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Unsinkable Nellie
It's the story of a young mountain girl and her family who settle near the Polish town of Panna Maria (Saint Mary) in Karnes County, Texas, in the 1870s. She meets a Polish man and they're married and have a child expecting to have a long and happy life together. Her husband is murdered, and she knows who did it. She and two other women, whose husbands were also killed by the same man, seek to get revenge. The three women plan how to get the murderer to confess. This is the story of how they did it as only R. O. Lane can tell it.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2025
About the author
R.O. Lane
64 books107 followersR.O. Lane is the author of several western novels, including the US Marshal series. R. O. has BA in English and an MA in communications research. He worked as a writer and editor for three daily newspapers and has written dozens of speeches for senior officers of three Fortune 500 corporations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 4, 2026
ONE TOUGH YOUNG LADY THAT IS DOWN TO EARTH & CAPABLE OF HANDLING ANYTHING THAT COMES HER WAY
2/03/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Unsinkable Nellie by R. O. Lane is a well-written tale about a young lady at the age of ten was determined to stand tall and become the provider for her family after the death of her parents leaving her as the sole provider for her grandfather who was a Civil War veteran that was injured during the war and was unable to work for the most part. By the age of fourteen, Nellie and her grandfather Simon had moved from Tennessee to Texas to start a new life on the frontier in 1868.
Nellie, being a very strong-willed and determined young lady, sets out to provide for herself and her grandfather by trapping game for their pelts and meat, trapping everything from wolves to badgers, from foxes to mountain lions, and even a skunk or two. Selling the pelts after they are cleaned and tanned and picking up the bounty for the wolves provided by the county.
While starting their new life in Panna Maria, Texas, Nellie meets Janusz Kaminski, a Polish carpenter who is very respectable and loved in their community. Together, they start building a life together and after a while marry and settle down in a freshly built home that Janusz and Simon had built from them to start their new life together in happiness and love, to raise a family full of many loved children by Nellie, Janusz, Simon, and Janusz's family who lives nearby.
Everything is going well when Janusz brings home a Polish friend who is new to their community to work on the finishing touches of their new home. This so-called friend makes advances towards Nellie which when confronted he denies them calling out Nellie and Janusz as liars. Within, a couple weeks later, Janusz is shot in the back and killed leaving Nellie and their newborn son without a husband and a father.
Nellie, being the strong young gal she is, again, she steps up to provide for her family as a trapper after the loss of her husband. Not really wanting revenge but justice, she sets out to confront her husband's killer and bring him to the justice and fate he deserves.
Like I stated above, this is a very good well-written tale that is appealing to just about everyone who enjoys a great book with strong characters and morals, were both the women and the men have strong family values, a slight insight into the mid eighteen hundreds, the pursuit of justice, and where the bad guys get what they have coming. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope you will also find yourself enjoying it as well.
2/03/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Unsinkable Nellie by R. O. Lane is a well-written tale about a young lady at the age of ten was determined to stand tall and become the provider for her family after the death of her parents leaving her as the sole provider for her grandfather who was a Civil War veteran that was injured during the war and was unable to work for the most part. By the age of fourteen, Nellie and her grandfather Simon had moved from Tennessee to Texas to start a new life on the frontier in 1868.
Nellie, being a very strong-willed and determined young lady, sets out to provide for herself and her grandfather by trapping game for their pelts and meat, trapping everything from wolves to badgers, from foxes to mountain lions, and even a skunk or two. Selling the pelts after they are cleaned and tanned and picking up the bounty for the wolves provided by the county.
While starting their new life in Panna Maria, Texas, Nellie meets Janusz Kaminski, a Polish carpenter who is very respectable and loved in their community. Together, they start building a life together and after a while marry and settle down in a freshly built home that Janusz and Simon had built from them to start their new life together in happiness and love, to raise a family full of many loved children by Nellie, Janusz, Simon, and Janusz's family who lives nearby.
Everything is going well when Janusz brings home a Polish friend who is new to their community to work on the finishing touches of their new home. This so-called friend makes advances towards Nellie which when confronted he denies them calling out Nellie and Janusz as liars. Within, a couple weeks later, Janusz is shot in the back and killed leaving Nellie and their newborn son without a husband and a father.
Nellie, being the strong young gal she is, again, she steps up to provide for her family as a trapper after the loss of her husband. Not really wanting revenge but justice, she sets out to confront her husband's killer and bring him to the justice and fate he deserves.
Like I stated above, this is a very good well-written tale that is appealing to just about everyone who enjoys a great book with strong characters and morals, were both the women and the men have strong family values, a slight insight into the mid eighteen hundreds, the pursuit of justice, and where the bad guys get what they have coming. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope you will also find yourself enjoying it as well.
November 12, 2025
Couldn’t put it down
I thought you had quite writing!!! It has been a long dry spell. We have lost the only other western writer in C J Petit, and I was beginning to think you had retired! I had started reading other writers work, but it cannot compare to yours. Thank you R O Lane for hanging in there!!!
I thought you had quite writing!!! It has been a long dry spell. We have lost the only other western writer in C J Petit, and I was beginning to think you had retired! I had started reading other writers work, but it cannot compare to yours. Thank you R O Lane for hanging in there!!!
November 2, 2025
Good read
This book is definitely different from any other I've ever read but it was a good read. To have the woman as the hero in a story was very different but also good. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope you do as well. Would highly recommend this book and all others written by this author. To not read them means you are missing out on some great books.
This book is definitely different from any other I've ever read but it was a good read. To have the woman as the hero in a story was very different but also good. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope you do as well. Would highly recommend this book and all others written by this author. To not read them means you are missing out on some great books.
October 28, 2025
Worth the wait!
I look forward to every r.o.Lane book. This one really made my day! Read it in one sitting. It was sad that Jan was killed, but Nellie's grit was remarkable. As always, waiting impatiently for the next one.
I look forward to every r.o.Lane book. This one really made my day! Read it in one sitting. It was sad that Jan was killed, but Nellie's grit was remarkable. As always, waiting impatiently for the next one.
December 3, 2025
Unsinkable Nellie
This was a great western story about a young lady that took on the responsibilities of a mature person. She did the dirty work, learned to handle her own funds properly and married a man that taught her a new language and what love is. She became a mother, a widow and a crime fighter that sought Justice. Not only did she catch the killer originally but she tracked him down after he escaped and returned him to the very jail he escaped from. The how, the why and the reason was the story. R.O. Lane does a masterful job of making the characters and their stories realistic. This is another single sitting page turner story well worth reading.
This was a great western story about a young lady that took on the responsibilities of a mature person. She did the dirty work, learned to handle her own funds properly and married a man that taught her a new language and what love is. She became a mother, a widow and a crime fighter that sought Justice. Not only did she catch the killer originally but she tracked him down after he escaped and returned him to the very jail he escaped from. The how, the why and the reason was the story. R.O. Lane does a masterful job of making the characters and their stories realistic. This is another single sitting page turner story well worth reading.
March 14, 2026
Most original story I’ve read
The title “Unsinkable Nellie”made me hesitant to choose this book at first. I’m not sure why. I like R O. Lane stories though and I’ve read hundreds of historical fiction, so I read it.
This is the most original story I have read and it was a story of a culture and an existence of good people, with good intentions in life. The acceptance of Polish and American’s joining together to make a community. The main character Nellie had a rough life, but lived her’s to the fullest extent all of the time. She accepted life as it came at her and did the best she could with it. It was an inspiring story, as well as creative. I’m glad that I read it.
The title “Unsinkable Nellie”made me hesitant to choose this book at first. I’m not sure why. I like R O. Lane stories though and I’ve read hundreds of historical fiction, so I read it.
This is the most original story I have read and it was a story of a culture and an existence of good people, with good intentions in life. The acceptance of Polish and American’s joining together to make a community. The main character Nellie had a rough life, but lived her’s to the fullest extent all of the time. She accepted life as it came at her and did the best she could with it. It was an inspiring story, as well as creative. I’m glad that I read it.
December 26, 2025
Outstanding story of life's ups and downs!
Well-written, full of true life and perseverance.
I love to read Mr. Lane's westerns, at my ripe age of 77+, retired nursing teacher/manager.
My husband enjoys his writings also. I read all the ones that he had bought. I am trying to purchase one's that neither have read.
Kindle let's me down sometimes. However, they usually recognize ones I have already read. I guess I could be organized and write the titles down.
Unsinkable Nellie is a must read for sure!
Well-written, full of true life and perseverance.
I love to read Mr. Lane's westerns, at my ripe age of 77+, retired nursing teacher/manager.
My husband enjoys his writings also. I read all the ones that he had bought. I am trying to purchase one's that neither have read.
Kindle let's me down sometimes. However, they usually recognize ones I have already read. I guess I could be organized and write the titles down.
Unsinkable Nellie is a must read for sure!
December 4, 2025
An Amazing Woman
Growing up with only her grandpa Nellie learns to take care of herself. She learns the necessity of hard work since her grandpa had a bad leg. Nellie learned how to shoot at an early age. She used that skill to defend herself from the dangers of boys, men, and wild animals. That skill served her well when her husband is killed and she tracks down her killer, twice.
Growing up with only her grandpa Nellie learns to take care of herself. She learns the necessity of hard work since her grandpa had a bad leg. Nellie learned how to shoot at an early age. She used that skill to defend herself from the dangers of boys, men, and wild animals. That skill served her well when her husband is killed and she tracks down her killer, twice.
February 14, 2026
Unsinkable Nellie
Wow! This robust, action filled western saga was a true delight to read. I simply loved it. The courage and strength of the lead character, Nellie, reminds me of my deceased wife of 46 years marriage. In fact they could have been sisters in life with their love, devotion and strength. In the end, the book story of life goes on and happily I might add. Mine is simply reliving memories for now until I can join my love in heaven.
Wow! This robust, action filled western saga was a true delight to read. I simply loved it. The courage and strength of the lead character, Nellie, reminds me of my deceased wife of 46 years marriage. In fact they could have been sisters in life with their love, devotion and strength. In the end, the book story of life goes on and happily I might add. Mine is simply reliving memories for now until I can join my love in heaven.
October 31, 2025
4 Stars
Nellie Good and her Grandpa leave Tennessee and head to Texas where she meets and marries Janish a polish man who becomes the love of her life. But when he is murdered Nellie and two other women whose husbands were murdered by the same man seek revenge. Good book but not one of Lane's best.
Nellie Good and her Grandpa leave Tennessee and head to Texas where she meets and marries Janish a polish man who becomes the love of her life. But when he is murdered Nellie and two other women whose husbands were murdered by the same man seek revenge. Good book but not one of Lane's best.
November 9, 2025
Dull-Dull-Dull
It's hard for me to believe that R.O. Lane wrote this. I am one of his biggest fans and have read all of his books, including many of them twice. This is the first time that I have been so disappointed. I can't imagine why he would develop a story like this that rambles on and drifts aimlessly. Hoping for a big rebound in the next one.
It's hard for me to believe that R.O. Lane wrote this. I am one of his biggest fans and have read all of his books, including many of them twice. This is the first time that I have been so disappointed. I can't imagine why he would develop a story like this that rambles on and drifts aimlessly. Hoping for a big rebound in the next one.
November 11, 2025
Unsinkable Nellie
Great read if you're looking for a strong cast of character, with lots of heart and soul. Life was hard in the old west, but families stuck together. Maybe we could all learn a few good lessons from Nellie! Thanks for this enjoyable read Mr. Lane. I'll be watching for your next book.
Great read if you're looking for a strong cast of character, with lots of heart and soul. Life was hard in the old west, but families stuck together. Maybe we could all learn a few good lessons from Nellie! Thanks for this enjoyable read Mr. Lane. I'll be watching for your next book.
November 23, 2025
Recommended
Another great yarn by R. O. Lane.
There's enough information on the book cover to give you an idea about what the book is about, and it reads more like a piece of history, but with the added benefit of a fiction writer's feel for detail.
I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good Western yarn.
Another great yarn by R. O. Lane.
There's enough information on the book cover to give you an idea about what the book is about, and it reads more like a piece of history, but with the added benefit of a fiction writer's feel for detail.
I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good Western yarn.
November 24, 2025
Great Story !!!! You won't be disappointed.
A man has romantic interest in another mans wife, this lady takes care of the problem this man has caused. This lady is a legend in her home town. You won't be disappointed in reading this book. Thank you Mr. R.O. Lane.... Can't wait for the next great story....
A man has romantic interest in another mans wife, this lady takes care of the problem this man has caused. This lady is a legend in her home town. You won't be disappointed in reading this book. Thank you Mr. R.O. Lane.... Can't wait for the next great story....
November 27, 2025
R.O. Writes The Most Heartwarming Westerns
Fellow is a woman I would like to know. Her first husband and grandfather and son are salt of the earth. The story moves along gracefully as Belly reveals her war good sense and hardiness. I enjoyed the story of Polish Texans. A great read.
Fellow is a woman I would like to know. Her first husband and grandfather and son are salt of the earth. The story moves along gracefully as Belly reveals her war good sense and hardiness. I enjoyed the story of Polish Texans. A great read.
December 20, 2025
Great story with meaningful characters!
In these crazy times filled with divided positions and questionable work ethic, a return to a time where hard work and common sense had some meaning is fulfilling. This book heralds the importance of justice and the value of helping others, which is part of our Country’s heritage.
In these crazy times filled with divided positions and questionable work ethic, a return to a time where hard work and common sense had some meaning is fulfilling. This book heralds the importance of justice and the value of helping others, which is part of our Country’s heritage.
January 11, 2026
Thank you for 2 more wonderful stories
Mr. Lane
The enjoyment found in your stories is always top notch and I just finished Unsinkable Nellie and The Family. Both books gave
a feeling of actually being in the story.
You have been busy this past Fall. Thank you again for sharing
your work on a platform that reaches so many.
Jeanette Mitchell
Mr. Lane
The enjoyment found in your stories is always top notch and I just finished Unsinkable Nellie and The Family. Both books gave
a feeling of actually being in the story.
You have been busy this past Fall. Thank you again for sharing
your work on a platform that reaches so many.
Jeanette Mitchell
January 13, 2026
A must read
A great story and well written. I read a lot and western are my soft spot. This story is more then a western it's about life and servible. A story well written, it was hard to put down but could not wait to pick back up again and hated come the end. It's one of those stories that hangs with you for a long time. THANK YOU.
A great story and well written. I read a lot and western are my soft spot. This story is more then a western it's about life and servible. A story well written, it was hard to put down but could not wait to pick back up again and hated come the end. It's one of those stories that hangs with you for a long time. THANK YOU.
February 25, 2026
I've read over 40 western/historical novels in the last 8 months and this was one of the very best. Well written, great plots, turns and surprises, and without excessive violence or abuse of women and children. The plot is well developed, realistic and believable. It was difficult to put down and was one of the most enjoyable books I've read recently.
March 20, 2026
A Great Read; I loved the story
Reading any of Mr. Lane's books is always a pleasure for me. Well written Western story like this is a great way to experience our past. I believe that Mr Lane has his readers in mind as he writes. A story of his is never boring and I learned a lot by this read. I think that you will be happy that you picked this story.
Reading any of Mr. Lane's books is always a pleasure for me. Well written Western story like this is a great way to experience our past. I believe that Mr Lane has his readers in mind as he writes. A story of his is never boring and I learned a lot by this read. I think that you will be happy that you picked this story.
October 30, 2025
Unsinkable Nellie
I enjoyed this book. Read it in one day. Mr. Lane is my favorite author. I check Amazon every day to see if anything new is out. This book is different from others but still has the storyline of human struggles and ability to survive. Its a good book.
I enjoyed this book. Read it in one day. Mr. Lane is my favorite author. I check Amazon every day to see if anything new is out. This book is different from others but still has the storyline of human struggles and ability to survive. Its a good book.
October 31, 2025
Unsinkable Nellie
Saw the book this morning, bought it and just finished reading it. I have all of Mr. Lanes books and I enjoyed it as much as all the other books! He is one of my favorite writers and as long as he keeps writing books I will keep buying and reading them!
Saw the book this morning, bought it and just finished reading it. I have all of Mr. Lanes books and I enjoyed it as much as all the other books! He is one of my favorite writers and as long as he keeps writing books I will keep buying and reading them!
November 11, 2025
Top notch
I love reading books written by R.O. He creates his hero characters just like you would want them to be. His villains get the justice they deserve.
Nellie is a good woman and works hard at doing right.
I love reading books written by R.O. He creates his hero characters just like you would want them to be. His villains get the justice they deserve.
Nellie is a good woman and works hard at doing right.
November 13, 2025
Another winner by RO Lane. I have read everything he has written and I am never disappointed. I loved this book so much I read it in one afternoon. My only wish is that Mr. Lane could write faster :). I ill be watching for his next book.
November 18, 2025
Just Read It
I would recommend reading anything that R O Lane has written. He never disappoints. I discovered him by taking a chance on one book a few years ago and have now read everything he has written.
I would recommend reading anything that R O Lane has written. He never disappoints. I discovered him by taking a chance on one book a few years ago and have now read everything he has written.
November 19, 2025
What a great story!
I loved this story, parts were sad but wow, what a great storyline! She reminds me of my baby sister who can just about out shoot and work anyone I know, and when she decides to do something don't get in the way! Great writing!
I loved this story, parts were sad but wow, what a great storyline! She reminds me of my baby sister who can just about out shoot and work anyone I know, and when she decides to do something don't get in the way! Great writing!
November 21, 2025
Another great read
I thoroughly love Mr.Lanes' work ! Each book is well written. He developes his characters , seems almost if you can see them and know them. I read each and everyone of his books as I find them . Looking now for my next adventure!
I thoroughly love Mr.Lanes' work ! Each book is well written. He developes his characters , seems almost if you can see them and know them. I read each and everyone of his books as I find them . Looking now for my next adventure!
December 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
A pleasure to read about the toughest young lady in Marked county. My family of polocks
Are still in the area. Mostly around Falls City. Hard life being a rancher or farmer, but they found oil in the area, life has gotten better for some.
Rock on!
A pleasure to read about the toughest young lady in Marked county. My family of polocks
Are still in the area. Mostly around Falls City. Hard life being a rancher or farmer, but they found oil in the area, life has gotten better for some.
Rock on!
December 31, 2025
Vengeance and heartache......
Carried along on the trek to justice and peace. The story kept my attention throughout. Enjoy your read and know what it means to drive for what matters.
Carried along on the trek to justice and peace. The story kept my attention throughout. Enjoy your read and know what it means to drive for what matters.
January 6, 2026
A Good Story
I enjoyed reading this story so much that I couldn’t put it down. Such great characters! Nellie is one tough cookie especially for someone so young. I loved this book all the way to the end!
I enjoyed reading this story so much that I couldn’t put it down. Such great characters! Nellie is one tough cookie especially for someone so young. I loved this book all the way to the end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews