Jake McCabe has always been no stranger to hardship. From the blood-soaked battlefields of the Civil War to a bitter family feud that haunts his Kentucky past, trouble seems to shadow his every step. Some say the McCabes are cursed with bad luck—but Jake refuses to believe in fate.
Seeking a fresh start, he sets his sights on the promise of Texas, forging ahead with a strong-willed woman and her family by his side. Together, they dream of peace, prosperity, and a ranch to call their own. But the frontier is no place for dreams alone—danger rides the same trails as opportunity, and Jake soon finds that trouble isn’t so easily left behind.
When old enemies resurface and new threats emerge, Jake must fight for his land, his future, and the woman who holds his heart. In the vast, untamed West, survival means standing your ground. And McCabe has never been one to back down.
For fans of classic Western adventure, gritty heroes, and never-say-die determination, McCabe’s Luck is a must-read. If you love stories of loyalty, redemption, and standing your ground, saddle up and grab your copy today!
Patrick Lindsay came to Texas by way of Missouri, Canada, and California and has been proud to call the Lone Star State his home for more than forty years now. He retired in 2017 from “another life” as a CPA, whereafter he turned his hand to writing.
He has read just about everything by Louis L’Amour and first decided to give Western writing a try on his initial day of retirement. He has been writing ever since and loves the idea that so many people get enjoyment from his work.
Patrick and his wife Michelle live on a cattle ranch near Fort Worth along with cows, horses, chickens, and a very spoiled Great Pyrenees dog. He is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball and the Kansas City Chiefs in football.
I have to say, I do not usually read Westerns, but this book attracted my attention, and I was not disappointed!
The story tells of a war hero, Jake Mccabe, who is driven out of his home in Kentucky, and tries to settle his family in Texas, making a new life. He finds land which suits his needs, but once again, he is down on his luck when a neighbour who is in with the corrupt sheriff tries to take advantage and steal everything from him that he has worked so hard to obtain. The stakes are high; Jake loves his fellow man, and is doing his best for everyone. Not only that, there is a hint of romance ...
The author has crafted a well-structured novel, with characters who lead the story. The first person narration is powerful because it gives deep psychological insights into character. A particular strength of the book is the psychological insights into each particular character's motive and motivation. I also get the feeling that this writer writes about a world he knows - although the story is fiction, in places it feels biographical and personal.
I particularly like the main theme of the novel which is about being determined, having the patience and courage to build something out of nothing.
The writing style is subtle, and gives the reader space for their own imaginings.
There are some editing issues, but they did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
The ending of the story is uplifting and touches the emotions.
I’m a big fan of Westerns and for the last few decades it has become a lost art. This was a beautiful story—told by a man who knows what he’s talking about. There were a few areas of opportunity an editor can help you with here: like indenting paragraphs, removing the space between paragraphs, fixing typos, etc.
McCabe proves himself to being a man of determination when he makes his mind up to head West in pursuit of his dreams! After losing his family in Kentucky, he heads out to find himself a new life and the really endearing escapades begin to prepare him for his new endeavours!
Most definitely another five star outstanding western masterpiece by an exceptionally motivated author's undeniable authority on realistic old American western folklore adventures. I was immediately impressed with the outstanding descriptiveness of each new adventure by this Civil War veteran, who pulled no punches, regardless of how severe the problem proved to be. The Author's outstanding storylines selections throughout the entire story were perfectly selected for each and every exciting episode of unending pleasurable experience! Too, the character selections were perfectly selected for their commanding assignments from beginning to end. No down time in this compelling western folklore extravaganza! Most definitely recommend this fascinating series of events, as there is no slow time for anything but one exciting episode after the other! You dyed in the wool western will be like I was, finding yourselves unable to lay the book aside until the final paragraph has been read. Even you non-western readers will definitely find yourselves completely engrossed within the first few paragraphs of following McCabe's outstanding accomplishments once his successful to settle in the great State of Texas! His adopted family definitely plays an intricate part of unending adventures, also. Try it! You will love it as much as I have!!!😃
I am a fan of westerns, growing up with the classics from Zane Grey, Max Brand and Louis L’Amour. This story has all the hallmarks of such a classic with a likable MC and the typical power hungry antagonist (although not really a good comparison, it did remind me a little of the Sackett Saga). Throw in a light romance and some gun play with a reasonable plot and you have the basic all American feel good story the genre is famous for, and I enjoyed it a lot. The narration was solid and comfortable for the story and gave it a bit more of an authentic feel with the first person POV. Most of all … it was a clean story, which I appreciated so much given what I have found in more recent western stories. Finally … it is in Kindle Unlimited … so it is definitely work a read in you subscribe to that.
I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Jake McCabe thought all his luck was used up when he had to bury his brother after someone had tried to kill him. There was nothing left to do but to leave, too many bad memories, it was time to move on. He's been thinking about Texas recently, and they were offering free land to war veterans. His one regret was that he'd be leaving his neighbors that seemed almost like the only family he had left in this world.. Guess he'd see what Texas had offer. Great Book!!!👍👍
I liked the story but there were plot holes, quick fill-ins and notes from either the editor or the author that were not removed. Potential for a better story but the rushed ending felt like a let down. Gun fights, land grabs, very mild romance and some nice friendships. Maybe as the author writes more, I'll keep an eye out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It moved along at a good pace with lots of action. McCabe is a strong character and I hope there's more books filled with his adventures in his new job!
Wow. This CDC was a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I actually couldn't put it down because I had to know what happens next. Thank you. Please make this a series
Great storyline-fast moving and action-filled. Add in lots of determination and a healthy dose of kindness seasoned with romance and the reader will enjoy a good clean story.
Excellent story! Lots of good old western action! Great characters too. Well developed story line and a fun book to read. Would recommend it to anyone who loves westerns.
Pcked up this bok the other day. Didn't take long to read, but a good story about a good guy winning. And today, we need to remember we are good and the good can win.
Super good western...loved the story and characters...if you like western, you will really enjoy this book...going to be looking for more from Patrick Lindsay
Believing a fresh start would mend the past, he never saw what lay ahead!
McCabe's Luck delivers a gripping Western adventure rooted in resilience and determination. Jake McCabe, hardened by the Civil War and family betrayals, refuses to succumb to fate, forging ahead with dreams of prosperity in Texas. With a strong-willed companion at his side, he seeks to build a future free from the burdens of his past, but the frontier demands more than ambition—it requires the grit to stand against enemies both old and new. A tale of loyalty, redemption, and relentless pursuit of survival, this novel is a must-read for fans of classic Westerns. It's been ages since a book hijacked my night, but this one had me wide-eyed till dawn! By the time I finally surfaced from its grip, the sun was already staking its claim on the sky. Trust me, you won’t want to put it down—grab your copy and see for yourself!
The story of Jake McCabe's luck really draws you on. Jake, of course, is very likable, but I love the old character Boone. Who cleans up and mops up the saloon in Fredericksburg. Of course, a beautiful girl and her one legged father, wife, two young brothers are fun to read about as well. Ike is a veteran of the Confederate war and has gone to Texas for a grant to those who have served. He knew Jake McCabe in Kentucky and their adventures begin in Fredericksburg, Texas. They have already built a ranch fighting against a dishonest cattle Baron and his evil gunslingers.
When Jake McCabe comes back to Kentucky after the war, he finds he has no family and no home. Not much of a welcome either, because he joined the Union army. He heads over to the Hawkins ranch and they decide Texas has better opportunities. There are troubles in Texas too. McCabe and the Hawkins family are just the ones to deal with it. This is the first book I have read by this author and I have started on the next one. Really good read!
After the tumultuous Civil War, Jake emerged as a resilient figure, navigating the complex landscape of a nation torn and slowly healing. He wanted to rebuild his life and work his farm with his brother, but he found increasing hostility from his neighbors who couldn't get passed the war. After his brother is murdered he leaves his farm for Texas hoping to improve his lot in life. This book is exciting with a lot of adventure.
It was a little slow at times but kept it moving, and Patrick Lindsay didn't bog it down further like most modern Western authors do with a fascination with Henry rifles and calling Colts peacemakers. It is truly refreshing when an author of a historical fiction book actually has a clue what he's writing about