What do you think?
Rate this book
Widow's Flame
GALWAY CITY, 1898. BLAIR RYAN IS LOST.
Three years ago, her husband, Thomas, was murdered by an outlaw gang in America. Since then, she’s become resentful of life in general and a drunk with no purpose.
The sheriff has done nothing to find Thomas’ murderer and Blair wants them to pay. When she gets news of a fighter dubbed “The American Outlaw” in a nearby town, she enlists his help in her campaign of revenge.
Together, they go to America to track down the men that murdered her husband.
Blair doesn’t trust her companion, Colin McCarthy, but she needs him and this outweighs her concern.
There’s a rage inside Blair and killing these men may mean sacrificing her own humanity.
Can Blair get justice for her husband’s murder?
Will her sanity be the price to pay?
Is she capable of forgiveness?
Three years ago, her husband, Thomas, was murdered by an outlaw gang in America. Since then, she’s become resentful of life in general and a drunk with no purpose.
The sheriff has done nothing to find Thomas’ murderer and Blair wants them to pay. When she gets news of a fighter dubbed “The American Outlaw” in a nearby town, she enlists his help in her campaign of revenge.
Together, they go to America to track down the men that murdered her husband.
Blair doesn’t trust her companion, Colin McCarthy, but she needs him and this outweighs her concern.
There’s a rage inside Blair and killing these men may mean sacrificing her own humanity.
Can Blair get justice for her husband’s murder?
Will her sanity be the price to pay?
Is she capable of forgiveness?
328 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2022
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Jess McFarlane
6 books28 followersJess McFarlane wrote her first book by hand when she was 14. Since then, she’s used words to escape reality and has so far published 3 novels. Her 4-book series, Arasgain Rule, is her current self-publishing project, and is due to be fully released by mid-2026. She’s a proud disabled/chronically ill, Palawa woman, who grew up on Bundjalung and Darkinjung Country, and now lives on Yorta Yorta Country with her husband, Alec, and their German Shepherd, Sam. When Jess isn’t writing, she enjoys playing video games, reading, archery and cooking.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2024
In the heart of Galway, Ireland, around 1898, Blair Ryan seeks solace at the bottom of a whiskey glass, haunted by memories of her husband’s brutal murder by American outlaws. Driven by a fervent desire for justice, Blair turns to Colin, an enigmatic American fighter with his own troubled past. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across America, united in their quest for retribution. Amidst the challenges they face, Blair’s determination shines bright, masking the fragility of her fractured psyche. Colin, with his rugged exterior and hidden pain, unexpectedly becomes an ally, sparking a subtle attraction amidst the harsh realities of the Wild West.
In her debut novel, author Jess McFarlane crafts a tale of anguish, vengeance, and redemption that captivates audiences with its raw emotional depth and compelling characters. Blair’s unwavering resolve resonates with readers, who rally behind her in her pursuit of justice, while Colin’s mysterious demeanor adds layers of complexity to their intertwined destinies. Through vivid prose and evocative imagery, McFarlane transports readers to the untamed landscapes of 19th-century America, immersing them in a story of resilience and affection. Despite initial hesitations, readers are drawn into the magnetic chemistry between Blair and Colin, eagerly anticipating their triumph over adversity.
McFarlane’s narrative transcends the boundaries of traditional Western literature, exploring themes of absolution against a backdrop of retribution. As Blair and Colin confront their inner demons, they navigate a treacherous terrain, uncovering the potential for redemption amidst the chaos of their journey. “Widow’s Flame” offers an unforgettable adventure for enthusiasts of the Wild West, filled with passion, sorrow, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
In her debut novel, author Jess McFarlane crafts a tale of anguish, vengeance, and redemption that captivates audiences with its raw emotional depth and compelling characters. Blair’s unwavering resolve resonates with readers, who rally behind her in her pursuit of justice, while Colin’s mysterious demeanor adds layers of complexity to their intertwined destinies. Through vivid prose and evocative imagery, McFarlane transports readers to the untamed landscapes of 19th-century America, immersing them in a story of resilience and affection. Despite initial hesitations, readers are drawn into the magnetic chemistry between Blair and Colin, eagerly anticipating their triumph over adversity.
McFarlane’s narrative transcends the boundaries of traditional Western literature, exploring themes of absolution against a backdrop of retribution. As Blair and Colin confront their inner demons, they navigate a treacherous terrain, uncovering the potential for redemption amidst the chaos of their journey. “Widow’s Flame” offers an unforgettable adventure for enthusiasts of the Wild West, filled with passion, sorrow, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
March 25, 2023
Widows Flame - Jess McFarlane @jessmcfarlaneauthor
To read a story that not only tugs at the heartstrings but displays the raw, unending anguish of grief and depression from the very first page is brave and emotional. Jess McFarlane transports you into the mind of Blair, sharing her emotions, motivations and questionable choices as she takes a journey of revenge and redemption from the darkness of grief.
Jess allowed you to feel the heartbreak of her character by using flashbacks to demonstrate what Blair had lost with the death of her husband and the events that accumulated to the inevitable depression and alcoholism. The author masterfully utilised analogies of monsters and demons on Blair’s shoulder to highlight the intensity of how her grief and depression had taken control of her existence.
The way Jess described the landscapes surrounding Blair in 1898 was nothing short of artistic. You could smell the peat moss and salt air, feel the intense heat surrounding you from the harsh sun and the sheets of snow chilling you to your bones. All of which transported you into the very soul of the MC.
Blair is a feisty and proud MFC who evolves throughout the storyline as her healing takes place. She was written with the intention not of her being likeable, but for her experiences to be relatable to many who fall between the pages. Colin or Mr McCarthy is a strong and gruff outlaw who seeks redemption for his past and has internal trauma to overcome. Throughout desperation and grief, Blair sets off on a journey from Ireland to America with the street fighting outlaw, making questionable choices along with healing their combined trauma, hating each other, making mistakes and getting second chances by each other's side.
Between the heart ache, revenge and at times, tender moments, Widows Flame, is one memorable read.
⚠️TW: Alcoholism, Depression, Murder, SA, Miscarriage⚠️
Happy Reading,
Alie
Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic:💔❤️🩹🔪🔫🗽🚢🐴💀🏜🪦🥃🇮🇪🇺🇸
Spice: 🍬
To read a story that not only tugs at the heartstrings but displays the raw, unending anguish of grief and depression from the very first page is brave and emotional. Jess McFarlane transports you into the mind of Blair, sharing her emotions, motivations and questionable choices as she takes a journey of revenge and redemption from the darkness of grief.
Jess allowed you to feel the heartbreak of her character by using flashbacks to demonstrate what Blair had lost with the death of her husband and the events that accumulated to the inevitable depression and alcoholism. The author masterfully utilised analogies of monsters and demons on Blair’s shoulder to highlight the intensity of how her grief and depression had taken control of her existence.
The way Jess described the landscapes surrounding Blair in 1898 was nothing short of artistic. You could smell the peat moss and salt air, feel the intense heat surrounding you from the harsh sun and the sheets of snow chilling you to your bones. All of which transported you into the very soul of the MC.
Blair is a feisty and proud MFC who evolves throughout the storyline as her healing takes place. She was written with the intention not of her being likeable, but for her experiences to be relatable to many who fall between the pages. Colin or Mr McCarthy is a strong and gruff outlaw who seeks redemption for his past and has internal trauma to overcome. Throughout desperation and grief, Blair sets off on a journey from Ireland to America with the street fighting outlaw, making questionable choices along with healing their combined trauma, hating each other, making mistakes and getting second chances by each other's side.
Between the heart ache, revenge and at times, tender moments, Widows Flame, is one memorable read.
⚠️TW: Alcoholism, Depression, Murder, SA, Miscarriage⚠️
Happy Reading,
Alie
Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic:💔❤️🩹🔪🔫🗽🚢🐴💀🏜🪦🥃🇮🇪🇺🇸
Spice: 🍬
March 8, 2023
Thank you to Beauty and Lace Club and Shawline Publishing for my copy.
Wow, this book has blown me away emotionally and is a big five stars from me! The author has done an amazing job with her debut novel.
Starting out in Galway City, Ireland 1898 it features Widow Blair Ryan. Blair is lost in a fog of grief after the murder of her husband Thomas in America. Blair and Thomas were happy in their marriage and Thomas set out to America to build them a home in Cheyenne on a ranch and was going to send for Blair to come over once it was finished.
This is a story mostly of two broken people that meet and go on a mission of revenge. It is also about grief, healing, love and so much more.
Blair enlists the help of an Amercian fighter living in Ireland known as The American Outlaw. Colin McCarthy is a massive man with his own secrets and agrees to go back to America with Blair as her guide helping her to avenge her husband’s death.
Both Blair and Colin are damaged emotionally and regularly drown their sorrows in a whisky bottle. Blair is very bitter and hard and doesn’t want to get close to anyone as she has lost a few loved ones in a short period of her life.
The story bounces back to the past when Thomas was alive in 1895 but most of the story features in 1898.
I was completely engrossed in the raw emotion of this story and the author did such a good job with the feels and the slow burn of the whole book had me from go to whoa! Please write another book Jess McFarlane!
Wow, this book has blown me away emotionally and is a big five stars from me! The author has done an amazing job with her debut novel.
Starting out in Galway City, Ireland 1898 it features Widow Blair Ryan. Blair is lost in a fog of grief after the murder of her husband Thomas in America. Blair and Thomas were happy in their marriage and Thomas set out to America to build them a home in Cheyenne on a ranch and was going to send for Blair to come over once it was finished.
This is a story mostly of two broken people that meet and go on a mission of revenge. It is also about grief, healing, love and so much more.
Blair enlists the help of an Amercian fighter living in Ireland known as The American Outlaw. Colin McCarthy is a massive man with his own secrets and agrees to go back to America with Blair as her guide helping her to avenge her husband’s death.
Both Blair and Colin are damaged emotionally and regularly drown their sorrows in a whisky bottle. Blair is very bitter and hard and doesn’t want to get close to anyone as she has lost a few loved ones in a short period of her life.
The story bounces back to the past when Thomas was alive in 1895 but most of the story features in 1898.
I was completely engrossed in the raw emotion of this story and the author did such a good job with the feels and the slow burn of the whole book had me from go to whoa! Please write another book Jess McFarlane!
March 12, 2023
This book was a raw, wild read, a 'Western', even as it begins in Galway, Ireland, 1898. Blair Ryan is slowly drinking herself into a stupor every night with cheap whiskey, mired with the pain she feels for her husband's death. He was mercilessly gunned down in America, shot dead by outlaws, and none of them have ever come to justice. And that's killing Blair, too. On impulse she enlists the help of an American fighter, Colin, who makes a living by fighting in pubs - she wants him to help her get to America to find these murdering outlaws so she can see them hang. Both Blair and Colin have demons riding on their shoulders, and it isn't until much later that we find out more about Colin. But Blair, oh Blair, she is incredibly driven and mad with blood lust to see justice for her dead husband. You'll be surprised at the wild twists and turns this story takes, wow, it's pretty crazy fierce. And what about forgiveness, Blair? Is that even possible?
Thankyou to Beauty & Lace Book Club and Shawline Publishing for this review copy.
Thankyou to Beauty & Lace Book Club and Shawline Publishing for this review copy.
March 16, 2023
Widow’s Flame by Australian author Jess McFarlane is a stunningly stylish dose of Americas wild west crime fiction filled with action and adventure with a touch of romance.
Blair Ryan has grieved for 3 years for her husband, Thomas who was murdered by an outlaw gang in America. Her life is pointless and the only company she keeps is a bottle to see her through the pain of grief.
As the years pass, Blair wants justice and with no help from the Sherriff solving the crime she finds Colin McCarthy, a fighter nicknamed “The American Outlaw” thought to be the best in the business. He agrees to help her, despite his suspicions that everything is not as it seems.
The duo starts the hunt for Thomas’s killer across states and townships uncovering strange circumstances and buried secrets as they progress. Can they uncover the truth before the unthinkable happens?
Widows Flame is fast-paced and full of action. Jess planned and executed a unique and complex plot brilliantly. I was glued to the pages from the start and loved the storyline development, it has all the elements that make a story impossible to put down. She does a tremendous job of keeping you guessing as to the identity of the murderer.
I loved the cast of characters; everyone has a legitimate role to play, and their motives and actions always felt genuine. Jess gave sensitivity to her characters which made the story come to life and give it authenticity.
Colin McCarthy is a man with his own story, and I loved getting to know him. “The American Outlaw” showed strength in his talent with drive, and charisma. He was aggressive and dedicated in the pursuit of results.
Blair is a character who isn't afraid to follow her inner instincts, and it is this facet of her personality that makes her such a compelling protagonist. She is determined to solve the mystery and catch the killer, but she didn't bargain with what she would face along the way. I loved her feisty, determined character and could not believe she would go to such lengths to seek justice for the death of her husband.
The description of the landscape was spectacular, the mountains, the trails, the desert. I had visions of it in my head to which it almost took on a role of a character. Jess McFarlane has a captivating writing style that is sharp, and electric filled with suspense and unpredictability. There was not a wasted word in site and the narrative doesn't leave room for fluff, all this in a debut novel has left me eagerly waiting for her next one.
This novel was utter enjoyment, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Shawline Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
Blair Ryan has grieved for 3 years for her husband, Thomas who was murdered by an outlaw gang in America. Her life is pointless and the only company she keeps is a bottle to see her through the pain of grief.
As the years pass, Blair wants justice and with no help from the Sherriff solving the crime she finds Colin McCarthy, a fighter nicknamed “The American Outlaw” thought to be the best in the business. He agrees to help her, despite his suspicions that everything is not as it seems.
The duo starts the hunt for Thomas’s killer across states and townships uncovering strange circumstances and buried secrets as they progress. Can they uncover the truth before the unthinkable happens?
Widows Flame is fast-paced and full of action. Jess planned and executed a unique and complex plot brilliantly. I was glued to the pages from the start and loved the storyline development, it has all the elements that make a story impossible to put down. She does a tremendous job of keeping you guessing as to the identity of the murderer.
I loved the cast of characters; everyone has a legitimate role to play, and their motives and actions always felt genuine. Jess gave sensitivity to her characters which made the story come to life and give it authenticity.
Colin McCarthy is a man with his own story, and I loved getting to know him. “The American Outlaw” showed strength in his talent with drive, and charisma. He was aggressive and dedicated in the pursuit of results.
Blair is a character who isn't afraid to follow her inner instincts, and it is this facet of her personality that makes her such a compelling protagonist. She is determined to solve the mystery and catch the killer, but she didn't bargain with what she would face along the way. I loved her feisty, determined character and could not believe she would go to such lengths to seek justice for the death of her husband.
The description of the landscape was spectacular, the mountains, the trails, the desert. I had visions of it in my head to which it almost took on a role of a character. Jess McFarlane has a captivating writing style that is sharp, and electric filled with suspense and unpredictability. There was not a wasted word in site and the narrative doesn't leave room for fluff, all this in a debut novel has left me eagerly waiting for her next one.
This novel was utter enjoyment, I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Shawline Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.
January 18, 2026
Beautifully told story set in the 19th Century within the Wild West, Blair goes on a journey filled with revenge, justice and passion for finding her husband’s killer. This story is well written, I couldn’t put the book down! I loved reading the story of Blair and the outlaw that embarks on the journey with her Mr Colin McCarthy, filled with emotion and adventure this is worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
Loved this debut novel from Jess McFarlane. From the outset, I was invested in the story of Blair and her quest to find redemption for her husband. Great sense of place and a satisfying ending.
June 11, 2023
Widow’s Flame is Jess McFarlane’s debut novel. It’s set in 1898 and is told from the perspective of Blair Ryan, a young, Irish widow who is grieving her husband Thomas who was murdered in America three years earlier. Bitter over the murderers never facing justice, she decides to travel to America to seek revenge with the help of Colin McCarthy, an American fighting his own internal conflicts. What begins as a journey to seek justice for her late husband, becomes a journey that forces Blair to confront her grief and learn to trust again. Blair is a strong, flawed character, who underneath the pain seeks answers and some peace. The author does a fantastic job at showing the rawness of human emotions and telling an engaging story. The historical elements of the novel are fantastic, and I love the descriptive writing style. Jess writes with a wisdom beyond her years and I’m really excited to see what she publishes next.
June 10, 2023
Romance novels are usually out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I read this one. This story is so much more than that!
The way that McFarlane describes her characters’ journeys almost seem like a believable, realistic memoir and you are living alongside. The raw emotion that jumps out of the page, seems like the author taps into her story telling on such a personal level to have written in such a heartfelt way. Her writing style is so vulnerable and honest, it’s beyond fictional and more poetic! It’s absolutely beautifully written, captivating the reader from the very first sentence!
McFarlane is an incredibly talented writer, who effectively includes multiple themes into her story telling: romance, adventure, crime, drama and historical fiction. I particularly enjoyed the fact that McFarlane placed more focus on Blair Ryan’s (protagonist) journey across the globe rather than just her romantic intentions. I feel that this style of writing created much stronger character development of her female protagonist. We got to see how feisty, powerful and brave Blair was and less damsel in distress. Widow’s Flame included a much more in-depth, entertaining and captivating storyline compared to other romance novels I have read in the past. It is in no way predictable and McFarlane wrote in a way to make you feel like you were travelling alongside Blair rather than looking in.
Throughout McFarlane’s storytelling, she highlights the importance of Blair overcoming hardship, moving through life after loss, which transcends into the reader receiving an equal sense of empowerment, resilience and strength for any challenges that come their way.
McFarlane’s depictions of the landscape were so magical! This showed her deep connection to the land and country as she explored all the senses. She had to have originally travelled to the locations in her story to include such realistic and intricate details; or she is an amazing researcher haha.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! McFarlane is a highly gifted storyteller and writer! I can’t wait to read her future creations!
The way that McFarlane describes her characters’ journeys almost seem like a believable, realistic memoir and you are living alongside. The raw emotion that jumps out of the page, seems like the author taps into her story telling on such a personal level to have written in such a heartfelt way. Her writing style is so vulnerable and honest, it’s beyond fictional and more poetic! It’s absolutely beautifully written, captivating the reader from the very first sentence!
McFarlane is an incredibly talented writer, who effectively includes multiple themes into her story telling: romance, adventure, crime, drama and historical fiction. I particularly enjoyed the fact that McFarlane placed more focus on Blair Ryan’s (protagonist) journey across the globe rather than just her romantic intentions. I feel that this style of writing created much stronger character development of her female protagonist. We got to see how feisty, powerful and brave Blair was and less damsel in distress. Widow’s Flame included a much more in-depth, entertaining and captivating storyline compared to other romance novels I have read in the past. It is in no way predictable and McFarlane wrote in a way to make you feel like you were travelling alongside Blair rather than looking in.
Throughout McFarlane’s storytelling, she highlights the importance of Blair overcoming hardship, moving through life after loss, which transcends into the reader receiving an equal sense of empowerment, resilience and strength for any challenges that come their way.
McFarlane’s depictions of the landscape were so magical! This showed her deep connection to the land and country as she explored all the senses. She had to have originally travelled to the locations in her story to include such realistic and intricate details; or she is an amazing researcher haha.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! McFarlane is a highly gifted storyteller and writer! I can’t wait to read her future creations!
August 28, 2024
Widows flame
First of all, I want to thank jess McFarlane for giving me a copy of her book, it was sooo good!!
In this book, we follow Blair who is grieving the death of her husband. She travels from Ireland to America with an outlaw seeking revenge on those that killed her husband.
I haven’t read a lot of books like this one I thought it was very original and very well written. I really enjoyed the pace of this book it was fast enough to keep in invested but slow enough to process and delve deeper into some aspects. This book had both some romance and action, it was the perfect combination. And all the detail and accuracy with the time period!! Loved it. (With this I mean it felt very realistic to me not that I know much about the time period).
I loved the way the characters in this book are written. I felt like they had realistic motives and were coherent with their actions. I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Blair and her husband they added depth to the story and the characters. Also, I love Blair she is strong, determined, and ready to shoot anyone who gets in her way!!
This might be because I study psychology, but I was very interested in the whole grieving aspect of this book and mental health. I think it was very well done!! I think it does an excellent job at exploring the mixed feeling the main character gets when she starts to feel a certain way about someone while still grieving and dealing with the loss of her husband. I was also really interested in the whole aspect of revenge and how far Blair was willing to go, to get her revenge.
I would 100% recommend this book although be warned it is emotional. I cry with almost every book, but this one just had me all over the place.
I don’t love rating books, but I would give this 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it and I would read it again.
First of all, I want to thank jess McFarlane for giving me a copy of her book, it was sooo good!!
In this book, we follow Blair who is grieving the death of her husband. She travels from Ireland to America with an outlaw seeking revenge on those that killed her husband.
I haven’t read a lot of books like this one I thought it was very original and very well written. I really enjoyed the pace of this book it was fast enough to keep in invested but slow enough to process and delve deeper into some aspects. This book had both some romance and action, it was the perfect combination. And all the detail and accuracy with the time period!! Loved it. (With this I mean it felt very realistic to me not that I know much about the time period).
I loved the way the characters in this book are written. I felt like they had realistic motives and were coherent with their actions. I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Blair and her husband they added depth to the story and the characters. Also, I love Blair she is strong, determined, and ready to shoot anyone who gets in her way!!
This might be because I study psychology, but I was very interested in the whole grieving aspect of this book and mental health. I think it was very well done!! I think it does an excellent job at exploring the mixed feeling the main character gets when she starts to feel a certain way about someone while still grieving and dealing with the loss of her husband. I was also really interested in the whole aspect of revenge and how far Blair was willing to go, to get her revenge.
I would 100% recommend this book although be warned it is emotional. I cry with almost every book, but this one just had me all over the place.
I don’t love rating books, but I would give this 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it and I would read it again.
October 23, 2022
✍️When Blair Ryan's husband Thomas is murdered by an American outlaw gang and the sheriff has done nothing to help find them, Blair enlists the help of a fighter called the "American Outlaw" and together they travel to America to track down the killers and get revenge. Blair doesn't trust Colin McCarthy but needs his help.
This debut novel by @jessmcfarlaneauthor was stunning! I simply adored it! I was mesmerised by the beautiful, graceful and emotional writing style as well as the vivid imagery. I found the characters, plot and the setting of the story to be well developed, well researched and unique. I was engrossed from start to finish and couldn't put it down. It was bursting with heartbreak, sadness, love, sentiment, grit, loss, courage. Beautiful storytelling.
I revelled in the past tense narrative through which Blair reminisces about her relationship with her dear late husband Thomas and the wonderful life they shared together. I relished in the dialogue and communication between Blair and Mr McCarthy and was absorbed in seeing what would happen between them.
Highly recommend!
This debut novel by @jessmcfarlaneauthor was stunning! I simply adored it! I was mesmerised by the beautiful, graceful and emotional writing style as well as the vivid imagery. I found the characters, plot and the setting of the story to be well developed, well researched and unique. I was engrossed from start to finish and couldn't put it down. It was bursting with heartbreak, sadness, love, sentiment, grit, loss, courage. Beautiful storytelling.
I revelled in the past tense narrative through which Blair reminisces about her relationship with her dear late husband Thomas and the wonderful life they shared together. I relished in the dialogue and communication between Blair and Mr McCarthy and was absorbed in seeing what would happen between them.
Highly recommend!
January 22, 2023
Ah, I love a strong female lead and well done Jess McFarlane you have certainly created a fearless , determined, kick ass MC in Blair! Love her!
Set in 1892 America we follow widowed Blair who pairs up with 'The American Outlaw' Colin McCarthy to hunt down her dead husband's killers.
Wild West, guns, shoot outs and horses- this feels like such an authentic text and Jess really transports you to this time period.
Some romance without it being lame, revenge, guilt, love and hate- each theme subtly linked in as we follow the gutsy Blair go about seeking her revenge.
Such a unique idea and I would 100% love to follow Blair in more stories!
Keep writing awesome female leads who do what they like, take no nonsense and shoot anyone who gets in their way!
5 stars 100% recommend this one! Loved it!
Set in 1892 America we follow widowed Blair who pairs up with 'The American Outlaw' Colin McCarthy to hunt down her dead husband's killers.
Wild West, guns, shoot outs and horses- this feels like such an authentic text and Jess really transports you to this time period.
Some romance without it being lame, revenge, guilt, love and hate- each theme subtly linked in as we follow the gutsy Blair go about seeking her revenge.
Such a unique idea and I would 100% love to follow Blair in more stories!
Keep writing awesome female leads who do what they like, take no nonsense and shoot anyone who gets in their way!
5 stars 100% recommend this one! Loved it!
January 1, 2023
This is an incredible, moving story about a woman struggling with feelings of grief and pain. From Blair's very tragic start in the novel, you're immediately invited into her mind to share her emotions and motivations, and she takes you on a harrowing journey filled with action, questionable choices and, at times, tender moments that all add up to a memorable read. The plot, pacing and prose are all expertly handled by the author, so it was easy to get lost in Blair's story. Highly recommend if you're a fan of books that tug at your heartstrings and that will leave you feeling all kinds of way at the end!
December 12, 2022
A first-time reader of the debut book by Jess McFarlane - Widow's Flame.
I usually don't read books set in the 1800s, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me to the place of both Blair and Colin and the journey together, trying to find Blair's husband's killers.
I felt immersed in the book with the description of the characters, scenery and plot.
This book is for you if you love books set in the wild west that have adventure, grief, love, loss and courage.
Congratulations on your debut book, Jess...
I usually don't read books set in the 1800s, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me to the place of both Blair and Colin and the journey together, trying to find Blair's husband's killers.
I felt immersed in the book with the description of the characters, scenery and plot.
This book is for you if you love books set in the wild west that have adventure, grief, love, loss and courage.
Congratulations on your debut book, Jess...
October 22, 2022
I loved this so much.
Blair’s journey with grief is something else. Seeing her grapple with her emotions, trying desperately to hold on to that grief whilst the world and those around her go about their lives like Thomas’ murder meant nothing, was compelling to say the least.
Then, add in Colin McCarthy and I was weak in the knees. That man. His story. His journey.
Ugh I just loved this so much.
I highly recommend this book!! Pick it up!!!
Blair’s journey with grief is something else. Seeing her grapple with her emotions, trying desperately to hold on to that grief whilst the world and those around her go about their lives like Thomas’ murder meant nothing, was compelling to say the least.
Then, add in Colin McCarthy and I was weak in the knees. That man. His story. His journey.
Ugh I just loved this so much.
I highly recommend this book!! Pick it up!!!
January 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Jess McFarlane.
The character development was riveting, the scenery description superb and the story of Blair Ryan’s experience through immense loss, grief and revenge was palpable. You can genuinely feel the emotions Blair is feeling as she sets about on her quest for retribution - and pretty soon, you’re cheering her on.
If this is a debut novel, then I can’t wait to see what else Jess has in store for us in the future!
The character development was riveting, the scenery description superb and the story of Blair Ryan’s experience through immense loss, grief and revenge was palpable. You can genuinely feel the emotions Blair is feeling as she sets about on her quest for retribution - and pretty soon, you’re cheering her on.
If this is a debut novel, then I can’t wait to see what else Jess has in store for us in the future!
October 22, 2022
Great debut novel. Read in 2 sittings, couldn't put it down. Great characterisation, was invested in both the main characters, even though from the start I could see where they was going I really wanted to see how they got there and was not disappointed. Looking forward to more from Jess in the future.
November 8, 2022
Beautiful writing in this book! A wonderful story. Wonderful character growth and a fantastic storyline.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews