What do you think?
Rate this book
The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer
What would drive a woman in 1828 to head west across the Great Plains into the Rocky Mountains, risking death among hostile Native Americans, brutish mountain men, and wild animals? Why, the same reason as a man, of course - freedom. Like fur trappers of the early western frontier, Kathleen is a misfit. Growing up in the Irish slums of Boston and watching her mother die giving birth to a dozen children, Kathleen has decided to escape into a career as a school teacher, free of men; but when she sets out along the Santa Fe Trail for distant Nuevo Mexico, she finds that dry powder and steady aim are as important as reading, writing, and arithmetic.
228 pages, Hardcover
Published December 12, 2022
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2023
Kathleen is a strong willed independent woman, only problem with that is she is a school teacher in 1882 in the wild west.
This historical western is a delight to read it has plenty of action and the characters are very well written.
For those who love a strong female main character, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
This historical western is a delight to read it has plenty of action and the characters are very well written.
For those who love a strong female main character, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
June 15, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that was provided to me (digital form) as an ARC reader, as Westerns are my favorite Genre (I have read at least 200 hundred Westerns). This book is not your average western with predictable street gunfights at high noon, but it is more a frontier American story that takes the female main character Kathleen O'Dwyer (a talented schoolteacher) from St Louis to the Southwest area in the days when it was still under control by Mexico and includes interactions with Mountain Men, several native American tribes and other interesting characters, as Kathleen searches for work as a teacher and the possibility of a relationship. The book was realistic with a decent pace, and there is some violence, but not an unnecessary amount. The ending was a bit abrupt, but left me wanting to read a sequel (hopefully there will be?). Overall a very good read.
I will post this to my Amazon feed as well.
I will post this to my Amazon feed as well.
February 11, 2023
Kathleen O'Dwyer, a schoolteacher by trade, left her home to go on an incredible adventure with nothing but the supplies in her wagon and faith as a guide. Along this journey, she meets James Colter, who joins Kathleen’s convoy – together, they traverse sun-drenched deserts, navigate treacherous mountain passes and discover new cultures meeting fascinating people of all backgrounds. Their road will lead them across miles until they eventually arrive at their destiny: Mexico!
This story had it all, thrilling action, stirring romance, and engaging characters. It was an entertaining journey that kept me captivated until the very end!
I was given a free e-copy of this book, but that has not influenced my opinions in this review.
This story had it all, thrilling action, stirring romance, and engaging characters. It was an entertaining journey that kept me captivated until the very end!
I was given a free e-copy of this book, but that has not influenced my opinions in this review.
March 30, 2023
Omg... my wife got ahold of this book and now I have the author to blame for not having my wife available today. She just looks up every now and then an says how good the book is. So... not only don't I have her, I don't have your book to read 😡 but I’m looking forward to it.
My wife was right! Very enjoyable book. I have not traveled out west so I was not sure I would be able to absorb the vibe, particularly set in an earlier era. This turned out not to be a problem since Robert did an excellent job creating that setting while building the story around it. My perception anyway.
My wife was right! Very enjoyable book. I have not traveled out west so I was not sure I would be able to absorb the vibe, particularly set in an earlier era. This turned out not to be a problem since Robert did an excellent job creating that setting while building the story around it. My perception anyway.
December 22, 2022
Kathleen O’Dwyer is not an ordinary teacher. She doesn’t only mind teaching children of color, but she’s ready to put her life on the line to protect innocent kids. However, she cannot seem to understand the reason for searching for the man she was once acquainted with in her journey. That’s how The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer unfolds.
The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer revolves around the life-changing journey of a school teacher. Kathleen is not an ordinary woman that contends herself with what she has in St. Louis. She accepts another teaching job in Santa Fe.
Set in 1828, Kathleen heads west, risking the harsh environment of the desert and the many challenges along the way. She chooses dangers and uncertainty just to avoid the persistent marriage proposal from a widower whose daughter she taught. Traveling with a group of men she hardly knew, Kathleen puts up a strong personality. Through her words and actions, she demonstrates she’s a woman who knows her own mind and is not a weakling.
As expected, the group’s journey to Santa Fe is not easy. Some of the men fall due to varied circumstances. Eventually, Kathleen makes it to Taos Pueblo with a mountain man named James Colter, from whom she learned how to use a Hawken gun. Colter, however, disappears quietly soon after they rested for the night at a priest’s place. From Taos Pueblo and other places, Kathleen faces another set of challenges with different people and circumstances she encounters.
The Book and the Author
Written by Robert Temple, The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer is a captivating story of adventure, culture, and history. I admire the author for his skill in interweaving these elements together. Temple takes his readers on an action-packed journey through the desert back in the 19th century. He makes sure to provide vivid descriptions of each scene, making the readers feel like they were actually there. He also knows when to throw a bit of humor into his story.
Moreover, all the characters in The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer are well-established. Kathleen’s persona is consistent, never showing any slack in her dialogues and actions. She is fiercely independent with a quick mind. I didn’t expect, however, that she has trouble coming to terms with her feelings for the character who she sought all the way up to the mountain. Again, I admire Temple’s clever way of twisting his story, surprising the readers with the next events. Another part that I like in the author’s book is Kathleen’s eagerness to learn from Mangas.
For all these, I give The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers 16 years old and older. I don’t suggest this book to younger readers because of some brutal content that might affect young minds.
NOTE: The above review is also posted in The Catalyst.
The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer revolves around the life-changing journey of a school teacher. Kathleen is not an ordinary woman that contends herself with what she has in St. Louis. She accepts another teaching job in Santa Fe.
Set in 1828, Kathleen heads west, risking the harsh environment of the desert and the many challenges along the way. She chooses dangers and uncertainty just to avoid the persistent marriage proposal from a widower whose daughter she taught. Traveling with a group of men she hardly knew, Kathleen puts up a strong personality. Through her words and actions, she demonstrates she’s a woman who knows her own mind and is not a weakling.
As expected, the group’s journey to Santa Fe is not easy. Some of the men fall due to varied circumstances. Eventually, Kathleen makes it to Taos Pueblo with a mountain man named James Colter, from whom she learned how to use a Hawken gun. Colter, however, disappears quietly soon after they rested for the night at a priest’s place. From Taos Pueblo and other places, Kathleen faces another set of challenges with different people and circumstances she encounters.
The Book and the Author
Written by Robert Temple, The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer is a captivating story of adventure, culture, and history. I admire the author for his skill in interweaving these elements together. Temple takes his readers on an action-packed journey through the desert back in the 19th century. He makes sure to provide vivid descriptions of each scene, making the readers feel like they were actually there. He also knows when to throw a bit of humor into his story.
Moreover, all the characters in The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer are well-established. Kathleen’s persona is consistent, never showing any slack in her dialogues and actions. She is fiercely independent with a quick mind. I didn’t expect, however, that she has trouble coming to terms with her feelings for the character who she sought all the way up to the mountain. Again, I admire Temple’s clever way of twisting his story, surprising the readers with the next events. Another part that I like in the author’s book is Kathleen’s eagerness to learn from Mangas.
For all these, I give The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers 16 years old and older. I don’t suggest this book to younger readers because of some brutal content that might affect young minds.
NOTE: The above review is also posted in The Catalyst.
December 21, 2022
Heading westward in the mid-1800s, one woman elects a life filled with the risks and challenges of the harsh environs in pursuit of a life of her choosing in Robert Temple’s The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A schoolteacher hailing from Boston and gradually making her way ever westward in the United States throughout her adult life, Kathleen O’Dwyer leaves her position in St. Louis to avoid continued proposal advances from a widower whose daughter she taught. Heading for a new position in Santa Fe, Kathleen travels with a company of men whose foolish actions manage to stoke the Comanche to seek revenge, significantly reducing their party. Accompanied for the last stretch after the attack by a quiet, yet captivating, mountain man by the name of James Colter, from whom she learned how best to handle a Hawken gun, Kathleen makes it to Taos, where Colter quickly and quietly departs; arriving in Santa Fe, accompanied by Colonel Montoya, it soon becomes apparent that her new school is doomed to fail. Returning to Taos, Kathleen resumes her teaching position there, with an additional student, Mangas, whose father is an Apache warrior; after single-handedly rescuing Mangas from the clutches of Colonel Montoya, Kathleen flees to follow Colter’s assumed trail, into the Rocky Mountains, aiming to resolve what was left unaddressed between them.
In a story that sweeps across vast swaths of land and between moments of intense action, the writing vividly depicts the perils arising from both nature and man, through descriptions of the sparse and deadly landscape frequently being traversed and the brutal realities of men’s behavior toward one another, with an added layer of nuance with how men tend to treat women. The concept of being changed by your surroundings and experiences comes across easily, particularly with how the harsh clime and expectations of life in the West impact and harden Kathleen as her character grows and she accepts the challenges she’s presented. While there is a courtship presented of a more typical variety that readers may be expecting, albeit strange as titularly noted, Kathleen also has a kind of courtship with herself, coming to learn more clearly who she really is and the extent of what she’s capable of achieving; she’s a strong woman, both in physical ability, mental fortitude, and stubborn determination, who becomes only more so as she embraces her independence and power the further she ventures.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A schoolteacher hailing from Boston and gradually making her way ever westward in the United States throughout her adult life, Kathleen O’Dwyer leaves her position in St. Louis to avoid continued proposal advances from a widower whose daughter she taught. Heading for a new position in Santa Fe, Kathleen travels with a company of men whose foolish actions manage to stoke the Comanche to seek revenge, significantly reducing their party. Accompanied for the last stretch after the attack by a quiet, yet captivating, mountain man by the name of James Colter, from whom she learned how best to handle a Hawken gun, Kathleen makes it to Taos, where Colter quickly and quietly departs; arriving in Santa Fe, accompanied by Colonel Montoya, it soon becomes apparent that her new school is doomed to fail. Returning to Taos, Kathleen resumes her teaching position there, with an additional student, Mangas, whose father is an Apache warrior; after single-handedly rescuing Mangas from the clutches of Colonel Montoya, Kathleen flees to follow Colter’s assumed trail, into the Rocky Mountains, aiming to resolve what was left unaddressed between them.
In a story that sweeps across vast swaths of land and between moments of intense action, the writing vividly depicts the perils arising from both nature and man, through descriptions of the sparse and deadly landscape frequently being traversed and the brutal realities of men’s behavior toward one another, with an added layer of nuance with how men tend to treat women. The concept of being changed by your surroundings and experiences comes across easily, particularly with how the harsh clime and expectations of life in the West impact and harden Kathleen as her character grows and she accepts the challenges she’s presented. While there is a courtship presented of a more typical variety that readers may be expecting, albeit strange as titularly noted, Kathleen also has a kind of courtship with herself, coming to learn more clearly who she really is and the extent of what she’s capable of achieving; she’s a strong woman, both in physical ability, mental fortitude, and stubborn determination, who becomes only more so as she embraces her independence and power the further she ventures.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2023
I definitely stepped out of my usual genre with this one!
On reading the blurb I thought it sounded quite interesting so decided to take a step away from the world of the Tudors (only a tiny one, I can never stray far).
The story begins with Kathleen travelling towards a new job as a teacher in Santa Fe, but her company faces obstacles, including an attack by the Comanche until she ends up with only one companion, James Colter.
If you've ever read any of my reviews you'll know I really dislike spoilers and will not be sharing any.
Not knowing anything about the area or period I can't say if it's historically accurate but I quite enjoyed it. At first I found Kathleen to be quite annoying, I actually preferred other characters but as she ventured on I grew to like her and how determined she is.
I particularly liked the character of Mangas, a young Apache man, I found his interactions with Kathleen to be really interesting and was cheering him on at one point.
It was interesting to read about how Kathleen chose to leave her home, facing numerous dangers to escape marriage proposals and the societal expectations that she should marry. She certainly went through extreme circumstances to have her independence which I can't help but admire.
Temple has a very easy to read writing style and is fantastic at descriptives, almost making you feel like you can close your eyes and see what Kathleen is seeing.
This book has action, romance and focuses on the story of one woman's determination, first to reach her destination and after that another goal which as I've said I won't spoil but it certainly didn't end how I expected it to.
As my first Western I did enjoy The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer.
My next read is back in Tudor England but I can't say I wouldn't like to read more about Kathleen if she makes another appearance in the future.
On reading the blurb I thought it sounded quite interesting so decided to take a step away from the world of the Tudors (only a tiny one, I can never stray far).
The story begins with Kathleen travelling towards a new job as a teacher in Santa Fe, but her company faces obstacles, including an attack by the Comanche until she ends up with only one companion, James Colter.
If you've ever read any of my reviews you'll know I really dislike spoilers and will not be sharing any.
Not knowing anything about the area or period I can't say if it's historically accurate but I quite enjoyed it. At first I found Kathleen to be quite annoying, I actually preferred other characters but as she ventured on I grew to like her and how determined she is.
I particularly liked the character of Mangas, a young Apache man, I found his interactions with Kathleen to be really interesting and was cheering him on at one point.
It was interesting to read about how Kathleen chose to leave her home, facing numerous dangers to escape marriage proposals and the societal expectations that she should marry. She certainly went through extreme circumstances to have her independence which I can't help but admire.
Temple has a very easy to read writing style and is fantastic at descriptives, almost making you feel like you can close your eyes and see what Kathleen is seeing.
This book has action, romance and focuses on the story of one woman's determination, first to reach her destination and after that another goal which as I've said I won't spoil but it certainly didn't end how I expected it to.
As my first Western I did enjoy The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer.
My next read is back in Tudor England but I can't say I wouldn't like to read more about Kathleen if she makes another appearance in the future.
December 8, 2022
The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer by Robert Temple sends readers on a thrilling journey across the Great Plains, into New Mexico, and across the Rocky Mountains. As a woman in 1828, Ms. O'Dwyer knows her mind, but she has trouble understanding what her heart tells her. She is fiercely independent, quick to think and act, and takes the advice "Plain speaking is the rule on the frontier" seriously. By preparing herself for whatever brutality she might encounter, she demonstrated incredible determination and ingenuity. At times, I was shocked by her courage and left in a state of disbelief. Among her many survival tactics, she bit and twisted the ear of a horse to wrestle it to the ground so she could protect it from dust storms.
The adventures made the story quick, but I appreciated it most in the quiet, contemplative passages between all the action.
A well-researched story, Temple transports the reader to an earlier time and place in American history, refracted through the prism of well-developed characters, ranging from Indian warriors to priests, fur traders to ne'er-do-wells to Spanish nobility. The book contains some difficult scenes, but they are insightful into our nation's deeply polarized history.
Those who enjoyed Karen Kondazian's The Whip or Jim Fergus's One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd will love this book, and book clubs will spend hours discussing its ending.
Thank you to Five Star Publishing for an ARC of The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer in exchange for an honest review.
The adventures made the story quick, but I appreciated it most in the quiet, contemplative passages between all the action.
A well-researched story, Temple transports the reader to an earlier time and place in American history, refracted through the prism of well-developed characters, ranging from Indian warriors to priests, fur traders to ne'er-do-wells to Spanish nobility. The book contains some difficult scenes, but they are insightful into our nation's deeply polarized history.
Those who enjoyed Karen Kondazian's The Whip or Jim Fergus's One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd will love this book, and book clubs will spend hours discussing its ending.
Thank you to Five Star Publishing for an ARC of The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
It's been so long since I've read a western that I'd forgotten how exciting they can be. Even though I haven't read a bunch of books in this genre, I've never read one with a female protagonist. For this reason, I was particularly curious.
School teacher Kathleen O'Dwyer sets off on a wagon train heading to New Mexico but later ends up traveling with a mountaineer named James Colter. Though ambivalent of his character, Kathleen finds herself drawn to him. Together they go forth on a number of adventures from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, they encounter a mix of people, such as fellow travelers, Native American tribesmen, and missionaries.
The book has a lot of action (and occasionally violence), however, there is also a more character-driven side to it. The latter was my favorite part of the story. I liked Kathleen even though I couldn't personally relate much to her. Well-written and keeping a good pace, The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer is a nice read. Unfortunately, the ending is awfully abrupt despite the satisfying conclusion. I did a double-take when I reached the acknowledgments page. It's an otherwise rich story for being under 250 pages. I enjoyed it.
A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and sending me a free digital ARC to read and review!
School teacher Kathleen O'Dwyer sets off on a wagon train heading to New Mexico but later ends up traveling with a mountaineer named James Colter. Though ambivalent of his character, Kathleen finds herself drawn to him. Together they go forth on a number of adventures from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, they encounter a mix of people, such as fellow travelers, Native American tribesmen, and missionaries.
The book has a lot of action (and occasionally violence), however, there is also a more character-driven side to it. The latter was my favorite part of the story. I liked Kathleen even though I couldn't personally relate much to her. Well-written and keeping a good pace, The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O'Dwyer is a nice read. Unfortunately, the ending is awfully abrupt despite the satisfying conclusion. I did a double-take when I reached the acknowledgments page. It's an otherwise rich story for being under 250 pages. I enjoyed it.
A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and sending me a free digital ARC to read and review!
January 17, 2023
I should preface this review by saying that I do not normally read Westerns, so I do not have anything to compare this to in regard to other Westerns. However, the author asked me to read it and the story sounded interesting, so I gave it a read.
Kathleen O'Dwyer is heading West in 1882, having left St. Louis and a string of men who wanted to marry her. Being an independent schoolteacher, she had no need of a husband and just wanted to teach. She accepts a job in Sante Fe, in the newly formed area of New Mexico. The journey west is everything you think it would be. Its perilous and she faces many challenges in the harsh desert. Including Indian raids of their caravan. One of the men in the group is named James Colter. He saved her life from two men who were going to harm her. He got injured and she worked to help him heal and sort of felt herself maybe falling for him.
The expedition is very difficult, but she makes it to Taos Pueblo relatively unharmed. After James has healed, he disappears back into the wilderness with not so much as a goodbye. The new town brings on its own set of problems and after one incident after another, she ultimately decides to leave Taos Pueblo and head into the unknown to find James.
The story overall is action packed and rather interesting. It's always amazing to me to think about all the people who took the chance and moved West. Hardy people who wanted nothing more than to be free and have something of their own. The characters are well written, and the author does a good job of describing the scenes so it almost like your there. Even though this is my first Western, I did enjoy it and who knows, maybe Kathleen O'Dwyer will show up again.
Kathleen O'Dwyer is heading West in 1882, having left St. Louis and a string of men who wanted to marry her. Being an independent schoolteacher, she had no need of a husband and just wanted to teach. She accepts a job in Sante Fe, in the newly formed area of New Mexico. The journey west is everything you think it would be. Its perilous and she faces many challenges in the harsh desert. Including Indian raids of their caravan. One of the men in the group is named James Colter. He saved her life from two men who were going to harm her. He got injured and she worked to help him heal and sort of felt herself maybe falling for him.
The expedition is very difficult, but she makes it to Taos Pueblo relatively unharmed. After James has healed, he disappears back into the wilderness with not so much as a goodbye. The new town brings on its own set of problems and after one incident after another, she ultimately decides to leave Taos Pueblo and head into the unknown to find James.
The story overall is action packed and rather interesting. It's always amazing to me to think about all the people who took the chance and moved West. Hardy people who wanted nothing more than to be free and have something of their own. The characters are well written, and the author does a good job of describing the scenes so it almost like your there. Even though this is my first Western, I did enjoy it and who knows, maybe Kathleen O'Dwyer will show up again.
March 5, 2023
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Kathleen O’Dwyer has ventured out west to pursue a career as a teacher in Taos. Wild animals, Apache, and other tribes as well as lawless men all looked at Kathleen with admiration. At 5 feet 9 inches, she is tall for a woman and well-built.
Colson is a drifter who helps her along the way. He is a true western gentleman. Kathleen is smitten but holds back her admiration. She regrets that later. Her post at the schoolhouse in Taos was meant for a man and the town treasurer tries to bully her out of her salary and signing bonus.
This story is well-written and contrasts the life of a married woman with that of a single woman. Survival is a constant struggle and the town’s people expect Kathleen to turn and run back to the east from whence she came. They do not know the real Kathleen! I enjoyed this book immensely and the comparison of her life to our lives today is remarkable. It’s a well-written and immersive story; enjoy the read. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Kathleen O’Dwyer has ventured out west to pursue a career as a teacher in Taos. Wild animals, Apache, and other tribes as well as lawless men all looked at Kathleen with admiration. At 5 feet 9 inches, she is tall for a woman and well-built.
Colson is a drifter who helps her along the way. He is a true western gentleman. Kathleen is smitten but holds back her admiration. She regrets that later. Her post at the schoolhouse in Taos was meant for a man and the town treasurer tries to bully her out of her salary and signing bonus.
This story is well-written and contrasts the life of a married woman with that of a single woman. Survival is a constant struggle and the town’s people expect Kathleen to turn and run back to the east from whence she came. They do not know the real Kathleen! I enjoyed this book immensely and the comparison of her life to our lives today is remarkable. It’s a well-written and immersive story; enjoy the read. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 26, 2023
‘The Strange Courtship of Kathleen O’Dwyer’ is a fictional story set in 1828 and begins with Kathleen, a young woman with potential, strength, and a lot of drive. She wants to be a school teacher and goes all the way just to achieve her goal, but nothing is easy, and all the hurdles she faces become the essence of this lovely tale.
Kathleen is a strong female protagonist. At her time and age, you do see how she thinks ahead of her time. Her character development is admirable. The added romance and love story is also an interesting notion to the mix.
The author has paid attention to detail. He has done his research about the time and era Kathleen lives in. The work is written well. I wasn’t a big fan of the book cover, but the content inside made up for that. The story’s pace is steady, and the constant action-adventure nature of the plotline keeps you wanting.
I recommend this book to historical fiction readers.
Kathleen is a strong female protagonist. At her time and age, you do see how she thinks ahead of her time. Her character development is admirable. The added romance and love story is also an interesting notion to the mix.
The author has paid attention to detail. He has done his research about the time and era Kathleen lives in. The work is written well. I wasn’t a big fan of the book cover, but the content inside made up for that. The story’s pace is steady, and the constant action-adventure nature of the plotline keeps you wanting.
I recommend this book to historical fiction readers.
February 5, 2023
An east-to-west journey finds Kathleen O' Dwyer, a schoolteacher, in search of a new life. She joins an expedition going to Santa Fe, New Mexico where a new job awaits. Her escorts include Captain Freepole and a group of mountain men, With her Irish Eastern upbringing, she is ill-prepared for a Comanche attack, dust storms, unforgiving landscape, and dodging a buffalo stampede. Her feelings develop for mountain man James Colter, who later becomes an ally and love interest. Kathleen quickly realizes the need to be resourceful, learn to ride a horse, and shoot a gun to survive. Readers will enjoy rich descriptive details of the New Mexico landscape and mid-19th century life, while learning about political unrest between Mexicans and Spaniards and skirmishes between various Native American tribes.
December 9, 2022
I was approached by the author about reviewing this book, and he was kind enough to send me a digital copy for free. Thank you!
You can find my full review over on my blog
Over all, I found this book to be uneven, and I unfortunately didn't care too much for the main character, but it holds several exciting, imaginative and worthwhile set pieces. I would recommend this book most to those looking for a short read with a strong-manly female character and a touch of romance, if you have a tolerance for a bit of grit and violence.
I give this book two and a half cowgirls out of five over all, although some scenes were definitely four-star.
You can find my full review over on my blog
Over all, I found this book to be uneven, and I unfortunately didn't care too much for the main character, but it holds several exciting, imaginative and worthwhile set pieces. I would recommend this book most to those looking for a short read with a strong-manly female character and a touch of romance, if you have a tolerance for a bit of grit and violence.
I give this book two and a half cowgirls out of five over all, although some scenes were definitely four-star.
December 11, 2023
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.a historic and a female willing to take on the world..That is after running from a life the good folk of St. Louis was trying to box her into. A bit of trigger warning is due to the predated conversations, Because if something aren't for "sensible" women to witness or hear, then why even do men think its a good idea to do them? That was if Tom's lack of sense didn't get the traveler wiped out before getting to see the full end of the trails. Hard times and harsher areas will tighten up or break anyone back in that era of time.
A single woman, whom it's not proned a whims to leave the solo traveling to the (menfolk) on the wagon trail, Kathleen was amazed at the the wilds of the Santa Fe trail..hot dang Kate does put up with the (sensitive) of men because wow she stands her ground on more then one accusation.
A single woman, whom it's not proned a whims to leave the solo traveling to the (menfolk) on the wagon trail, Kathleen was amazed at the the wilds of the Santa Fe trail..hot dang Kate does put up with the (sensitive) of men because wow she stands her ground on more then one accusation.
December 10, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, but Kathleen O’Dwyer completely won me over. She’s tough, smart, stubborn, and determined to carve out a life on her own terms something almost unheard of for a woman in 1828. This isn’t a fluffy frontier story. It’s gritty, vivid, and honest about what it meant to head west when the Plains were still wild and unforgiving. The tension feels real, the dangers feel real, and Kathleen’s courage just leaps off the page. I couldn’t stop rooting for her.
December 31, 2025
This is a compelling and vividly rendered historical novel that re-centers the classic Western narrative around a formidable and unconventional heroine. The story follows Kathleen, a young woman who has witnessed the brutal cost of traditional womanhood in the Irish slums of Boston, watching her mother die from the strain of endless childbirth. Determined to claim a life of independence, she escapes into the only respectable career available to her: teaching.
January 27, 2023
After a long wait to receive my copy I couldn't wait to read Mike's book. While not my usual genre, I can't tell you how impressed I am with this story. Powerful, poignant, and original. I am looking forward to the sequel Mike. Get going! I want to know what happens next.
August 3, 2023
tw: guns, violence, use of word injun, scalping, murder, attempted rape, misogyny, parental death, illness, selling of children, beheading, hunting, birth, slavery
I have never read a book that was based in the Wild West. I don’t think I even really watched a Wild West movie. My grandma, whom I don’t speak to, likes Westerns. I remember her being obsessed with John Wayne. But other than that, the Wild West usually isn’t my thing. But I decided to give this book a go as I have been wanting to branch out and read different genres.
Kathleen was one of the most badass main characters I have ever read. She also has some fantastic growth, which we all know I am such a sucker for. She went from being a timid shy woman to a badass who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. I was pretty surprised by just how much she had changed as a person. There were a few times that I wasn’t sure just how far she was going to go. I didn’t want her to lose her humanity, which was a very real possibility being out in the Wild West.
The plot was also good but I wasn’t super in love with it. I was more into Kathleen as a person. It’s pretty much a journey book in which we follow Kathleen as she crosses the Wild West. It felt like I was there with her as she rode her warhorse across the desert when she built schools and went after several people.
The only negative I have about this book is the ending. It seemed just kinda odd and left off on a weird cliffhanger. I understand why Kathleen went after who she did but it didn’t make a lot of sense to the rest of the book.
Overall this book really surprised me but in a good way. I’m glad I gave this book a shot. You never know what will happen when you step outside your comfort zone. I can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer.
I have never read a book that was based in the Wild West. I don’t think I even really watched a Wild West movie. My grandma, whom I don’t speak to, likes Westerns. I remember her being obsessed with John Wayne. But other than that, the Wild West usually isn’t my thing. But I decided to give this book a go as I have been wanting to branch out and read different genres.
Kathleen was one of the most badass main characters I have ever read. She also has some fantastic growth, which we all know I am such a sucker for. She went from being a timid shy woman to a badass who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. I was pretty surprised by just how much she had changed as a person. There were a few times that I wasn’t sure just how far she was going to go. I didn’t want her to lose her humanity, which was a very real possibility being out in the Wild West.
The plot was also good but I wasn’t super in love with it. I was more into Kathleen as a person. It’s pretty much a journey book in which we follow Kathleen as she crosses the Wild West. It felt like I was there with her as she rode her warhorse across the desert when she built schools and went after several people.
The only negative I have about this book is the ending. It seemed just kinda odd and left off on a weird cliffhanger. I understand why Kathleen went after who she did but it didn’t make a lot of sense to the rest of the book.
Overall this book really surprised me but in a good way. I’m glad I gave this book a shot. You never know what will happen when you step outside your comfort zone. I can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews