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ThunderTree
Ben Evers is a drifter that never stays in one place too long, always hankering to see what's over the next horizon. His traveling companion-an eagle. He lives by two rules. Mind his own business and always treat women with respect. The first rule stands him in good stead until he meets former Texas Ranger John T. McAllen and his niece Kate Landon. The two are drawing him into their lives and Ben knows from personal experience no good ever comes from getting involved in other folks' trouble. John T. and his neighbor are caught up in a feud over land and Clary's daughter. When danger strikes, swift and hard, Ben has a decision to make. Turn his back and ride away from people he's grown to care about or break his rule of minding his own business, and stay and fight.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2019
64 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 28, 2019
As much as Ben Evers, star of S. Cox's latest Western Romance ThunderTree (2019), has a reputation as a skilled cowboy and talented shootist, he is also a drifter. He loves his freedom, his lack of emotional entanglements, and his horse in equal measure. The only two rules he abides by are Don’t get involved and respect women, the second being the more important. Which is where the trouble begins. The feisty and beautiful Kate Landon is being harassed by strangers with one obvious goal in mind. Ben happens to be riding by but can't let them do what they're about to do. Without a second thought, he stops them and incurs the sincere thanks of her ranch owner father who is also a former Texas Ranger. That leads to Ben staying the night and then helping out with a few problems around the ranch. When a range war begins to bubble over, his drifter attitudes are set squarely against the family he has started to care for. His ability to recognize danger and fearlessly step in makes him invaluable to Kate's family whose warmth and love is a polar opposite to what he grew up in. Put that together with Kate's beauty, fire, and obvious affection for him--and his for her--he starts to wonder if he can in fact walk away this time.
S. Cox, as in her earlier Westerns, excels at not just intricate plots but her essential ability to build characters readers fall in love with. Read this, see if you agree:
"Even though he was comfortable in his own skin and knew his own worth, he didn’t believe a man should be praised for doing the right thing and never knew how to respond."
“Do you see something you like or do I have crumbs on my mouth?”
"...a raspy quality that spoke of cigars and whiskey. A big man, he rode tall in the saddle. His weathered face held lines of hard living. He wore brown canvas pants, a blue shirt with a faded red vest and looked tough as nails."
A good western needs strong moral characters well grounded in their beliefs, and a fire to test them. ThunderTree has that. It's a fast moving story with horses, bad guys, good guys, ranches, guns, a dog (in this case, an eagle), and life threatening consequences, all nurtured in the romantic atmosphere of the old West. I’m very picky about my westerns. Cox writes them well.
S. Cox, as in her earlier Westerns, excels at not just intricate plots but her essential ability to build characters readers fall in love with. Read this, see if you agree:
"Even though he was comfortable in his own skin and knew his own worth, he didn’t believe a man should be praised for doing the right thing and never knew how to respond."
“Do you see something you like or do I have crumbs on my mouth?”
"...a raspy quality that spoke of cigars and whiskey. A big man, he rode tall in the saddle. His weathered face held lines of hard living. He wore brown canvas pants, a blue shirt with a faded red vest and looked tough as nails."
A good western needs strong moral characters well grounded in their beliefs, and a fire to test them. ThunderTree has that. It's a fast moving story with horses, bad guys, good guys, ranches, guns, a dog (in this case, an eagle), and life threatening consequences, all nurtured in the romantic atmosphere of the old West. I’m very picky about my westerns. Cox writes them well.
August 3, 2019
This is the second western romance I’ve read by Ms. Cox. I loved “SilverHills” and had high expectations for this story. I was not disappointed and found it hard to put down. Ben avoided all attachments except for his eagle. But on his way to Mexico, he rescues Kate and ends up at her family’s ranch as a hand. He only agrees to stay a month but starts to find himself caring about this family and the ranch. The characters had my heart immediately. Kate’s strength and Ben’s honesty was a good blend, and I started rooting for them right away. Kate’s Uncle John T was a man of principles that ran his ranch and house fairly, while Kate’s friendship with Sarah was endearing. I appreciated Ben and his eagle’s connection. There was plenty of action with cattle rustlers and Kate’s friend was in a bad situation. The descriptions were stunning and put me right on this Texas ranch. I highly recommend this if you love a good western romance!
July 19, 2025
A great good old-fashioned Western with real cowboys and ranchers which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ben Evers is a great protagonist, with his unique eagle companion making him just a little bit more special. With strong female characters in Kate and Martha and a Dutton-esque patriarch in the redoubtable John T McAllen, Cox presents a wonderful cast.
If you enjoy action, adventure and wholesome romance, you'll love ThunderTree by Sandra Cox.
Ben Evers is a great protagonist, with his unique eagle companion making him just a little bit more special. With strong female characters in Kate and Martha and a Dutton-esque patriarch in the redoubtable John T McAllen, Cox presents a wonderful cast.
If you enjoy action, adventure and wholesome romance, you'll love ThunderTree by Sandra Cox.
April 18, 2020
This was my first book by Sandra Cox and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed every minute of the action, romance and classic Western plot.
I felt that I was watching one of the iconic western movies with clearly defined flawed stranger with a good heart, tough ex ranger who is now a rancher, beautiful niece, rough and ready ranch hands, a greedy neighbour after land and cattle and plenty of action.
The characters were all well developed and engaging and the extras who came and went were memorable too. I even became attached to the horses who had their important part to play in the action and the eagle who has adopted Ben Evers, the lead character.
It was a page turner with a fast paced plot, great shoot outs and some good old fashioned romance.
I recommend to both Western and Romance readers and have already added two more books by Sandra Cox to my library and I am looking forward to them.
I felt that I was watching one of the iconic western movies with clearly defined flawed stranger with a good heart, tough ex ranger who is now a rancher, beautiful niece, rough and ready ranch hands, a greedy neighbour after land and cattle and plenty of action.
The characters were all well developed and engaging and the extras who came and went were memorable too. I even became attached to the horses who had their important part to play in the action and the eagle who has adopted Ben Evers, the lead character.
It was a page turner with a fast paced plot, great shoot outs and some good old fashioned romance.
I recommend to both Western and Romance readers and have already added two more books by Sandra Cox to my library and I am looking forward to them.
November 1, 2024
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. A good old-fashioned western that kept me entertained from beginning to end. I plan to read more by this author.
June 28, 2022
Settle in with a good old-fashioned Western and feel the time and world melt away. For anyone who has never been on a western ranch, Ms. Cox gives an excellent depiction of life as it was and still remains. I enjoyed watching the characters develop their personalities. There were a couple of pleasant surprises in this novel and I enjoyed them immensely. Highly recommended for the Western story lover. Add in a tiny touch of romance, and old-fashioned style and it is a 5-star winner.
June 4, 2021
Another satisfying western romance/action novel from Cox. Ben is a loner with a capital L. He doesn’t want any attachments to place or person, but he also can’t let a bunch of outlaws take advantage of a young woman. After he rescues Katy, he takes her home to her uncle John T’s ranch where an offer of dinner turns into a very short stay (and then a longer and longer one) as a range war heats up with a neighboring ranch. The conflict starts immediately, and there’s plenty of gunslinging.
The romance is a slow build, and there’s more than one couple working up their courage. I liked Ben’s determined resistance and the lack of waffling in his convictions. The story is primarily told from Ben’s and John T’s points of view. Both men are stoic, though kind-hearted, and I liked the lack of wishy-washy, angsty vulnerability that often comes with romance novels. Male friendships are well written, and I enjoyed the distinct personalities.
I also liked the feisty and independent women in the story. No wilting petunias among the fairer sex either! These women know how to ride and shoot. As a whole, the characters are tough and honorable. They know themselves and what they want. Great characters, great action, and a nicely done wrap up. Recommended to readers of westerns who like a little romance in between lots of tension.
The romance is a slow build, and there’s more than one couple working up their courage. I liked Ben’s determined resistance and the lack of waffling in his convictions. The story is primarily told from Ben’s and John T’s points of view. Both men are stoic, though kind-hearted, and I liked the lack of wishy-washy, angsty vulnerability that often comes with romance novels. Male friendships are well written, and I enjoyed the distinct personalities.
I also liked the feisty and independent women in the story. No wilting petunias among the fairer sex either! These women know how to ride and shoot. As a whole, the characters are tough and honorable. They know themselves and what they want. Great characters, great action, and a nicely done wrap up. Recommended to readers of westerns who like a little romance in between lots of tension.
November 29, 2021
A good Western, pretty clean
This is the first book I have read from Cox, but not the last. Life at the Thunder Tree ranch is full of hard work; moving cattle, Cleaning horse stalls and short hours of sleep are a given. When dozens of cattle have disappeared, hit twice by skilled rustlers, puts a big dent in profits. Under staffed, John T, Thunder Tree ranch owner, sent word out for more ranch hand. New dangers require 24 hour watch of cattle herds and homestead, guns and accuracy required.
As the bunk house fills up, they know that the priority is to keep two women safe, secondary was to protect the ranch.
pro: I can tell this writer understands what it takes to run a large ranch, making reading it a pleasure. There is a touch of romance, but it takes a long slow burn.
Cons: this well written story should have been proof red more thoroughly. The errors are few, A few typos or a couple missed words. Usually, several of those errors made me quit the book. But, this book's plot helped me want to charge through to the end. I was not at all disappointed at all by these minor issues.
This is the first book I have read from Cox, but not the last. Life at the Thunder Tree ranch is full of hard work; moving cattle, Cleaning horse stalls and short hours of sleep are a given. When dozens of cattle have disappeared, hit twice by skilled rustlers, puts a big dent in profits. Under staffed, John T, Thunder Tree ranch owner, sent word out for more ranch hand. New dangers require 24 hour watch of cattle herds and homestead, guns and accuracy required.
As the bunk house fills up, they know that the priority is to keep two women safe, secondary was to protect the ranch.
pro: I can tell this writer understands what it takes to run a large ranch, making reading it a pleasure. There is a touch of romance, but it takes a long slow burn.
Cons: this well written story should have been proof red more thoroughly. The errors are few, A few typos or a couple missed words. Usually, several of those errors made me quit the book. But, this book's plot helped me want to charge through to the end. I was not at all disappointed at all by these minor issues.
October 25, 2019
This cowboy story has it all...range wars, rustling, gun fights, non-stop action...and sweet romance. Ben, a lifetime drifter, with his pet eagle...yes, eagle, rides into town and saves a young woman, Kate, from a group of men. He gets sucked into her family's ranch issues, stops for a month...then longer as the conflict between the two ranches deteriorates.
When the action is over, he tries to ride away into the sunset. You'll have to read the story to discover if he was successful.
I don't usually read this genre, but I couldn't put this one down. The action is well written.
A must read page turner.
Sandra Cox is an author to follow.
When the action is over, he tries to ride away into the sunset. You'll have to read the story to discover if he was successful.
I don't usually read this genre, but I couldn't put this one down. The action is well written.
A must read page turner.
Sandra Cox is an author to follow.
May 27, 2020
Thunder Tree
Ben was a man who really lived by his own codes, do not get involved in other people's business, don't get attached, treat people with respect, especially women and children and horses. Oh, don't ever stay in one place more than a very few days, there was a lot of world to see, then he does up on a situation that crossed one of his rules, maybe the most important one. Don't ever hit a woman, and then there was John T. Now that man can really make an impression on a big way!! Ben's life may never be the same! GREAT READ!!!
Ben was a man who really lived by his own codes, do not get involved in other people's business, don't get attached, treat people with respect, especially women and children and horses. Oh, don't ever stay in one place more than a very few days, there was a lot of world to see, then he does up on a situation that crossed one of his rules, maybe the most important one. Don't ever hit a woman, and then there was John T. Now that man can really make an impression on a big way!! Ben's life may never be the same! GREAT READ!!!
September 20, 2020
Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Randolph Scott, Gunsmoke, Bonanza. I loved all these when I was a kid, but I never read Westerns until I read S. Cox new release, ThunderTree. I fell in love with the Western genre again. Her breathtaking descriptions of the landscapes and her engaging main characters stole my heart. The action kept me turning pages. If you haven't read a Western, then pick up this book and you'll be hooked.
April 26, 2020
Western romance
A fun and easy read, plenty of action keeps the reader interested. I appreciate the fact that the hero was honest and respected women. I also was glad to see that there was mounting tension between the characters expressed without the need to delve into physical description and graphic language.
A fun and easy read, plenty of action keeps the reader interested. I appreciate the fact that the hero was honest and respected women. I also was glad to see that there was mounting tension between the characters expressed without the need to delve into physical description and graphic language.
September 20, 2024
John T. - A Legend Of His Time
This was a really good western!It was full of action, fist fights, shootouts, stampeeds a range war, and a beautifully scripted romance. The story line was well developed and the characters realistic. I would highly recommend it! I hope to find more of this author's work to enjoy!
This was a really good western!It was full of action, fist fights, shootouts, stampeeds a range war, and a beautifully scripted romance. The story line was well developed and the characters realistic. I would highly recommend it! I hope to find more of this author's work to enjoy!
June 19, 2021
Another wonderful story
I've read all your books & loved each one. Well written, interesting adventures, & believable characters. Highly recommend them all!
Sincerely,
Ms Alvie Hoffmann
Retired English teacher
I've read all your books & loved each one. Well written, interesting adventures, & believable characters. Highly recommend them all!
Sincerely,
Ms Alvie Hoffmann
Retired English teacher
Currently reading
January 17, 2020I absolutely loved this book.
My first read by the author but hopefully not my last. Loved the characters plus the story. Held my interest till the end which I was not ready for.
My first read by the author but hopefully not my last. Loved the characters plus the story. Held my interest till the end which I was not ready for.
July 2, 2020
Good one
Well done. A riveting tale of the old west. Truly loved Ruth. If you are looking for a good book get this one.
Well done. A riveting tale of the old west. Truly loved Ruth. If you are looking for a good book get this one.
August 30, 2022
Predictable but fun read- great western - well written
March 16, 2023
I loved this book!
I really love a good western story and this one was great! There was plenty of action, good horses, of course the eagle and more than one romance!
I really love a good western story and this one was great! There was plenty of action, good horses, of course the eagle and more than one romance!
January 17, 2020
ThunderTree by S. Cox allured me due to its name. I didn’t expect so many gunshots! This is an action-packed story of revenge and a quiet admiration that slowly blooms into love. Fast-paced but quite predictable at places, the plot conceals some surprises, which elevate it to an admirable level. The settings change with each adventure, holding your interest with gun-wielding guys, eager to kill!
Cox possesses a knack of crafting believable characters and Ben fits into that mold to perfection. A person of values who doesn’t want any emotional attachments falls into the middle of a conflict unwillingly and has to sort it out before leaving John T.’s ranch. The female characters are equally strong and Ben’s eagle would win your heart. Kate’s valor, her friend Sarah’s determination and uncle John’s patience shimmer through this violent story of self-protection and honor.
Cox possesses a knack of crafting believable characters and Ben fits into that mold to perfection. A person of values who doesn’t want any emotional attachments falls into the middle of a conflict unwillingly and has to sort it out before leaving John T.’s ranch. The female characters are equally strong and Ben’s eagle would win your heart. Kate’s valor, her friend Sarah’s determination and uncle John’s patience shimmer through this violent story of self-protection and honor.
July 17, 2019
A fun Western with loads of action and adventure, great character growth and worldbuilding. I love the eagle that is Ben’s travel companion. Subtle humour is woven throughout. Kate is my favourite character – so fierce! And all the animals…!
I haven’t read a Western for quite some time, so it took a while to get used to the rhythm, but once I did it was a fun read.
Recommended if you want to escape for an afternoon (or longer if you aren’t a fast reader).
Star rating:
Editing: 5 stars
Premise: 5 stars
Wonder: 5 stars
Trigger warning: violence against women, theft
Overall: 5 stars
Total = 5 stars
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
I haven’t read a Western for quite some time, so it took a while to get used to the rhythm, but once I did it was a fun read.
Recommended if you want to escape for an afternoon (or longer if you aren’t a fast reader).
Star rating:
Editing: 5 stars
Premise: 5 stars
Wonder: 5 stars
Trigger warning: violence against women, theft
Overall: 5 stars
Total = 5 stars
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
August 19, 2019
Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Randolph Scott, Gunsmoke, Bonanza. I loved all these when I was a kid, but I never read Westerns until I read S. Cox new release, ThunderTree. I fell in love with the Western genre again. Her breathtaking descriptions of the landscapes and her engaging main characters stole my heart. The action kept me turning pages. If you haven't read a Western, then pick up this book and you'll be hooked.
August 20, 2019
Beautifully written descriptions and settings, believable, engaging characters. Westerns aren’t typically my genre to read (though I love a good spaghetti western on TV), but that’s really not a big deal. The themes presented are universal, despite the conventions of the western genre, this is a story anyone can identify with. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews