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Johnny Hayes
It's a story of a boy looking for his father while growing up working as a muleskinner. He travels the west with a man who teaches him not only about being a teamster but a lot about life. They travel first from Bellevue to Omaha to Denver, then from Denver to Santa Fe. With their own freighting outfit, they deliver goods throughout New Mexico braving the wilds of the untamed land, facing banditos and Apaches. Eventually, Johnny builds a life in the strange new land. Another novel of the Old West from the pen of R. O. Lane
- GenresWesterns
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2021
637 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 22, 2021
You are a great author Mr. Lane
I really enjoy your western stories. I am an avid reader and I have almost read all of your western stories. Some you need to write more of. Continue with their lives. I am 77, so hurry up so I can read them before I go home to heaven.
Thank you,
Frankie Oberlechner
I really enjoy your western stories. I am an avid reader and I have almost read all of your western stories. Some you need to write more of. Continue with their lives. I am 77, so hurry up so I can read them before I go home to heaven.
Thank you,
Frankie Oberlechner
April 7, 2021
Simply the best!!
I read hundreds of western novels by different Authors every year, R. O. Lane is my favorite !!
I read hundreds of western novels by different Author,s R. O. Lane is simply the best! All his novels are gripping and marvelously told he's a true story teller and a great writer.The novel Johnny Hayes is a very emotional story from start to finish , I read it straight though I was very moved by the character's and the story line was great and made you wish every one in the world today was as unselfish as Roon. He was kind and nurturing and had all the qualities of what we all would wish all feathers to be. This novel had everything in it's creative development from a truly gifted Author. He's books are a great escape and adventure with action, a little romance with a sense of good prevailing over bad, I loved the story and had to read it again and both times I went away feeling good and eagerly wish for the next novel to be available!
I read hundreds of western novels by different Authors every year, R. O. Lane is my favorite !!
I read hundreds of western novels by different Author,s R. O. Lane is simply the best! All his novels are gripping and marvelously told he's a true story teller and a great writer.The novel Johnny Hayes is a very emotional story from start to finish , I read it straight though I was very moved by the character's and the story line was great and made you wish every one in the world today was as unselfish as Roon. He was kind and nurturing and had all the qualities of what we all would wish all feathers to be. This novel had everything in it's creative development from a truly gifted Author. He's books are a great escape and adventure with action, a little romance with a sense of good prevailing over bad, I loved the story and had to read it again and both times I went away feeling good and eagerly wish for the next novel to be available!
January 6, 2022
Johnny proves himself to be the man to ride the River with in his quest for justice for all!
As always, Mr. Lane, once again, blesses us with another five star extravaganza of unending western folklore adventures! No slow downs as Johnny, and his crew of misfits, continues to defeat all odds in their efforts to improve their commanding performances in a timely manner.
Too, the Author's outstandingly descriptive storylines successfully appeases anyone's undivided attention from beginning to end! Never a dull moment throughout this compelling western folklore extravaganza. Too the camaraderie of the characters were unsurpassed in their respective assignments both the good guys and the bad guys!
Without hesitation I recommend this outstanding series of unending adventures to everyone!
Yes! Even you non-western enthusiasts will enjoy following this young man and his associates, as they will continuously fulfill their desired objectives with gusto! I believe you will be as intrigued as, I was, and unable to put this compelling western masterpiece aside until the final sentence has been absorbed!!!😃
As always, Mr. Lane, once again, blesses us with another five star extravaganza of unending western folklore adventures! No slow downs as Johnny, and his crew of misfits, continues to defeat all odds in their efforts to improve their commanding performances in a timely manner.
Too, the Author's outstandingly descriptive storylines successfully appeases anyone's undivided attention from beginning to end! Never a dull moment throughout this compelling western folklore extravaganza. Too the camaraderie of the characters were unsurpassed in their respective assignments both the good guys and the bad guys!
Without hesitation I recommend this outstanding series of unending adventures to everyone!
Yes! Even you non-western enthusiasts will enjoy following this young man and his associates, as they will continuously fulfill their desired objectives with gusto! I believe you will be as intrigued as, I was, and unable to put this compelling western masterpiece aside until the final sentence has been absorbed!!!😃
March 23, 2021
A new kind of hero
Well, after reading most of Mr. Lane's books, I'm just a walking source of historical information on the old west! I fact check lots of the info and find it accurate.
This time our hero embraces the principles of the honorable cowboys, but is a mule-skinner. I knew nothing about the old freighting business in the west. It was just as dangerous as it was for the stage coach transporters, maybe more so.
One of the common themes is that of the fate of orphans in those days. Johnny was an orphan at 12, but was pretty independent and used to hard work. For these reasons, good men mentored him. His hobby was reading, so he was educated way beyond a typical kid his age.
I used 4 stars b/c I have 3 daughters and the last chapter was difficult to accept. That being said, the man had 4 years to adjust and his reason had been based on pride and prejudice. SO..... maybe I should give it 4.5. 😎
Well, after reading most of Mr. Lane's books, I'm just a walking source of historical information on the old west! I fact check lots of the info and find it accurate.
This time our hero embraces the principles of the honorable cowboys, but is a mule-skinner. I knew nothing about the old freighting business in the west. It was just as dangerous as it was for the stage coach transporters, maybe more so.
One of the common themes is that of the fate of orphans in those days. Johnny was an orphan at 12, but was pretty independent and used to hard work. For these reasons, good men mentored him. His hobby was reading, so he was educated way beyond a typical kid his age.
I used 4 stars b/c I have 3 daughters and the last chapter was difficult to accept. That being said, the man had 4 years to adjust and his reason had been based on pride and prejudice. SO..... maybe I should give it 4.5. 😎
January 17, 2023
Young and children become men quickly in the west
What a wonderful and interesting story. Lane uses such wonderful men to nurture and raise young children and men into brave, honest, hardworking men. Johnny Hayes hasn’t seen his father since he was a small child and his mother dies when he is 14 of consumption. A freight teamster takes him under his wing and teaches him everything he possibly can. The story of his development from a poor lonely boy to a well-to-do business man with his own freight company is a grand adventure! His search for his dad is a great story itself. There is no limit to the growth of this self-taught young man. He studies to become a lawyer. He finds a young beautiful girl and her love is boundless. (She defies her father in a big dramatic way.) Always a happy ending!
What a wonderful and interesting story. Lane uses such wonderful men to nurture and raise young children and men into brave, honest, hardworking men. Johnny Hayes hasn’t seen his father since he was a small child and his mother dies when he is 14 of consumption. A freight teamster takes him under his wing and teaches him everything he possibly can. The story of his development from a poor lonely boy to a well-to-do business man with his own freight company is a grand adventure! His search for his dad is a great story itself. There is no limit to the growth of this self-taught young man. He studies to become a lawyer. He finds a young beautiful girl and her love is boundless. (She defies her father in a big dramatic way.) Always a happy ending!
July 11, 2025
5 STARS MULE FREIGHTERS WHEN WAGON TRAINS
5 STARS for this gritty written Western that gives a lot of information on the original mule skimmers & mule trains along with the ox trains. The young character Johnny had to find a job after his mother died from consumption. A man that owned a freight company hired him but a young late 20's or early 30 year old man with red hair named Roan took him under his wing to direct his way to go.
The storyline follows these 2 as they journey further west & become well known business owners of their community and well liked. They also hire others & help some, too.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for this gritty written Western that gives a lot of information on the original mule skimmers & mule trains along with the ox trains. The young character Johnny had to find a job after his mother died from consumption. A man that owned a freight company hired him but a young late 20's or early 30 year old man with red hair named Roan took him under his wing to direct his way to go.
The storyline follows these 2 as they journey further west & become well known business owners of their community and well liked. They also hire others & help some, too.
RECOMMENDED
March 3, 2021
Great story.
This is a wonderful story of a young boy who had become a orphan. He had some good people start him on his new path of life. With each challenge he learned from it and began on his way to a different and new life. As he faced each challenge he grew with it. He faced each new aspect of his life and grew with it . The man he grows up to be it smart determined individual using his smarts helping him self and his extended family for the better.
I am a big fan of his books some I have read more than once and enjoyed them each time.
This is a wonderful story of a young boy who had become a orphan. He had some good people start him on his new path of life. With each challenge he learned from it and began on his way to a different and new life. As he faced each challenge he grew with it. He faced each new aspect of his life and grew with it . The man he grows up to be it smart determined individual using his smarts helping him self and his extended family for the better.
I am a big fan of his books some I have read more than once and enjoyed them each time.
March 28, 2021
An outstanding Western novel.
Jonny Hayes is a well written novel that includes lots of action without the extreme violence out gratuitous sex. The story is just good fun to read and,in fact, hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Plenty of human emotion-lots of tight spots and, of course the good guy gets the girl at the end. The Epilogue is important to balance the story. I highly recommend this book.
Jonny Hayes is a well written novel that includes lots of action without the extreme violence out gratuitous sex. The story is just good fun to read and,in fact, hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Plenty of human emotion-lots of tight spots and, of course the good guy gets the girl at the end. The Epilogue is important to balance the story. I highly recommend this book.
May 23, 2021
Orphans and Love
I found this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable. What I appreciate most about RO Lane’s stories is the ability to write a memorable book without using excessive profanity and graphic sexual scenarios. That in itself is such a refreshing relief from so many authors. If you’re looking for historical stories that entertainment as well as educate you on “how it was” then you just might want to read this one and others from R O Lane.
I found this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable. What I appreciate most about RO Lane’s stories is the ability to write a memorable book without using excessive profanity and graphic sexual scenarios. That in itself is such a refreshing relief from so many authors. If you’re looking for historical stories that entertainment as well as educate you on “how it was” then you just might want to read this one and others from R O Lane.
October 11, 2024
R.O. Lane spins another wonderful young role model whose strong character and enduring morals sets a powerful example for young people today. I also found the women characters of great substance here. Enjoyed learning a little Spanish thru some of the dialogue Lane constructs in these stories. Glad to see people other than Anglos are represented in this frontier lore. Many people don't realize how diverse the frontier demographic really was. Cheers! PKB
March 5, 2025
Great story
Lane has a great knack for incorporating solid biblical principles in everyday life within his stories. There's plenty of bravery, strong character, and honor by the heroes and heroine. Guess this touches all the emotions I consider important in my life. And yes, there's satisfying resolution of romance that will make you hold your breath to the end. Satisfying, fun read.
Lane has a great knack for incorporating solid biblical principles in everyday life within his stories. There's plenty of bravery, strong character, and honor by the heroes and heroine. Guess this touches all the emotions I consider important in my life. And yes, there's satisfying resolution of romance that will make you hold your breath to the end. Satisfying, fun read.
December 20, 2025
By far, the best book I've read in a long time.
I am a seventy seven year old retired female teacher of nursing and health, and business.
I find Mr. Lane's books true according to that era.
His books are well written, and well worth more than he charges, although it fits my budget as a retired person.
I have read many of his books, and in my older age, have discovered that I really love westerns, rather than just a simple romance.
Thanks again for the great read!
I am a seventy seven year old retired female teacher of nursing and health, and business.
I find Mr. Lane's books true according to that era.
His books are well written, and well worth more than he charges, although it fits my budget as a retired person.
I have read many of his books, and in my older age, have discovered that I really love westerns, rather than just a simple romance.
Thanks again for the great read!
March 7, 2021
Another great western
Lane has written another great story! I check often to see if he has another book published because I enjoy his books so much. This one has less violence but warm, caring, and compassionate characters. As always, a love story is woven into the mix. I am looking forward to the next book.
Lane has written another great story! I check often to see if he has another book published because I enjoy his books so much. This one has less violence but warm, caring, and compassionate characters. As always, a love story is woven into the mix. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 12, 2021
Another great western book and character that will not let you out the book down.
Mr. Lane, I am no longer surprised when I pick up one of your books. Your story line and western characters and western settings are so well matched , that after 10 or 15 pages you are hooked and cannot stop reading until the end. Which makes you crave for more. Thank you , and please keep writing.
Mr. Lane, I am no longer surprised when I pick up one of your books. Your story line and western characters and western settings are so well matched , that after 10 or 15 pages you are hooked and cannot stop reading until the end. Which makes you crave for more. Thank you , and please keep writing.
March 21, 2021
Great story
This is probably my favorite R. O. Lane book. I usually don't write reviews because I read 30 to 40 books a month. If I happen to comment on a book it's because it is special. The author put a lot research and time into writing this story. He did an excellent job. I will refer this to my friends who are also avid readers. VERY WELL DONE!
This is probably my favorite R. O. Lane book. I usually don't write reviews because I read 30 to 40 books a month. If I happen to comment on a book it's because it is special. The author put a lot research and time into writing this story. He did an excellent job. I will refer this to my friends who are also avid readers. VERY WELL DONE!
March 24, 2021
Better and better
I have read most of mr. lane’s westerns and have enjoyed each one more than the last one i had read. They are just hearting warming, family enjoyment. I enjoy reading about the guns that are used during the time period, so that I can imagine life as it was then, hard and challenging.
I have read most of mr. lane’s westerns and have enjoyed each one more than the last one i had read. They are just hearting warming, family enjoyment. I enjoy reading about the guns that are used during the time period, so that I can imagine life as it was then, hard and challenging.
May 28, 2021
ANother fine read
RO Lane is a gifted story teller. This story is historically accurate in time and places. It is also a very good tale of a hard beginning for a young man. A few good samaritans along his path. And ends... well you’ll just have to read it. Well written and great story.
Thanks
Mr Lane
RO Lane is a gifted story teller. This story is historically accurate in time and places. It is also a very good tale of a hard beginning for a young man. A few good samaritans along his path. And ends... well you’ll just have to read it. Well written and great story.
Thanks
Mr Lane
December 6, 2021
Johnny Hayes: action and love, clean and worth reading twice
I chose 5 stars because this book reflects the real world with continuous action and thoroughly developed characters.Enough action is there for the most die-hard western fan and just enough romance for the most tender-hearted reader. R. O. Lane is my favorite western writer.
I chose 5 stars because this book reflects the real world with continuous action and thoroughly developed characters.Enough action is there for the most die-hard western fan and just enough romance for the most tender-hearted reader. R. O. Lane is my favorite western writer.
January 26, 2022
Real enjoyable book.
The characters were so real, I felt like I was a member of the family. Exciting, but not graphic. I am elderly so I don't like too much reality. This was just perfect. Thank you in advance for those I will read now that I know what an interesting author you are!
The characters were so real, I felt like I was a member of the family. Exciting, but not graphic. I am elderly so I don't like too much reality. This was just perfect. Thank you in advance for those I will read now that I know what an interesting author you are!
July 12, 2022
Fantastic
Absolutely loved it amazing coming of Age story set in the Southwest . I loved the cast of characters so far I have loved all of this author's stories my only gripe about this book was that it was too short but for some people that might be a plus I wanted to spend more time with the characters. If you want to quick and sweet read can't go wrong with this.
Absolutely loved it amazing coming of Age story set in the Southwest . I loved the cast of characters so far I have loved all of this author's stories my only gripe about this book was that it was too short but for some people that might be a plus I wanted to spend more time with the characters. If you want to quick and sweet read can't go wrong with this.
May 11, 2024
Review of Johnny Hayes, a different kind of western novel
Mr Lane,
Loved your book, Johnny Hayes. It was very entertaining, and moving. The characters were well developed and likable. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unusual western stories.
Sincerely, Tim Liptow
Mr Lane,
Loved your book, Johnny Hayes. It was very entertaining, and moving. The characters were well developed and likable. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unusual western stories.
Sincerely, Tim Liptow
March 3, 2021
Great as usual.
Each month I impatiently await a new story from RO Lane. I am never disappointed when it finally hits the market. The hero always wins both the girl and his situation.
Each month I impatiently await a new story from RO Lane. I am never disappointed when it finally hits the market. The hero always wins both the girl and his situation.
March 7, 2021
5 Stars
R.O. Lane is one of the best western writers around I always enjoy his books. Johnny Hayes is orphaned at the age of 12. Even though he's young a freight owner hires him. Roon, a freight driver teaches him how to be a mule skinner and his adventures start.
R.O. Lane is one of the best western writers around I always enjoy his books. Johnny Hayes is orphaned at the age of 12. Even though he's young a freight owner hires him. Roon, a freight driver teaches him how to be a mule skinner and his adventures start.
March 9, 2021
Another Wonderful Tale
My reviews of Mr. Lane's novels are becoming redundant. I think if I found his shopping list I would give it 5 stars. I look forward to every new story, and I have loved them all.
My reviews of Mr. Lane's novels are becoming redundant. I think if I found his shopping list I would give it 5 stars. I look forward to every new story, and I have loved them all.
March 20, 2021
Please read below.......
This may be the best R O Lane book I have read....not sure. I have read all books you have written, except Muddy Tilghman and Navsarro, they are next. I hope you and yours are happy and well. Take care. Gary Tripp
This may be the best R O Lane book I have read....not sure. I have read all books you have written, except Muddy Tilghman and Navsarro, they are next. I hope you and yours are happy and well. Take care. Gary Tripp
March 21, 2021
AWESOME
This was an awesome story, I couldn't put it down!! Thank you, Mr Lane, for a clean tale of love, heartbreak and honesty in dealing with life! Please keep giving us books like yours to enjoy! God bless you!
This was an awesome story, I couldn't put it down!! Thank you, Mr Lane, for a clean tale of love, heartbreak and honesty in dealing with life! Please keep giving us books like yours to enjoy! God bless you!
March 22, 2021
Another wonderful story by Mr. Lane.
I have read all of R.O. Lanes books and all of them have been wonderful, but this book was exceptional. The story was powerful and gripping. A must read, you will not be disappointed.
I have read all of R.O. Lanes books and all of them have been wonderful, but this book was exceptional. The story was powerful and gripping. A must read, you will not be disappointed.
April 8, 2021
Really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this story. I’ve enjoyed all you books but this one was different (in a good way)
I was moved by the situations and solutions that was this story! The ending was awesome and heartfelt.
Thanks for the story.
I really enjoyed this story. I’ve enjoyed all you books but this one was different (in a good way)
I was moved by the situations and solutions that was this story! The ending was awesome and heartfelt.
Thanks for the story.
April 27, 2021
Another masterpiece
Johnny Hayes is a wonderful story of a boy who lost his mom at 12 and has to grow up fast. He has no-one to take care of him so he goes to work for a teamster driving wagons. He learns a job, makes friends and to be a man. Excellent story and characters.
Johnny Hayes is a wonderful story of a boy who lost his mom at 12 and has to grow up fast. He has no-one to take care of him so he goes to work for a teamster driving wagons. He learns a job, makes friends and to be a man. Excellent story and characters.
May 6, 2021
If you like cowboys
Read his books. My review, read the book. Very enjoyable. If you want to know what color his trigger is and who made his scarf. Read the other guys. If you want a good story told well read the book.
Read his books. My review, read the book. Very enjoyable. If you want to know what color his trigger is and who made his scarf. Read the other guys. If you want a good story told well read the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews