Defiant Ones: Defiant Ones: Stories of Frontier and Pioneer Women Who Improvised, Adapted, and Overcame

by Heather Blanton

Their femininity was arguably a hindrance, but not one that they allowed to create in them a victim mindset. There was no time for such nonsense. These women rolled up their sleeves and did what needed doing—because whining wasn’t going to change a dang thing. Their stories will amaze, humble, encourage, and inspire you to do more than you think you can. Because you can. So put on your big girl breeches and get to it. ~~~~~ ◆◆◆ Great necessities call out great virtues. Abigail Adams

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2022

About the author

“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER

I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.

A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.

I can be reached several different ways:

http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...

I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.

My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.

Reviews

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Defiant Ones” by Heather Blanton
Interesting AND Informative
A lot of Women in History !! And, 79 women have thumb-nail reminders of their part in American history related in this book. I found each story interesting and most of the names were new to me. There was so much information in each vignette that I could only read a few at a sitting. There was just too much for my brain to absorb. If you are having a tough day, reading the short account of a couple of these women just might change your view, or not. This is a rather good reminder that no matter what time period you live in.. there will be trials and tribulations to overcome. Some people are remembered historically because someone recorded at least a few bits and pieces of their lives. But everyone has a role in history even if only for their progeny or who their ancestors were. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every novel by Heather Blanton I’ve ever read with her Defiant series being my favorite, so when I saw this book, I snapped it up. Told with the same razor-sharp turn of a phrase as her novels, each biography highlights the extraordinary deeds performed by women from every walk of life during the early days of America. Filled with grit and gumption, each of these ladies made her mark, often against great odds. The vignettes are written in a conversational style, and I love the author’s editorial comments about the women, many of which prompt self-reflection. I devoured the book in two sittings, missing some sleep just to finish. Now, to go back and savor it. Read this book. You’ll be glad you did.

[lanaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love all of Heather Blanton’s books! I’m one of her biggest fans, I always say! This book was such a neat idea, about all sorts of women from 18 to 100, who did awesome and daring varieties of jobs, careers, and just outright flabbergasting deeds of daring that “women” weren’t supposed to do, then, or even, now! I loved all of the examples of bravery that Heather showed us, as far back as the 1700’s, with girls who were determined to be doctors, or own land and businesses, and vote; the strong willed, passionate, courageous, and committed women whose tales she told in this book! I loved it and I know you will, too! It’s about some of the “cream of the crop “, ladies! Some of these women are ones we should try and emulate! Thank you, Heather, for another 5 star ⭐️ book!!

[Anne-Marie Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Heather Blanton's works. They present characters of depth and growth and help me to assess my own strengths and weaknesses. They also encourage me to reach for higher goals. This work by Heather, which is a departure from fiction, was no exception. We are acquainted with several women who, at great personal cost and with much courage, defy cultural restrictions to accomplish achievements and pave the way for other women to dare to have a "Yes, I can attitude." A clean, inspiring read.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more stars! What an incredible overwhelming (in a good way) book of women who have taken their lives and lived them to overflowing. Heather Blanton has taken tons of detective work and given us a host of women overcomers and their history. I want my daughter and granddaughters and friends to all read this! Fascinating, yet we never hear about women such as these incredible forces of nature.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book of historical women who were strong, some uneducated and kept keeping on no matter the odds. The fact this author did countless hours of research is beyond me. At the end of the book is a statement to grab a copy of A Scout for Skyler. Then, I realized I had already read that book and loved it so I’m starting a reread because it is about another amazing woman. Thanks to the author for the tons of information within the pages of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a little bit of encouragement to roll up your sleeves and tackle a tough job, read a few chapters out of this book by Heather Blanton. What the women of this country (not just Europeans) faced head on and conquered over the last few hundred years is hugely inspiring - especially if you're having a tough week.

Super short chapters, conversational style, things to think about and discuss, what more could a reader want?

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

These nonfiction histories were just plain awesome.
They were all short summaries of the lives of inspirational, mostly American, women.
The entries can be read a few at a time or all at once.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was about women who helped shape this country. Each chapter was about a different woman in our history. Some I knew, some I didn’t. The chapters were very short, which made it perfect to read while I was traveling. I enjoyed learning about these remarkable women.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! I wanted more details; I couldn't put it down. This story builds on my fascination with Abigail Adams and adds to the research I've done on her. I found it accurate with what I know. Fantastic writing!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history of many women of our country’s past. Well written. Shows the kind of research that the author does to write her characters.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful telling of the lives and accomplishments of these brave and fearless women of our history!

Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great History! Informative stories of women pioneers that fought in battle and in society to make a difference. Very inspiring.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Very interesting and historical. Strong women stories, great research done by the author.