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Thatch
Thatch Elliott is adopted off a mercy train and makes a success of his life. Fifteen years later, he adopts two others off a mercy train and tries to build a life for them. He marries a mail-order bride from Boston and buys a ranch in Taos Valley. But a larger rancher, Fred Sugg, attempts to kill Thatch, then has his wife, Martha, kidnapped. Thatch rescues Martha from two men who intend to molest and violate her. Thatch hangs the two men and eventually kills Sugg after a chase through the Taos Mountains. Thatch builds a life and finds that his family cures the loneliness and yearning for a home that he's felt since he was a child. Another classic western with just a touch of romance from R. O. Lane
- GenresWesterns
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2019
703 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 31, 2019
Thatch
Well written with a wonderful story line. Family comes first and bad guys never prosper. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good western.
Well written with a wonderful story line. Family comes first and bad guys never prosper. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good western.
March 26, 2019
Loved it
It was a deliteful read although a bit hokey.
It was the first book featuring the orphan trains that I have read.
It was a deliteful read although a bit hokey.
It was the first book featuring the orphan trains that I have read.
December 11, 2019
A very interesting story that weaves Thatch Elliot's life from a Mercy train where he was adopted by cruel owner. His life story weaves through ranching, working on railroad and buffalo hunting. All along the way he invested his money and was frugal in his living. He was in town when a new Mercy train unloaded children for adoption. Thatch chooses a young sister and brother who were about to be separated and pays the master for them even though he was single. He had no home so sets out on travels with Leah and Quinn in search of the right home. He encounters outlaws and villains along the way and overcomes their threats with violence when necessary. Arriving in Taos, New Mexico, he decides to buy a small ranch outside of town. There he becomes part of the Mexican American family and community. He finds Martha who was escaping from a disastrous mail order bride arrangement. Soon Martha and Thatch create a family for Leah and Quinn as Martha nurtures and teaches all the children on the ranch. Thatch increases the size of his ranch to the anger of Sugg his villainous neighbor. Thatch reaches back in his life story to staff his ranch with trusted men. He kills the outlaws who kidnap Martha and eventually kills Sugg who would not cease in his efforts to destroy Thatch and his family.
All in all an action filled story with excellent character development. An interesting book written by an excellent story teller.
All in all an action filled story with excellent character development. An interesting book written by an excellent story teller.
March 13, 2019
This is another outstanding masterpiece by Mr. R. O. Lane, that is an overpowering, and heartwarming adventure story, with plenty of love and compassion from beginning to end!
As always, Mr. I had created an endearing sense of love and camaraderie, definitely worthy of five stars.
I have been blessed, once again, by an endearing story of love, compassion and even lots of suspense by the master himself.
Thatch certainly has No qualms about using whatever violence is necessary to settle the situation at hand. Too, the Nate in this outstanding masterpiece is equivalent of Nate in the Joe Pickett series. Both are falconeers, and both believe in justice first and law is secondary!
As always, Mr. Lane's storylines, and characters, are definitely representative of his magic touch, resulting in ongoing adventures, which definitely grabs all his readers undivided from beginning to end.
If you love fast and furious stories that are filled with action, romance, suspense blended in with plenty of heartwarming experiences, then make Thatch a must read for never-ending entertainment. I assure regardless of your normal preferences of reading, it behooves you to follow Hatch,an crew, from one exciting adventure to the next. You loss of you don't!!!
As always, Mr. I had created an endearing sense of love and camaraderie, definitely worthy of five stars.
I have been blessed, once again, by an endearing story of love, compassion and even lots of suspense by the master himself.
Thatch certainly has No qualms about using whatever violence is necessary to settle the situation at hand. Too, the Nate in this outstanding masterpiece is equivalent of Nate in the Joe Pickett series. Both are falconeers, and both believe in justice first and law is secondary!
As always, Mr. Lane's storylines, and characters, are definitely representative of his magic touch, resulting in ongoing adventures, which definitely grabs all his readers undivided from beginning to end.
If you love fast and furious stories that are filled with action, romance, suspense blended in with plenty of heartwarming experiences, then make Thatch a must read for never-ending entertainment. I assure regardless of your normal preferences of reading, it behooves you to follow Hatch,an crew, from one exciting adventure to the next. You loss of you don't!!!
July 14, 2020
Another Good one
I have read almost all of his books now and each one is as good as the one before it. Mr Lane writes a very enjoyable western and I must say that I enjoy his books as much as those by Louis L Amour whom I consider one of the best western writers. Read this book knowing you will be hooked and have to read more of his tales.ok
I have read almost all of his books now and each one is as good as the one before it. Mr Lane writes a very enjoyable western and I must say that I enjoy his books as much as those by Louis L Amour whom I consider one of the best western writers. Read this book knowing you will be hooked and have to read more of his tales.ok
February 5, 2021
Western with all the characters we want to read and ponder about
This is a story of a child growing into a man who worked hard and made hard choices, but good choices. He adopted orphans as a single man. The story has adventure, romance, family and friends helping each other. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. Good read.
This is a story of a child growing into a man who worked hard and made hard choices, but good choices. He adopted orphans as a single man. The story has adventure, romance, family and friends helping each other. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. Good read.
June 22, 2021
Insight into Orphan Trains
This story helps us see into the lives of the hopeless and often exploited children forced to ride the orphan trains. With so little accountability the adopters often contributed to the abuse of already unfortunate and traumatized children which continued for many years. But this story is uplifting as a former orphan train child lives his own story. I read this story twice because I liked how this desperate family weaves itself together, always remembering the pictures of my own great-grandparents and their children and how similar their lives were growing up in the 1880’s. And it reminds me too, how just one person, one decision, can change the lives of others forever.
This story helps us see into the lives of the hopeless and often exploited children forced to ride the orphan trains. With so little accountability the adopters often contributed to the abuse of already unfortunate and traumatized children which continued for many years. But this story is uplifting as a former orphan train child lives his own story. I read this story twice because I liked how this desperate family weaves itself together, always remembering the pictures of my own great-grandparents and their children and how similar their lives were growing up in the 1880’s. And it reminds me too, how just one person, one decision, can change the lives of others forever.
August 14, 2019
A Good Ole Western Tale
This book provided a “feel good” experience from start to finish. The storyline is told with good intentions and without undue flourish. Just good old storytelling. Thatch is a young unassuming orphan just trying to survive. And survive he does with each new experience building his prowess and strengthening his will. The author does a realistic job in telling the story using believable characters and dialogue. Mixing children, romance, and the realities of the Old West into a interesting and fun story resulted in a fine, and from my point, a highly recommend read.
This book provided a “feel good” experience from start to finish. The storyline is told with good intentions and without undue flourish. Just good old storytelling. Thatch is a young unassuming orphan just trying to survive. And survive he does with each new experience building his prowess and strengthening his will. The author does a realistic job in telling the story using believable characters and dialogue. Mixing children, romance, and the realities of the Old West into a interesting and fun story resulted in a fine, and from my point, a highly recommend read.
January 4, 2023
One of my two favorite books!
Love Thatch and the Gambler and the Orphans! We all should realize how one person can make a huge difference in another person’s life, especially an orphan. I have read other books that mention The Mercy Train that carried orphans. I know there were many bad experiences but the good ones really lift you up and make you feel good. There are some really good men with love in there hearts. It is always sad to me that all people cannot have love and kindness in their hearts. I love the great stories by Lane even if the cowboy and the girl meet quickly and can fall in love in one day?!?! If it were only that easy. 😉
Love Thatch and the Gambler and the Orphans! We all should realize how one person can make a huge difference in another person’s life, especially an orphan. I have read other books that mention The Mercy Train that carried orphans. I know there were many bad experiences but the good ones really lift you up and make you feel good. There are some really good men with love in there hearts. It is always sad to me that all people cannot have love and kindness in their hearts. I love the great stories by Lane even if the cowboy and the girl meet quickly and can fall in love in one day?!?! If it were only that easy. 😉
September 27, 2023
Another Great Western Family Success Story
This saga is unique as it introduces the reader to the early handling of orphans in the Midwest. Hatch begins his early teen years after his adoption by a brutal man looking for nothing but cheap labor. When he walks away from that nightmare, he becomes a Man long before his 21st birthday. While there is plenty of fending off bad guys and helping those less fortunate, his encounter with 2 orphans who no one wants begins a story that is a page turner.
This saga is unique as it introduces the reader to the early handling of orphans in the Midwest. Hatch begins his early teen years after his adoption by a brutal man looking for nothing but cheap labor. When he walks away from that nightmare, he becomes a Man long before his 21st birthday. While there is plenty of fending off bad guys and helping those less fortunate, his encounter with 2 orphans who no one wants begins a story that is a page turner.
March 6, 2019
An ROL. Western Novel/From an Orphanage/Cowhand/Railroad Layer/Buffalo Hunter/Cattleman/Father of two/Rancher/Wife/Family
ROL. has. penned a western adventure that take you from an Orphanage back east to a farm in Kansas. Then the young boy starts his travels and learns to be a man, a gunhand, a father, family man and successful rancher. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
ROL. has. penned a western adventure that take you from an Orphanage back east to a farm in Kansas. Then the young boy starts his travels and learns to be a man, a gunhand, a father, family man and successful rancher. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
April 15, 2024
Thatch
This story began at a rail head and continued all the way to the end of the tracks with lots of adventure, challenges, excitement, and honorable service all rolled into it. Absolutely loved the story. It is one of those books they you start and can’t put down. I read this story cover to cover in one sitting and I’m definitely sleep deprived today. Well worth the read, R.O. Lane.
This story began at a rail head and continued all the way to the end of the tracks with lots of adventure, challenges, excitement, and honorable service all rolled into it. Absolutely loved the story. It is one of those books they you start and can’t put down. I read this story cover to cover in one sitting and I’m definitely sleep deprived today. Well worth the read, R.O. Lane.
February 16, 2025
ABOUT WHAT COUNTS
I was fixed on this story right from the git-go.
There are multiple episodes for the main character to make just and right choices/decisions, and just as often to be merciful and compassionate. The take engendering him with gradually more and more resources that he manages with increasingly strong character and honor and Christian principles. People you'd love to be your friends...love this story.
I was fixed on this story right from the git-go.
There are multiple episodes for the main character to make just and right choices/decisions, and just as often to be merciful and compassionate. The take engendering him with gradually more and more resources that he manages with increasingly strong character and honor and Christian principles. People you'd love to be your friends...love this story.
September 17, 2025
The best Western writer currently workinb
When I was a kid Louie L'Amour was the king of Western writers. His style was perfect for his time. R O Lane has written a series of perfect stories encapsulating a different, more inclusive portrait of the struggles normal folks encountered and overcame in a sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment. Reason all and be well entertained.
When I was a kid Louie L'Amour was the king of Western writers. His style was perfect for his time. R O Lane has written a series of perfect stories encapsulating a different, more inclusive portrait of the struggles normal folks encountered and overcame in a sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment. Reason all and be well entertained.
February 11, 2019
Family
Having family is what life is all about. Love and respect is the main core of a strong family. This story is a fine example of one man's strength and determination to have a family and how he gave them a life full of the love and respect that he never had. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it for a great read. Thank you, T. L. Roy
Having family is what life is all about. Love and respect is the main core of a strong family. This story is a fine example of one man's strength and determination to have a family and how he gave them a life full of the love and respect that he never had. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it for a great read. Thank you, T. L. Roy
February 25, 2019
Very good and smooth read
Having just read one painfully bad western and several good ones that were full of grammar and other errors, I found this one a pure delight. The story is interesting, the characters are well developed and as far as I can remember there isn't a single badly used gerund phrase.
Having just read one painfully bad western and several good ones that were full of grammar and other errors, I found this one a pure delight. The story is interesting, the characters are well developed and as far as I can remember there isn't a single badly used gerund phrase.
March 2, 2019
All Western and then some!
This story tugged every heartstrings I have. What a real man is supposed to be and a real father, husband and breadwinner should be. Thank you R.O.Lame for such a great lesson on life and love.
Don Sinquefield
Haleyville, AL
72 this March 16
After of Five and grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of Three!
This story tugged every heartstrings I have. What a real man is supposed to be and a real father, husband and breadwinner should be. Thank you R.O.Lame for such a great lesson on life and love.
Don Sinquefield
Haleyville, AL
72 this March 16
After of Five and grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of Three!
March 2, 2019
R.O. Lane does it again
I love the stories that are told under the Lane brand. No vulgar language, and every story has a good moral to it. This is no exception, adopted man adopts two and raises them right. Showing what hard work could do then and what it can still do. Hard work and determination will win every time.
I love the stories that are told under the Lane brand. No vulgar language, and every story has a good moral to it. This is no exception, adopted man adopts two and raises them right. Showing what hard work could do then and what it can still do. Hard work and determination will win every time.
March 13, 2019
4 Stars
Good story about a former orphan who becomes a ranch hand, railroad worker, buffalo hunter, cattle drover, who at the age of 22 adopts 2 orphans off a mercy train buys a ranch marries a mail order bride and has to straighten out a bad neighbor. Good book as are all of R.O. Lane's.
Good story about a former orphan who becomes a ranch hand, railroad worker, buffalo hunter, cattle drover, who at the age of 22 adopts 2 orphans off a mercy train buys a ranch marries a mail order bride and has to straighten out a bad neighbor. Good book as are all of R.O. Lane's.
March 25, 2019
Thatch
One of the best western I have read. Wish all fathers could be as smart. He and Lea four out as a young pair. There is more to family than just raising children, as a mother know s play with your children, the house can be cleaned later or tomorrow. Tell them every night. Go up love them and give them. I wish I had done this my self.
One of the best western I have read. Wish all fathers could be as smart. He and Lea four out as a young pair. There is more to family than just raising children, as a mother know s play with your children, the house can be cleaned later or tomorrow. Tell them every night. Go up love them and give them. I wish I had done this my self.
May 11, 2019
Always interesting
I have read several of your books and they are always very interesting. It's the type of refinished you don't want to put the book down. I am a speed reader and I probably read a book a day or close to it. I like books also, that continue with the person's life history through retiring. Like a marshall, or a cowboys. I'll just keep reading your books.
I have read several of your books and they are always very interesting. It's the type of refinished you don't want to put the book down. I am a speed reader and I probably read a book a day or close to it. I like books also, that continue with the person's life history through retiring. Like a marshall, or a cowboys. I'll just keep reading your books.
June 3, 2019
Very good read
The train of kids stopped in Marryville,mo. Some had tales of bad things but several very touching stories of love and respect,an success,,,I’m 75 an was a good listener to the old spit and whistlers,that set on the bench up town,,,should have wrote it all down,,,this book kind of hit home.
The train of kids stopped in Marryville,mo. Some had tales of bad things but several very touching stories of love and respect,an success,,,I’m 75 an was a good listener to the old spit and whistlers,that set on the bench up town,,,should have wrote it all down,,,this book kind of hit home.
July 30, 2019
Great western story as told by R.O.Lane
Wonderful story about the old west, other then the buffalo hunting. I loved the adventure and later the romance. The story has a good ending that will be enjoyed by all readers. Keep writing Mr Lane I have read almost all of your books and look forward to your next story.
Wonderful story about the old west, other then the buffalo hunting. I loved the adventure and later the romance. The story has a good ending that will be enjoyed by all readers. Keep writing Mr Lane I have read almost all of your books and look forward to your next story.
August 27, 2019
Immersed reading
I enjoy your books. My wife sometimes gets upset with me when I'm reading cause I'm so immersed in a book, I don't hear her until she stands in front of me getting my attention. I enjoy books where the author can pull me right into the book. This is what your writing does for me, I live the pages as I read them. Thank you.
I enjoy your books. My wife sometimes gets upset with me when I'm reading cause I'm so immersed in a book, I don't hear her until she stands in front of me getting my attention. I enjoy books where the author can pull me right into the book. This is what your writing does for me, I live the pages as I read them. Thank you.
November 20, 2019
Heartwarming
A story of love and survival that teaches the value of hard work, loyalty, wisdom, strength, and family ties.
I loved Thatch's character. His strength, moral values, patience, kindness, and honesty made him a perfect hero for this story about life in the old west.
A story of love and survival that teaches the value of hard work, loyalty, wisdom, strength, and family ties.
I loved Thatch's character. His strength, moral values, patience, kindness, and honesty made him a perfect hero for this story about life in the old west.
March 23, 2020
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this one more than some of the others by this author. It showed some ingenuity and covered a situation not often written about...how orphans fared during the days of the wild west. The episodic love at first sight between Thatch and Martha was a nice touch amid the intertwining violence.
May 5, 2020
ADOPTED KIDS, LOVE, GUN FIGHTS
Adopted kids are shown in a couple of ways in this heartwarming must read Old West Era Drama with Romance I give 5 STARS. Feelings of outrage for his situation to love him for being that perfect man, both as a wonderful father & husband mean they run the scale. Gun fights galore are many that gives this book plenty of action. Recommend.
Adopted kids are shown in a couple of ways in this heartwarming must read Old West Era Drama with Romance I give 5 STARS. Feelings of outrage for his situation to love him for being that perfect man, both as a wonderful father & husband mean they run the scale. Gun fights galore are many that gives this book plenty of action. Recommend.
June 19, 2020
Excellent!
The story indicates one of the differences between then and now. What we would consider children, if they could do a man's work, they got a man's pay. Perhaps one of the indicates of a civilized society is how long they let their children be children. Of course, lifespan would enter into that. If most die early, it would make sense to grow up fast.
The story indicates one of the differences between then and now. What we would consider children, if they could do a man's work, they got a man's pay. Perhaps one of the indicates of a civilized society is how long they let their children be children. Of course, lifespan would enter into that. If most die early, it would make sense to grow up fast.
July 13, 2020
Good story sold writing
I enjoyed the book although it could be better without the glorification of killing off ALL the buffalo...that was disappointing. A little recognition of the utter senselessness of driving the animals to extinction would have helped. Also the cavalier way he speaks of killing Native Americans is disappointing.
I enjoyed the book although it could be better without the glorification of killing off ALL the buffalo...that was disappointing. A little recognition of the utter senselessness of driving the animals to extinction would have helped. Also the cavalier way he speaks of killing Native Americans is disappointing.
May 15, 2021
What a great book!
Five stars aren't enough for this book. R.O. Lane is a great wordsmith and story teller... Every one of his books is a testimony of his dedication to the craft. Interesting characters, exciting action around every corner, and, descriptive narratives that allow you to see the action in your mind as you read.
Five stars aren't enough for this book. R.O. Lane is a great wordsmith and story teller... Every one of his books is a testimony of his dedication to the craft. Interesting characters, exciting action around every corner, and, descriptive narratives that allow you to see the action in your mind as you read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews