All Things Touch: A Saga of the American West

by John Randall Aikman

In an era of unparalleled innovation, a generation-spanning cast of men and women will help shape the future of the American Lured by prospects in the West, three brothers leave the family farm. The eldest, trying to shake the memories of the Civil War and a love lost, throws himself into the building of the first transcontinental railroad . . . surprised to discover life's unexpected second chances. Another uproots his family and moves to Nebraska to farm under the vast frontier skies, but he soon becomes trapped in the middle of Indian conflicts, range wars, and a complex love triangle. The youngest struggles to find his way, drifting from place to place where trouble often finds him, but in a rowdy Wyoming town he is confronted with choices that could make or break his future.Their ambitious brother-in-law creates the country's first nationwide express company, risking political entanglements that could cause it's ruin, or, worse, ensnare his sons in the ensuing shambles.A brilliant but naïve engineer heads to California, intent on constructing the transcontinental railroad from the Pacific Coast. Standing in his way are the Sierra Nevada Mountains, towns and businesses that would be ruined by the railroad, and his own partners who see the venture as a way to quick riches.A vibrant young woman, stranded on the Oregon Trail, remains in Nebraska Territory, convinced that fate has put her there to wait for something . . . or someone.A Pawnee outcast, trapped between two societies, foresees the reality of the white man's incursion and tries desperately to find a peaceful solution. In the end he may hold the answer to the mysterious phrase All Things Touch. Can these pioneering figures succeed in challenging times, or will history bury them in its footnotes? All Things A Saga of the American West features a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect with major events of the time and with historical figures such as Lincoln, Sherman, Theodore Judah, and the Oglala Sioux chief Red Cloud. From Marquette and Jolliet's journey down the Mississippi to the building of the first skyscrapers in modern Chicago, this is a breathtaking work of historical fiction. If you like richly developed characters, vivid settings, and tales based on true events, then you'll be gripped by John Randall Aikman’s sweeping drama. Buy All Things Touch today to meet the legends who defined a century!

Genres: Historical Fiction

649 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2020

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply cannot fathom that this book is from a debut author. To have covered so many decades with so many people, events, time periods, politics, and cultures, it wove together seamlessly. This book put so many things into perspective especially regarding timelines of historical events and inventions and the birth of American industry and politics. And of course I loved this band of characters that always kept me guessing.

I read it on Kindle, which was great, but I did occasionally find myself wishing for a paper copy so I could jump back and reference names because there were a lot to keep up with. That might be something for interested readers to consider. But either way, I would highly recommend and believe this book deserves far more recognition and praise than it seems to be getting.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction

Covering generations across time and space, you will find this novel exciting and informative. From travels west in carts and wagons, trains, the civil war, and more a great read. Highly recommend.

[Andrew Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had written this book.

[Floyd Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent journey of history through genealogy of one very influential family tree. I was engaged at every chapter.

See above statement. I recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated by the westward movement and expansion of our country from 1700-1900

[Laura PF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow an epic work that incredibly twists and turns through lives but keeps a fluid story going throughout the book. This is really a well done, historically correct look at the development of the west with interesting characters populating its pages. A great read in which all things touch. I highly recommend this book.

[Susan Lawson, SL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I liked everything in this book. You become so invested in the characters. Filled with so information. I recommend this book to anyone who loves history.