spoilers, and will say no more except read the book. It's a good one.
Profile Image for Theresa.
320 reviews
October 25, 2020
Great story

Winnie (Win) is an outstanding stagecoach driver. She's able to keep every strong box away from bandits. That's truly a feat, when you're a female posing as a man. Benjamin figures it out pretty quickly when he starts riding shotgun with her. No one else has figured it out, but he does fairly quickly. None of the other drivers is as good as her. However, you need to read the book to find out what happens when it becomes week known that she is in fact, a woman. Very entertaining with a bit of mystery, too.
2,620 reviews16 followers
November 20, 2021
Benjamin and Winnie

This is a cute and loving tale of two young people adverse to finding love. Ben and his brother came west to find their fortune, only to have Jacob run to find his riches himself. Ben spends two years searching for him only to discover he is a bandit. Winnie ‘s father was the best stage driver, whip, ever and she rode at his side all her childhood days. He is murdered. She dresses as a man and secured a whip job, that’s all she knows. You will enjoy discovering how the two find each other and find their happily ever after.
233 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2020
The Stage Driver's Daughter

A lovely, clean historical romance. The two main characters are just so likeable. The writing was done excellently and made the whole story easy to identify with and escape into the lives of the characters. I could use my imagination and enjoy their hardships and their happiness as if I was sharing in their lives. I just couldn't put the book down until the last word was read. Thank you for a beautiful story.
339 reviews
July 26, 2024
Great story!

This is my second book to read written by Krystal M. Anderson. I am very much I impressed with her writing, she keeps you turning pages, they are interesting, great characters and wonderful story lines. It doesn’t hurt at all that at the end of this book she tells you about the real life characters she drew this story from, I enjoyed this very much!
481 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2020
Real cute story about a lady who poses as a man to get a job as a stage coach driver. She not only gets the job but excels at her job. While she finally is exposed as a woman and loses her job, she finds love with her shotgun guard. This is a clean well written story that has a feel good ending.
2,301 reviews83 followers
June 18, 2022
Sweet Historical Romance

Such a sweet and unique story!! Lots of danger, secrets, romance, and mystery in this wild ride! I loved how Benjamin knew her secret immediately and admired so much about her! It takes a special man to love such a strong decisive woman!
343 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2023
love finds a way

A wonderful story about a stagecoach driver’s daughter and how she finds love and acceptance. The plot is interesting and the characters are well developed. I recommend the book to anyone interested in a good read.
82 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2023
Fun and Intriguing Story

I enjoyed this story that was a different plot then the typical romance story. It was an engaging and heartwarming story that kept me wanting to read till the end.
Profile Image for Dawn LeGros.
163 reviews36 followers
March 30, 2024
Great!

This was a wonderful story. I loved all the characters and was so happy to read about a headstrong, adventurous, and courageous young lady (even though she was posing as a young man lol). This book is a must read. Five Stars!
Profile Image for Becky Bowen.
396 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
Good

Really loved this story....looking for more by this author...never read before..I been .missing out..I could not put down this book
Profile Image for Sandra Bagwell.
548 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2021
It's good

A young lady following in her father's trade despite being female. Talk and thin built helps her hide her true identity. What an adventure! I loved it.
286 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2023
YeeHah

Good read. Good balance of history and romance. Enjoyed learning a bit more about the silver mining era in Nevada as well as a woman working in an unexpected role.
946 reviews22 followers
March 9, 2023
Loved this story

An original story. I loved the creative plot. A nice story to read during a quiet evening. I would categorize this story as clean historical romance.
118 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2023
A very good book! I enjoyed it and loved the surprises along the way. I recommend this book.
22 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2025
good!

I wish there had been an epilogue with her meeting his parents... otherwise it was great and I plan to read more of Krystal's books!
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,977 reviews175 followers
October 6, 2019
LIFE AS A WHIP

What a fascinating, page-turning tale that has strong characters, plenty of angst, action, and adventure. It will bring two people together, and for the life of one, he can’t believe that others aren’t seeing the truth—but he will help keep the secret.

Winnifred “Win” Morgan is a young woman who was raised by her father and rode beside him on his stagecoach runs for so many years; she is a natural herself. But her father was murdered, the company he and his friend founded is defunct, and no one will hire a female as a whip. It will take determination and grit, but Win Morgan will drive again as whip.

Benjamin Sharpe ended up going west with his younger brother, Jacob, to try and protect him. Jacob was a dreamer and one who was impatient to get what he wanted. He will eventually sneak off with another man, Simon, and rather than earning a living, Jacob and Simon will become outlaw road agents. Benjamin will go to work for Wells Fargo as a shotgun guard to help protect the silver that has been mined and hopefully to find Jacob.

The plot will have Win Morgan compete against several others for the position of whip for Woodruff and Ennors. Winning the race will also leave some sore losers—but Win Morgan has emerged the winner and newest employee. Win will team up and must run a route into the White Pine Mountains tri-weekly. She was taught by the best and planned on making her pa proud.

“The best stage drivers are either braver or more foolish than most. I ain’t afraid to drive that route, Mr. Thim.”

“The stage never stops, Winnie, her pa would remind her. Each whip plays his role, never arriving tardy, for should he be late, it affects all the rest like ripples in a still pond.”

“Coaching was more than her livelihood; it was her home; her life. As far as her future went, the only thing Winnie felt certain of was that she’d be driving for a very long time.”

The story details the harrowing rides, dealing with the outlaws, the people she encounters, and the secrets that Benjamin will keep about her. He doesn’t even let on that he is aware that he knows, but when threats are being made against her by someone, Benjamin will share what he learns and address the truth about her identity. Benjamin has his own secrets, and when they are uncovered, it will cause a rift between them.

The story is a clean, adventurous western tale that has plenty of historical elements, along with the journey and perilous rides that Win will encounter as whip with Benjamin as shotgun. Her bravery, skills, and tenacious attitude is a testament to strong women of the west. But what will come of Benjamin and Winnie? Will they be able to put the past behind them and look towards the future—and will they follow her pa’s secret?

“Winnie, my dear, you’re the only woman I know who could find love in the seat of a stagecoach.”
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,977 reviews175 followers
January 10, 2023
LIFE AS A WHIP

What a fascinating, page-turning tale that has strong characters, plenty of angst, action, and adventure. It will bring two people together, and for the life of one, he can’t believe that others aren’t seeing the truth—but he will help keep the secret.

Winnifred “Win” Morgan is a young woman who was raised by her father and rode beside him on his stagecoach runs for so many years; she is a natural herself. But her father was murdered, the company he and his friend founded is defunct, and no one will hire a female as a whip. It will take determination and grit, but Win Morgan will drive again as whip.

Benjamin Sharpe ended up going west with his younger brother, Jacob, to try and protect him. Jacob was a dreamer and one who was impatient to get what he wanted. He will eventually sneak off with another man, Simon, and rather than earning a living, Jacob and Simon will become outlaw road agents. Benjamin will go to work for Wells Fargo as a shotgun guard to help protect the silver that has been mined and hopefully to find Jacob.

The plot will have Win Morgan compete against several others for the position of whip for Woodruff and Ennors. Winning the race will also leave some sore losers—but Win Morgan has emerged the winner and newest employee. Win will team up and must run a route into the White Pine Mountains tri-weekly. She was taught by the best and planned on making her pa proud.

“The best stage drivers are either braver or more foolish than most. I ain’t afraid to drive that route, Mr. Thim.”

“The stage never stops, Winnie, her pa would remind her. Each whip plays his role, never arriving tardy, for should he be late, it affects all the rest like ripples in a still pond.”

“Coaching was more than her livelihood; it was her home; her life. As far as her future went, the only thing Winnie felt certain of was that she’d be driving for a very long time.”

The story details the harrowing rides, dealing with the outlaws, the people she encounters, and the secrets that Benjamin will keep about her. He doesn’t even let on that he is aware that he knows, but when threats are being made against her by someone, Benjamin will share what he learns and address the truth about her identity. Benjamin has his own secrets, and when they are uncovered, it will cause a rift between them.

The story is a clean, adventurous western tale that has plenty of historical elements, along with the journey and perilous rides that Win will encounter as whip with Benjamin as shotgun. Her bravery, skills, and tenacious attitude is a testament to strong women of the west. But what will come of Benjamin and Winnie? Will they be able to put the past behind them and look towards the future—and will they follow her pa’s secret?

“Winnie, my dear, you’re the only woman I know who could find love in the seat of a stagecoach.”
3,221 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2019
Winnie trades in her dresses, cuts her hair, and beats out the guys to get a job as a stage driver, just like her deceased father. She meets Benjamin, when he's guarding cargo on her stage, and he's grabbed her attention. He knows immediately that she's a woman, not a young man. Winnie's father died with secrets, and there are men who think she knows what they are. This is a super nice story, action-packed, and just enough mystery and suspense to hold my interest. I really loved Winnie - strong, not afraid to follow her heart, willing to make the sacrifices to be able to do what she loves, and despite all her setbacks, she comes out a winner. First read from this author, and looking forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,720 reviews41 followers
October 6, 2019
Ben is wonderful!
Winnifred Morgan as the story will tell you are a practical woman after winning the race to become a driver she decides it is best to continue to dress as a man. She is teamed up Jack Milson with for the Elko-Hamilton line. I love Win she went out and did just what she had to do to survive a strong woman character is portrayed in this well-written piece. Benjamin is just the right hero for Winn. I loved the book and the author’s notes at the end. This is a book you should check out!! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
874 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2019
The Stage Driver’s Daughter is the first book I have read by Krystal M. Anderson and what a wonderful story she tells! Winnifred Morgan is such a strong female character posing as a man and winning the right to drive the stage. Benjamin Sharpe is the shotgun guard who rides along to protect the valuables. He soon figures out he secret but keeps it to himself. I loved the character and storyline development with lots of action. I really enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2019
Lively, Clean Western Frontier Adventure
This lively story takes place in the 1860's Silver Days of Nevada. It is a historical western with a little romance on the side. The story is very good and it seems to be historically accurate. The romance is sweet and clean while the western is gore-free. The story is quite the page-turner. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
16.7k reviews156 followers
April 17, 2020
Her father has died and she decided to become one as well. She goes from dresses to trousers and has beaten some men to be a driver. She teams up with him as he is a shotgun guard. There is a secret her father took to the grave and now they are after her. What was the secret? Can she stay one step in front of them? See if they can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
October 4, 2019
This is the first book by this Author that I have read, a well written story thatkept me turning pages. I enjoyed reading stage coach driver Winnifred Morgan and Wells Fargo shotgun guard Benjamin Sharpe's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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