Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory

by Paul Colt

Can War Create a Man?
Myths. Men. Legends. George S. Patton. John J. Pershing. Pancho Villa. Three larger-than-life figures thrown together in a dusty corner of overlooked history known as the Mexican Punitive Expedition.
It is nothing less than the end of an era. Patton-a junior cavalry officer years before he becomes the war hero tank commander so famously portrayed by George C. Scott-confronts the new realities of twentieth-century warfare. The traditional cavalry missions of reconnaissance and communications are being taken over by the Army's fledgling air service and the promise of wireless communications. Modern ballistics render the saber-and the horse cavalry itself-obsolete as a fighting force. The prospects for the glorious martial career Patton has been bred for seem all but lost... until the venerable horse soldiers are called out for one one last fight.
General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing recognizes young Patton's frustration and knows the army is ill-prepared for the conflict brewing in Europe. It will need officers of Patton's stripe. He takes the lieutenant under his wing and mentors him with the assurance "time and invention" will lead him to new purpose. It is the turning point that saves Patton's military career, and a bond that will leave a lasting imprint on American military history.
Exhaustively-researched and packed with action, Will Rogers Medallion-winning author Paul Colt brings his story to life with the gritty authenticity of a master storyteller. Boots and A Call to Glory is a triump that will stay with you long after the bugler calls retreat.

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2013

About the author

Paul Colt’s critically acclaimed historical fiction crackles with authenticity. His analytical insight, investigative research and genuine horse sense bring history to life in dramatizations that entertain and inform. Paul’s Great Western Detective League series does action-adventure western style. Grasshoppers in Summer, and Friends Call Me Bat are Western Writers of America Spur Award honorees. Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory received the Marilyn Brown Novel Award, presented by Utah Valley University.

Reviewers recognize Paul’s lively, fast paced style, complex plots, and touches of humor. Readers say,

“Pick-up a Paul Colt book, you can’t put it down.”
To learn more visit Facebook @paulcoltauthor

Reviews

[Robert Intriago · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book. I found it fascinating because I learned a little more about a period of history that I knew little about. The only other other book I had read about the period was "The Hot Country" by Butler. The author takes a few liberties with some of the historical characters in order to reduce the number of characters. The part that I found extremely interesting was the length to which the Germans tried to get America involved in a war with Mexico so that it could keep the USA away from WW I. The Germans also wanted Mexican Oil for their war effort and used Villa and Mexicans natural antipathy towards "Americanos" to stir the nest.

Patton is presented as a naive 32 year old second lieutenant at the beginning of the book, who with the help of General Pershing and the Mexican Expedition becomes aware of his potential and turns his career around. You also see Pancho Villa for what he truly was: a thug. I enjoyed the historical fiction book.

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little known story about Patton's involvement in the fight against Pancho Villa at the start of WWI. Paul Colt has written a story that brings you right into the dusty trails, hardships of fighting in unfriendly territories not only people but nature. It is also the change in fighting from sabers to machines. Rousing good tale well told with attention to detail that never bogs down.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early days of George S Patton. Fast and easy read. Enjoyable.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting. I little known (to me) part of U.S. history.