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Brazos Wind
War-torn drifter, Jack McClean is left with nothing but bad memories, scars, and a restless soul. When he stumbles upon a burning homestead, and an unconscious woman, beside the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, he stops to render aid. Grieving widow, Savannah Logan, sees no reason to live, and only wants to join her husband and children in their graves. But, Jack refuses to let her die. In saving her, he might somehow find redemption for himself and hope for a new tomorrow. Is it possible that both Jack and Savannah can find a new destiny in the changeable flow of the Brazos wind?
- GenresShort Stories
42 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Jan Sikes
31 books257 followersFollow Jan on BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-s...
Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. The entertaining true story comes to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books.
And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories. She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers releases January 31, 2022, as Book 2 of that series, and Saddled Hearts will release later in 2022.
She is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. The entertaining true story comes to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books.
And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories. She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers releases January 31, 2022, as Book 2 of that series, and Saddled Hearts will release later in 2022.
She is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 30, 2020
“Brazos Wind” is a western short story set in Texas in the 1880s. Jack McClean comes across the widow Savannah as her house burns and then takes it upon himself to help her. I immediately fell in love with Jack’s character. He was strong, kind, and had some mystery mixed in. Savannah’s sad state was understandable after she shared her story. The friendship that developed between Savannah and Jack felt very real. This is a fantastic read, and I would love to see a book come from it. There is so much more I want to know about both characters. I highly recommend it!
October 12, 2020
“I’m sorry for your loss. Truly, I am. But you’re still alive. I believe every person has a purpose. It just takes some of us a while to find it.”
BRAZOS WIND by Jan Sikes will fill any historical reader’s heart.
When Jack McClean rides up on a smoldering homestead and finds Savannah Logan nestled by shrub bushes, he knows he must try and help this poor helpless, destitute Lady.
He could hear Lone Wolf’s deep voice in his mind. “ It is said that when the body is beaten and the heart broken, it’s the spirit that keeps the Soul alive — Even sometimes when the Soul believes it’s already dead.”
I’ve read every book Jan Sikes’s has written, if I’m missing one, I’m going now to her book list to find it. What an amazing and gifted talent she possesses.
I sure hope their is a sequel to this short story. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
BRAZOS WIND by Jan Sikes will fill any historical reader’s heart.
When Jack McClean rides up on a smoldering homestead and finds Savannah Logan nestled by shrub bushes, he knows he must try and help this poor helpless, destitute Lady.
He could hear Lone Wolf’s deep voice in his mind. “ It is said that when the body is beaten and the heart broken, it’s the spirit that keeps the Soul alive — Even sometimes when the Soul believes it’s already dead.”
I’ve read every book Jan Sikes’s has written, if I’m missing one, I’m going now to her book list to find it. What an amazing and gifted talent she possesses.
I sure hope their is a sequel to this short story. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
July 11, 2020
I've read everything that Jan Sikes has written and this story is so beautifully told. I loved the depth of Jack. My heart went out to him. It's a great story.
November 27, 2022
I enjoyed this little story but wanted more! One of the best opening lines I've read in a long time is, "As sure as the wind can change the course of a river, life has a way of turning a man's direction." Jack McClean is drifting and looking for a purpose. Savannah Logan has lost everything and wants to die. The story is about how their paths cross. I loved the characters and wanted to get to know them better. It is hard to write a short story effectively but the author has packed a lot into this one. This well-written story makes me want to read more by Jan Sikes.
August 11, 2020
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!
And enjoyable short read for you during your lunch hour, while resting after a hard days work, or on your commute.
Sweetness and love. A reminder of what’s important in life.
And enjoyable short read for you during your lunch hour, while resting after a hard days work, or on your commute.
Sweetness and love. A reminder of what’s important in life.
September 8, 2020
"Brazos Wind" is yet another great short story by Jan Sikes, my go to author for an excellent short read. Jack McClean stole my heart and made me wish there were more men, well people, like him in this world.
Jack McClean sees that something is burning in the distance and knows he has to go investigate. Jack never expects to find a woman all alone, helpless, starving, that has lost everything, including her will to live. Jack goes up and above for Savannah Logan and takes her to a bed and breakfast in the near by town and makes sure she has everything she needs to get on her feet and find a reason to live.
This short story really should be turned into a full length novel or at the least have a sequel to satisfy my yearning for more. Another well written, excellent short story by Jan Sikes.
Jack McClean sees that something is burning in the distance and knows he has to go investigate. Jack never expects to find a woman all alone, helpless, starving, that has lost everything, including her will to live. Jack goes up and above for Savannah Logan and takes her to a bed and breakfast in the near by town and makes sure she has everything she needs to get on her feet and find a reason to live.
This short story really should be turned into a full length novel or at the least have a sequel to satisfy my yearning for more. Another well written, excellent short story by Jan Sikes.
August 9, 2020
MY REVIEW. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A powerful and emotive story.
It's been a very long time since I've read a Western, and such a delight to find one of this quality to reintroduce me to the genre.
Author Jan Sikes has a marvelous way of inviting the reader into the hearts and minds of her characters. She lays the soul of the characters bare and takes us into their pain and what could well be their salvation.
This author's knowledge of and love for Texas shines through in this beautifully exposed short read.
Jack McClean's and Savannah Logan's characters evolve over the course of this short. The trauma of their backgrounds allows us a glimpse into the pain and suffering both have witnessed. We are given insight into the reasons for the choices they make, and it garners our understanding.
Kudos to this talented author for using every word to further enhance a great story.
It's been a very long time since I've read a Western, and such a delight to find one of this quality to reintroduce me to the genre.
Author Jan Sikes has a marvelous way of inviting the reader into the hearts and minds of her characters. She lays the soul of the characters bare and takes us into their pain and what could well be their salvation.
This author's knowledge of and love for Texas shines through in this beautifully exposed short read.
Jack McClean's and Savannah Logan's characters evolve over the course of this short. The trauma of their backgrounds allows us a glimpse into the pain and suffering both have witnessed. We are given insight into the reasons for the choices they make, and it garners our understanding.
Kudos to this talented author for using every word to further enhance a great story.
October 29, 2022
Brazos Wind by Jan Sikes is a wonderful short story with the promise to make an engaging book. I loved the characters!
Jack McClean happens upon a homestead in flames near the Brazo’s River in Texas. There he finds a half-crazy, half-starved woman close to death named Savannah Logan.
Savannah only wants to die, as her husband and children have already succumbed to the fever. In her mind, there is nothing left of live for. But Jack refuses to let her die.
The next day, he takes her to town, intending to find a new lease on life for Savannah and for himself. Let the healing begin!
If you love feel-good western romance, this story will leave you wanting more. I hope the author decides to pursue Jack and Savannah’s story. I know it’s one that I would love to read.
Jack McClean happens upon a homestead in flames near the Brazo’s River in Texas. There he finds a half-crazy, half-starved woman close to death named Savannah Logan.
Savannah only wants to die, as her husband and children have already succumbed to the fever. In her mind, there is nothing left of live for. But Jack refuses to let her die.
The next day, he takes her to town, intending to find a new lease on life for Savannah and for himself. Let the healing begin!
If you love feel-good western romance, this story will leave you wanting more. I hope the author decides to pursue Jack and Savannah’s story. I know it’s one that I would love to read.
July 13, 2020
Two damaged souls cross paths in this short story set in the American West years after the Civil War.
Jack McClean is a drifter who has still carries scars from the War Between the States. When he saves widow, Savannah Logan, from her burning homestead he discovers purpose in helping her find a reason to live. Savannah has been grieving the loss of her husband and children from illness for over a year and can't find the strength to continue. But when Jack saves her, he does more than save her from physical harm---restoring not only her life, but his own in the process. The realization that dawns for both of them brings the story full circle.
A sweet tale, with well-drawn characters, Brazos Wind will warm your heart. Although short, the message is strong, and even secondary character, Molly, shines in this charmer!
Jack McClean is a drifter who has still carries scars from the War Between the States. When he saves widow, Savannah Logan, from her burning homestead he discovers purpose in helping her find a reason to live. Savannah has been grieving the loss of her husband and children from illness for over a year and can't find the strength to continue. But when Jack saves her, he does more than save her from physical harm---restoring not only her life, but his own in the process. The realization that dawns for both of them brings the story full circle.
A sweet tale, with well-drawn characters, Brazos Wind will warm your heart. Although short, the message is strong, and even secondary character, Molly, shines in this charmer!
July 7, 2020
I can only imagine the tough life in the old West. A life full of perils, of the survival of the fittest, where those who survive were marred for life.
Jack McClean is tired of this life of killing and running from being killed. He has only as companion his horse. He wanders and stumbles upon a deserted town and Savannah, a woman at the point of death after losing everything, husband, and children. Here, Jack shows his humanity and helps bring Savannah back to life.
From this point, life changes for both Jack and Savannah. What could these changes bring? This is a cute little story, well written with not too much drama. A little laid back but interesting.
Jack McClean is tired of this life of killing and running from being killed. He has only as companion his horse. He wanders and stumbles upon a deserted town and Savannah, a woman at the point of death after losing everything, husband, and children. Here, Jack shows his humanity and helps bring Savannah back to life.
From this point, life changes for both Jack and Savannah. What could these changes bring? This is a cute little story, well written with not too much drama. A little laid back but interesting.
July 5, 2020
Fifteen years after the Civil War, Jack McClean is still searching for a place to settle. One day, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, he comes across the burned-out house of Savannah Logan and stops to render aid.
Savannah sees no reason to live, having lost her husband and two children. But Jack takes her into the nearby town of Albany where he finds lodging and medical care for her.
Both Jack and Savannah are haunted by the past, but can they find redemption in the Brazos Wind?
I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. Set in Texas, I’m familiar with the places in this book. I would love to see more of these characters in a longer book and the author left it open for the possibility.
If you’re looking for a well-written and enjoyable short read, I highly recommend Brazos Wind.
Savannah sees no reason to live, having lost her husband and two children. But Jack takes her into the nearby town of Albany where he finds lodging and medical care for her.
Both Jack and Savannah are haunted by the past, but can they find redemption in the Brazos Wind?
I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. Set in Texas, I’m familiar with the places in this book. I would love to see more of these characters in a longer book and the author left it open for the possibility.
If you’re looking for a well-written and enjoyable short read, I highly recommend Brazos Wind.
August 4, 2020
I'm not a fan of Westerns, but I've enjoyed other short stories by this author, so I decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. This story is set in Texas in the 1880s. Jack McClean is at a point in his life where he just wants to settle down. He's seen enough killing and just wants to "retire" and enjoy what's left of his life. Along the journey, he comes across Savannah, the damsel in distress. Her house has burned down and she is injured. Jack, being the gentleman that he is, stops to help her. The Brazos Wind pushed their paths together for a great ending.
This was a great read. The author did a wonderful job of letting me immediately fall into the characters' lives and connect with each of them. As much as I wanted more in the ending, I also realize things weren't that way during those times. She stayed true to the era, but left enough of a hint to let my imagination run wild with the wind. ;-)
This was a great read. The author did a wonderful job of letting me immediately fall into the characters' lives and connect with each of them. As much as I wanted more in the ending, I also realize things weren't that way during those times. She stayed true to the era, but left enough of a hint to let my imagination run wild with the wind. ;-)
September 17, 2020
Two damaged souls come together to mend their wounded spirits.
Jack McClean has seen the worst of humanity during the war and just wants to find a quiet place to finish out his life. When he comes across an unconscious woman next to a burned out home, Jack is given the opportunity to change his path.
Savannah Logan lost her faith in God with the deaths of her husband and two children. She’s living-barely- day-to-day when a fire destroys the one thing she has left- her home. Now she just wants to curl up and wait to die, but an aimless drifter arrives on her doorstep and gives her the will to live.
This short story has all the feel-goods of a much longer novel. I quickly became invested in Jack and Savannah and their journey. Hopefully, there will be more about these two in an upcoming book!
Second chances can be right around the corner- don’t give up.
Jack McClean has seen the worst of humanity during the war and just wants to find a quiet place to finish out his life. When he comes across an unconscious woman next to a burned out home, Jack is given the opportunity to change his path.
Savannah Logan lost her faith in God with the deaths of her husband and two children. She’s living-barely- day-to-day when a fire destroys the one thing she has left- her home. Now she just wants to curl up and wait to die, but an aimless drifter arrives on her doorstep and gives her the will to live.
This short story has all the feel-goods of a much longer novel. I quickly became invested in Jack and Savannah and their journey. Hopefully, there will be more about these two in an upcoming book!
Second chances can be right around the corner- don’t give up.
December 10, 2020
The first sentence in "Brazos Wind" by Jan Sikes foreshadows the life of a drifter will change in the 1865 western short story: "As sure as the wind can change the course of a river, life has a way of turning a man's direction." Jack McClean is a cowboy with a seedy past that keeps him moving aimlessly. He stumbles upon a burned cabin and discovers a woman, Savannah, with no sign of life. He takes her under his care, and they both find a new purpose in their life.
Author Jan Sikes has written a poignant western with a powerful theme of how two people can find new meaning in their lives due to their chance meeting. Even though Jack McClean is a cowboy with a seamy past, he has a heart of gold as he tries to help Savannah find new meaning in her life after the tragic loss of her family. The dialogue is natural and captures the old west dialect.
"Brazos Wind" is an uplifting story of how two people can help each other go beyond their tragedy and find a new direction in life. Highly recommended.
Author Jan Sikes has written a poignant western with a powerful theme of how two people can find new meaning in their lives due to their chance meeting. Even though Jack McClean is a cowboy with a seamy past, he has a heart of gold as he tries to help Savannah find new meaning in her life after the tragic loss of her family. The dialogue is natural and captures the old west dialect.
"Brazos Wind" is an uplifting story of how two people can help each other go beyond their tragedy and find a new direction in life. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2020
Jack McClean is burned out with his life of drifting, moving, and fighting, but he hasn't found any where to settle or anyone to create a home with. He is riding near the Brazos River when he sees smoke and, on investigation, discovers a burned down homestead. The only survivor, a woman called Savannah, is in a terrible state and he is compelled to help her.
As Savannah starts to recover and heal, she shares the sad story of the deaths of her husband and children. Although the fire was an accident, she had lost the will to live by the time it occurred.
This is a story of redemption as both Jack and Savannah rediscover reasons for living. There are hints at a potential romance although the book ends before this aspect develops.
This is a quick and pleasant read that will leave you feeling good.
As Savannah starts to recover and heal, she shares the sad story of the deaths of her husband and children. Although the fire was an accident, she had lost the will to live by the time it occurred.
This is a story of redemption as both Jack and Savannah rediscover reasons for living. There are hints at a potential romance although the book ends before this aspect develops.
This is a quick and pleasant read that will leave you feeling good.
September 29, 2020
A wonderful western short story. Jack McClean finds Savannah Logan on the brink of death outside her burning farmhouse. In a nutshell, what follows demonstrates how kindness can not only save a life, but heal a soul. As Jack helps Savannah, he changes both of their futures.
There are no bad guys in this short story beyond chance and bad luck. Like life for many of us. The story is expertly crafted with well-rounded believable characters. It leaves off with a hint of more to come and I hope the author follows through. A lovely read.
There are no bad guys in this short story beyond chance and bad luck. Like life for many of us. The story is expertly crafted with well-rounded believable characters. It leaves off with a hint of more to come and I hope the author follows through. A lovely read.
November 30, 2022
The author created a lovely story of hope and a new beginning with two interesting characters. This is a short story that could have a sequel to continue the story.
I was drawn into the character of Jack McLean who is a drifter with demons of his own when he comes across Savannah Logan on a burning homestead. He feels compelled to help Savannah until she can get back on her feet.
A story that has much promise and begs to be a full-length story. I would love to learn more about this intriguing character, Jack McLean.
An enjoyable short read that leaves one wanting more by this talented author.
I was drawn into the character of Jack McLean who is a drifter with demons of his own when he comes across Savannah Logan on a burning homestead. He feels compelled to help Savannah until she can get back on her feet.
A story that has much promise and begs to be a full-length story. I would love to learn more about this intriguing character, Jack McLean.
An enjoyable short read that leaves one wanting more by this talented author.
April 27, 2021
This western short story takes the reader on a ride with the protagonist, Jack McClean. And as the pages turn, and Jack crosses the rough Texas terrain, readers get to know this mysterious character. His no-nonsense approach to life hides a tender heart. When he comes upon a woman in distress, readers experience the possibility of a romance. This story is short and sweet. To top it off, it is well-crafted and well-written.
September 11, 2020
It is the start of what appears to be a great story. No gunfight or bad guys chasing '
All sorts of different people. Would like to read more about the war and his part in it. And if they get together.
All sorts of different people. Would like to read more about the war and his part in it. And if they get together.
July 9, 2020
I decided to enjoy a sweet western romance this evening. I did not want the story to end. Very good!
August 31, 2022
FREE today (August 27, 2022) on Amazon.
September 1, 2020
Author Jan Sikes uses the 1880s in Texas as the background to her western short story. The hardship that Jack McClean faced after the war kept him moving, unable to find the right place to settle down. When he spots smoke from a fire, he decides to check it out. He discovers an unconscious wounded woman, Savannah Logan.
Jack is not the sort of man to walk away if there is a chance help. Ms. Sikes creates a man who cares for others. He is the hero of this story. Savannah has given up. The following excerpt, early on in this story, made me like this man and root for this woman. Their friendship begins with kindness.
“… Jack was pleased to see her eating the soup. Maybe she had every reason to want to die, but he wouldn’t be the one to help that along. He was done with having a hand in people dying. He remembered the locket in his pocket and fished it out. “Ms. Logan, I found this in the rubble and thought it might mean something to you.” When she touched the locket, she gasped. “Oh, thank you! My Henry gave it to me the day he asked me to marry him.” She opened it. “And look. The picture didn’t burn.” …”
Author Jan Sikes is a delightful storyteller. She uses her knowledge and love of Texas as a backdrop in many of her stories. I recommend this for fans of westerns who want to see into the real lives and hardships of people in that era. Odd however, that stories from that era are so relevant today.
Jack is not the sort of man to walk away if there is a chance help. Ms. Sikes creates a man who cares for others. He is the hero of this story. Savannah has given up. The following excerpt, early on in this story, made me like this man and root for this woman. Their friendship begins with kindness.
“… Jack was pleased to see her eating the soup. Maybe she had every reason to want to die, but he wouldn’t be the one to help that along. He was done with having a hand in people dying. He remembered the locket in his pocket and fished it out. “Ms. Logan, I found this in the rubble and thought it might mean something to you.” When she touched the locket, she gasped. “Oh, thank you! My Henry gave it to me the day he asked me to marry him.” She opened it. “And look. The picture didn’t burn.” …”
Author Jan Sikes is a delightful storyteller. She uses her knowledge and love of Texas as a backdrop in many of her stories. I recommend this for fans of westerns who want to see into the real lives and hardships of people in that era. Odd however, that stories from that era are so relevant today.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews