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A Sidekick's Tale
She needed a husband on short notice to save the ranch. They needed a ring to make it official, and his best pal just happened to have a real nice one handy. And they’re all about to get way more than they bargained for. Meredith Fayett needed to marry someone before the week was out or she would lose her ranch. It sounded simple, so ranch hand Chance Stevens agreed to take on the job, in spite of his friend Marty’s warnings that it could only lead to trouble. But even Marty, a loyal though opinionated sidekick, couldn’t have predicted the mayhem that ensues when his own eccentric relatives appear on the scene, dragging Chance, Marty, and Meredith into the latest skirmish in a long-running family feud. What follows is a hilarious tangle involving an emerald ring, a fearsome aunt, a scheming suitor, and a team of runaway mules—by the end of which Chance finds that even a marriage just on paper has its complications, and that it never hurts to have a good sidekick. If you love a good screwball romp in a homespun setting—think P.G. Wodehouse meets O. Henry—pick up A Sidekick’s Tale now and start laughing!
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Grace Foley
27 books193 followersElisabeth Grace Foley (that’s Elisabeth with an s) is the author of numerous works of historical fiction and historical mystery set mostly in the American West, including the Mrs. Meade Mysteries, short cozy mysteries featuring a lady detective in Edwardian-era Colorado, and the Western comedy A Sidekick’s Tale. Her most recent release, The Smoking Iron and Other Stories, is the latest of several collections of Western short stories.
She was a Peacemaker Award finalist in 2015 with her novella Left-Hand Kelly, and again in 2021 with her short story “Dakota Clothesline,” and won the Peacemaker for short fiction in 2025 with her short story "Valiant-For-Truth." Her historical mystery novel Land of Hills and Valleys was voted one of Readfree.ly’s 50 Best Indie Books of 2021.
When not reading or writing, she enjoys gardening, crocheting, digging further into her family tree, cheering for underdog European football teams, and watching old movies. She lives in upstate New York with her family.
She was a Peacemaker Award finalist in 2015 with her novella Left-Hand Kelly, and again in 2021 with her short story “Dakota Clothesline,” and won the Peacemaker for short fiction in 2025 with her short story "Valiant-For-Truth." Her historical mystery novel Land of Hills and Valleys was voted one of Readfree.ly’s 50 Best Indie Books of 2021.
When not reading or writing, she enjoys gardening, crocheting, digging further into her family tree, cheering for underdog European football teams, and watching old movies. She lives in upstate New York with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 31, 2020
8/30/2020: This is just as much fun on reread. Marty’s dry humor practically makes the pages crackle sometimes (“The roses didn’t want me to leave, judging by how they held onto me” and so on) and his dysfunctional family is pathetically hilarious. Nothing like a feud to keep folks on their toes...
5/27/2018: This book was so much fun to read! I absolutely loved the humorous voice of the narrator, whose comparisons are flat brilliant and had me chuckling on just about every page. Chance and Meredith’s story does not go the way you would expect it to in the least, and Marty the narrator hardly expects that to be his fault—but it is. Highly recommended.
5/27/2018: This book was so much fun to read! I absolutely loved the humorous voice of the narrator, whose comparisons are flat brilliant and had me chuckling on just about every page. Chance and Meredith’s story does not go the way you would expect it to in the least, and Marty the narrator hardly expects that to be his fault—but it is. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2024
5+ stars (7/10 hearts). Oh my heart, this was ridiculously hilarious! I couldn’t stop laughing aloud! What absolute brilliance! Pure comedic genius! I am 100% a fan of Elisabeth Grace Foley now, and all the hype is TOTALLY worth it.
I love how Foley pulled the “Western marriage of convenience” card but made it so totally unique and also completely clean. As a rule, I don’t read marriage of convenience stories because they get my mind in the wrong places, but this one so delicately touched over the points we needed to know and rushed over them so well! And the real story was all about the Feud. Oh my stars, THE FEUD. Of all the most ridiculous, hilarious things I have ever read—from start to finish!!
The characters, though. I can’t even do them justice. Lem and his crew are the cutest, brainless, and meekest kidnappers on the face of the earth. I don’t even know HOW they are cute, but they just manage to be so—guns and dirty faces to the contrary notwithstanding. Chance is such a hilarious guy and the epic sidekick to Marty… or is Marty his sidekick? Anyhow, they’re a fantastic partnerhood. Meredith is adorable, the J.P. is something else, and then there’s Aunt Bertha, who simply can’t be summed up in a simple review. Suffice it to say that “to put it in a word, Aunt Bertha was Formidable. My father, who was unashamedly afraid of her, used to say it wasn’t respectful to call her a battle-axe, but she was definitely in the genus of sharp implements.”
The writing style is the cream of the cake. I cannot express just how absolutely hilarious and clever it is! But here’s a sample… “She had her hands on her hips as we came up toward her, and the look in her eye as it fixed on me was like the one she wore when she was picking out a turkey for Thanksgiving. I tried to look meek and unappetizing. Her greeting wasn’t exactly effusive.”
Y’all, I promise this writing is comedic GOLD. And so is the plot. I can’t say much for spoilers, but it’s nothing but twists and absolutely NOT what you expect—ever. The romance is cute, the moral, if there is any, is sweet, and I cannot recommend this enough if you need a good laugh! It is absolutely EPIC.
Content: euphemisms (gee, heck, etc); mild mentions of stuff like swearing, drinking, etc.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: The J. of the P. dropped down into his chair like a marionette when you let go of the strings, and went at it with the handkerchief again. “But you—you’re—”
He broke off and squinted hard at us again, like maybe he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and he was making a fool of himself by being scared of somebody else. But it was undoubtedly us, as either one of us could have told him if he’d only bothered to ask. He realized this and gave another combination gasp and groan. “But you two are supposed to be dead!”
“Why?” I asked.
“Don’t be an idiot, Marty,” said Chance, and then made himself look twice an idiot by repeating the question: “Why, Judge? What gave you that idea?”
I love how Foley pulled the “Western marriage of convenience” card but made it so totally unique and also completely clean. As a rule, I don’t read marriage of convenience stories because they get my mind in the wrong places, but this one so delicately touched over the points we needed to know and rushed over them so well! And the real story was all about the Feud. Oh my stars, THE FEUD. Of all the most ridiculous, hilarious things I have ever read—from start to finish!!
The characters, though. I can’t even do them justice. Lem and his crew are the cutest, brainless, and meekest kidnappers on the face of the earth. I don’t even know HOW they are cute, but they just manage to be so—guns and dirty faces to the contrary notwithstanding. Chance is such a hilarious guy and the epic sidekick to Marty… or is Marty his sidekick? Anyhow, they’re a fantastic partnerhood. Meredith is adorable, the J.P. is something else, and then there’s Aunt Bertha, who simply can’t be summed up in a simple review. Suffice it to say that “to put it in a word, Aunt Bertha was Formidable. My father, who was unashamedly afraid of her, used to say it wasn’t respectful to call her a battle-axe, but she was definitely in the genus of sharp implements.”
The writing style is the cream of the cake. I cannot express just how absolutely hilarious and clever it is! But here’s a sample… “She had her hands on her hips as we came up toward her, and the look in her eye as it fixed on me was like the one she wore when she was picking out a turkey for Thanksgiving. I tried to look meek and unappetizing. Her greeting wasn’t exactly effusive.”
Y’all, I promise this writing is comedic GOLD. And so is the plot. I can’t say much for spoilers, but it’s nothing but twists and absolutely NOT what you expect—ever. The romance is cute, the moral, if there is any, is sweet, and I cannot recommend this enough if you need a good laugh! It is absolutely EPIC.
Content: euphemisms (gee, heck, etc); mild mentions of stuff like swearing, drinking, etc.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: The J. of the P. dropped down into his chair like a marionette when you let go of the strings, and went at it with the handkerchief again. “But you—you’re—”
He broke off and squinted hard at us again, like maybe he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and he was making a fool of himself by being scared of somebody else. But it was undoubtedly us, as either one of us could have told him if he’d only bothered to ask. He realized this and gave another combination gasp and groan. “But you two are supposed to be dead!”
“Why?” I asked.
“Don’t be an idiot, Marty,” said Chance, and then made himself look twice an idiot by repeating the question: “Why, Judge? What gave you that idea?”
July 30, 2020
Elisabeth Grace Foley is rapidly making westerns become my new favorite thing! I am extremely particular about Westerns as a rule and only like them if they are ‘unusual’ – not your standard sheriff comes to town sort of story – and this authoress NAILS IT!
The story is more like a Shakespearean comedy-of-errors – my mouth was literally open with surprise and laughter by the first few pages. Characters were zany, hilarious and human but best of all THE VOICE; the turn of phrase in this book is hysterical, unique, period – it oozes Western in the most wonderful way – I was actually chuckling out loud as I read it; something that rarely happens.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The story is more like a Shakespearean comedy-of-errors – my mouth was literally open with surprise and laughter by the first few pages. Characters were zany, hilarious and human but best of all THE VOICE; the turn of phrase in this book is hysterical, unique, period – it oozes Western in the most wonderful way – I was actually chuckling out loud as I read it; something that rarely happens.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Read
November 3, 2019DNF. I didn't like it.
So, the friends who recommended it to me (*waves* :) ) were mostly concerned about how I'd react to the romance--and I actually liked the romance okay! I mean, I was heavily [HEAVILYYYYYY] side-eyeing the MCs for what I saw as their dumb choices in re: marriage of convenience, but I appreciated them as a pair and was rooting for them to grow up and become a good couple, and so on. I was perfectly comfortable reading about them, is what I'm trying to say.
But.
Screwball comedy.
Is not my jam.
And family feud stories.
ALSO not my jam.
I know I should've recognized from reviews that this would be a prominent element in the storyline; but I somehow DIDN'T; so when I hit ch. 4 or so, I was like "whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat????? why you spoil dis nice story????? ABORT MISSION ABORT MISSION ABORT MISSION." I didn't even feel like I could stay around and see if the comedy somehow became funny or amusing to me later on; my brain just immediately disengaged like "we're outta here, mate."
So, yeah . . . *sighs* *shrugs* *smiles ruefully*
So, the friends who recommended it to me (*waves* :) ) were mostly concerned about how I'd react to the romance--and I actually liked the romance okay! I mean, I was heavily [HEAVILYYYYYY] side-eyeing the MCs for what I saw as their dumb choices in re: marriage of convenience, but I appreciated them as a pair and was rooting for them to grow up and become a good couple, and so on. I was perfectly comfortable reading about them, is what I'm trying to say.
But.
Screwball comedy.
Is not my jam.
And family feud stories.
ALSO not my jam.
I know I should've recognized from reviews that this would be a prominent element in the storyline; but I somehow DIDN'T; so when I hit ch. 4 or so, I was like "whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat????? why you spoil dis nice story????? ABORT MISSION ABORT MISSION ABORT MISSION." I didn't even feel like I could stay around and see if the comedy somehow became funny or amusing to me later on; my brain just immediately disengaged like "we're outta here, mate."
So, yeah . . . *sighs* *shrugs* *smiles ruefully*
my-books
October 30, 2017This project was the most plain fun of anything I've written to date—and after more than seven years, I'm thrilled that it's finally coming to print this November!
May 4, 2018
Well, that was a hoot and a half! The stock marriage-of-convenience storyline gets a complete overhaul with the aid of a handy ring, a family feud, and an absolutely zany cast of characters. Even so, what makes the story really shine is Marty's point of view and hilarious narration as he offers his perspective and opinions on the whole mixed-up mess. Too many spoilers to go into detail, but I laughed out loud more than once!
Content--a few hints at profanity, but never the actual words; a little non-graphic violence
Content--a few hints at profanity, but never the actual words; a little non-graphic violence
August 30, 2017
This was absolutely a scream! I had no idea Elisabeth Grace Foley was concealing such a talent for humour. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, a wonderfully farcical plot, and twists that caught me completely offguard. I gulped it in one sitting and loved it.
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Re-read aloud with my sisters, complete with much chuckling out loud.
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Re-read aloud with my sisters, complete with much chuckling out loud.
July 14, 2017
Oh my gravy, I absolutely loved this story! I've never been a huge fan of westerns, but this one was really funny and I absolutely adored the characters! Plus, the narrator was hilarious. :D A really fun story, and I can't wait for it to be published!
October 15, 2022
Age Appropriate For: 10 and up for very mild romance
Best for Ages: 15 and up
This book had me laughing so hard and very engaged in the story. Clearly, it has been far too long since I read a book by Foley.
For those who haven’t read something by this author, let me give you an introduction to her unique style. She writes western-style books that feel nostalgic to me. They remind me of my childhood and teen enjoyment of Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers. She’s a gifted writer that brings a little more depth than those shows, but same nostalgic feeling. Her books are clean, nostalgic reads. They aren’t Christian books necessarily, but the worst thing you will find is words like shoot or heck.
This story was so much fun to read from beginning to end. As the title implies this story is told from someone slightly removed from the major part of the story, yet also manages to end up in the center of things. Marty made a great narrator for this tale.
-
Funny? Oh, this book was very funny. I laughed aloud many times. Especially Marty’s calm in the face of some of the situations made for a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments. I agree that it is in the line of P.G. Woodhouse in humor.
This story isn’t very long, but that is part of its charm. It’s long enough to tell the story well and no longer. Foley is just good a tight storytelling. Which is one of the reasons I keep reading her.
I highly recommend this book to those who love clean westers, novellas, and books that make you laugh.
Best for Ages: 15 and up
This book had me laughing so hard and very engaged in the story. Clearly, it has been far too long since I read a book by Foley.
For those who haven’t read something by this author, let me give you an introduction to her unique style. She writes western-style books that feel nostalgic to me. They remind me of my childhood and teen enjoyment of Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers. She’s a gifted writer that brings a little more depth than those shows, but same nostalgic feeling. Her books are clean, nostalgic reads. They aren’t Christian books necessarily, but the worst thing you will find is words like shoot or heck.
This story was so much fun to read from beginning to end. As the title implies this story is told from someone slightly removed from the major part of the story, yet also manages to end up in the center of things. Marty made a great narrator for this tale.
-
Funny? Oh, this book was very funny. I laughed aloud many times. Especially Marty’s calm in the face of some of the situations made for a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments. I agree that it is in the line of P.G. Woodhouse in humor.
This story isn’t very long, but that is part of its charm. It’s long enough to tell the story well and no longer. Foley is just good a tight storytelling. Which is one of the reasons I keep reading her.
I highly recommend this book to those who love clean westers, novellas, and books that make you laugh.
November 17, 2020
I loved this novella so much, enjoyed every second, and grinned and guffawed my way through it - punctuated by occasional squeals and at least one gasp of shocked and excited realization. The novella A Sidekick's Tale, skillfully yarned by Elisabeth Grace Foley, is a delightful, entertaining, heartwarming, crazy, and hysterically funny Western adventure. It was a wild ride, full of twists and turns, and I was grinning and on the edge of my seat as I held on tight to find out what would happen. And it was so sweet and safe and bright and comforting - I know I can come back to it when I need that sort of book and need to laugh. I'll definitely be rereading it someday - hopefully when I can read it in longer stretches and not short snatches like this time.
A Few of the Things I Loved:
- The characters and the sweet relationships between the characters, especially easygoing and manly Chance, sweet and spunky Meredith, and loyal, humorous Marty. I loved the three of them and each of their relationships so much. I could go on about them forever. And I loved the other main characters so much, too.
- The romance was touching, sweet, understated, and full of ups and downs, and I loved it all. So much. Watching the characters go through those bumps, and seeing their various feelings, gave me many emotions in my own heart - bittersweet, pained, and of course fluttery. I was rooting for the main couple so much, throughout the book - but I won't say how it ended, even if I correctly predicted whether or not things would turn out.
- The humor, wit, snark, and banter were clever and laugh-out-loud hilarious. And I did laugh aloud on every page.
- I loved the writing style and the vivid voice of the character who narrated the book. The tale was told exactly as if it was really one of the characters telling it, and Ms. Foley pulled it off well. The colloquial flavor and constant humourous phrases were delightful, without going over the top.
- The plot seemed random at the beginning, when a new arc was introduced, but it didn't take long for me to see that everything was connected and fit together perfectly - I loved seeing the different plotlines collide in explosive fashion.
- The author handled a challenging premise so incredibly well! I normally hate awkwardness and embarrassment in books as well as real life, but I loved the very awkward moments in this book - they always made me laugh in delight, and never made me uncomfortable. ***spoilers for a little while*** Even more importantly,
- And I loved the romance. So much. It was just the sort of thing I love, when this kind of romance is usually written in a way I hate. And the book itself was not a romance, even if the romance was prominent! The romance was not the only plot and did not take over the book. It was sweet, subtle, and understated - while still beautifully romantic. I love sweet, clean romance as a subplot, but I can't stand romance as the main plot or as a genre - I'm glad this book was just right for me.
- I loved that it was totally, completely squeaky clean! I honestly wouldn't be opposed to handing it to a 13-year-old who was used to moderate romance. That's rare, for me.
There was a lot more I loved, but I'll keep it to those things.
A Few Tiny Dislikes:
- I often would have liked more description of people's actions, the way they said something, the way something happened, the surroundings, or someone's facial expression or mannerisms. It often bothered me throughout that there wasn't enough of those things. And about half the time, there was plenty of it, and things were so perfectly, vividly described, with just the right details and cleverness! So i know the author was capable of adding more of that, and I wish she had - because I loved it so much when she did write things in that way.
- Meredith, the female lead, wasn't in much of the book. I loved her and missed her, even if I understand that the plot demanded her absence - I don't see how else it could have worked, but i wished there was more of her, all the same. She was in plenty of the book - just not parts.
Note: A Sidekick's Tale honestly reminded me very much of The Reluctant Godfather by Allison Tebo, another quality, polished indie book with top-notch humor, comedic mishaps, and surprisingly poignant moments. Of course, they're totally different in most ways, including the genre, and even the similarities have their own incredibly unique flavor. But both of them have their own craziness and shenanigans, and both have wonderful hilarity, snark, characters, friendships, and mixed-up romance. I definitely think The Reluctant Godfather is more amazing, snarky, and hilarious than this one, but it's a high honor that I'd think it worthy of comparison.
All in all, I loved A Sidekick's Tale! It's a wonderfully entertaining, touching, and wildly hilarious comedy of errors, with endearing characters and a touch of lovely romance. I highly recommend it to everyone, teens and up, regardless of whether you enjoy Westerns.
A Few of the Things I Loved:
- The characters and the sweet relationships between the characters, especially easygoing and manly Chance, sweet and spunky Meredith, and loyal, humorous Marty. I loved the three of them and each of their relationships so much. I could go on about them forever. And I loved the other main characters so much, too.
- The romance was touching, sweet, understated, and full of ups and downs, and I loved it all. So much. Watching the characters go through those bumps, and seeing their various feelings, gave me many emotions in my own heart - bittersweet, pained, and of course fluttery. I was rooting for the main couple so much, throughout the book - but I won't say how it ended, even if I correctly predicted whether or not things would turn out.
- The humor, wit, snark, and banter were clever and laugh-out-loud hilarious. And I did laugh aloud on every page.
- I loved the writing style and the vivid voice of the character who narrated the book. The tale was told exactly as if it was really one of the characters telling it, and Ms. Foley pulled it off well. The colloquial flavor and constant humourous phrases were delightful, without going over the top.
- The plot seemed random at the beginning, when a new arc was introduced, but it didn't take long for me to see that everything was connected and fit together perfectly - I loved seeing the different plotlines collide in explosive fashion.
- The author handled a challenging premise so incredibly well! I normally hate awkwardness and embarrassment in books as well as real life, but I loved the very awkward moments in this book - they always made me laugh in delight, and never made me uncomfortable. ***spoilers for a little while*** Even more importantly,
- And I loved the romance. So much. It was just the sort of thing I love, when this kind of romance is usually written in a way I hate. And the book itself was not a romance, even if the romance was prominent! The romance was not the only plot and did not take over the book. It was sweet, subtle, and understated - while still beautifully romantic. I love sweet, clean romance as a subplot, but I can't stand romance as the main plot or as a genre - I'm glad this book was just right for me.
- I loved that it was totally, completely squeaky clean! I honestly wouldn't be opposed to handing it to a 13-year-old who was used to moderate romance. That's rare, for me.
There was a lot more I loved, but I'll keep it to those things.
A Few Tiny Dislikes:
- I often would have liked more description of people's actions, the way they said something, the way something happened, the surroundings, or someone's facial expression or mannerisms. It often bothered me throughout that there wasn't enough of those things. And about half the time, there was plenty of it, and things were so perfectly, vividly described, with just the right details and cleverness! So i know the author was capable of adding more of that, and I wish she had - because I loved it so much when she did write things in that way.
- Meredith, the female lead, wasn't in much of the book. I loved her and missed her, even if I understand that the plot demanded her absence - I don't see how else it could have worked, but i wished there was more of her, all the same. She was in plenty of the book - just not parts.
Note: A Sidekick's Tale honestly reminded me very much of The Reluctant Godfather by Allison Tebo, another quality, polished indie book with top-notch humor, comedic mishaps, and surprisingly poignant moments. Of course, they're totally different in most ways, including the genre, and even the similarities have their own incredibly unique flavor. But both of them have their own craziness and shenanigans, and both have wonderful hilarity, snark, characters, friendships, and mixed-up romance. I definitely think The Reluctant Godfather is more amazing, snarky, and hilarious than this one, but it's a high honor that I'd think it worthy of comparison.
All in all, I loved A Sidekick's Tale! It's a wonderfully entertaining, touching, and wildly hilarious comedy of errors, with endearing characters and a touch of lovely romance. I highly recommend it to everyone, teens and up, regardless of whether you enjoy Westerns.
April 19, 2022
I wanted something lighthearted and easy on the brain last week, and this fit the bill! (Not that Marty’s convoluted family feud is easy on the brain.) Marty’s narrative voice is hilarious, as is the aforesaid family feud. For a marriage of convenience story, there is very little romance—and what romance there is definitely gets Marty’s spin put on it. My only complaint with the story itself is that it seemed to resolve a bit too fast. But it’s the sort of story where one doesn’t mind too much if not everything is wholly realistic. (Because, let’s face it. None of this story is wholly realistic.) There are a few hints at mild profanity, but otherwise this is a completely clean, riotously funny Western comedy. Recommended!
August 30, 2017
This was hilarious! One of Miss Foley's best books so far!
November 30, 2017
From the quirky and outrageous characters to the hints of romance, this book kept me thoroughly entertained. I dearly love to laugh, and this book made me laugh aloud time and again. It reminded me so much of a screwball comedy from the 1930s and '40s -- you know, the kind with an impossible situation that just keeps getting worse and worse until everyone gives up all hope of ever extricating themselves, and then somehow, everything turns out okay in the end.
December 20, 2017
So much fun!
October 6, 2021
A Sidekick’s Tale is one of my all-time favourite books. Screamingly hilarious, it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Firstly, the characters. Marty, Chance, Aunt Bertha, Lem!!!! Each of them was hilarious in their own way, and I just loved them all. Marty is especially funny, as he’s the narrator, but some of Lem’s lines still have me laughing several years later. And Aunt Bertha… there is so much I could say about Aunt Bertha, but I’ll just stick to saying that she’s one of the funniest characters I’ve ever read. And Chance – I loved Chance. The first few chapters, when he has no idea what on earth is going on, are some of the most hilarious in the book. Meredith was sweet… and the judge was hilarious too. I just love all these characters so, so much.
And then there’s the plot. The plot is just… amazing. The family feud … and the way the cousins act towards each other when not worried about the feud… is just hilarious. Lem, especially… I can’t even begin to express how much I love the plotline and the whole basis of the story and… everything.
But by far, the best thing about this book is the humour. Just about every single page had me screaming with laughter. The dialogue… and the cousins… and Aunt Bertha… and Chance… and even just Marty’s narration and the things he thinks and says! I couldn’t even begin to pick a favourite line or a favourite scene. It’s just all so, so amazing.
I feel like no review could ever fully do this book justice, and giving it only 5 stars doesn’t seem fair in the slightest! :D So I’ll just say that if you haven’t read A Sidekick’s Tale, you really really need to. However many times I reread it, it never gets old… and it never will. One of my top 10 favourite books for sure!!
Firstly, the characters. Marty, Chance, Aunt Bertha, Lem!!!! Each of them was hilarious in their own way, and I just loved them all. Marty is especially funny, as he’s the narrator, but some of Lem’s lines still have me laughing several years later. And Aunt Bertha… there is so much I could say about Aunt Bertha, but I’ll just stick to saying that she’s one of the funniest characters I’ve ever read. And Chance – I loved Chance. The first few chapters, when he has no idea what on earth is going on, are some of the most hilarious in the book. Meredith was sweet… and the judge was hilarious too. I just love all these characters so, so much.
And then there’s the plot. The plot is just… amazing. The family feud … and the way the cousins act towards each other when not worried about the feud… is just hilarious. Lem, especially… I can’t even begin to express how much I love the plotline and the whole basis of the story and… everything.
But by far, the best thing about this book is the humour. Just about every single page had me screaming with laughter. The dialogue… and the cousins… and Aunt Bertha… and Chance… and even just Marty’s narration and the things he thinks and says! I couldn’t even begin to pick a favourite line or a favourite scene. It’s just all so, so amazing.
I feel like no review could ever fully do this book justice, and giving it only 5 stars doesn’t seem fair in the slightest! :D So I’ll just say that if you haven’t read A Sidekick’s Tale, you really really need to. However many times I reread it, it never gets old… and it never will. One of my top 10 favourite books for sure!!
May 7, 2023
This book is a halarious masterpiece. The whole book kept me laughing. The story is so funny and unique and...ahh the whole thing was just so fun. 😊
August 3, 2022
Laugh out loud, snappy, smart, and very well written. Definitely worth the read!
October 11, 2023
This was well-written, and the characters were compelling and adorable enough to make me finish it, but the oddball humor and pacing were marks against it for me. I do absolutely love this author’s style, though, and I will be trying more of her work.
June 12, 2022
Interesting and hilarious story.
April 4, 2025
if P. G. Wodehouse wrote a western, the result would be this book. just this exact book. (I loved it so much)
December 30, 2021
4 stars // read December 2021
“A Sidekick’s Tale” reads to me like an extended version of a very comedic Gunsmoke episode. If you enjoy clean, hilarious Westerns with a dash of romance, this should be right up your alley.
“A Sidekick’s Tale” reads to me like an extended version of a very comedic Gunsmoke episode. If you enjoy clean, hilarious Westerns with a dash of romance, this should be right up your alley.
August 8, 2017
I have a fondness for Westerns going back to my youth, but Westerns aren't generally funny. This one is. I read it in snippets on the author's blog, and every chapter produced a laugh.
December 4, 2021
I didn't absolutely love this story, but I think that's my fault, not the story's fault. I am not a huge fan of slapstick comedy. The ending of the story was fairly obvious to me pretty soon on, and all the hijinks in the middle were.... hijinks, I guess.
But even with my dislike of the general style of story, I still enjoyed reading it, which says a LOT for the writing. The characters were well-rounded, described very well and their actions fit their personalities. I found myself laughing several times at the wry and witty commentary despite my general lack of attachment to all the hijinks.
Overall, well done.
But even with my dislike of the general style of story, I still enjoyed reading it, which says a LOT for the writing. The characters were well-rounded, described very well and their actions fit their personalities. I found myself laughing several times at the wry and witty commentary despite my general lack of attachment to all the hijinks.
Overall, well done.
January 21, 2018
A little bit of Wodehouse blended with screwball comedy travels to the American west.
January 12, 2021
What a ride! About two chapters into this story I turned to my husband and said, “ah, I think I see where this story is going...” and let me tell you, I was WRONG! This delightful romp takes so many crazy turns I didn’t expect. It reminded me of the sort of TV western comedy you might find on an old VHS tape (I feel like Jimmy Stewart could do Marty justice.)
The characters were hilarious caricatures of the old familiar tropes: the pretty girl who needs to save the ranch, the dashing and chivalrous ranch hand, the slick and nefarious rival suitor, the fearsome old aunt that everyone’s afraid of. And in the middle of it all, Marty, our narrator, who frankly seems exasperated and exhausted that he’s even in the story to begin with. His sarcastic, dry wit made me grin and giggle out loud while reading it. I loved the turn of phrase, the wild similes and metaphors, and general snark. (To be honest, it reminded me of another slapstick western I’m rather fond of. ;)
I will say, some of the writing was a little unpolished to the point of confusing me (I found myself reading some passages several times to be sure I was understanding correctly) but overall this book was just a rollicking good time. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a lighthearted tale and is ready to laugh.
The characters were hilarious caricatures of the old familiar tropes: the pretty girl who needs to save the ranch, the dashing and chivalrous ranch hand, the slick and nefarious rival suitor, the fearsome old aunt that everyone’s afraid of. And in the middle of it all, Marty, our narrator, who frankly seems exasperated and exhausted that he’s even in the story to begin with. His sarcastic, dry wit made me grin and giggle out loud while reading it. I loved the turn of phrase, the wild similes and metaphors, and general snark. (To be honest, it reminded me of another slapstick western I’m rather fond of. ;)
I will say, some of the writing was a little unpolished to the point of confusing me (I found myself reading some passages several times to be sure I was understanding correctly) but overall this book was just a rollicking good time. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a lighthearted tale and is ready to laugh.
November 30, 2022
I think I am finding that Elisabeth Grace Foley won't fail me when it comes to books and good stories.
This was such a fun read. I loved the point of view it was told from, obviously the sidekick of the story. She had me laughing out loud several times. Lem and his cousins reminded me a time or two of Festus and his relatives from Gunsmoke.
Once again, Foley has a way with words. She has a great writing style that made me think a little of P.G. Wodehouse. I also loved the way she mentioned various characters from other great literature pieces.
Just pure good clean fun and a sweet ending too!
This was such a fun read. I loved the point of view it was told from, obviously the sidekick of the story. She had me laughing out loud several times. Lem and his cousins reminded me a time or two of Festus and his relatives from Gunsmoke.
Once again, Foley has a way with words. She has a great writing style that made me think a little of P.G. Wodehouse. I also loved the way she mentioned various characters from other great literature pieces.
Just pure good clean fun and a sweet ending too!
March 12, 2019
Such a fun book! I was laughing out-loud by the second page. And when I read some of it aloud to my family they insisted I had to read the rest to them too. So I am now reading through it all over again, immediately after finishing it myself. And I don't mind one bit!
November 16, 2017
Meredith Fayett was in a pickle, she needed to marry someone by the end of the week or she would lose her ranch. the ranch hand, Chance, decided to take on the job, however his friend Marty warned him this wasn't going to be a good idea
once you start this book you can't put it down. its hilarious and keeps you laughing and wanting more.
this book would be good in any upper level classroom especially for girls who love sappy crazy somewhat love stories
once you start this book you can't put it down. its hilarious and keeps you laughing and wanting more.
this book would be good in any upper level classroom especially for girls who love sappy crazy somewhat love stories
August 9, 2019
I can't believe I only rated this four stars when I first read it, because after rereading it, I can say it's the most delightful. hilarious, colorfully written, clever little story. I absolutely love the portrayal of Marty's family, and the character development is remarkably powerful, considering the narration style. (Which, by the way, just might be the best narration style I've ever read) Some of Marty's mentions might be more contemporary-sounding--it is, after all who-knows-how-long after the Civil War, and Marty, a pure Southerner, is talking about Union generals?--but it all flows so seamlessly, and I wouldn't change one darling descriptive phrase. Honestly, (and I hope I'm not exaggerating here) I think this should be considered a classic in another fifty years.
January 24, 2018
This was a delightful story! And I especially loved the illustrations!
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