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Wagons West #10
Montana!
WAGONS WESTRugged pioneer trails led them across snowy mountain peaks to the grassy plains of big-sky country. Rich mines of fabulous gold lured dreamers and desperados to stake their claims in this lawless territory. There, brave ranchers fought for their homesteads against outlaws and Indians who tried to plunder their wealth and capture their women in the high adventure of these wild and bloody clays.MONTANA! The deep wounds of the Civil War freshly healed, America's bravest and best ride westward to unite the continent into one great nation. Toby Holt, son of the legendary wagonmaster Whip Holt, courageously accepts a presidential mandate to take the Northwest Railroad into hazardous Montana Territory. But Sioux war drums beat a dire warning to stay out of this Indian land. More deadly still, the cold-blooded Hastings 'gang is spreading a legacy of terror that threatens Toby's precious new bride, Clarissa, and his beautiful first-love, Beth Martin. Until, under Mont
354 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
5 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Dana Fuller Ross
108 books143 followersDana Fuller Ross is a pseudonym used by Noel B. Gerson and James M. Reasoner.
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 21, 2023
So on this re-read, I have to say I really feel for Beth. I wouldn't be happy if my father remarried less than a year after the death of my mother, in particular if I knew he proposed to wife number two in less than six months. Beth also seems to have had a brain transplant. And the whole idea that all she need is some hard, rough sex to get over the grief of watching her mother get wiped out by a rock slide is very, very, very sexist. Not to mention the slap scene.
And Toby is way too much like his father in how he proposes to women. On hand, sometimes the tolerance for relationships is a bit too modern.
It does do a bit better with Native Americans. Don't get me wrong, it isn't great, but it does present the various tribes as having real and true reasons in regards to be angry at settlers - and not just in terms of land stealing which is presented front and center.
I have noticed that in this book and the last one, outside of Native Americans, the authors (Dana Fuller Ross is two men) present the West as white people only. Which isn't true.
And Toby is way too much like his father in how he proposes to women. On hand, sometimes the tolerance for relationships is a bit too modern.
It does do a bit better with Native Americans. Don't get me wrong, it isn't great, but it does present the various tribes as having real and true reasons in regards to be angry at settlers - and not just in terms of land stealing which is presented front and center.
I have noticed that in this book and the last one, outside of Native Americans, the authors (Dana Fuller Ross is two men) present the West as white people only. Which isn't true.
November 14, 2017
Fast mind clearing read... still have not reached the halfway point of the series yet but still plugging along. Oh why do I get it in my head that I had to read such an obscure series (and a series out of the norm and genre that I would usually never read??). Well, this book is like the other books - expanding on the wild west and such with characters who have been there for like the last 4 books. The only real difference is that I felt really bad for the Indians in this book. Those "savages" are basically blood thirsty villains to drive the whole wild west aspect... but, in reality, they were just defending their lifestyle and such. See, I do learn some things from these...
April 11, 2012
I have always intended to read some of the books in Ross's "Wagon's West" series. I am very fond of historical fiction and eagerly bought "Montana" at a used bookstore recently.
However, after reading about 20 pages, I was horrified by this scene in which a newly married woman is upset because her husband is not passionate enough in bed. One day, he becomes upset with her and slaps her on the face. She seems actually pleased by this violence because it makes her think that he might have a passionate "side" after all.
Domestic violence is always wrong. Dana Fuller Ross must be a very disturbed person to adhere to the notion that "women find that violence can be sexually exciting."
I am a librarian and love books. I have been an avid reader since I was a small child. However, I ripped this book up and threw it in the trash where it belonged. I had no intention of passing this book along to others with its warped message.
I can guarantee that I will be boycotting Ross's books and would encourage others to do so, also.
However, after reading about 20 pages, I was horrified by this scene in which a newly married woman is upset because her husband is not passionate enough in bed. One day, he becomes upset with her and slaps her on the face. She seems actually pleased by this violence because it makes her think that he might have a passionate "side" after all.
Domestic violence is always wrong. Dana Fuller Ross must be a very disturbed person to adhere to the notion that "women find that violence can be sexually exciting."
I am a librarian and love books. I have been an avid reader since I was a small child. However, I ripped this book up and threw it in the trash where it belonged. I had no intention of passing this book along to others with its warped message.
I can guarantee that I will be boycotting Ross's books and would encourage others to do so, also.
July 11, 2017
"Montana!" is a good read. There is an adventure around every corner. The Wagons West series is now following the lives of the second generation of the pioneers who blazed a trail to the west. There is action, adventure, romance, and drama. The book is complete with Indian uprisings, ruthless gangs, damsels in distress, cavalries, danger, and triumph. I can't wait to get started on the next installment, "Dakota!".
October 11, 2020
Thought this book/series might relieve some of the restlessness of seven months of self quarantine against this COVD19. I was right. I enjoyed this book for the description and action of the early pioneers that settled our country. A short read but exciting. Whip Holt's son Toby and his friend Rob and their wives are in this exciting story of settling Montana and mapping out the path of the first trains to cross to the Pacific side. Good read. Exciting. Some romance.
December 21, 2007
May sound somewhat repetitive here but I got hooked on the first book and it was like an addiction.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
January 15, 2015
awful. no depth to the characters. predictable boring story. the bad guys are bad, the food guys are perfect. not worth the time
September 4, 2023
Making my way slowly through this series. Some nice new characters were introduced and a couple of villains from the previous book were killed off. So the western soap opera continues.
The main male character, Toby Holt is just like his father was - very heroic. Saves lives, loves his wife passionately, treats his dog very well, and becomes a mentor for young Hank Purcell. Beth on the other hand, becomes increasingly annoying. (I think she needs another slap from Rob - just kidding. I don't condone physical abuse of women. Hmm.... unless it's Ma Hastings.) Seriously though, what I think Beth REALLY needs is for Rob to give her a big "O". Anyone who has read this series will understand why I mentioned this in my review. :)
It was nice to read that Chet - who was a youngster on the original wagon train headed west and now a wealthy older man, was briefly mentioned as returning to series. But the thing that frustrated me and one reason I couldn't give the book more stars, is that Scott Foster's character (and his wife Alison) have not been heard from since the Civil War book (Nevada!). Same with Ezekiel and Patricia. Not sure if it's because I missed something in the Washington book, if the author no longer has a use for these characters, or if their lives are followed up on in a sequel book. At least with the Texas and California stories, the new characters outside of the original wagon train (both good and villainous) were given closure and/or settled in a relationship.
Overall it was a good book and I plan to continue reading the series. My goal is to get through at least book #12 before the end of the year. But for now, I need a break from western historical fiction. A nice little rom-com should do it. :)
The main male character, Toby Holt is just like his father was - very heroic. Saves lives, loves his wife passionately, treats his dog very well, and becomes a mentor for young Hank Purcell. Beth on the other hand, becomes increasingly annoying. (I think she needs another slap from Rob - just kidding. I don't condone physical abuse of women. Hmm.... unless it's Ma Hastings.) Seriously though, what I think Beth REALLY needs is for Rob to give her a big "O". Anyone who has read this series will understand why I mentioned this in my review. :)
It was nice to read that Chet - who was a youngster on the original wagon train headed west and now a wealthy older man, was briefly mentioned as returning to series. But the thing that frustrated me and one reason I couldn't give the book more stars, is that Scott Foster's character (and his wife Alison) have not been heard from since the Civil War book (Nevada!). Same with Ezekiel and Patricia. Not sure if it's because I missed something in the Washington book, if the author no longer has a use for these characters, or if their lives are followed up on in a sequel book. At least with the Texas and California stories, the new characters outside of the original wagon train (both good and villainous) were given closure and/or settled in a relationship.
Overall it was a good book and I plan to continue reading the series. My goal is to get through at least book #12 before the end of the year. But for now, I need a break from western historical fiction. A nice little rom-com should do it. :)
September 2, 2024
The book was enjoyable, though at times it felt like reading a Harlequin Romance novel. Some scenes didn't seem realistic for the era—for instance, couples going on dates at a local tavern in the late 1800s. I’m not a historian, but I doubt that was common, and it’s unlikely that respectable ladies would have been allowed in such establishments. Also, Toby Holt consistently overcoming every obstacle felt more like fiction for entertainment rather than an accurate reflection of the challenges of that period.
April 6, 2025
Natives defend land without killing settlers, army kills them in cold blood—yikers. i know it’s real history but it’s just gross, im glad it’s balanced getting to read from every viewpoint
my guess for this book cover is Toby and Clarissa
my guess for this book cover is Toby and Clarissa
February 11, 2019
Awesome
August 12, 2020
This is the literary equivalent of corn in the cob....and sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking to eat for lunch.
July 25, 2024
Another captivating story in the Wagons West series! The conflict with the Indians is definitely stepping up to violent levels, to be continued in Dakota!
September 2, 2015
great, as all the books in Wagons West series have been! Toby Holt continues to live up to the Holt name, made famous by his dad Michael "Whip" Colt. Toby uses his pistols as extensions of his arms, the ever brave Mr Blake at his side. Beth Blake continues to infuriate, & Clarissa, Rob Martin, & Hank continue to build their strong characters throughout the book. Hank, determined to find his dad's killers, does just that! Then there are the native Americans, trying valiantly to save their land they have inhabited for several hundred years. They don't understand change, especially the "Iron Horse"! Changes are coming!! For all those in Montana!
July 9, 2015
Following the series. Toby Holt and Rob Martin go to Montana to survey the area for a railroad line and to help Andy Brentwood rid the area of Siox indians who are creating havoc with the settlers. Rob and Beth's marriage is off to a rocky start while Toby and Clarissa are doing very well.
Read
November 19, 2008W Ros
April 29, 2012
didn't realize it was a series.
January 20, 2014
Excellent
July 31, 2015
Excellent Historical novel of out country's founding. This is #10 in the series and is as good as any of the previous have been.
Want to read
November 15, 2016ran out of time to get through this book.... It think I enjoy this series more as audio books... maybe another time I'll try again....
September 28, 2024
Toby marries Clarissa. Beth wants Toby. Indians, Gold, Murder and a new character Hank, the teen gunslinger bent on revenge oh yes, It's Montana.
Read
December 4, 2007Ross, Dana Fuller PB
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews