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The Hand Of Westerns #1
Hand Of Fate
Bestselling Western author Duane Boehm has written another western novel with enough humor, heartbreak, love, and outlaws to keep you turning the page.
While the ranchers around Trinidad are circling like buzzards in wait for Flannery Vogel to fail, the downtrodden widow with a young daughter refuses to surrender as she struggles to run the ranch that cost her husband his life. The arrival of Boone Youngblood, her husband's old friend from his Texas Ranger days, sets the wheels in motion that will change three families' lives forever. Grudges will be settled, battles will be fought, and just maybe, Flannery and Boone will find new beginnings and a chance for happiness.
While the ranchers around Trinidad are circling like buzzards in wait for Flannery Vogel to fail, the downtrodden widow with a young daughter refuses to surrender as she struggles to run the ranch that cost her husband his life. The arrival of Boone Youngblood, her husband's old friend from his Texas Ranger days, sets the wheels in motion that will change three families' lives forever. Grudges will be settled, battles will be fought, and just maybe, Flannery and Boone will find new beginnings and a chance for happiness.
- GenresWesterns
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2019
1994 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Duane Boehm
52 books64 followersDuane Boehm grew up on a farm outside of Petersburg, Illinois. All the time spent driving a tractor gave him plenty of opportunity to let his imagination run wild and not tear up too much equipment. The two passions he developed early in life were the love of playing guitar and reading books.
He eventually moved to a mini-farm outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife and replaced planting corn with trees and raising dogs. For a number of years he worked as an IT consultant and continued with being a part-time musician and songwriter. He dabbled in writing short stories with the idea in the back of his mind that someday he would write a novel. One Christmas after watching "A Christmas Carol", he was inspired to begin his journey as a novelist.
He eventually moved to a mini-farm outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife and replaced planting corn with trees and raising dogs. For a number of years he worked as an IT consultant and continued with being a part-time musician and songwriter. He dabbled in writing short stories with the idea in the back of his mind that someday he would write a novel. One Christmas after watching "A Christmas Carol", he was inspired to begin his journey as a novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 10, 2025
A WESTERN AS A WESTERN SHOULD BE WRITTEN.
☆☆☆☆☆
Hand Of Fate (The Hand Of Westerns Book 1) by
Duane Boehm defines what a true Western fiction piece should be. It's action-packed from the git go, it's got your good guys versus bad guys, suspense, romance, and even at times laced with humor. The characters in this book are easy to follow and you will immediately find yourself glued to the pages to find out what happens next.
This book and series takes place in the mid-eighteen eighties in Trinidad, Colorado in a small ranching community where a few ranchers who have a large amount of land already in their possession succumb to greed for additional land at the expense of lives and destruction of property and livestock.
Flannery, a widow determined to keep her ranch and support herself, two year two-year-old daughter, and her lifetime friend/nanny/housekeeper, takes in a long-lost friend of her deceased husband, Boone. Boone who is down on his luck, hungry, penniless with nothing but the worn and filthy clothing on his back quickly becomes their savior helping out around the ranch.
It doesn't take long for Flannery, Jenny, her lifetime friend, and Savanna to open not only their home but also their hearts to Boone. At the same time, Boone quickly falls for all three of the ladies that rule the house and ranch in every aspect, and before he knows it, he's fallen in love with the three ladies, the ranch, and the community of Trinidad.
If you haven't taken the opportunity to read any of Duane Boehm's works, this is a great book and series for all western lovers of all ages. I really have enjoyed the books I have read written by Duane and this book is no exception. I hope you too will find yourself enjoying reading this book.
Quotes:
"The Davids of the world did not always win against the Goliaths."
"This brings a whole new meaning to cleaning your gun." "You're a naughty man."
"Dear Lord, I didn't exactly get my prayers answered as I expected, but sometimes it's better to receive more than less."
☆☆☆☆☆
Hand Of Fate (The Hand Of Westerns Book 1) by
Duane Boehm defines what a true Western fiction piece should be. It's action-packed from the git go, it's got your good guys versus bad guys, suspense, romance, and even at times laced with humor. The characters in this book are easy to follow and you will immediately find yourself glued to the pages to find out what happens next.
This book and series takes place in the mid-eighteen eighties in Trinidad, Colorado in a small ranching community where a few ranchers who have a large amount of land already in their possession succumb to greed for additional land at the expense of lives and destruction of property and livestock.
Flannery, a widow determined to keep her ranch and support herself, two year two-year-old daughter, and her lifetime friend/nanny/housekeeper, takes in a long-lost friend of her deceased husband, Boone. Boone who is down on his luck, hungry, penniless with nothing but the worn and filthy clothing on his back quickly becomes their savior helping out around the ranch.
It doesn't take long for Flannery, Jenny, her lifetime friend, and Savanna to open not only their home but also their hearts to Boone. At the same time, Boone quickly falls for all three of the ladies that rule the house and ranch in every aspect, and before he knows it, he's fallen in love with the three ladies, the ranch, and the community of Trinidad.
If you haven't taken the opportunity to read any of Duane Boehm's works, this is a great book and series for all western lovers of all ages. I really have enjoyed the books I have read written by Duane and this book is no exception. I hope you too will find yourself enjoying reading this book.
Quotes:
"The Davids of the world did not always win against the Goliaths."
"This brings a whole new meaning to cleaning your gun." "You're a naughty man."
"Dear Lord, I didn't exactly get my prayers answered as I expected, but sometimes it's better to receive more than less."
May 25, 2020
Boone and Flannery
This is an exciting and adventurous love story. Boone is an ex Texas Ranger and down on his luck gambler. Flannery was the widow of Boones Texas Ranger mentor and friend , Jimmy Vogel, who was murdered by an unknown assailant. Boone and Flannery experience several trials and finally discover they love one another. You will enjoy this book by Diane Boehm.
This is an exciting and adventurous love story. Boone is an ex Texas Ranger and down on his luck gambler. Flannery was the widow of Boones Texas Ranger mentor and friend , Jimmy Vogel, who was murdered by an unknown assailant. Boone and Flannery experience several trials and finally discover they love one another. You will enjoy this book by Diane Boehm.
October 9, 2023
Good Solid Western
My first time reading one of Duane Boehm's books, but not my last!
This was a good Western, but what I fell in love with was Jenny! What a hoot!
I highly recommend this one to any Western lovers!
My first time reading one of Duane Boehm's books, but not my last!
This was a good Western, but what I fell in love with was Jenny! What a hoot!
I highly recommend this one to any Western lovers!
January 5, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book so much! Originally, I procrastinated getting this book read, but from the start, I was hooked. Characters were engaging and the dialogue was clever, witty, and often filled with high emotion.
Greed taken to a whole ‘nother level, murderous revenge that oozes from a family’s pores, neighbors ready take the advantage of another’s misfortune (and force others out to buy their land), and a widow in the middle of it all with a makeshift family to protect her land and what’s close to her heart.
Fast paced, satisfying outcome, Highly recommended! Will be reading more from this author!
Greed taken to a whole ‘nother level, murderous revenge that oozes from a family’s pores, neighbors ready take the advantage of another’s misfortune (and force others out to buy their land), and a widow in the middle of it all with a makeshift family to protect her land and what’s close to her heart.
Fast paced, satisfying outcome, Highly recommended! Will be reading more from this author!
March 14, 2020
Great book.
As always I his Author never disappoints you with his books. He is a new Author for ,after reading many more books than I can count or remember, he will be a number one for me to follow and highly recommend to all who love a really great book, and series to read. Mary
As always I his Author never disappoints you with his books. He is a new Author for ,after reading many more books than I can count or remember, he will be a number one for me to follow and highly recommend to all who love a really great book, and series to read. Mary
August 13, 2021
Life of change
Like most books about the Old West this story has its fair share of hardship and tragedy. What, to me, really makes this a fun read is the way romantic humor and humorous situations are woven in to give a break from the natural tension. Well worth the time as a relaxing read.
Like most books about the Old West this story has its fair share of hardship and tragedy. What, to me, really makes this a fun read is the way romantic humor and humorous situations are woven in to give a break from the natural tension. Well worth the time as a relaxing read.
March 24, 2022
Addictive Western Adventure
Thanks to Duane Boehm, I have become addicted to westerns. As soon as I finish one of his books, I can barely wait to start reading another one. The characters, emotions and situations are so real, I become invested in the outcome. I heartedly recommend his westerns!
Thanks to Duane Boehm, I have become addicted to westerns. As soon as I finish one of his books, I can barely wait to start reading another one. The characters, emotions and situations are so real, I become invested in the outcome. I heartedly recommend his westerns!
August 26, 2020
Excellent story!
Characters were believable and real. Put together memorable people, with interesting skill sets and abilities, and you can have a good story. When you get right down to it, good characters rule!
Characters were believable and real. Put together memorable people, with interesting skill sets and abilities, and you can have a good story. When you get right down to it, good characters rule!
January 9, 2021
Excellent book
Having become a fan of Duane Boehm while reading the Gideon Johann Western series, I was not disappointed in Hand of Fate. Mr. Boehm always delivers. Highly recommend his books.
Having become a fan of Duane Boehm while reading the Gideon Johann Western series, I was not disappointed in Hand of Fate. Mr. Boehm always delivers. Highly recommend his books.
September 28, 2021
A decent storyline!
A good storyline though odd that justice was never delivered to those due by the law. Loved Jennie and her ways. Was disgusting that the dead cattle were not butchered, but left to rot! Good western!
A good storyline though odd that justice was never delivered to those due by the law. Loved Jennie and her ways. Was disgusting that the dead cattle were not butchered, but left to rot! Good western!
April 20, 2022
A Gambler & Widowed Rancher get dealt hand's of fate.
The story sometimes seemed erratic, but overall, it was fine. The writer told a tale of love developing during a time of demesne danger. I liked it!
The story sometimes seemed erratic, but overall, it was fine. The writer told a tale of love developing during a time of demesne danger. I liked it!
August 16, 2022
The Best Friend
This was an excellent Western novel with plenty of action, shootouts and a thread of romance as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written western!
This was an excellent Western novel with plenty of action, shootouts and a thread of romance as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written western!
October 27, 2023
PTSD
I love the story and the characters that came out! It was a great idea to bring out how battlefield conditions could linger long after wars end and how greed could blind a person to the light of HAPPINESS !!!
I love the story and the characters that came out! It was a great idea to bring out how battlefield conditions could linger long after wars end and how greed could blind a person to the light of HAPPINESS !!!
March 28, 2026
Boone is an ex-Texas Ranger, turned gambler who lost everything he had in a poker game. Needing help, he turns to his best friend, Jimmy who also used to be a Texas Ranger. When Boone gets to Jimmy's ranch, he finds Jimmy was killed 2 years earlier. It is now run by his widow, Flannery. She has a 2 yr old daughter that Jimmy never got to see. Now other ranchers are chomping at the bit waiting for her to sell. One rancher is much more ruthless. Looks like Boone got here just in time. An excellent story!
March 12, 2020
This book is one of my favorites. It is suspenseful with a touch of love to fit the situation. I highly recommend this book as it is a definate winner.
May 1, 2020
Love this book. Going to read Book 2. I recommend everything this author writes.
Read
June 14, 2020Great story
Really enjoyed this book. Has everything, great characters, excitement, romance shootouts, good guys and bad guys! Can't wait to read book 2!!
Really enjoyed this book. Has everything, great characters, excitement, romance shootouts, good guys and bad guys! Can't wait to read book 2!!
July 12, 2020
Wow that was a struggleto get through:(
July 18, 2020
DNF, pretty dire, no life at all to the writing
December 6, 2020
Lost love Death and new love
Story starts with lost love and progresses from there. Lots of action both good and bad plus a love story.
Story starts with lost love and progresses from there. Lots of action both good and bad plus a love story.
January 13, 2021
Entertaining
A good read with plenty going on not read Mr Boehm before Will definitely read more of his books soon
A good read with plenty going on not read Mr Boehm before Will definitely read more of his books soon
December 13, 2021
Good story!!
Good action, plot and characters. Looking forward to reading the next one. That should be one of the metrics, if the next book is opened up and read.
Good action, plot and characters. Looking forward to reading the next one. That should be one of the metrics, if the next book is opened up and read.
January 5, 2022
Great Tale
I appear to have a love of reading Westerns at this time and this is a great tale, with lots of fun new characters to fall in love with.
I appear to have a love of reading Westerns at this time and this is a great tale, with lots of fun new characters to fall in love with.
March 12, 2022
Good story
Boehm always provides a good story line with strong characters. The character I sympathized the most was Auestin. I had hoped for a mental breakthrough for him
Boehm always provides a good story line with strong characters. The character I sympathized the most was Auestin. I had hoped for a mental breakthrough for him
May 21, 2020
A great start
This has been a very enjoyable start to a new series. I enjoyed meeting the people and seeing the beautiful scenery (in my mind). Thanks for the story.
This has been a very enjoyable start to a new series. I enjoyed meeting the people and seeing the beautiful scenery (in my mind). Thanks for the story.
February 17, 2020
Good western
This is a good story, although a little predictable. As with all this author's novels, the characters were well developed and the story flowed well.
This is a good story, although a little predictable. As with all this author's novels, the characters were well developed and the story flowed well.
November 13, 2024
Tired theme of ranchers trying to force neighbors off their land.
January 19, 2020
A very good read.
If you appreciate a western that contains not only a great story line, but is written in a way that includes moral values then, this book is for you. I really appreciate the flow of the story that begins with conflict, then leads the reader gradually into resolution. Finally, the end of the story is played out to the end and there is no sense that the author was rushing just to get the book finished and so you feel satisfied that you were able to get the whole story from start to finish.
If you appreciate a western that contains not only a great story line, but is written in a way that includes moral values then, this book is for you. I really appreciate the flow of the story that begins with conflict, then leads the reader gradually into resolution. Finally, the end of the story is played out to the end and there is no sense that the author was rushing just to get the book finished and so you feel satisfied that you were able to get the whole story from start to finish.
September 7, 2019
Hand of Fate
Boone was a man out that had run out of all options, no money, no guns , and no horse. It's a good thing that he has a friend that he can turn to for help, until he finds out that his friend is dead. Now all he has is the widow who can't get anyone to work for her, and her daughter who looks just exactly like her dad, his best friend. Now if he can just head off a possible range war, maybe there will life after all the dust settles.
Boone was a man out that had run out of all options, no money, no guns , and no horse. It's a good thing that he has a friend that he can turn to for help, until he finds out that his friend is dead. Now all he has is the widow who can't get anyone to work for her, and her daughter who looks just exactly like her dad, his best friend. Now if he can just head off a possible range war, maybe there will life after all the dust settles.
September 14, 2019
A DB. Western Action Adventure (HOF)
DB. has penned a western action adventure, which begins when an ex Texas Ranger turned gambler shows up at his ex partners ranch. The next morning the widow of his partner finds him in the barn in a sad state. He cleans up, works on the ranch, likes the widow and protects the entire family. They are raided twice and in the aftermath of settling potential range war he is wounded. This an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
DB. has penned a western action adventure, which begins when an ex Texas Ranger turned gambler shows up at his ex partners ranch. The next morning the widow of his partner finds him in the barn in a sad state. He cleans up, works on the ranch, likes the widow and protects the entire family. They are raided twice and in the aftermath of settling potential range war he is wounded. This an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews