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Ransom Canyon #0.5
Winter's Camp
New York Times best-selling author Jodi Thomas has captivated listeners around the world with her sweeping, heartfelt family sagas. To introduce her brand-new series, Jodi tells the story behind the unforgiving Texas landscape and how one man claims Ransom Canyon - and a timid beauty - for his legacy.
A wanderer's life was all James Randall Kirkland had known since he was an orphaned boy in San Antonio. And while years of adventure had satisfied his younger self, now he's longing to put down roots of his own and is prepared to go it alone. But when he sees the Apache slave woman with the startling blue eyes, the course of his journey is changed forever.
Ever since the Comanche raided her village and took her for their own, Millie hasn't known any kind of freedom. After years of being outcast, beaten, and traded from tribe to tribe, she's unprepared for James' patient tone and gentle ways. Still, as her handsome savior slowly earns her trust, Millie struggles between desire and fear, sure it's just a matter of time before James tires of her and her burgeoning feelings are nothing but another wasted memory.
A wanderer's life was all James Randall Kirkland had known since he was an orphaned boy in San Antonio. And while years of adventure had satisfied his younger self, now he's longing to put down roots of his own and is prepared to go it alone. But when he sees the Apache slave woman with the startling blue eyes, the course of his journey is changed forever.
Ever since the Comanche raided her village and took her for their own, Millie hasn't known any kind of freedom. After years of being outcast, beaten, and traded from tribe to tribe, she's unprepared for James' patient tone and gentle ways. Still, as her handsome savior slowly earns her trust, Millie struggles between desire and fear, sure it's just a matter of time before James tires of her and her burgeoning feelings are nothing but another wasted memory.
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First published July 28, 2015
322 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jodi Thomas
130 books2,505 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 7, 2021
James Randall Kirkland was a formidable Army captain and has spent the last seven years since the war’s end roaming Texas and beyond. Now he’s ready to set down roots and has decided on Ransom Canyon. It’s almost winter and he plans to spend it camping out on the land he’s earmarked. When he enters into the dangerous trading area to get the needed supplies, he sees a “mud woman” among the Comanche tribe and is stunned at her blue eyes, knowing she was captured at some point. She’s being horribly mistreated and decides in the moment to “purchase” her. James begins the painstaking process of reconnecting her with a world she no longer remembers.
I began this story without expectations as I’d forgotten the series had a prequel. The Texas territory is harsh and dangerous so the relationship that formed between James and Millie was lovely in its subtlety and tenderness. Both of them were emerging from tough environments and somehow ended up appearing destined to find one another. There’s a lot that happens before they forge a permanent union and the book seemed like a much longer story because of its richness. This was beautiful.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I began this story without expectations as I’d forgotten the series had a prequel. The Texas territory is harsh and dangerous so the relationship that formed between James and Millie was lovely in its subtlety and tenderness. Both of them were emerging from tough environments and somehow ended up appearing destined to find one another. There’s a lot that happens before they forge a permanent union and the book seemed like a much longer story because of its richness. This was beautiful.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 4, 2025
When I saw the trailer for the series, I knew I had to give the books a read. Obviously, I started with this prequel, and was pleasantly surprised to find it was set in the past (I did not read the blurb y'all).
It served as a nice intro to the world, and the audiobook was pretty good, as well as a quick listen! The romance was okay, I rooted for it by the end, but the beginnings of it were a bit questionable.
I think Millie's trauma should've been handled better, it was as if a few days of silence around James erased most of it. She was ready for him to touch her intimately and they hadn't even had a proper conversation yet. And of course he didn't tell her ...Also, he wasn't gonna originally, na-uh, you can't do that James!!! It ain't right.
Millie kinda faded into the background as the book went on, I can't say I liked that either, so hopefully the main books are better.
It served as a nice intro to the world, and the audiobook was pretty good, as well as a quick listen! The romance was okay, I rooted for it by the end, but the beginnings of it were a bit questionable.
I think Millie's trauma should've been handled better, it was as if a few days of silence around James erased most of it. She was ready for him to touch her intimately and they hadn't even had a proper conversation yet. And of course he didn't tell her ...Also, he wasn't gonna originally, na-uh, you can't do that James!!! It ain't right.
Millie kinda faded into the background as the book went on, I can't say I liked that either, so hopefully the main books are better.
March 21, 2025
Winter’s Camp by Jodi Thomas is my first book by this author. A Historical Fiction novelette about James Kirkland found a scared Apache woman, Millie. As he settles down on land he claimed in Ransom Canyon he takes Millie in. He learns her story that she is alone and afraid. Terrified he will leave her. James tries to reconnect her with her family, if she has family left.
Wonderful short story to begin a new series. Engaging with drama and romance. I will be reading more.
Wonderful short story to begin a new series. Engaging with drama and romance. I will be reading more.
November 1, 2015
4/5; 4 stars; A
I really enjoy this author and her specialty niche (in my mind) which is writing stories about people and communities.
This short story is only 87 pages long on my e-reader yet its a complete, thoroughly engaging story. Its the intro to a new series by Jodi Thomas.
I liked the snapshot look at one possible life story of an early settler family and community.
I really enjoy this author and her specialty niche (in my mind) which is writing stories about people and communities.
This short story is only 87 pages long on my e-reader yet its a complete, thoroughly engaging story. Its the intro to a new series by Jodi Thomas.
I liked the snapshot look at one possible life story of an early settler family and community.
May 22, 2025
The beginning was a little choppy/rough story-wise. I understood what the author was trying to accomplish in a quick manner, but it felt a little too forced to feel organic. Otherwise, it was a sweet (if not infuriating haha) story about how the Ransom Canyon was founded. We see a good bit of the history in the prequel so it was nice to finish having the pieces together. It also finished in a fast blink.
September 1, 2021
A great introduction into the Ransom Canyon series which I'm looking forward to. In Winter's Camp, we meet the patriarch of the clan and Millie, the mud woman, who becomes his wife. Their story is unique and heart touching. I loved every minute of it. Highly recommended to fans of historical western romance.
September 14, 2015
A good short read.
It was a hard life back then. I can't imagine going on a wagon train or trying to create a farm or ranch form open land. I think I was more interested in the feel of the past than the romance. Although the romance was sweet.
It was a hard life back then. I can't imagine going on a wagon train or trying to create a farm or ranch form open land. I think I was more interested in the feel of the past than the romance. Although the romance was sweet.
April 23, 2022
Winter's Camp
4 Stars
In the aftermath of the Civil War, former Confederate Captain James Randall Kirkland wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life on land of his own. However, when he spies a blue-eyed slave girl in an Apache trading camp, he makes a decision that will change his life forever. After surviving years of abuse, Millie is unprepared for the kindness and patience of the man who has bought her. Soon these two unlikely traveling companions forge a strong bond. But what will happen once they return to civilization?
Series note: This is the historical prequel novella to the contemporary Ransom Canyon series detailing the life of the town's founding father, James Randall Kirkland.
James and Millie's story is both heartbreaking yet also sweet and hopeful at the same time.
The details of the harsh and cruel life Millie endures as an outcast slave girl traded from one Native American tribe to another are sad and poignant. James's patience and caring in helping her emerge from her protective shell make him a truly amazing hero. The intimacy between them both physical and emotional is incredible.
In addition to the romance, Jodi Thomas has also created a wonderful secondary cast from the former slave who helps James trade with the Apache to the rangers who assist in finding Millie's family to the men and women he hires to work his land and build a ranch for the coming generations.
Overall, a fantastic romance and an excellent foundation for the series. I only wish there were more historical installments on some of the other characters introduced.
4 Stars
In the aftermath of the Civil War, former Confederate Captain James Randall Kirkland wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life on land of his own. However, when he spies a blue-eyed slave girl in an Apache trading camp, he makes a decision that will change his life forever. After surviving years of abuse, Millie is unprepared for the kindness and patience of the man who has bought her. Soon these two unlikely traveling companions forge a strong bond. But what will happen once they return to civilization?
Series note: This is the historical prequel novella to the contemporary Ransom Canyon series detailing the life of the town's founding father, James Randall Kirkland.
James and Millie's story is both heartbreaking yet also sweet and hopeful at the same time.
The details of the harsh and cruel life Millie endures as an outcast slave girl traded from one Native American tribe to another are sad and poignant. James's patience and caring in helping her emerge from her protective shell make him a truly amazing hero. The intimacy between them both physical and emotional is incredible.
In addition to the romance, Jodi Thomas has also created a wonderful secondary cast from the former slave who helps James trade with the Apache to the rangers who assist in finding Millie's family to the men and women he hires to work his land and build a ranch for the coming generations.
Overall, a fantastic romance and an excellent foundation for the series. I only wish there were more historical installments on some of the other characters introduced.
May 29, 2020
Winters Camp by Jodi Thomas gives a reader a small, yet powerful look at all the toughness and dangerous hardships the Settlers had to endure, to build their dreams. From the moment Millie comes in the picture, completely covered in mud, my heart went to her. So beautiful was this story. James buys her with a broken pocket watch, never dreaming she would come to mean so much to him. This back story to Jodi’s epic Ransom Canyon series is completely Wonderful!
May 19, 2025
A great start to the Ransom Canyon series. Loved it!
January 11, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Jodi Thomas. It was an enjoyable novella about a former soilder named James who, while trading, purchased an Indian slave named Millie. After buying the slave, he went on to build a ranch. The book is their love story. I haven’t read many Western Romances but I do enjoy the genre. I would not be adverse to reading other works by this author.
August 3, 2015
Winter's Camp is a Western set in Texas at a time when land was just beginning to be divided up for ranches and towns for the white people. This book is a prequel and kicks off a new series by Jodi Thomas - the Ransom Canyon series.
It's a short and gentle story, giving the background to the beginnings of the new town. James is a kind but resolute man. When he spots Millie being mistreated as a slave he buys her for 'nothing', because she is regarded as nothing.
Millie is at first reticent and unsure. However as James' kindness continues she begins to open up. So much so that by the time he is ready to start his new holdings she is ready to find herself before she gives herself to anyone.
When James seeks information about her family he finds out that one of them is still possibly alive. James tracks the family member because he wants Millie to be happy. But will doing this be a mistake - one he comes to regret?
I always enjoy a western, a left over from reading my Dad's westerns as a child when I couldn't find anything else. Winter's Camp promises an interesting new series and I look forward to reading Ransom Canyon very soon.
It's a short and gentle story, giving the background to the beginnings of the new town. James is a kind but resolute man. When he spots Millie being mistreated as a slave he buys her for 'nothing', because she is regarded as nothing.
Millie is at first reticent and unsure. However as James' kindness continues she begins to open up. So much so that by the time he is ready to start his new holdings she is ready to find herself before she gives herself to anyone.
When James seeks information about her family he finds out that one of them is still possibly alive. James tracks the family member because he wants Millie to be happy. But will doing this be a mistake - one he comes to regret?
I always enjoy a western, a left over from reading my Dad's westerns as a child when I couldn't find anything else. Winter's Camp promises an interesting new series and I look forward to reading Ransom Canyon very soon.
August 2, 2015
The gorgeous cover of Winter’s Camp caught my eye on Netgalley, plus I’m always down for anything historical. The Texas setting was described beautifully and I was drawn to James and Millie’s unconventional romance. This was a super quick novella that I whooshed through on my Kindle app during a day trip for work. As Winter’s Camp stands on it’s own, I really enjoyed it. However, I mistakenly thought it was intended to kick off a historical series. The next book, Ransom Canyon is set in the present which I found super disappointing. I tried reading Ransom Canyon and it just didn’t work for me since it was too big of a time jump from the novella. I understand that Thomas was trying to use Winter’s Camp to introduce the reader to the backstory of Ransom Canyon and how that area of Texas was settled, but it didn’t do much for me honestly. This isn’t a series I’ll be continuing but since I liked Thomas’ writing I fully intend to see if she has written any other historical novels since those are more my speed.
January 4, 2019
*4+ Stars*
For such a short story, I was really sucked in and invested in the characters! Not my usual expectation when you see a page count that low. New author for me and I was impressed. Definitely looking forward to more.
I listened to the audio and though Julia Gibson did a good job.
For such a short story, I was really sucked in and invested in the characters! Not my usual expectation when you see a page count that low. New author for me and I was impressed. Definitely looking forward to more.
I listened to the audio and though Julia Gibson did a good job.
April 20, 2025
I had read book 1 in this series, but only after the fact realized that there are 2 prequel books I was meant to read first. Winter’s Camp is the first one and its story takes us all the way back to the 1800s. James Kirkland rescues a blue eyed girl, kept as a slave by the Comanche tribe. He takes her with him, cares for her and they end up falling in love and settling on a ranch in a canyon in Texas.
It was a very simple and straightforward story. Not terribly well written or developed. Kind of boring even.
The only reason I didn’t hate it, is that it does give us a bit of a backstory to Ransom Canyon and its characters.
Hoping the other prequel will be better. So far the tv series is infinitely better than the books.
It was a very simple and straightforward story. Not terribly well written or developed. Kind of boring even.
The only reason I didn’t hate it, is that it does give us a bit of a backstory to Ransom Canyon and its characters.
Hoping the other prequel will be better. So far the tv series is infinitely better than the books.
July 20, 2017
Was so glad this was included in the newest Ransom Canyon book. Now I know the back story for this series, how it all got started. James and Mille had to learn to trust, and where James didn't want marriage, he didn't want anyone else to have Millie. Love this story.
June 5, 2025
A "Novella" for a beginning book/T.V series.
This was action packed, a very good love story, perfect characters for the part of " first descendants"
I will absolutely try the "prequel" now.
Watch the series only after the books though.
This was action packed, a very good love story, perfect characters for the part of " first descendants"
I will absolutely try the "prequel" now.
Watch the series only after the books though.
September 15, 2015
WINTER’S CAMP
Jodi Thomas
HQN
September 2015
A Ransom Canyon Novella
The amazing story of WINTER’S CAMP begins in the year 1872. Twenty-Nine-year old James Randall Kirkland is looking for acreage to purchase near Ransom Canyon in the northwestern part of Texas. Money that he inherited from his parents after their deaths when he was a child has been put in the bank over the years, along with his own earnings from the Army and other sources, will allow him to be able to finally put down roots. He trades his father’s broken watch for an abused Indian captive with the intention of finding her family. Kirkland has been warned that the woman will probably kill him in his sleep as she has been so mistreated her mind has snapped. Fortunately, Kirkland takes his chances on the female.
Eighteen-years-old Millie O’Grady expects to be used and beaten, and keeps covering her body with odorous mud to make her untouchable. She has no expectations of her life improving with Canyon Man, as she thinks of him. She hasn’t talked to him, and his acts of kindness are suspicious. She is waiting for him to show his true nature. However, for the first time in many years she has food in her belly, shoes made from the animal skins James has treated, and a fire to keep her warm at night. Maybe she should give her trust to Canyon Man James.
WINTER’S CAMP is the outstanding prelude to Jodi Thomas’ new “Ransom Canyon” series. Ms. Thomas’s beautiful narrative runs the gamut of emotions and James, Millie, and eventually her red haired, wild Indian brother will capture your heart. The descendants of the fabulous characters introduced in this wonderful novelette already have their first story ready for you to read entitled RANSOM CANYON, and this book is as fantastic as WINTER’S CAMP.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader
Jodi Thomas
HQN
September 2015
A Ransom Canyon Novella
The amazing story of WINTER’S CAMP begins in the year 1872. Twenty-Nine-year old James Randall Kirkland is looking for acreage to purchase near Ransom Canyon in the northwestern part of Texas. Money that he inherited from his parents after their deaths when he was a child has been put in the bank over the years, along with his own earnings from the Army and other sources, will allow him to be able to finally put down roots. He trades his father’s broken watch for an abused Indian captive with the intention of finding her family. Kirkland has been warned that the woman will probably kill him in his sleep as she has been so mistreated her mind has snapped. Fortunately, Kirkland takes his chances on the female.
Eighteen-years-old Millie O’Grady expects to be used and beaten, and keeps covering her body with odorous mud to make her untouchable. She has no expectations of her life improving with Canyon Man, as she thinks of him. She hasn’t talked to him, and his acts of kindness are suspicious. She is waiting for him to show his true nature. However, for the first time in many years she has food in her belly, shoes made from the animal skins James has treated, and a fire to keep her warm at night. Maybe she should give her trust to Canyon Man James.
WINTER’S CAMP is the outstanding prelude to Jodi Thomas’ new “Ransom Canyon” series. Ms. Thomas’s beautiful narrative runs the gamut of emotions and James, Millie, and eventually her red haired, wild Indian brother will capture your heart. The descendants of the fabulous characters introduced in this wonderful novelette already have their first story ready for you to read entitled RANSOM CANYON, and this book is as fantastic as WINTER’S CAMP.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader
February 12, 2024
I started out liking this, I was interested in seeing someone gradually recover from being held captive from the ages of twelve to eighteen.
It was going along well enough, I liked that James was treating Millie with kindness and respect, but then all of a sudden this childlike young woman (ten years younger than this man and who knows how much younger emotionally based on how her experience stunted her), initiates sex with him.
And that’s right about where this novella lost me.
Not only did Millie’s desire for James as anything more than a protector or a friend feel out of the blue, I just tend to be uncomfortable with any scenario where someone childlike enters into a sexual relationship. I may have been okay with this had more time been taken with her overcoming her emotional scars, but happening so early on, and the pair not even having a conversation at all about this change in their relationship, it just didn’t sit very well with me.
It also didn’t help that towards the end, even though Millie is still in the picture, it kind of felt like Millie’s voice in the story was lost, you still hear about her but not really from her.
It was going along well enough, I liked that James was treating Millie with kindness and respect, but then all of a sudden this childlike young woman (ten years younger than this man and who knows how much younger emotionally based on how her experience stunted her), initiates sex with him.
And that’s right about where this novella lost me.
Not only did Millie’s desire for James as anything more than a protector or a friend feel out of the blue, I just tend to be uncomfortable with any scenario where someone childlike enters into a sexual relationship. I may have been okay with this had more time been taken with her overcoming her emotional scars, but happening so early on, and the pair not even having a conversation at all about this change in their relationship, it just didn’t sit very well with me.
It also didn’t help that towards the end, even though Millie is still in the picture, it kind of felt like Millie’s voice in the story was lost, you still hear about her but not really from her.
September 14, 2015
I really enjoyed the e-book novella, "Winter Camp," which was set 100 years in the past and gives the background for the story found in Jodi Thomas' newest novel,"Ransom Canyon." Jodi presents the history of the area in West Texas accurately while keeping the story intriguing and fast-moving. It is a well done piece of historical fiction and perfect as the kickoff to this new series.
If you enjoy series that include memorable characters, a fascinating storyline, and close relationships, then the "Ransom Canyon" books will be right up your alley!
Watch for "Rustler's Moon," the next book in the series, coming in January 2016!
August 31, 2015
Jodi Thomas knows how to paint the beautiful landscapes of Texas. This novella of Winters Camp and the love that James and Millie create is a testimony of the true settlers of our great West Texas country. I'm excited to read on into the 1st book of Jodi Thomas's newest series.. Ransom's Canyon. It's sure to be an exciting adventure!!!!
August 4, 2015
Ranching in Texas
The book tells the story of a man planning to ranch in Texas after Civil War. He buys white slave from natives and their problems getting to know each other and setting up the ranch. They face rustlers and the womans hostile brother who was raised by natives. After awhile they learn to live together and build a huge ranch.
The book tells the story of a man planning to ranch in Texas after Civil War. He buys white slave from natives and their problems getting to know each other and setting up the ranch. They face rustlers and the womans hostile brother who was raised by natives. After awhile they learn to live together and build a huge ranch.
September 15, 2015
A charming novella, about the incredible hardship of a woman who was captured by Apaches at twelve and grew up basically a slave, and the man who couldn't turn his back and leave her there. I grew up in this country, so it was a special treat to escape to the past and see the founding families. A lovely story.
January 8, 2016
Jodi Thomas knows how to paint the beautiful landscapes of Texas. This novella of Winters Camp and the love that James and Millie create is a testimony of the true settlers of our great West Texas country. I'm excited to read on into the 1st book of Jodi Thomas's newest series.. Ransom's Canyon. It's sure to be an exciting adventure!!!!
May 14, 2017
A good western romance that could have been great. I enjoyed reading about Texas before it was settled, and the trials that Millie went through in coming back to her self. I didn't much care for the way James had his fun but refused to marry her. That turned me off what up until that point was a really good story. 3 reluctant stars
September 13, 2016
I don't usually read 'Western' stories. This happened to be included in Kasey Michaels', A Reckless Promise, so I read it. It was a heart warming story with good characters. I did enjoy it, but not enough to swing my reading taste to 'Western'.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: Ransom Canyon
December 16, 2016
I loved the hero up until the point where he didn't want to marry her.... Have your cake and eat it. Kinda disliked him after that.
May 15, 2022
3.5 stars. An enjoyable story. I read this after reading the other books in the series and I’m not really sure how it relates. Short but enjoyable audiobook.
December 17, 2024
I got this book from my local Library
Winter's camp is a short story of 108 pages and is the prequel to the author Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series
It tells the story of how the founder of Ransom Canyon, James Randell Kirkland a civil war veteran, about how he started to build his ranch and met his wife Milli, an apache slave.
Winter's camp was an enjoyable short story that shows how the setting for the Ransom Canyon series was founded.
While this is interesting to both readers who have either read the series or want to use it as a starting point. As a European who can trace towns and villages to over 2,000 years old it does seem strange that this is a fascination in some American genres.
Having said that as a short story Winter’s Camp was an enjoyable read.
One of the aspects of the story that fascinated me which was not explored was how male main character, James, was an officer in the confederate army fighting to keep a way of life that involved slavery.
Yet one of the first actions he does is help free Milli who was a slave for the Apaches, While this was not raised in the story either due to the size or genre it is a slightly interesting point.
What worked for me in the story was the relationship between the couple in how Mille and James relationship developed over time, which was done with care and understanding.
How the relationship started could have been very different. All this makes Winter's Camp (Ransom Canyon 0.5) by Jodi Thomas well worth reading.
Winter's camp is a short story of 108 pages and is the prequel to the author Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series
It tells the story of how the founder of Ransom Canyon, James Randell Kirkland a civil war veteran, about how he started to build his ranch and met his wife Milli, an apache slave.
Winter's camp was an enjoyable short story that shows how the setting for the Ransom Canyon series was founded.
While this is interesting to both readers who have either read the series or want to use it as a starting point. As a European who can trace towns and villages to over 2,000 years old it does seem strange that this is a fascination in some American genres.
Having said that as a short story Winter’s Camp was an enjoyable read.
One of the aspects of the story that fascinated me which was not explored was how male main character, James, was an officer in the confederate army fighting to keep a way of life that involved slavery.
Yet one of the first actions he does is help free Milli who was a slave for the Apaches, While this was not raised in the story either due to the size or genre it is a slightly interesting point.
What worked for me in the story was the relationship between the couple in how Mille and James relationship developed over time, which was done with care and understanding.
How the relationship started could have been very different. All this makes Winter's Camp (Ransom Canyon 0.5) by Jodi Thomas well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews