Ridin' Lonesome

by B.N. Rundell

He thought it would be the adventure of a lifetime, but little did he know he would face unbelievable loss and tragedy before they reached their destination. An attack by a war party of Pawnee was costly and resulted in the loss of many lives. But with God's hand upon him, J.W. Harpold set out to find his own way in life. All he knew was he wanted someplace warmer and that meant head South. With detours along the way in a Ute Indian camp, and with a couple of Texas bound cowboys, J.W. would find himself in the middle of cow country and looking for a job. Little did he know he would soon find the love of his life and the two would plan a life together, but a vengeance seeking member of her family would derail those plans. But J.W.'s God proves to be bigger than any circumstance and the girl of his dreams would become the light of his life. Their hope was to start a family and build a life together, but a bitter father and challenging circumstances would stand in their way. Based on a true story, this account of the lives of a young Texas couple in the midst of Indian wars, cattle ranching and a feuding family prove to be difficult but rewarding as well.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2017

About the author

Born and raised in Colorado into a family of ranchers and cowboys, B.N. Rundell is the youngest of seven sons. Juggling bull riding, skiing, and high school, graduation was a launching pad for a hitch in the Army Paratroopers.  After the army, he finished his college education in Springfield, MO, and together with his wife and growing family, entered the ministry as a Baptist preacher.
Together, B.N. and Dawn raised four girls that are now married and have made them proud grandparents. With many years as a successful pastor and educator, he retired from the ministry and followed in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial father and started a successful insurance agency, which is now in the hands of his trusted nephew. He has also been a successful audiobook narrator and has recorded many books for several award-winning authors. Now finally realizing his life-long dream, B.N. has turned his efforts to writing a variety of books, from children’s picture books and young adult adventure books, to the historical fiction and western genres which are his first love.

Reviews

[Alwilda Jaquish · Rating 5 out of 5]

JW set out in wagon train on the way west with his family who died along the trail. A young man on his own he meets others who inform his journey as he seeks a place of his own. He is hired as a ranch hand with a wealthy man who is very rigid and protective of his only daughter. The ranchers son harass JW but become very angry when he retaliates. A Mexican takes JW under his wing and teaches him how to become a good ranch hand. The oldest son attacks JW and is shot to death in the presence of many people Things change when JW falls in love with the daughter and marry despite the rancher's anger. The rancher will never forgive JW for the death of his son. The young couple set up their own home and develop relationships with neighbors and church friends. The rancher's wife and aunt attend the birth of the first child and maintain a caring relationship. The story continues with life on a small ranch and a young family creating a home. Sadly, his wife dies giving birth to their third child. JW is heart broken and leaves his family to seek a new life.
This was an interesting faith filled story with an interesting assortment of characters who enliven it. This is a family oriented western story that I would recommend to any reader.
B N Rundell is a very good story teller.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!

Once again the author has managed to create a beautiful yet sad story made even more special because of the real reference to his own family! Reminded me of my great grandfather who lived one county away for his cousin, who had the same name even spelling! They also had the same birthday which was how they discovered each other when the old folks home had a huge party for Papa Charley in both towns getting their pictures in the paper. The newspaper got them together which led to a friendship that lasted until they both passed away within days of each other!

[Rosemarie]

Wonderful Christian book and author

I love all the books wrote by this author. They are interesting and exciting. But most of all he is not afraid to tell people how to be saved. He tells the truth about Jesus and about eternal life. I wish there were more authors like him. Thank you BN Rundell

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

This author certainly has the gift of writing. What an awesome book. Would highly recommend this to everyone that enjoys a great read.

[Barbara Clover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reading

This is a very good book,as are all his books. He never fails to present the Gospel in any of his books.

[Ed Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK

I read this book in a couple of evenings. It was just ok, there was just not enough action for me.

[Jean R Hillin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear jerker

I love reading B.N. Rundell books. The story lines and characters are well developed. The story flows easily capturing the readers imagine.

[Bob Gage · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stupid endng

Why kill of his wife for no good reason unless you are going to write another book I will not read another of your books again I like happy end ing

[Bryan Boswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!!!! I highly recommend this book. I found that I could not put this book down. It grabs you and won't let go. I really enjoyed how the author worked God into the story. Very well written and flows great. A real joy to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book for an honest review.

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Wow, what a great book. It made me cry several times, but it also made me happy. I felt the pain of Flo losing her mother. This book will draw you into the story. Feels like your watching the story unfold before your eyes. Thank you Mr. Rundell for a awesome read.

[Roger Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different western

Ridin' Lonesome is a much different tale than the typical western shoot'em up. It has a good mixture of wild west action with some good believable family oriented mix. It's the kind of book that is hard to put down. I recommend it highly.