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The Provider Saga #1
The Provider
When Will Bentley was nine years old, he promised his dying father that he would take care of the family. Growing up quickly, Will provided whatever his mother and sister needed, whether that meant putting food on the table, fixing a leaky roof, or driving off troublemakers. This became more than Will’s duty. It became his identity. Then war took him away. Now, Will’s coming home to Texas. Caring for his family and the intriguing young woman next door will be a tall order. The economy is dead, corrupt bluebellies are on the prowl, and old enemies want Will’s land, his women, and his life. It’s enough to break a man. But Will Bentley is no ordinary man. He is The Provider.
The Provider is a classic Western with a touch of romance.
The Provider is a classic Western with a touch of romance.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
1156 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 30, 2024
Really good story!
I really bloggers this book! I am going to get the others in this series.†*********************************************************************************
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I don't love that Amazon forces you to write more or it won't let you submit. Amazon seems to be really messing up..... ALOT!!!!!!!!!
I really bloggers this book! I am going to get the others in this series.†*********************************************************************************
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I don't love that Amazon forces you to write more or it won't let you submit. Amazon seems to be really messing up..... ALOT!!!!!!!!!
March 11, 2024
Excellent story
Adventuresome describing coming of the West with pistols but also the sadness of the the continuation of the hard feelings between north and south.
Adventuresome describing coming of the West with pistols but also the sadness of the the continuation of the hard feelings between north and south.
August 9, 2025
Brilliant story
Deacon writes with such a lovely for the genre that it shines through on every page. A brilliant read for any western fan.
Deacon writes with such a lovely for the genre that it shines through on every page. A brilliant read for any western fan.
January 12, 2024
Just when you think he can't possibly write a better book, John Deacon does it again. You'll feel right at home with these characters.
February 23, 2024
Great addition to all of John Deacon’s books!
Can’t wait to read book 2 of The Provider. Loved Will Bentley —hard to believe a man like that came from picking cotton and being a Masonary in another state, although that would develop powerful muscles in his shoulders and arms and hands. Love it also when a white man can partner up with a good black man. Yeah Rufus! I am sure Mr. Weatherspoon will get his comeuppance like his son in the next book. I always hate to see a good house that comes from hard work burn down. Loved the horse stories and their character. I am glad Officer Culp was a good, honest man. Sometimes I get really tired of the crooked sheriffs, judges, rich men of these western towns, but I guess they gotta have them in these stories. It is really refreshing when there’s a sheriff that does his duty and is honest.
Can’t wait to read book 2 of The Provider. Loved Will Bentley —hard to believe a man like that came from picking cotton and being a Masonary in another state, although that would develop powerful muscles in his shoulders and arms and hands. Love it also when a white man can partner up with a good black man. Yeah Rufus! I am sure Mr. Weatherspoon will get his comeuppance like his son in the next book. I always hate to see a good house that comes from hard work burn down. Loved the horse stories and their character. I am glad Officer Culp was a good, honest man. Sometimes I get really tired of the crooked sheriffs, judges, rich men of these western towns, but I guess they gotta have them in these stories. It is really refreshing when there’s a sheriff that does his duty and is honest.
January 17, 2024
Will Bentley fought for the Confederacy during the war. He was not a fan of slavery but cared deeply for his Republic of Texas. After the war, Texas was overrun with reconstructionists and those that supported the south were doing poorly. Will was working in Colorado when he gets a telegram that his sister had been kidnapped. She was being forced into marriage and he had to get home to save her. What he found was chaos. He found the Union army, wealthy land owners who buy favors, capetbaggers and murderers. Innocents are looking to Will for help, but what could he possibly do for them. What he did, was positively ingenious and the adventure flowed thoughout the entire book. I am already looking forward to Book 2 in this series.
February 7, 2024
He came home from the Civil War with one over riding ambition; to provide for his family.
But there were a great many people in the defeated state of Texas who stood in his way. The few with money and power against the many who had none and had even lost their homes because they couldn't even pay back taxes on their land.
This is what our hero came home to. But also to so much more.
He came home to the girl he would marry and to the many friends and followers who would stand shoulder to shoulder with them when he needed them most.
A good story, well written. I will read more of John Deacon.
But there were a great many people in the defeated state of Texas who stood in his way. The few with money and power against the many who had none and had even lost their homes because they couldn't even pay back taxes on their land.
This is what our hero came home to. But also to so much more.
He came home to the girl he would marry and to the many friends and followers who would stand shoulder to shoulder with them when he needed them most.
A good story, well written. I will read more of John Deacon.
May 27, 2024
Carpetbaggers!
After the war was a horrendous time for so many families. While losing their men to battle the home fronts were left unprotected from looters
Wills family knew he would be their salvation while working his way from Colorado where he had worked and sent money home
But without homes and their men many women were left alone. Wills neighbor and childhood friend had grown into a lively young woman
Reading about these times is not only educational but a lesson in life!
After the war was a horrendous time for so many families. While losing their men to battle the home fronts were left unprotected from looters
Wills family knew he would be their salvation while working his way from Colorado where he had worked and sent money home
But without homes and their men many women were left alone. Wills neighbor and childhood friend had grown into a lively young woman
Reading about these times is not only educational but a lesson in life!
February 5, 2024
Honor
John Deacon does a great job describing the horrors of the Reconstruction era in Texas. His story of the Bentleys gives the reader an eye-witness account of the corruption and predation by evil men that preyed upon the residents of the defeated Confederacy following the Civil War. It would take men with honor, like Will Bentley and Captain Culp, to steer a path to the future.
John Deacon does a great job describing the horrors of the Reconstruction era in Texas. His story of the Bentleys gives the reader an eye-witness account of the corruption and predation by evil men that preyed upon the residents of the defeated Confederacy following the Civil War. It would take men with honor, like Will Bentley and Captain Culp, to steer a path to the future.
February 22, 2025
John Deacon has done it again! The Provider was exciting from start to finish.
I'd just finished Lip Callaway and realized that I needed to backtrack to read The Provider so that I could get Kills backstory. The Provider was so awesome that after starting it before dawn, I read straight through and finished by 11:30 am. Now it's on to The Provider 2! Great way to spend a lazy Saturday.
I'd just finished Lip Callaway and realized that I needed to backtrack to read The Provider so that I could get Kills backstory. The Provider was so awesome that after starting it before dawn, I read straight through and finished by 11:30 am. Now it's on to The Provider 2! Great way to spend a lazy Saturday.
February 1, 2024
Well written
I never leave reviews...I read probably 2 novels a day and if I like the author I simply keep reading his works. Mr Deacon writes well and reminds me of CJ Petit whom I've enjoyed for years. As a matter of fact I've read all of his novels and he was the first to get me hooked back on cowboys, after Zane Grey that is. Well done Mr Deacon.
Sincerely, Richard P Howe
I never leave reviews...I read probably 2 novels a day and if I like the author I simply keep reading his works. Mr Deacon writes well and reminds me of CJ Petit whom I've enjoyed for years. As a matter of fact I've read all of his novels and he was the first to get me hooked back on cowboys, after Zane Grey that is. Well done Mr Deacon.
Sincerely, Richard P Howe
February 4, 2024
Great Storyline
Love this story about the return of soldiers to Texas after Civil War ended. Majority of them just wanted to get back to their lives but evil people kept them from doing so and they had to fight for normalcy. Unfortunately, we haven’t grown from it in the time since as Vietnam War Veterans were shamefully treated when they returned.
I look forward to Part 2
Love this story about the return of soldiers to Texas after Civil War ended. Majority of them just wanted to get back to their lives but evil people kept them from doing so and they had to fight for normalcy. Unfortunately, we haven’t grown from it in the time since as Vietnam War Veterans were shamefully treated when they returned.
I look forward to Part 2
February 6, 2024
The Provider (review)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Texas after the Civil War. My great grandfather was in the Confederate Calvary. Will Bentley was a standup man who loved his family and always provided for them from the time he was nine years old.
This is a different kind of western, and I really enjoyed reading it!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Texas after the Civil War. My great grandfather was in the Confederate Calvary. Will Bentley was a standup man who loved his family and always provided for them from the time he was nine years old.
This is a different kind of western, and I really enjoyed reading it!
March 9, 2024
5 Stars
Will Bentley from the age of 9 had been the man of the house since his pa had been murdered by a passing drifter. When he gets a telegram from his mother telling him he's needed at home. He returns to Texas where the blue bellies and reconstructionist are making life hard for everyone.
Will Bentley from the age of 9 had been the man of the house since his pa had been murdered by a passing drifter. When he gets a telegram from his mother telling him he's needed at home. He returns to Texas where the blue bellies and reconstructionist are making life hard for everyone.
March 9, 2024
A Hero Story of the Old West
The background story of soldiers returning home to re-build their lives after the Civil War despite Carpetbagger Rule exemplified the strength of southerners. And, the story of Will & Maggie becoming a family against all odds is a highlight, but the pioneer spirit between Will & Rufus of how strong partnerships build empires. Great read.
The background story of soldiers returning home to re-build their lives after the Civil War despite Carpetbagger Rule exemplified the strength of southerners. And, the story of Will & Maggie becoming a family against all odds is a highlight, but the pioneer spirit between Will & Rufus of how strong partnerships build empires. Great read.
March 15, 2024
Past or present
Was this a story of the past or a story of your present feelings of the North? I couldn't tell and that was a real turn off for me. Maggie was a tiresome childish woman. The hero was foolish to leave the women unprotected.
And slavery was definitely not on its way out.
Was this a story of the past or a story of your present feelings of the North? I couldn't tell and that was a real turn off for me. Maggie was a tiresome childish woman. The hero was foolish to leave the women unprotected.
And slavery was definitely not on its way out.
June 21, 2024
great read!
With the “woke” ninnies destroying our history it is good to know that some of it is preserved in books like this, although just a story, the truth of reconstruction after the Civil War is described. Texans suffered , and cattle industry did help overcome. Thank you Mr Deacon for a story well told.
With the “woke” ninnies destroying our history it is good to know that some of it is preserved in books like this, although just a story, the truth of reconstruction after the Civil War is described. Texans suffered , and cattle industry did help overcome. Thank you Mr Deacon for a story well told.
August 2, 2024
Will didn't worry!
I liked Will's attitude to not worry! He just prepared and waited. I liked his sharing cash and meat with his neighbors. His kindnesses to his friends. I admired his grit and taking his guns up again to fight for freedom again! Carpetbaggers were a blight in our history!
I liked Will's attitude to not worry! He just prepared and waited. I liked his sharing cash and meat with his neighbors. His kindnesses to his friends. I admired his grit and taking his guns up again to fight for freedom again! Carpetbaggers were a blight in our history!
May 21, 2025
What a start to Will and Maggie?
I’m reading the series all out of order but who cares! Provider 1 was finished in 2 days! Yes, I had to read a lot but wow what a story! Action packed from start to finish. Honestly, would love to meet Will, Maggie, Rose, Rufus, Clyde, the whole gang. Mr Deacon had definitely got me hooked on these characters!
I’m reading the series all out of order but who cares! Provider 1 was finished in 2 days! Yes, I had to read a lot but wow what a story! Action packed from start to finish. Honestly, would love to meet Will, Maggie, Rose, Rufus, Clyde, the whole gang. Mr Deacon had definitely got me hooked on these characters!
May 30, 2025
I read this book for a bookclub and it isn't my cup of tea. I found the writing to be repetitive and the constant references to Texas being great were unbearable. I thought the story was generally interesting and I'm sure someone who likes westerns would probably like this series. It's just not for me.
July 13, 2025
a texan confederate
I had never read a story about the civil war that was not about slavery. This book shared a story of a soldier who wore gray and fought for the south and secession. Different reading but a side where the confederates came home to witness the south’s destruction.
I had never read a story about the civil war that was not about slavery. This book shared a story of a soldier who wore gray and fought for the south and secession. Different reading but a side where the confederates came home to witness the south’s destruction.
September 1, 2025
I never read Westerns but took a chance with this one. The author said he grew up with Bonanza, Gunsmoke, etc and so did I. This book was set a little bit after the end of the Civil War and enlightened me about what occurred in many parts of the south during the Reconstruction. It was good if you’re into Westerns.
December 5, 2025
A fight is a lonely bedfellow.
Will has guts and grit to stand up for his home and family. Both and South were dire enemies but in this must read tale sometimes the lines are blurred. Tragedy struck many in the war between the states but men like will prevailed. Taking a wife was his best treasure. Please read this book you will be so enlightened.
Will has guts and grit to stand up for his home and family. Both and South were dire enemies but in this must read tale sometimes the lines are blurred. Tragedy struck many in the war between the states but men like will prevailed. Taking a wife was his best treasure. Please read this book you will be so enlightened.
January 24, 2024
Great
Great story and I have enjoyed all of Mr Deacons books. Keep them coming off the press. I especially enjoy the absence of vulgarity and profanity in your books. Waiting foe your next one.
Great story and I have enjoyed all of Mr Deacons books. Keep them coming off the press. I especially enjoy the absence of vulgarity and profanity in your books. Waiting foe your next one.
January 31, 2024
Great start to a great story
If I can't read competition then John Deacon is a great second. A good representation of how the federal govt treated those who survived the civil war and tried to return to their former lives in the south. Truly an enjoyable read. Thank you John!
If I can't read competition then John Deacon is a great second. A good representation of how the federal govt treated those who survived the civil war and tried to return to their former lives in the south. Truly an enjoyable read. Thank you John!
February 1, 2024
This was a awesome story!
Loved the trick she taught the stallion! I love Quarter Horse's, not super excited about roan's though my sister has had a few really good ones, but Clyde won me over! Can't wait for the next one!
Loved the trick she taught the stallion! I love Quarter Horse's, not super excited about roan's though my sister has had a few really good ones, but Clyde won me over! Can't wait for the next one!
February 2, 2024
good story
As always this author tells a great story. You just can’t quit reading till the book is finished and then he leaves you waiting for the next book. Great main characters, good intrigue, plots and adventure
As always this author tells a great story. You just can’t quit reading till the book is finished and then he leaves you waiting for the next book. Great main characters, good intrigue, plots and adventure
February 3, 2024
Excellent story of Texas after the war
Story has a lot of remarkable men and a lot of scoundrels. Strong women with guts and strength. Very enjoyable read. Highly recommended for all readers.
Story has a lot of remarkable men and a lot of scoundrels. Strong women with guts and strength. Very enjoyable read. Highly recommended for all readers.
February 3, 2024
awesome read
Will and his friends and family make for exciting reading. Fascinating plot with historical tidbits and descriptions of old weaponry rank this author as the real deal!!!
Will and his friends and family make for exciting reading. Fascinating plot with historical tidbits and descriptions of old weaponry rank this author as the real deal!!!
February 6, 2024
Great book
Will Bentley just returning from the Civil war found his home in North Texas in a turmoil from the reconstruction. After finding and rescuing his sister he must worry about the Sheriff. Good book.
Will Bentley just returning from the Civil war found his home in North Texas in a turmoil from the reconstruction. After finding and rescuing his sister he must worry about the Sheriff. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews