Holding Fire

by Bruce Borgos

A page-turning tale of the modern west, a story of good people struggling against the forces of nature, not the least of which is the beautiful and terrible power of attraction, of instinctive love. The conflict between the cattle ranchers of Midas County and the federal government has been smoldering for more than 20 years. Harlan Hale, the crusty Nevada cowboy, has had enough. When the BLM tries to seize his herd, Harlan meets them head-on, matching gun for gun. The slightest twitch will set off a war. So Will Bearfoot is coming home. The big-wigs in Washington need a hammer for a nasty nail and have sent their best ranger, a Shoshone Indian, to keep the powder keg from exploding. Except fire comes in many forms. Caught in this violent maelstrom are two others from Will's past - John Henry Hale, Harlan's oldest boy, now a firefighter who has seen too much death already. He doesn't want his father to be the next body he finds. And John Henry's wife, Jordan, Will Bearfoot's first and only love, the girl he left behind more than twenty years ago. When she learns of Will's return, the fire breathes again.

Genres: Fiction

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2016

About the author

Bruce Borgos is the author of several novels, including the Porter Beck Mysteries. His latest, THE RIDDLE MAKER, is the fourth in the series starring Sheriff Porter Beck of Lincoln County, NV. https://bit.ly/TheRiddleMaker

Visit his website at: https://www.bruceborgos.com/
or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceBorgos
or catch him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bruceborgos.... or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/authorbruce...

Reviews

[Patricia Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Fire is a book that examines all kinds of relationships and elicits multiple emotions. Its setting is a grazing dispute in rural Nevada between a rancher and the BLM. But that's just the vehicle for taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster. That is, any reader who's ever left anyone or any place behind, or loved and lost--a home, a friend or family member, a lover, or a pet. There's plenty of action, mystery, chair-gripping fear (especially for parents), longing, romance, regret and bittersweet victories. And it's all set among beautiful vistas, quaint small town loyalties and grudges, political disputes and romantic tension. And even the controversies, political as well as personal, are portrayed in a way that leaves the reader seeing all sides because the story is told through the eyes of the three main characters. It has been a couple of weeks since I finished this book and I still find myself thinking about and "feeling" it again and again. I think it would make a fantastic movie.

[Lynn McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy book to read. The subject matter was very current even though it was started years before the Bundy situation occurred. I found myself caught up in the lives of the characters. So It was hard to put down. I highly recommend this Book. Holding Fire was a really good read. I'm hoping the author publishes another book soon.

[Steve Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I started reading the Porter Beck series before I read this one. I found the love triangle just too tedious at times. The actual story about the grazing on federal land was pretty interesting. And the characters were likable, too likable at times. I could have read more about Micah and the Basque culture. There were some things in the story that were extremely far-fetched as well.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relevant subject, clever writing and great dialogue. The characters become endeared to you, so much so that, at times, you're not sure which side of the argument between rancher and government you are on. Highly recommend this book to the modern reader.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book...The characters & setting come to life. The story is universal & can be appreciated by both men and women. Family, friendship, love, struggle, legacy, duty and sacrifice....it's all there & more!

[Sarah K Boston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read!

Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are fully developed and ones you will care about. The story itself is reflective of our times and very thought provoking.

[Lou Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Borgos is my new favorite author! I can't wait for his next book!

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters told from each character's unique perspective of the events entangling them. Couldn't put the book down till I finished it! Looking forward to Bruce's next book.

[TRENA LAMORE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

Well actually this ended up being a good sweet book with heartache and some very tough life lessons, I sure didn't see that kind of an end coming but it makes sense.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe there are only several reviews for this incredible book. I am not good at writing reviews, but I feel I need to say something.
Having hiked in the Utah desert cattle grazing country, it was interesting to see the cattle grazing issue viewed at from several different points of view. This really open-end my eyes to the problems faces]d on all sides.
There was a vivid sense of place described in the novel. I loved the characters, especially Jordan and her boys. I recently lent this book to a friend traveling to desert country. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read and the characters were sympathetic, but there was also a lot going on in this story so it felt a bit disjointed at times.
This was the authors first novel, so a good run at it. Will read his others.

[Robin Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! All the characters were well developed and believable. Felt like I was watching a movie in my head. In fact, it would make a good movie or series. I enjoyed looking at the BLM issue from the both the indigenous and ranching side.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will, a Shoshone now working for the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, is called back to his home in Nevada to take of business. When he returns, he faces a past he’d rather not remember. Fast moving, especially at the end. A great and tragic twist of an ending. And a beautiful dog.

[Milt Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give 5's but this book is good.

[GILBERT E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for a first book. i loved it. Very hard to find.

[Carole Latimer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review