The Wounds of My Father

by Roccie Hill

The dying frontier collides with family ambition in this epic Western saga from the acclaimed author of The Blood of My Mother.

1883, San Antonio. John Ives, the privileged son of a powerful tycoon, is sent to oversee his family’s ventures in the brutal swamps of Tampico, Mexico. But a fateful return to Texas instead sets him on a collision course with Stella Moore, a fiercely independent schoolteacher searching for her missing sister, and Peter Olenbush, a reckless ally with his own secrets.

As corruption festers in the shadows of progress, John’s quest for redemption is haunted by his family’s dark legacy and a murder that refuses to stay buried. In a city simmering with violence, greed, and betrayal, John must navigate the dangerous intersections of love, guilt, and survival.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2025

About the author

Roccie Hill is an American writer and a native Californian. She received her BA in Philosophy and History at UCLA, and her MA in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University, where her short stories appeared regularly in the literary quarterly. After graduate school, she moved to Salinas, where she worked with César Chavez as part of the United Farm Workers union.
She lived and worked in Paris for 8 years as a journalist, a teacher of Creative Writing, a Marketing Officer for the Statue of Liberty Centennial, and as a mother (her most important job ever).
She also lived in England for 8 years, mostly in Gloucestershire, where she worked for nonprofits and produced a variety of short films and celebrity/royal events.
Upon her return to California, she published two novels, several short stories, a play, exhibited her photography, and studied the history and genealogy of US borderlands culture in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. She is a professional genealogist, with a focus on Native American ancestry.

Reviews

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction novel set in Texas,1883. I had never heard of this author before, but the title piqued my interest. I am glad I took the chance.
The descriptions of San Antonio and the surrounding areas swept me back to a lawless time. When everyone looked out for themselves and the law turned a blind eye unless it suited them.
We meet John Ives, a man who is at odds with his rich father. He is in San Antonio to oversee his family's business interests. This is a tale of love, corruption, greed, and family. It was a book I found surprising as I do not usually read Western style stories.
The Wounds Of My Father is written so well that the story flows so easily that I had finished reading quicker than I expected.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is a book that would appeal to a US audience more than a UK one. It seemed to describe a world and a history that should be familiar to the reader, but was alien to me. I struggled to understand the context of the events. I read about a very wealthy man, who abused his power and riches. I felt pity for the victims of his corrupt actions and for the women and African Americans who were horrendously mistreated. The main character was clearly a good man, with a strained relationship with his father. I didn’t really understand who the Pinks were, though I was obviously expected to recognise the term. I enjoyed reading about the kindness of the young woman who nursed him, but found his relationship with her rather odd. And, I am sorry to say, I was confused about the woman who eventually became his wife. So, all in all, for me it was quite a laborious read, but a US reader might enjoy it far more.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wounds of my Father by Roccie Hill

John Ives, son of a cruel and powerful oligarch, looks for a way to make his own mark after leaving the protection of his father’s support in school, In in the late 1800’s. His brother’s suicide sends him on a journey across rugged Texas, Tampico, Mexico, and San Antonio, eager to begin life as a newspaper journalist.

Ives soon experiences the rawness and terror of the West, learning to carve out a space for himself, among those who also bounces from place to place, creating their own paths.

This compelling novel invites the reader into a window to humanity despite the cruelty we know often comes with greed. You will want to make time to digest the sadness and beauty of this rugged American novel.

[Alison Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest that this is not my usual genre so I tho k this will appeal more to those with an interest in American history in the late 1800s and probably a more male audience. That said I did enjoy parts of it and it taught me about the way business was ruthless at that time and how the American way of life was so divided and segregated by many different lines including race and social status. Focusing on one main character and his path through to become the man he was.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must book for lovers of historical fiction, especially one with a strong sense of family, this book will grab you from beginning to end. It brings strong character with a plot that balances the historical details with the mystery that unravels in the pages of the book against the backdrop of the rugged terrain of Texas and the Wild West.
The strong attention to details and the beautiful descriptions make you feel you are living the lives of the characters in the book.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical novel which is set in Texas at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. The lead character John has an estranged relationship with his wealthy father, which I found to be quite engrossing. The plotting is about family, greed and survival. I would recommend it to fans of Westerns and historical dramas.

[Lynne Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story of strong early westerners

I loved “Blood of my Mother”. This second book of the family that settled the west and lived lives filled with meaning and hope did not disappoint. The “Wounds of my Father “ is filled with the sounds and tastes of the times. I cared about these people. Beautiful read. Cant wait for a third book!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t a great fan of this book but f you love good old fashioned Westerns this is the book for you. Having said that I had to finish it as the story was gripping. It was well written and full of great characters just not my usual genre.

[Fizzie Heseltine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would in the first few chapters. A truly beautiful and captivating story

[Alison Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book swept me into a world I knew little about, but really enjoyed discovering.
Love, family ties, secrets and lies, this book was beautifully written and totally engrossing.