Calder Grit: A Sweeping Historical Ranching Dynasty Novel

Calder Brand #2

by Janet Dailey

Centered on a ruthless family that rivals the Duttons on the hit TV show Yellowstone, the drama of the powerful Calder clan continues to rage in 1909 Montana.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Western Romance

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Historical Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Calder Brand series. This book takes place in Montana in the 1900s when people where just starting to settle in the west. When life was hard and not fun. I think this book shows how hard the times was. This book is all about cattlemen vs. farmers war. The characters I feel in love with. We get the story from the eyes of both a farmer and a cattlemen. There is suspense and romance in this book with I really enjoyed. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Janet Dailey) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: The Calder Brand #2.
Author: Janet Dailey*
Genre: Western Romance.
Publisher: Kensington.
Release Date: February 22, 2022.
Format: Kindle (read) & Hardcover.
Pages: 297.
Source: NetGalley.
Cover: Not a fan. A thumbs down. Bland. The cover does not convey whether the book is contemporary or historical. Believe that the author’s well-known name will catch a reader’s eye.

The year is 1909; the location is Montana (which has been a state for 20 years). Janet Dailey’s readers are familiar with the surname Calder. The setting is two Dollarhide brothers, same father, different mothers. Cattle are the main “crop” in fictitious Blue Moon, Montana. Until emigrant farmers began homesteading. The ranchers are unhappy. One family, in particular the Anderson’s, are poor but determined to create a farm that will one day be run by their son.

Blake Dollarhide runs the Blue Moon sawmill; his half-brother supposedly is a rancher, but Mason is a spoiled rotten brat who does what he wants. Handsome and smooth-talking, Hanna, the oldest Anderson daughter, is enamored by his sweet talk and sadly finds out too late the kind of man Mason really is.

There are two plots that run through Calder Grit: 1) the pitting of rancher vs. homesteader (called "honyockers") and 2) Blake Dollarhide who marries Hanna to give the child a name as well as protection. Add in an oily banker, Mason’s vicious mother, and a gang of troublemakers. Take note that the Calders are not mentioned.
--------------
Calder Grit should be called “Dollarhide Grit“. The Calders play a low role in this book; the Dollarhide family shines. Without them, there would be no book. The romance between Blake and Hanna is sweet and nicely done. The actions of the side characters are important to the story. The two plots are balanced and interwoven; the pacing is good. It’s a nice read.

Having read several of Janet Dailey’s “Calder” books some years ago including those with Chase Benteen Calder, the patriarch, I found the actions of these same Calders to not fit the tough Calder family. However, if you enjoy “chick-lit” stories, you will like Calder Grit.

HOWEVER, I can only give the book three stars due to the above statement and the book isn’t about the Calders but the Dollarhides.

#CalderGrit #NetGalley #JanetDailey

* Janet Dailey was a prolific author who died in 2013 at age 69. Authors make comprehensive notes about plots and characters, especially on “families” like the Calders. The Dailey family, working with an associate of Janet Dailey, has completed novels such as this one based on her notes.

[Stacy Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we could give 1/2 stars because I would give this book 4.5 stars!!!

I am not a big romance fan but I do love historical fiction. I read the synopsis of the book and it sounded interesting...and boy it did not disappoint. It says it's a Romeo and Juliet mixed with Legends of the Falls but for all you Yellowstone fans out there, to me had very much a Yellowstone/1883 vibe.

The book is set back in the early 1900's when 2nd generation cattle ranchers are starting to take the reins and imigrants (homesteaders) start purchasing land for wheat crops. There is a line drawn in the sand between the homesteaders and the cattle ranchers.

Blake Dollarhide is from a well established ranch family and owner of the lumber mill in town. His half brother Mason is spoiled and the two brothers don't see eye to eye. Blake is very honorable and doesn't mind the imigrants moving in because he knows change is good and it is also making his business flourish. Mason only cares about one thing...himself...and doesn't care who he hurts in the process.

When Mason uses a pretty young imigrant girl to satisfy his needs, he gets her pregnant then doesn't take responsibility for his actions. Blake steps in and does the honorable thing to take care of Hanna Anderson (the homesteader) and her unborn child.

Hanna Anderson didn't want to just be married off which was tradition. She wanted to marry for love. She thought Mason cared for her like she cared for him. Not when she is with child Mason does not take responsibility. Blake marries her to giver her child the Dollarhide name but it is a marriage of convience....not love...which is what she has always dreamed of. But she can no longer think of herself, she needs to think of her unborn child.

Tensions are mounting between the ranchers and the homesteaders. Since marrying a homesteader, Blake Dollarhide is now caught in the crossfires. How many lives will be lost before the ranchers and homesteaders can co-exist? Will this strain the marriage between Blake and Hanna? Will Blake ever be able to accept the unborn child as his own?

Full disclosure...I received an advanced copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways and Kensington Publishing Corp. The only thing they asked of me was for a honest review. When I originally signed up for the giveaway I did not realize it was book 2. I ordered Calder Brand and read that 1st and enjoyed that just as much. Although I do believe you could read Calder Grit as a stand alone...reading Calder Brand 1st made it easier to follow the characters and the history between the characters.

I have not read any books by this author before, however, after Calder Brand and Calder Grit and would definitely try some of her other books.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calders are well known to Janet Dailey fans and so I'm sure that's why they dominate the title. However, in this story they are minor characters. Blake Dollarhide,and his family are the focus of this book. When, Blake's half brother gets a local girl pregnant and leaves town, Blake steps in at his father's behest to marry Hanna Anderson’and secure the fate of his grandchild. This is a cattlemen vs. farmers story that takes place around 1900 in Montana. Even though this book was actually written by others since Janet Dailey is now deceased, it had all the great story telling of Janet's novels and I am anxious to follow this series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[LeighAnne (that.bookmom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, especially western romance so this was perfect for me! This book had hardships, family drama, love, suspense and so much more. This is my first Janet Dailey book, but I will definitely be reading more of them. I'm hoping there will be another book in this series! I am going back to read Calder Brand, Book 1 now. Fans of western romance and Janet Dailey books will definitely love this one.

Thank you Kensington Books for this ebook in exchange for an honest review! This book is out now and I recommend it.

[Janet Dailey passed away in 2013. I wish they gave credit to who the "ghost writer" is - but either way it's really good]

4.5⭐

[Betül · Rating 2 out of 5]

**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**


First of all I didn't know the author had passed away in 2013 before picking up this book, so I have no idea who actually wrote this book or if it's an old manuscript. But I liked the blurb and decided to give it a chance. I have a weakness for historical romances especially the ones involving babies/kids, so I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, I ended up not really enjoying it. I just couldn't connect to the characters and the romance was just an afterthought. I really didn't care what would happen to the characters.

Honestly, I started skimming through the pages after I was halfway done, hoping it would get more interesting. But that didn't happen. Also the title didn't fit the book at all, because neither of the main characters were related to the Calder family. I'll probably read one of Janet Dailey's earlier books just to see if I'll end up liking it. But I'll definitely stay away from the books that have been released since her death.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun Rom-com that reads quick. It was ok, I just didn't think it was that unique or special.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey brings us back to Blue Moon, Montana and the second book in her new Calder Brand series. This is a time when there is friction between those who arrived first and became cattlemen and the new homesteaders looking for a new life and new opportunities using the land for wheat. One of those newly arrived families is Hanna, her parents, and her siblings. When Blake's half brother takes advantage of Hanna and her innocence, Blake steps up to save her honor and give her unborn child a name. But as tensions rise, will Blake stand by the community he serves with his lumber mill, or will he stand with his wife? Will Blake and Hanna ever get close enough to allow love to pass through them, or will they stand back and let love pass?

Janet Dailey has brought us back to the Calders. We get to visit with those we met in the first book of this series. It is always nice to visit with past characters and catch up with them. I do look forward to meeting new people and visiting with old friends in the next book in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this privilege.

[Emily Nordskog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would maybe give Calder Grit 2.5 stars, but there were too many things I disliked to rate it any higher.

First off, the book is called Calder Grit, but the main characters are Hanna Anderson and Blake Dollarhide. There are a few Calders in the novel, but their scenes are brief and the book is NOT about them. I’m sure the publisher and ghostwriter are trying to cash in on Janet Dailey’s successful original Calder series, but Janet is gone and so is the Calder magic.

Second, every time there is an opportunity to build character depth and intimacy, the story suddenly jumps ahead weeks or months. It feels like the author wasn’t given time to fully develop the characters and their relationships with one another, so there’s no chemistry between Hanna and Blake.

Third, where is the ending?! The Calder patriarch makes a brief appearance, says that the ranchers and homesteaders need to co-exist, and suddenly we’re presented with an epilogue! The epilogue fails to provide the missing details of how the local troubles were resolved as well.

Fourth, the book summary describes Calder Grit as a Romeo and Juliet romance, but those expecting a romance will likely be disappointed. Calder Grit is more historical fiction than romance.

Fifth, the publisher should stop trying to make readers believe that Janet Dailey is still alive. Next to the copyright, it says “After the passing of Janet Dailey, the Dailey family worked with a close associate of Janet’s to continue her literary legacy, using her notes, ideas, and favorite themes to complete her novels and create new ones, inspired by the American men and women she loved to portray.” That’s fine, but then the description says the book is researched and written by a legendary NYT bestselling author. Though that could be a reference to an extraordinary ghostwriter, it really sounds like it’s referring to the listed author, Janet Dailey, who is definitely no longer writing. Plus, the quote the publisher placed on the front cover says “Dailey confirms her place as a top mega-seller.” It’s very misleading to readers.

Lastly, I just have a general question: Early in the novel, the author writes that there is an old-time accordion band playing at a dance. Should it really be called an “old-time” band in the year 1909 or just a band? What is actually considered "old" in 1909?

All in all, I would not recommend Calder Grit. You’ll be much better off choosing a novel from your ever-growing WTR list instead.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful installment, So good it’s a great read.
here is link to it on amazon https://amzn.to/3C3LpeL

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting is the summer of 1909 in Montana. Cowboy and lumber mill owner Blake Dollarhide is the main protagonist. At this point in time many "foreigners" are moving into the state to raise wheat instead of ranching. This has created resentment among the ranch owners in the area. Blake, however, sees things differently. He is trying to prevent the beginning violence between the ranch owners and the farmers. Many wheat crops have been burned and the farmers threatened to move out or expect additional harm. Meanwhile Blake has met Hanna Anderson, daughter of one of the wheat farmers. At first the relationship was completely platonic; mainly because Hanna is infatuated with Blake's half brother, Mason. The attraction between Hanna and Mason was finally consummated with the result of Hanna becoming pregnant. Mason refused to accept responsibility and left town. Blake, however, takes pity upon Hanna and agrees to Marry her to give her baby the Dollarhide name. This modern day western was predictable with no surprise endings or story line. But it did make for a nice romance story one would find on a Hallmark Chanel.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to [partners] @bibliolifestyle and @kensingtonbooks for this gifted copy.

𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖, 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝘿𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 1909 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙖, 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝘿𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖'𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.

I have to admit this is my first Janet Dailey book! But now I can see why she has such a huge and loyal fan base. With her beautiful, descriptive writing, I felt like I was swept back to the big sky of Montana in the early 1900s. I was quickly caught up in the family drama and the romance.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐭 is an emotional, romantic, and spirited saga.

[Mary]

While I normally do not read romance novels, Calder Grit captivated me from Chapter One. With stark detail, the author described life in Montanna during the early 1900s where ranchers and homesteaders clashed for the right to the land. The characters were realistically portrayed so that the reader feels they are part of the story. Emotions run high as the battle between families builds. Calder Grit had something for everyone -- romance, family, friendship, history, and suspense were all included in this powerful story. Janet Dailey's novel truly offers something for all readers.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming warming story that will melt your heart. I hated to see it end.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey never fails to deliver. She is my go-to author when I want to read something light and pleasant. I am never disappointed.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my personal review.
Calder Grit is the second book in the Calder Brand series.
This is the story about Blake Dollarhide and Hanna Anderson. This is a book filled with family, dealing with hard times as the west was being settled. As I was reading, I was able to feel the hardships some families had to make to survive.
Hanna and Blake were two people who had to make decisions that they never imagined they would make to overcome things that they had never planned.
The book is a historical romance filled with so much more.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as fun as the first one, but a fun little old west story

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing historical novel about family, love, and the trials of living in 1909 Montana. Feuds, vigilantes, and simmering to explosive revenge cross the land as one man pushes to end the range war and capture his wife’s heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my first Janet Dailey books was This Calder Range, the story of Benteen Calder, founder of the Triple C, Montana’s largest cattle ranch. Calder Grit is written by the Dailey family and a close associate of Janet’s using her notes and research to create a story that is worthy of the Calder legacy.

Honeyockers (homesteaders) are flooding the prairie around Blue Moon, planting their crops and ruining the land according to ranchers like the Calders. Blue Moon is flourishing under the growth boom but despite that, tensions are rising, and people are getting hurt.

Blake Dollarhide, owner of the town’s lumber mill, sympathizes with homesteaders. They’re only trying to do the best they can for their families. It’s no different than his rancher father or Benteen Calder did when they staked their claims on the land. But his viewpoint isn’t popular, and locals (like his half-brother, Mason) make it clear he needs to choose a side or suffer the consequences.

When Mason charms a homesteader’s daughter into losing her virginity, increasing the bad blood between the two groups, Blake steps in to offer his name in marriage to the pregnant girl, thereby changing the course of their lives.

Hanna is lonely. At least in New York the children went to school and had a social life. Here, there’s nothing but work from dawn to dusk, little to eat, and no one to flirt with. Then, at a dance held in the small town of Blue Moon, she meets Mason Dollarhide and is swept away by his charming smile and tempting lips. But when Mason tricks her into more than she’s willing to give away, it’s his brother, Blake, who does the right thing and restores her family’s honor.

Meanwhile, trouble is brewing between the ranchers and the honeyockers and if something isn’t done to stop it, lives will be lost.

I wish the Calder family played a bigger role in this story, though there are a few good scenes between Webb, the Calder heir, and the homesteaders that reminded me of the original series.

The tension is high and there were many times I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Though this isn’t written by Janet, the story carries enough of her love for these characters to make it a worthwhile read.

“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an historical romance and it turned out better than I thought it would be. There's a lot of family love in this book. I am grateful that netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Got Twins-Need Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book in the new Calder series! Book 2 is centered around the characters Blake, Hanna and a baby.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of the west and the ranches and a love story of course.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Janet Dailey's second installment in the Calder Brand Series, and while the book was lovely for it's look at historical Montana and the love story in the making, I'm not sure why it was called Calder Grit, when the Calder family is more in the background of this book. Still a great read, but I do recommend reading the first book mostly, so you know who the Calder's are and how they fit into this second novel.
'
In this book we meet Blake Dollarhide, owner of a sawmill, upstanding man of the down with familial roots. His half-brother can't claim the same regarding his character. Mason is only out for himself and uses his charm and personality to get it, and then discard it. Hannah Anderson finds this out quickly when she falls for Mason, gets pregnant and then gets forgotten.

As we watch Blake step in to save the day and her unborn baby with Hannah trying to determine how to move forward when she'd always planned on marrying for love, there's a harsh storyline happening around them.

One of the best parts of this book is watching a small part of how Montana in the 1800s started to form. The cattle ranchers which had started setting down roots a generation ago see the large amount of immigrant farmers coming into to tame their section of land, it's everyone against each other. Something that Blake, with his family of cattlemen, and Hannah, with her farmer family have to navigate to find peace. Not just with their families and towns, but with each other.

While I will admit there were parts of the store that seemed to lag for me, I did really enjoy Blake and Hannah navigating each other. And the cattlemen vs farmers storyline was very interesting! I appreciate Janet Dailey giving us a look at that world.

My opinions are my own and freely given.

[Claire Schrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished 5:14 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023
I would give it a four out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. ✨ ⭐️ spice is about a two 🌶️ 🌶️
Ps. Written with voice to type, so there is bound to be mistakes but I’m kinda too lazy right now and cold to fix them.
The author is a good writer and the love, and every part of the plot and the storyline was written very well but some of the sensitive emotional hi events are kind of short under done. I guess the sex scene was so little. I am so slow burn and let up to that it was disappointing and of course this was two instances for one of them being rape/abuse, as well as when Oliver died. It seem to be don’t know if it was needed after so much. It is patient and excitement for Alvar and Kristen that it really hurt that the author decided to kill off that particular character . It would have been nice to see Christian and Alvar as the next book even if it wasn’t possible because her going off to be come a doctor but still. There was also so much buildup and anticipation and drama about the Raiders and the hectic traumatic events that they caused to just cut off at and so quickly. It wasn’t even mentioned the details of them solving that problem. It was just at the very end said OK we solved it a year later it was solved after going through a whole book of basically having fees antagonists, causing so much pain on the community. Overall, I think it was a very good book very well written they were some short comings. But I believe I like this series much more than I would’ve the original series because it was more on the romance and the the life instead of I don’t know having from what I’ve heard from other reviews except they killed off characters are we single book that was I needed, which seem to come and remove it also be in this book, but hopefully the rest of the series is not like that and they don’t kill off characters.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After nearly 40 years readers are invited back to the early Twentieth Century and the time when Webb Calder was a young man. Though in the Calder Brand series, the focus is on the Dollarhide family, introduced as a family first in CALDER BRAND and continued here.

It is 1909 and Blake Dollarhide -- son of Joe Dollarhide -- is a young man in business for himself. He finds himself attracted to Hanna, daughter of a Swedish immigrant family that has moved to Montana to homestead land and grow wheat. Someone is stirring up trouble among the ranchers and the farmers (drylanders and honyockers is what they're called). Hanna, however, is attracted to Blake's half-brother, Mason. Mason is soon sent to St. Louis by his mother so that he can find a suitable wife, but he's left a mess that Blake feels honor bound to take care of.

Author Janet Dailey's story moves along quickly yet I found I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, though I'm afraid that may be my fault more than hers. It's the time setting of the tale that has me confused. When THIS CALDER SKY was published in 1981 it felt very contemporary. By the time THIS CALDER RANGE and STANDS A CALDER MAN were published, readers knew that THIS CALDER SKY had to have taken place a couple decades earlier, and CALDER BORN, CALDER BRED confirmed that as the story concluded for a time. The story picked up years later and continued for several more books. (I've thought about this way too much as I was reading, so you can understand why I didn't enjoy it as much.) Readers who can overlook this will still find classic Janet Dailey romance that will have them coming back for more.

I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Question: Is Blake Dollarhide’s sister Kristin or Kirstin? The middle letters were transposed numerous times.

Other than that, this was a historical romance occurring the area in Montana where the Calder ranch is located, set in 1909 when Immigrants came homesteading to grow wheat. Local ranchers resented the newcomers; they knew that once the soil was plowed and prepared for farming, the wild grasses would never reestablish themselves completely. The Anderson family, Inga, Lars, and their children, are Swedish immigrant wheat farmers living in a tarpaper house with just barely enough room for all of them to sleep. The two teenaged children, Hanna and her brother Alvar, work hard on the homestead, but both have dreams that conflict with their parents’ expectations. The Dollarhide family runs a successful ranch and the local sawmill. Blake Dollarhide tries to be Switzerland in the conflict between the ranches and farmers, but he is fond of Hanna and employs Alvar. Blake’s half brother Mason, always looking for easy money and breaking hearts, lives with his mother on her ranch, and has his eyes set on Hanna. You may be able to figure out the main plots points, but enough surprises occur to keep interest high, and the main characters evolve nicely. All in all, this is satisfying, but not compelling.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The centers around Hanna Anderson and Blake Dollarhide. This is a Historical Romantic Suspense, and Janet Dailey brings us back to Blue Moon, Montana and the second book in her new Calder Brand series, set in 1900s when people where just starting to settle in the west, life was hard and not fun showing the difficulty of a young ladies life and choices she has before her. The focus of this book is all about cattlemen vs. farmers where each wants to leave a legacy for their children. Hanna and her family newly arrive as farmers struggling to make ends meet. Blake Dollarhide runs the Blue Moon sawmill; his half-brother supposedly is a rancher, but Mason is a spoiled rotten brat who does what he wants. Handsome and smooth-talking, Hanna, the oldest Anderson daughter, is enamored by his sweet talk and sadly finds out too late the kind of man Mason really is. There was very little about the Calder family in the book so unsure why it was named Calder Grit it focuses on the Dollarhides so the name does not really fit. Romance, suspense and relatable characters made this book an enjoyable read. Well written with a good plot line.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

#CalderGrit #NetGalley #JanetDailey

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as giveaway through Goodreads.
The score is more of 3.5 than a 4 though.
I had enjoyed Janet Dailey with her original Calder books so when this came up on Goodreads I really was happy to win it and read it! This is a standalone so if you haven't read any of the Calder series you won't be lost with the characters.
Its set in the time after Benteen Calder has already established his ranch and is set more in when Wade Calder is in charge of the ranch in 1909...
It grabs you from the beginning of the book and throws you right into the midst of the immigrants of Swedes farmers homesteading to Montana against the cattlemen and their ranches and cowhands. There is a bit of roughness to the book - a lot of the romance isn't there until half way through the book more lust than romance at first.
You find out how rough it really is for both sides - there is no pulling punches here. But it was a book that I enjoyed reading and reminded me of Janet - her originals had more romance in them. The women are strong in this book - I just wished the book had been a little longer and more fleshing out of some of the characters like Kristen. Hope to see her if there is another book to be written.

[Shavona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Calder Series by Janet Dailey was one of my favorite series to read. The revival of the series is even better than the original. This is book #2 in the series. The new series is written around The Dollarhides, rivals to the Calders. They believe the only way to settle a score is through legal means. They do not back down from a fight, but they would rather find a way that all parties can agree with. Mason Dollarhide is a spoiled brat raised by his extremely rich and cut-throat mother that Joe divorced years ago. He has had everything handed to him by Amelia. Blake Dollarhide lives with his father Joe and seems to always be cleaning up the mess of his spoiled half-brother. Trying not to take sides between new homesteaders and the ranchers Blake must finally make a stand or risk losing everything important to him and his family. There is plenty of suspense, drama and romance. I am thrilled that Janet Dailey's stories will continue on with the help of her family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.