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The Valley of Sage and Juniper
When a mysterious preacher arrives at their ranch in the Rocky Mountains, Genesis watches as her pious mother becomes enamored by him and then must fight to keep her sister, Isaiah, and the ranch out of his grasp.
Steadfast Genesis and defiant Isaiah are content on their famed grandfather's ranch nestled against the Rocky Mountains. When a mysterious new preacher arrives, called Leader by his congregation, the foundation of their legacy is shaken. Their pious mother, wooed by Leader's commanding presence, becomes a devout member of his fold, pulling the sisters into Leader's reach. While the Depression puts pressure on the ranch, Leader's prosperity only grows. But his "church" is more than it appears. Once Genesis discovers his true intentions, she must fight to keep her ranch—and her sister—out of Leader's grasp.
"Here is the New Western at its very best. Held to the light, Galloway's story is a familiar collision of individuals and institutions. But spin it and watch the light refract, warp, and fracture into a prism of surprise after surprise." —Kyle Beachy
"A riveting tale of impressive siblings battling oppression" —Kirkus Reviews
Steadfast Genesis and defiant Isaiah are content on their famed grandfather's ranch nestled against the Rocky Mountains. When a mysterious new preacher arrives, called Leader by his congregation, the foundation of their legacy is shaken. Their pious mother, wooed by Leader's commanding presence, becomes a devout member of his fold, pulling the sisters into Leader's reach. While the Depression puts pressure on the ranch, Leader's prosperity only grows. But his "church" is more than it appears. Once Genesis discovers his true intentions, she must fight to keep her ranch—and her sister—out of Leader's grasp.
"Here is the New Western at its very best. Held to the light, Galloway's story is a familiar collision of individuals and institutions. But spin it and watch the light refract, warp, and fracture into a prism of surprise after surprise." —Kyle Beachy
"A riveting tale of impressive siblings battling oppression" —Kirkus Reviews
436 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 24, 2023
This was overall a very enjoyable read. I appreciate the chance to read it early. I am definitely going to be recommending it as one of my westerns-of-the-month on my blog, although I don't think you need to enjoy westerns to enjoy this story!
Longer review to follow on my blog.
Longer review to follow on my blog.
January 26, 2023
Shay is an incredible writer. I would call this historical western for a genre, a story of Isaiah and Genesis, two sisters in the west who go head to head with religious fanaticism. The characters are so real, and she does a great job of making you feel tied to them, to root for them and also feel for them.
The plot builds into a storm you aren’t sure you want but know it has to end.
(I’ve already read it twice)
The plot builds into a storm you aren’t sure you want but know it has to end.
(I’ve already read it twice)
June 1, 2023
What an impressive debut novel. Author Galloway has it all in this gripping tale of two sisters staking their claim to independence in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Her relatable characters, sensory details, and vivid descriptions all signal a major talent has arrived.
November 6, 2023
This book was amazing! I was left wondering what was going to happen next for the sisters. I couldn’t stop thinking about this story long after I finished.
January 19, 2026
Elegant and gnarly, a very well-written family drama.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews