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Dora Mae Puckett
Dora Mae Puckett, a carpenter taught by her father, leaves Tennessee in a covered wagon to join the Oklahoma land rush. Traveling with her is a boy-child named Homer Good, age 12, he thinks. They travel across Missouri and into Indian Territory, only to find that there are 50,000 people looking to get free land. They encounters robbers and other miscreants on the journey, and one of their encounters later leads to Dora Mae's kidnapping. Homer and Dora Mae's fiance pull out all stops to find her and bring her back home. Another exciting story of the Old West from R. O. Lane.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2019
About the author
R.O. Lane
64 books111 followersR.O. Lane is the author of several western novels, including the US Marshal series. R. O. has BA in English and an MA in communications research. He worked as a writer and editor for three daily newspapers and has written dozens of speeches for senior officers of three Fortune 500 corporations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 22, 2026
Review 3/17/26:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ONE DETERMINED YOUNG LADY AND YOUNG BOY SET OUT TO BECOME THE BEST HOME BUILDERS WHILE BECOMING THE BEST PEOPLE THEY CAN BE
Dora Mae and Homer set out from Tennessee to head out to the Indian Country for the land grab opened up by the U.S. government to have settlers migrate to the western territories with the promise of free land, up to 160 acres per man or signal woman. Sounds easy, right? That's not the case. In fact, it was far from easy. Just getting to stage themselves in line for the land grab is dangerous and there are those who head out early and up being chased back behind the starting lines, and then the race is on. Once you flag your new land, you have to worry about those who will kill you for the land you just claimed and take your possessions.
R.O. Lane has brought together another award winning cast of characters that you'll find yourself really enjoying reading about how they start their new lives in the newly opened territory of Oklahoma. Dora Mae, Homer, Blas, Eyota, and the Fields stake out their land claims next to each other hoping for safety and to provide comfort knowing their neighbors are good people that would step up at the drop of the hat to help each other. Dora Mae is an eighteen years old young lady who is determined to make something of herself in a man's world by hard work applying her skills as an architect, builder, and a furniture maker in the newly formed town a few more miles away. In a short time, Dora Mae with Homer working at her side learning the construction trade, they build a respectable and successful business.
They all hope their troubles are behind them and they're finally able to work hard, grow their business and relationships within their little community when their past shows up at their doorstep once more in the form of a ruthless thief, rustler, and murder who kidnaps Dora Mae to sell into slavery in Mexico. Homer, Blas, and Eyto race to locate Dora Mae, put an end to the terror she's endured, and put the villains six feet under for good.
This is a story of a strong determined young woman and a younger young man she's taken in as family and their friends, neighbors, and community starting a new life in the new frontier of the American west in the late 1800's. The story and characters are interesting and captivating and you will be drawn into the story for the first page and your interest will remain to the last page. You'll find yourself rooting for the main characters as well as cheering the fall of the bad guys. As with all of the books I have had the chance to read by R.O. Lane, there are good guys and bad guys, gunfights, and even a touch of romance fulfilling everyone's reading desires all in one very good book.
Quotes:
"We're like a wave of the sea, and when we're done, the sea rolls over us and we're no more.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ONE DETERMINED YOUNG LADY AND YOUNG BOY SET OUT TO BECOME THE BEST HOME BUILDERS WHILE BECOMING THE BEST PEOPLE THEY CAN BE
Dora Mae and Homer set out from Tennessee to head out to the Indian Country for the land grab opened up by the U.S. government to have settlers migrate to the western territories with the promise of free land, up to 160 acres per man or signal woman. Sounds easy, right? That's not the case. In fact, it was far from easy. Just getting to stage themselves in line for the land grab is dangerous and there are those who head out early and up being chased back behind the starting lines, and then the race is on. Once you flag your new land, you have to worry about those who will kill you for the land you just claimed and take your possessions.
R.O. Lane has brought together another award winning cast of characters that you'll find yourself really enjoying reading about how they start their new lives in the newly opened territory of Oklahoma. Dora Mae, Homer, Blas, Eyota, and the Fields stake out their land claims next to each other hoping for safety and to provide comfort knowing their neighbors are good people that would step up at the drop of the hat to help each other. Dora Mae is an eighteen years old young lady who is determined to make something of herself in a man's world by hard work applying her skills as an architect, builder, and a furniture maker in the newly formed town a few more miles away. In a short time, Dora Mae with Homer working at her side learning the construction trade, they build a respectable and successful business.
They all hope their troubles are behind them and they're finally able to work hard, grow their business and relationships within their little community when their past shows up at their doorstep once more in the form of a ruthless thief, rustler, and murder who kidnaps Dora Mae to sell into slavery in Mexico. Homer, Blas, and Eyto race to locate Dora Mae, put an end to the terror she's endured, and put the villains six feet under for good.
This is a story of a strong determined young woman and a younger young man she's taken in as family and their friends, neighbors, and community starting a new life in the new frontier of the American west in the late 1800's. The story and characters are interesting and captivating and you will be drawn into the story for the first page and your interest will remain to the last page. You'll find yourself rooting for the main characters as well as cheering the fall of the bad guys. As with all of the books I have had the chance to read by R.O. Lane, there are good guys and bad guys, gunfights, and even a touch of romance fulfilling everyone's reading desires all in one very good book.
Quotes:
"We're like a wave of the sea, and when we're done, the sea rolls over us and we're no more.”
Read
August 11, 2020Kind of slow startling for one of Mr. Lane's outstanding western masterpieces, but the warming time is worthy of the wait. Dora Mae and Homer matching up makes for and outstanding western magical world, you do not want to miss out on!!!
Most definitely another five star masterpiece as Dora Mae and Homer, a wayward waif, who has no known family, team together to get into the land grant of former Indian property in Oklahoma! By happenstance, they meet up with Bias and an Indian friend of Blas's, Eyota. Too, another man, and his Mother, join the Clan, and the all obtain 160 acres adjacent to each other.
Outstanding storylines throughout the entire book, as Dora Mae is captured by the Father of two outlaw brothers, who Dora Mae and Homer killed when they tried to steal their horses. It is a wild ride cathedral from Tennessee to Oklahoma but you will definitely experience one exciting adventure after the other for beginning to end! Outstanding character selections, once again by Mr. Lane, as each individual character is perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout the entire book!
Most definitely recommend this facinatingly impressive story to all readers, but you western folklore addicted fanatics will definitely be I!pressed with the way the story unfolds! So, don't miss out on these exciting episodes, or the loss will definitely be yours. You non-western enthusiasts will find this compassionately motivated success story to meet all of your desired reading expectations. Believe me, this is a heartwarming adventure series of eventful will definitely enjoy following!!!😄
Most definitely another five star masterpiece as Dora Mae and Homer, a wayward waif, who has no known family, team together to get into the land grant of former Indian property in Oklahoma! By happenstance, they meet up with Bias and an Indian friend of Blas's, Eyota. Too, another man, and his Mother, join the Clan, and the all obtain 160 acres adjacent to each other.
Outstanding storylines throughout the entire book, as Dora Mae is captured by the Father of two outlaw brothers, who Dora Mae and Homer killed when they tried to steal their horses. It is a wild ride cathedral from Tennessee to Oklahoma but you will definitely experience one exciting adventure after the other for beginning to end! Outstanding character selections, once again by Mr. Lane, as each individual character is perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout the entire book!
Most definitely recommend this facinatingly impressive story to all readers, but you western folklore addicted fanatics will definitely be I!pressed with the way the story unfolds! So, don't miss out on these exciting episodes, or the loss will definitely be yours. You non-western enthusiasts will find this compassionately motivated success story to meet all of your desired reading expectations. Believe me, this is a heartwarming adventure series of eventful will definitely enjoy following!!!😄
January 10, 2023
Dora Mae, a strong woman!
Dora Mae’s father recently passed away and has passed on all he knows about carpentry and building with wood. He knows the true value of a woman in his daughter. So glad she found a twelve year old orphan, Homer Good, for a companion to travel west for some free land. Lots of no goods as usual along the way. An amazing story with lots of adventures for an 18 year old savvy girl who claims to be twenty-one and a 12 year old orphan boy who claims to be fourteen or fifteen. They both can handle life like mature 25 year olds! What am I going to do after I run out of R. O. Lane books to read? 😒
Dora Mae’s father recently passed away and has passed on all he knows about carpentry and building with wood. He knows the true value of a woman in his daughter. So glad she found a twelve year old orphan, Homer Good, for a companion to travel west for some free land. Lots of no goods as usual along the way. An amazing story with lots of adventures for an 18 year old savvy girl who claims to be twenty-one and a 12 year old orphan boy who claims to be fourteen or fifteen. They both can handle life like mature 25 year olds! What am I going to do after I run out of R. O. Lane books to read? 😒
March 20, 2021
Keeps Betting Better
People who see my ratings wonder why they rarely see a 5 star rating. I reserve 5 star ratings for people like Zane Grey, Louis L'Amout, Larry McMurtry, et al. While I consider R.O. Lane to be good and getting better, the writer (s?) still not at that level.
(Went back to the "ya'll" spellcheck again).
This book takes place in some country I know well, between the boot heel of Missouri and across the state and into Oklahoma City. As a child, my home was in Marionville, MO.
The portion of the story that takes place during the great land run is brief, but as accurate as compression can make it.
The characters are mostly as accurate as can be expected a writer, and historical events are solid.
I thought the book was good and recommend it to fans of the Western genre.
People who see my ratings wonder why they rarely see a 5 star rating. I reserve 5 star ratings for people like Zane Grey, Louis L'Amout, Larry McMurtry, et al. While I consider R.O. Lane to be good and getting better, the writer (s?) still not at that level.
(Went back to the "ya'll" spellcheck again).
This book takes place in some country I know well, between the boot heel of Missouri and across the state and into Oklahoma City. As a child, my home was in Marionville, MO.
The portion of the story that takes place during the great land run is brief, but as accurate as compression can make it.
The characters are mostly as accurate as can be expected a writer, and historical events are solid.
I thought the book was good and recommend it to fans of the Western genre.
March 26, 2026
LG
Dora Mae Puckett, a skilled carpenter, learned the intricate art of woodworking from her father, who passed down generations of craftsmanship and expertise through patient guidance and shared passion for the trade. When she was 18 years old, her pa died and she left Tennessee for Oklahoma by covered wagon carrying all her dad,s tools. Just before she left to go to Oklahoma for the free land rush, Homer Good, a 12year old homeless child, asks to go with her. She invites him along and there begins their adventures along the trail. They are attacked by robbers and other miscreants making for one exciting episode after another. The main characters were extremely likable. Good read.
Dora Mae Puckett, a skilled carpenter, learned the intricate art of woodworking from her father, who passed down generations of craftsmanship and expertise through patient guidance and shared passion for the trade. When she was 18 years old, her pa died and she left Tennessee for Oklahoma by covered wagon carrying all her dad,s tools. Just before she left to go to Oklahoma for the free land rush, Homer Good, a 12year old homeless child, asks to go with her. She invites him along and there begins their adventures along the trail. They are attacked by robbers and other miscreants making for one exciting episode after another. The main characters were extremely likable. Good read.
December 20, 2020
Loved this story so encouraging and hopeful. Love stories that teach how hard it is for less people raised poor without any encouragement. Someone comes along, encourages them and changes
Their whole life forever. My maternal grandmother did that for me. Out of six children I was the only one to a ccept Granny,s challenge to finish school. Then in my 40's, I went to Nursing school . Worked as a nurse until I retired. Thanks to Miss Nettie I was able to have my deepest desire to help people.
Their whole life forever. My maternal grandmother did that for me. Out of six children I was the only one to a ccept Granny,s challenge to finish school. Then in my 40's, I went to Nursing school . Worked as a nurse until I retired. Thanks to Miss Nettie I was able to have my deepest desire to help people.
February 9, 2024
Real life story!!
Mr. Lane has done it again: His stories of the old West are packed with real human emotions including love, honesty and character building, sharing human emotions, dreams, fears, and disappointments with growing evidence of developing character, faith in GOD's goodness and protection. I think I've read almost all his books. I highly recommend you ride a distance on a western trail with him, become his friend and you'll decide to follow his trails and stories toward the distant sunset.
Mr. Lane has done it again: His stories of the old West are packed with real human emotions including love, honesty and character building, sharing human emotions, dreams, fears, and disappointments with growing evidence of developing character, faith in GOD's goodness and protection. I think I've read almost all his books. I highly recommend you ride a distance on a western trail with him, become his friend and you'll decide to follow his trails and stories toward the distant sunset.
May 24, 2020
Absolutely love this author!! Even if he is in my hometown of Tucson, Az 💖
The adventures of Dora Mae keep a reader pulled in. As one little lady follows her heart, she is also on the adventure of a lifetime. I love each and every character in this story.
The way it's written, the characters become a part of me.
This book is one of many I know others will absolutely enjoy as much as I am!!
The adventures of Dora Mae keep a reader pulled in. As one little lady follows her heart, she is also on the adventure of a lifetime. I love each and every character in this story.
The way it's written, the characters become a part of me.
This book is one of many I know others will absolutely enjoy as much as I am!!
February 26, 2025
What counts...
The central story is full of intrigue, action, mystery, surprise, disappointment, and it grabs your attention and emotions. The central characters all have strong characters and yet are humble in a way that magnifies there person. These are people you'd like as friends, dependable, real, and solid. I'd ride the river with any of them.
Thanks for sharing this adventure.
The central story is full of intrigue, action, mystery, surprise, disappointment, and it grabs your attention and emotions. The central characters all have strong characters and yet are humble in a way that magnifies there person. These are people you'd like as friends, dependable, real, and solid. I'd ride the river with any of them.
Thanks for sharing this adventure.
April 8, 2026
Lots of action and living
R. O. Lane invests heart, soul and creative storylines in each and every one of his books. And I should know because I've read them all and even shared a number of them with my wife. The story of Dora Mae and Homer is filled with adventure and captures one's imagination. Having graduated from Neosho (Missouri) High School, this book took me through my old stomping grounds. Well worth the read!
R. O. Lane invests heart, soul and creative storylines in each and every one of his books. And I should know because I've read them all and even shared a number of them with my wife. The story of Dora Mae and Homer is filled with adventure and captures one's imagination. Having graduated from Neosho (Missouri) High School, this book took me through my old stomping grounds. Well worth the read!
April 3, 2020
The Best Read
This is the First Book I’ve Read by this Author and I must say that I have certainly enjoyed it immensely. It has Everything! The Characters are Complete and absolutely Believable. The story is Sad, Interesting, Historical, and Happy. You find Suspense and Heroics. Most of All, I found a Great Read by a Great Author; and I look forward to this Author’s Next Book!!!
This is the First Book I’ve Read by this Author and I must say that I have certainly enjoyed it immensely. It has Everything! The Characters are Complete and absolutely Believable. The story is Sad, Interesting, Historical, and Happy. You find Suspense and Heroics. Most of All, I found a Great Read by a Great Author; and I look forward to this Author’s Next Book!!!
May 25, 2020
Exciting Western
It is a real page turner. This book contains lots of action typical in a Western. However, the relationship between the characters is what this book is about. Some parts were very emotional, get ready to have tissues nearby. Loved the book and I look forward to reading more by R. O. Lane.
It is a real page turner. This book contains lots of action typical in a Western. However, the relationship between the characters is what this book is about. Some parts were very emotional, get ready to have tissues nearby. Loved the book and I look forward to reading more by R. O. Lane.
July 2, 2020
Great story
Here is a book with a different Western twist. A female carpenter goes for the “Harrison Race “ in Oklahoma. On the way, she fosters a 12 rear old ragamuffin who proves to be mature beyond his years. Braving bandits and horse thieves, the two continue on their trek to compete with sooners for a homestead.
Here is a book with a different Western twist. A female carpenter goes for the “Harrison Race “ in Oklahoma. On the way, she fosters a 12 rear old ragamuffin who proves to be mature beyond his years. Braving bandits and horse thieves, the two continue on their trek to compete with sooners for a homestead.
August 2, 2020
Oklahoma Land Rush
Dora buried her father, sold her home and invites Homer to travel with her to Oklahoma for the land rush where she plans on starting her own carpentry business. They have trouble with horse thieves which leads to bigger troubles down the road, but Homer and friends come to Dora's rescue. Fun read.
Dora buried her father, sold her home and invites Homer to travel with her to Oklahoma for the land rush where she plans on starting her own carpentry business. They have trouble with horse thieves which leads to bigger troubles down the road, but Homer and friends come to Dora's rescue. Fun read.
August 9, 2021
A fast moving journey in .pre than one way
I would have enjoyed another 100 pages in this book. The characters and the events described gave me a good feel for the circumstances of this era and made me want more details. A greater sprinkling of historical trivia would have raised my rating to 5 stars.
I would have enjoyed another 100 pages in this book. The characters and the events described gave me a good feel for the circumstances of this era and made me want more details. A greater sprinkling of historical trivia would have raised my rating to 5 stars.
January 22, 2024
Loved this story!
Once again the author has written a wonderful story! I loved the storyline and the horse's along with the romance. My maternal grandfather had family who took part in the race for land in Oklahoma, though they ended up selling their share to go back to Happy Texas.
Once again the author has written a wonderful story! I loved the storyline and the horse's along with the romance. My maternal grandfather had family who took part in the race for land in Oklahoma, though they ended up selling their share to go back to Happy Texas.
April 15, 2024
Dora Mae Puckett
So far to date, R.O.Lane books are stacking up high in my estimation of all time western books to read. Love Rundell, LAmour, Grey, Brand but these Lane’s books are quick reads and well balanced stories of the west. Family values and character’s with high standards and morals. Right is Right, Wrong is Wrong and good Christian values are true.
So far to date, R.O.Lane books are stacking up high in my estimation of all time western books to read. Love Rundell, LAmour, Grey, Brand but these Lane’s books are quick reads and well balanced stories of the west. Family values and character’s with high standards and morals. Right is Right, Wrong is Wrong and good Christian values are true.
April 18, 2024
A good story
I really enjoyed this book, read it all in one night. The idea of a young girl and younger boy going to claim free land . the problem s they face on their travels are great uphill battles. But they push on and with hard work and growing looking out for each other, become a family. I loved the book.
I really enjoyed this book, read it all in one night. The idea of a young girl and younger boy going to claim free land . the problem s they face on their travels are great uphill battles. But they push on and with hard work and growing looking out for each other, become a family. I loved the book.
January 16, 2025
R.O.Lane's "Dora Mae Puckett" is a great story about a young girl at the peak of America's pioneer movement. There were many cutthroat people along the route, but many more kind and helping Americans were there to lend a hand. Inserting the great American land rush was a gripping way to also learn a bit about that time in American History. I enjoyed this book.
June 20, 2025
Two Brave Person
Dora Mae, raise by singular father, Dora Mae father her n
urture and love that would substance. At death of her father, Dora Mae, was ready and brave enough to go after her dream. Along the way, she met Homer a boy man that had as much bravo and determination to make their way in life. Enjoyed both characters thanks for time and effort put this story.
Dora Mae, raise by singular father, Dora Mae father her n
urture and love that would substance. At death of her father, Dora Mae, was ready and brave enough to go after her dream. Along the way, she met Homer a boy man that had as much bravo and determination to make their way in life. Enjoyed both characters thanks for time and effort put this story.
July 11, 2025
5 STARS, OKLAHOMA HOMESTEADING WESTERN
5 STARS for this full action packed gun toting & tenacity in the Oklahoma land rush time. Great characters that had to fight the elements along with horse thieves & kidnappers. Good people who are determined to build lives & a land up fight for their rights to do so.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for this full action packed gun toting & tenacity in the Oklahoma land rush time. Great characters that had to fight the elements along with horse thieves & kidnappers. Good people who are determined to build lives & a land up fight for their rights to do so.
RECOMMENDED
May 22, 2020
True Family
Great book! Gun play is part of the novel, but for me the family story was the most important part. It began with Dora Mae's love for her father. Then onto her finding Homer. Just a good story about a true family, not by birth, but by love for each other.
Great book! Gun play is part of the novel, but for me the family story was the most important part. It began with Dora Mae's love for her father. Then onto her finding Homer. Just a good story about a true family, not by birth, but by love for each other.
July 22, 2020
Sweet Adventure
It hard to believe a young girl and boy would have all of these adventures. for a Mad and her adopted brother left Tennessee for free land in Oklahoma.One adventure after another. Family is more than just the people who we are born with.
It hard to believe a young girl and boy would have all of these adventures. for a Mad and her adopted brother left Tennessee for free land in Oklahoma.One adventure after another. Family is more than just the people who we are born with.
February 23, 2021
Very courageous and determined young lady.
Refreshing and entertaining to read a tail about a young lady that through no fault of her own is forced to step out into the unknown and face all the challenges thrown on her.
Refreshing and entertaining to read a tail about a young lady that through no fault of her own is forced to step out into the unknown and face all the challenges thrown on her.
January 27, 2022
Great Reading
This story was very good just like all the others I have read and I have read most of his books. What I like most is that it’s hard to put it down nothing boring about his stories. I recommend his books to all western fans.
This story was very good just like all the others I have read and I have read most of his books. What I like most is that it’s hard to put it down nothing boring about his stories. I recommend his books to all western fans.
February 4, 2022
hooked again
Loved this book different to the normal western but still so so good ,read it right from beginning to end just could’nt put it down but now i’ve finished it I have to find another book won’t be hard
Loved this book different to the normal western but still so so good ,read it right from beginning to end just could’nt put it down but now i’ve finished it I have to find another book won’t be hard
February 13, 2022
Very enjoyable book.
This book was a very enjoyable read. R.O. LANE put his heart into this book. It fast moving, Full of action, and a fast read that I couldn't put down. Thank you R.O.Lane
This book was a very enjoyable read. R.O. LANE put his heart into this book. It fast moving, Full of action, and a fast read that I couldn't put down. Thank you R.O.Lane
April 9, 2022
Well written and hard to put down.
The story line was easy to read. I loved the emotion Lane weaved into the characters.
The editor did a good job. Looking forward to more Lane books.
The story line was easy to read. I loved the emotion Lane weaved into the characters.
The editor did a good job. Looking forward to more Lane books.
May 24, 2022
TRULY A GREAT READ
Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down. There are no wasted descriptions or introspections. Concise and to the point. Read it you will be totally delighted.
Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down. There are no wasted descriptions or introspections. Concise and to the point. Read it you will be totally delighted.
July 16, 2022
Another Western Romance novel from the king
Author R. O. Lane is the king of western romance novels. His scenes are very descriptive, his characters believable, and his plots gripping. I‘be read all his books and patiently await new ones.
Author R. O. Lane is the king of western romance novels. His scenes are very descriptive, his characters believable, and his plots gripping. I‘be read all his books and patiently await new ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews