Iron Horse Claim: On the Dakota Frontier

by CK Van Dam

Missouri farmer Lizzy Ward had her fill of the violence that bushwhackers and Confederate deserters brought to her doorstep during the Civil War.

When the Homestead Act offered 160 acres of free land far from the battlefields, Lizzy accepted the offer and started a new life in Dakota Territory. But can she overcome nature’s challenges and the corruption of the railroads?

Iron Horse Claim tells the story of Lizzy Ward, who wanted a better life for herself and her son. It’s also the story of one woman’s determination to build a resilient community of neighbors who would support each other in times of need.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Amazon best-selling author CK Van Dam is a daughter of the Dakota prairies who creates stories about the strong women who have built our nation and our world.

Van Dam’s first novel, Proving Her Claim, received two Spur Awards from Western Writers of America. Lone Tree Claim, the second in the On the Dakota Frontier series, was named a Distinguished Favorite in Western Fiction by Independent Press Awards. Medicine Creek Claim received First Place in Women’s Historical Fiction by Best Book Awards. Iron Horse Claim is the fourth in her series of historical novels.

When the Chokecherries Bloom, written for Middle Grade readers, is the story of Shining Water who first appears in Proving Her Claim.

Visit her website at www.ckvandam.com

Reviews

[Joshua Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only got through the first four chapters, but I already felt like I was standing beside Lizzy in that dry creek bed. The way she faced Elias Crawford when he tried to dam the water showed so much courage. What struck me most was how CK Van Dam writes women with quiet strength that doesn’t need anyone’s approval. It reminded me of my grandmother’s stories about farming through drought years in Nebraska. The author’s details the dust in the air, the shotgun on Lizzy’s shoulder, Max’s straw hat made it so real I could almost smell the dry earth. I can tell this book is going to be about more than survival; it’s about dignity.

[Matthew Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

By chapter six, I was fascinated with the whole windmill idea. I’ve read plenty of westerns, but very few that talk about innovation like this. Lizzy dreaming of windmills in the middle of a drought reminded me that pioneers weren’t just enduring the land, they were actively reshaping it. The author makes the technical stuff like pumping water and surveying the land easy to follow, but never boring. I also liked the sparks of tension between Lizzy, Hank, and the railroad man Adam Danbury. I’m sensing a triangle of trust, business, and maybe something more. CK Van Dam hooked me, and I’m eager to see where it goes.

[Daniel Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven chapters in, and I feel like I’ve moved onto Lizzy’s farm myself. What touched me deeply was her constant balance between independence and community. When she said water wasn’t just for her cattle but for all her neighbors, that hit me hard especially living today, where so often it’s every person for themselves. The scene with Stan Walker riding up felt like something from a movie the tension, the unexpected humor, the way Lizzy stood her ground. CK Van Dam has a gift for writing dialogue that feels natural yet loaded with meaning. I keep thinking, if this much has happened in just seven chapters, what’s waiting for me in the next fifteen?

[Luca Moretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Horse Claim is the kind of historical novel that doesn’t just entertain it immerses you. CK Van Dam brings Lizzy Ward’s world to life with such authenticity that you can almost feel the grit of the Dakota winds and hear the distant rumble of the iron rails threatening everything she’s trying to build.

What makes this book truly stand out is its humanity. Lizzy isn’t written as a larger-than-life frontier heroine she’s a woman who has already survived too much and is still choosing to hope. Her fears, her quiet strength, her determination to give her son a better future… it all feels deeply real. There’s no sugarcoating of the hardships: the unforgiving land, the loneliness, the corrupt railroad officials who seem just as dangerous as any outlaw. But there’s also community neighbors who become family, small acts of kindness that matter, and the stubborn belief that people can build something good even in the harshest places.

The story moves with a steady, grounded pace, showing the everyday battles that defined frontier life, not just the dramatic ones. And in doing that, Van Dam captures something powerful: survival wasn’t just about fighting storms or corporations it was about holding on to who you are when everything around you tries to wear you down.

This is a beautifully human, emotionally rich frontier novel realistic, heartfelt, and quietly inspiring. Lizzy Ward is a character who stays with you long after you close the book.

[Luca Moretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Horse Claim is a powerful and emotionally rich frontier story that feels remarkably true to human nature. CK Van Dam brings Lizzy Ward to life not just as a pioneer, but as a woman shaped by trauma, courage, and an unshakable will to protect her family.

After the brutality she witnesses during the Civil War, Lizzy’s decision to seek a fresh start in the Dakota Territory feels deeply real less a dream of adventure and more a desperate need for peace, safety, and self determination. Her struggles on the frontier aren’t romanticized. The harsh weather, the loneliness, the unforgiving land, and the ever-present dangers of corruption and railroad greed all make her fight for survival both authentic and gripping.

What stands out most is the human connection woven through the story. Lizzy’s desire to build a community isn’t just noble it’s practical, emotional, and necessary. The frontier is a place where people succeed or fail based on the strength of their relationships, and Van Dam captures that beautifully. The neighbors who band together, the quiet moments of kindness, and the shared hardships create a world that feels lived in and deeply human.

This is a story about resilience, motherhood, hope, and the very real cost of starting over. Lizzy Ward is not a flawless heroine she’s believable, brave, stubborn, and vulnerable in ways that make her unforgettable.

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!

I read a lot of books and a book has to be amazing for me to be impressed. Iron Horse Claim is that book. I had not read any of the other books in this series or any books by this author until I read Iron Horse Claim. This book has everything you want in a clean western romance. It had so many interesting things happening all well written and beautifully explained. I could not stop reading. Lizzys life was so interesting and all the people in town, her sister, Hank, her son max and everyone she helped showed what an incredible women she was. CK Van Dam had done good research on that time period. Reading this book you felt like you were back in that time on the flat windy dry plains going through everything they were experiencing. It was a emotional moving tale of hardship and many people pulling together for their community to succeed. The ending was so emotional and really wonderful! I highly recommend this book and this really talented author! I can’t wait to go back and read all the other books.

[Amanda Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, but Iron Horse Claim touched me in a way few books do. Lizzy Ward immediately struck me as someone I recognized she reminded me of my grandmother who held a farm together when my grandfather was sick. I saw that same mix of grit, intelligence, and exhaustion in Lizzy. What impressed me most was how CK Van Dam wrote technical scenes with so much heart. The whole windmill sequence, with trial and error, gears failing, neighbors pitching in, and the characters thinking through the mechanics it wasn’t just about machinery. It was about hope. You felt every bolt and every turn of the wrench was a fight for survival. Our group discussed how rare it is to see a female protagonist shown as the brain behind practical, mechanical solutions, and we all praised the author for that. This wasn’t a romance dressed up in prairie clothes — it was real history, with women at the center of ingenuity. For me, it was both empowering and deeply persona

[Daniel Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an engineer, I tend to look at novels through a different lens, and I was honestly blown away by how well researched and accurate this book felt. The railroad subplot fascinated me, especially the part about Medicine Creek and how the survey could impact the entire community. Progress is often celebrated in history books, but here Van Dam showed us the human cost what it means when one decision upstream takes away water downstream. That hit me hard, because it’s not just a 19th century issue; it’s still relevant today. Lizzy’s foresight and determination to think strategically building windmills, planning for the long term reminded me of the way small-town farmers in my own family still problem-solve. I kept telling the group during our meeting, ‘This author writes like someone who respects both history and human intelligence.’ For me, this book was more than a story it was a mirror held up to our past and a reminder that real progress should be measured in human terms.

[Thomas Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m usually the guy in the club who reads thrillers and crime novels, so I didn’t think a historical novel about farms and windmills would grab me. But it did completely. The tension was real. It wasn’t about chasing bad guys, but about whether a family could find enough water to live. And honestly, that was more gripping than a gunfight. The scenes around Medicine Creek and the disputes with neighbors had me on edge, because the stakes were survival itself. I loved how CK Van Dam made human relationships just as complex as any mystery I’ve read. Neighbors weren’t just allies or enemies they were shifting, layered, and sometimes both at once. Our group laughed when I said I never thought I’d find water politics exciting, but this book made me care more about a creek dam than I ever thought possible. That’s great writing. I left the meeting convinced that survival stories like this are every bit as thrilling as the page turners I normally read.

[Jennifer Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, the book was about atmosphere. I could feel the parched grass, hear the groan of the windmills, and smell the dust settling after the cattle moved. I grew up in Texas, and my family lived through a few drought years, so reading this book brought back memories of watching the sky for rain and hearing adults whisper worries they thought kids couldn’t understand. That made the story incredibly personal for me. What I admired most was how CK Van Dam didn’t just describe hardship she described perseverance. Lizzy’s quiet moments, where she allowed herself to sit down and breathe, were some of the most powerful for me. They reminded me that strength isn’t about never bending; it’s about knowing how to bend without breaking. The author’s ability to make me relive those emotions while also teaching me history was remarkable. This book will stick with me because it didn’t just entertain me it made me remember.

[Benjamin Haye · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, the engineering details were the highlight so far. I’m the kind of reader who loves when a book shows how things actually work, and Lizzy building those windmills alongside Hank was fascinating. It wasn’t just about farming it was about vision. She’s not only keeping her family alive; she’s thinking about the next season, the next generation, and even how neighbors can benefit. That’s rare in frontier stories, where survival usually feels like a day to day struggle. The part where the second and third windmills came together really showed how much grit and planning she has. It made me admire her like I’d admire a modern entrepreneur who sees beyond the immediate crisis. But with the railroad looming, I can’t help but wonder: will all her careful planning be protected, or will bigger powers undo everything?

[Amanda Lewi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lizzy faced off against Elias Crawford for damming the creek, I felt my blood pressure rise. I’ve dealt with selfish neighbors before (not about water, but still), so that scene felt real to me. What struck me most wasn’t just her bravery but how she fought for fairness she didn’t want water only for herself, but for the whole community. That tells you a lot about her character. The dynamic between her and Stan Walker in that moment also showed that she isn’t alone, even if she feels like it sometimes. By the time the water flowed again, I felt such relief, as if my own crops had been saved. Now that the railroad surveyors are sniffing around, I’m nervous for her because if neighbors can cause trouble, what will a whole railroad company do?

[Sarah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the story keeps layering surprises. At first, it felt like a straightforward survival story: Lizzy versus drought, Lizzy versus stubborn neighbors, Lizzy versus the land itself. But then the Pinkerton agent shows up later, and suddenly there’s this undercurrent of mystery. I didn’t see it coming, but it makes so much sense in the dangerous, lawless environment of the frontier. I also admire how CK Van Dam gives us glimpses of Lizzy’s softer side amidst her strength, especially in her interactions with Hank Johnson. You can tell there’s an emotional story brewing alongside the practical one. Right now, I’m left on edge because if someone like a Pinkerton is involved, that means darker secrets are lurking, and I’m desperate to find out what they are.

[Olivia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapters about prairie madness hit me harder than I expected. It’s one thing to think of droughts, dust storms, and cattle struggles those are physical hardships you can see and fight. But the idea that endless silence or relentless wind could slowly drive people insane feels terrifying on a deeper level. CK Van Dam painted it so vividly that I almost felt the emptiness pressing in while reading. What I loved, though, is how Lizzy doesn’t let that weight crush her. She keeps herself busy, focused, and always planning ahead. I couldn’t help but think about how women today, like Lizzy then, carry so much on their shoulders and still keep moving forward. It made me admire her all the more, and I’m anxious to see whether that same mental strength will hold up as things get harder.

[James Whitfield]

What stood out to me wasn’t the battles with nature or neighbors, but the dinner-in-town scene. It was such a small moment compared to windmills and droughts, but I felt like I finally saw Lizzy as a woman, not just a farmer or pioneer. She carries herself with such strength, yet you can sense the loneliness behind her determination. When she’s around Hank Johnson, there’s this subtle, unspoken tension respect, maybe affection and I found myself rooting for her to let someone else in. It made me think about how often women, especially strong ones, are expected to shoulder everything alone. I can’t wait to see if Lizzy lets her guard down later, or if she keeps burying her personal needs beneath responsibility. That question is keeping me reading

[Christopher Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised when the Garfield story came in, weaving national politics into the local struggles. Until then, the book felt very grounded in the farm and the land, but suddenly I was reminded that history doesn’t happen in a bubble. The way the author connected Lizzy’s small Dakota farm to bigger national issues made me realize how deeply personal and political lives intersect. It got me thinking about how even today, decisions made far away affect people’s daily survival. For me, it added weight to the story Lizzy’s fight isn’t just against drought and dust, but against forces way outside her control. It makes me nervous, honestly, because I’m not sure how one determined woman can hold back pressures as big as a railroad backed by government land grants.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Horse Claim: On the Dakota Frontier is a compelling tale of courage, resilience, and determination. Lizzy Ward’s journey from a war-torn Missouri farm to the vast, untamed Dakota Territory is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The story vividly captures the challenges of frontier life—from harsh weather and isolation to the greed and corruption of the railroads while highlighting the strength and resourcefulness of one woman determined to build a better life for herself and her son. Beyond Lizzy’s personal journey, the novel beautifully portrays the importance of community and neighborly support in overcoming adversity. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction who appreciate rich storytelling and strong, relatable characters.

[Marcus Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I practically cheered when Lizzy finally got the windmills pumping. There was something so satisfying about that moment, like watching someone’s hard work and faith pay off. It wasn’t just water it was dignity, independence, and proof that she belonged on that land. For me, it spoke to every woman who’s ever been underestimated or told “you can’t.” I saw myself in Lizzy’s triumph. At the same time, I couldn’t help but think how fragile victories are out there. Nature could turn against her any day, and the railroad men don’t seem like the type to respect a woman’s boundaries. That tension between pride and fear has me on edge, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

[Emily Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for the shift in tone when the midnight caller scene hit. Up until then, I’d been wrapped in the rhythm of farm chores, land disputes, and family dynamics. Then suddenly, in the dark of night, there’s this pulse of danger. It reminded me that the frontier wasn’t just about crops and cattle it was about survival in the face of human threats too. That scene was written so well that I actually set the book down for a moment to breathe. It raised the stakes dramatically for me. Now I’m convinced something bigger is going on behind the scenes, and I’m eager to see how Lizzy will face danger when it’s not just the weather or neighbors, but something darker.

[David Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amid all the hardship, the colt scene felt like a gift. The brindle foal wasn’t just another animal on the farm it symbolized hope, new life, and the possibility of a brighter future. I loved that CK Van Dam gave us this quiet moment to breathe, because it reminded me why people endure such difficult lives. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about creating something worth passing on. That small moment of joy made me want even more to see Lizzy succeed. It gave me the sense that even in the harshest frontier struggles, life has a way of renewing itself. Now, with the story moving toward its final stretch, I’m eager to find out if Lizzy’s vision of that future actually comes true.

[Michael Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stayed with me long after finishing was Lizzy’s quiet strength. She isn’t written as some flawless heroine, but as a woman who wrestles with fear, fatigue, and loneliness, and still keeps going. The scene where she listens to the creak of the new windmill almost broke me it was such a small victory, yet monumental because it meant survival. For me, it mirrored how women in my own family built their lives with little more than grit and prayer. I read that passage twice, imagining my great grandmother watching a machine like that turn on the prairie. That emotional connection is what makes this book unforgettable for me.

[Brandon Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me with its tenderness. Amid all the drought, dust, and exhaustion, Van Dam kept weaving in quiet gestures of kindness a loaf of bread shared, a hand on the shoulder, a whispered encouragement. Those small moments hit me harder than the big climaxes. I actually teared up at the final gathering around the windmill, not because it was triumphant, but because it was such a symbol of community holding each other up. For me, the book’s message was that true strength isn’t just grit it’s the willingness to stay soft when life wants to harden you. That’s why it earned every one of my five stars.

[Christopher Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 16 completely changed the pace for me. Up until then, I was reading steadily, but when the details about the windmill came in the creak of wood, the labor of raising it, the way it meant survival I suddenly realized how much I cared about something I had never thought about before. I even paused to look up some photos of old windmills because the description had me curious. That’s how real it felt. What makes me eager to reach the ending is wondering if this same persistence, this ability to work with her hands and her will, will be what saves Lizzy in the end. Van Dam has set her up as a woman who builds, and I want to see if that’s enough when life tries to tear her down.”

[Sophia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 15 caught me off guard emotionally. Lizzy is at one of her lowest points, but she carries herself with such composure that it almost hurt to read. It reminded me of times when I’ve tried to stay strong on the outside while falling apart inside. That kind of vulnerability wrapped in dignity is rare in fiction. I’m invested now because I want to see what becomes of that strength in the final chapters. Will she get the reward she deserves, or will her quiet endurance be overlooked? Either way, the ending is going to matter a lot, because Van Dam has made Lizzy more than just a character she feels like someone I know

[Brandon Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

CK Van Dam writes with such texture that even simple scenes like Nellie showing off her new horse, or Lizzy brushing her hair and tying it with a ribbon feel alive. These women aren’t background characters; they’re the heartbeat of the frontier. I also appreciate how the author doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. The drought feels ominous, and every decision Lizzy makes feels like it could shift her whole future. As a guy who usually reads thrillers, I didn’t expect to be this invested in a frontier novel, but here I am, waiting for the next storm to break.

[Rachel Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the sisterhood in this story. Lizzy and Charlotte’s relationship touched me because it reminded me of my own bond with my younger sister. They bicker, they worry, they protect each other but beneath it all is unshakable loyalty. The scene where they’re forced to make tough choices about the farm hit me hard; it made me think about the kind of sacrifices women make quietly every day. That personal connection made this book feel alive for me. CK Van Dam didn’t just tell us history she gave us women we could see ourselves in.

[Jacob Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I reached chapter 20, I could feel the momentum shifting. It’s like the ground beneath Lizzy is trembling and you know something is about to break. What impressed me is that Van Dam doesn’t rush it she lets the storm gather in silence, and that’s even more unsettling. I kept leaning forward, almost expecting the pages to turn themselves. I think that’s why I’m so eager for the ending: not because I want it over, but because the suspense is unbearable in the best possible way. I need to know what happens when the storm finally hits.

[Chloe Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From chapter 14 through 20, what really struck me were the subtle moments of loyalty the sideways glances, the unexpected kindnesses that weren’t announced but quietly given. Those details reminded me that community doesn’t always roar its support; sometimes it whispers. Van Dam captures that so well. I think it’s what makes me ache to read the final chapters: I want to see if those whispers grow into something louder when Lizzy needs it most. The groundwork has been laid, and now the question for me is whether her neighbors will step up, or if she’s truly on her own at the end.

[Michael Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Chapter 4, I was fully invested in Lizzy’s world. The creek confrontation with Elias Crawford had my heart pounding I could almost hear the logs crashing as the water rushed through. What I loved most was how Lizzy handled him without backing down, but not in a way that felt forced. She was smart, practical, and fiercely protective of her community. CK Van Dam writes her like someone you’d actually want as a neighbor on the frontier.

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Chapter 5, Lizzy’s idea about windmills caught my attention. I liked how she didn’t just see the drought as a crisis but immediately started thinking of solutions. It showed she wasn’t only about surviving day by day but about securing the future. The way she and Hank talked about it felt so real, like you were listening to two neighbors brainstorming. It left me eager to see if the plan actually works out.