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Paint the Hills Red
Greed. Land. Lawlessness. These ingredients do not portend a peaceful life in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge country for Dan McClure. Dan’s not afraid to fire a gun, but after a lifetime of fighting, he would rather wield a paintbrush. When he’s thrust into the middle of a range war, however, he has but two options . . . and Dan’s not one to run away from a fight.
Set in 1880s Nebraska, Paint the Hills Red is a story of men—and women—who won’t back down . . . even when it looks as though they should.
Set in 1880s Nebraska, Paint the Hills Red is a story of men—and women—who won’t back down . . . even when it looks as though they should.
- GenresWesterns
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
403 people are currently reading
284 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 39 reviews
April 25, 2025
PAINTED INTO A POSITION THAT BRINGS BACK HIS KILLER INSTINCTS FOR JUSTICE IN
☆☆☆☆☆
PAINTED INTO A POSITION THAT BRINGS BACK HIS KILLER INSTINCTS FOR JUSTICE IN THE LINE OF A LOCAL RANGE WAR.
Paint the Hills Red by Ron Schwab is romance story of a man who loves to paint, he loves the landscape of the new ranch he purchased in the Nebraska's Pine Ridge, and he falls in love with a strong and tough young woman who though the but heads every time they're together, their love grows from their struggles and hardships they endure. Their losses and the challenges they face when a local neighbor decides that the ranch lands inwhich but against their ranch is going to be theirs and if they can't purchase it, they'll burn and kill their neighbors and take the land.
As with all of the books that I have read written by Ron Schwab, this book is a great western novel based on historical facts that is full of mystery, suspense, and is action-packed from the first page to the last and will hold your interest throughout.
I really enjoyed this book even though at first I had doubts due to the main character being an artist in a Western book. I know it seems shallow not to picture a man who paints, who doesn't have an interest in farming, or ranching in a ranching community, but that was on me. This book has the action to satisfy an action junky.
Quotes:
"Sometimes when you paint, you see more of the real people and real things. You see things you don't realize we're there before, and the challenge is to make others see them, too."
"Maybe it's best to let people do what they want as long as they don't hurt anyone else in the process."
☆☆☆☆☆
PAINTED INTO A POSITION THAT BRINGS BACK HIS KILLER INSTINCTS FOR JUSTICE IN THE LINE OF A LOCAL RANGE WAR.
Paint the Hills Red by Ron Schwab is romance story of a man who loves to paint, he loves the landscape of the new ranch he purchased in the Nebraska's Pine Ridge, and he falls in love with a strong and tough young woman who though the but heads every time they're together, their love grows from their struggles and hardships they endure. Their losses and the challenges they face when a local neighbor decides that the ranch lands inwhich but against their ranch is going to be theirs and if they can't purchase it, they'll burn and kill their neighbors and take the land.
As with all of the books that I have read written by Ron Schwab, this book is a great western novel based on historical facts that is full of mystery, suspense, and is action-packed from the first page to the last and will hold your interest throughout.
I really enjoyed this book even though at first I had doubts due to the main character being an artist in a Western book. I know it seems shallow not to picture a man who paints, who doesn't have an interest in farming, or ranching in a ranching community, but that was on me. This book has the action to satisfy an action junky.
Quotes:
"Sometimes when you paint, you see more of the real people and real things. You see things you don't realize we're there before, and the challenge is to make others see them, too."
"Maybe it's best to let people do what they want as long as they don't hurt anyone else in the process."
July 1, 2023
Great story!
As usual, a very good book. Mr Schwab continues to amaze me with the way he can write and tell a story.
As usual, a very good book. Mr Schwab continues to amaze me with the way he can write and tell a story.
March 27, 2025
wonderful reading
Good story and well written. There was one mistake in the text. I’ve forgotten which chapter it I really immaterial but when Megan pulled her right rein against the mares right neck the horse would have turned left not to the right. I’m sure it was a misprint, about like my spelling! Keep them coming. Ron.
Good story and well written. There was one mistake in the text. I’ve forgotten which chapter it I really immaterial but when Megan pulled her right rein against the mares right neck the horse would have turned left not to the right. I’m sure it was a misprint, about like my spelling! Keep them coming. Ron.
October 27, 2023
Classic Schwab
Good storyline that never drags or goes off on an unproductive tangent and as always the ending is really satisfying.
Good storyline that never drags or goes off on an unproductive tangent and as always the ending is really satisfying.
November 24, 2023
Excellent mystery
Enjoyed this book as it had several twists and turns which kept you guessing. Romance along with action and mystery make for a very intriguing story.
Enjoyed this book as it had several twists and turns which kept you guessing. Romance along with action and mystery make for a very intriguing story.
August 5, 2024
Western Who Dunnit💀🔫 🔥
ADULT Historical Western Adventure 🐺💪🔫🔪🐎
This is the story of a man trying to escape into the Pine hills of Nebraska On a small ranch, only to find himself in the middle of a range war.
The story is fast paced And well written with lots of interaction between characters.
I got this e-book from Amazon with Kindle unlimited.
ADULT Historical Western Adventure 🐺💪🔫🔪🐎
This is the story of a man trying to escape into the Pine hills of Nebraska On a small ranch, only to find himself in the middle of a range war.
The story is fast paced And well written with lots of interaction between characters.
I got this e-book from Amazon with Kindle unlimited.
January 28, 2016
This story had lots of action, interesting characters and good descriptions. It was definitely different than the typical shoot-em-up style western. I was happy to find another good western author and from Nebraska, to boot.
July 27, 2016
I won this book for my grandfather because I knew immediately how much he would love it. He raves about it every time I see him. He's all about Westerns. He is also from Nebraska. I feel like it was a book he could relate to as well.
March 14, 2016
Good read
A good read with a little twist to it. The first Ron Schwab book I have ever read. Looking forward to the next one. Blayne.
A good read with a little twist to it. The first Ron Schwab book I have ever read. Looking forward to the next one. Blayne.
March 24, 2017
Nice story
I liked the characters, all were strong people. However, the story seemed to come to an abrupt ending! Hope more hard western stories to follow!
I liked the characters, all were strong people. However, the story seemed to come to an abrupt ending! Hope more hard western stories to follow!
June 29, 2021
This story is an interesting and entertaining western with a few unique twists on a familiar western theme. The familiar theme is that small ranchers feel threatened by a large rancher who dominates the territory and the local authorities. However, the characters are not the cookie cut types you find in many westerns. There is more depth to these characters which makes them seem more realistic with more rounded lives than the stereotype characters in many western novels. Because the characters are more realistic, a more complex solution to the overall problem is needed as opposed to shootouts which leave all the bad guys dead. That’s the why twists to the normal western novel solution come into play.
June 14, 2021
APPLE BOOKS:
This is an unusual kind of western, because the main character, Dan, has a passion for painting and the storyline also embraced a theme for romance… I kept imagining a show of BONANZA where the big rugged guy, Dan Blocker (Hoss), is an artist and the local women somehow find him to be attractive? There are some good action scenes, but most of the storyline evolves around Dan’s interaction with his neighbors and a corrupt sheriff.
Easy reading (or listening as an audiobook), but I didn’t really find it to be a page-burner…
This is an unusual kind of western, because the main character, Dan, has a passion for painting and the storyline also embraced a theme for romance… I kept imagining a show of BONANZA where the big rugged guy, Dan Blocker (Hoss), is an artist and the local women somehow find him to be attractive? There are some good action scenes, but most of the storyline evolves around Dan’s interaction with his neighbors and a corrupt sheriff.
Easy reading (or listening as an audiobook), but I didn’t really find it to be a page-burner…
October 24, 2022
Profanity not necessary
I did not read this book. I've learned to search books before reading for profanity. I will not read books in which the author uses the Lord God's name in vain, in profanity.
There is absolutely no need for this profanity. There are dozens of western authors who write great stories without the use of this profanity.
Schwab......ask the Lord's forgiveness and then write your stories without this filthy profane use of His name.
Unfortunately I have to give you one star, system won't allow me to do zero.
I did not read this book. I've learned to search books before reading for profanity. I will not read books in which the author uses the Lord God's name in vain, in profanity.
There is absolutely no need for this profanity. There are dozens of western authors who write great stories without the use of this profanity.
Schwab......ask the Lord's forgiveness and then write your stories without this filthy profane use of His name.
Unfortunately I have to give you one star, system won't allow me to do zero.
September 10, 2022
Good Western Unusual Story
I knew this would be a different type of Western. The main character being a man of the arts, a prolific artist. As an Officer in the Army he fought against the Indians during the uprisings. He buys a ranch and gets into a range war. No doubt there would be romantic entanglements. Great balance of action and character development. When you came to the end you were disappointed you wanted the story to continue. I highly recommend this novel.
I knew this would be a different type of Western. The main character being a man of the arts, a prolific artist. As an Officer in the Army he fought against the Indians during the uprisings. He buys a ranch and gets into a range war. No doubt there would be romantic entanglements. Great balance of action and character development. When you came to the end you were disappointed you wanted the story to continue. I highly recommend this novel.
July 29, 2024
Action, romance and an original story line.
The time period is my favorite because the weapons were faster, more accurate and had advanced range/distance. Especially when the hero is one of the few to have the advantage of distance. Ron Schwab set a great story with an original theme that I truly enjoyed. I felt there was unnecessary profanity, especially using the Lord's name that neither added to the story or defining the moral character of the cast.
The time period is my favorite because the weapons were faster, more accurate and had advanced range/distance. Especially when the hero is one of the few to have the advantage of distance. Ron Schwab set a great story with an original theme that I truly enjoyed. I felt there was unnecessary profanity, especially using the Lord's name that neither added to the story or defining the moral character of the cast.
September 19, 2022
Great read
A strong ex-military man, a stubborn ranch woman, and their valley neighbors fight the man that wants the whole valley. The H is also a painter. Ranch burnings and murders prompt the neighbors to form a cattle man's association. The villain is a surprise. Highly recommended.
A strong ex-military man, a stubborn ranch woman, and their valley neighbors fight the man that wants the whole valley. The H is also a painter. Ranch burnings and murders prompt the neighbors to form a cattle man's association. The villain is a surprise. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2022
Red they were
I don't remember if I wrote a review the first time I read this book, so I'll write one this time. A very fast paced story about ranchers and the greed some of them have when it comes to how much land they own. It took a lot of twists and turns before you'll find out. A surprise at the end too.Thanks for all the entertainment.
I don't remember if I wrote a review the first time I read this book, so I'll write one this time. A very fast paced story about ranchers and the greed some of them have when it comes to how much land they own. It took a lot of twists and turns before you'll find out. A surprise at the end too.Thanks for all the entertainment.
January 14, 2023
Phenomenal
I have read every one of this authors books….definitely outstanding writer.
It would really be hard to pick a favorite out of all the exceptional books written by Ron Schwab, but Paint the Hills Red would definitely come to mind. Well written….well done Mr. Schwab!
Looking forward to your next one.
I have read every one of this authors books….definitely outstanding writer.
It would really be hard to pick a favorite out of all the exceptional books written by Ron Schwab, but Paint the Hills Red would definitely come to mind. Well written….well done Mr. Schwab!
Looking forward to your next one.
December 28, 2022
Very Good Book
I found this book to be one of those stories that you start reading and can't put down, when's you finish it you are let down because you know that I or not continue! You are glad you have read it but your disappointed that you did.
I found this book to be one of those stories that you start reading and can't put down, when's you finish it you are let down because you know that I or not continue! You are glad you have read it but your disappointed that you did.
February 12, 2023
Pine Ridge Country
I liked the story, and the part of the country, it represents. I will recommend this book, to family and
friends. I gave it 5-star rating, because, it was suspenseful.
I liked the story, and the part of the country, it represents. I will recommend this book, to family and
friends. I gave it 5-star rating, because, it was suspenseful.
February 27, 2020
Excellent story for readers of western.
I enjoyed the story. I like the author. Well thought out as the reader journeys through the story. A book color all ages.
I enjoyed the story. I like the author. Well thought out as the reader journeys through the story. A book color all ages.
September 16, 2022
I'm back
I found another one and it was ever bit as good as the first one. I shall continue in my quest. thanks for another awesome story. I shall push my luck. thanks again.
I found another one and it was ever bit as good as the first one. I shall continue in my quest. thanks for another awesome story. I shall push my luck. thanks again.
September 30, 2022
Great
To me one northwest and what a surprise ending to. But you have to
Read it to find out what reallyhappened
To me one northwest and what a surprise ending to. But you have to
Read it to find out what reallyhappened
October 23, 2022
Good story and plot
Another interesting story that keeps your pages turning. The writing is good the and story line keeps you interested and intrigued..
Another interesting story that keeps your pages turning. The writing is good the and story line keeps you interested and intrigued..
October 26, 2022
paint the hills red
Different from most true western books i read but very good. Well thought out story line. I recommend this one.
Different from most true western books i read but very good. Well thought out story line. I recommend this one.
October 29, 2022
truly a western romance
From the beginning to the end, Dan was a special kind of man. He made the story come to life.
From the beginning to the end, Dan was a special kind of man. He made the story come to life.
October 31, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Mr Schwab kept me involved throughout the whole book. I am looking forward to reading another. Thank you Mr Schwab
Mr Schwab kept me involved throughout the whole book. I am looking forward to reading another. Thank you Mr Schwab
November 15, 2022
1st Ron Schwab novel for me
ExceLlent story! Real characters with human flaws. Just like me in some regards. Definitely not going to be my last Schwab read!
ExceLlent story! Real characters with human flaws. Just like me in some regards. Definitely not going to be my last Schwab read!
Read
November 22, 2022It's great
You have a good time in reading this. It was an interesting story with the good guys wining it is a great read
You have a good time in reading this. It was an interesting story with the good guys wining it is a great read
December 3, 2022
Riviting
Fast action, well defined characters, could not put the book down, read in one setting. A well detailed historical portrayal of the period.
Fast action, well defined characters, could not put the book down, read in one setting. A well detailed historical portrayal of the period.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews