Wild Card

by Jennie Hansen, David L. Walker (Narrator)

Jennie Hansen's latest action-packed novel is as full of twists and turns as the road to Galveston and Frank's new life. Set in turn-of-the-century America, this epic tale is as vast and sweeping as the plains of Texas. Filled with breathtaking suspense, Frank's story is one of misunderstandings, betrayals, heartaches - and deadly secrets. Bound together with an assortment of unsavory characters on the wrong side of the law, yet separated from them by his differing ideals, Frank finds himself in a race against time to save lives, even scores, and heal old wounds. This relentlessly paced story hurtles toward a showdown that will keep the reader riveted. It is a timeless tale of the struggle between good and evil, and one man's journey to find himself -- and God.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm hoping there is a squel to this book. It took me awhile to care for the main character. In the begining Frank makes some pretty bad choices; joining a bank robbing gang, shotting people, etc. I wasn't sure I go root for such a character. But eventually we saw his heart and it was good. I was torn apart when Amelia was killed. I did notice the frequent forshadowing of Betsy, but I still wondered if Frank would end up alone. The book ends with Frank proposing to Betsy and Frank asking her to move west with him. I hope there is a squel with them traveling west and setting down and learning of the gospel the are seeking.

[Tausha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Poor Frank! I decided it was good this book ended when it did because I am not sure I could have dealt with anything else happening to our Hero of the book. Man he had a rough start but in the end I am grateful he found his HEA. This was a pretty good western. It definitely covered some major issues of those times. Clean read. I was disappointed in Betsy and Franks courtship. It seemed to happen overnight. I felt we got more "history" from his time with Amelia??? All in all I enjoyed it, glad I read it, but probably won't add it to my read again list.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had known this was a companion book to High Stakes before I had read it - I would have read them closer together. It's been awhile since I read the other and I only have vague memories of what happened. This is fun and easy to read. It is more adventure than romance. This book covers a lot of years without feeling 'choppy'.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on tape and I did enjoy it. It had its twists and turns and lots of action. It was definitely a western tale. It tells the story of Frank leaving his home and getting involved with outlaws, being betrayed and lots of heartaches. He finds himself in a race against time to save lives & heal old wounds. As stated in the reviews it was a struggle between good & evil. Good story.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how smoothly this book read. It cover some time in the book well too and I enjoyed the character development. It is a relaxing read and fun too. I think that my husband and sons will enjoy this book, which usually isn't the case with LDS fiction/romances. This is more of an adventure novel.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing his ma and little sister, Frank becomes a rebelious youth even to the point of running away from home. Frank's life is anything but usual--outlaw, gambler, bounty hunter, newspaperman. It's only when his life comes full circle that peace will truly come to him. The companion book to Jannie Hansen's "High Stakes."

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to try a new author. This book didn't interest me until chapter 12. Then I finally started to enjoy it. Not sure if it was the author or because I listed to it on audio instead of read it myself and maybe it was the person reading it. I will give the author another chance though and try another book of hers.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mother-in-law gave me this book on tape to listen to and I didn't think I would like it so I've had it for about 3 years. I finally thought I had better listen to it and give it back and I was surprised how much I like it.

A troubled teen runs away from home, grows up, finds adventure, learns a lot and eventually makes it home again many years later.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.5
This story was a coompanion book to the author's book "High Stakes." The first half of the book had parts that were exact repeats of the story in "High Stakes" so for me, because I just read "High Stakes the same day, I felt the unique part of the story did not start until midway through the book.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun quick read....not your typical LDS story (i.e. more adventure then romance). This one is about the wild west and a guy who finds his way (from card-shark to gang member to bounty hunter and back to home).

[Mala · Rating 3 out of 5]

A side spin story to the book High Stakes - It answered a few questions from the other book. Story about how it takes time to figure out who you really are and you shouldn't hang out with people who are not making good choices!

[Heidee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I cried and laughed with the characters. I loved how even after all the bad things that happened to Frank, he rose above it. I loved his determination to take care of Cory. Oh it was so good!

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

OTHSB Quick read. Frank runs away from home for adventure in Texas. Ends up in a gang. Falls in love with Amelia a newspaper woman she is killed from a bullet amimed at him. Goes home to try to get Governor elet true story. HOuse is blown uyp Father killed. good book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this companion to HIGH STAKES. One of the minor characters in HIGH STAKES is Frank, a gambler turned bounty hunhter, and this book is about his life.

I'm hoping there are sequels to these two books where the characters move to Salt Lake and joint the LDS church.

[Cami Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan and I listened to this on cd and we both enjoyed it. This is the first by this author that has a male lead and it was still great. Similar to her other books because there's lots if unexpected twists and turns to the story which makes it enjoyable to read.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

an amazing adventure!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennie Hansen is one of the better LDS authors. Quick read, not to deep or too intense. I liked as a light read.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Jennie Hanson books they are a fun read. I usually can hardly put them down.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second part of the series beginning with High Stakes. I liked this one better than the first one. Again, just a classic western with slightly Mormon themes. A good story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story similar to the Prodigal Son except in a western setting. It is interesting how the main character is introduced to Mormons and the Book of Mormon. Interesting book.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow getting into it, but i liked it by the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own: Book

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot and my Husband liked it also!!

[H.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! Recommended for everyone.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was good. It was the first time I read one of her books. I wasn't used to her writing style, but ened up enjoying the book! Great story line, never knew where it would go next!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank's perspective of High Stakes.

[Loriann Fish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad. It was nice to see the story of "High Stakes" from another point of view. It got a little slow in the middle, but I liked it overall.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

the struggle between good and evil-is real

[Leah Stacey]

i totally loved it. you have to read it to find out. READ IT!!!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion novel to "High Stakes". It was good. Fun to see the two stories innertwine.