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The Callahans #1-5 omnibus
The Callahans: The Complete Series
Vol. I - Destiny: Fleeing an abusive father and a hopeless life in Ireland in 1895, nineteen-year-old Tom Callahan takes passage on a ship bound for America. On board, he meets Katrina Hansen, a young Norwegian woman traveling to Utah. It's not a likely match. The brash Irishman is a Catholic, a brawler and a young man without prospects. Katrina is a refined young woman, yet naive in the ways of the world. Lured into a polygamous marriage, she finds herself abandoned on a remote Mexican beach as the man she loves, unaware of her status, seeks his fortune in Alaska. Destiny is a sprawling historical novel set at the turn of the 19th century, played out in such far-flung places as New York City, the gold fields of Alaska and Old Mexico.
Vol.II - Conflict: Tom Callahan strikes it rich in the Alaska goldfield while Katrina struggles to remain alive in Mexico. Demonstrating her determination and faith, the reader is shown the resilience of this young woman who has grown beyond her years. Continuing through 1912 and the disastrous voyage of HMS Titanic, Conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vol. III - Reunion: It's 1917 and American has entered World War I. Tom and Katie's son, in an effort to prove his worth to his father, has joined what President Woodrow Wilson is calling - the fight to make the world safe for democracy-. As the war ends, Tommy is selected for appointment to the Naval Academy, while his father is arrested and imprisoned in Ireland for gun running in the great Irish Civil War. Set against turbulent events in world history and filled with vivid scenes as well as tender emotions, Reunion takes the reader around the world.
Vol. IV - Prelude: Tom and Katrina Callahan continue their story in the years between the two world wars. Their three children have grown up and are making their way in a world that is propelling itself toward World War II. Tess has her heart set on a Hollywood movie career; PJ is a successful sheep rancher in New Zealand and Tommy is pursuing his career in the Marine Corps and learning not only about war, but about the perils of romance. When Tommy finds himself in England prior to WWII, Winston Churchill calls on him to examine the economic growth of the German nation as they secretly prepare for war.
Vol. V - Reprisal - Continuing the series into WWII as Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Callahan III faces personal tragedy during the Blitz in London as the war presents a very personal face. As he leaves his Embassy post to return to the United States, America joins Europe in the worldwide conflagration. For the second time in his young life, the son of Thomas and Katrina Callahan finds himself immersed in front-line battle, torn between his duty and the love of a beautiful woman who desires only his safety.
The conclusion of The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.
Vol.II - Conflict: Tom Callahan strikes it rich in the Alaska goldfield while Katrina struggles to remain alive in Mexico. Demonstrating her determination and faith, the reader is shown the resilience of this young woman who has grown beyond her years. Continuing through 1912 and the disastrous voyage of HMS Titanic, Conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vol. III - Reunion: It's 1917 and American has entered World War I. Tom and Katie's son, in an effort to prove his worth to his father, has joined what President Woodrow Wilson is calling - the fight to make the world safe for democracy-. As the war ends, Tommy is selected for appointment to the Naval Academy, while his father is arrested and imprisoned in Ireland for gun running in the great Irish Civil War. Set against turbulent events in world history and filled with vivid scenes as well as tender emotions, Reunion takes the reader around the world.
Vol. IV - Prelude: Tom and Katrina Callahan continue their story in the years between the two world wars. Their three children have grown up and are making their way in a world that is propelling itself toward World War II. Tess has her heart set on a Hollywood movie career; PJ is a successful sheep rancher in New Zealand and Tommy is pursuing his career in the Marine Corps and learning not only about war, but about the perils of romance. When Tommy finds himself in England prior to WWII, Winston Churchill calls on him to examine the economic growth of the German nation as they secretly prepare for war.
Vol. V - Reprisal - Continuing the series into WWII as Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Callahan III faces personal tragedy during the Blitz in London as the war presents a very personal face. As he leaves his Embassy post to return to the United States, America joins Europe in the worldwide conflagration. For the second time in his young life, the son of Thomas and Katrina Callahan finds himself immersed in front-line battle, torn between his duty and the love of a beautiful woman who desires only his safety.
The conclusion of The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.
822 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2000
78 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Ryan
23 books14 followersPassed away November 14th, 2012. He was 69.
Gordon Ryan was a writer with a varied history. He lived and worked in six foreign nations and a dozen or more states, including Alaska. He served in the 1st Recon Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and in the Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He also served as a member of the American Embassy staff in Dublin, Ireland, during the violent seventies. His first published novel, Dangerous Legacy, was released in 1994 and he published ten more over the intervening years with the three Pug Connor novels, the last one released in early 2011.
Gordon Ryan was a writer with a varied history. He lived and worked in six foreign nations and a dozen or more states, including Alaska. He served in the 1st Recon Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and in the Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He also served as a member of the American Embassy staff in Dublin, Ireland, during the violent seventies. His first published novel, Dangerous Legacy, was released in 1994 and he published ten more over the intervening years with the three Pug Connor novels, the last one released in early 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 1, 2025
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I am especially enthralled with good Irish and Welsh tales as that is a big part of my heritage. I was really looking forward to reading the saga of the Callahan’s especially when the author in his preface states this book is “not designed to proselyte or convert anyone to religion”. I have my own firm beliefs; I respect the beliefs of others. I do not enjoy reading books that get too preachy or too strong of a religious tone. I should have taken better notice of another comment by the author when he states “Hopefully you will not be offended by the religious sub-plot…” because I was, if not offended at least put off by the heavily presented glories of Mormonism. I have recovering ex- Mormon friends and have read enough of the religion to know LDS has a dark underbelly of abuse and intolerance that this novel never mentions. That is not to say this is a truth about all Mormons because I have seen some of the good works they have done and have known some lovely people of this faith.
I enjoyed the development of each of the characters and their presence at many historical events from the Alaskan Gold Rush, the sinking of the Titanic, WWI, the financial crash of 1929 and more but just as I am settling into a good plot, the author spins off into the glorification of Mormonism; the one and only true faith! I even took a moment to look up the biography of Gordon Ryan and found, not too surprising, he was an active member of the LDS church. He sadly passed away in 2012 and in reading his obituary, I came to the conclusion that this novel carries a strong resemblance to his own life and heritage! That I have no problem with..and, as I preciously stated, parts of the book were quite well done. I only write this as a caution to those who wish to read books without heavy religious overtones that this may not be a book for you!
I enjoyed the development of each of the characters and their presence at many historical events from the Alaskan Gold Rush, the sinking of the Titanic, WWI, the financial crash of 1929 and more but just as I am settling into a good plot, the author spins off into the glorification of Mormonism; the one and only true faith! I even took a moment to look up the biography of Gordon Ryan and found, not too surprising, he was an active member of the LDS church. He sadly passed away in 2012 and in reading his obituary, I came to the conclusion that this novel carries a strong resemblance to his own life and heritage! That I have no problem with..and, as I preciously stated, parts of the book were quite well done. I only write this as a caution to those who wish to read books without heavy religious overtones that this may not be a book for you!
February 1, 2022
Great history book
Great book. Followed the history of the family from coming to America from Ireland and ending after world war 2. Very factual and easy to folllow. This series really kept my interest.
Great book. Followed the history of the family from coming to America from Ireland and ending after world war 2. Very factual and easy to folllow. This series really kept my interest.
August 20, 2023
This was a second read of this series and I loved it years and loved it now! This Morman family taught me so much. Thomas and Katrina and their children and grandchildren will touch your hearts!
December 21, 2024
great books.
Excellent series. I was saddened for it to end. The characters became so real to me. I found the history of the LDS very interesting.
Excellent series. I was saddened for it to end. The characters became so real to me. I found the history of the LDS very interesting.
May 8, 2014
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Volume I - Destiny: Fleeing an abusive father and a hopeless life in Ireland in 1895, nineteen-year-old Tom Callahan takes passage on a ship bound for America. On board, he meets Katrina Hansen, a young Norwegian woman traveling to Utah. It's not a likely match. The brash Irishman is a Catholic, a brawler and a young man without prospects. Katrina is a refined young woman, yet naive in the ways of the world. Lured into a polygamus marriage, she finds herself abandoned on a remote Mexican beach as the man she loves, unaware of her status, seeks his fortune in Alaska. Destiny is a sprawling historical novel set at the turn of the 19th century, played out in such far-flung places as New York City, the gold fields of Alaska and Old Mexico.
Volume II - Conflict: Tom Callahan strikes it rich in the Alaska goldfield while Katrina struggles to remain alive in Mexico. Demonstrating her determination and faith, the reader is shown the resilience of this young woman who has grown beyond her years.. Continuing through 1912 and the disastrous voyage of HMS Titanic. Conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Volume III - Reunion: It's 1917 and the American has entered World War I. Tom and Katie's son, in an effort to prove his worth to his father, has joined what President Woodrow Wilson is calling - the fight to make the world safe for democracy -. As the war ends, Tommy is selected for appointment to the Naval Academy, while his father is arrested and imprisoned in Ireland for gun running in the great Irish Civil War. Set against turbulent events in world history and filled with vivid scenes as well as tender emotions. Reunion takes the reader around the world.
Volume IV - Prelude: Tom and Katrina Callahan continue their story in the years between the two world wars. Their three children have grown up and are making their way in a world that is propelling itself toward World War II. Tess has her heart set on a Hollywood movie career; PJ is a successful sheep rancher in New Zealand and Tommy is pursuing his career in the Marine Corps and leaning not only about war, but about the perils of romance. When Tommy finds himself in England prior to WWII, Winston Churchill calls on him to examine the economic growth of the German nation as they secretly prepare for war.
Volume V - Reprisal: Continuing the series into WWII as Marine Corps Liutenant Colonel Thomas Callahan III faces personal tragedy during the Blitz in London as the war presents a very personal face. As he leaves his Embassy post to return to the United States, America joins Europe in the worldwide conflagration. For the second time in his young life, the son of Thomas and Katrina Callahan finds himself immersed in front-line battle, torn between his duty and the love of a beautiful woman who desires only his safety.
The conclusion of The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.
MY REVIEW
I will say that this is the longest book I have ever read I think, of course I have read many series that if put together would be this long if not longer. Since it was put all together I thought I would never get finished, but I never gave up, that must tell me that I enjoyed the story. I do not enjoy reading about history without it being a story and personalized by using some characters that draw you in. I will say that I skimmed over some of the history details, descriptive type sections, as that is not my 'cup of tea'. If you are a history buff you will really like this book. I did like the way Gordon followed one family throughout the entire book and I really appreciated how he kept bringing Tom and Katrina's faith and their love and dependence on each other to the front throughout the book. I read this on my Kindle, see the Author's Note below.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
The Callahans: The Complete Series, in five volumes, is available in one Kindle book at Amazon with a discount price below the five separate novels.
Volume I - Destiny: Fleeing an abusive father and a hopeless life in Ireland in 1895, nineteen-year-old Tom Callahan takes passage on a ship bound for America. On board, he meets Katrina Hansen, a young Norwegian woman traveling to Utah. It's not a likely match. The brash Irishman is a Catholic, a brawler and a young man without prospects. Katrina is a refined young woman, yet naive in the ways of the world. Lured into a polygamus marriage, she finds herself abandoned on a remote Mexican beach as the man she loves, unaware of her status, seeks his fortune in Alaska. Destiny is a sprawling historical novel set at the turn of the 19th century, played out in such far-flung places as New York City, the gold fields of Alaska and Old Mexico.
Volume II - Conflict: Tom Callahan strikes it rich in the Alaska goldfield while Katrina struggles to remain alive in Mexico. Demonstrating her determination and faith, the reader is shown the resilience of this young woman who has grown beyond her years.. Continuing through 1912 and the disastrous voyage of HMS Titanic. Conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Volume III - Reunion: It's 1917 and the American has entered World War I. Tom and Katie's son, in an effort to prove his worth to his father, has joined what President Woodrow Wilson is calling - the fight to make the world safe for democracy -. As the war ends, Tommy is selected for appointment to the Naval Academy, while his father is arrested and imprisoned in Ireland for gun running in the great Irish Civil War. Set against turbulent events in world history and filled with vivid scenes as well as tender emotions. Reunion takes the reader around the world.
Volume IV - Prelude: Tom and Katrina Callahan continue their story in the years between the two world wars. Their three children have grown up and are making their way in a world that is propelling itself toward World War II. Tess has her heart set on a Hollywood movie career; PJ is a successful sheep rancher in New Zealand and Tommy is pursuing his career in the Marine Corps and leaning not only about war, but about the perils of romance. When Tommy finds himself in England prior to WWII, Winston Churchill calls on him to examine the economic growth of the German nation as they secretly prepare for war.
Volume V - Reprisal: Continuing the series into WWII as Marine Corps Liutenant Colonel Thomas Callahan III faces personal tragedy during the Blitz in London as the war presents a very personal face. As he leaves his Embassy post to return to the United States, America joins Europe in the worldwide conflagration. For the second time in his young life, the son of Thomas and Katrina Callahan finds himself immersed in front-line battle, torn between his duty and the love of a beautiful woman who desires only his safety.
The conclusion of The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.
MY REVIEW
I will say that this is the longest book I have ever read I think, of course I have read many series that if put together would be this long if not longer. Since it was put all together I thought I would never get finished, but I never gave up, that must tell me that I enjoyed the story. I do not enjoy reading about history without it being a story and personalized by using some characters that draw you in. I will say that I skimmed over some of the history details, descriptive type sections, as that is not my 'cup of tea'. If you are a history buff you will really like this book. I did like the way Gordon followed one family throughout the entire book and I really appreciated how he kept bringing Tom and Katrina's faith and their love and dependence on each other to the front throughout the book. I read this on my Kindle, see the Author's Note below.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
The Callahans: The Complete Series, in five volumes, is available in one Kindle book at Amazon with a discount price below the five separate novels.
June 28, 2015
Looking for a moving story of a family over the years fighting hardships in all areas of their life? Then this is a book you have to check out.
This is the story of two young people from totally different lives and backgrounds. They both are moving to a new land for a brighter future. But their different backgrounds including their religion could come between them and the dreams they have. Katie and Tom go their different ways once they reach America’s shores, but Tom is determined to find the love of his life and claim her as his bride. But fate has more in store for these two and their families.
I had this book for a few years on my Kindle before I actually read it. Finally I got around to reading it. I found it really enjoyable.
First off, this is an epic historical story that is more than a tale of romance. This is the tale of cultures, struggles, the heart, and the soul. Yes, it has a strong religious theme. It is the difference in religion that is the pivotal part of the story. The two try to live with the differences but find that even love cannot always bridge that gap.
It spans the majority of the lives of this couple and and into the lives of their children. I enjoyed the story, but it did get to be a little tiresome as the reader was taken into the lives of their children. I felt that it was as personal as it had been with the two main characters and at times rushed. But the story was still very good.
Is this book religious? In a sense, yes. It is about the struggles these two people have in regard to their own religions: Catholic and Morman. Each feels strongly about their own. In the end, this is a book about the Morman church, but it is done in a way that is only slightly proselytizing in one section. The rest lovingly compares the religions and points out all the good they do.
If you like historical fiction especially one that spans more than one generation, give this story a look.
Note: I received this book during free download days with no expectation of a positive review.
This is the story of two young people from totally different lives and backgrounds. They both are moving to a new land for a brighter future. But their different backgrounds including their religion could come between them and the dreams they have. Katie and Tom go their different ways once they reach America’s shores, but Tom is determined to find the love of his life and claim her as his bride. But fate has more in store for these two and their families.
I had this book for a few years on my Kindle before I actually read it. Finally I got around to reading it. I found it really enjoyable.
First off, this is an epic historical story that is more than a tale of romance. This is the tale of cultures, struggles, the heart, and the soul. Yes, it has a strong religious theme. It is the difference in religion that is the pivotal part of the story. The two try to live with the differences but find that even love cannot always bridge that gap.
It spans the majority of the lives of this couple and and into the lives of their children. I enjoyed the story, but it did get to be a little tiresome as the reader was taken into the lives of their children. I felt that it was as personal as it had been with the two main characters and at times rushed. But the story was still very good.
Is this book religious? In a sense, yes. It is about the struggles these two people have in regard to their own religions: Catholic and Morman. Each feels strongly about their own. In the end, this is a book about the Morman church, but it is done in a way that is only slightly proselytizing in one section. The rest lovingly compares the religions and points out all the good they do.
If you like historical fiction especially one that spans more than one generation, give this story a look.
Note: I received this book during free download days with no expectation of a positive review.
February 24, 2013
This is the story of Tom Callahan, Katrina Hansen and their families over several generations. It begins in late 1800’s as Tom and Katrina find themself on ship headed to America. He is a Catholic Irishman running from the law and she is a newly converted Norwegian Mormon traveling with her family to Salt Lake City. The history was fascinating, learning tidbits about Mormon and Catholic history in Salt Lake in the 1800-1900’s, Irish history, WWI and the role of marines, mine conflict in Utah, the gold rush in Alaska, Cuban war, Titantic, offshoot polygamist groups in Mexico, IRA in Ireland, Hollywood, WWII touching on Pearl Harbor, marines in New Zealand and Guadalcanal. This was very long, but I liked it for history it went over.
February 13, 2012
This rambling saga tells the story of an Irish immigrant and his Norwegian immigrant wife through four generations. The family is involved in almost every important historical event -- for example, the Spanish-American War, the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, Pearl Harbor, and World War II. I was immediately taken by the brash Irishman and his strong, loving wife. Their story was both informational and entertaining. It's a good read.
April 12, 2012
This series is amazing! I loved it! The author has a knack for making the characters come to live in a way where you can see and hear them perfectly. You begin to anticipate what is going to happen and I personally couldn't put the book down until I knew whether or not I was right.
The book has an LDS theme to it and spans from the late 1800s through post WW2. If you love historical fiction or a good love story, you'll love this series.
The book has an LDS theme to it and spans from the late 1800s through post WW2. If you love historical fiction or a good love story, you'll love this series.
August 6, 2012
excellent series. with the 'sister wives' craze, i realized i didnt really know that much about the founding of the Mormon Church in the US, or the history of their struggles. The Callahans brought it to life in a colorful, engaging story packed with factual history, great plot lines, and authentic settings. a definite read for anyone interested in this under-publicized section of our US story!
September 16, 2012
A beautiful love story. Obviously, it was written to encourage Mormons. I have Mormon friends and they are wonderful, cleancut people. It was very noticeable that the Book of Mormon was considered the ultimate source of truth. My Mormon friends say that the Book of Mormon is helpful to explain the Bible. Serious study of the Bible shows that the Book of Mormon is not supplementary,nor complimentary to the Bible. Either the Bible is true or the Book of Mormon is true; I choose the Bible.
July 11, 2014
I liked the book at first, maybe through the second and third books, but then the 4th and 5th were tedious to me and I was ready to end the story. One complaint I do have is that it leaned heavily towards promoting a certain religious sect and I got tired of that being pushed on me as a reader when I don't believe in this particular sect and what it teaches. It is best read by those who believe in it.
February 26, 2012
This book is LDS historical fiction which covers several generations of this wonderful family. The story starts in the 1800's & continues to the mid-1900's. The series contains 5 books and I looked forward to each one. It covers many events ob history. It reminded me of the "Work & The Glory" series. I loved it!
July 2, 2012
What a wonderful author. When I started to read this I did not know anything about Gordon Ryan, but as I read I realized that he must be LDS. This is a series about a family that overcomes much in their life time. It starts in Ireland and goes all over the world. Starts in the 1800's and goes through to the 1960's.
November 5, 2012
A good read for the intended audience, but that isn't me.
I only got through the first book- nicely written, but it didn't pull me in enough to want to read more- and from what I gather of the succeeding volumes there a lot of arguments over the merits of Mormonism- which holds no interest for me.
I only got through the first book- nicely written, but it didn't pull me in enough to want to read more- and from what I gather of the succeeding volumes there a lot of arguments over the merits of Mormonism- which holds no interest for me.
June 22, 2015
Books 1 through 3 were really good. A great family story and their lives throughout out historical moments. I would have rated 4 stars, but in books 4 and 5, it felt as if the author had grown tired of writing the series and was rushing to finish. Details events seemed rushed and just skimmed over.
Want to read
February 15, 2016822pgs, 5 books in 1 follows the family from 1895 for several generations. The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.
June 24, 2011
This was an excellant series. The best I have read.
Want to read
August 15, 2011821 pages
Want to read
January 25, 2012$0.0 now $8.95
the-kindle-black-hole
October 23, 2012Free on kindle today, but it appears this might be rather heavy handed on the LDS theme.
February 15, 2012
This was a good read. It reminded me John Jakes books. 1st time I read Gordon Ryan books. I will read more from this author.
July 16, 2012
I would liken this to John Jakes "Kent Family Chronicles", but not as powerful. You need to read the whole series to be satisfied. Great portrayal of a family's evolution over several generations.
July 22, 2012
LDS theme and a historical overview spanning from late 1800's to late 1900's. Informational and a great story, but can get rambly.
July 22, 2012
Started out good but became very preachy about LDS religion
January 11, 2013
This is pretty good. A chronical of an Irish/Swedish family immigrating to America and joining the Mormon community in Utah. Very informative.
January 24, 2013
It was a good series. I understand that some people were put off by the stuff about Mormonism but the story was well crafted and held my attention and I really invested in the characters.
July 4, 2013
Really long. But I plowed through because I love historical fiction. I wish there was more emotion in the deaths. I felt those scenes were seriously lacking. But I loved the epilogue.
November 16, 2017
Love this book collection! It’s a love story, it’s got suspense, it’s got danger. Mostly it’s about family and how family will always be around for you. Very good!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews