The Old West of America was a lure for many in the 1800s. Freedom and
rumors of gold created a frenzy of movement, wagon trains were the mode
of travel, and danger lurked at every turn.
In Maps of Fate, a
novel by Reid Lance Rosenthal, we follow the amazing journey of a group
of young men and women who are dreaming their own dreams and
experiencing their own drama as the rush to settle the West is in its
infancy.
We met the characters in Book one of the Threads West series, where
the introductions took us back to their homes across the seas and their
very reason for being in America. As the story continues, we tail them
into the West following the trail of the ancestors of many who have
settled in the Midwest and Western part of this country. The romance is
thrilling and the danger is exciting, yet the story captures your
imagination as it creates a strong fear of the unknown.
As we follow Zeb, Reuben and Johannes and the women they love as they
carve out a piece of history, we meet the natives and the outlaws, both
with their own quests. Life on the trail and the rigors of traveling
with a wagon train are brought to basic relief as the story continues to
unfold. Danger within the group creates almost as much damage as the
dangers they face from the outside on this epic journey. We being to
hear the rumblings of dissent as the story furthers. News makes its way
West through the writings and newspapers, hinting of a war brewing
between the North and the South.
Hostility and rage drive some, while glory and choice drive the
others. The creak of the leather and the rumble of the wheels create the
sounds and sights that bring alive an exciting saga. You can actually
smell the smells, and hear the sound of the wind as the trail takes you
deeper into the unexplored territories. Rosenthal has surpassed his
previous work and given us such a complex telling you feel as though
each and every story is true. The horror and danger are real, yet the
excitement and challenge are the edge that builds the heroes of the
time.
Reviewer: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-maps-of-fate-book/
Buy the Book: http://threadswestseries.com/
Showing posts with label Historical western romance books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical western romance books. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
"Interesting characters, evocative scenery and thoughtful history..." (Reader review)
An enjoyable Western adventure story, Reid Lance Rosenthal's Maps of Fate takes the mixed cast of characters from book one of Threads West on a wagon train across America in the late 1850s. Readers really don't need to have read the first book to enjoy this story, and I never found myself referring back to it. While there are lots of characters, the structure of the wagon train keeps them well-defined--who lives in which wagon, who rides with whom etc. Nicely drawn details of everyday living bring the world to life, from how to circle wagons to the problems of crossing a river, from jerky fires to women's laced boots, Kentucky long rifles and the feel of a horse's "warm, moist muzzle" brushing a character's cheek.
I liked the sense of North America about to contract as railroads promise development. Slavery's becoming a national issue. Immigrant Jews are moving West. And Indians struggle with broken treaties as wrong-doers on both sides erode their sense of trust.
The novel follows the wagon train to journey's end in a small town, with miles yet to be traveled, maps to be studied and claims to be set, but the story still has a pleasing sense of completion, even as characters come to the fore. Book three will, I'm sure, be just as interesting.
I enjoyed book two more than book one in this series. The history, while not completely accurate, was pleasingly evocative. The writing, while occasionally wordy, felt appropriate and kept me turning pages. The characters became deeper, making me really care about them. And the dialog felt true to life. An enjoyable Western, sufficiently complete to satisfy, complex enough to build genuine mystery and character, and sufficiently incomplete to leave the reader wanting more, this one's a good solid read, evoking a life long gone in a world of possibilities.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the sense of North America about to contract as railroads promise development. Slavery's becoming a national issue. Immigrant Jews are moving West. And Indians struggle with broken treaties as wrong-doers on both sides erode their sense of trust.
The novel follows the wagon train to journey's end in a small town, with miles yet to be traveled, maps to be studied and claims to be set, but the story still has a pleasing sense of completion, even as characters come to the fore. Book three will, I'm sure, be just as interesting.
I enjoyed book two more than book one in this series. The history, while not completely accurate, was pleasingly evocative. The writing, while occasionally wordy, felt appropriate and kept me turning pages. The characters became deeper, making me really care about them. And the dialog felt true to life. An enjoyable Western, sufficiently complete to satisfy, complex enough to build genuine mystery and character, and sufficiently incomplete to leave the reader wanting more, this one's a good solid read, evoking a life long gone in a world of possibilities.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
By
Monday, September 10, 2012
Featured Author!!!
Interview with Featured Author: Reid Lance Rosenthal
The romance of America, her people, her spirit, and the West. This first book and namesake of the six-novel series is being compared by reviewers and authors to Lonesome Dove and Centennial. The tale bursts with the adventure, romance and promise of historical America and the West. The epic saga of Threads West begins in 1855 with the first of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable characters. The separate lives of these driven men and independent women are drawn to a common destiny that beckons seductively from the wild and remote flanks of the American West. They are swept into the dangerous currents of the far-distant frontier by the mysterious rivers of fate, the power of the land and the American spirit. Their turbulent journeys are heartbreaking quests intertwined with romance and adversity, passions and pathos, despair and triumph. This is not only their story. It is our story. It is Threads West, An American Saga.
Set in 1855, Book Two continues the page-turning tale of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable personalities. Suspense builds as they hurtle towards unknown destinies, propelled by one adventure, danger, romantic twist and encounter to the next.
In Book Three, Uncompahgre - where water turns rock red, the men and women of the saga have reached their initial destination: pre-Denver, Cherry Creek. Now they are each faced with life altering decisions — to return to Europe or crest the Rockies to settle in the remote Uncompahgre Valley, extreme SW edge of the Kansas Territory. Some must decide to pursue or abandon torrid love affairs that have flowered on the dangerous journey from Europe and across America. The elderly slave couple, Oglala Sioux family, and renegade — and his young, traumatized captive introduced in Maps of Fate are woven ever more tightly to the arc of the story — their tragedy, passion and triumph-filled tales weaving into the cloth of a collective destiny.
(conducted by: Terri Zinchiak and Kim Haight)
"We would love to make this interview a two-parter with a personal section and a book section. We want to know more about who you are. We think folks will find it enlightening and we know you as quite a charming cowboy! (Additionally, we sent Reid a few more questions, which we will post next week.) Thank you Reid for your time with us."
Q: "We know you are about to be a Grandpa again. Tell us how you felt the first time you held your first grandchild."
A: "I AM a Grandpa again---Riley Hazel, 6 lb, (and way cuter than Grandpa!) Thoughts? Feelings? A wonder at the continuum of the energies of the universe—and a renewed determination that they have a shot at the same, or a better America than I enjoyed growing up!"
(After we sent/submitted the interview questions - Reid became a proud grandpa of a gorgeous granddaughter!)
Q: "We all know you studied writing at CSU (Colorado State University). What sport(s) did you play in High School and which positions?"
A: "I lettered in tennis—and never won a match—I was the throw away—don’t laugh! Football—linebacker. I was better than decent, and wrestling—state championships!"
Q: "Now for something more serious…your ranch in Wyoming. We saw the pictures…did your ranch and historic buildings weather and survive the fires?"
A: "They did—barely! A rough, scorching, dry summer. Three fires all around us over the past two months, but so far (knocking on unburned wood) no damage to us! Now in the wee hours of a high country Wyoming day the glow of a half-moon shines orange down the sliver of remaining creek, and my friend, the great horned owl, is screeching night greetings, “all is well”."
Now for the Book – Business Section
Q: "In Thread West Book One and Two, we know the characters have many personality traits (especially the male characters) that you possess, but who would you say you are most like and why."
A: "There is a bit of me in all of them—male and female, but all are based on real personalities I, and I’m sure most readers have known through life."
Q: "Many of us know you have a great love for/of our Country. Please tell our readers the correlation to what you hold dear about our Nation and how they tie into the beliefs of those characters in your book."
A: "The characters, all of uncommon backgrounds, are evolving, becoming imbued with the American spirit, beginning to understand the opportunity of freedom, and recognizing the power of the land. It is the story of us—a touchstone we need to remember and use as our guide post to the future."
Q: "Give us a tiny glimpse of where you may go in Book Three, a new character maybe? Just a hint/teaser if you will."
A: "Ah! Look for hints, eh? Yep—new characters…and Gold, cattle, passion, love, the new generation, adversity, tragedy, triumph and again the threads of different cultures converge, winding ever tighter that tapestry that is America."
Q: "Now for a touch of fantasy…lol…(your readers can only imagine where your mind is racing to). If you could bring one “old world” value, into present day…what would it be and why?"
A: "Self-reliance—and the freedom it engenders."
Q: "Last question…hold onto your cowboy hat! What is the biggest fish you have every caught…no sorry, that would be a question for me…lol…Now really…Last question, what has been the most fun thing you have experienced since becoming a published author?"
A: "Without a doubt—that readers enjoy the story—relate, know and feel for the many characters and get the message. And, of course, clamor for the next book in the series!"
"Our readers would love for you to tell us something about your book, Land for Love and Money. One fiction, one non-fiction. This book is very near and dear to your heart. Briefly, tell us what moved you to write this…(everyone wanting to purchase land, or land based real estate—even if just a 1/3 acre building lot, this is the book you should read—even your town home sits on land…you will love this book!)"
"This is the anecdotal instruction guide to the very big picture—love and money--the heart and wallet of real estate. It is my hope it helps millions thoroughly enjoy and profit from their real estate—and avoid the pitfalls I have tumbled head first into from time to time. And, yes—those stories are in the book, too!"
"Thank you Reid for your time and thoughtful and humorous answers. We have thoroughly enjoyed having you on the www.kilteddesire.com site as our SECOND Featured Author!" Terri and Kim.
"We would love to make this interview a two-parter with a personal section and a book section. We want to know more about who you are. We think folks will find it enlightening and we know you as quite a charming cowboy! (Additionally, we sent Reid a few more questions, which we will post next week.) Thank you Reid for your time with us."
Q: "We know you are about to be a Grandpa again. Tell us how you felt the first time you held your first grandchild."
A: "I AM a Grandpa again---Riley Hazel, 6 lb, (and way cuter than Grandpa!) Thoughts? Feelings? A wonder at the continuum of the energies of the universe—and a renewed determination that they have a shot at the same, or a better America than I enjoyed growing up!"
(After we sent/submitted the interview questions - Reid became a proud grandpa of a gorgeous granddaughter!)
Q: "We all know you studied writing at CSU (Colorado State University). What sport(s) did you play in High School and which positions?"
A: "I lettered in tennis—and never won a match—I was the throw away—don’t laugh! Football—linebacker. I was better than decent, and wrestling—state championships!"
Q: "Now for something more serious…your ranch in Wyoming. We saw the pictures…did your ranch and historic buildings weather and survive the fires?"
A: "They did—barely! A rough, scorching, dry summer. Three fires all around us over the past two months, but so far (knocking on unburned wood) no damage to us! Now in the wee hours of a high country Wyoming day the glow of a half-moon shines orange down the sliver of remaining creek, and my friend, the great horned owl, is screeching night greetings, “all is well”."
Now for the Book – Business Section
Q: "In Thread West Book One and Two, we know the characters have many personality traits (especially the male characters) that you possess, but who would you say you are most like and why."
A: "There is a bit of me in all of them—male and female, but all are based on real personalities I, and I’m sure most readers have known through life."
Q: "Many of us know you have a great love for/of our Country. Please tell our readers the correlation to what you hold dear about our Nation and how they tie into the beliefs of those characters in your book."
A: "The characters, all of uncommon backgrounds, are evolving, becoming imbued with the American spirit, beginning to understand the opportunity of freedom, and recognizing the power of the land. It is the story of us—a touchstone we need to remember and use as our guide post to the future."
Q: "Give us a tiny glimpse of where you may go in Book Three, a new character maybe? Just a hint/teaser if you will."
A: "Ah! Look for hints, eh? Yep—new characters…and Gold, cattle, passion, love, the new generation, adversity, tragedy, triumph and again the threads of different cultures converge, winding ever tighter that tapestry that is America."
Q: "Now for a touch of fantasy…lol…(your readers can only imagine where your mind is racing to). If you could bring one “old world” value, into present day…what would it be and why?"
A: "Self-reliance—and the freedom it engenders."
Q: "Last question…hold onto your cowboy hat! What is the biggest fish you have every caught…no sorry, that would be a question for me…lol…Now really…Last question, what has been the most fun thing you have experienced since becoming a published author?"
A: "Without a doubt—that readers enjoy the story—relate, know and feel for the many characters and get the message. And, of course, clamor for the next book in the series!"
"Our readers would love for you to tell us something about your book, Land for Love and Money. One fiction, one non-fiction. This book is very near and dear to your heart. Briefly, tell us what moved you to write this…(everyone wanting to purchase land, or land based real estate—even if just a 1/3 acre building lot, this is the book you should read—even your town home sits on land…you will love this book!)"
"This is the anecdotal instruction guide to the very big picture—love and money--the heart and wallet of real estate. It is my hope it helps millions thoroughly enjoy and profit from their real estate—and avoid the pitfalls I have tumbled head first into from time to time. And, yes—those stories are in the book, too!"
"Thank you Reid for your time and thoughtful and humorous answers. We have thoroughly enjoyed having you on the www.kilteddesire.com site as our SECOND Featured Author!" Terri and Kim.
*PLEASE Click on Book covers tae Purchase fae BN.com
The romance of America, her people, her spirit, and the West. This first book and namesake of the six-novel series is being compared by reviewers and authors to Lonesome Dove and Centennial. The tale bursts with the adventure, romance and promise of historical America and the West. The epic saga of Threads West begins in 1855 with the first of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable characters. The separate lives of these driven men and independent women are drawn to a common destiny that beckons seductively from the wild and remote flanks of the American West. They are swept into the dangerous currents of the far-distant frontier by the mysterious rivers of fate, the power of the land and the American spirit. Their turbulent journeys are heartbreaking quests intertwined with romance and adversity, passions and pathos, despair and triumph. This is not only their story. It is our story. It is Threads West, An American Saga.
The adventure and romance of America, Her people, Her spirit, and the West. The ongoing story of us.
Second book of the #1 bestselling, Threads West series, recipient of eight National Awards—Western, Romance and Historical Fiction! Compared by reviewers, authors and readers alike to Lonesome Dove, Centennial, and L'Amour.
Set in 1855, Book Two continues the page-turning tale of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable personalities. Suspense builds as they hurtle towards unknown destinies, propelled by one adventure, danger, romantic twist and encounter to the next.
Forged in the crucible of history, shaped on the anvil of a dangerous land, the threads of their lives and torrid loves interweave with the evolution of the West. Armed conflicts, the rancor of slavery, and the discovery of gold, all create lethal surprises when the characters are forced to defend their lands, their loved ones, and their honor. The tragic story of the Indians begins to unfold. New characters with dark hearts, lost souls, and hopeful innocence, color the tapestry of this epic saga. Others, in search of place and rightful freedom, catapult into the story.
An unexpected convergence of events sets in motion the thrilling, yet heartrending Conclusion of Book Two, setting the stage for the passionate tumult of the third book of the series.
(coming soon - pre-order now!)
In Book Three, Uncompahgre - where water turns rock red, the men and women of the saga have reached their initial destination: pre-Denver, Cherry Creek. Now they are each faced with life altering decisions — to return to Europe or crest the Rockies to settle in the remote Uncompahgre Valley, extreme SW edge of the Kansas Territory. Some must decide to pursue or abandon torrid love affairs that have flowered on the dangerous journey from Europe and across America. The elderly slave couple, Oglala Sioux family, and renegade — and his young, traumatized captive introduced in Maps of Fate are woven ever more tightly to the arc of the story — their tragedy, passion and triumph-filled tales weaving into the cloth of a collective destiny.
The brave, passion-filled characters of Uncompahgre try to establish or maintain life in this unknown wilderness, all swept unknowingly into the tumultuous vortex of momentous changes shaping the United States and the West between 1855 and 1875, the years ensconced in the Maps of Fate era of novels of the series. Land, love, gold, culture and the burden of family responsibility shape them as this vanguard of generations loves and struggles in the beautifully vibrant but unforgiving landscape of the West. The personal conflicts inherent to these brave, passion-filled characters are exacerbated by a nation in transition, the budding enmity between North and South, deep bonds and lethal enmities with Native Americans and the accelerating melting pot of diverse cultures that marks this magical moment in American history.
On the front range of the Rockies, a newly spawned Denver City, built on the banks of Cherry Creek, booms with the impact of gold discovered in the Pikes Peak area and the Ouray, San Juan and Uncompahgre mountain ranges. The fires of deadly tumult between the states sweep west. The "resolution" of the "Indian Problem" leaves families and hearts broken, forever staining the pages of American history.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
FIVE STARS - Surpasses Lonesome Dove
The last time I fell madly in love with a Western historical saga, the title was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry; it won a Pulitzer in 1986. The splendor and adventure of Threads West, An American Saga, Novel One, has now surpassed my long-ago love affair with McMurtry's Western saga.
Reid L. Rosenthal, fourth-generation land and cattle, has written a novel that spirited me away to the 1850s-1860s era and provided me with gripping hours of authentic Western history, action, drama, heartfelt romance and something extra special and seldom seen in literature of this caliber: well-written, sizzling sensuality.
What separates a good novel from a great one? I close a good novel and feel satisfied. When I close a great novel, like this one, I feel sad that there are no more pages to read. From the first time each character appears in the book to the last time they fade from the pages, I was immersed in the personal stories of the heroes, the heroines, the bad guys, the powerful, the vulnerable, and the brave. I cared about their lives and loves, strengths and weaknesses, and their strife and successes. As they head for their compelling shared and undiscovered destinies, their paths unfurl like a Western sunrise in this new saga of the American West.
The Threads West series opens with a bang and the first novel closes with a promise of more excitement to come. The story of these enduring characters is destined to stamp its imprint on the spirit and heritage of readers' hearts, and of America.
The writing is incredible. I'll leave you with this small taste from Reid L. Rosenthal's pen: "Dawn on the day of departure was a brilliant palette of indigo in retreat to the west and blossoming fire orange to the east. The Mississippi had a slight chop from the morning wind, the surface ripples reflecting the burgeoning day in a shimmer of color."
Five stars are not enough. One book is not enough. Let there be more Threads West. Soon!
Eve Paludan was twice a #1 Writer's Digest Book Club national bestselling author of The Romance Writer's Pink Pages, a three-book series from Prima. Paludan is also an editor of scholarly work at a state university, as well as a freelance fiction editor, publisher, and a book reviewer. She is also the author of the novel, Letters from David.
~Review by -- evepaludan
Reid L. Rosenthal, fourth-generation land and cattle, has written a novel that spirited me away to the 1850s-1860s era and provided me with gripping hours of authentic Western history, action, drama, heartfelt romance and something extra special and seldom seen in literature of this caliber: well-written, sizzling sensuality.
What separates a good novel from a great one? I close a good novel and feel satisfied. When I close a great novel, like this one, I feel sad that there are no more pages to read. From the first time each character appears in the book to the last time they fade from the pages, I was immersed in the personal stories of the heroes, the heroines, the bad guys, the powerful, the vulnerable, and the brave. I cared about their lives and loves, strengths and weaknesses, and their strife and successes. As they head for their compelling shared and undiscovered destinies, their paths unfurl like a Western sunrise in this new saga of the American West.
The Threads West series opens with a bang and the first novel closes with a promise of more excitement to come. The story of these enduring characters is destined to stamp its imprint on the spirit and heritage of readers' hearts, and of America.
The writing is incredible. I'll leave you with this small taste from Reid L. Rosenthal's pen: "Dawn on the day of departure was a brilliant palette of indigo in retreat to the west and blossoming fire orange to the east. The Mississippi had a slight chop from the morning wind, the surface ripples reflecting the burgeoning day in a shimmer of color."
Five stars are not enough. One book is not enough. Let there be more Threads West. Soon!
Eve Paludan was twice a #1 Writer's Digest Book Club national bestselling author of The Romance Writer's Pink Pages, a three-book series from Prima. Paludan is also an editor of scholarly work at a state university, as well as a freelance fiction editor, publisher, and a book reviewer. She is also the author of the novel, Letters from David.
~Review by -- evepaludan
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| Buy the Book here: http://threadswestanamericansagaseries.com/content/bookstoresoverview/ |
Friday, February 3, 2012
Read it before the movie comes out!
I read at least a book a week, mostly nonfiction and historical novels. There's nothing better than getting lost in a long, rich story with historical details. Rosenthal's book fits the bill, and I can't wait to read Book 2 through 8!
If you like history, westerns, romance or all of the above this series is for you. Men and women will love the deep characters.
If you like history, westerns, romance or all of the above this series is for you. Men and women will love the deep characters.
The Splendor and Adventure of Threads West....
The last time I fell madly in love with a Western historical saga, the title was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry; it won a Pulitzer in 1986. The splendor and adventure of Threads West, An American Saga, Novel One, has now surpassed my long-ago love affair with McMurtry's Western saga.
Reid L. Rosenthal, cowboy and rancher, has written a novel that spirited me away to the 1850s-1860s era and provided me with gripping hours of authentic Western history, action, drama, heartfelt romance and something extra special and seldom seen in literature of this caliber: well-written, sizzling sensuality. What separates a good novel from a great one? I close a good novel and feel satisfied.
When I close a great novel, like this one, I feel sad that there are no more pages to read. From the first time each character appears in the book to the last time they fade from the pages, I was immersed in the personal stories of the heroes, the heroines, the bad guys, the powerful, the vulnerable, and the brave. I cared about their lives and loves, strengths and weaknesses, and their strife and successes. As they head for their compelling shared and undiscovered destinies, their paths unfurl like a Western sunrise in this new saga of the American West.
The Threads West series opens with a bang and closes with a promise of more excitement to come. The story of these enduring characters is destined to stamp its imprint on the spirit and heritage of readers' hearts. The writing is incredible. I'll leave you with this small taste from Reid L. Rosenthal's pen: Dawn on the day of departure was a brilliant palette of indigo in retreat to the west and blossoming fire orange to the east. The Mississippi had a slight chop from the morning wind, the surface ripples reflecting the burgeoning day in a shimmer of color. Five stars are not enough. One book is not enough. Let there be more Threads West. Soon!
--Eve Paludan, Twice #1 Bestselling author, Romance Writer's Pink Page, Writers Digest, Editor, Publisher
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