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The Hired Man: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 2 Mar 27The Dust Bowl sweeps a handsome stranger into a small Colorado town to dangerous effect
1937. It’s been seven years since the dust storms started in Colorado. Folks can barely remember a time when the clouds were filled with rain instead of dirt, and when the fields were green instead of brown. High school student Martha Helen Kessler and her family are luckier than most; they still eke out a living from the land. Even so, evidence of the Dust Bowl’s grim impact on families, especially on the women who bear the brunt of their husbands’ frustration and their children’s hunger, is everywhere.
When Martha Helen’s compassionate mother insists they take in Otis Hobbs, a handsome drifter who saves a local boy from a vicious storm, she quickly discovers a darker side to their rural community. Suspicion, jealousy, and prejudice grip their neighbors–and emotions reach a frenzy after Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie, disappears and is then found murdered. Ultimately, Martha Helen is forced to make sense of her conflicting feelings and loyalties in order to help find retribution and to reconcile the difference between the law and justice.
Full of period detail and Sandra Dallas’s trademark focus on the lives of women, The Hired Man entertains and ultimately surprises.
1937. It’s been seven years since the dust storms started in Colorado. Folks can barely remember a time when the clouds were filled with rain instead of dirt, and when the fields were green instead of brown. High school student Martha Helen Kessler and her family are luckier than most; they still eke out a living from the land. Even so, evidence of the Dust Bowl’s grim impact on families, especially on the women who bear the brunt of their husbands’ frustration and their children’s hunger, is everywhere.
When Martha Helen’s compassionate mother insists they take in Otis Hobbs, a handsome drifter who saves a local boy from a vicious storm, she quickly discovers a darker side to their rural community. Suspicion, jealousy, and prejudice grip their neighbors–and emotions reach a frenzy after Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie, disappears and is then found murdered. Ultimately, Martha Helen is forced to make sense of her conflicting feelings and loyalties in order to help find retribution and to reconcile the difference between the law and justice.
Full of period detail and Sandra Dallas’s trademark focus on the lives of women, The Hired Man entertains and ultimately surprises.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 2, 2027
About the author
Sandra Dallas
51 books2,021 followersAward-winning author SANDRA DALLAS was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra’s novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
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April 18, 2026
The dust bowl, 1937.
Times are tough in Colorado and the air is gritty. People are barely surviving in this coming of age story.
When a young man comes to town and saves a small child, the Kessler family takes him in and hires him. Not able to pay him, they give him a place to stay and food to eat. But doing this, they have opened themselves up to the harsh criticisms of the town. Then a murder takes place and all fingers point to the hobo. Martha Helen struggles with her own suspicions and the town’s. But she also believes in justice and learns what that sometimes looks like.
Women suffered their share during this devastating time. Abuse rampant from husbands; from young men who knew no better; few good men left. Hard to get past the biases in these communities.
The old adage ‘small towns, small minds' very much held true.
4⭐️
Times are tough in Colorado and the air is gritty. People are barely surviving in this coming of age story.
When a young man comes to town and saves a small child, the Kessler family takes him in and hires him. Not able to pay him, they give him a place to stay and food to eat. But doing this, they have opened themselves up to the harsh criticisms of the town. Then a murder takes place and all fingers point to the hobo. Martha Helen struggles with her own suspicions and the town’s. But she also believes in justice and learns what that sometimes looks like.
Women suffered their share during this devastating time. Abuse rampant from husbands; from young men who knew no better; few good men left. Hard to get past the biases in these communities.
The old adage ‘small towns, small minds' very much held true.
4⭐️
August 9, 2026
The year is 1937 in Colorado during the Dust Bowl, when everything is a challenge. Storms bring walls of dirt instead of clouds of rain, farm animals are few, and food is scarce. The impact on families is stark, yet teenager Martha Helen Kessler and her family are fortunate enough to take in a handsome drifter who saves a neighbor boy from a raging dust storm.
Martha Helen soon becomes aware of a darker side of their rural community—the suspicion, jealousy, and prejudice—and the impact on her family. She inwardly questions everything and everyone, trying to make sense of the frenzy around her and the battling emotions within her...
The Hired Man is my favorite of the three Sandra Dallas books I've read. The pace is consistent, without wasteful scenes, and early in, the reader has a good perspective of the goodies and the baddies in this tale with tension already running high. Martha Helen is a delightful, inquisitive, and disciplined main character and perfectly suited as the young female protagonist to narrate this story.
An immersive reading experience with the DRC and ALC, the audiobook is narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, whose variety of voicing skills is off the charts. She recounts the story with a regional nuance that gives authenticity to each of the characters. It's one of the best narrations I've heard, and I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
The Hired Man, like all Sandra Dallas books, focuses on the lives of women and their families. The ending? Definitely unexpected.
4.5⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Sandra Dallas for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Martha Helen soon becomes aware of a darker side of their rural community—the suspicion, jealousy, and prejudice—and the impact on her family. She inwardly questions everything and everyone, trying to make sense of the frenzy around her and the battling emotions within her...
The Hired Man is my favorite of the three Sandra Dallas books I've read. The pace is consistent, without wasteful scenes, and early in, the reader has a good perspective of the goodies and the baddies in this tale with tension already running high. Martha Helen is a delightful, inquisitive, and disciplined main character and perfectly suited as the young female protagonist to narrate this story.
An immersive reading experience with the DRC and ALC, the audiobook is narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, whose variety of voicing skills is off the charts. She recounts the story with a regional nuance that gives authenticity to each of the characters. It's one of the best narrations I've heard, and I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
The Hired Man, like all Sandra Dallas books, focuses on the lives of women and their families. The ending? Definitely unexpected.
4.5⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Sandra Dallas for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 13, 2026
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ It’s the year 1937, and the dust storms and the Depression have hit the country hard. With the lack of rain, food, and money, people are on edge, and high school student Martha Helen Kessler sees firsthand how it is affecting people when her mother insists they take in a handsome drifter who saved a boy from a bad dust storm, Otis Hobbs. Suspicions arise with the homeless newcomer, but the tension between Otis and the rural community rises when Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie, is murdered, and all fingers point at the Kesslers’ hired man. Although Otis’s secrecy about his life and whereabouts makes him suspicious, Martha Helen doesn’t know whether to believe his innocence or her friends and neighbors, who are quick to find him guilty because he is not like them.
──── ୨୧ ────
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ TL;DR: Even though the ending didn't leave me completely satisfied, this made me realize I need to read more historical fiction.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ It’s been a minute since I’ve read a historical fiction novel, and I loved this author’s previous book, Tough Luck, so I was very excited to read this. And, thank goodness, it did not disappoint.
I mean, I honestly don’t have much to say about this book. I was instantly invested in the story, and I was so curious whether or not Otis was innocent. A GR friend of mine mentioned in her review that the animosity the townsfolk felt toward Otis and the prejudices they had against him were similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, and I couldn’t agree more. And just like that classic, I was annoyed with how quick they were to judge a man just because he was “different” from them. I hate–and I mean hate–injustice of any kind, and whenever I see it, hear it, or read it, it seriously makes my blood boil, so it’s safe to say that I was riled up a bit. 😂
The only complaints that I have are with the ending and the overall connection with the characters. I feel like I didn’t really know the characters, like they were trying to keep the readers at arm's length. In hindsight, this is actually an art choice since everyone was closed off and kept their distance from one another because of the hardships they were all going through, which makes sense. I still really wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters, so it wasn’t a big issue for me. The other thing that is still bothering me is the ending. Like…what? What–what am I supposed to do with this? I don’t know if I should be satisfied with how everything turned out or confused. For the most part, I was happy with how it ended, except for a thing or two that I won’t mention because I’m going to spoil it, obviously, but it didn’t sit well with me. I don’t know. I guess it’s just one of those endings that leaves the aftermath of the situation up to the reader’s imagination and how they viewed the story.
Lol, but this cover is kinda misleading, ngl. It kinda looks like a romance novel, but believe me, it is not. And there are some dark themes in this book that might make some readers uncomfortable, so I’d check out the content warnings at the end of this review, if you want.
Overall, this was a super interesting, highly entertaining read that made me think about human nature and law and justice. Lately, I haven’t been reading books that make me stop and think about the world and how it turns, so that was a nice change of scenery. I need to read more of them. ☺
₊⊹ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ₊⊹
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, and mentions starvation, sexual assault, nudity, abandonment, and domestic abuse.
Swearing: Some.
Spice: No
──── ୨୧ ────
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ TL;DR: Even though the ending didn't leave me completely satisfied, this made me realize I need to read more historical fiction.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ It’s been a minute since I’ve read a historical fiction novel, and I loved this author’s previous book, Tough Luck, so I was very excited to read this. And, thank goodness, it did not disappoint.
I mean, I honestly don’t have much to say about this book. I was instantly invested in the story, and I was so curious whether or not Otis was innocent. A GR friend of mine mentioned in her review that the animosity the townsfolk felt toward Otis and the prejudices they had against him were similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, and I couldn’t agree more. And just like that classic, I was annoyed with how quick they were to judge a man just because he was “different” from them. I hate–and I mean hate–injustice of any kind, and whenever I see it, hear it, or read it, it seriously makes my blood boil, so it’s safe to say that I was riled up a bit. 😂
The only complaints that I have are with the ending and the overall connection with the characters. I feel like I didn’t really know the characters, like they were trying to keep the readers at arm's length. In hindsight, this is actually an art choice since everyone was closed off and kept their distance from one another because of the hardships they were all going through, which makes sense. I still really wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters, so it wasn’t a big issue for me. The other thing that is still bothering me is the ending. Like…what? What–what am I supposed to do with this? I don’t know if I should be satisfied with how everything turned out or confused. For the most part, I was happy with how it ended, except for a thing or two that I won’t mention because I’m going to spoil it, obviously, but it didn’t sit well with me. I don’t know. I guess it’s just one of those endings that leaves the aftermath of the situation up to the reader’s imagination and how they viewed the story.
Lol, but this cover is kinda misleading, ngl. It kinda looks like a romance novel, but believe me, it is not. And there are some dark themes in this book that might make some readers uncomfortable, so I’d check out the content warnings at the end of this review, if you want.
Overall, this was a super interesting, highly entertaining read that made me think about human nature and law and justice. Lately, I haven’t been reading books that make me stop and think about the world and how it turns, so that was a nice change of scenery. I need to read more of them. ☺
₊⊹ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ₊⊹
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, and mentions starvation, sexual assault, nudity, abandonment, and domestic abuse.
Swearing: Some.
Spice: No
November 8, 2025
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Sandra Dallas and with each one I’m engaged in the stories of strong women with determination and grit who settle and thrive in the west at various times in history . While my favorite so far is Westering Women, this one set in the 1930’s dust bowl in Colorado also meets the standards of excellent historical fiction. Women sometimes restricted by the times, subservient to their husbands come together to help other women enduring abuse or illness when times are tough for the whole community as a result of the dust storms. Women trying to do the right thing by keeping secrets to protect their loved ones and their neighbors. While there is kindness, there is also mean spiritedness among the townspeople of Burke and even worse a murderer among them.
A young girl comes of age, learning to do the right thing for her neighbors, do right by her best friend, and protect her mother. This story is dark at times and doing the right thing is not always as cut and dry as it seems. Two little boys bring some light that was touching. An unexpected twist leaves Martha Helen with a secret as she tries to do the right thing. Well written as are all of Dallas’ books, this one is a little more intense and thought provoking when the rain finally comes.
I received a copy of this book St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.
A young girl comes of age, learning to do the right thing for her neighbors, do right by her best friend, and protect her mother. This story is dark at times and doing the right thing is not always as cut and dry as it seems. Two little boys bring some light that was touching. An unexpected twist leaves Martha Helen with a secret as she tries to do the right thing. Well written as are all of Dallas’ books, this one is a little more intense and thought provoking when the rain finally comes.
I received a copy of this book St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.
October 14, 2025
4.5
This is a coming of age story about Martha Helen, living in Colorado during the Dust Bowl years, 1937 … they hadn’t seen the rain in 7 yrs!
Everyone’s crops dried up, everyone is living on slim to nothing.
A handsome young stranger, Otis, comes to town looking for work and Martha Helen’s family takes him on as a “hired man” just paying him with room and board. The family is faring better than most in the area and they are all just wonderful characters!
A series of events happens, and a death.., and the people in town blame Otis.
Martha Helen’s family sticks by Otis as he is tried for the murder.. but all is not as it seems!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.. my first by this author. It was a fast read with themes of prejudice, poverty.. and the desperate choices people make during times of hardship.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Available March 31
This is a coming of age story about Martha Helen, living in Colorado during the Dust Bowl years, 1937 … they hadn’t seen the rain in 7 yrs!
Everyone’s crops dried up, everyone is living on slim to nothing.
A handsome young stranger, Otis, comes to town looking for work and Martha Helen’s family takes him on as a “hired man” just paying him with room and board. The family is faring better than most in the area and they are all just wonderful characters!
A series of events happens, and a death.., and the people in town blame Otis.
Martha Helen’s family sticks by Otis as he is tried for the murder.. but all is not as it seems!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.. my first by this author. It was a fast read with themes of prejudice, poverty.. and the desperate choices people make during times of hardship.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Available March 31
March 25, 2026
“Justice doesn’t always happen.”
I’ve read many novels set during the Dust Bowl era, but none have captured what it must have felt like to endure those conditions quite like Dallas has.
I read this during one of the worst air quality days our country has experienced, so it made me appreciate reading about characters who could barely see each other even in midday. Despite experiencing slightly similar conditions, I still can’t imagine putting Vaseline up my nose to keep out the dust, relying on a rope between locations to find my way around in the ‘dark’, or watching animals choke and suffocate in desperate situations. It made my itchy eyes seem like such a small, insignificant challenge!
Inspired by the biblical Good Samaritan parable, The Hired Man explores what happens when we feel that justice hasn’t been served. Dallas shows us what transpires when we feel that we have a responsibility to see that justice is served.
This 5-star novel focuses on having the courage to stand up for the truth and spotlights a community struggling to survive during a drought with heavy dust and wind storms. It takes off with a gallop when vagrant Otis Hobbs arrives with little Kevin Kinney, claiming that he’d found him along the road. I loved seeing how each of the townspeople reacted and trying to uncover what made them think that way. Dallas slowly unfurls the past of each, showing us how it has influenced present choices.
This is one every historical fiction lover needs on their tbr immediately!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ve read many novels set during the Dust Bowl era, but none have captured what it must have felt like to endure those conditions quite like Dallas has.
I read this during one of the worst air quality days our country has experienced, so it made me appreciate reading about characters who could barely see each other even in midday. Despite experiencing slightly similar conditions, I still can’t imagine putting Vaseline up my nose to keep out the dust, relying on a rope between locations to find my way around in the ‘dark’, or watching animals choke and suffocate in desperate situations. It made my itchy eyes seem like such a small, insignificant challenge!
Inspired by the biblical Good Samaritan parable, The Hired Man explores what happens when we feel that justice hasn’t been served. Dallas shows us what transpires when we feel that we have a responsibility to see that justice is served.
This 5-star novel focuses on having the courage to stand up for the truth and spotlights a community struggling to survive during a drought with heavy dust and wind storms. It takes off with a gallop when vagrant Otis Hobbs arrives with little Kevin Kinney, claiming that he’d found him along the road. I loved seeing how each of the townspeople reacted and trying to uncover what made them think that way. Dallas slowly unfurls the past of each, showing us how it has influenced present choices.
This is one every historical fiction lover needs on their tbr immediately!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 19, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sandra Dallas has become an author that I cannot resist, but I do try to let her titles linger on my TBR so I don't read them too fast. In her newest historical fiction, Dallas sets the scene in 1930s Colorado, in the middle of the Depression. Her main protagonist and narrator of the story is a teenager, Martha Helen Kessler. Martha lives on the family farm with her parents and her youngest brother, Henry. Her oldest brother, Emmet, headed out to California looking for work. As the story begins, a young child, the son of a neighbour, has gone missing, and a wandering vagrant named Otis rescues the child from certain death. Although others are wary of this new face in their town, Martha's mother hires Otis to work the farm. But always the townspeople stay vigilant, and when Martha's best friend, Frankie, goes missing, all eyes are on the Kesslers' hired man.
This one certainly has a different vibe than some of Sandra Dallas's other titles, but it is nonetheless true to her devotion to showing all varieties of the human condition. I wanted to be as trusting as Martha Helen's mother, who is a brilliant character, but I also had a feeling of dread. Future readers are cautioned to be patient, as the pace of the storyline moves slowly and gives us time to settle in with the setting and all the characters. Trust me, it is worthwhile to stick with the narrative.
I was eagerly anticipating this title, and it didn't disappoint.
Publication Date 31/03/26
Goodreads Review 19/04/26
Sandra Dallas has become an author that I cannot resist, but I do try to let her titles linger on my TBR so I don't read them too fast. In her newest historical fiction, Dallas sets the scene in 1930s Colorado, in the middle of the Depression. Her main protagonist and narrator of the story is a teenager, Martha Helen Kessler. Martha lives on the family farm with her parents and her youngest brother, Henry. Her oldest brother, Emmet, headed out to California looking for work. As the story begins, a young child, the son of a neighbour, has gone missing, and a wandering vagrant named Otis rescues the child from certain death. Although others are wary of this new face in their town, Martha's mother hires Otis to work the farm. But always the townspeople stay vigilant, and when Martha's best friend, Frankie, goes missing, all eyes are on the Kesslers' hired man.
This one certainly has a different vibe than some of Sandra Dallas's other titles, but it is nonetheless true to her devotion to showing all varieties of the human condition. I wanted to be as trusting as Martha Helen's mother, who is a brilliant character, but I also had a feeling of dread. Future readers are cautioned to be patient, as the pace of the storyline moves slowly and gives us time to settle in with the setting and all the characters. Trust me, it is worthwhile to stick with the narrative.
I was eagerly anticipating this title, and it didn't disappoint.
Publication Date 31/03/26
Goodreads Review 19/04/26
March 16, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas. Dallas writes terrific historical fiction, with this one being set in 1937 in eastern Colorado during the horrible dustbowl times.
The focus is on the Kessler family and a number of their fellow townspeople. The story is told by the daughter of the family, Martha Helen, who is 16 during most of the story. Their family farm seems to have weathered the terrible conditions better than most of their neighbors but times are still pretty rough for them. When a stranger shows up holding the still-breathing body of a little boy who got caught in a dust storm, Mrs. Kessler offers him a job, for room and board only. Otherwise, the sheriff would run him out of town. No tramps or hobos wanted there. (They had a whole encampment nearby.) So Otis stays on the Kessler farm and works hard and earns their trust and admiration.
Dallas’ depiction of the conditions that people endured did not shy away from the harsh realities of life in that time and place.
When Martha’s good friend is murdered, suspicion falls on Otis - for no reason other than he’s “not one of them.” Her murder brings out all the most awful behavior in most of the locals, which I found so disappointing - although I know that this is fairly typical human nature. I really admired Martha Helen’s mother, Ruth, and was heartbroken with her revealed backstory.
There’s a huge twist at almost the very end of the book, which challenged my thoughts about what actually happened in this story.
I mainly listened to the audiobook version, which was beautifully narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. She managed a whole variety of voices, both male and female.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas. Dallas writes terrific historical fiction, with this one being set in 1937 in eastern Colorado during the horrible dustbowl times.
The focus is on the Kessler family and a number of their fellow townspeople. The story is told by the daughter of the family, Martha Helen, who is 16 during most of the story. Their family farm seems to have weathered the terrible conditions better than most of their neighbors but times are still pretty rough for them. When a stranger shows up holding the still-breathing body of a little boy who got caught in a dust storm, Mrs. Kessler offers him a job, for room and board only. Otherwise, the sheriff would run him out of town. No tramps or hobos wanted there. (They had a whole encampment nearby.) So Otis stays on the Kessler farm and works hard and earns their trust and admiration.
Dallas’ depiction of the conditions that people endured did not shy away from the harsh realities of life in that time and place.
When Martha’s good friend is murdered, suspicion falls on Otis - for no reason other than he’s “not one of them.” Her murder brings out all the most awful behavior in most of the locals, which I found so disappointing - although I know that this is fairly typical human nature. I really admired Martha Helen’s mother, Ruth, and was heartbroken with her revealed backstory.
There’s a huge twist at almost the very end of the book, which challenged my thoughts about what actually happened in this story.
I mainly listened to the audiobook version, which was beautifully narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. She managed a whole variety of voices, both male and female.
September 13, 2026
The Hired Man is a gritty, heartbreaking story that's set in Colorado in 1937, seven years into the Dust Bowl. Times are hard for everyone, especially the women who shoulder the responsibility of keeping their family together while withstanding the worst of their spouses' anger and resentment over perceived failures. Alcoholism and Domestic Violence are prevalent; however, the Kessler family is luckier than most as they are a close-knit family who still manage to scratch out a living on their farm. Protagonist Martha Helen Kessler is a teenager who tends to her young brother, Henry, and yearns for her older brother Emmet who left a long time ago seeking work in California. It is through her young voice that this story is told.
During this time period, drifters moving from place to place looking for work are run out of small towns, but when Otis Hobbs appears on the Kessler farm carrying a boy in his arms who was reported missing in the last storm, he's welcomed in. Despite the neighbors' strong objections and at the insistence of Martha Helen's mother, Otis is hired to work on the farm in exchange for meals, room and board. Otis is a handsome, mysterious loner who works hard and says little. Martha Helen and her friends are fascinated with him, but the town's prejudice against vagrants prevails and they're quick to hurl accusations and lay the blame at Otis's feet when a young girl goes missing. The Kessler’s have faith in Otis and use their limited resources to help defend him. The story that unfolds pits neighbor against neighbor in a heartbreaking search for the truth.
Author Sandra Dallas's work in Historical Fiction is highly impressive. The research she puts into each time period is evident as she captures the essence of the time with vivid settings and strong characterizations. As is often the case, Dallas focuses on the trials and tribulations of women and the moral dilemmas faced during the toughest of times while avoiding typical stereotypes in The Hired Man. The story develops slowly as all the players are introduced and the stage set with the pace picking up through some unforeseen twists. I suspect the ending may be controversial for some readers; however, after careful thought, I can't say I didn't see it coming. I did.
I enjoyed the audiobook of The Hired Man and highly recommend it. Narrator Jesse Vilinsky does an impressive job bringing the story to life through the characters' words with complete authenticity. On the other hand, if audiobooks aren't your thing, this one is worth reading and would make for a great discussion in book clubs. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction and mysteries.
Special thanks to MacMillan Audio for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. Review first published on my blog, Cross My Heart Reviews.
During this time period, drifters moving from place to place looking for work are run out of small towns, but when Otis Hobbs appears on the Kessler farm carrying a boy in his arms who was reported missing in the last storm, he's welcomed in. Despite the neighbors' strong objections and at the insistence of Martha Helen's mother, Otis is hired to work on the farm in exchange for meals, room and board. Otis is a handsome, mysterious loner who works hard and says little. Martha Helen and her friends are fascinated with him, but the town's prejudice against vagrants prevails and they're quick to hurl accusations and lay the blame at Otis's feet when a young girl goes missing. The Kessler’s have faith in Otis and use their limited resources to help defend him. The story that unfolds pits neighbor against neighbor in a heartbreaking search for the truth.
Author Sandra Dallas's work in Historical Fiction is highly impressive. The research she puts into each time period is evident as she captures the essence of the time with vivid settings and strong characterizations. As is often the case, Dallas focuses on the trials and tribulations of women and the moral dilemmas faced during the toughest of times while avoiding typical stereotypes in The Hired Man. The story develops slowly as all the players are introduced and the stage set with the pace picking up through some unforeseen twists. I suspect the ending may be controversial for some readers; however, after careful thought, I can't say I didn't see it coming. I did.
I enjoyed the audiobook of The Hired Man and highly recommend it. Narrator Jesse Vilinsky does an impressive job bringing the story to life through the characters' words with complete authenticity. On the other hand, if audiobooks aren't your thing, this one is worth reading and would make for a great discussion in book clubs. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction and mysteries.
Special thanks to MacMillan Audio for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. Review first published on my blog, Cross My Heart Reviews.
February 25, 2026
THE HIRED MAN
By Sandra Dallas
Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky
How well do we truly know the people we trust?
Set in a small Colorado town in 1937, still reeling from years of drought and relentless dust storms, The Hired Man follows Martha Helen Kessler and her family as they take in a drifter to help with farm work due to her mother’s compassionate nature. But when a young local woman is found murdered, suspicion spreads quickly, and the darker side of this struggling rural community begins to surface.
Sandra Dallas vividly portrays the desperation of the era, weaving a powerful story of moral judgment, identity, and trust. I appreciated her restrained yet quietly powerful writing style, allowing the emotional weight of the story to unfold naturally through character and setting rather than dramatic prose. The pacing is steady, maintaining a serious, reflective, and at times tense tone throughout.
The characters’ flaws, emotions, and choices felt authentic and believable. The ending was a surprise and encourages readers to reflect on how assumptions and hidden truths shape relationships and decisions. It’s a conclusion that will likely spark thoughtful discussion.
Jesse Vilinsky’s narration beautifully enhances the tone and emotional depth of the story. I especially enjoyed experiencing this one through both the audiobook and the ebook formats.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
By Sandra Dallas
Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky
How well do we truly know the people we trust?
Set in a small Colorado town in 1937, still reeling from years of drought and relentless dust storms, The Hired Man follows Martha Helen Kessler and her family as they take in a drifter to help with farm work due to her mother’s compassionate nature. But when a young local woman is found murdered, suspicion spreads quickly, and the darker side of this struggling rural community begins to surface.
Sandra Dallas vividly portrays the desperation of the era, weaving a powerful story of moral judgment, identity, and trust. I appreciated her restrained yet quietly powerful writing style, allowing the emotional weight of the story to unfold naturally through character and setting rather than dramatic prose. The pacing is steady, maintaining a serious, reflective, and at times tense tone throughout.
The characters’ flaws, emotions, and choices felt authentic and believable. The ending was a surprise and encourages readers to reflect on how assumptions and hidden truths shape relationships and decisions. It’s a conclusion that will likely spark thoughtful discussion.
Jesse Vilinsky’s narration beautifully enhances the tone and emotional depth of the story. I especially enjoyed experiencing this one through both the audiobook and the ebook formats.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
April 13, 2026
4⭐️ set in Colorado in 1937 during the dust bowl, this historical fiction mystery hooked me from the beginning.
The FMC, teenager Martha Helen tells the story in a matter of fact way that adds to the dry barren feeling of the landscape of the time. Martha Helen’s family the Kesslers are struggling like the rest of the community ,but seem better off than some. After a dust storm a drifter shows up after rescuing a local boy. Otis is encouraged to stay and work for the Kesslers for room and board. The family grows fond of him and trusts him.
The townsfolk don’t like the stranger and when a young girl is found murdered, Otis is blamed. What follows is long buried secrets revealed, a trial, several twists and a surprise I never saw coming.
All in all a good story, great characters, the dust bowl setting and that big surprise! The ending fast forwards years later and wraps it all up a little abruptly but I really enjoyed it!
Thanks NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The FMC, teenager Martha Helen tells the story in a matter of fact way that adds to the dry barren feeling of the landscape of the time. Martha Helen’s family the Kesslers are struggling like the rest of the community ,but seem better off than some. After a dust storm a drifter shows up after rescuing a local boy. Otis is encouraged to stay and work for the Kesslers for room and board. The family grows fond of him and trusts him.
The townsfolk don’t like the stranger and when a young girl is found murdered, Otis is blamed. What follows is long buried secrets revealed, a trial, several twists and a surprise I never saw coming.
All in all a good story, great characters, the dust bowl setting and that big surprise! The ending fast forwards years later and wraps it all up a little abruptly but I really enjoyed it!
Thanks NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2026
Having lived in Colorado for much of my life, I have long been a fan of Sandra Dallas and her long publishing career with The Rocky Mountain News and have read several of her books. She is the author of The Hired Man. With the Dust Bowl sweeping into Colorado in 1937, it had been present for seven years where the inhabitants of fictional Colorado town Burke could not remember a time when the clouds were filled with rain instead of dirt and when the fields were green and not brown. This novel shows the grim impact on the people, particularly the women who bore the brunt of their husband’s frustration and their families hunger.
However, the Kessler family were still able to eke out a living on the land, although they were struggling. One day, during a dust storm, a drifter saves a small child who had been buried in the sand along the side of the road. When the community turns on young, handsome Otis Hobbs for being a tramp and unemployed, Martha Helen Kessler’s mother takes him in as he becomes their hired hand, his pay room and board, meaning he ate his meals with the family. It is at this point that Martha Helen begins to see a dark side of her rural community display itself as their prejudice towards this drifter spills over into the community. As the hired man proves to be invaluable to her dad in his skills and willingness to work, he becomes a part of the Kessler family, if not the community of Burke. Staying to himself in the barn or the root cellar, Otis walks a lot at night. He has given carvings to young Henry Kessler and a special leather bracelet to Ruth Kessler with a special blue stone. When Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie is missing and ultimately found in a stand of cottonwoods, strangled and most likely a victim of sexual assault, Otis Hobbs is arrested for her murder. What transpires throughout the novel is a compelling story. One through line in all of the novels that I have read by Sandra Dallas is how she writes about the struggles of women in the rugged frontier highlighting those who were up to the challenge and brought others along with them. There is an underlying issue of what is justice?
“For better or worse, the drought and ill winds showed what we were made of. Some folks stole and cheated and hoarded. Others rose above the hardships and displayed strength and courage, even though it threatened to destroy them. The Dust Bowl changed us.”
However, the Kessler family were still able to eke out a living on the land, although they were struggling. One day, during a dust storm, a drifter saves a small child who had been buried in the sand along the side of the road. When the community turns on young, handsome Otis Hobbs for being a tramp and unemployed, Martha Helen Kessler’s mother takes him in as he becomes their hired hand, his pay room and board, meaning he ate his meals with the family. It is at this point that Martha Helen begins to see a dark side of her rural community display itself as their prejudice towards this drifter spills over into the community. As the hired man proves to be invaluable to her dad in his skills and willingness to work, he becomes a part of the Kessler family, if not the community of Burke. Staying to himself in the barn or the root cellar, Otis walks a lot at night. He has given carvings to young Henry Kessler and a special leather bracelet to Ruth Kessler with a special blue stone. When Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie is missing and ultimately found in a stand of cottonwoods, strangled and most likely a victim of sexual assault, Otis Hobbs is arrested for her murder. What transpires throughout the novel is a compelling story. One through line in all of the novels that I have read by Sandra Dallas is how she writes about the struggles of women in the rugged frontier highlighting those who were up to the challenge and brought others along with them. There is an underlying issue of what is justice?
July 16, 2025
This interesting and captivating historical fiction novel we'll surely be one that is the ride of your life. Set in Colorado in the late 1930's it will follow the struggles of a town that is quick to judge without asking questions first and a loving family that will do just about anything to uncover the truth. I will say that I was deeply impressed with the direction that this novel went. Thereare character that you adore and then there are the ones that you can't stand. However, in the end it is what balances out the complete story and that is what is important.
In the late 1930's we are introduced to Martha Helen and her family. They are very poor but are very kind and compassionate compared to some of the other families in town. When a penniless drifter name Otis comes around looking for work they take him in. However there are those in town who are suspicious of this outsider and say nothing good could come of it.
Everything seems to be well until Martha Helen's best friend disappears and is later found dead. The whole town believes the drifter has something to do with it while Martha and her family think it was someone else. Wilk they be able to uncover the truth before another person goes missing and will they be able to do so without the town tearing themselves apart?
i received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
In the late 1930's we are introduced to Martha Helen and her family. They are very poor but are very kind and compassionate compared to some of the other families in town. When a penniless drifter name Otis comes around looking for work they take him in. However there are those in town who are suspicious of this outsider and say nothing good could come of it.
Everything seems to be well until Martha Helen's best friend disappears and is later found dead. The whole town believes the drifter has something to do with it while Martha and her family think it was someone else. Wilk they be able to uncover the truth before another person goes missing and will they be able to do so without the town tearing themselves apart?
i received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
March 18, 2026
Audiobook narration really made it hard to connect with the story. Everything felt pretty surface level even with the difficult time period and content. The reviews seem to be solid so maybe take my advice and skip the audio and read the physical.
March 31, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Sandra Dallas is the queen of the American West genre. The Hired Man takes place in rural Colorado in 1937, during the historical period of time known as the Dust Bowl. But Ms. Dallas has a way of making western stories into ones that feel contemporary and relevant no matter where you live. The drama and the mystery that are involved add tons of interest to the plot of this story.
The narrative mostly focuses on the Kessler's teenage daughter, Martha Helen. However, all of the characters in this book are well written and by the end you feel like many of them could be a part of your own family or are close friends. The Kessler family lived off the land and were part of the fictional rural community of Burke, Colorado for many years and generations. During the hard times of the Dust Bowl, they continued to survive better than most and often extended a hand to help others in need. Taking in a vagrant that saved a local child, the Kesslers can only offer him room and board to be their "hired man". He seems to be kind, gentle, and caring.
Along with periods of no rain, the Dust Bowl was a time when dust blizzards would come on at a moment's notice and dust would cover everything inside and outside the home and farm, including people, animals, crops, and household items. A dust storm could change the area's landscape quicker than a bull can throw a rider. There was no water to feed the crops or thirsty animals. Families lost their jobs and their homesteads while their children went hungry. They had to rely on the charity of others that might have a little bit more than they did. Many ended up heading to California hoping to find work.
There are good people and bad people wherever you go. In the Kessler's small rural community there are both. Emotions run high when a local girl goes missing and turns up dead. All eyes and pointed fingers turn toward the Kessler's "hired man". In the minds of the locals, a vagrant is considered an outsider with a penchant for causing trouble. A jury trial will decide the outcome. Does the law or justice win out in this situation? You'll want to find out.
I wasn't quite happy with the ambiguity of a portion of the ending of this story, but I will definitely be on the lookout for the next Sandra Dallas novel.
My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
TW: references to animal death and slaughter, violent death of a teenager, shooting of a beloved dog.
Sandra Dallas is the queen of the American West genre. The Hired Man takes place in rural Colorado in 1937, during the historical period of time known as the Dust Bowl. But Ms. Dallas has a way of making western stories into ones that feel contemporary and relevant no matter where you live. The drama and the mystery that are involved add tons of interest to the plot of this story.
The narrative mostly focuses on the Kessler's teenage daughter, Martha Helen. However, all of the characters in this book are well written and by the end you feel like many of them could be a part of your own family or are close friends. The Kessler family lived off the land and were part of the fictional rural community of Burke, Colorado for many years and generations. During the hard times of the Dust Bowl, they continued to survive better than most and often extended a hand to help others in need. Taking in a vagrant that saved a local child, the Kesslers can only offer him room and board to be their "hired man". He seems to be kind, gentle, and caring.
Along with periods of no rain, the Dust Bowl was a time when dust blizzards would come on at a moment's notice and dust would cover everything inside and outside the home and farm, including people, animals, crops, and household items. A dust storm could change the area's landscape quicker than a bull can throw a rider. There was no water to feed the crops or thirsty animals. Families lost their jobs and their homesteads while their children went hungry. They had to rely on the charity of others that might have a little bit more than they did. Many ended up heading to California hoping to find work.
There are good people and bad people wherever you go. In the Kessler's small rural community there are both. Emotions run high when a local girl goes missing and turns up dead. All eyes and pointed fingers turn toward the Kessler's "hired man". In the minds of the locals, a vagrant is considered an outsider with a penchant for causing trouble. A jury trial will decide the outcome. Does the law or justice win out in this situation? You'll want to find out.
I wasn't quite happy with the ambiguity of a portion of the ending of this story, but I will definitely be on the lookout for the next Sandra Dallas novel.
My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
TW: references to animal death and slaughter, violent death of a teenager, shooting of a beloved dog.
October 9, 2025
The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas is a quick read set in 1937. It’s been seven years since the devastating dust storms began, a time known as the Dust Bowl. A stranger arrives in a small town, and a family decides to take him in as a “Hired Man,” setting off a chain of events that will forever change their lives.
The novel explores themes of prejudice, poverty, and the desperate choices people make when faced with hardship. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of the story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a compelling historical fiction read.
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for publishing this excellent book.
The novel explores themes of prejudice, poverty, and the desperate choices people make when faced with hardship. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of the story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a compelling historical fiction read.
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for publishing this excellent book.
April 27, 2026
This one left dust in my crevices. But I don't mind.
Living through the dust bowl times must have been so very challenging and scary. Enduring those dust storms, having crops shrivel, watching neighbors pack up and head into the unknown because they could no longer stand it, going to bed each night with no reason to believe tomorrow would look any different....it must have been enough to test the hardiest of souls.
Given that, it was surprising to find so much kindness and generosity still living in this desolate place, at least on the part of some in this small town. It's said that hard times will bring out the best and the worst in people, and that's what this novel showed. A family that shares their meager rations even with a total stranger; one considered to be a "hobo" and "other" that most of the town despises and distrusts. Their generosity is tested when a murder occurs and they are considered complicit in shielding this man from the condemnation from many of the neighbors.
Sometimes there are no easy answers when you seek to do the right thing, which plays out between several of the main characters around the events in the story. Ultimately, one must live with one's conscience, which isn't always in sync with what a system suggests or what those around us do. Interesting characters and conundrums to consider. Throwing in a couple of small boys to lighten the mood from harsher realities was a nice break in the tension.
Living through the dust bowl times must have been so very challenging and scary. Enduring those dust storms, having crops shrivel, watching neighbors pack up and head into the unknown because they could no longer stand it, going to bed each night with no reason to believe tomorrow would look any different....it must have been enough to test the hardiest of souls.
Given that, it was surprising to find so much kindness and generosity still living in this desolate place, at least on the part of some in this small town. It's said that hard times will bring out the best and the worst in people, and that's what this novel showed. A family that shares their meager rations even with a total stranger; one considered to be a "hobo" and "other" that most of the town despises and distrusts. Their generosity is tested when a murder occurs and they are considered complicit in shielding this man from the condemnation from many of the neighbors.
Sometimes there are no easy answers when you seek to do the right thing, which plays out between several of the main characters around the events in the story. Ultimately, one must live with one's conscience, which isn't always in sync with what a system suggests or what those around us do. Interesting characters and conundrums to consider. Throwing in a couple of small boys to lighten the mood from harsher realities was a nice break in the tension.
February 8, 2026
Unpopular opinion time: I found this
'classic' historical mystery, snooze-worthy.
I really wanted to like The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas, but it was just too dry for me. While the 1930s atmosphere was vivid, the plot felt like it was moving through quicksand.
The "mystery" lacked any real tension, and the characters didn't give me enough reason to care. If you like slow-burn history, maybe give it a go-but for me, it was just a bit boring. It was very depressing and made me feel so bleh.
Tried listening to the audiobook, but I found my mind wandering more than the plot.
The narrator did their best, but even a good voice couldn't save this slow-moving story. I kept waiting for the "mystery" to pick up, but it just didn't.
'classic' historical mystery, snooze-worthy.
I really wanted to like The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas, but it was just too dry for me. While the 1930s atmosphere was vivid, the plot felt like it was moving through quicksand.
The "mystery" lacked any real tension, and the characters didn't give me enough reason to care. If you like slow-burn history, maybe give it a go-but for me, it was just a bit boring. It was very depressing and made me feel so bleh.
Tried listening to the audiobook, but I found my mind wandering more than the plot.
The narrator did their best, but even a good voice couldn't save this slow-moving story. I kept waiting for the "mystery" to pick up, but it just didn't.
August 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love the way Sandra Dallas creates her characters and brings the plot to life. This book easily kept my attention. There were a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. I don't want to give spoilers but this book does make you think about how people are treated.
I love the way Sandra Dallas creates her characters and brings the plot to life. This book easily kept my attention. There were a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. I don't want to give spoilers but this book does make you think about how people are treated.
November 25, 2025
Quick read and a great story about life in Colorado during the Dust Bowl era. Without giving away the plot, I'll say that this book shows how poverty, combined with prejudice and desperation, can lead to explosive results. If you are a fan of realistic historical fiction you will like this one.
I received an advance copy to be able to write this review.
I received an advance copy to be able to write this review.
March 31, 2026
3.5 stars
"The Dust Bowl sweeps a handsome stranger into a small Colorado town to dangerous effect."
Martha Helen Kessler is a high school student in 1937. Her family is luckier than most in that they can survive and her father is a kind man. Many families don't have a father and husband who treats the women with kindness, including one of Martha's friends. One day, a hobo brings a young boy to their property to get him medical help. Because of his kindness, Martha's parents hire him to help on the farm in exchange for room and board. When something happens to one of Martha's friends, whispers and gossip travel faster than a dust storm.
I loved the concept of this historical novel which seemed to be thoroughly researched for accuracy as to the human experience during the 1930s. The story is also a partial retelling of the Good Samaritan where a person helps someone from another class or ethnicity when it is usually discouraged to do so. I love this example of pure kindness on the part of the hobo and the family. The conflict and mystery was also compelling. I just wanted the characters to feel more fleshed out and some emotion was lacking in parts.
The audiobook performance by Jesse Vilinsky felt surface level at times and I wanted to feel more connected to the characters in those parts. Overall, I liked it and would recommend it to those who love historical fiction. Also try the physical copy because reviews have been great!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Sandra Dallas for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
"The Dust Bowl sweeps a handsome stranger into a small Colorado town to dangerous effect."
Martha Helen Kessler is a high school student in 1937. Her family is luckier than most in that they can survive and her father is a kind man. Many families don't have a father and husband who treats the women with kindness, including one of Martha's friends. One day, a hobo brings a young boy to their property to get him medical help. Because of his kindness, Martha's parents hire him to help on the farm in exchange for room and board. When something happens to one of Martha's friends, whispers and gossip travel faster than a dust storm.
I loved the concept of this historical novel which seemed to be thoroughly researched for accuracy as to the human experience during the 1930s. The story is also a partial retelling of the Good Samaritan where a person helps someone from another class or ethnicity when it is usually discouraged to do so. I love this example of pure kindness on the part of the hobo and the family. The conflict and mystery was also compelling. I just wanted the characters to feel more fleshed out and some emotion was lacking in parts.
The audiobook performance by Jesse Vilinsky felt surface level at times and I wanted to feel more connected to the characters in those parts. Overall, I liked it and would recommend it to those who love historical fiction. Also try the physical copy because reviews have been great!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Sandra Dallas for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
August 12, 2025
Wow I absolutely loved this book and it was a first for me from this author. The book follows a family who are trying to survive the aftermath of the dust storms and they depression and times are hard. One day a man comes to the house and he ends up staying in the property as a hired man to help out. They give him a place to live and food. Funny thing is they nobody in the neighborhood trusts him. They don’t trust outsiders and definitely not drifters. Anytime something goes wrong the town is real quick to point fingers at anyone who isn’t a local. I will be reading a lot more of this author. I really enjoyed her writing style and the story unfolded magnificently.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for this advanced copy.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for this advanced copy.
March 30, 2026
Gritty, insightful, and atmospheric!
The Hired Man is a rich, intriguing tale that transports readers to southeastern Colorado in 1937, a time when families are struggling to preserve their livelihoods, identities, and health amid relentless heat, devastating windstorms, and the uneasy presence of wandering drifters passing through on their way to the promise of California.
The prose is lyrical and descriptive. The main characters are strong, resilient, and hardworking. And the plot unfolds into a mysterious, moving saga about life, loss, self-discovery, familial drama, abuse, social inequality, poverty, tragedy, discrimination, morality, heartbreak, violence, friendship, and murder.
Overall, The Hired Man is another vivid, captivating, thought-provoking novel by Dallas that beautifully illustrates humanity’s capacity for selflessness even in the most impoverished and desperate of circumstances.
The Hired Man is a rich, intriguing tale that transports readers to southeastern Colorado in 1937, a time when families are struggling to preserve their livelihoods, identities, and health amid relentless heat, devastating windstorms, and the uneasy presence of wandering drifters passing through on their way to the promise of California.
The prose is lyrical and descriptive. The main characters are strong, resilient, and hardworking. And the plot unfolds into a mysterious, moving saga about life, loss, self-discovery, familial drama, abuse, social inequality, poverty, tragedy, discrimination, morality, heartbreak, violence, friendship, and murder.
Overall, The Hired Man is another vivid, captivating, thought-provoking novel by Dallas that beautifully illustrates humanity’s capacity for selflessness even in the most impoverished and desperate of circumstances.
August 14, 2025
My mind is still grappling with the twist and turns from this book. This is the first read from this author for me. Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC! I love a good historical fiction, but this one caught me with not only the history of the dust bowl, which I had little knowledge of, but also unexpected surprises. The story starts out with a small town during the dust bowl and a young girl who’s coming of age. Her family hires a wanderer, who the town is unpleased with because he’s not a local. There is a heaviness to this time period with the lack of food and the loss of every day luxuries, loss of life and the struggles during the dust bowl The family is the spotlight of all that is good and doing the right thing against all odds.The storyline kept my interest, and tho I typically can predict the outcome of a story, that was not the case in this story, I was left at the end, reviewing what happened and how I missed the plot twist coming. I I honestly might have to read it again just so that I can slow down and take it all in that being said there are some hard issues dealing with abuse and rape so this might not be a great read for younger readers.
March 31, 2026
This was a very classic Sandra Dallas book, an honest and real look at life during the Dust Bowl, and a man who sweeps into town and changes everything. If you’re going into this looking for an action-packed, thrilling time, you may be disappointed, but if you know what to expect from Dallas and her character-driven historical fiction, I think you’ll find this one meets the brief and you’ll be happy, as I was.
Our main character, Martha Helen, is at a pivotal time in her life when, at 15 years old, she is starting to consider life outside of her little dust-ravaged town, and what life as an adult could be for her. Meanwhile, her friends are seeming to come to these truths more quickly than she (or they) ever expected, some with devastating consequences. While our MC was a pretty neutral party, in my opinion, and didn’t actually do a whole lot to contribute to the narrative, the rest of the cast made up for it, specifically her mother, who has a fierce and largely unexplained need to do the right thing, and to protect the stranger accused of a heinous crime at all costs. It was hard to root for a lot of people in this community, but I was heavily and wholeheartedly rooting for Mrs. Kessler.
The twist/ending of this one left me a little confused about how I felt, and I would have loved to have done a buddy read for this one so I could process my real feelings about it. I really just don’t know. I do like the way Martha Helen eventually handled things, and it left me satisfied enough with the ending. Her ultimate life path didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, but I suppose it made sense for her storyline and for this community.
Our main character, Martha Helen, is at a pivotal time in her life when, at 15 years old, she is starting to consider life outside of her little dust-ravaged town, and what life as an adult could be for her. Meanwhile, her friends are seeming to come to these truths more quickly than she (or they) ever expected, some with devastating consequences. While our MC was a pretty neutral party, in my opinion, and didn’t actually do a whole lot to contribute to the narrative, the rest of the cast made up for it, specifically her mother, who has a fierce and largely unexplained need to do the right thing, and to protect the stranger accused of a heinous crime at all costs. It was hard to root for a lot of people in this community, but I was heavily and wholeheartedly rooting for Mrs. Kessler.
The twist/ending of this one left me a little confused about how I felt, and I would have loved to have done a buddy read for this one so I could process my real feelings about it. I really just don’t know. I do like the way Martha Helen eventually handled things, and it left me satisfied enough with the ending. Her ultimate life path didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, but I suppose it made sense for her storyline and for this community.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First E-book I have read in a long time. I've been reading physical books mainly. I picked this up and could not put it down. In this book a teenage girl is forced to grow up fast when her family and friends are all faced with hard times during the dust bowl era. Ruth Kessler and her character was probably my favorite. she stood for what she believed was right even in the face of those who didn't agree. Mr. Kessler her husband supported her and everything she did without question. He may not have agreed but he always had her back.
I was pretty skeptical when they found Miss Frankie in the woods. Just the way Otis had spotted her really made me question if he was the one who killed her. Even with the souvenirs of Frankie's that Martha Helen had found in the tack room later on seemed to be "planted" and I really think it was the night Martha Helen was sitting outside and the chickens where getting loud and her dog noticed but then calmed down. So I'm really wondering if Otis really did it. Could it have actually been Darrell? Henry was so afraid of his truck when Darrell told Martha Helen they didn't even use his truck.
Anyways I don't want to give away too much but I just loved how well this story fell into place as it went on. I really look forward to reading more by Sandra Dallas
Thanks to Netgally and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy
I was pretty skeptical when they found Miss Frankie in the woods. Just the way Otis had spotted her really made me question if he was the one who killed her. Even with the souvenirs of Frankie's that Martha Helen had found in the tack room later on seemed to be "planted" and I really think it was the night Martha Helen was sitting outside and the chickens where getting loud and her dog noticed but then calmed down. So I'm really wondering if Otis really did it. Could it have actually been Darrell? Henry was so afraid of his truck when Darrell told Martha Helen they didn't even use his truck.
Anyways I don't want to give away too much but I just loved how well this story fell into place as it went on. I really look forward to reading more by Sandra Dallas
Thanks to Netgally and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
It's 1937 in Colorado and the dirt has rolled in "it was Texas all right, because the dirt was red. Kansas sent yellow dirt. Oklahoma's dirt was brown." The clouds at this time were filled with dust instead of rain and life was hard. When a drifter blows in covered in dust carrying a heavy object, which turns out to be a missing boy from a neighboring farm, events are set in motion to expose the prejudices towards those who drift from place to place looking for work.
Prayers for Sale is one of my favorite Sandra Dallas' books and I believe The Hired Man is her best book. The kindness and brutality of man go hand in hand and Dallas has found a way to portray that dichotomy in her likable characters. About 7,000 people died during the Dust Bowl in the Dirty Thirties from lung disease, including lung pneumonia, malnutrition and accidents. Dallas has provided a glimpse into that historical time and life. The death of a young girl reflects deep seated beliefs as to who could possibly harm her. Her best friend, grief stricken, is torn between the evidence before her and public opinion. A heavy burden to carry. Excellent choice for Book Clubs and YA readers.
Prayers for Sale is one of my favorite Sandra Dallas' books and I believe The Hired Man is her best book. The kindness and brutality of man go hand in hand and Dallas has found a way to portray that dichotomy in her likable characters. About 7,000 people died during the Dust Bowl in the Dirty Thirties from lung disease, including lung pneumonia, malnutrition and accidents. Dallas has provided a glimpse into that historical time and life. The death of a young girl reflects deep seated beliefs as to who could possibly harm her. Her best friend, grief stricken, is torn between the evidence before her and public opinion. A heavy burden to carry. Excellent choice for Book Clubs and YA readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sandra Dallas has once again proven why she is a staple on my bookshelf. She possesses a rare talent for transporting readers into historical settings with such authenticity that the era becomes a character itself. In The Hired Man, we follow Martha Helen on a poignant coming-of-age journey set against the harsh, unforgiving backdrop of the 1930s Dust Bowl.
Dallas masterfully illustrates how poverty combined with desperation can result in explosive, life-altering situations. As the story unfolds, we see the often unethical realities of the adult world seep into Martha’s awareness, ultimately shaping her identity and her understanding of loyalty and bias.
The writing is so seamless and unobtrusive that I frequently forgot I was reading; I was simply there. With great characters and a vivid sense of place, this is a compelling look at the resilience of ordinary people and the complexities of the human spirit.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for bringing to life both the brutality and the beauty of the rugged American West during one of its most challenging eras.
Dallas masterfully illustrates how poverty combined with desperation can result in explosive, life-altering situations. As the story unfolds, we see the often unethical realities of the adult world seep into Martha’s awareness, ultimately shaping her identity and her understanding of loyalty and bias.
The writing is so seamless and unobtrusive that I frequently forgot I was reading; I was simply there. With great characters and a vivid sense of place, this is a compelling look at the resilience of ordinary people and the complexities of the human spirit.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for bringing to life both the brutality and the beauty of the rugged American West during one of its most challenging eras.
July 19, 2025
NetGalley ARC
Sandra Dallas tells a story about what happens when a farming family living through the Dust Bowl allows a wandering vagrant to become their hired man. She tells the story in her typical quiet way of allowing the narrative to unfold, but then she wallops readers at the end with a conclusion that had me wailing to the heavens.
I was happy to see quilts make an appearance in "The Hired Man." Dallas, of course, has made needlework a bit of a trademark in her work. The story is told from the perspective of a 15-year-old girl, but it contains some adult situations.
As it turns out, I've read several books this year that have been set during the Dust Bowl. "The Hired Man" does a better job of telling its specific story about the effect the vagrant's presence has on the small community than in telling the story about the Dust Bowl. The farming disaster was a secondary matter.
Still, I enjoyed this novel. The ending, though, left me unsettled.
Sandra Dallas tells a story about what happens when a farming family living through the Dust Bowl allows a wandering vagrant to become their hired man. She tells the story in her typical quiet way of allowing the narrative to unfold, but then she wallops readers at the end with a conclusion that had me wailing to the heavens.
I was happy to see quilts make an appearance in "The Hired Man." Dallas, of course, has made needlework a bit of a trademark in her work. The story is told from the perspective of a 15-year-old girl, but it contains some adult situations.
As it turns out, I've read several books this year that have been set during the Dust Bowl. "The Hired Man" does a better job of telling its specific story about the effect the vagrant's presence has on the small community than in telling the story about the Dust Bowl. The farming disaster was a secondary matter.
Still, I enjoyed this novel. The ending, though, left me unsettled.
April 5, 2026
THE HIRED MAN by Sandra Dallas arrived at my door a few weeks ago by total surprise. This book was not at all on my radar, but I immediately fell in love with the cover, and just had to read the synopsis. My eyes lit up when I read this:
“The Dust Bowl sweeps a handsome stranger into a small Colorado town to dangerous effect. Full of period detail and Sandra Dallas’s trademark focus on the lives of women, The Hired Man entertains and ultimately surprises.”
YOU GUYS! I’ve been itching to read another historical fiction novel set during the Dust Bowl era ever since Kristin Hannah’s bestseller, THE FOUR WINDS! You better believe that I bumped this one up to the very top of my TBR after reading that. I must say that the author captures this time period perfectly. She describes the dust, dirt, dryness, wind, and economic devastation of the dirty thirties like no other.
When the mysterious man arrives to town, the community can’t stop talking and gossiping. The women find him handsome and charming, but the men pick him apart and try to run him out of town. The hint of mystery that constantly surrounds him brings so much depth and intensity to the story. The multiple twists, turns, and surprises along the way make this one easy to binge.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction that doesn’t necessarily feel like historical fiction, and has more of a current/updated vibe, then this one should be a hit for you. HF can sometimes feel stuffy and old fashioned, but not this. The subject matter does get a bit dark and heavy, so please be aware of that.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Colorado setting
- 1930s Dust Bowl timeline
- Female friendship
- Family drama and dynamics
- Farm/ranch life
- Small town vibes
- Murder mysteries
- Admirable characters
- Girlhood and adolescence
Overall, I was extremely impressed with this new release, and very thankful to the publisher for introducing me to a new (to me) author. I definitely want to read more from Sandra Dallas in the future!
4.5/5 stars for THE HIRED MAN!
“The Dust Bowl sweeps a handsome stranger into a small Colorado town to dangerous effect. Full of period detail and Sandra Dallas’s trademark focus on the lives of women, The Hired Man entertains and ultimately surprises.”
YOU GUYS! I’ve been itching to read another historical fiction novel set during the Dust Bowl era ever since Kristin Hannah’s bestseller, THE FOUR WINDS! You better believe that I bumped this one up to the very top of my TBR after reading that. I must say that the author captures this time period perfectly. She describes the dust, dirt, dryness, wind, and economic devastation of the dirty thirties like no other.
When the mysterious man arrives to town, the community can’t stop talking and gossiping. The women find him handsome and charming, but the men pick him apart and try to run him out of town. The hint of mystery that constantly surrounds him brings so much depth and intensity to the story. The multiple twists, turns, and surprises along the way make this one easy to binge.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction that doesn’t necessarily feel like historical fiction, and has more of a current/updated vibe, then this one should be a hit for you. HF can sometimes feel stuffy and old fashioned, but not this. The subject matter does get a bit dark and heavy, so please be aware of that.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Colorado setting
- 1930s Dust Bowl timeline
- Female friendship
- Family drama and dynamics
- Farm/ranch life
- Small town vibes
- Murder mysteries
- Admirable characters
- Girlhood and adolescence
Overall, I was extremely impressed with this new release, and very thankful to the publisher for introducing me to a new (to me) author. I definitely want to read more from Sandra Dallas in the future!
4.5/5 stars for THE HIRED MAN!
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