Calder Country

Calder Brand #4

by Janet Dailey

1920s, Blue Moon, Montana. The small cattle town is alight with the excitement of cars, telephones, and airplanes. But as new inventions and new roles for women collide with Prohibition and the rising battle between gangsters and the FBI, Blue Moon finds itself—and some of its most infamous residents and powerful families—at a crossroads, and in battles of their own, between hearts and minds . . .

Heir to the Hollister Ranch on his mother’s side, Mason Dollarhide is back home after a five-year prison sentence for smuggling bootleg liquor. Cynical and daring, he’s already up to his old tricks, having his goods trafficked to him by plane. . . . Until the pilot is injured in a crash and captured by federal agents.

Ruby Weaver learned to fly from her smuggler father. To keep him out of prison, she agrees to take over his route and go undercover to help the Feds break up a bootlegging ring. Mason is only one part of that large operation, but he’s the rugged, rebellious, and tantalizingly irreverent part that makes an impression. Against her better judgement, Ruby finds herself falling for him, fighting an attraction that could jeopardize them both, while harboring a secret that could destroy any hope of a future together . . .

Mason has never met a woman quite like Ruby. Not only is she brave and beautiful, but she somehow understands his ways—and may even inspire him to change them. The first step will be trusting her enough to open his heart . . .

While the fire between Ruby and Mason smolders, other star-crossed Blue Moon romances blaze, as old family rivalries between the Dollarhides and the Calders continue. But when tables unexpectedly turn, some dreams may go up in smoke . . .

The epic tale of the settling of the American West comes to vivid life in this inspiring saga of love, hope, and endurance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Historical

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2024

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

[Sara Lemmonade · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

😈 Content Warnings
• Bootlegging, crime & smuggling
• Prison history & legal danger
• Minor violence (crashes, confrontations)
• Emotional secrets & deception

💕 Tropes
• Reformed outlaw × undercover pilot
• Small-town Western family saga
• Slow‑burn romance
• Prohibition-era setting
• Family rivalry (Dollarhide vs Calder)
• Found second chances

📖 Perfect for Readers Who Liked/similar books…
• Yellowstone (TV & books) fans
• Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle (cozy saga feel)
• A Calder at Heart by Janet Dailey (same series)

🧭 Age Recommendation
15+

💗 Quote
“Against her better judgement, Ruby finds herself falling for him, fighting an attraction that could jeopardize them both.”  

🎵 Song Match
“Long Black Train” by Josh Turner

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about this period in history. The story was interesting and I liked that there were real people in the story.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a romance novel set against the rugged, picturesque backdrop of Montana. The story follows the powerful Calder family, whose lives are intertwined with the land and the legacy they've built. Full of family drama, passion, and conflicts rooted in loyalty and ambition, this novel captures the intensity of family bonds and the challenges of love in a harsh, unforgiving landscape. Fans of family sagas and Western romance will enjoy this immersive, emotionally charged story.
Thank you to Janet Dailey, NetGalley and Kensington for the arc of this book

[Manda Bartlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won in a goodreads giveaway; all thoughts are mine. 2.5 rounded down.
It felt very fluffy & while you can just pick this book up & read it without reading the rest of the series, I feel like that gives you a disconnect with the characters and you aren’t really able to connect with them as much from just this one book. Probably should read the whole series in order, though I appreciate being able to fully understand everything without having read any of the others

[Kaity ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of the series! 😢 I never liked Mason much, so him being the lead in this made it difficult for me to connect. I liked Ruby a lot and our familiar characters of course! The smuggling stuff never interested me either and it felt a bit repetitive. I love this series so much but this one was just okay for me!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calder Country by Janet Dailey is the fourth in her Calder Brand series, although she has been writing about the Calders for years. It’s Montana, 1924, in the very short summer in that part of the country. Mason Dollarhide has come home after spending four years in prison for bootlegging. He doesn’t have much money but plans to get some more when the bank opens in the morning. When he arrives there in the morning, he discovers his mother has taken all the money out and closed the account. The bank manager, someone Mason had known for years, lent him $100 and Mason set off for home. His mother was kind of a mess and there was no one in the house but for her and her elderly butler. The ranch didn’t look k too good, either. He had to get away and so decided to visit the airshow for which he had gotten a flyer advertising a free flight in a plane. He paid double for the right to have the young woman be his pilot and never regretted it. He worked on the ranch and looked for the money. When he finally found it, buried beneath the tombstone of his mother’s dog, he was ready to start selling bootlegged liquor. Things had changed in the time he’d been away. They brought in the booze by plane now, and who should the pilot be?

One thing about Calder stories is they always have endings. None of this open-ended stuff for Janet Dailey. This one did, too, but it was far from what it looked like it was going to be. Mason grew up after he came home and saw how the business was really run. He really wanted no part of it. He was a good character, a flawed man who wanted to make his own way. He made some bad choices but that turned around for him. Everything got worse, as criminal enterprises tend to but then it got better, lots better. It was a well-plotted book with a variety of characters, some rich and full-bodied, some as thin as paper. There will be more. It’s always good to be in Calder country. Thanks, Janet Dailey!

I was invited to read Calder Country by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #JanetDailey #CalderCountry

[Joanne Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's step back in time to the 20's, for a story of bootlegging, family rivalry, love and evading the law.

Book 4 in this series, but it is the first one I have read. Ruby, our leading lady is a strong, courageous pilot who ends up in a perilous situation after her trusting and naive father just wanting to set her up for the future has them working in the bootlegging business for ruthless underworld players.

Mason Dollarhide is the leading man, looking to make money the quickest way possible and even after spending time in prison for dabbling in the bootlegging business, he returns home with new tips and tricks to make it bigger than before in the illegal business, what he didn't count on was the connection he would have with Ruby.

While this is the love story and connection between Ruby and Mason, there is a sub love story in the book between Britta the schoolteacher, and Sheriff Jake which is one of missed opportunities, overcoming injury to rebuild a life.

But let's not stop there, this book also delves into the struggles of young Joseph, Masons son. Not having read the previous books to see how they end and set up for the next book, I have to assume that this ending was setting the scene for Joseph to be the lead in the next story otherwise it was an odd way to finish the book.

Overall, it was ok read, I would have loved to see the story focus more on the lead characters and their story and building the connection, however, it flitted about between different stories/characters which lost some of the potential build up and investment in the main characters story.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saga continues with Mason released from jail for bootlegging during the time of prohibition. Heading back home with big ideas and inside information from a fellow prisoner that happens to be connected to the outside world of trafficking Canadian whiskey. Times have changed in the five years imprisoned and his mother was not the welcoming person he had hoped for. Contacting the gangster with his information from his prison mentor, he starts his bootlegging business again. Although now deliveries are being flown in and the pilot is a woman he has met at an Air Show. Why is she doing such dangerous, illegal trafficking of prohibited goods?
Ruby along with her father Art are flying across the country while their airshow and offering rides. She is still clocking in hours to get her pilot license, but when a handsome man offers double the cost of a 15 minute flight to Art, with the stipulation she pilots the plane her dad can’t refuse. Ruby is put out by being manipulated! Can’t abide the man. Her father always looking to make a fast buck now has them mixed up flying illegal cargo to various bootleggers and small world that it is, crosses paths with Mason when making her delivery.
A good inside look during the 1920’s and Prohibition. There are gangsters, a few recognizable names from that time period. Also a couple other stories interwoven with the main story. Helps if you read previous books for the background history of the characters. Ends with a hint of the next story. Thank you for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own. #CalderCountry #CalderBrandSeries #JanetDailey #Kensingstonbooks #BTC

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Janet Dailey brings us another story of the Dollarhide family. We meet Mason Dollarhide as he returns home from his time in prison for smuggling bootleg liquor. Once home, he must find a way to get his mother to trust him enough to give him access to the Dollarhide money to start up a bigger and better version of what sent him to prison. He then meets pilot Ruby Weaver whose father ends up in prison after being caught in smuggling bootleg liquor. She must word with the Feds to keep her father out of working hard labor and to keep herself out of prison. As a result, Mason and Ruby end up working together often as she drops off shipments to him.

Janet Dailey brings us into the world of the mafia and the dangers of transporting bootleg liquor. This brings Ruby into Mason's world, but what happens when she intrigues him? Will Ruby ever be able to get herself and her father out of this business? What happens when Mason learns something that will affect both him and Ruby? Will they ever be able to get out, or is it too late for them?

I have received and read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this privilege.

[Geneva Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this series is continuing and the cliffhanger at the end of the novel. I love Janet Dailey books, especially the Calder series. This book did not disappoint with the suspense. It is the Yellowstone movie series in a book series before the movie ever was a twinkle in the eyes of the Yellowstone creator. I love the historical western/love story feel of the book. I loved the prohibition in Montana. I loved that the real characters from the prohibition time period showed up in this novel, Al Capone and J. Edgar Hoover. It made the people come alive. The storyline with the backdrop of the airplanes from WWI was exciting. However, my favorite part of the novel was the characters. I loved the Mason, Ruby, Joseph, Jake, and Britta. It was wonderful to pull in the Calder clan and other characters from the existing novels. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have Mason getting out to prison and determined to make money and quick. First he has to find where his mom hid all of the money she withdrew from the bank. Ruby and her dad are barely scraping by but the air show keeps them going. They travel through towns trying to make some money but her dad has his mind set on a way to make easy money. Ruby knows that doing the illegal work isn’t going to end well at all but she stays with her dad and goes along with what he says. Ruby never expected for things to take a drastic turn but when they do Mason is there to help and care for her. Will things settle down and workout or will they be casualties to something bigger than them? This was a great storyline and well likeable characters. It helps to understand some of the storyline if you have read some of her other books but you can read it as a standalone. I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason is a complex man who is out of prison and starting his life again. He wants to be rich, but he is also realizing that he wants what his brother has. A family. I don’t like how his entire family treats him where his biological son is concerned, but I do understand it in a way. Ruby is helping her dad by flying a plane to help bootleggers. From the moment Ruby and Mason meet there is a connection between them.

Multiple stories play out in this book and kept me turning the pages. While delivering product, Mason and Ruby start getting to know each other, but she tries to keep him an arms length away because she isn’t being honest with him. When they finally admit and act on what they feel, the truth comes out and Ruby is in danger. Mason steps up to protect her at this point.

I enjoyed the pace and multiple story lines in this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small cattle town of Blue Moon, Montana, 1920s, some people had it all while others fought to make a living to support themselves. Some stuck to honest work while others went for the money to be made transporting bootleg liquor during Prohibition. Pilot Art Weaver started out doing honest work. That all changed when he was approached by shady individuals with an offer he couldn’t refuse. All he wanted was a better, easier life for his daughter, Ruby, but that isn’t what he got.

The story also follows Mason Dollarhide, his mother, his half-brother, Blake, Mason’s biological son, Joseph, who is being raised by Blake as his own, and others. There is romance, danger, murder, deceit, corruption, thievery, and more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kate Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good and had such a unique storyline. I’ve never read a love story quite like this, and it absolutely cured my itch for a fictional historical romance. The story is filled with suspenseful adventure paired with a slow-burn romance that doesn’t get too saucey, and I loved how unexpected characters quietly grew into heroes along the way.

The strong female lead was one of my favorite parts—especially the fact that she’s a plane mechanic. That detail alone made her feel refreshingly different and grounded, and it added so much depth to her character.

So far, the Calder series has not disappointed. The stories feel very reminiscent of Yellowstone, but without all the kinky or weird elements—just solid storytelling, unique characters, and a setting that pulls you right in.

Highly recommend if you love historical fiction, romance, and adventurous Western-style stories.

[Merle Annette Boykin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Janet Dailey as an author when I came across series The Christmas Tree Ranch several years ago. I have read any of her books I have been lucky to win in Giveaways, Kindle Unlimited and purchased several so I could complete a series or two. Her books never fail to disappoint. In these times it is wonderful to be able to escape to small town life of Branding Iron and enjoy great romance, with some real life struggles and not have to deal with vulgar wording and trashy scenes. I wish I lived in a place and time that this was possible in the real world. I plan on working my way through as many of her books as I can. Give her a try and I can promise the stories will not disappoint.

[Florence Fales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Calder County is part of the Calder Brand series.
It takes place in the1920's during prohibition.
Mason Dollarhide is released from jail after getting caught bootlegging. He finds a new boss and goes back to it. His new boss uses a father-daughter team who use airplanes to deliver the bootlegged whiskey. Anyone can be caught by the Feds at anytime.
Pilot Art Murchison and his daughter Ruby make the runs whenever the boss says so.
Art is captured by the Feds. Ruby has to work with them to free her father. Mason is intrigued by the female pilot, Ruby. He eventually does everything to save her from the big bosses. Will they get closer after the friendship has formed? Romance and fear are always at the forefront.
Definitely a Goodread!!!!!

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is book four in the series, it is the first one I read. This is a story of a small town in Montana in the 1920s focused on prohibition, family feuds, and love. Ruby was my favorite character. I thought she was brave as a pilot and as a person working in a bootlegging operation her father naively got them into. Mason and her meet and continue meeting as Mason falls in love. Joseph is Mason’s estranged son who wants to become a pilot against his family’s wishes. Overall, this was an ok read. I liked how the plot moved, but the different perspectives and stories felt jolting against the backdrop of Mason and Ruby’s connection.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey's name on a new release insures readers of a good story featuring some of our favorite characters.....Calders.....and a little romantic drama added in to keep things interesting. Mason Dollarhide spent 5 years in prison for bootlegging but as soon as he's released, he starts right back in the illegal business. Why? Money and his failing ranch. Ruby is the pilot bringing in the liquor from Canada. Why? She's trying to keep her father out of jail. When these two meet, sparks fly, and I don't mean the good kind. But this wouldn't be a Janet Dailey story if the two didn't work through their challenges to find they are better together.

[Kanon M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time set in time manufacturing, transporting, and selling alcohol was illegal in the United States. Mason just came out from prison. He was imprisoned for violating the 18th Amendment - the transportation of alcohol in his case. A long time ago, I had to research the bootlegging operation, so I read how dangerous the operation was as it often involved mobsters. He met Ruby, who was the pilot for the operation, but she had a secret. Sometimes, the sense of danger spiced up the story.

I will classify this novel as a historical romance fiction. If you are interested in the history of bootlegging, this is an excellent book to read!

[Alicia Niles Kleckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The early 20tj century, automobiles are more popular and now airplanes have joined them. This story is part of the Calder Saga, a family of very successful ranchers. The Dollarhides are the front family in this story and are what we would call “frenemies” of the Calder’s. Oh to be living in a time with no cell phones or social media. This story takes you back to a time when families were very close and everyone contributed to the families success. Pick up one of these stories and be taken back to a time when things were a lot more simple! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathryn Piepho · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in the series and of course was drawn to a romance based during prohibition with some famous mobsters as minor characters. I also love reading books based in Big Sky Country as one of my favorite vacation locations. Now to the story, the characters (Mason and Ruby) felt underdeveloped and more one dimensional and didn’t feel fully flushed out. Mason and Ruby’s love story didn’t leave us smoldering for more. The ending was abrupt and left us like now what but not in a good way. I did receive this book as an ARC from Kensington on Goodreads so thank you for the opportunity to read more from Janet Dailey!

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risk vs reward - the lure of easy money tempts ex- con Mason Dollerhide to beat the odds and return to bootlegging liquor.
Pilot Art Weaver is also tempted. He wants to settle down with his beloved daughter, Ruby, also a pilot. Find out what happens when the Feds get involved. We are also introduced to Mason’s illegitimate son, Joseph, continuing family disharmony, both Dollerhides and Calders and a paralyzed sheriff, Jake. Looking forward to reading future books for answers.
I received a free copy in lieu of a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey's Calder Brand series has been a favorite of mine. I was lucky enough to win the latest book in the series on a Goodreads giveaway.
The story is set in 1924 during the prohibition years. The two main characters, Mason Dollarhide and Ruby Weaver, are both involved in bootlegging - him by choice and Ruby reluctantly brought into it by her father.
The story follows the two as they meet and end up working together.
Anything else I have to say about the book could be a spoiler for those who haven't read the book.

[Elaine Esan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for this book. I have enjoyed the previous books in the Calder series and I continue to do so with Calder Country. It is an enjoyable romance with authentic characters. All of Janet Dailey ‘s books in this series feature strong intelligent female characters., which is something that I look for in my reading material. Reading about prohibition, bootleggers and methods of distribution of liquor was very interesting . I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick easy read....a bit of a western, a bit of historical fiction, a bit of romance...
The author did a great job managing multiple story lines and merging them all in an unexpected way at the end...kept me reading all night.
However.... The last few paragraphs of the book are about a minor character and the idea that his future dreams and plans are squashed. Ummm....where did THAT come from? Yes...its a great way to bring readers back if there is to be a follow-up book, but should have been put in an epilogue, not as a conclusion to the final chapter.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story better than the end of the book. The author seemed to have gotten to a certain place in the story and thought, well that's enough, end it. She did wrap up all the story line, but it felt rushed to me. It is a story that takes place during prohibition, with smuggling and law enforcement. There is a bit of romance. and murder. Some mystery as to who was murdered by who? There are multiple books by this author with Calder in the title. I might try another book to see if I am missing something

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of all Janet Daily books and knowing others are carrying on her legacy by writing new books to keep the Calder story going is great.
Calder Country takes the story and gives readers more of how the saga continues and the writing is so good, and it pulled me into the story.
The Calder story continues, and I am so glad it is.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the copy of Calder Country. This is my personal review.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing story of the Calder's and Dollarhides. Love following the families of Blue Moon Montana in the twenties during Probation. Mason Dollarhide is out of prison now from his bootlegging charges and he goes right back to the same illegal behavior. New characters appear and new relationships happen.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this I thought there was lots of potatoes and no meat but never fear,,,, Janet Dailey came through again with lots of meat and potatoes even the gravy made for a good read. Romance, murder, intrigue it's all there for a complete enjoyment. I must say the 4 star instead of 5 is because of the ending. I always like it best when all the ends are tied up with a net bow. However I realize it is to peak an interest into what is next.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Montana early 1920s
All about bootleggers, didn’t really like this one. Mason is out of jail and get right back in to bootlegging. Ruby is a pilot and they @re using plane to move products and she gets caught and is informing agents about the business. Mason and Ruby hookup and she goes to his ranch and helps his mom while Mason goes to jail to info agents they get out and takeover the ranch and become legit.