Having read every book that R. O. Lane has written, I found this new book to be as good as his others, but different in style if not in subject. This book is about a late-1870's young man who has had a very hard young life. His determination to make something of himself is his motivation and the crux of the story. But Lane's style is different. Where he has driven his usual story with great dialogue, he now uses narrative. Dialogue in this book is minimal, yet perhaps because of that, it is more important. I am intrigued, and enjoyed reading Mr. Lane's latest.
This is the third R.O. Lane story I have found disappointing recently. The previous two that I placed in this same category are Waiting for Pa and Unsinkable Nellie. Mr. Lane is a gifted author, no doubt, whose writings past I have enjoyed immensely. However, something appears amiss when the writings previously mentioned, together with this one, appear so lacking, and the plot so weak.
Just a pure delight to read another of Mr. Lane’s wonderful books. Just a fun “can’t put it down read” like all his books. I love the technical parts of the bricklayer and obviously there had to be some research on Mr. Lane’s part. I always love the food sections and it wouldn’t be a lane book without a nice love story weaved into it. Thank you sir for bringing such wonderful reading into all our lives. Claude Diamond J.D.
R.O. Lane has written an amazing story about what families are all about. Josiah wasn’t born into the Castaneda family but he grew to be one of them through his determination to do what was right. Great story told with feeling and awareness of how things would have happened in those times and culture. Definitely worth the read. I am only sorry that I finished the book.
We follow Josiah from his child labor days in a Buffalo New York factory to a Spanish land grant in California. Is escape from the factory was via brick laying which also served him well in California. Investment income allows him to travel outside San Francisco and help an old Don save his land. Good tale well written as always.
I have been experimenting with different authors in the Western genre over the past few weeks. Some were reasonable, some dire. It is an absolute joy to come back to RO Lane, knowing that I am in safe hands again. Brilliant story telling, careful research, wonderful characters... just perfect.
I wasn’t entirely sure this was a western upon viewing the title. But it had good guys and bad guys that lived and died by those guns they used. The story is a good one and I enjoyed the early part of the story as Josiah grew from boy to man. A good read for a slightly different western story.
As always Mr. Lane writes up an entertaining and beautiful story. His characters are very well thought out and his plots are really well written. I couldn't put it down.If you like his writing then you will enjoy this one. Can not wait for his next story. Thanks for entertaining us.
A young lad had a tough childhood, but it failed to turn him bitter. The more he learned the better jobs he found. Through it all he maintained his positive attitude and prospered both spiritually and financially.
Start to finish, this tale grips the reader with desire to discover what will happen next. A true rags to riches tale, but very realistic. Looking forward to more from R.O. Lane!
Good character with lots of adventure and romance thrown in like only this author can do. I start a story from this author and I can’t put it down until it’s finished. I love his writing style and his stories just keep you wanting more and more
I always enjoy a Lane story, having read every one of them over the past few years. I think personally that this is one of the best stories that Lane has written and I look forward to his next book.
Another feel good story from R O Lane. I like his well told stories. Work hard, try to improve yourself, sprinkle in a little romance, be kind. I like when the good guys win.
All the books are great. The only thing wrong with them is the wait for the next one. Besides being a fun read I always learn something from the period descriptions, like the brick clamps .
RO Lane is the World's best western writer. He always has great plots with great characters. l have read every one of novels and look forward to the next one.
read every one of his work and always look toward the the next one.
Well this book has all the good stuff you could want. Great character that's easy to follow and understand. Loyalty, and righteousness of character, and solid strength of will are on display. The reader is never lost.
This book had good character development through a story which kept moving. It will keep your interest to the last page and you might learn some rock solid wisdom from the Bricklayer.
A man with a valuable skill becomes the saviour of a old ranch needing protection and care. The Old Bernardo is a nice touch. Interesting and knowledgeable attempt explaining brick repair and layout.
Another good one from R.O. Lane, the life of Josiah Fuller from a 7 year old forced to work 12 hour days in a factory in Buffalo, New York to a young man earning his way in California.
This is a good western yarn. Even though it starts in the East, and the hero is marked up a bit at the beginning - it has a nice pace to it. A believable plot. All in all - NOT BAD.
Thank goodness it wasn't written to have a sequel!!!!!
A good read on a young man making his mark on the world one step at a time. Working on himself to be a true good man, squares off and judged by all as good.