Mac’s Way is a story about a family. A family with parents, children and grandparents. A family that loves one another. A family working hard to operate a cattle ranch in the pioneer days of the West. A family with heavy responsibilities. A family with hopes and dreams. In other words, a normal pioneer family. There were thousands of them just like the McTavish family.
But it wasn’t always this easy – the story begins with Mac McTavish.
Raised in poverty in Missouri, Mac is determined to find a better life for himself and the girl who is still a vague vision in his mind. Work on the Santa Fe Trail, and on a Mississippi River boat give him a start, but the years of Civil War leave him broke and footloose in South Texas. Everything changes when he meets Margo, and they start their journey west.
Mac’s Way: The Complete Series includes – Mac’s Way, Mac’s Land and Mac’s Law.
Reg Quist’s pioneer heritage includes sod shacks, prairie fires, home births, and children’s graves under the prairie sod, all working together in the lives of people creating their own space in a new land. Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more. Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation. Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers. It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”. Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses. Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing. Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing. Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels. Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
Mac’s Way is a story about a family. A family with parents, children and grandparents. A family that loves one another. A family working hard to operate a cattle ranch in the pioneer days of the West. A family with heavy responsibilities. A family with hopes and dreams. In other words, a normal pioneer family. There were thousands of them just like the McTavish family. Raised in poverty in Missouri, Mac McTavish is determined to find a better life for himself and the girl who is still a vague vision in his mind. Work on the Santa Fe Trail and on a Mississippi River boat give him a start, but the years of Civil War leave him broke and footloose in South Texas. Everything changes when he meets Margo, and they start their journey west.
I thoroughly enjoyed these books. Historically accurate and packed with well formed characters, they provide a realistic account of the settlement of the West. Although there is action and excitement a-plenty, the books provide a wider picture of the hardscrabble frontier life and of the strength and fortitude of the men who managed to tame it. The central character, Mac, is complex and finely drawn, exemplifying the strength and foresight required to live with, as well as on, the newly opened and settled Western territories. A few years ago, he would have provided a perfect opportunity for a James Stewart character.
Mr. Quist is a wonderful story teller. His writing holds the reader to the story, and something is always happening to make a person want to turn the page, and hard to put down. The 3 stars from myself is because of my interest in the story. My opinion of enjoying the books in this series. The first book was the best for me, but I had a hard time staying interested in the other two. I will be reading other books by this author because he is a good story teller. He doesn't do foul language, and his Christian outlook written into the story's are wonderful. These come highly recommended.
Really a good family story, with the phrase "learning by the seat of your pants" sticking out throughout. One of the highlights to me was the way Mac appreciated and included the group of Mexicans as both workers and friends. It will be interesting to see a book four that brings Mordecai Granger back from his California trip with revenge on his mind. If you like a "total western" then this book is for you.
Mac was a natural leader. He and friends began by doing cattle drives. They moved to Colorado in order to make a living as ranchers. They did many things. They fought range wars, fought rustlers, and tried to do the right thing. Reg Quist blended it into a terrific story.
From the quiet young man setting out not to be a burden to his family and make a life for himself to the civil war soldier to father. Always a friend to those who want it. Prefers to be nonviolent but holds his own in a fight. A natural leader. Highly recommended for all readers.
I enjoy reading western. However there are many that use the Lord's name in vain. This is one author that does not. I appreciate a writer that does not do this. I will look for more books by this author.
This was an excellent book in every respect. It was captivating and thrilling all the way through. It shows the struggles and accomplishments of the pioneer life of a family. Hardships are conquered and justice served
The author wrote a series of a family that settled the frontier I recommend this family series all advid readers of western settlements,. This is a novel you will not put down until it’s finished Highly recommend it to all who lies a good western..
A look into the early stages of life in the early years of the founding and building of the western frontier. The hard work that our forefathers did and endured to build this great nation
As a young man from poverty Mac is determined to achieve several goals. His determination to succeed is well described through out the entire series. This is a well written book with several characters throughout the series.
Strong moral characters in a wild western setting. A lot of characters but we're woven together comprehensively. Enjoyed the books can't wait to see if a sequel is done.
Oh I hope this isn't the last book in the seriea! I've grown so attached to the characters as well as the ranch and surrounding areas. I feel at home on the Bar-M. Good clean stories with ethical standards and morals, faith but not over the top.
I loved this book. The characters were so real and the story was heartwarming. Everyone should read it. I will definitely be reading more of his books.