Review by Joy35 -- Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning

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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

Post by Joy35 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning" by James E Doucette.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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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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Fasmin
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Post by Fasmin »

Sounds like a good catch. I've always hated war. And I hate how soldiers are ( in my opinion brainwashed to) thinking that they are serving their country while they're just losing their lives for a great loss for everyone. War is so unnecessary in every light. I've always imagined a world where the word military, soldiers, and weapons is a thing of the past.

I hope this book will shed light on at least a few of these aspects.
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Post by Sararob06 »

I love history and am excited to add this book to my TBR list! The fact you were so wrapped up in it that you forgot to take notes has me very excited to start!
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Sushan Ekanayake
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

Sounds like a nice adventurous book. Not my usual cup of tea, but I would like to give it a try to see how the rural life was in the civil war era. Congratulations on being BOTD and thanks for the free giveaway
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Yvonne Monique
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Post by Yvonne Monique »

The civil war must have marked these 2 men, both in their own way. It will be interesting to read how they overcome this experience.
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AntonelaMaria
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Post by AntonelaMaria »

I am not really into civil wars books and I have recently read a western novel so I will give this book a pass. I liked real-life inspiration for this book.
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Post by Deval Sodha »

This sounds to be an interesting book picturing the war situations and a soldier's life.
Thank you for the wonderful review 😊
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Post by Gabrielle Sigaki »

This book sounds like a great one for those readers who enjoy historical fiction about the Civil War. I don't know if it is for me since I'm not into books about wars, but it is really interesting how the author described the scenes so well. Thanks for the insightful review! Great work.
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María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
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Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

I agree with you, presenting both sides makes for a much more enriching perspective. Unfortunately, the young men that, as you say, are trying to figure out the world, often suffer the consequences of war.
Great review!
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Post by Sanju Lali »

An adventure-filled historical fiction novel "Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning" by James E Doucette, which is having the setting of the Civil War. The story focuses on two young men. one of them is with Confederacy and another one for the Union. The book appears to give a pleasurable reading experience for me.
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Post by Brenda Creech »

Thanks for the nice review. I did a voluntary review of this book last year, and I really enjoyed the story! I am glad to hear the author is planning a sequel as I definitely want to read it!
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Post by Leen282 »

This book was already BOTD and I haven't taken the time yet to read it. I especially like you pointing out that there's no political agenda, just a great story. I hope to read this one soon.
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Post by Lillieta »

I have always been excited about a good western yarn. The fact that i am always interested to learn more about the years after civil war gets me even eager to read the book.
That was indeed a great review.
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Timothy Rucinski
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Post by Timothy Rucinski »

Oh, yes I'll be reading this for a number of reasons. Firstly, I enjoy tales of the Civil War. Secondly, I am a fan of Doucette. I cannot wait to finish up my current reading schedule and dive into this one! Congrats to the author on receiving BOTD honors and to the Reviewer for an excellent review!
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Post by Chigo Nwagboso »

Thanks for a detailed review. I'm drawn into it that I want to know more about World War.
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