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The Women of Paragon Springs: The Complete Series
THE DUST, THE WIND, THE PAIN
Award winning author Irene Bennet Brown introduces the four women of the thriving western Kansas town, Paragon Springs.
Cassiday Curran, Meg Brennon, Aurelia Symington and Lucy Walsh all found themselves in Paragon Springs in different ways, but they all have one thing in common: homesteading in a small western town while battling their own problems and the issues of life in the late 1800’s.
Running from abusive husbands, falling in love, grief and ridicule are only some of the everyday struggles these women face. How they find their way through the struggles are what pull you into these heartwarming stories.
Women of Paragon Springs includes: Long Road Turning, Blue Horizons, No Other Place and Reap The South Wind.
“If you enjoy western novels, such as Little House on the Prairie and Lonesome Dove, you will enjoy this series by Irene Bennett Brown.”
1037 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
378 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Irene Bennett Brown
25 books8 followersI was born in Topeka, Kansas but from the age of nine, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has been home. As a child in one-room schools where I was often the only student in my class, I read, reread, and lived vicariously books like HEIDI, CADDIE WOODLAWN, MAMA’S BANK ACCOUNT, and LITTLE WOMEN. Jo in LITTLE WOMEN and Katrin in MAMA’S BANK ACCOUNT, writing away in their dusky attics, fueled my own dream to be a writer.
Author William Least Heat Moon is surely correct when he says “our passions at age 12 will always be with us and indicate our intended career.”
A writer who can’t not write, I pounded out my first seven books on a manual typewriter borrowed from a neighbor. Payoff for sore arms from throwing the carriage was national publication of my children’s books: in hardcover by Atheneum, E.P. Dutton, Thomas Nelson and David McKay, and in paperback book club editions by Viking Penguin, Scholastic, and Junior Literary Guild. Awards and honors include a Spur Award from Western Writers Of America and nomination for the Mark Twain Award for BEFORE THE LARK, the Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award for significant contribution to children’s literature, and inclusion on several best books’ lists.
THE PLAINSWOMAN, published originally by Ballantine, was my first novel for adults and a Western Writers Of America Spur Award finalist. Other novels include my Women Of Paragon Springs series from Five Star Cengage: LONG ROAD TURNING, BLUE HORIZONS, NO OTHER PLACE, and REAP THE SOUTH WIND. A love story set in Oregon’s Hells Canyon, HAVEN, a single title, was also published by Five Star. My historical novel, THE BARGAIN, was released by my own company, Riveredge Books, in 2007. WHERE GABLE SLEPT, the first book in my Celia Landrey mystery series, followed in 2010 and WHERE DANGER DANCED in 2012. All are now published by Riveredge Books and are also available as Kindle and Nook ebooks.
When not following my favorite pursuits, writing and reading, you’ll find me enjoying travel and exploring historic places with my husband, Bob, a retired research chemist, and spending time with our growing and busy family.
Author William Least Heat Moon is surely correct when he says “our passions at age 12 will always be with us and indicate our intended career.”
A writer who can’t not write, I pounded out my first seven books on a manual typewriter borrowed from a neighbor. Payoff for sore arms from throwing the carriage was national publication of my children’s books: in hardcover by Atheneum, E.P. Dutton, Thomas Nelson and David McKay, and in paperback book club editions by Viking Penguin, Scholastic, and Junior Literary Guild. Awards and honors include a Spur Award from Western Writers Of America and nomination for the Mark Twain Award for BEFORE THE LARK, the Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award for significant contribution to children’s literature, and inclusion on several best books’ lists.
THE PLAINSWOMAN, published originally by Ballantine, was my first novel for adults and a Western Writers Of America Spur Award finalist. Other novels include my Women Of Paragon Springs series from Five Star Cengage: LONG ROAD TURNING, BLUE HORIZONS, NO OTHER PLACE, and REAP THE SOUTH WIND. A love story set in Oregon’s Hells Canyon, HAVEN, a single title, was also published by Five Star. My historical novel, THE BARGAIN, was released by my own company, Riveredge Books, in 2007. WHERE GABLE SLEPT, the first book in my Celia Landrey mystery series, followed in 2010 and WHERE DANGER DANCED in 2012. All are now published by Riveredge Books and are also available as Kindle and Nook ebooks.
When not following my favorite pursuits, writing and reading, you’ll find me enjoying travel and exploring historic places with my husband, Bob, a retired research chemist, and spending time with our growing and busy family.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 10, 2021
This is an entire series in one book with 1036 pages. It took some time for me to finish, but it held my interest and haunted me until I resumed the read.
I loved the Kansas history, and how the story developed through time, especially the aviation aspect during the later years; how the aeronautical manufacturing industry started in the state.
The characters were well developed. Their struggles were believable, and I found myself celebrating their victories and sad with their defeats.
This is the story of a group of misfit women clawing for survival in the harsh conditions of western Kansas. The sweltering summers with drought, tornados, wildfires, and insect plagues nearly destroy them several times. Likewise, the devastation of winter blizzards and killing freezes could have defeated them if not for the pluck and resilience of the characters.
There were plenty of villians for these ladies to deal with, and heros with which to fall in love. Their struggles were real and they had their share of human flaws. Kudo to the author for making her characters
believable.
My only issue was a disappointment that the author made an abrupt switch in protagonists in the last couple of the series, but it worked out. I was attached to the main character, Meg, but didn't get to see much of her toward the end.
This is a long read I took in several bites, but one I'm glad I finished. It's well written and I'll be reading more from this author.
.
I loved the Kansas history, and how the story developed through time, especially the aviation aspect during the later years; how the aeronautical manufacturing industry started in the state.
The characters were well developed. Their struggles were believable, and I found myself celebrating their victories and sad with their defeats.
This is the story of a group of misfit women clawing for survival in the harsh conditions of western Kansas. The sweltering summers with drought, tornados, wildfires, and insect plagues nearly destroy them several times. Likewise, the devastation of winter blizzards and killing freezes could have defeated them if not for the pluck and resilience of the characters.
There were plenty of villians for these ladies to deal with, and heros with which to fall in love. Their struggles were real and they had their share of human flaws. Kudo to the author for making her characters
believable.
My only issue was a disappointment that the author made an abrupt switch in protagonists in the last couple of the series, but it worked out. I was attached to the main character, Meg, but didn't get to see much of her toward the end.
This is a long read I took in several bites, but one I'm glad I finished. It's well written and I'll be reading more from this author.
.
August 11, 2020
Interesting
I really enjoyed the story of Meg. The first two parts (were they individual books before?) were great but the story of Aurelia seemed a bit forced. Maybe it was just the kindle formatting but it seemed jumbled. The story of Lucy Ann was better but not as good as Meg’s. All of the characters were interesting in their own way but Aurelia just grated on me.
Was the book my favorite? No. Did I hate it? Also no. All in all it was decent.
I really enjoyed the story of Meg. The first two parts (were they individual books before?) were great but the story of Aurelia seemed a bit forced. Maybe it was just the kindle formatting but it seemed jumbled. The story of Lucy Ann was better but not as good as Meg’s. All of the characters were interesting in their own way but Aurelia just grated on me.
Was the book my favorite? No. Did I hate it? Also no. All in all it was decent.
December 22, 2019
Trailblazing Pioneer Story
I was so enthralled with this series that I was not quite ready to let go of the characters! Being a proud 5th generation Sooner (we have been in Oklahoma since Civil War days) I saw many of the familial stories of hardship, courage and fortitude that I have grown up with. Such a wonderful series with strong, independent Pioneer women. Lived it.
I was so enthralled with this series that I was not quite ready to let go of the characters! Being a proud 5th generation Sooner (we have been in Oklahoma since Civil War days) I saw many of the familial stories of hardship, courage and fortitude that I have grown up with. Such a wonderful series with strong, independent Pioneer women. Lived it.
September 14, 2020
Oh my goodness!
This was the longest story but it was a great story!!! I just couldn't out it down. I think it's good to remind oneself of what past generations went thru on a day to day basis to survive. Life was tough then, and folks were made of sterner stuff. Great story! Well worth the time to read.
This was the longest story but it was a great story!!! I just couldn't out it down. I think it's good to remind oneself of what past generations went thru on a day to day basis to survive. Life was tough then, and folks were made of sterner stuff. Great story! Well worth the time to read.
March 12, 2021
Loved this series
I loved this entire series. Well written and researched. Characters well developed as well as the story line. It made you feel like you knew this struggling town and its citizens. Some folks you liked and admired while others were not even tolerable. Read it and see for yourself.
I loved this entire series. Well written and researched. Characters well developed as well as the story line. It made you feel like you knew this struggling town and its citizens. Some folks you liked and admired while others were not even tolerable. Read it and see for yourself.
March 24, 2020
Paragon
Great book loved the fact o many women were able to overcome the fact of just being a woman no one expected the courage and fortitude that showed. Worth the read and the experience to see wat a woman with grit can do.
Great book loved the fact o many women were able to overcome the fact of just being a woman no one expected the courage and fortitude that showed. Worth the read and the experience to see wat a woman with grit can do.
July 25, 2020
A great book
This book was like coming home everyday to the people you love. You can't wait to read more to see what they are all up to. You feel as if there battles are your battles and there happy times also. Thank you Irene for writing these books. I really enjoyed them.
This book was like coming home everyday to the people you love. You can't wait to read more to see what they are all up to. You feel as if there battles are your battles and there happy times also. Thank you Irene for writing these books. I really enjoyed them.
September 18, 2020
Strong determined women and their incredible story.
I liked the book. It got long and boring in some areas but covered the women's lives well. I wished for more information at the end. Interesting read if you like strong, successful, determined women!
I liked the book. It got long and boring in some areas but covered the women's lives well. I wished for more information at the end. Interesting read if you like strong, successful, determined women!
October 9, 2020
These women are worth knowing
I am sad I finished this series as I will miss the characters and Paragon Springs. From the challenges of settling new land with its joy and tragedy to the conflict between farmers and ranchers these were worth reading.
I am sad I finished this series as I will miss the characters and Paragon Springs. From the challenges of settling new land with its joy and tragedy to the conflict between farmers and ranchers these were worth reading.
May 23, 2021
I think everyone could read it.
I loved this book, yes it was long ,but so interesting! I think many people will like it. A very good story, I especially liked that Tom and Lucy were married! Mary Read/Amazon customer
I loved this book, yes it was long ,but so interesting! I think many people will like it. A very good story, I especially liked that Tom and Lucy were married! Mary Read/Amazon customer
January 1, 2020
Wow what a great series!
I am a sucker for series. This book is so good with great characters, storyline and good writing. Highly recommended.
I am a sucker for series. This book is so good with great characters, storyline and good writing. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2020
Women
I like how each of the women characters grew and developed with their time in life. It was wonderful to see their families continue on also.
I like how each of the women characters grew and developed with their time in life. It was wonderful to see their families continue on also.
April 18, 2020
The Women of Paragon Springs The Complete Series
A very good book with th complete series about a place called paragon Springs and the lives that were made better
A very good book with th complete series about a place called paragon Springs and the lives that were made better
August 12, 2020
Strong women!
I really liked the story of the strong women that gave their all for the vote of women! Hard work and love for others!
I really liked the story of the strong women that gave their all for the vote of women! Hard work and love for others!
October 23, 2020
Love this series.
November 16, 2020
Excellent Reading!
If you like reading about how the West was won then this is the book for you. I loved it.
If you like reading about how the West was won then this is the book for you. I loved it.
November 24, 2020
Could Not Put It Down
I absolutely love this series. It is well written and has held me captive. I have just started book four and can not recommend this series any higher.
I absolutely love this series. It is well written and has held me captive. I have just started book four and can not recommend this series any higher.
November 25, 2020
Interesting strong women of the west
I loved the stories. I could relate to their hardships and trials. I’ve spent my life on a farm. Loved every minute of life.
I loved the stories. I could relate to their hardships and trials. I’ve spent my life on a farm. Loved every minute of life.
February 18, 2021
Enjoyed this read
Liked the way she developed characters and felt she made the state and hardships and beauty one of the characters
Liked the way she developed characters and felt she made the state and hardships and beauty one of the characters
November 13, 2019
The Women of Paragon Springs
This was a very long, in depth, well written book. This story covers three generation of what becomes Paragon Springs, Kansas. It contains the good, the bad and the ugly of building an entire town out of dust and hard, never ending work. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and think you will too.
This was a very long, in depth, well written book. This story covers three generation of what becomes Paragon Springs, Kansas. It contains the good, the bad and the ugly of building an entire town out of dust and hard, never ending work. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and think you will too.
November 8, 2019
Incredible series!
I loved this series from beginning to end! I didn't want to put it down even for a minute. I was a little upset when everyone chose Auriela (can't remember the spelling as much as I looked at it) anyway, this town was ALWAYS Meg's idea. Auriela was forever wanting to leave. I feel that Meg should have been the one to "run the town" so to speak but it was a wonderful series and I liked going right from one book to the next without having to open a new book. I think all series should be done that way. Love these stories!
I loved this series from beginning to end! I didn't want to put it down even for a minute. I was a little upset when everyone chose Auriela (can't remember the spelling as much as I looked at it) anyway, this town was ALWAYS Meg's idea. Auriela was forever wanting to leave. I feel that Meg should have been the one to "run the town" so to speak but it was a wonderful series and I liked going right from one book to the next without having to open a new book. I think all series should be done that way. Love these stories!
September 24, 2019
Realistic Full-Bodied Characters and Scenes!
Not enough western writers spend enough time developing their characters as fully as Brown does in these challenging scenes. From hope hopeless was and back again, the entertaining cycle continues throughout the stories in ways that will tug any reader's heart.
Not enough western writers spend enough time developing their characters as fully as Brown does in these challenging scenes. From hope hopeless was and back again, the entertaining cycle continues throughout the stories in ways that will tug any reader's heart.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews