Stampede

Rocking R Ranch #3

by Tim Washburn

One of the biggest land grabs in America's history sets off a powderkeg of trouble for the Ridgeway family ranch--and ignites a deadly new fight for the fate of the nation.

THE OKLAHOMA LAND RUSH

At high noon on April 22, 1889, the US government offered up two million acres of free land to anyone brave enough to take it--first come, first served. The fact that it was in the heart of Indian Territory didn't stop thousands of would-be settlers from trying to stake a claim. For them, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. But for the Ridgeway family--and the native tribes of the region--it's a disaster waiting to happen. On top of warding off cattle rustlers, they now have to compete for everything they have just to hold their ground. Together they will face every battle head-on to keep their dream alive ...

History would call it the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. But the Ridgeways--and thousands like them--would call it their last stand for justice, and a place to call home.

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

After graduating with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma, Tim Washburn spent several years working in the television business. He's worked as a photographer, producer, special projects director, and programming director both in Oklahoma City and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Shortly After the birth of their first child, he and his wife made the decision that Tim would be a stay-at-home dad, while doing some freelance journalism jobs on the side. Tim's been president of the PTA, a soccer coach, a volleyball coach, and a life coach.

Tim knew from a young age that I wanted to write, but it wasn't until several years ago that he turned his focus to writing and founds his passion.

Tim hopes his novel entertains you and that some of that characters may linger long after the book is finished .

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Loretta Miles Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the stampede you may think it is--it's people, not cattle, who are stampeding. A fun book with a message and a lot of heart, in spite of the number of bad guys killed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what happens to the various characters in the rest of the series.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the series as it not only entertains, but also educates. Lots of characters who are developed through alternating chapters/episodes as the story builds to the great land run, the Boomers, and the Sooners, rushing to claim land in what is now Oklahoma. The story reads well as a standalone, but the other books are well worth a reading. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Eunice R · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a lover of Wild West, rancher, rustler, gun-slinging sorts, you will most likely love this historical novel set around 1889, just prior to the Oklahoma Land Rush (aka "Run" as termed in this book). This is the third in the series, and you'll find lots of excitement to pulsate the blood in your viens right along with the "Boomers" and "Sooners" making mad dashes and head starts to stake their claims.

I really like the main characters which are believable. They are mostly cattle ranchers and horse breeders and family people but certainly know how to handle a gun or two. I like the teasing that goes on among the men which lends to amusing humor. No doubt one could champion these "good guys". I do take exception to the pre-marital interplay despite those engaging therein being consenting partners. The unconsentlng ones; well, that's a different matter. The rest of the story, however, was very satisfying and kept the fingers turning the pages.

Included at the end of the book is an excerpt from The Devil's Rope (set in 1883); the second book in the series.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

October 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in the Rocking R Ranch series. The series is built around the Rocking R Ranch and the Ridgeway family that owns and operates it. Each book has a significant event that had major impact on the ranch and it's inhabitants. In Stampede, it's the Oklahoma Land Rush. To provide incentive for more families to move west into Indian Territory, on April 22, 1889, the government gave away 160 acres on a first come, first served basis. The upheaval caused by this extended in all directions and had a serious effect on people already living around the free land, including the Ridgeways of Rocking R Ranch. The impact would resound for years as many settlers would come and go as they realized they did not have what it took to fight conditions and other settlers for their land. Washburn does an excellent job of using the land rush as the back drop for this book and advancing the history of the Ridgeways. A great western written with particular focus on insuring the accuracy of his portrayal of the era. Easy 5 star read for me.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waffled between 2 and 3 stars in this one. Definitely different than the first two in the series. This was a romance novel with a few gunfights in it. Not my cup of tea. The author tried so hard to make everyone have a happy ending, which meant they all had to be married. Lots of premarital sleeping around, too.

On a bright note, I did learn where Oklahoma Sooners got their name from! That was an interesting tidbit for me!

[RICHARD LEWIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great Land Grab

This was a great western novel about the land giveaway in Oklahoma territory. It was very well written with plenty of action, suspense and just the right amount of romance included. The characters become like people you really know and you can feel their struggles and suffering as they journey to the Indian territory. I would highly recommend it!

[Sloan Stryker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected from the description.
I had anticipated more of the Land Rush to be part of the story.
This has a multiple story lines and don't intercept. The writing was good and characters were nicely developed.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensinton, Pinnacle for this advanced copy.

[Joseph A. Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

For me there were to in any different families and circumstances. But that's just me. Is worth readinf. Yep recommend

[Mike Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The author has the series that makes you want to get into. You clearly have to check this one out

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice addition to the Rocking R Ranch series. A western story set in the late 1880s around the Oklahoma Land Rush. Stampede is action-packed and believable characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Tim Washburn for the advanced reader copy of Stampede. #NetGalley #Stampede