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Coldsmith
From the bestselling author of Old Dogs and Grit comes the page-turning Western novel, Coldsmith!After years of running away from a tragic past, featuring detours as a soldier, cowhand, and deputy sheriff, Rance Coldsmith hoped to make a new life as a “cowman” with a small ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills. On a late summer evening in 1877, as he decides to investigate the smoke plumes rising from a neighboring farm, his life will change forever.Treacherous snowstorms, countless cattle rustlers, and a notorious Texas rancher looking to make a new fortune in the Sandhills all stand in the way of Rance living a quiet life as a cowman and—sooner than he expected—family man.Overflowing with frontier adventure, as Rance takes up the badge again, Ron Schwab’s latest novel is a captivating Western you won’t soon forget!
- GenresWesterns
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2021
319 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Ron Schwab
47 books192 followersRon Schwab is the author of the popular Western series, The Law Wranglers, The Coyote Saga, and The Lockes, as well as several standalone novels, including Grit, a winner of the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best Western Novel, and Cut Nose, a finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Western Historical Novel. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 10, 2025
A SIMPLE MAN WHO JUST WANTS TO BE A COWMAN, HUSBAND, & FATHER STANDS UP FOR JUSTICE IN NEBRASKA
If you haven't taken the time to read any of Ron Schwab's works, this book is a great one to start out with. Coldsmith by Ron Schwab is the story of a man who just wants to live the simple life of a cowman in Custer County, Nebraska. The storyline takes place between 1877 and 1879 in the ranching area just outside North Platte, Nebraska.
The main character is a man named Rance Coldsmith, whose life has been nothing but easy. He's lost is wife and two children, served years in the Army during the Civil War, worked as a cowhand for years, and even worked as a Deputy Sheriff for a stint before purchasing a small ranch and starting his own herd. He's found and built a new family with a loving lady with two children who lost everything before being taken in by Rance with no strings attached, just being friendly and neighborly.
Rance is a true fictional hero of the west who is honest to a fault, loyal to his family, friends, neighbors, and community. He's a loving husband, father, and respected by not only his family and friends but even those you would call his enemies.
Even though this story is fictional, it's based on facts during this time period, and some of the characters in these pages are a true part of the history in Nebraska.
The characters are clearly defined and you will find yourself glued to the story routing for Rance, Lisbeth, Johnny Whitehorse, Ben, Tillie, and all the rest of the good guys and cheering when justice is served to the bad guys.
I have not read all of Ron Schwab's works, but I have yet to read anything his has written, which I did not like. If you are into a great book, heroes with morals, and a family setting where they truly love and respect each other, this book and the ones I have read so far are for you. You will not be disappointed when you are finished with each book or books in the series.
Quotes:
"Was there a point at which the power that accompanied such wealth inevitably corrupted the holder of such influence?"
"Was it possible not to succumb to the temptations offered by power?"
"A mob has many heads but no brains."
"You're old enough to know that if you stamp a critter with a name, you're done for it."
The critter is yours and your responsibility.
Referring to naming a stray dog.
If you haven't taken the time to read any of Ron Schwab's works, this book is a great one to start out with. Coldsmith by Ron Schwab is the story of a man who just wants to live the simple life of a cowman in Custer County, Nebraska. The storyline takes place between 1877 and 1879 in the ranching area just outside North Platte, Nebraska.
The main character is a man named Rance Coldsmith, whose life has been nothing but easy. He's lost is wife and two children, served years in the Army during the Civil War, worked as a cowhand for years, and even worked as a Deputy Sheriff for a stint before purchasing a small ranch and starting his own herd. He's found and built a new family with a loving lady with two children who lost everything before being taken in by Rance with no strings attached, just being friendly and neighborly.
Rance is a true fictional hero of the west who is honest to a fault, loyal to his family, friends, neighbors, and community. He's a loving husband, father, and respected by not only his family and friends but even those you would call his enemies.
Even though this story is fictional, it's based on facts during this time period, and some of the characters in these pages are a true part of the history in Nebraska.
The characters are clearly defined and you will find yourself glued to the story routing for Rance, Lisbeth, Johnny Whitehorse, Ben, Tillie, and all the rest of the good guys and cheering when justice is served to the bad guys.
I have not read all of Ron Schwab's works, but I have yet to read anything his has written, which I did not like. If you are into a great book, heroes with morals, and a family setting where they truly love and respect each other, this book and the ones I have read so far are for you. You will not be disappointed when you are finished with each book or books in the series.
Quotes:
"Was there a point at which the power that accompanied such wealth inevitably corrupted the holder of such influence?"
"Was it possible not to succumb to the temptations offered by power?"
"A mob has many heads but no brains."
"You're old enough to know that if you stamp a critter with a name, you're done for it."
The critter is yours and your responsibility.
Referring to naming a stray dog.
June 18, 2024
The Law🐺💪🗡🔫🐎 and Mrs Baker💃
ADULT Historical Western Adventure🐺💪🗡🔫🐎 and Romance💕 based on true events in the late 1870's
Rance, Former Lawyer turned Rancher🐺💪🗡🔫🐎, living in the remote Nebraska Sand Hills, finds his neighbor murdered and his soddy burned. His wife and two children survive. Rance🐺💪🗡🔫🐎 takes them in.
His quest for justice leads him to become a deputy sheriff. This leads to his discovery of a rustling and murder ring.
Great reading for ADULT Western fans.
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited.
ADULT Historical Western Adventure🐺💪🗡🔫🐎 and Romance💕 based on true events in the late 1870's
Rance, Former Lawyer turned Rancher🐺💪🗡🔫🐎, living in the remote Nebraska Sand Hills, finds his neighbor murdered and his soddy burned. His wife and two children survive. Rance🐺💪🗡🔫🐎 takes them in.
His quest for justice leads him to become a deputy sheriff. This leads to his discovery of a rustling and murder ring.
Great reading for ADULT Western fans.
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited.
September 16, 2021
One of the most intriguing western masterpiece I have had the opportunity to read! Dance is unsurpassed in his descriptive renditions of calming the misdeeds committed by a wealthy Rancher, who is very vindictive in his efforts to control the entire area!
Most definitely five stars worthy, as Mr. Schwab, once again, proves to be worthy of the accolades he has enjoyed over there for his outstandingly descriptive renditions of realistic old American western folklore adventures! His new character, Rance, certainly will appease anyone's desired expectations, as he goes above and beyond in his efforts to bring justice to those responsible for their own misdeeds!
Outstanding storylines throughout this compelling story, as Dance is called upon to assist the local Sheriff in pursuing those responsible for their killings! Too, the Author's outstandingly descriptive character selections were unsurpassed in their commanding assignments from beginning to end! Very heartwarming episodes throughout this compelling story, with plenty of ongoing family entertaining revelations throughout the entire series of ongoing western adventures!
Most definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers, even you non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely mesmerized from cover to cover! No slow downs throughout the entire success story! So, grab a copy and get ready to enjoy the ride along with Rance, his new family, as well as his friends, as they continuously pursue the bad guys!!!😃
Most definitely five stars worthy, as Mr. Schwab, once again, proves to be worthy of the accolades he has enjoyed over there for his outstandingly descriptive renditions of realistic old American western folklore adventures! His new character, Rance, certainly will appease anyone's desired expectations, as he goes above and beyond in his efforts to bring justice to those responsible for their own misdeeds!
Outstanding storylines throughout this compelling story, as Dance is called upon to assist the local Sheriff in pursuing those responsible for their killings! Too, the Author's outstandingly descriptive character selections were unsurpassed in their commanding assignments from beginning to end! Very heartwarming episodes throughout this compelling story, with plenty of ongoing family entertaining revelations throughout the entire series of ongoing western adventures!
Most definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers, even you non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely mesmerized from cover to cover! No slow downs throughout the entire success story! So, grab a copy and get ready to enjoy the ride along with Rance, his new family, as well as his friends, as they continuously pursue the bad guys!!!😃
November 10, 2021
Loved this story. Most of my maternal and paternal family history comes from my Nebraska roots. My second-great-grandparents, George and Minnie Hirsch (spelling changed around the 1880s to Hersh) homesteaded near Broken Bow, NE. My Great-grandparents George Jr. and Cloy also had a homestead near the Sand Hills. My grandfather Norval Hersh and his three brothers were born there. Their mother was forced to take care of the boys and the ranch without a husband through a divorce. She eventually remarried and became Great-grandmother Snyder. She lived to 96 years old when she passed away in Omaha. My paternal second-great grandparents had a farm near Plum Creek where my paternal Grandfather Wilis Barber was born to Lorena May Michell (Barber) and Arron Barber. My Plum Creek Great-Grandfather was Luther Mitchell. My Great-grandfather Aaron Barber worked as a deputy sheriff in Hastings, NE for a bit. I Loved the stories I grew up hearing from my grandparents. Loved this story. Thank you. My wife, who I met in California has deep family roots in Nebraska and Iowa. Her Great-grandfather George Deeds opened the first automobile dealership in Omaha, according to his obituary.
September 23, 2021
Good tale, Well told.
Rance Coldsmith shelters a woman and her two children when her abusive husband is killed and their home burned down. Living in a sod house is tight, but the arrangement works, and soon the two children come to adore Rance. In the meantime a nasty cattle rustler has been driven out of Texas and moves to a ranch nearby. The local sheriff asks Rance to become a deputy sheriff to keep an eye on the newcomer. Needing the extra money, Rance accepts, and then the story takes off. This is one of those "can't wait to pick it up to see what happens next" tales.
Rance Coldsmith shelters a woman and her two children when her abusive husband is killed and their home burned down. Living in a sod house is tight, but the arrangement works, and soon the two children come to adore Rance. In the meantime a nasty cattle rustler has been driven out of Texas and moves to a ranch nearby. The local sheriff asks Rance to become a deputy sheriff to keep an eye on the newcomer. Needing the extra money, Rance accepts, and then the story takes off. This is one of those "can't wait to pick it up to see what happens next" tales.
November 1, 2021
A good read
I'm not really one for Westerns, but this book was enticing. It didn't glorify either the lawman or the villain, but presented "just the facts ma'am". The style of writing was concise and seemed to fit the characters; not a lot of detail, just enough to get the point across, just as the characters would have been themselves. I've known people like that. No fuss. No bother, just get the job done, and that's how this story went. No unnecessary drama, just got the job done. A refreshing read.
I'm not really one for Westerns, but this book was enticing. It didn't glorify either the lawman or the villain, but presented "just the facts ma'am". The style of writing was concise and seemed to fit the characters; not a lot of detail, just enough to get the point across, just as the characters would have been themselves. I've known people like that. No fuss. No bother, just get the job done, and that's how this story went. No unnecessary drama, just got the job done. A refreshing read.
December 19, 2022
A great western set in the late 1800's
Ranch Coldsmith, after several career and location changes, loved his life as a cowman in the Nebraska sand hills. Lisbeth Baker is suddenly the widow of a cruel husband, left with two children to raise with a burned home and broke after being robbed and raped by the men that killed her husband. Rance was willing to help get her resettled elsewhere, but Lisbeth wants to stay and start over in her own. The struggle for Rance is crooked cattleman Print Olive and Lisbeth's desire to never trust another man.
Ranch Coldsmith, after several career and location changes, loved his life as a cowman in the Nebraska sand hills. Lisbeth Baker is suddenly the widow of a cruel husband, left with two children to raise with a burned home and broke after being robbed and raped by the men that killed her husband. Rance was willing to help get her resettled elsewhere, but Lisbeth wants to stay and start over in her own. The struggle for Rance is crooked cattleman Print Olive and Lisbeth's desire to never trust another man.
September 5, 2021
Another great story
Liked the development of the characters and the idea a deputy sheriff would actually like to have a family rather than the continuous chasing of bad guys. Rance and Lisbeth were realistic people for this time period. People did many things to survive and this was an original story line. I have read all of Ron Schab’s books. If you haven’t read Law Wranglers do. All his books are enjoyable reads.
Liked the development of the characters and the idea a deputy sheriff would actually like to have a family rather than the continuous chasing of bad guys. Rance and Lisbeth were realistic people for this time period. People did many things to survive and this was an original story line. I have read all of Ron Schab’s books. If you haven’t read Law Wranglers do. All his books are enjoyable reads.
October 11, 2021
Another Excellent Western🌟🌟
Mr Schwab has produced another terrific story with numerous interesting characters and panoramic landscape descriptions. There is plenty of action, murder, and mayhem, but it's the love story that is the backbone of this novel. The development of the relationship between Lisbeth and Rance is paced perfectly and always integral to the storyline. I've read all of his novels and am never disappointed. I look forward to many more!🤗
Mr Schwab has produced another terrific story with numerous interesting characters and panoramic landscape descriptions. There is plenty of action, murder, and mayhem, but it's the love story that is the backbone of this novel. The development of the relationship between Lisbeth and Rance is paced perfectly and always integral to the storyline. I've read all of his novels and am never disappointed. I look forward to many more!🤗
March 9, 2022
The man is an author!
Ron Schwab did it again! I liked this book because it has everything I like in a story. The hero, Rance Coldsmith, doesn't profess to be a gunslinger but he handles himself well. The heroine, Lisbeth(I forgot her last name already) is married to a bum and has two children. She goes through some tough times before being saved by Rance . The rest you will have to read the book to know how it all came out. Don't pass this book up it is a good one.
Ron Schwab did it again! I liked this book because it has everything I like in a story. The hero, Rance Coldsmith, doesn't profess to be a gunslinger but he handles himself well. The heroine, Lisbeth(I forgot her last name already) is married to a bum and has two children. She goes through some tough times before being saved by Rance . The rest you will have to read the book to know how it all came out. Don't pass this book up it is a good one.
January 5, 2023
Excellent tale
Accidentally purchased this book a second time….so knowing how good Ron Schwabs books are I have read it again. I thought I had actually stumbled upon one of his books I hadn’t read yet, but apparently I have read them all, so hopefully he is working on a new adventure for his readers. If you enjoy a good, well written western I highly recommend any of his, you won’t be disappointed.
Accidentally purchased this book a second time….so knowing how good Ron Schwabs books are I have read it again. I thought I had actually stumbled upon one of his books I hadn’t read yet, but apparently I have read them all, so hopefully he is working on a new adventure for his readers. If you enjoy a good, well written western I highly recommend any of his, you won’t be disappointed.
November 20, 2025
Coldsmith
What a great story of strong character, integrity and honesty. Justice is only served when those enforcing and leading are people of character, honesty, integrity, trustworthy and reverent. Knowledge of the law and the processes will often inspire others to be better but not always. It seems that some are able to skirt prosecution through often immoral and unethical practices.
What a great story of strong character, integrity and honesty. Justice is only served when those enforcing and leading are people of character, honesty, integrity, trustworthy and reverent. Knowledge of the law and the processes will often inspire others to be better but not always. It seems that some are able to skirt prosecution through often immoral and unethical practices.
September 14, 2021
A roll model
A very well written western with a love story thrown in. Lots of bad guys it they couldn't compete with the good guys. I like this authors style. He has written a story of fiction based on actual people. You don't find out about the history until after the end and read the author's notes. Thanks for all the entertainment. Will be looking for more from this author.
A very well written western with a love story thrown in. Lots of bad guys it they couldn't compete with the good guys. I like this authors style. He has written a story of fiction based on actual people. You don't find out about the history until after the end and read the author's notes. Thanks for all the entertainment. Will be looking for more from this author.
September 25, 2021
Rance Coldsmith - A Western Hero
This was my first book from Ron Schwab and I've got to admit I was very impressed! He writes a truly great western. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of his work. I would highly recommend this novel! If you like westerns with action, suspense and just a touch of romance, you'll love this book!
This was my first book from Ron Schwab and I've got to admit I was very impressed! He writes a truly great western. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of his work. I would highly recommend this novel! If you like westerns with action, suspense and just a touch of romance, you'll love this book!
January 14, 2024
Very good book to read
Some of the language could have been clean up, never could understand why foul language has been deemed necessary in a lot of good books I have read.
I will pass these book on to my friends because the story line is great which makes it a good read that is why I gave it 5 stars.
Some of the language could have been clean up, never could understand why foul language has been deemed necessary in a lot of good books I have read.
I will pass these book on to my friends because the story line is great which makes it a good read that is why I gave it 5 stars.
June 9, 2025
Better than some of the authors books!
The author needs to work on his endings. They seem to end very quick and awkwardly. I have wondered if the author just gets tired of his story and ends very quickly or if he is in a hurry to get the book posted for sale. Some of his books are better than others. The character development was better in this book.
The author needs to work on his endings. They seem to end very quick and awkwardly. I have wondered if the author just gets tired of his story and ends very quickly or if he is in a hurry to get the book posted for sale. Some of his books are better than others. The character development was better in this book.
September 5, 2021
Typical Schwab
As always, a great story. Most western novels are only about six guns and revenge - good and evil. Ron always gives a great story about people in that culture. Fun to read . .
As always, a great story. Most western novels are only about six guns and revenge - good and evil. Ron always gives a great story about people in that culture. Fun to read . .
September 19, 2021
Coldsmith
This was an excellent book with great storyline. It started with really horrendous rape and murder and ended with a really good marriage family and a good future for others involved. I enjoyed the book. Immensely!
This was an excellent book with great storyline. It started with really horrendous rape and murder and ended with a really good marriage family and a good future for others involved. I enjoyed the book. Immensely!
September 22, 2021
Wonderfully written Western that I didn't want to end!
From one of the best Western writers of our time, comes a new set of characters. One of Ron Schwab's best. I didn't want this one to end. So well written,, I felt like I was there.
From one of the best Western writers of our time, comes a new set of characters. One of Ron Schwab's best. I didn't want this one to end. So well written,, I felt like I was there.
October 8, 2021
The evil will answer for their actions
Interesting that a man as evil was not found responsible for his actions that involved so many evil acts.
True he would answer in his after life.
Interesting that a man as evil was not found responsible for his actions that involved so many evil acts.
True he would answer in his after life.
October 18, 2021
Standard western fare
I swear, 90% of westerns should be in the romance section. It's always obvious from the time u meet the main character and the 1st woman who appears in distress, that they'll hook up.
I swear, 90% of westerns should be in the romance section. It's always obvious from the time u meet the main character and the 1st woman who appears in distress, that they'll hook up.
December 5, 2021
Great tale
I throughly enjoyed this story with all it's twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. The author writes with enough description to put you into the action. Looks like I found another author to follow.
I throughly enjoyed this story with all it's twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. The author writes with enough description to put you into the action. Looks like I found another author to follow.
December 29, 2021
Great Story Telling
It felt like I was in a Western, and that’s hard for some Authors to do. I loved the plot. I loved the characters. And I loved the scene settings; but felt that they could have been enhanced a little. Have read, and will read more by Ron Schwab.
It felt like I was in a Western, and that’s hard for some Authors to do. I loved the plot. I loved the characters. And I loved the scene settings; but felt that they could have been enhanced a little. Have read, and will read more by Ron Schwab.
January 2, 2022
Surprising Down To Earth and We'll Written !
If you want to really learn about how the late fronting people had to put up with, please read this well written novel, by Ron Schwab. This is the second time I have read this novel, and enjoyed it as much. Bob T
If you want to really learn about how the late fronting people had to put up with, please read this well written novel, by Ron Schwab. This is the second time I have read this novel, and enjoyed it as much. Bob T
March 28, 2022
Great western story
This story had everything...surprise, sadness, drama, hope and love. Definitely recommend to all those who really like westerns. Hope to read more by this author.
This story had everything...surprise, sadness, drama, hope and love. Definitely recommend to all those who really like westerns. Hope to read more by this author.
May 3, 2022
The author is a great storyteller!
Loved this book! Makes you feel like you're riding right beside them and hearing the gun shots! Loved how there was a nice romance story in with the book too!
Loved this book! Makes you feel like you're riding right beside them and hearing the gun shots! Loved how there was a nice romance story in with the book too!
October 8, 2023
The more I read the better I like them.
I think any good author portrays a lot of himself in how he depicts his characters. I really do enjoy Mr. Schwab’s classic way he portrays the west and his keen insights into human nature.
I think any good author portrays a lot of himself in how he depicts his characters. I really do enjoy Mr. Schwab’s classic way he portrays the west and his keen insights into human nature.
November 30, 2023
Most excellent
I'm always surprised to find an author as good as Ron. Extremely well written. Real pleasure to read his books. Very realistic life stories of the west. Thank you!
Rock on!
I'm always surprised to find an author as good as Ron. Extremely well written. Real pleasure to read his books. Very realistic life stories of the west. Thank you!
Rock on!
January 14, 2024
Ring of Truth
While reading this story, I found myself thinking, "This has the ring of truth." Was I surprised when I started looking up characters! While the story is fiction, it is solidly based on real characters and their lives. I really liked that.
While reading this story, I found myself thinking, "This has the ring of truth." Was I surprised when I started looking up characters! While the story is fiction, it is solidly based on real characters and their lives. I really liked that.
January 19, 2024
Another excellent Schwab read
This is another really good, well written, fast moving story. The characters are well developed and seem very real. Highly recommend. Done for now. Looking for another.
This is another really good, well written, fast moving story. The characters are well developed and seem very real. Highly recommend. Done for now. Looking for another.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews