The Dolan Girls: Romance In Old Nebraska

by S.R. Mallery

A Heartwarming, Rip Roaring Western Romance>>>It’s 1800 Old Nebraska, where whorehouse madams, ladies of the night, a schoolmarm, a Pinkerton detective, a Shakespeare-quoting old coot, brutal outlaws, and a horse-wrangler come to life. Added to the mix are adult themes and a colorful land rush, Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, bank/train robberies, small town local politics, and of course––ROMANCE.

Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2015

About the author

S. R. Mallery has worn many hats in her life. Starting out as a classical/pop singer/composer, she moved onto the professional world of production art and calligraphy, followed by a long career as an award winning quilt artist/teacher and an ESL/Reading instructor. Her short stories have been published in descent 2008, Snowy Egret, Transcendent Visions, The Storyteller and Down In the Dirt. Unexpected Gifts is her debut novel. Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads, a collection, is due out late 2013.

Reviews

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Dolan Girls” is an enticing and gripping historical fiction set in the Wild West in the 1860’s, which I simply couldn’t put down once I started. I love learning new things from the books I read, and this obviously thoroughly researched novel put me right in the middle of a typical little western town, where through the eyes of the characters I learned about their lives, traditions and struggles of people of that time.
I also very much appreciated how the story followed the path of three generations of the Dolan family, from settling in a new land and how it influenced their lives, to the horrific incident with the younger sister Cora that would reshape her views of life and trust forever, and to the young Ellie, Cora’s daughter, who, despite the dark secret of her origin, grew to be a highly intelligent, head-strong and independent woman.
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and even though I’m usually very good at predicting what would happen next, “The Dolan Girls” kept me guessing up to the very last page. A brilliant work, which I highly recommend to everyone!

[Steven Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I am not normally a reader of historical fiction, I do enjoy movies about the Old West. Films like ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales,’ ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘True Grit’ (the Coen Brothers’ version, not the original). There’s something very appealing about these desperate, iconic characters struggling to survive in a desolate setting, with the promise of Progress—usually in the form of a new railroad—looming somewhere on the horizon. When I read The Dolan Girls, I found many of the things I love—strong women, villains cut from the cloth of a harsh adherence to tradition, and some other pretty colorful characters, both real and fictional.

The Dolan Girls is western fiction as you’ve never read it. S.R. Mallery’s words thunder off the page like a cattle stampede. And her sharply written characters demonstrate that truly it was women who tamed the American West.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dolan Girls: Romance In Old Nebraska is a heartwarming historical fiction/romance from Multi-Award Winning, USA Today Bestselling Author SR Mallery.

First of all, I listened to this story on audible, and it was a very entertaining experience. The narration was fantastic—just perfect for this story!!

It’s 1861 and sixteen year-old Cora Dolan is madly in love with Thomas Garrett, as he is with her. But when devastating tragedy strikes, Thomas is led to believe that Cora no longer wants to see him.

Cora’s dreams for the future have been shattered, under the impression that she was no longer wanted by Thomas. With the help of her friends and her sister Minnie, Cora raises her daughter, Ellie, who’s born from her vicious assault.

But as life moves forward, maybe fate has other plans in store for Cora. Will her dreams finally come true? You’ll just have to read this page-turning story to find out!

This is such an enjoyable story and the author’s love of history always shines through in every book she writes. Featuring true life characters that come to life, this story covers a time span of over twenty years and is interspersed with loads of historically accurate, as well as extremely interesting, details from the past. She truly writes a vivid depiction of imagery from the past.

And the best part of all? This author always manages to make the historical details she weaves into her stories both entertaining and fun! I highly recommend the Dolan Girls for readers of both historical fiction and romance.

I’ve had the privilege of working with this author in some boxsets in the past, and at the time, I became a fan of her work. This review is my honest opinion.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Dolan Girls" by S.R, Mallery is an instantly captivating historical novel set in the 1800s. It follows the life of Irish immigrants in Nebraska. A well written and clever narrative shows us the Dolan women's trials and tribulations: as women, as Irish and family members.
This is heart warming and tragic at times, but "Hope springs eternally" and there is an optimistic and positive touch through all the tragedy.
As European reader interested in historical fiction I was particularly pleased withy how much I learned from the book. Hugely enjoyable.

[Effrosyni Moschoudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly cinematographic second-chance romance set in the Wild West.

This book is utterly cinematographic. It took me straight to the Wild West, to the time of the pioneers who once rushed there to claim a plot of land and start a new life. The book begins with the arrival of Cora and her family (her parents and sister) at Nebraska for the Land Rush of 1856. The scenes of their preparation for the event and the event itself were intriguing and utterly thrilling. Cora is at the center of this riveting story that caused a plethora of emotions to blossom in me as I read.

Sometimes delightful and humorous, other times harrowing and heart-breaking, this book was hard to put down. As is the case in all Mallery's novels, the spot-on language is the vehicle that drives you straight into the place and time where the story is set. Once again, this masterful writer has added further excitement to the plot by having her characters interact with famous people of the era. This time it was Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley that paraded before my mind's eye, enhancing the effect of nostalgia for a time that we all know and love from those old cowboy movies.

Cora's never-ending heartache for her lost love, Thomas, made me root for her throughout this exceptional second-chance romance. I highly recommend this sweet romance, but please note: it has adult themes that make it unsuitable for some audiences.

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild West novel has largely fallen out of fashion in recent times. Even films of the period – with a few notable exceptions – don’t get made much these days. Perhaps it is that tales of male machismo no longer have the pulling power they once had.
Sarah Mallery’s ‘The Dolan Girls’ (set in 1800 Old Nebraska), however, is cut from a different cloth. Here, the female of the species takes centre stage. For sure, there are still gunslingers, interspersed with historical figures of the period, but the tone and style of the novel has a much more mature feel to it than some of the more – dare I say it? – infantile offerings of yore. The characters have a ‘real’ three-dimensional feel to them, and the plot runs along with a rollicking good pace. (Or should that be ‘gallops along’?)
If there were more books of the period like this, the genre might just experience a revival in its fortunes.
A highly recommended piece of fiction for lovers of a damn good historical-action-romance yarn.
I can't wait for the film version. Buckle up, Clint Eastwood!

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her new release,THE DOLAN GIRLS, Sarah Mallery brings us into the old west, using a unique perspective: that of young women with a secret to keep. Coming from a potato farm in famine-stricken Ireland, Cora (who refuses to talk about what happened six years ago) and her sister Minnie (who has been with her there the whole time) and Ellie (an endearingly lovely ten-years-old girl) must find ways to survive in a harsh new world where “no Irish need apply.”

Set in Nebraska, this is their story. The Dolan girls must make a Red-curtained Madam Ana brothel—“a place for pleasuring most any man”—their new home. Defending themselves against unruly customers would not come easy and it would take quick wit and quick action. “He took one hand off her neck to stroke her virgin cheek, and she seized the moment. Reaching to the right, she grabbed a large knife, the one she had used just the other day to help Mrs. Ana chop up some turnips.” And when the Madam falls ill, she tells Cora, “If I don’t make it, I give you my business, free and clear.”

It is in the parlor that we see their resilience playing out, while they (and we, through their eyes) get to meet iconic characters such as Annie Oakly. “Next, she positioned the mirror in front of her with one hand, and with the other, adjusted the rifle backwards on her shoulder… Crack-crack-crack-crack! went the rifle, shattering each target into bits and pieces.” The language is authentic, and the details capture the historical setting with not only precision but picturesque fun as well. “Ruffled shirts, petticoats more colorful than a rainbow, and boots covered in tassels were as common as toys on a Christmas morn.”

Highly recommended. Five stars.

This book was sent to me gratis for an unbiased review.

[B.R. Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.R. Mallery’s The Dolan Girls is an extremely well researched historical period piece set in the U.S. Midwest during the 1800s. Mallery does a great job incorporating a variety of actual events and characters into the story including the land rush of 1856 and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Even Annie Oakley makes an appearance. These real life events are woven seamlessly into the narrative about two young women who have lost their parents and left to face the ongoing challenges of life and love during this fascinating period in U.S. history. This combination provides The Dolan Girls with a very realistic setting, and readers will find themselves transported to a time and place now long gone.
Mallery does a terrific job presenting, through the two Dolan girls, the many challenges women faced living in the American Wild West. And these challenges include the search for love and romance; elements deftly handled as the story unfolds and develops.

The Dolan Girls is a terrific read for all fans of historical romance, and I highly recommend it.

[Judith Lucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.R. Mallery has done it again and in her usual style, she has done it well. I love historical fiction (and the books of S.R. Mallery) because I learn from them and they echo truth. The Dolan Girls is a story about three strong, resilient and very different women and their difficult and ardulous journey through life in the old West. Set in Nebraska after the California Gold Rush, the Dolan Girls is brimming with realism, history, vivid description and amazing characters designed and developed so well I wanted to know more about them.. If you're a fan of the old west, strong women and enjoy a great read, this book is for you. Recommend highly!

[Angel Sefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heartwarming and, at the same time, heartbreaking story of Cora Dolan, her sister Minnie, her daughter Ellie, and the love of her life, Thomas Garrett.
I was overwhelmed by the depth of the characters emotions, ranging from loss, fear, and despair to love, devotion, courage, determination, loyalty, hope, and the quality that was most important to Cora: trust.
Cora Dolan and Thomas Garett will stay with me for a long time as a beacon of love and devotion.
The storyline was great, and, I also enjoyed the in-depth descriptions of the Wild West, the customs, traditions, and way of life. The Dolan Girls is an excellent western romance that will touch your heart.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora is in love with Thomas, and they are planning on getting married soon. Then, his horrible stepbrother rapes her and leaves her with a child. Thomas goes into the military, so Cora is left with her sister Minnie to raise her child by herself. They own a brothel for money, but Cora is worried that her daughter will not learn how to be a proper woman in this environment.

Ellie is never really close to her mother, and when she is ten years old, her mother sends her away to a girl’s boarding school. She returns and it is like nothing has changed. Neither her mother or her aunt have found love, and the brothel is still succeeding. Ellie’s rebellious streak never truly ended though, and things are about to change in her life forever.

I don’t read that many Western romances, so this was a new thing for me to enjoy. Actually, even though I thought it would be mostly about romance, by the time I got to the first time-skip, I realized that it was going to be mostly about family growth. This was actually a better way to tell the story, as Cora needed her sister and daughter more than she needed a husband or another man in her life. Mallery does not show her getting attacked one minute and being fine the next, because this simply is not realistic for victims. She needed the support so that she could heal herself, and her sister gave her that support.

I also love that this story showed successful women owning a business in the “Wild West.” Of course, a brothel is usually not considered a business. But in this version of the brothel, Cora and her sister run a “respectable” business. Well, not necessarily “respectable,” but it was just a way for women to earn a living not some sort of slavery that the workers were forced into. They ran a tight ship, and it was a successful business. The more I learned about Cora and Minnie, the prouder I was that they didn’t just succumb to their circumstances and instead decided to be successful.

Even though I usually dislike and get lost with time skips in novels, I loved the time skips in this book. It allowed us to see the times when Cora and Minnie were young adults, see Ellie’s childhood at different stages, and then see the group when Cora and Minnie are older and Ellie is a grown woman. These made for such an amazing reading experience, as the plot moved slowly enough to truly see the family grow closer together. The character development was intense, and I loved every second of reading this novel.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves genuine historical fiction and stories about strong women.

I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dolan family leave Ireland in the 1880’s for America and a better life, but the gold rush is on and a desperate race for land ends in death leaving the girls to be raised by a spirited madam.

Brothel life is at once eye-opening and reclusive. Madam Ana makes sure Cora and Minnie are sheltered from the men who frequent the business but can’t stop the townspeople from looking down their noses at the soiled doves (and by association, the Dolan girls).

Introverted Cora buries herself in dime novels while Minnie laughs away the hurtful comments. The girls inherit the business upon Ana’s death and must learn to compromise their standards if they wish to succeed.

Cora falls for a handsome young man, Thomas Garrett, and dreams of starting a family until she is savagely raped by his brother. With the town on the warpath, the Garrett brothers must go into hiding, though Thomas has done nothing wrong.

When Cora learns she’s pregnant, it takes Minnie to convince her to keep the child. But the sweet, caring woman Cora was is gone, leaving a cold shell in her place. When her daughter, Ellie, is old enough, she sends her back east to a finishing school, determined she will be a prim and proper lady- unlike the Dolan sisters.

Years later, Ellie returns to teach the local children and falls in love with a horse trainer from Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. A series of events brings the past roaring back and danger returns to the Dolan women.

This is a suspenseful journey through a tumultuous time in American history. Though I sympathized with Cora and the traumatic injuries she sustained, I couldn’t connect with her. She’s damaged and it carries through to the reader (which is a sign of great writing). I wish she hadn’t wasted all those years with her daughter because Ellie is smart, brave, willful- she has the best of her mother and aunt’s traits.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read!

[Marta Moran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallery’s book The Dolan Girls swept me into the late 1800s. I followed the family, their friends, through every emotion known to man/woman, leading me into the old west as no novel has done so before.

I was engrossed, from the first page, until the last. The setting was real, the characters full, the storyline kept me turning the pages, even past the burning down of the last candle, with my eyes burning, still it was one more page, one more chapter.

When the Dolan’s suffered disaster in the land rush, and left Minnie and Coria homeless, except for Ana, a Russian madam, who took them in as her own. She kept them safe from the roaming eyes, and hands of the cowboys & bandits that filled Ana’s house of doves. Ana helped them grow, comforting them even as Coria suffered another traumatic episode, and lost the love of her life, through circumstances not of her making.

Will Coria and Thomas ever find their way back to each other? Will Minnie, fall in love? And what about Ellie, the illegitimate daughter of Coria, what does fate have in store for her?

I would go into more detail, but truly hate spoilers. Suffice it to say, that The Dolan Girls was written, complete with the language of the period, the clothes, ambience, and full of so many twists and turns that you never quite knew which way the story would go until the last page.
S.R. Mallery did a masterful job of telling the story, and making you live in it for a spell. Whether or not you are a fan of historical fiction, or the old west, this book will take you into emotional dimensions that you will not soon forget.

I loved every minute, every page, every nuance of this book and highly recommend it.

I learned a lot of history that I didn’t expect to learn, especially the dangers one faced during the land rush.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I read the second book before the first in this series--but no worries--this can definitely be read as a stand alone. Yes, I definitely will be reading the first-as a matter of fact I already have it!!

There is a lot of action in this book which I should warn is really meant for adults as some of the scenes and language and activities are about subjects that may not be good for younger eyes. The 2 Dolan girls are madames--but they run a house where no rough house is allowed. Both these girls are orphans who were taken in and cared for by the original Madame who willed the house to the girls when she passed away. They were like daughters to her and no, they did not partake in what went on in that house!

What happens to one of them will make you want to cry-but have heart-all turns out roses in the end!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dolan Girls, my fourth read from author S.R. Mallery in the last month, each very different than the others (Sewing Can Be Dangerous, Other Small Threads & Tea, Anyone? (A Brooke & Abby Cozy Mystery Book 1) and The Map Room: A Short Story. All have one thing in common, no matter the genre you can count on a well-written, entertaining read. As good as all were this one, the longest so far, is the best of the bunch. I was given a Kindle copy of Ellie & The War On Powder Creek (The Dolan Girls Book 2) and wanted to read this book first so I went out & got it & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Angelica Berglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book I didnt have any high hopes. I was recommended the book from a friend and oh my what a lovely read this is. I love the story and how it unfolds even if I wish there where less time jumping in the middle where Elli grows up. Otherwise I think we get to know the Dolan girls very well and I like how different they are but you still see that they are family.

When I came to the end, I was like, no dont end, I want MORE, TELL ME MORE!

This is an amazing read and I need this book as a paperback (ordered on amazon already) because I can see myself reread it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. R. Mallery has written a fascinating book detailing the lives of two sisters who lived in Nebraska during the 1800's. The author's descriptive phrases and colorful characters bring the era to life, living on in the imagination of the reader long after the last page has been read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre. Nancy Peterson's narration was great and her voice was pleasing. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

[D.G. Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written historical novel!

Cory and Millie have had a tough time. They arrive in Nebraska from Ireland with their family for the 'Rush' but all is not paved in gold. The Irish are not as welcomed as they thought they may be. The wild west is frought with obstacles that they bravely navigate.
This beautiful well- researched novel was a delight to read. Cowboys gunslingers, and romance was the perfect recipe. I could visualise the settings as the author did a fine job with her delivery to the page. Kudos to the author for a beautifully written novel.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books I’ve read in a long time…and I’ve read over 200 since the first of the year.
Tragedy strikes for Cora and Minnie at a very early age. But it only gets worse. Raised in a brothel by a surrogate mother, they both learn things that make them better people. Trust is hard for both of them. They grow up, and as adults, they make major decisions that affect a lot of people. Relationships change and times change.
I like the way this author writes.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping portrayal of the harshness of the west, was well done. For some men were more crude and what they thought of women. For Thomas the love he had for Cora and her family had nothing to do with where they lived. Where women wore petticoats and rifles were carried and new settlers coming in for the land. A good historical look of the 1800’s.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Western element of this book, it uses the story perfectly and enjoyed the romance going on in this world. The characters were wonderfully done and glad it had that feel that I was looking for. S. R. Mallery has a great writing style and am excited to read more from the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand over her heart.

A dead giveaway when Cora is thrust into circumstances so horrid that she spends her life caring for others more than she cares for the shame she feels. Someone is missing from the whole equation and she doesn't trust anyone. What a wonderful story of loss, acceptance and meaningful endings. A must read. Very satisfying.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very heartbreaking moments in this book, and it really takes a women with certain strength to ensure and move on. They don’t make women like the Dolan girls anymore.
Enjoyed the narrative very much, great variety of voices by this very talented narrator.

[romeheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always liking a good western I especially appreciate this

female-oriented tale about women taking "the reins" at
this historic time of the newly developed west and not being
only home bound nor in the old morality of the times....
Really enjoyed the story and style...

[Patricia MacCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dolan Girls

Interesting look at the old West and the sacrifices made by many, especially women. Very descriptive scenery and the celebrities of the era. Good beach, fireside, or quarantine read.

[Lisa C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this story. The writing felt too childish and it was full of cliches. The violence toward the one sister at the beginning didn't set a good tone for me.
Comment Comment | Permalink

[Rachael Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I enjoyed this book! It kept my interest through the whole book! I didn't like sending the child off, but I did understand why. Overall it was a really good read!

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dolan Girls

A sweet story, western, romance,. Wes was a scoundrel.. Almost ruined two ladies. Glad Cora got revenge and found love.

[cathernmcmullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger Made Family.

it kept you guessing about what Cora would you for not have to guess about Minnie.what happened to the girls made them stronger. I enjoyed reading this book

[Jon DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Book is an easy read lots of action. Good guys and bad guys. Twist and turns. Book moves along at rapid pace.