Facing down a bully

The third published novel for me a continuation of the life of Hank James and a look at Calgary in the mid 1880s. It also includes mention of a stage coach holdup that actually did occur north of Calgary and a winter that changed the way livestock is handled in North America.
I also had Hank use one of the big bore Winchester calibers released that year with the '86 model. Depicted here is a Model 86 in 45-70 as used by Hank but it was available in even larger calibers.

Facing down a bully

“Homesteader: Finding Sharon”

Hank James and riding partner Harry Gilmore ride the rails east to look for the woman Hank thought would be his mate for life. They unload their horses and gear at Canmore and immediately make an enemy.

Riding on into Calgary they find Sharon but Hank is suddenly not sure if she is who he thought she was. He does decide to stay around long enough to see if she is or isn’t.

If they are staying around for awhile anyway Hank and Harry become homesteaders. When they met Portis Martin east of Canmore he did not think they showed him proper respect but as homesteaders they became threatening enemies.

Hank and Harry’s new enemy is manager of a very big cattle ranch. He has the money, the livestock and the manpower. He does not have time for saddle tramps. He also doesn’t have a conscience that will interfere with getting them out of the way by any means possible – including attacking this woman that seems to interest them.

From the same vault that holds the work of William Johnstone, Matt Braun, Max Brand, and Louis L’Amour.

Watch a video trailer for “Homesteader” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viYLd3u_4AM   

  

Praise for “Homesteader: Finding Sharon”

From Brenda Casto for Reader's Favorite (5 stars of 5)
"I found myself absorbed not only in the story, but the history lesson that I felt I was getting ...”

 From Paul Johnson for Reader's Favorite (5 stars of 5)

"All in all, a satisfying plot with enough action to keep the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next."

 From author Barbara Martin

I will say that I didn't want to put the book down once I began it because each chapter urged me on.

 From author Clayton Bye

I enjoyed Homesteader. Narrative is conversational and easy to read. Best of all, the book appears to be historically accurate, and the story plausible.

What is Homesteader about?

I recently had a request for information on my available novels from Spirit River and thus found an interesting site. They have the names of several Peace River area authors, information and in some cases reviews of their works and its availability.

I spent several minutes, many more than I can actually afford, reading about immigrants, pioneers, the Alberta Provincial Police, Grande Prairie … the site is chock full of items to pique the interest of anyone regardless of location or age.

I spent several moments reading about the mass murder which occurred in June of 1918 North West of Grande Prairie. The late Wallace Lloyd Tansem spent several years compiling the facts of the multiple murders and they appear in his book, “Foulest of Murder” is coverage of that information.

Check out the blog at http://townspirit.wordpress.com

There is a link to Tansem’s work and to many others.

Town Spirit River also asked for information on Homesteader which I repeat here;

            What’s “Homesteader” about?

     Yes, the story “Homesteader” takes place in the Canadian West of the late 19^th century. However, that isn’t what it’s about

     Yes, the story relates how a horseman from west of the Rockies and his riding partner each take land under the Homesteader Act. However, that isn’t what the novel is about.

     Sure there are Colt, Remington and Smith & Wesson revolvers mentioned, along with a few rifles including two Winchester models. But that has little to do with the story.

     There are a diverse group of characters. There is a bully who, like most bullies thinks he is smarter than most and judges people by their appearance. There are some North West Mounted Police officers, some doing their jobs and others who only want the “Force” to look after them. There are hardworking, money-less families, widows, prospectors, Blackfoot, Sioux and the business people of Calgary.

     Several action scenes are included. There are bucking horses and broken legs, a stage coach robbery and murder. Fence posts turn to slivers from the impact of a 45-70 bullet and sculls that do little better.

     Let us not forget the weather. A horrendous winter is part of the story; a winter that eventually was responsible for changing the way the country handles livestock.

    What the story is actually about is a young man finding the woman he loves. About learning that what he has been taught all his life is not necessarily true; that what may appear on the surface may not be what is underneath. About keeping a good partner and gaining another even closer one.

And, of course, recovering.

     As with “Partners” there is a link to “Homesteader” on my blog and other sites listed below. Both are available as books and in a variety of digital formats. They can also be found at the following book stores or ordered from those that don’t have it in stock.

Audrie’s Books … Edmonton

Riverside Music and Books … Peace River

Beth’s Books … Grande Prairie

Read’s Books … Dawson Creek

Bills News … Dawson Creek

Online at my blog; (click on the images to the right)

www.dmmcgowan.blogspot.com

or

www.strategicbookpublishing.com/Partners

www.strategicbookpublishing.com/Homesteader

or

www.amazon.com/books