This Calder Range Volume 1

Calder Saga #1

by Janet Dailey

Chase Benteen Calder was bound to wrest a fortune from Montana land. With Lorna at his side, he would breathe life into his dream. Through the treacherous Texas prairie, the perils of the Indian country, and Dodge City, they forged their way to Montana, where they would harvest their fortune.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Western Romance

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Reviews

[Naksed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing historical fiction set in the 19th century about a rancher and his wife moving cattle from Texas to Montana. Author conveyed a vivid sense of the setting and great character development. The transformation of the heroine from a well-bred, somewhat naive, city girl to a tough cowboy who has to learn to carve a place for herself in a man’s world was both satisfying and plausibly written. The hero of the piece is a lot less likable but then again, his chauvinist, high-handed attitudes and sometimes disgusting abuse of his wife are unfortunately very realistic within the context of the time and culture. It didn’t bother me as much as it would have had this been a romance, but it’s more of a historical fiction. While the story kept me interested throughout, I found the pacing a bit odd. The first two thirds are a meticulously described, almost daily chronicle of the torturous five-months long trek from Texas to Montana (not that I minded, it was never boring). The last third of the book suddenly speeds up, flying through a period of several years with scant details, and hurling a bunch of plot twists and turns that eventually culminate in a glorious, Old West style shootout. Overall, I would recommend this as a compelling book, especially for fans of spirited pioneers stories.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This Calder Range" is the story of Lorna and Benteen.

A tale set in the Wild-West, filled with trials, tribulations and ultimate victory, we have a couple who travel the journey written by fate in this book. There are brutal enemies, ignorant vs caring parents, weddings, separations, heartbreak, deaths, gut-wrenching scenes, revenge- all of which ends in a hope for a brighter future. We meet ranchers, Indians, dukes, bankers- as they fight to claim land for their livelihood.

I wouldn't call it a happy read- it was more about the struggles our couple face out in the untamed nature. They struggle with egos, communications, jealousy, consent, loss of a child before finally surrendering to fate and working hard to provide a stable life for their future generations. The heroine is strong, the hero is ruthless.

This broke my heart at so many instances. I wish I could give a more detailed review, but feeling utterly drained by this.

Safe
3.5/5

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yee haw! Omg I loved this book. This was exactly the type of western adventure I was looking for when I picked it up. Basically picture Lonesome Dove but with a little more spice! The characters were so real and the plot was nonstop action, I just couldn’t put this one down. I cannot wait to continue in this series, Janet Dailey can write a story that’s for gosh dang sure!

[iStarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calder Saga begins...

This was a re-read for me, since I had read it ages ago as a high school teenager. It’s quite a revelation how one’s opinion of a book can change when filtered by years of knowledge, experience, and life in general.

The one thing that didn’t change was the perception that rape is never justifiable for any reason. It’s the one blemish to an otherwise likeable Chase Benteen Calder.

Still, a good read the second time around.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I love the western feel for a good book. The American cowboy and the pride a family takes in establishing their home and the hard life they have chosen. Cowboys and romance ....it is a great series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this series in the 80's. I think the last one was published just a couple of years ago. I've enjoyed them all, especially the early ones set in the old west. The newer one's are contemporary. It follows a large ranch owning family through the generations.

[Catheryn]

DNF at 75%

I really wanted to finish this story by Benteen was too much. I loved him and Lorna in the beginning. I understood they growing pains they went through during the drive. But once they got to Montana, I wanted him to show her more kindness and he never did. I thought he would after the SA, he started being kind again. But it didn't last long. He just wasn't likeable and never showed enough affection to Lorna that made me want to continue.

[Beth]

In my heart this ended with Lorna riding off into the sunset with Bull Giles

[Ann Mickelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the descendant of pioneers, I find this genre captivating. The story was filled with adventure and rawness. I was very disturbed by the sexual violence. I set the book aside for a bit, then read a few reviews and decided to finish. I still feel the sexual violence was useless to the story.

[Stephani Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I’m reading it for at least the 5th time. It’s a little sappy and old but I still enjoyed it.

[Mihika in lovezone · Rating 3 out of 5]

H : He was a typical husband type of guy. I just wished he would have been more loving and charming. His wife deserved love and care. He expected her to live in harsh too fast. He is definitely not my kinda H. He was OKAY. Tbh I didn’t like him.

h : I loved her. Could totally relate to her. Love her naive nature. Sweet.

OW : No Ow dramas expect little jealousy feelings from the h which was normal.

OM : Yep. I could totally relate to the h feeling little nice after the OM compliments her and is caring towards her. She deserved that. Because her brute hubby was too harsh.

OVERALL : Beginning was good. But after the half it started getting too draggy and boring with too much info. I literally skimmed the other half. There was a little too much sadness for my taste.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked me on the series. I had read a few of her Harliquin romances, this is definitely a step up.

[Seadaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorna marries Benteen, at the time of marrying she is a young 17 or 18 year old naive girl. He is an older experienced man, a cowboy and cattle rancher who knows what he wants and how he’s going to get it.

They marry, Benteen’s father dies at the same time as his farm is taken over by an unscrupulous man, the local banker.

Benteen and his young wife move on to unclaimed lands, it takes them 4or 5 months by horse and wagon driving the cattle to their new home.

Many ordeals happen during this time as nature is harsh, the threat of indians or rustlers. Lorna quickly learns it is no place for a lady, and that friends can be lost on the trial.

Lorna comes across a bit weak and naive in the first few chapters, but then she really comes out of herself and starts to act for herself and not be afraid to voice her opinions to her husband.

Benteen has a hard time trusting people as his mother left him when he was a baby.

Benteen in someways is the hero in the story, but at other times he is a real pig, he raped his wife on the trip to their new farm, he was of the opinion that his wife was his property, as was the case in those days.

His mother does come back into the story. Lorna and Benteen do set up a large successful cattle ranch, they have a couple of sons, but one meets with an unfortunate accident as a result of the greedy banker man. Benteen has a vendetta against those that caused the son’s accident (also had a part to play in his father’s death) enemies become friends and friends may become enemies, men are lost.

I did enjoy the first book of the series, I have no. 2 to read, I will now have to source the other books in this series. I think it will become a favourite book series of mine, despite it being set in cowboy and indian days and with that same mentality of those days.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is supposed to be a romance? In what universe is a man SAing his wife when she threatens to leave him because he’s being an asshole, continually belittling her feelings and getting mad at her when she brings up valid issues that are making her unhappy a romance? This felt like more of a cautionary tale. I wish poor Lorna had just stayed in Texas. Or run off with Bull Giles. At least he respected her and treated her nicely. Benteen didn’t even seem to like her half the time. About the time my husband came into the kitchen while I was struggling to finish cooking dinner with two screaming children hanging off of me and made the statement “can’t you control those kids?” I’d be smacking him in the side of the head with a frying pan and leaving his ass. This man makes no sense to me. He’s terrified the entire book that Lorna is going to leave him because of his mommy issues, but gives her no reason to stay. Any time she brings up any issue that’s making her unhappy he just gets mad at her for complaining and gets even more cold and distant with her. Why wouldn’t she want to leave?

The only reason this got two stars instead of one is because I actually enjoyed the pioneer aspect of this. I enjoyed the journey north and all of the drama and danger that comes with a cattle drive. If it had just been a story about Benteen traveling north and establishing his ranch without trying to make it a romance I would have been much happier with it. The romance that wasn’t a romance ruined the story for me.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third book for my Personal 70's/80's Epic Book Challenge

I remember reading all 4 Calder Saga series as a young teen and loving them. If you love "Yellowstone" or in particular the 1883 series I think you will enjoy this Epic Story.

This first book was originally published in 1982 by the great Romance writer, Janet Dailey. This is a Historical Fiction Western Romance story.

The story begins in 1878 in Texas and Chase "Benteen" Calder is to wed Lorna. He wants to leave Texas after the wedding to the greener pastures of Montana to start up a cattle ranch. The story is epic and many twists and turns occur on the trail to Montana. Lorna loves Benteen but he is hard to love at times. There is a lot of action and excitement in this story as well as heartache. When reading this it's best to remember the times although there is one incident in particular that does not change with the times.

You will quickly get immersed in this story as Janet Dailey does an exceptional job with the setting and characters.

[Priscilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cronologicamente o primeiro romance da saga dos Calder, mas foi o segundo livro a ser escrito e é recomendado pela autora que seja lido como terceiro. Confuso? Isso aconteceu devido a falta de planejamento e a mudança de estilo que foi de superação feminina para drama familiar e depois para puro romance.

A história é mais uma versão da corrida para o Oeste Americano quando várias famílias arriscaram a vida para povoar o território antes ocupado por tribos indígenas. Não há nada desse conflito, contudo, Janet Dailey preferiu focar na jornada de assentamento e na adaptação que uma mulher citadina teria que sofrer ao se mudar para o ambiente inóspito.

É um romance com alguns momentos de violência, sexo e muitos mal entendidos entre o casal principal, Lorna e Benteen.

Divertido para passar uma tarde.

[Andrea George · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This Calder Range" by Janet Dailey is the first in the Calder Saga series. Even though there was great detail given to the beginning of the novel, it did not drag along. The last part of the novel picked up the pace. However, nothing was missed or overlooked. This historical fiction begins in September 1878 in the Montana Territory. I believe the actions of the characters to be true of that time in our history. As a reader, I wished that Benteen had been kinder and more caring to Lorna during the beginning and middle of the plot. However, it made the ending more intriguing and interesting. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone that is interested in this era in our history. I'm looking forward to reading, "Stands A Calder Man", the second novel in this series.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book and then realized I read it years ago. I could not put the book down but at times I get frustrated because how Bentine is towards his wife and then at times how his wife gives in. Then I have to realize what era it is. Like the story and I always love the way The west was started. When they started bringing their cattle to Montana I totally remembered their main bull that was leading the pack, Captain. I will read at least a couple of more books in the series but I think I have read them all. Like I said it has been a long time ago when I read this so I will reminisce.

[Kim]

DNF’d at 50 percent. I wanted to love this book even though it’s not my usual genre. But it was a struggle for me from jump. I kept rolling my eyes as I read but kept turning pages hoping the writing, or the story, would begin to carry me through. There’s a situation of sexual abuse by a spouse that I didn’t see coming. But that not what spoiled it for me. It was within 10 pages of that event when the victim was both blamed and was assuming blame, doing so with in a passive narrative voice. I was shouting at my book. That was the last straw. Though this was written in the early 80’s I know women were not falling for that garbage. Too problematic for me.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this series the 1st time over 13 years ago, I’ve always wanted to revisit THE CALDER’S BY JANET DAILEY!
As I finish This Calder Range, I remember why this has always been one of my favorite series.
Chase Benteen Calder and Lorna leave Texas to drive cattle North to Montana on land Chase staked claim on in Big Sky Country.
Truly an epic beginning to a series, THE CALDER’S embrace the defiance of an evil man who wants to see them fail. Tensions rise to an extreme head while starting the Triple C Ranch.
A series not to be missed.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Audible book but it was written in the early 80s and it shows (it is now 2024). I wanted to kick Benteen in the teeth a few times...and I wish Lorna would have stood up for herself earlier. But she was only 17 when she married Benteen and again, written in the early 80s. I thought the narrator sounded too old for the characters...but somehow I did get used to it and enjoyed it. Oddly, she did the children's voices really cute. I am still pondering whether to use a credit to listen to the second book in the series. I did love all the details of working with cattle and horses.

[Heide Katros · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Calder Range by Janet Dailey

This novel gives you an insight into the lives of the settlers on the wide Montana ranges. Ms.Dailey writes so vividly that a reader feels part of the story. Not all is fiction ,especially not the hardships and the courage it took to conquer that land. It’s an awe inspiring story, one you wish that would go on forever, and luckily there are more Calder stories. In enjoyed every minute and I’ve read other Calder novel and was not once disappointed. Reviewed by Heide Katros, winter haven News, Florida








To

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase Benteen Calder is bound to wrest a fortune from Montana land, where the whisper of riches sweeps across a sea of buffalo grass. With the formidable and loving Lorna at his side, he will breathe life into his dream.

Through the treacherous Texas prairie, the perils of Indian country, and a bustling Dodge City, they forge their way to Montana. With Calder strength, they will harvest their fortune from the rich earth, no matter what.

[Fay Risner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical western and romance about a young couple, trying to keep the vast holdings of free land they claimed. Plenty of action because of a crooked banker, wrestlers and Indians. Plenty of conflict between the couple. Benteen a strong, stubborn man who likes being boss. Lorna a young, strong willed woman who wants to her husband's partner and not just his wife.

[Sandra Sorola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of what will be an epic series. I truly enjoyed the reread. I love how the series sweeps generations of a determined family to protect the land and their life. The old west was built on family, strength and determination. Not to mention Cattle! If you love the old west and the settling of the US, you will enjoy this book.

[LHC Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

In today's world we don't know what it took to build a ranch in the wilderness. We aren't aware of the sacrifices that were made by the early settlers. This book brings to life what hardships they suffered. On to book 2.

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really finish. . . .could not read any more. Someone in a book group said this was their guilty pleasure. . ..My mom loved the books and was always recommending them. So, thought I'd give them a whirl. Not my cup of tea. Could not read any more. . .sorry Mom.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the historical details of a cattle drive and cattle ranch in this book. Was not as fond of the heroine’s interaction with the hero which included a rape she took partial responsibility for. Maybe it was historically accurate, but it doesn’t read well these days.

[Janice Perfoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I just reread this since it's been so long and it was amazing to see where it all belong. I love Janet Dailey! One of the best series in all of romance.

[Joann]

If you like westerns and romance this will be a book for you.