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Tinder Street Saga #1
Tinder Street
A simple trip to town, a chance meeting with a pretty young woman, and a few words was all it took for Lucas Wirtz to flee his family farm and the abusive father who dominated it. Following Rachel McNally to the big city, he had no idea how much his life and the world around him would change.Chronicling the days leading up to World War I and the events that followed, Tinder Street is the first book in a saga that will take readers from rural farms to a major industrial city in the Midwest, across an ocean where German U-boats lurk waiting for a target to come within range of their deadly torpedoes, to the bloody trench warfare of France, and home again. And of how, back at home, the soldiers of a victorious Army try to put their experiences behind them and pick up the pieces of the lives they once had, to look toward a future bright with promise. Lucas was one of those soldiers, a man who hated the thought of killing, but did his duty. A duty that would haunt him long after the last shots were fired.This is also the story of the simple working class people who built America. Farmers, factory workers, streetcar conductors, midwives, and public servants. Their joys and sorrows, their wins and losses, and how these people who struggled together to build a better life for themselves and their children changed a place named Tinder Street to Tender Street, a reflection of one family’s devotion to their neighbors.Tinder Street is the first book in New York Times bestselling author Nick Russell’s Tinder Street Saga, a story he has wanted to write and has researched for years.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2020
540 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 2, 2021
Excellent Read!
I could not be more impressed with this writing. Although I’ve been a huge fan of the Big Lake books and John Lee Q escapades for quite some time, this revelation of untapped potential has me in awe. The
families are drawn with realistic detail, and the fast moving challenges of the times make this book hard to put down. A few characters seem too overbearing and mean to be believable, as in the case of Abraham and the Judge, but not enough to distract from the overall story. Solid 5 stars.
Very good read, solid 5 stars.
Starting on the second book in 3, 2, 1, now!
I could not be more impressed with this writing. Although I’ve been a huge fan of the Big Lake books and John Lee Q escapades for quite some time, this revelation of untapped potential has me in awe. The
families are drawn with realistic detail, and the fast moving challenges of the times make this book hard to put down. A few characters seem too overbearing and mean to be believable, as in the case of Abraham and the Judge, but not enough to distract from the overall story. Solid 5 stars.
Very good read, solid 5 stars.
Starting on the second book in 3, 2, 1, now!
July 31, 2020
Nick Russel shows why he is one of the best.
Nick has been consistently good writing his police dramas series Big Lake, John Lee Quarrels and Dogs Run. Tinder Street is a new genre for Nick but proves his flair for storytelling is not limited to police dramas. Character development is perfect with rich environments and complex individuals set just after the turn of the century.
Nick has been consistently good writing his police dramas series Big Lake, John Lee Quarrels and Dogs Run. Tinder Street is a new genre for Nick but proves his flair for storytelling is not limited to police dramas. Character development is perfect with rich environments and complex individuals set just after the turn of the century.
August 28, 2020
I have been a fan of Nick's for some time. His Big Lake series has kept me entertained quite well but he has really hit the mark with this new book, the first in a series.
This is an excellent read. You may easily identify with the characters. His descriptions and attention to detail is outstanding.
Well done my friend!
This is an excellent read. You may easily identify with the characters. His descriptions and attention to detail is outstanding.
Well done my friend!
October 14, 2020
EXCELLENT
Nick Russell's we series is VERY spellbinding and correctly written. He has done a great job of keeping the people who are in the book VERY correctly acting as it seems you are right in the middle of the conversation.
I would rate this as a actual history recounting in the way it reads. I know it is fiction but knowing the time and efforts Nick puts into his research just make it seem more real.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and I will be waiting for the next book in this series.
Nick Russell's we series is VERY spellbinding and correctly written. He has done a great job of keeping the people who are in the book VERY correctly acting as it seems you are right in the middle of the conversation.
I would rate this as a actual history recounting in the way it reads. I know it is fiction but knowing the time and efforts Nick puts into his research just make it seem more real.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and I will be waiting for the next book in this series.
August 5, 2020
Another winner
I am an avid reader and big fan of Mr. Russell's books. I wasnt sure I would like this new series but I can tell you I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters, loved Lucas in his innocence of life, came to love reading how Lucas was a determined young, truly cared about folks even though some took advantage of his lack of how the world works. I can't wait for the second book and highly recommend you read this book and the rest of Mr. Russell's books as well.
I am an avid reader and big fan of Mr. Russell's books. I wasnt sure I would like this new series but I can tell you I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters, loved Lucas in his innocence of life, came to love reading how Lucas was a determined young, truly cared about folks even though some took advantage of his lack of how the world works. I can't wait for the second book and highly recommend you read this book and the rest of Mr. Russell's books as well.
August 14, 2020
Fabulous
What a wonderful first book in what hopefully will be a long series! I rarely read historical family histories so was pleasantly surprised at its depth and breadth of entertainment. Reminded me of A Women Of Substance. Beautifully developed characters that engage the reader leaving them craving to know what will happen next in their lives! The writer presents historical struggles that mirror our world today. I couldn’t put it down!
What a wonderful first book in what hopefully will be a long series! I rarely read historical family histories so was pleasantly surprised at its depth and breadth of entertainment. Reminded me of A Women Of Substance. Beautifully developed characters that engage the reader leaving them craving to know what will happen next in their lives! The writer presents historical struggles that mirror our world today. I couldn’t put it down!
July 31, 2020
In a complete departure from his wise-cracking sarcastic characters, author Nick Russell has released Book#1 in the Tinder Street Saga. In a project that is close to his heart, Russell has created a family saga that begins with a lead up to WW1. Tinder Street is a well-written, thoughtful look at pre-war small-town America. Very enjoyable. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mysteries)
August 16, 2020
Damn you, Nick!
This book grabbed me from the first chapter to the last word in the last chapter. I literally could not put it down and when I had to my words were, Damn you, Nick! I lost a whole day reading it and was so disappointed when I reached the end as I wanted more. Superb book! I will be eagerly awaiting the next installmemt.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter to the last word in the last chapter. I literally could not put it down and when I had to my words were, Damn you, Nick! I lost a whole day reading it and was so disappointed when I reached the end as I wanted more. Superb book! I will be eagerly awaiting the next installmemt.
July 27, 2020
I love historical based books and this one is a great read story line was very interesting and based on historical facts. I sat down and finished it in about half a day , I am a fast reader!
can't wait until the next in the series is out
can't wait until the next in the series is out
July 29, 2020
Even better than all of Nick’s other books!
This is just a wonderful family saga. It is unlike the author’s other books in that it is not a murder mystery. I truly was sad to finish it and realize there was no more to read until the next book in the series. Highly recommended!!
This is just a wonderful family saga. It is unlike the author’s other books in that it is not a murder mystery. I truly was sad to finish it and realize there was no more to read until the next book in the series. Highly recommended!!
August 5, 2020
Tinder Street
Another great book by Nick Russell. I thought after reading that it was his best writing. I suggest that any of his are place to start. His style of writing just flows from one to another.
Another great book by Nick Russell. I thought after reading that it was his best writing. I suggest that any of his are place to start. His style of writing just flows from one to another.
August 8, 2020
Excellent
One of my favorite authors has done it again, and with a different genre! I look forward to the next book in the series. The storyline was great. For those interested, this is a stand alone book.
One of my favorite authors has done it again, and with a different genre! I look forward to the next book in the series. The storyline was great. For those interested, this is a stand alone book.
February 2, 2021
Great story
Nick Russell has done an exceptional job in the writing of this book
I have enjoyed all of his stories but this one is one of his best writing stories I have read. I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read the book of the saga
Nick Russell has done an exceptional job in the writing of this book
I have enjoyed all of his stories but this one is one of his best writing stories I have read. I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read the book of the saga
July 29, 2020
Very good saga
Ive read a great many family sagas and this did not disappoint. As with all Nick Russell's books, I was very entertained! Can't wait for the next one!
Ive read a great many family sagas and this did not disappoint. As with all Nick Russell's books, I was very entertained! Can't wait for the next one!
August 3, 2020
Must Read!
Once again I was entertained from start to finish! Nick is an awesome author! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
Once again I was entertained from start to finish! Nick is an awesome author! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 28, 2020
History most truthful
100 years ago love on a Midwestern farm could be brutal. This first in a new series shows promise.Waiting for 1920
100 years ago love on a Midwestern farm could be brutal. This first in a new series shows promise.Waiting for 1920
August 29, 2020
Historical fiction
Excellent reminder of how life in America was 100 years ago. Much needed reminder in our current environment. Looking forward.to next in series.
Excellent reminder of how life in America was 100 years ago. Much needed reminder in our current environment. Looking forward.to next in series.
September 8, 2020
Amazing
I love nick’s books. This one is wonderful. I hated to see it end. You get so wrapped up in the story. Love the characters. Will be looking forward to the next.
I love nick’s books. This one is wonderful. I hated to see it end. You get so wrapped up in the story. Love the characters. Will be looking forward to the next.
September 13, 2020
Just a good clean book
I loved the simplicity of this slow paced read.
Characters were just normal people, with needs and wants. You need to read it.
I loved the simplicity of this slow paced read.
Characters were just normal people, with needs and wants. You need to read it.
March 20, 2022
Great read!
Just started reading this series. I'm addicted to historical fiction and compelling characters and I will definitely be reading the next installments. The father is a brute of a man and what he does to his family is painful to read, but necessary to the character's growth and agency. The author's use of dialogue tells the story in such an immersive way, you can't help but engage with Lucas and the others. The main character starts off as such a naive lad, but he has so many caring people in his life, you know he will eventually succeed. There are the horrors of war in the latter part of the book, but this too is important to the narrative. All in all, a great read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Just started reading this series. I'm addicted to historical fiction and compelling characters and I will definitely be reading the next installments. The father is a brute of a man and what he does to his family is painful to read, but necessary to the character's growth and agency. The author's use of dialogue tells the story in such an immersive way, you can't help but engage with Lucas and the others. The main character starts off as such a naive lad, but he has so many caring people in his life, you know he will eventually succeed. There are the horrors of war in the latter part of the book, but this too is important to the narrative. All in all, a great read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 30, 2020
Wow!!
Mr. Russell's head is probably getting bigger by the day because of all the rave reviews on this book. It is a sad and happy book that kept my interest. It reads like real life in that time period. There was probably someone like the main character in the books time period. He is a smarter Forest Gump.
I am glad the next in this series is already out.
This would make a great tv series or movie. A series could do more with it. I just hope they do not add things to make it dirty if they do it.
Mr. Russell's head is probably getting bigger by the day because of all the rave reviews on this book. It is a sad and happy book that kept my interest. It reads like real life in that time period. There was probably someone like the main character in the books time period. He is a smarter Forest Gump.
I am glad the next in this series is already out.
This would make a great tv series or movie. A series could do more with it. I just hope they do not add things to make it dirty if they do it.
November 17, 2025
A mixed review
Lucas was unbelievably naive, but his character became much more interesting when he was in the service. My feeling throughout this book was that apart from Abraham's character, important people portrayed in the story should have had more depth.
The last three chapters seemed hurried and read like a history book.
This book may be appealing to older folks who lived in a simpler time.
Lucas was unbelievably naive, but his character became much more interesting when he was in the service. My feeling throughout this book was that apart from Abraham's character, important people portrayed in the story should have had more depth.
The last three chapters seemed hurried and read like a history book.
This book may be appealing to older folks who lived in a simpler time.
January 5, 2022
Fascinated with the story from a century ago
Great story about a farm boy heading for the big city to look for a girl he fell in love with. The world war is starting, and the story is rich with detail.
Great story about a farm boy heading for the big city to look for a girl he fell in love with. The world war is starting, and the story is rich with detail.
November 30, 2024
No persona!ity
I believe this book was written with AI. This book lacks the personality and humanity his other books possess. And this one I paid for. I'm done reading anything by this author.
I believe this book was written with AI. This book lacks the personality and humanity his other books possess. And this one I paid for. I'm done reading anything by this author.
July 8, 2025
The time was both happy and sad. Well written and heartfelt.
The characters were very real to the reader. Toward the end alot happened quickly but without dwelling on the tragic events.
The characters were very real to the reader. Toward the end alot happened quickly but without dwelling on the tragic events.
November 27, 2021
Great book
Can’t wait to read the other books it warm my heart to follow the life of the characters in the book and have a World War One change peoples life
Can’t wait to read the other books it warm my heart to follow the life of the characters in the book and have a World War One change peoples life
June 23, 2023
Nice historiacal novel
Interesting and a good read
Interesting and a good read
September 6, 2025
A Great Saga Begins.
Truly impressed with the beginning of this saga. Nick Russell shows great range in hie ability to tell a great story. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Truly impressed with the beginning of this saga. Nick Russell shows great range in hie ability to tell a great story. Looking forward to the next adventure.
November 18, 2025
Excellent Read
So much drama, characters and history. A fast read and highly enjoyable.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
So much drama, characters and history. A fast read and highly enjoyable.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 20, 2021
I've been a fan of Nick Russell for some time, love the Big Lake series, and the John Lee Quarrels series. Great settings, great characters - smart and wisecracking. Great plots. I also enjoy his non-fiction books on travel, camping, and the.
I am not of fan of romance, or most historical fiction. This is a huge exception. A genre blend of coming of age, historical fiction, romance, and Christian Lit. This is so much more. I can't wait to start book 2.
I am not of fan of romance, or most historical fiction. This is a huge exception. A genre blend of coming of age, historical fiction, romance, and Christian Lit. This is so much more. I can't wait to start book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews