A Fiery Woman Joins a Cattle Drive in America's Untamed Frontier - an Editorial Review of "Red Haired Distraction"

Book Blurb:

Step into the rugged Texas frontier with Red-Haired Distraction, a captivating Western novel that blends action, heart, and unforgettable characters. Follow Angelina Montgomery—a fiery young woman determined to defy expectations—as she joins a cattle drive to save her family’s ranch. Alongside her is Joe Bob Bennett, an earnest cowboy with everything to prove, and Jack Thornton, a seasoned foreman with a mysterious past.

Angie Montgomery, a spirited young woman, desires to prove herself. After becoming an orphan, she was raised on the Lazy M Ranch by her steadfast grandfather, Charles Montgomery. Angie's dreams extend beyond the ranch's borders to the perilous trails of cattle drives and the mysteries surrounding her family's past.

When financial hardships threaten the ranch's survival, Charles plans a high-stakes cattle drive to Abilene. Defying her grandfather’s wishes, Angie embarks on a daring journey where she meets the enigmatic Joe Bob Bennett. Their quest includes dangerous environments, wicked foes, and the surprising discovery of allies.

Red Haired Distraction is a tale of resilience, adventure, and the unbreakable bonds of family, set against the backdrop of the untamed American frontier.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/XWgKc

Author Bio:

SANDLIN IS THE PEN NAME for Gordon Sandlin Buck, Jr., a retired mechanical engineer with various technical publications over the years. He also has self-published genealogy and photography books. Gordon lives in southern Louisiana, where his hobbies include photography, genealogy, and woodworking. Contact Gordon at gordonsbuck@hotmail.com.

Editorial Review:

““Hey! Watch what you’re doing!” Joe Bob jerked his arm back from the Hoodlum Wagon at the sharp, distinctly feminine yell. Curious, he lifted the dank, smelly tarp and peeked inside, searching for his soogan to bed down in the rapidly cooling Texas night. Large bedrolls didn’t fit well behind a saddle, so cowboys typically stored them in the supply wagon behind the chuckwagon. But instead of finding his sleeping gear, he found himself staring down the barrel of a shiny Remington revolver. A shock of bright red hair framed piercing green eyes that glared at him over the gun sights. “Sorry, ma’am,” Joe Bob said in his thick Southern drawl. “I didnt know yer was nappin’ chere.””

The Chisholm Trail was a major cattle (and mustang) driving route between Texas and Kansas and “Red-Haired Distraction” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr brings the experience of riding the trail to life right from the start of the novel. The immediacy of the conversation that starts the first chapter draws the reader in, and the subject of the title is, well, a distraction. Angelina introduces herself as “Angie, “don’t call me Angel because I’m not.” It’s one heck of an introduction, and the reader, a bit like Joe Bob from Bamer, will be captivated. For those readers wondering, Bamer is Alabama, said in Joe Bob’s endearing accent as the conversation whips along, as two independent people get the measure of each other.

The novel is set in 1870’s, in pioneering America, and the author’s writing style heaves with atmosphere and historical detail.

Each character has their own voice, personality and mannerisms, and it is to the author’s credit that he has managed to create and shape such a varied bunch of travellers with different backgrounds and purposes. The inevitable losses are sensitively written and certainly underscore the risks the pioneers had no choice but to face.

Arguably, Angie is a Mary-Sue type character, somehow traversing the trail in the best tradition of impetuous necessity, but her slightly spoiled nature is certainly a flaw, even if it is catnip to certain other trail riders. Readers will need to make up their own minds about whether Angie is depicted accurately for her times; there is always the danger that modern attitudes may creep into historical characters.

“The trail stretched into the open expanse of Oklahoma Territory, a vast and rugged landscape bathed in the golden hues of dusk. Jack Thornton rode beside Angie, his gaze scanning the endless horizon as the lowing of cattle blended with the rhythmic clop of hooves. Angie nudged Daisy closer to Jack, curiosity lighting her face. “This land feels different,” Angie said, her voice carrying a mix of awe and wonder. “What’s the story behind it?” Jack tipped his hat back, his eyes softening. “Oklahoma Territory,” he began, his tone reflective.”

Despite any perceived anachronisms, the conversation in “Red-Haired Distraction” is a winner, moving the story along at a cracking pace and preventing the plot from becoming bogged down at any juncture. The author has created several plot threads, including personal challenge, a compelling back story and the characters’ battle against nature and the environment to complete their journey. This approach means that the landscape almost becomes a character of its own, and the references to Native history and the development of Oklahoma are further welcome dimensions to the book.

“The setting sun bathed Abilene in a golden hue, casting long shadows across the bustling town. The air buzzed with cattle lowing, cowboys shouting, and a saloon piano’s distant, lively strains. Jack Thornton and his crew rode into town with the weariness of weeks on the trail etched into their dust-covered faces and sagging postures.”

“Red-haired Distraction” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr is an adventure yarn full of pioneer spirit. The characters are often rough, driven to extremes by the harsh reality of the Chisholm Trail, but they are totally relatable. This novel is a great read about the human spirit, and a tribute to the endurance of those who came before this modern time.

*****

“Red-Haired Distraction” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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