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Emmett Strong Westerns #1
Strong Convictions
Librarian note: alternate-cover edition of B00TPZMQM6.
Crossing ethnic barriers cost Emmett Strong the life of his young wife, Gabriela. When she was shoved into the path of his bullet during a dispute over their love, it was enough to make him think twice before drawing his pistol ever again.
Now, he must overcome that hesitation when outlaw Charlie Blaylock shoots Strong’s brother dead right in front of him. Strong, now a Texas Ranger, joins up with Gabriela’s brother, Juanito, and the Englishman Granville Sikes to catch the killer and bring him to justice. It’s a ride that gives them more than they bargained for when they learn that Blaylock is hiding out with wealthy and powerful kin.
But justice isn’t the only thing Strong is after. He finds love again with Li Xu, a Chinese immigrant’s daughter kidnapped by a band of desperados. That’s double jeopardy for those who stand in Strong’s path, but he must think fast if he plans to both save the girl and avenge his brother.
Enjoy the action in Strong Convictions, a fun and entertaining Western by author GP Hutchinson. It’s a wild ride through the West with a multiethnic cast and a surprising twist ending.
Crossing ethnic barriers cost Emmett Strong the life of his young wife, Gabriela. When she was shoved into the path of his bullet during a dispute over their love, it was enough to make him think twice before drawing his pistol ever again.
Now, he must overcome that hesitation when outlaw Charlie Blaylock shoots Strong’s brother dead right in front of him. Strong, now a Texas Ranger, joins up with Gabriela’s brother, Juanito, and the Englishman Granville Sikes to catch the killer and bring him to justice. It’s a ride that gives them more than they bargained for when they learn that Blaylock is hiding out with wealthy and powerful kin.
But justice isn’t the only thing Strong is after. He finds love again with Li Xu, a Chinese immigrant’s daughter kidnapped by a band of desperados. That’s double jeopardy for those who stand in Strong’s path, but he must think fast if he plans to both save the girl and avenge his brother.
Enjoy the action in Strong Convictions, a fun and entertaining Western by author GP Hutchinson. It’s a wild ride through the West with a multiethnic cast and a surprising twist ending.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2015
220 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
G.P. Hutchinson
31 books50 followersThree-Time Winner, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
"GP Hutchinson has the gift to tell a compelling tale, enlighten you without preaching and keep you on the edge of your seat. He takes you on unexpected trails populated by flesh and blood characters of depth and substance," says Western TV & movie star Alex Cord. Nick Wale of Novel Ideas says, "With great mastery GP Hutchinson paints a West I can see, feel and smell. [He] knows how to write, and he knows instinctively."
Hutchinson's first Western novel, "Strong Convictions," won the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best First Western of 2015, as well as a gold medal from the National Indie Excellence Awards. "Strong Suspicions," the second volume in the Emmett Strong Western series, garnered a gold medal in the 2016 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. And "Strong Ambitions" took silver in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards.
In addition to his interest in the Old West, GP Hutchinson has been a longtime enthusiast of baseball, America's first true national pastime, a game played from coast to coast by the late 1800s. While he enjoys the game as it is played today, his most recent novels are tales of players caught up in life-and-death struggles during the early years of professional baseball. Steeped in the actual history of the game, as well as societal realities of the times, these stories feature both fictional and actual characters, teams, and leagues.
A graduate of Louisiana State University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Hutchinson has lived in Costa Rica and Spain. He currently resides in upstate South Carolina with his wife, Carolyn. Besides writing, he enjoys spending time in the mountains and horseback riding whenever the opportunity arises.
"GP Hutchinson has the gift to tell a compelling tale, enlighten you without preaching and keep you on the edge of your seat. He takes you on unexpected trails populated by flesh and blood characters of depth and substance," says Western TV & movie star Alex Cord. Nick Wale of Novel Ideas says, "With great mastery GP Hutchinson paints a West I can see, feel and smell. [He] knows how to write, and he knows instinctively."
Hutchinson's first Western novel, "Strong Convictions," won the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best First Western of 2015, as well as a gold medal from the National Indie Excellence Awards. "Strong Suspicions," the second volume in the Emmett Strong Western series, garnered a gold medal in the 2016 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. And "Strong Ambitions" took silver in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards.
In addition to his interest in the Old West, GP Hutchinson has been a longtime enthusiast of baseball, America's first true national pastime, a game played from coast to coast by the late 1800s. While he enjoys the game as it is played today, his most recent novels are tales of players caught up in life-and-death struggles during the early years of professional baseball. Steeped in the actual history of the game, as well as societal realities of the times, these stories feature both fictional and actual characters, teams, and leagues.
A graduate of Louisiana State University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Hutchinson has lived in Costa Rica and Spain. He currently resides in upstate South Carolina with his wife, Carolyn. Besides writing, he enjoys spending time in the mountains and horseback riding whenever the opportunity arises.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 18, 2019
This is a pretty good western of the Hallmark channel variety, only with more violence.
A young White man's Mexican wife is killed during a shootout with Mexican outlaws. Tragically, his bullet was the one with her name on it. Wracked with grief, he becomes a Texas Ranger, and pursues outlaws, but is very reluctant to use his pistol.
Then the unthinkable happens. The Ranger's brother is killed by a local outlaw type. He pursues the man clear to California, where he rescues and falls in love with a Chinese slave woman.
Drags a bit, but is still pretty good.
A young White man's Mexican wife is killed during a shootout with Mexican outlaws. Tragically, his bullet was the one with her name on it. Wracked with grief, he becomes a Texas Ranger, and pursues outlaws, but is very reluctant to use his pistol.
Then the unthinkable happens. The Ranger's brother is killed by a local outlaw type. He pursues the man clear to California, where he rescues and falls in love with a Chinese slave woman.
Drags a bit, but is still pretty good.
February 27, 2020
Well, this just lets me know how my taste in books has changed.
I read this not quite 5 years ago and apparently enjoyed it. So while traveling I went into my audiobooks for something to listen to with my husband thinking he'd enjoy a western.
While listening I was a bit saddened by the language that was used which 5 years ago I didn’t notice. Yikes!
This, and the lack of character development brought my star-rating down.
I read this not quite 5 years ago and apparently enjoyed it. So while traveling I went into my audiobooks for something to listen to with my husband thinking he'd enjoy a western.
While listening I was a bit saddened by the language that was used which 5 years ago I didn’t notice. Yikes!
This, and the lack of character development brought my star-rating down.
April 11, 2015
WOW! What a book! I haven't read a book this AMAZING in years. G.P. does an OUTSTANDING JOB with plot twists. I was forever going "Wow I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING"! I felt as if I was right there in the saddle with Emmett, Sikes, Juanito, and LiLi with the dirt hitting my face! I can't wait to see what happens in the 2nd book. I for one will track it down. G.P. Thank you for giving me the Amazing opportunity to read this book through Goodreads first reads. 5 STARS EASY!! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!
April 13, 2015
A good old-fashioned western - think Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, etc. - where the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. Not deep, but a lot of fun. A "first-reads" book, but GR won't let me mark it that way.
September 12, 2019
A different take on the old west.
A very enjoyable read with great character development. And, not your typical western. No rustling of cattle, or greedy landowners. Instead, the story was about a couple Texas Rangers and a British expat who traveled from Texas to Nevada to seek justice. As a result of their exploits, five Chinese girls were rescued with the help of Chinese volunteers, a gang of criminal slavers was routed, justice was meted out and a Texas ranger found love again.
A very enjoyable read with great character development. And, not your typical western. No rustling of cattle, or greedy landowners. Instead, the story was about a couple Texas Rangers and a British expat who traveled from Texas to Nevada to seek justice. As a result of their exploits, five Chinese girls were rescued with the help of Chinese volunteers, a gang of criminal slavers was routed, justice was meted out and a Texas ranger found love again.
February 15, 2018
Great Western
A well written story without foul language that was very believable. I really enjoyed the characters and was disappointed when some of them died. For the most part I enjoyed it thoroughly, it just left one question unanswered but I won't mention it here. I'll definitely be reading "Strong Suspicion" very soon.
A well written story without foul language that was very believable. I really enjoyed the characters and was disappointed when some of them died. For the most part I enjoyed it thoroughly, it just left one question unanswered but I won't mention it here. I'll definitely be reading "Strong Suspicion" very soon.
February 28, 2019
Goodly Christian plot with twists, interesting bad / good guys presented in a humane and just way. Long time looking for a good western plot but grab on when it comes. Glad I found this one. Likable imperfect main character and cast. Hopefully you will enjoy it as well. Highly recommended.
December 24, 2019
Fun debut by a friend of mine, a Western that takes you into some less familiar corners of frontier history, especially the anti-Chinese nativism of the west coast and some of the seedier aspects of life in mining boom towns. Read a chapter or two at a time with Sarah before bed.
November 20, 2020
Engaging Read
I feel like this was a good book, but a bit drawn out. I’m also pretty sure that the Chinese population was treated far worse than depicted here, but overall, I did enjoy the story.
I feel like this was a good book, but a bit drawn out. I’m also pretty sure that the Chinese population was treated far worse than depicted here, but overall, I did enjoy the story.
January 19, 2023
Exciting story
While reading this story you feel like you're part of the whole scene the author puts a lot of realistic Inside to the story and makes a completely enjoyable that's it make a great movie great job
While reading this story you feel like you're part of the whole scene the author puts a lot of realistic Inside to the story and makes a completely enjoyable that's it make a great movie great job
January 24, 2024
The book went in reverse.
The first part of the book was pretty good, then when they went after the girls in the wagons, it went dumb, i had to stop reading, couldn't take it anymore.
The first part of the book was pretty good, then when they went after the girls in the wagons, it went dumb, i had to stop reading, couldn't take it anymore.
September 30, 2017
Good read
Westerns are hard to come by now and good even harder! Unusual plot but action packed and easy to read !
Westerns are hard to come by now and good even harder! Unusual plot but action packed and easy to read !
February 28, 2018
Fun read
Bought into the characters from the start and tree aced alongside them every step of the way. Looking forward to reading the next Emmett Strong novel!
Bought into the characters from the start and tree aced alongside them every step of the way. Looking forward to reading the next Emmett Strong novel!
July 1, 2018
Great!
Very well written! Enjoyed all the action as well as the almost forbidden love story. Look forward to next book!
Very well written! Enjoyed all the action as well as the almost forbidden love story. Look forward to next book!
March 21, 2019
Excellent book!
November 20, 2020
Engaging Read.
I feel like this was a good book, but a bit drawn out. I’m also pretty sure that the Chinese population was treated far worse than depicted here, but overall, I did enjoy the story.
I feel like this was a good book, but a bit drawn out. I’m also pretty sure that the Chinese population was treated far worse than depicted here, but overall, I did enjoy the story.
December 24, 2022
Wow
Really what can I say this book is awesome. Has everything and is well thought out and well written also
Really what can I say this book is awesome. Has everything and is well thought out and well written also
March 19, 2025
really great read
I totally enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading the next ones continuing the stories of Emmett Strong as soon as possible.
I totally enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading the next ones continuing the stories of Emmett Strong as soon as possible.
April 20, 2015
When it comes to Westerns, I would say I am an avid fan—rather than an expert or knowledge box. I must have read at least 1,000 Western novels, and name a Western movie, and you may strike lucky to find one I haven’t seen; but when it comes to Mr Murphy, Mr Wayne and Mr Scott, I have to say that I can boast seeing many performances from them worthy of the film history books. And who could possibly forget Ray Milland, Lee Marvin, Water Brennan, James Stewart or that dapper Englishman, Kenneth More, selling his guns in the old west?
So when it comes to a Western novel, I look for something that has me on the edge of my seat. Something that makes the prickly heat rise on the back of my neck, makes me squirm as my favourite gunfighter is faced down by Van Cleef. I look for Hoss, Ben and Adam caught in a strange town and faced with hanging through some unfortunate mistaken identity. I believe “Strong Convictions” is as close as a Western novel has gotten me to that zenith of edge-of-seat-squirming in a long time.
Here we have a man who has sworn off guns after shooting his wife by accident—a man who is sick of fighting and looking for peace. A man who sees his brother shot down in front of him by a gunfighter and then, only then, picks up a gun again. He is a fighter with a cause—and has there ever been a more dangerous foe than a pacifist who has cause to fight?
With great mastery, author G.P. Hutchinson paints a West that I can see, feel and smell. This is his second novel, and it feels like his thirtieth. He has a way of sentence structure that takes the words off the page and places them in your head. This is not a rambling, pointless book—this is a Western by a writer who knows how to write, and he knows instinctively. Writers like Hutchinson don’t need lessons or pats on the back. They need paper, ink and they need time. I believe in time we will see many books from G.P. Hutchinson, and those books will be better. A better book than “Strong Convictions” is a book I instantly want to read.
There are things I would say to him—I would say keep writing. I would say keep watching Westerns, reading about Westerns, and I would say keep creating new worlds to explore within the old west. Keep doing what you are doing, and soon you will find that every Western writer will be copying you.
I recommend this Western to every fan of Western books in the world. This is one of the books you won’t want to miss. The truth is—you probably haven’t because as I write this, the book is ranking high on Amazon, and many of you are probably reading this and sitting on the edge of your seat. I’m heading back to my chair for another reading. Catch you later.
So when it comes to a Western novel, I look for something that has me on the edge of my seat. Something that makes the prickly heat rise on the back of my neck, makes me squirm as my favourite gunfighter is faced down by Van Cleef. I look for Hoss, Ben and Adam caught in a strange town and faced with hanging through some unfortunate mistaken identity. I believe “Strong Convictions” is as close as a Western novel has gotten me to that zenith of edge-of-seat-squirming in a long time.
Here we have a man who has sworn off guns after shooting his wife by accident—a man who is sick of fighting and looking for peace. A man who sees his brother shot down in front of him by a gunfighter and then, only then, picks up a gun again. He is a fighter with a cause—and has there ever been a more dangerous foe than a pacifist who has cause to fight?
With great mastery, author G.P. Hutchinson paints a West that I can see, feel and smell. This is his second novel, and it feels like his thirtieth. He has a way of sentence structure that takes the words off the page and places them in your head. This is not a rambling, pointless book—this is a Western by a writer who knows how to write, and he knows instinctively. Writers like Hutchinson don’t need lessons or pats on the back. They need paper, ink and they need time. I believe in time we will see many books from G.P. Hutchinson, and those books will be better. A better book than “Strong Convictions” is a book I instantly want to read.
There are things I would say to him—I would say keep writing. I would say keep watching Westerns, reading about Westerns, and I would say keep creating new worlds to explore within the old west. Keep doing what you are doing, and soon you will find that every Western writer will be copying you.
I recommend this Western to every fan of Western books in the world. This is one of the books you won’t want to miss. The truth is—you probably haven’t because as I write this, the book is ranking high on Amazon, and many of you are probably reading this and sitting on the edge of your seat. I’m heading back to my chair for another reading. Catch you later.
May 14, 2016
I don't read many westerns. It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I find it hard to find my type of western. And if you ask me what that is, I'd struggle to tell you....hmmm.. that's probably why I don't read many westerns.
Anyway, after not reading one for a year or so, I was in the mood to read about a good ol' fashioned gunslinger, and after trawling Amazon for days looking for the right book, I finally found it - Strong Convictions: An Emmett Strong Western.
The book opens up with Emmett Strong losing his wife, not by anyone else's hand, but more tragically by his own. And that opening chapter almost instantly drew me in and left me wanting more.
Then after a few years later, Emmet, now a Texas Ranger, loses another loved one, this time it's his brother. The story then follows Emmett, as he tracks down his brother's killer, along with the aid of his brother-in-law, Juanito, and an Englishman called Sikes.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book and it was quite an informative read for me to see how the wild west was in 1876. The author touches upon the treatment of women, races, and slavery. You get a real sense of how harsh it was during those times.
GP Hutchinson paints a broad picture in vivid words when he describes the surroundings from Texas to California. I could close my eyes and imagine myself riding through one of those dusty, western towns.
I thought the charters were well written and Emmet, is a strong, stoic gunslinger, but is suffering from the tragedy of shooting his wife, and you get to see indecision and self-doubt plague him, which I thought was good, as it showed he wasn't invulnerable.
There is romance in this novel, which truthfully I thought was a bit superficial, and didn't seem believable to me, but I'm glad it wasn't the eye-rolling sappiness you often come across nowadays.
Conclusion
This is a very well written western that paints an alluring picture of 1876 California. I'd recommend this book to those who wish to escape to a different time and place, with a hero you can root for and villains you can jeer at.
Anyway, after not reading one for a year or so, I was in the mood to read about a good ol' fashioned gunslinger, and after trawling Amazon for days looking for the right book, I finally found it - Strong Convictions: An Emmett Strong Western.
The book opens up with Emmett Strong losing his wife, not by anyone else's hand, but more tragically by his own. And that opening chapter almost instantly drew me in and left me wanting more.
Then after a few years later, Emmet, now a Texas Ranger, loses another loved one, this time it's his brother. The story then follows Emmett, as he tracks down his brother's killer, along with the aid of his brother-in-law, Juanito, and an Englishman called Sikes.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book and it was quite an informative read for me to see how the wild west was in 1876. The author touches upon the treatment of women, races, and slavery. You get a real sense of how harsh it was during those times.
GP Hutchinson paints a broad picture in vivid words when he describes the surroundings from Texas to California. I could close my eyes and imagine myself riding through one of those dusty, western towns.
I thought the charters were well written and Emmet, is a strong, stoic gunslinger, but is suffering from the tragedy of shooting his wife, and you get to see indecision and self-doubt plague him, which I thought was good, as it showed he wasn't invulnerable.
There is romance in this novel, which truthfully I thought was a bit superficial, and didn't seem believable to me, but I'm glad it wasn't the eye-rolling sappiness you often come across nowadays.
Conclusion
This is a very well written western that paints an alluring picture of 1876 California. I'd recommend this book to those who wish to escape to a different time and place, with a hero you can root for and villains you can jeer at.
April 2, 2016
G.P. Hutchinson did an outstanding job in writing this western tale. This is more than just another Western. The plot deals with inter-rational relationships, corruptness, and human trafficking. It also follows the plot line of Westerns in the good guys versus the bad guys. There are a few surprising twists in the action of the plot line.
Set in the old west (Texas, Nevada and California) in 1876. The descriptions of the countryside and small towns are very credible. As you read these scenes, it is easy to be transported there.
I liked the way Hutchinson opens with the backdrop story with the male protagonist’s, Emmett Strong) sad tale of the death of his wife who is shoved into the line of fire during a shootout. Such a traumatic event catapults our protagonist into a life of mere existence. It takes another traumatic event (the murder of his brother) to give him a sense of purpose—seeking justice.
Hutchinson’s characters are well developed and multi-dimensional making them very credible. He pays equal attention to the antagonists as well. They are so believable that is easy for the reader to not like them. He uses these characters to move his plot line along and does a decent job dealing with the concept of human trafficking. He uses the kidnapping of Chinese girls who appear to be destined to the bordellos in the mining towns of Nevada and a life of slavery.
The concept of inter-relational relationships is introduced when our hero meets and is smitten with Li Xu, the daughter of a Chinese immigrant and restaurant owner. Through these scenes the readers get a glimpse of what life was like for Chinese immigrants in the Old West. Despite the harsh conditions and bigotry, these immigrants manage to carve out a life for themselves and grab hold of part of the American Dream. Hutchinson presents a riveting Western that is a clean romance. I definitely recommend this book to all Western fans
Set in the old west (Texas, Nevada and California) in 1876. The descriptions of the countryside and small towns are very credible. As you read these scenes, it is easy to be transported there.
I liked the way Hutchinson opens with the backdrop story with the male protagonist’s, Emmett Strong) sad tale of the death of his wife who is shoved into the line of fire during a shootout. Such a traumatic event catapults our protagonist into a life of mere existence. It takes another traumatic event (the murder of his brother) to give him a sense of purpose—seeking justice.
Hutchinson’s characters are well developed and multi-dimensional making them very credible. He pays equal attention to the antagonists as well. They are so believable that is easy for the reader to not like them. He uses these characters to move his plot line along and does a decent job dealing with the concept of human trafficking. He uses the kidnapping of Chinese girls who appear to be destined to the bordellos in the mining towns of Nevada and a life of slavery.
The concept of inter-relational relationships is introduced when our hero meets and is smitten with Li Xu, the daughter of a Chinese immigrant and restaurant owner. Through these scenes the readers get a glimpse of what life was like for Chinese immigrants in the Old West. Despite the harsh conditions and bigotry, these immigrants manage to carve out a life for themselves and grab hold of part of the American Dream. Hutchinson presents a riveting Western that is a clean romance. I definitely recommend this book to all Western fans
April 24, 2015
I really liked reading GP Hutchinson’s first book Sumotori so I was looking forward to Strong Convictions. I can honestly say I really enjoyed this book even though this is the first western I’ve ever read. The main protagonist Emmett is a charming man with high morals and a lot of integrity. He has the reputation of a “natural pistelero”. At the beginning of the story, Emmett accidentally shoots his beloved Mexican wife and not long after his brother is also killed in front of him. From that point onwards, Emmett loses his confidence. His aim is also compromised by his feelings and his vulnerability but as the story progresses Emmett’s character and his abilities are restored as he sets out to avenge the death of his brother. When Emmett meets the beautiful Chinese girl called Li his love for her helps him to rebuild his strength and fight to the very end. Get set for a wonderful story of guns, glory, love and revenge. You will not want this story to end and I’m pleased to see Strong Convictions is part of a sequel. GP Hutchinson is a superlative writer so I wouldn’t be surprised if they make this story into a movie. It’s full of authentic Wild West dialogue and the story really appeals to your imagination as you turn each page.
June 22, 2016
I don't normally read many westerns, but I met the author and was curious to read his book (also I remember reading The Virginian years ago and enjoyed that). Strong Convictions grabbed my attention right away and pushed me into the action even though I wanted to linger and know more about the characters. I loved the character Emmett Strong but wondered about Juan Carlos, his faithful side kick. What motivates Juanito? Why doesn't he have a life outside of his brother-in-law? Maybe the sequel will tell. I did not like chapter 5 (an abduction and murder by Seth Blaylock and his men), and it seemed like forever before the author tied that into the plot (I found that irritating and confusing). I understand the incident helps the reader figure out exactly what Seth Blaylock is up to and what kind of man he is. I found the love story interesting, told from a man's viewpoint, and also enjoyed the cultural addition of the Chinese immigrants. The ending seemed a bit clipped to me, but I like to savor things, and that's not exactly the style of this western (though there are a few spots where the reader is allowed to savor Emmett's fine character). Everything seems well-researched, realistic, and well done. I'll be reading the sequel.
Read
August 19, 2015I got through to page 99 and could not finish. It was just so dull. To me at least. But, I may be biased. I thought I may enjoy this novel, I am not a fan of Westerns, but I love a good action book. I thought this book would be great, it has shoot-outs, a hint of romance, good ol' fashion chases of cat and mouse and death. But..no. I was literally pulling teeth picking this book up and ripping off finger and toe nails with each turn of the page. I will give the book this, if you are into these type of novels, then I am sure you would like it. It is well written and very consistent with the Spanish theme they were going for. But I look for more horror, blood, violence and generally dark themes to books I read. I gave this book a try to see if maybe it would be the winner that changes my mind. However, I really was not impressed. But as for books I read outside of horror, this one, though dull, is far from the worst book I have ever read.
Won this from a first reads give away.
Won this from a first reads give away.
December 22, 2016
Western story recipe:
Ingredients-
Three cups Louis L'Amour
Half cup Elmore Leonard
One aggrieved cowboy with a just cause and a sad backstory
One love interest of a different racial or ethnic background
Various sidekicks
Two to three loathsome villains (black hat optional)
A bagful of henchmen
Directions:
Place cowboy and his sidekicks into a righteous pursuit of villain. Slowly mix in love interest an place her in the clutches of villains. Sprinkle in henchmen and stir.
Let ingredients heat at 300 pages and follow L'Amour style dialogue carefully ("Light a shuck") and you've got a perfectly agreeable but unremarkable western story.
Enjoyable enough, but you might as well read Louis L'Amour if you like this type of story.
Ingredients-
Three cups Louis L'Amour
Half cup Elmore Leonard
One aggrieved cowboy with a just cause and a sad backstory
One love interest of a different racial or ethnic background
Various sidekicks
Two to three loathsome villains (black hat optional)
A bagful of henchmen
Directions:
Place cowboy and his sidekicks into a righteous pursuit of villain. Slowly mix in love interest an place her in the clutches of villains. Sprinkle in henchmen and stir.
Let ingredients heat at 300 pages and follow L'Amour style dialogue carefully ("Light a shuck") and you've got a perfectly agreeable but unremarkable western story.
Enjoyable enough, but you might as well read Louis L'Amour if you like this type of story.
December 5, 2015
in the beginning there is one tragedy after another in short order, then the story settles down evolving with Emmett and two cohorts finding and “taking care of” the villains; first of a trilogy it appears; I am not a reader of Westerns but if this one is any clue to what I am missing, then I am missing a lot; 2015 paperback via Madison County Public Library, Berea, (“Staff Picks” for Westerns); National Indie Excellence Award (NIEA) Winner; 294 pgs.; 5 out of 5 stars; read 26 Nov., 2015/#43 while at M. Mishra’s over Thanksgiving holiday.
April 15, 2015
Good friends
I really did enjoy this book. No matter what happened, Juanito and Sikes hung in there with Emmet Those Blaylock boys and the McIntosh's boys got less than what they deserved. I'm so happy Ettie got a little bit of revenge, for all of those years that she was a hostage. The ending was awesome
I can hardly wait for book 2.
Loved This book.
I really did enjoy this book. No matter what happened, Juanito and Sikes hung in there with Emmet Those Blaylock boys and the McIntosh's boys got less than what they deserved. I'm so happy Ettie got a little bit of revenge, for all of those years that she was a hostage. The ending was awesome
I can hardly wait for book 2.
Loved This book.
May 1, 2015
Good read!
Strong Convictions was good from the first word to the last. The plot had twists and turns through out the book that kept your attention. You didn't want to put the book down once you started it. It was a very good good book. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Strong Convictions was good from the first word to the last. The plot had twists and turns through out the book that kept your attention. You didn't want to put the book down once you started it. It was a very good good book. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2016
Now That's a Western!
Hutchinson knows how to grab the reader's interest at the beginning and hold it as he tells a great story. Real people doing what they feel is right even with odds stacked against them overcome evil but at a cost. A touch of romance adds the right amount of seasoning blended with danger and action. An easy read.
Hutchinson knows how to grab the reader's interest at the beginning and hold it as he tells a great story. Real people doing what they feel is right even with odds stacked against them overcome evil but at a cost. A touch of romance adds the right amount of seasoning blended with danger and action. An easy read.
April 8, 2016
A fantastic western !!!!!
This is one of the best western books that I have ever read. It is full of believable action and suspense. It also has a great moral theme in which persecuted people came out vindicated from the bad guys. This is a book that is hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next book.
This is one of the best western books that I have ever read. It is full of believable action and suspense. It also has a great moral theme in which persecuted people came out vindicated from the bad guys. This is a book that is hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews