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Matt Bannister Western #7
Return to Willow Falls
RETURNING TO WILLOW FALLS, U.S. MARSHAL MATT BANNISTER COMES FACE TO FACE WITH HIS PAINFUL PAST.
U.S. Marshal Matt Bannister’s bitter side comes out when his father, Floyd Bannister, comes to town unexpectedly. He wants nothing to do with his father and makes his thoughts known. Floyd, though heartbroken, agrees to leave Matt alone.
Matt is dealing with the murder of two Chinese immigrants and the brutal scourging of a third. When he finds the men responsible, and makes an arrest, he is faced with a turning tide as those who dislike him twist the truth and turn the mining community against him with destructive consequences.
Tiffany Foster, who Matt brought back from Prairieville, tells her friend Gabriel Smith, that Matt is his real father. Gabriel confronts his parents and then runs away to Branson to confront Matt. Matt is caught off guard but learns a great lesson, that he and his father have more in common than he realized…
Sometimes, you must have the chimney swept clean of its past fires before you can start a new flame confidently…
U.S. Marshal Matt Bannister’s bitter side comes out when his father, Floyd Bannister, comes to town unexpectedly. He wants nothing to do with his father and makes his thoughts known. Floyd, though heartbroken, agrees to leave Matt alone.
Matt is dealing with the murder of two Chinese immigrants and the brutal scourging of a third. When he finds the men responsible, and makes an arrest, he is faced with a turning tide as those who dislike him twist the truth and turn the mining community against him with destructive consequences.
Tiffany Foster, who Matt brought back from Prairieville, tells her friend Gabriel Smith, that Matt is his real father. Gabriel confronts his parents and then runs away to Branson to confront Matt. Matt is caught off guard but learns a great lesson, that he and his father have more in common than he realized…
Sometimes, you must have the chimney swept clean of its past fires before you can start a new flame confidently…
- GenresWesterns
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2020
606 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Ken Pratt
36 books21 followersKen Pratt worked to make a living, but his passion has always been writing. Having a busy family, the only "free" time he had to write was late at night getting no more than five hours of sleep a night. He has penned several novels that are being published along with several children stories as well. Ken Pratt says, "If you want something bad enough, you'll sacrifice something else to get it. I sacrifice sleep. I do not write to be a best seller or for wealth, I write to bring hope into the lives of the hopeless and encourage the disheartened through the lives of the characters and God's providence in my stories. There is always 'Hope' and that is the purpose of my books."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 1, 2020
Have been a follower of Matt Bannister forever, and each new excursion is an outstanding western masterpiece! This fast moving story is one of the most endearing, and compelling experiences I have had the opportunity to enjoy! Fast moving adventures of endearing deep seated family relationships that definitely portrays compassion and understanding, from beginning to end!
Most definitely another outstanding five star masterpiece, that touches your heartstrings immediately, and doesn't turn loose until the final paragraph is read. The storylines were phenomenal and definitely heartwarming stories of ongoing family-friendly accountings of realistic western frontier folklore. Too, the character selections were absolutely portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection. The story overwhelmingly portrayed how our old American West probably was finally tamed.
If you aren't satisfied the how Matt settled one situation the just keep on reading, and the next event of how justice was formally served should satisfy your utmost desires! I certainly hope Mr. Pratt has an immediate follow up on this outstandingly masterpiece, as he left a few stones unturned, to predicate that happening!!
Without hesitation, I definitely recommend this outstanding, and compassionate, story to all readers, regardless of your reading preference. The story overwhelmingly portrayed how our old American West was finally tamed, and the camaraderie of the good guy's perseverance finally pays off. A family oriented adventure of ongoing western excursions that leaves no stone unturned while reuniting a long separated family reunion of heartwarming episodes from beginning to end! Try it! You'll love it!
Most definitely another outstanding five star masterpiece, that touches your heartstrings immediately, and doesn't turn loose until the final paragraph is read. The storylines were phenomenal and definitely heartwarming stories of ongoing family-friendly accountings of realistic western frontier folklore. Too, the character selections were absolutely portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection. The story overwhelmingly portrayed how our old American West probably was finally tamed.
If you aren't satisfied the how Matt settled one situation the just keep on reading, and the next event of how justice was formally served should satisfy your utmost desires! I certainly hope Mr. Pratt has an immediate follow up on this outstandingly masterpiece, as he left a few stones unturned, to predicate that happening!!
Without hesitation, I definitely recommend this outstanding, and compassionate, story to all readers, regardless of your reading preference. The story overwhelmingly portrayed how our old American West was finally tamed, and the camaraderie of the good guy's perseverance finally pays off. A family oriented adventure of ongoing western excursions that leaves no stone unturned while reuniting a long separated family reunion of heartwarming episodes from beginning to end! Try it! You'll love it!
March 7, 2020
Return to Willow Falls is a story of forgiveness. US Marshall Matt Bannister was a strong protagonist who faces corruption in the town where he lives and has to face the father who deserted him as a child. Matt's father, Lloyd Bannister, is also a well written character who wants to make things right with his children. Matt learns that you need to clean out the old soot in order to start a new flame.
The moral of the book was good but it contains language which I did not feel belonged in a Christian book. I received a complimentary e-book from CKN Christian Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
The moral of the book was good but it contains language which I did not feel belonged in a Christian book. I received a complimentary e-book from CKN Christian Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
March 21, 2020
I love reading the Matt Bannister novels. Ken Pratt is an outstanding western storyteller that never disappoints.
Return to Willow Springs is a heartwarming but at times gut-wrenching read. Ken Pratt does an excellent job with the integrity and personality of his characters. You get the flavor of the old west but come away with being part of the legacy of the families involved.
There is plenty of action to hold your interest, some friendly banter that makes you laugh, and some definite moments of suspense. His books have everything to give his readers a well-rounded sense of adventure. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend.
Return to Willow Springs is a heartwarming but at times gut-wrenching read. Ken Pratt does an excellent job with the integrity and personality of his characters. You get the flavor of the old west but come away with being part of the legacy of the families involved.
There is plenty of action to hold your interest, some friendly banter that makes you laugh, and some definite moments of suspense. His books have everything to give his readers a well-rounded sense of adventure. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend.
March 4, 2020
A KP. Washington Western Action Adventure (RTWF) (MBWB - 7)
KP. has penned a Washington western action adventure titled, "Return to Willow Falls" which begins with a father who had not been home for some twenty plus yeas. His wife convinces him to take her and her children to see his family for Thanksgiving. MB, a US Marshal, is at odds with the local Sheriff because he was using his position as a base for power. MB is fighting the town council and the Sheriff and gets help from unknown sources.Thanksgiving Day. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
KP. has penned a Washington western action adventure titled, "Return to Willow Falls" which begins with a father who had not been home for some twenty plus yeas. His wife convinces him to take her and her children to see his family for Thanksgiving. MB, a US Marshal, is at odds with the local Sheriff because he was using his position as a base for power. MB is fighting the town council and the Sheriff and gets help from unknown sources.Thanksgiving Day. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 26, 2020
Matt Bannister is a rare clean living but hard nosed US Marshal. In this story, his father after abandoning him many years ago, returns to try to seek Matt's forgiveness. Matt struggles with restoring his relationship with his father but the good man in him prevails and he sees the wisdom of letting bygones be begones. It makes for an interesting story especially when you throw in lawless he has to deal with at the same time.
February 27, 2020
I liked everything about this book. The conflict between Matt and his father and between Matt and his son. It is a great Christian western with bad guys and prejudice, murder and alcoholism and more. There are also some interesting family interactions. One big issue is forgiveness or the lack thereof. I absolutely loved this book. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
May 9, 2020
Unfinished?
I do hope there is a sequel coming. What happens to the seven released prisoners, how will sheriff Tim turn out, will Matt ever marry Christine, what of Gabriel? Come on Ken do us all a favor and get to writing. I have real all seven books and enjoyed them all. I was particularly impressed by the way you wove religion into the stories.
I do hope there is a sequel coming. What happens to the seven released prisoners, how will sheriff Tim turn out, will Matt ever marry Christine, what of Gabriel? Come on Ken do us all a favor and get to writing. I have real all seven books and enjoyed them all. I was particularly impressed by the way you wove religion into the stories.
April 14, 2020
Ken Pratt – Matt Bannister Western Bk 7 – Return to Willow Falls – Reviewed 4/13/20 – Read 3/29-4/1/20
Chinese Murders, a long lost father returns, old memories surface, most not good at all!
Matt Bannister, U.S. Marshall has returned to Willow Falls his hometown. The town that he left because of bad memories, but they followed him, so he decided to at least return to what family he had. Upon his return, he finds that there is chaos in the area with many being under the thumb of the local Sperry-Helms Gang. The local Sheriff, Tim Wright is one of them and Matt is not going to stand for it. The Sheriff arrests 3 of the Chinese men that work for his cousin, at the mine. Matt gets them released and the next day they are murdered. When Matt arrests the men that were responsible, things erupt in the town. Then on top of everything Matt’s father shows up out of the blue and wants to get all of his children together. The children that he dumped on his sister and deserted them. Will Matt get the town cleaned up? Can Matt forgive his father? And what about a relationship with him, can he let go of the past and move on?
What did I like? This was a very complicated and emotional read that will pull at the heartstrings. Having faith and reconciling with your beliefs and your hard memories put the lead character at the forefront of trying to understand himself and his painful past. The plight of Chinese immigrants during this time was another emotional part of the book. All in all, be prepared for a wonderful and entertaining read.
What will you like? Complicated emotional moments, intriguing mystery, hard men of the past and their beliefs, awesome characters, and some tears to be held. The characters are unique and mysterious to some degree, with the hard cases being bullies and murderers, the family showing the true life of believing in taking care of each other and then you have the lead character, Matt Bannister. Hardened from the past but caring of people and their plights. Wanting to find love but scared to reach for it. An enjoyable read with lots of different facets in play all through the storyline. You will see the research on every page with lots of details and descriptions to keep you viewing everything through the mind's eye. Another series that I want to find the time to read the previous books. Wonderful read!
• File Size: 3237 KB
• Print Length: 258 pages
• Publication Date: February 26, 2020
• ASIN: B084KMG3PQ
• Genre: Western & Frontier Christian Romance, Contemporary Western Fiction, Christian Westerns
Chinese Murders, a long lost father returns, old memories surface, most not good at all!
Matt Bannister, U.S. Marshall has returned to Willow Falls his hometown. The town that he left because of bad memories, but they followed him, so he decided to at least return to what family he had. Upon his return, he finds that there is chaos in the area with many being under the thumb of the local Sperry-Helms Gang. The local Sheriff, Tim Wright is one of them and Matt is not going to stand for it. The Sheriff arrests 3 of the Chinese men that work for his cousin, at the mine. Matt gets them released and the next day they are murdered. When Matt arrests the men that were responsible, things erupt in the town. Then on top of everything Matt’s father shows up out of the blue and wants to get all of his children together. The children that he dumped on his sister and deserted them. Will Matt get the town cleaned up? Can Matt forgive his father? And what about a relationship with him, can he let go of the past and move on?
What did I like? This was a very complicated and emotional read that will pull at the heartstrings. Having faith and reconciling with your beliefs and your hard memories put the lead character at the forefront of trying to understand himself and his painful past. The plight of Chinese immigrants during this time was another emotional part of the book. All in all, be prepared for a wonderful and entertaining read.
What will you like? Complicated emotional moments, intriguing mystery, hard men of the past and their beliefs, awesome characters, and some tears to be held. The characters are unique and mysterious to some degree, with the hard cases being bullies and murderers, the family showing the true life of believing in taking care of each other and then you have the lead character, Matt Bannister. Hardened from the past but caring of people and their plights. Wanting to find love but scared to reach for it. An enjoyable read with lots of different facets in play all through the storyline. You will see the research on every page with lots of details and descriptions to keep you viewing everything through the mind's eye. Another series that I want to find the time to read the previous books. Wonderful read!
• File Size: 3237 KB
• Print Length: 258 pages
• Publication Date: February 26, 2020
• ASIN: B084KMG3PQ
• Genre: Western & Frontier Christian Romance, Contemporary Western Fiction, Christian Westerns
April 10, 2021
Good but Irritating
I'm going to read books 8 thru 10 because I like the "overall" story/structure and characters BUT, unfortunately, the obvious lack of proof reading, which I've pointed out in previous reviews, is a major irritant to me. Please understand, I am not being critical of the author! I AM being critical, because a couple of proof readers of the pre-publication would help.
I'm going to read books 8 thru 10 because I like the "overall" story/structure and characters BUT, unfortunately, the obvious lack of proof reading, which I've pointed out in previous reviews, is a major irritant to me. Please understand, I am not being critical of the author! I AM being critical, because a couple of proof readers of the pre-publication would help.
August 29, 2020
Great Western
Awesome western series, full of fast paced drama, intrigue and action. Love the way the author weaves all of his different books in a series together in small ways to get a glimpse of what is happening in the lives of previous characters without redundancy. Love the Matt Bannister series and highly recommend this to all western fans.
Awesome western series, full of fast paced drama, intrigue and action. Love the way the author weaves all of his different books in a series together in small ways to get a glimpse of what is happening in the lives of previous characters without redundancy. Love the Matt Bannister series and highly recommend this to all western fans.
December 1, 2021
A lot of tense moments when Matt's father and his family come to town. Matt wants nothing to do with him. When Gabriel discovers that Matt is his father, it looks like double trouble. It's a good thing he has Christina to talk him down. On top of that he needs to investigate the murders of two Chinese workers. Bigotry seems to be popular. Plenty of action!
February 27, 2020
Healing Forgiveness
Another great story filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. Of course like reality, there are those people still filled with hate. Thank you to all the Christine's and William's in our life....Needless to say, Matt is still the best!
Another great story filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. Of course like reality, there are those people still filled with hate. Thank you to all the Christine's and William's in our life....Needless to say, Matt is still the best!
February 29, 2020
Good read
This series has been fun to read. Great characters and lots of action surrounding the characters. Would highly recommend this series to everyone that enjoys a good western .
This series has been fun to read. Great characters and lots of action surrounding the characters. Would highly recommend this series to everyone that enjoys a good western .
March 1, 2020
Is this part one of return to willow falls?
This book was more like dipping your feet into water. The water was perfect but i never got to take a bath. In other words, who puts out a prelude as a book.
This book was more like dipping your feet into water. The water was perfect but i never got to take a bath. In other words, who puts out a prelude as a book.
March 6, 2020
Banister book 7
Have really enjoyed reading these clean western stories. Ken Pratt can tell a great western story! Enjoyed each one in this series. Can't wait for a #8 hope there will be one.
Have really enjoyed reading these clean western stories. Ken Pratt can tell a great western story! Enjoyed each one in this series. Can't wait for a #8 hope there will be one.
March 15, 2020
Wonderful set of books.
The books were very interesting and fast moving. Many surprises along the way.Wonderful to read and no bad language or sex. Plenty of romance! The characters were very live like and likable! I will be reading more by Ken Pratt!
The books were very interesting and fast moving. Many surprises along the way.Wonderful to read and no bad language or sex. Plenty of romance! The characters were very live like and likable! I will be reading more by Ken Pratt!
March 27, 2020
Men Pratt writes a good book
And he continued to write 7 (so far).
He writes a Christian book,
His books are good fast moving Christian western books.
Each book I believe stands alone. However I read them 1 - 7, in a series. Wow!
And he continued to write 7 (so far).
He writes a Christian book,
His books are good fast moving Christian western books.
Each book I believe stands alone. However I read them 1 - 7, in a series. Wow!
May 15, 2020
Return to willow Falls
I enjoyed this book ,as I did Bella. Are you going to drag this series until Matt cleans up his home town. Hurry I'm 82 and want to visit Matt,William. GABRIEL AND THE REST OF THIS FAMILY. STAY SAFE.
I enjoyed this book ,as I did Bella. Are you going to drag this series until Matt cleans up his home town. Hurry I'm 82 and want to visit Matt,William. GABRIEL AND THE REST OF THIS FAMILY. STAY SAFE.
May 20, 2020
Outstanding work
This series is well written with great character development. The Christian beliefs through out this book was greatly refreshing. My compliments to the author for wonderful job
This series is well written with great character development. The Christian beliefs through out this book was greatly refreshing. My compliments to the author for wonderful job
June 22, 2022
Join the Joy
Please friends join us in reading this wonderful series of Christian characters living life's challenge s to the fullest. Actual heartwarming and true to life western adventures of a U.S. Christian Marshal.
Please friends join us in reading this wonderful series of Christian characters living life's challenge s to the fullest. Actual heartwarming and true to life western adventures of a U.S. Christian Marshal.
February 28, 2020
Love Matt Banister Books.
I have read every one and hope there will be more.I also like other books by this Author. Thank you all of them.
I have read every one and hope there will be more.I also like other books by this Author. Thank you all of them.
February 28, 2020
Great reading!
Again! Another great book. Enjoyed every page and some tears. Please keep the Bannister’s story going. I look forward to reading more. Thank you
Again! Another great book. Enjoyed every page and some tears. Please keep the Bannister’s story going. I look forward to reading more. Thank you
March 2, 2020
Good five star!
I am a fan of Ken Pratt having read most of the books in this series. This has been an excellent series which I have enjoyed and I recommend it to you.
I am a fan of Ken Pratt having read most of the books in this series. This has been an excellent series which I have enjoyed and I recommend it to you.
April 15, 2020
Return to Willow Falls
This shouldn't have been written. Very disappointing ,I can't believe the same person wrote these two stories.That's how I feel about it.
This shouldn't have been written. Very disappointing ,I can't believe the same person wrote these two stories.That's how I feel about it.
April 24, 2020
Very good
It was difficult to put down. That's the way all of Ken Pratt's books are. I needed the lesson on forgiving and moving on.
It was difficult to put down. That's the way all of Ken Pratt's books are. I needed the lesson on forgiving and moving on.
April 29, 2020
Excellent
Great story, great writing, full of tragedy, excitement, evil, goodness, romance, and hope. I am truly a fan of Ken Pratt
Great story, great writing, full of tragedy, excitement, evil, goodness, romance, and hope. I am truly a fan of Ken Pratt
May 14, 2020
Good read
Enjoyed front to back. Pleasant story, good characters. Better than some of the earlier books. More easy to follow. Well written.
Enjoyed front to back. Pleasant story, good characters. Better than some of the earlier books. More easy to follow. Well written.
June 4, 2020
Return to Willow Falls
I found this book to be well written with character's
That are easily followed throughout the book. This author understands his characters.
I found this book to be well written with character's
That are easily followed throughout the book. This author understands his characters.
July 5, 2020
Great story
This is another great book in the
seires all are wonderfully written and a good look at western life. Hard to put down and very uplifting.
This is another great book in the
seires all are wonderfully written and a good look at western life. Hard to put down and very uplifting.
October 2, 2023
These are wholesome cowboy action books. A little corny but worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews