Review by Joy35 -- Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning
- Joy35
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- Latest Review: Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning by James E Doucette
Review by Joy35 -- Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning
Flat Top Mountain Ranch: The Beginning is an adventure-filled historical fiction novel by James E. Doucette. Two young men make the courageous decision to fight for their country during the Civil War- one for the Confederacy and one for the Union. Their time spent fighting and starving has them longing for a better life. They have both seen enough killing and suffering and no matter who wins the war they both know the recovery will be hard and slow. Jack from New York and Ty from Louisiana, set their eyes on the west. Their chance meeting at a trading outpost in Texas is an adventure of its own, but following their growing friendship and business aspirations make for an epic tale. They learn how to drive cattle, fight Indians, befriend Indians, and tame their own piece of the wild west.
This novel is loosely based on the author’s wife’s ancestor and the passion for this story is evident throughout. The detailed descriptions of the different landscapes, soldier life, life on the cattle trail, and how to build a corral in a canyon really bring this story to life. The research into the events, how they lived, and the locations during this era is extensive and evident. The complex characters elicit an array of emotions as they barely survive the war and work hard to survive the west. I was so enthralled with the story that I forgot I was to be taking notes. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the different sides of the Civil War as well. It was portrayed well through the eyes of these very different men. There was no feeling of political agenda either, just boys trying to grow up and figure out the world on their own. A very well written and edited story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Civil War era stories or biographies. If you enjoy old western books and movies you will get lost in this as well. I gladly give it 4 out of 4 stars.
Only one caveat, almost not worth mentioning, it does get a bit graphic on some of the violence, if that type thing were to bother you. But it’s only a couple of scenes and not a general theme.
Rumor has it that Doucette’s next book is also about Flat Top Mountain Ranch and I am excitedly awaiting a return trip!
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Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning
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Thank you for the wonderful review
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Great review!
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That was indeed a great review.
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