Solitary Horseman

by Deborah Camp

Hatred is Easy. Love Takes Courage.
He’s known her his whole life, but he never really knew her until she revived in him emotions he thought had died on the Civil War battle fields.

The Civil War is over, but the battles continue.
Callum Latimer returned from the war to a life he didn’t want and with inner battle scars he can’t heal.
Banner Payne clutched desperately to the remaining shreds of the life she’d known, but she is losing her grip.
Brought together by bad luck and cruel twists of fate, Callum and Banner forge a partnership they hope will keep them afloat even as neighboring Texas ranchers go under and their land is snapped up by opportunists.
Fate smiles on them and Callum and Banner find the missing pieces of themselves in each other.
Healing begins as their hearts are awakened. Now they must remain strong in their determination to forge a more peaceful existence and not be poisoned by the bitterness of a country still divided.

Genres: Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Western Romance

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

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Reviews

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great American Western writing at its best!

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews are honest & they contain spoilers. For more, follow me:


Solitary Horseman is my second novel by Deborah Camp. So far, I’m really enjoying her voice and the stories she likes to tell. As a huge fan of western historical romances, I can honestly say that it was a wonderful read. Loved the storyline, the characters and pretty much everything in this one.

Solitary Horseman is set just after the American Civil War. You could still see the wounds of the war, in both lands and its people. Just because the war was over didn’t mean everybody settled in peacefully. No, because people were still scared, still letting the viciousness of the war ravaging them. It seemed like there was no escaping it. But even in the midst of this, there were some who were trying to live their lives as best as they could. One of them was rancher Callum Latimer. The war has taken a lot from him, including his 2 bothers and his mother. It’s taken his peace of mind, filling it with PTSD after what he’d witnessed when he was fighting himself but he was trying his best.

Callum’s father, Seth, established the Latimer Ranch which has been very well-known in the area for many years for its size and the quality of its cattle, and they have always been treated as Royalty. Callum and his 2 bother, Maxwell and Harrison, were to be running the ranch once Seth wasn’t able anymore. Well, Maxwell, being the eldest had the privilege to be trained to take the lead. He was much like Seth, big and strong, a leader through and through. Harrison, the youngest, was mostly the goofy one but he was aware of his duty. Callum, in the middle, never felt like a leader but he was strong and able enough to follow Maxwell in any directions. The brothers had a very good relationship and were inseparable... until the war had torn them apart forever.

The toll it’s taken on Callum’s psyche is unimaginable; most especially when his larger than life father fell from a horse and injured himself so badly that now he can barely walk. Callum, who never felt like a natural leader, is now practically running the ranch all on his own. Even after months since the war ended, he feels weary to the bone and very, very lonely. That was the first thing I noticed in the beginning and my heart went out to him immediately. I couldn’t even imagine how he was coping, especially since he was also dealing with PTSD with no outside help.

But his life was about to change, as Callum would find out soon. One day, while surveying his lands he spies on someone coming to their ranch. He wasn’t sure what she wanted cause this wasn’t a neighborly visit even though they have been neighbors for as long as he can remember. The Paynes weren’t the type anyone would want as neighbors and people here let them know constantly. They never could run their ranch as efficiently as one would’ve expected them to, even with the owner having 3 sons himself. Now 2 are dead, one returned but he’s not himself any longer. Callum hasn’t seen the youngest, a daughter, Banner, for a while so he wasn’t sure why she’d be visiting them. He only knew his father won’t be happy cause he held a deep-seated grudge for the Paynes, not only because of their untidy, lazy character but also because Seth thought Otis Payne had stolen his cattle. Who cares how long ago it was, he did it and Seth would remind of it every chance he got. His dislike for the Paynes bordered on hatred, so he was naturally unhappy to see Banner. He won’t even listen to what she had to say...

Banner had lost her mother when she was barely but a toddler. It’s always been her Papa and her 3 brothers. She’d never known how messy and dirty they were until her eyes opened on a visit to someone’s house. Before that Banner didn’t know why the children didn’t want to mingle and play with them. After seeing how clean and nice a house, and the persons inside, could be, Banner had learned her lesson. Even though she couldn’t change the men of her house, she’d tried her best to stay as presentable as possible. She’d keep their house cleaner and neater, as rickety as it was. Banner was just trying her best, as everyone else, to survive.

I started with Banner’s obsession with cleanliness because it was one of those things that tormented her childhood. Even though her brothers weren’t bothered being boys, it gave her a new perspective of life when she finally figured out she can live better, feel better... hell even look better. Unknowing to her, Callum did think Banner was very attractive with her dark hair and amber eyes and how she liked to dress, even if those have seen better days. She was young and looked small, but she had mettle. She’d taken care of the ranch after her brothers died in the war, her father not long after that and Callum could certainly respect that. Hollis, the remaining brother, came back but barely a shell of himself. It pains Banner to see him this way but she had no idea how to help him and his nightmares that’d keep him awake at night, or make him stare blankly at nothing in the daytime as if he’s lost in a place no one can ever visit. Except maybe for someone who’d seen the same things as he had.

Hollis had always been a gentle soul, a poetic child who loved reading. He wasn’t made for tough cattle ranching much as he wasn’t made to fight in a war. But he was all Banner had and she planned to keep him close by as long as possible. However, with dwindling help and financial status, also with the Yankees sniffing after their ranch, Banner doesn’t think she can keep the Payne ranch floating any longer. She knows no one will help her so maybe selling is the best option. But who can she offer the ranch when Paynes have such lowly reputation that people wouldn’t even acknowledge them when they were in town? She knew Callum’s mother Lacy never liked them, which showed on her face. She now knows how much Seth hates her whole lot. Would Callum even consider her proposal, let alone agreeing to it?

I loved Banner on spot. She was courageous for certain and I applauded that in her. She wasn’t sure of her welcome in the Latimer ranch, yet she knew she had to take the step and she didn’t back down. The war took many things but she still held this beguiling quality that wasn’t destroyed so her reaction to her first sight of Callum was very genuine. She hadn’t seen him for a long time so the whole thing hit her quite hard; so tall and strong, dark hair and green eyes... very striking in every way imaginable. I think Banner fell for him that day but she also knew Callum would never look at her twice being who she was. Well, she had no idea what he was thinking… if only she knew. :D

Unsurprisingly, Seth had no interest in anything to do with Paynes and her proposal of selling the ranch to them. But Banner was desperate as she deemed the Latimers to be her last hope (at least that’s how I felt). All she asked that they let Hollis stay while she goes and tries to find work in town. Hollis wasn’t fit to do anything else and the familiarity of his surroundings gave him some comfort. Banner hoped Latimers won’t begrudge him this much. When it seemed like her plea was falling on deaf ears, Callum steps in and offers to check her ranch out the following day.

And that was the beginning of good luck for Banner Payne. She didn’t know that Callum had already planned on helping her even when Seth wouldn’t even hear of it. While visiting the Payne ranch, Callum ate her cooked breakfast and the deal was pretty much sealed. Banner could cook and that was one thing no one can remotely deny! Callum only had one helping hand at home, a Native American woman whose husband and sons worked in his ranch. And neither he, nor Seth could stomach her cooking. So they were looking for an intervention badly and Banner was the perfect solution. Callum offers to help with her ranch since they didn’t have the money to buy it at that point after the loss they suffered in the war. In return, all Banner had to do was to cook, clean and keep an eye on Seth. Even knowing Seth’s extreme dislike for them, Banner was exceptionally happy to have this lifeline thrown at her. She won’t have to leave her home and Hollis. She was already feeling like kissing Callum Latimer... if only she could. ;)

To say that the first few days in the Latimer ranch didn’t go smoothly for Banner would be an understatement, when Seth was being a grumpy ol’ a$$hole. A thorn on her side. He’d either ignore her completely or say something really rude. But for some reason I knew Seth didn’t have any murderous intentions for all his grumbles. Not after he’d eaten food cooked by Banner. LOL I found the whole thing between him and Banner funny cause I knew this won’t hold for long. Callum and the other ranch hands would’ve come after him for sure cause everybody loved Banner’s cooking. They liked Banner too, quite a bit cause she was well-spoken and very hard working, exact opposite of how the Paynes were known for. But Banner was also pretty and it was a plus point on her side. It doesn’t take long for her to conquer the Latimer ranch. :D

As months pass by, the attraction between Banner and Callum becomes difficult to hide. Even with all her insecurities, when she finally found Callum felt the same about her, Banner felt like she’s flying. Callum had done plenty, big or small, around her ranch that he didn’t need doing. He had given her the equal partnership in their deal. Yep, Banner’s esteem for him rose every day. He reciprocating was just the cherry on top. Plus Seth was also coming around and Banner liked being in their house much more than she used to in the beginning. Even though she still worried for Hollis, she now knew they may have a future after all. I loved their chemistry cause it was quite sizzling from day one, their connection instant. Banner, having served as a volunteer by helping in various hospitals in the war, knew a bit of the horror her brother or Callum must’ve experienced first-hand. Even though Hollis was too gentle a soul, maybe ravaged to a point beyond redemption, Callum had a tougher persona. He could contain himself and hid his emotions well. But Banner still recognized the shadows that lurked behind his eyes well enough to know nightmares plagued him too. It was one of those things that connected them. After months (maybe even years) of feeling lonely, Callum finally found someone who understood him. With whom he felt comfortable enough to talk to. And it was cherry on top that he wanted her like he’d never wanted any girl before. There was no one for him but Banner.

But the things will not go smooth for our lovely couple because they lived in a country still in turmoil by the aftermaths of a long war; when men were still hankering for a fight, and hatred for people of other races and colors were still displayed so blatantly. There were bad news everywhere and Banner was worried for the people she cared for, for Callum who had become the light of her life, as she became his. Callum didn’t support what was happening around him and having Native Americans as his friends, he was duly worried that those who are behind the unrest would attack him or his ranch. But the worst blow, for me, probably was Hollis’s death. I hit me way harder than I thought it would, almost as it hit Banner. I had hoped maybe he’d find someone like Callum and Banner had found each-other, who’d help him through his own nightmares, but it was not to be. :(

In the end, I had to minus 0.5 for one thing only. The story was very well-written, well researched with lovely characters. However, as much as I loved my H and h and their chemistry and their hot kisses, the ending was abrupt. There was no love scene between them which really, REALLY frustrated me. The ending surprised me to a point I wanted to scream! BUT, I know this won’t bother most of you. I’d highly recommend if you’re a lover of western historical romances. 4 solid stars.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is an example of American Western Romance at its very best!

Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Solitary Horseman
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D. C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Solitary Horseman" by Deborah Camp

My Thoughts....

This historical western romance was another one of this author's good reads. This was a beautifully told story of Callum Latimer and Banner Payne. I loved how these two were brought together due to the fact that Banner needed some help on her farm and from that a partnership was formed. Now what did this consist of? With both of these two main characters needing healing how will this affect them as they help each other by "finding the missing pieces of themselves in each other." I loved the story and the characters were all well developed, defined. portrayed and very believable giving the reader a intriguing read that will keep you turning the pages. In the end will Callum and Banner get their HEA? Well, you will just have to pick up this good historical romance to see how this will all come out.

Thank you to the author for the gift of the read for my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Solitary Horseman" is a sweet, historical romance that tackles a lot of heavy topics. Callum has returned to his Texas ranch after fighting in the war and suffering the loss of two brothers and his mother during war time. His only interest is in taking care of his cattle ranch and his ailing father. He's surprised with Banner Payne from the neighboring ranch comes looking for his help. Banner and her brother are in dire straights if they are looking for help from one of the families that has always shunned them. They enter into a merger balanced on shaky trust and end up in a sweet relationship. As said this book covers a lot of heavy topics; PTSD, inter-race relationships, slavery, and the effects of war. The author does a beautiful job of capturing the readers interest, building full characters while telling an intriguing story. I give this story 5 hearts.



***Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as BOM for the group I'm in Western and Medieval Romance. It was a really good read.
Callum Latimer was home after the Civil War. He was miserable. He had nightmares of the war and he missed his brothers that were killed in the war. The ranch his home was so full of memories it tore at him constantly. His Dad had fallen off his horse and broke his shoulder and hip so he had to stay and take care of him. He felt trapped.
Banner Payne was his neighbor and she wanted him to buy her ranch to keep the Yankees from getting it. She couldn't work it anymore. Someone was rustling her cattle and her money for their cattle had been stolen so she was at the end of her rope. Callum wanted her ranch because it had a good water supply so he made a deal with her. He would take over the running of her ranch and she would be his partner and they would split the money 60%/40%. Her part of the partnership was to cook and clean and help with the care of his father. Her brother, Hollis could stay on an help with both ranches. There was so much going on with soldiers returning home Callum and Hollis both had survived but they both suffered the nightmares. Their town was being taken over by vigilantes murdering anyone they deemed different, Negroes, Indians and Yankees. This was an awesome glimpse in the lives survivors of the Civil War.

[Linda Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great post civil war novel. And it's a full length novel too! One would think that after the Civil War, people would have had enough of killing but prejudice and hatred and narrow minded people are slow learners. This is a story about men returning from war and women overcoming their grief and loss. Banner and Callum grew up on neighboring ranches but there was a feud between their fathers so when Banner offers to sell her ranch to Callum Latimer his embittered father laughs. But Callum is changed by the Civil War. He lost both of this brothers and returned home where his father was critically injured by a fall from his horse. And Banner Payne is a beautiful young woman. Her brother returned from the Civil War and many think he's crazy. When Callum offers a partnership to combine their land and their stock she's desperate to keep their family ranch from Yankee Carpetbaggers so even without trust she agrees. You'll love the characters and the story. This is a great read!

[Carri Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, I found it captivating and compelling.

[Rose James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solitary Horseman

A five star book by this author Deborah Camp. I was very much surprised by this book. It had all the elements to make it a great read. .It had suspense, love, snobbishness of classes; and upper, middle and lower class. The North and South in extreme views of life. The horrible view of some southerners that slavery was ok, and that freed slaves and indians were troublemakers and needed to be taught lessons that they hadn't learned, according to the klans point of view. In the end, the right way prevailed and the murderers were hanged for their unjust form of life, after the Texas Rangers were sent for to end the klans hold on the town. A love story came into existence and through their efforts the town was cleaned up of all haters.

[Malika-Liki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. the heroes were multilayered, deep, and had to deal with post traumatic trauma (after the secession war), vigilante justice, lynching. Banner had also been called white trash all her life and had to watch people looked at her from above and with disdain, not deserving it , once, Hollis, the dreamer brother came back almost totally destroyed.I also loved Seth the Latimer patriarch and his relationship with Banner.
I loved also the secondary characters as Ki and Mary and their 3 sons. I wish to read about Ben , and to know if Lilah's baby is his.

Solitary Horseman is a real beautiful and profound story.

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, old-fashioned western romance that builds suspense and romance while dealing with all kinds of interpersonal relationships between characters. There is a lot going on just under the surface, but it is all seamless. The book takes place in Texas immediately after the Civil War, and all of the characters deal with the fall-out. Some heavy emotional and social topics are part of the focus, without ever becoming angsty, and it is a page turner. One of the best by Deborah Camp that I've read.

[jane pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solitary horseman

A very well written intriguing story that has murder betrayal romance and love, it also touch on one of the main issues that happened to the men who fought in the america civil war who suffered post traumatic stress disorder also discriminating against others and how against the odds people can pulled together to help make a difference, oh and of coz find love to help mend a bleeding heart.

[Jill M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the two main characters a lot, especially Banner. She was feisty, hard working, funny, and had a heart of gold. The author used the word "Okay" a lot...I think that term was perhaps not used in the time of the American Civil War and always find it jarring.

*SPOILER*
Why was there not a love scene? After a whole book of build-ups and heavy petting, poof! The story ends abruptly. I wanted a wedding and a wedding night for Banner.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a Romance

A true western love story built on the grit to survive dangerous times following the Civil War. Deborah Camp writes of a place and time where survivors of the war fought their prejudices and tried to find their way in their new lives. The seeds of racism are sown while true grit and nobility rages against it. Recommended

[Kathy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting story

I couldn't put this book down. Callum has his demons from the war, just as Banner and her brother Hollis have their own. Together they heal and find love through ups and downs involving racial violence and death.

[Emma Sowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

It was an enjoyable book. Written about times right after the Civil War. Let’s you know racism has been around a long time, but some people tried to do right.

[Coco.V]

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[Trewen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Deborah Camp.
I enjoyed this and it kept me engaged and interested.
I liked that the conflicts lie outside the relationship. It made for a romance to root for.
The supporting characters were well done and interesting.
However, a little annoyance for me is when an author tosses in stereotypical vernacular like "vittles" just because is a historical wester.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A soft 3. Dragged in spots.

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Banner lost her paw, she left home to travel and help the doctor treat soldiers during the war. She and her bookish brother Hollis survived the war but he didn't come back the same as when he left. Their ranch hands have robbed them blind and they are fixing to have to sell out if she doesn't get some help. The high and mighty Latimers have always given them grief. They own the neighboring ranch and have suffered loss during the war too. Three sons left and only one comes back. Callum is responsible for the ranch after his father is hurt in a fall. After Banner approaches him for help, he comes up with a plan he hopes will benefit them all. This is the first book I've read by this author and I was really impressed. Deborah Camp brings a heart renching tale of loss and love after the war. Trying to find their way after they have done things and seen things no man or woman ever should. You feel the emotions, the loss, the pain but also the love and rebirth after such tragedy. I will definitely be reading another book by this author.