Tom Sharp: THE MAN AND THE LEGEND

by Charlie Steel

TOM The Man and the Legend (A Novel) is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, and carefully-woven mixture of fact and fiction about a young wounded Confederate soldier from Marion County, Missouri, who became a famous and respected Westerner.
Discharged from his enlistment, Tom Sharp joined a wagon train and traveled west. He aimed to earn his fortune, homestead a ranch, marry Katherine Durrett, the lovely young lady he was betrothed to, and start a family. On his dangerous and exciting quest, Sharp encountered renegades, Indians, and slavers--as well as frontiersmen who taught him how to survive in the mountains and on the plains.
Although many of the tales are based on actual events and adventures that Tom Sharp experienced, author Charlie Steel engages his craft as a master storyteller and embellishes and adds situations to honor the accomplishments and integrity of this great man from Colorado.
Tom Sharp's life, embellished or not, is a story that needs to be told. He was a soldier, buffalo hunter, meat provider for the California and Oregon gold miners, meat provider for the Union Pacific Railroad workers, multiline telegraph pole cutter for the railroad, deputy sheriff, rancher, established and ran a copper stamping mill, built and operated Buzzard Roost Trading Post, bred thoroughbred horses, raised cattle, and was an advocate for Indians, especially Chief Ouray and his band of Utes.
Steel writes a story that rivets the reader creating well-rounded characters that provide a unique and more realistic perspective of the WEST.

342 pages, Hardcover

Published August 30, 2023

About the author

Biography

Charlie Steel, Tale-Weaver Extraordinaire, is a novelist and internationally published author of short stories. Steel credits the catalyst for his numerous books and hundreds of short stories to be the result of being a voracious reader, along with having worked at many varied and assorted occupations. Some of his experiences include service in the Army, labor in the oil fields, in construction, in a foundry, and as a salvage diver. Early in his life he was recruited by the US Government and spent five years behind the Iron Curtain. Steel's work has been recognized and reviewed by various publications and organizations including Publisher's Weekly, Western Fictioneers, and Western Writers of America. Steel holds five degrees including a PhD. He continues to read, research, and collect western literature. Steel lives on an isolated ranch at the base of Greenhorn Mountain, in Southern Colorado.

(www.charliesteel.net)

Reviews

[Kevintipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Sharp: The Man And The Legend (A Novel) by Charlie Steel is a book that is fiction based on factual history. Historical fiction, the read is crafted to highlight Tom Sharp’s accomplishments from the late 1860s through the next several decades as Mr. Sharp formulates his businesses and helps others.

The book begins during the Civil War when Tom Sharp-is severely wounded in the service of the Army of the Confederate States of America. His wounds are so severe, he is released from duty by General Sterling Price. The General also arranges for Sharp to join a wagon train heading west. Sharpe does not want to return to the south. He plans to earn enough and have a high enough station in life to follow through on the marriage pact with the Durrett family. It had been agreed that once he was well established, he would marry 17-year-old Katherine. She barely knows him, but was full of admiration for his going to join the Confederate Army.

It takes him some time to heal enough that he can be a productive member of the wagon train. He eventually is and finds various ways to help his fellow travelers even when not all of them appreciate his efforts. As the group heads west on the Oregon/ California trail, Sharp realizes more and more how much he does not know. He also realizes more and more that it is time to leave the slowly moving wagon train and make his own way west. Encountering the man called Tex is another lucky break that helps make all of his dreams come true.

An interesting read, Tom Sharp: The Man And The Legend (A Novel) by Charlie Steel, is a solidly good blend of fact and fiction. While some author liberties are taken in the fictionalization of dialogue in relationships and other matters, it is clear that those fictionalizations and other details have a solid basis in fact.

Those interested in learning more on the man and his life will appreciate the nice list of subject resources found at the back of the book. Also appreciated are the numerous illustrations by Barabash Sviatoslav scattered throughout the 300 plus page read.

If you like westerns and western history, Tom Sharp: The Man And The Legend (A Novel) by Charlie Steel is a solidly good read. It certainly is well worth your time.

My reading copy came from the publisher, Condor Publishing.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2024

[Laiba Azeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around William Thomas Sharp, a former Civil War soldier who became noncombatant, due to severe injuries. His journey from being a wounded private to a successful businessman in the community surrounding the Huerfano River, Colorado is truly inspiring, depicting his tireless pursuit of his dreams.

The novel's fictitious characters feel as alive as the real characters in his life. The author’s writing technique made me feel like I am also living in Sharp’s world. Charlie Steel, has this interesting style of writing dialogues, some with a delightful touch of humor that I find amusing, such as the exchange:
“Are you calling me stupid?” – Willoughby
“If the word fits,” – Sharp

The plot twists involving side characters like Hilda, Raine, and Christopher add layers of complexity to the protagonist’s journey (won’t be giving away any spoilers).

Sharp's loyalty, devotion to his friends and family, and his willingness to help those in need make this novel a heartfelt read. The balance between Sharp’s dual core responsibilities - his family and his pursuit of justice while maintaining a flourishing business - is beautifully crafted by Steel.

This story is not just any person’s tale but a narrative of commitment, courage, and compassion. It plays like a movie in front of the reader’s eyes just as one goes through the story. It’s a must-read for historical fiction lovers and also any reader who enjoys lively yet adventurous experiences with a hint of love (Yes, Katherine is the character I am talking about here and no, I won’t be saying any further about it, everyone should read about it themselves.)

TOM SHARP’S ACTIONS SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT HIS CHARACTER, and that’s what I loved the most.

[Jennell Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kept me on my toes!

I dove headfirst into this book and let me tell you, it wasn't just a book, it was an adventure! The story grabbed me from the opening scene in the chaos of a Civil War field hospital and threw me right onto the unforgiving frontier with Tom Sharp.
This wasn't your typical shootouts-and-saloons Western. Sure, there was danger and excitement – facing down bandits, surviving the harsh terrain – but what really hooked me was Tom himself. A former Confederate soldier, he's trying to carve a new path out West, and man, is it a struggle. You see him grow from a wounded soldier into this resourceful frontiersman, but he's not alone.
Tex, a seasoned frontiersman, becomes his mentor, and their bond felt genuine. They taught each other, relied on each other, and you really root for them. But the story doesn't shy away from the hardships of life. Tom struggles with balancing his ambitions with his family back home. It made him a much more relatable character than your typical stoic Western hero.
Speaking of characters, this book is packed with them! From the gruff-but-wise Tex to the spirited Raine, each one felt real and added their own flavor to the story. There's even a portrayal of a Native American chief that made me stop and think about the cost of westward expansion.
Honestly, by the time I finished the last page, I felt like I'd been on this whole journey with Tom. The descriptions put me right there in the dusty plains and bustling towns. The action was fast-paced, and the characters were unforgettable. I also really liked the illustrations. If you're a fan of historical fiction or Western adventures, this book is a must-read.

[David Fitz-Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend is a satisfying read. It’s a rich blend of memoir, biography, and historical fiction, with the fictional elements propelling the story forward and keeping the pages turning. Some of the best moments belonged to a supporting character—an unstoppable woman named Raine—who brought energy, heart and determination to the tale.

The large 16-point font and compelling illustrations made for a fast, enjoyable reading experience. The cover design is strong and eye-catching, a great match for the story inside.

I’m glad I read Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend (A Novel) and I’m happy to recommend it, especially to readers who enjoy historical Westerns with a respectful nod to real-life frontier legends.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your cowboy hats, folks, because Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend is one wild ride you won't want to miss! This book is like a tumbleweed rolling through the pages, taking you on a dusty journey through the untamed frontier. With its mix of action, adventure, and a dash of romance, it's the perfect read for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned Western tale. So grab your boots and saddle up, because Tom Sharp's story is one you'll be talking about long after the sun sets on the prairie! 🤠📚

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend is a wonderful historical fiction Western that takes readers on a journey through the life of a remarkable man. From his days as a wounded Confederate soldier to his adventures in the Wild West, Tom Sharp's story is both truly amazing. What I enjoyed most about this book was the way it seamlessly blends fact with fiction, creating a vivid and immersive narrative that kept me hooked until the very end.