Partners: A Western Adventure by D. M. McGowan.
Synopsis: Thomas Brash is trying to escape but knows he never will. Pursuing him is the memory of the family he lost to cholera. Perhaps he believes that traveling alone in a wild, dangerous land will end all his memories; there is no doubt he wishes to be alone.
Whatever his intentions the appearance of Frank Clement and the circumstances of that meeting upset those plans. Brash views Clement as an uneducated child who requires fatherly protection and guidance.
Clement views Brash as a tenderfoot and cannot understand how anyone who knows so little could live so long. These two loners are joined by others and they all become partners. Having achieved relative sanctuary and surrounded by civilization their wilderness past comes back to haunt them.
Burton Review: “This is a story that flows easily between the concept of camaraderie and the intense events that the partners endure together; I enjoyed the story and think anyone interested in a colonial era type story will enjoy this one.
There is an incident about two-thirds of the way into the book where Brash uses a military tactic … A brilliant plot piece: loved it.”
Review by Lydia Efobi: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wholesome read! Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023. Partners, a spellbinding read by Dave McGowan, is a book about Thomas Brash. The devastating loss of his family to cholera continues to haunt him. He yearns to escape his memories and seeks solace in the wild, dangerous land he traverses, hoping to find peace in solitude. However, his plans halt due to the unexpected arrival of Frank Clement, whom Thomas tags naive and in need of guidance.
Despite their differences, circumstances cause these two men to form an unlikely partnership. Unfortunately, as they carve out a life for themselves and find relative safety among civilization, their past in the wilderness comes back to haunt them. The memories of their former lives are never far away, and they must confront the harsh realities of their past to find a way forward.
The book offers a unique perspective on the Canadian frontier in 1866. The author’s meticulous attention to detail had me drawing my shoulders up close to my ears as I sneaked through the bushes with Thomas. It goes to show you how Dave McGowan excellently wrote the book such that it brings your imaginary prowess to play.
Similarly, the story unfolded at a perfect pace. It was full of twists and turns, and the characters are likable for their unique qualities. The writing style in this book is captivating and engaging, with no dull moments throughout the story. The author’s knowledge of Indian customs is impressive, and I enjoyed learning about them as Thomas taught Frank how to interact with the new camp of Indians they encountered.
Inevitably, this book is a 5-star read, and I recommend this book to buffs of adventure, history, and stories of resilience.
Burton Review: “This is a story that flows easily between the concept of camaraderie and the intense events that the partners endure together; I enjoyed the story and think anyone interested in a colonial era type story will enjoy this one.
There is an incident about two-thirds of the way into the book where Brash uses a military tactic … A brilliant plot piece: loved it.”
Review by Barbara Martin (barbaramartin.blogspot.com): “Partners is a well told story that entertains and educates. It’s a long book too, providing a big read for your money”.
Review by Clayton Bye: “As I said when I reviewed Homesteader, if you enjoy westerns or historical yarns, Partners will offer a unique and refreshing read”.
Review by Anne Boling for Reader’s Favorite (5 stars of 5): “Partners” is quite an adventure. Dave McGowan is a talented author. Fans of westerns need to make note of his name for they will want to follow all of his works.
Review by Trudi LoPreto for Reader’s Favorite (3 stars of 5): “Partners” is a study in human character. David McGowan has written a story that is believable with a strong plot. If you are a fan of Western genre with a thrust in details, this is a book you will enjoy”.
Review by Alice DiNizo for Reader’s Favorite (5 stars of 5): “Partners” by David McGowan is a readable, enjoyable Western about two men distanced by upbringing and age. Good dialogue and short, succinct chapters make “Partner” a delightful read for history and western fans alike”.
From The Author: I was sitting in a restaurant having some lunch one day and heard two men behind me discussing how a young man and an old man could never get along because of their different experiences or lack of same that would be part of their make-up. I had witnessed, as has everyone who pays attention, the same clashing of characters but felt sure that a series of shared experiences could alter that difficulty. I therefore wrote a story about it.
My “old” character some may have difficulty with, particularly if they are somewhere between 40 and my age. Tom Brash is depicted as only being in his late thirties but remember, in the tough world of the late 1800s, without antibiotics, army trained “surgeons” who simply cut things off if there was some question about their viability … well, 40 was “gettin’ up there.”
My “young” character is also slightly older than many – boys and girls – who were thrust out into a world for which they were ill prepared. Due to the situations shortening their parent’s lives listed above many found themselves on their own while still in the early teens or even younger. However, I wanted my character to go through some trials and tribulations and decided Frank Clement should be old enough to live through those problems so he had time to become a partner to Tom and the two US Civil War veterans who join them.
Product Details:
Paperback: 256 Pages
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC (September 16, 2008)
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Novel Video Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=S6LEqjRHCDQ
Homesteader: Finding Sharon: A Western Adventure by D. M. McGowan.
Staking a claim to a homestead in the rugged, untamed Canadian frontier of the 1880’s was hard enough. But when someone tries to run roughshod over the “nesters,” a man has to take a stand. There is more than bad weather for Hank James to contend with as he rides in search of the land of his dreams and the woman of his heart.
Portis Martin, manager of a large cattle company, has no use for the small homesteaders that have begun to pepper the area…and he isn’t afraid of using every dirty trick he knows to run them out. And Portis had been doing a pretty good job of it-until Hank James and his partner arrive on the stage.
The dreams of early homesteaders were not always strong enough to see them through adversity, but with Hank James on their side, the people might just find a way of uniting for the common good and building a dream that can endure.
Review by David McGowan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Facing down a bully. Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2016. Verified Purchase. Hank James and riding partner Harry Gilmore ride the rails east to look for the woman Hank thought would be his mate for life. They unload their horses and gear at Canmore and immediately make an enemy.
Riding on into Calgary they find Sharon but Hank is suddenly not sure if she is who he thought she was. He does decide to stay around long enough to see if she is or isn’t.
If they are staying around for a while anyway Hank and Harry become homesteaders. When they met Portis Martin east of Canmore, he did not think they showed him proper respect but as homesteaders they became threatening enemies.
Hank and Harry’s new enemy is manager of a very big cattle ranch. He has the money, the livestock, and the manpower. He does not have time for saddle tramps. He also doesn’t have a conscience that will interfere with getting them out of the way by any means possible – including attacking this woman that seems to interest them.
From the same vault that holds the work of William Johnstone, Matt Braun, Max Brand, and Louis L’Amour.
Review by R. A. Quinn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A must read for any Western fan! Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2013. Homesteader, Finding Sharon is as unique a western that I have ever read. It takes place in 1886, in Canada. Friends Hank and Harry set out to homestead near Calgary and learn firsthand how ruthless the ones who control the cattle could be. Hank James is different than the average homesteader and stands his ground.
I drove through that area this past summer and this book took me back to some of the most beautiful country Canada has to offer. This is not only a well written story but it seems to be a history lesson as well. The cattle industry was not limited to the open ranges in the U.S., nor was the fight for that range. You will not be disappointed in how author D.M. McGowan has spun this fine western novel. If you are a fan of westerns or well told stories; Homesteader, Finding Sharon will not disappoint at all.
Review by Marc H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great reading! Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2019. Verified Purchase. What a great book. This is my second by D.M. McGowan and I’ll be getting them all. Well written.
Product Details:
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC; First Thus Edition (May 15, 2009)
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen by David Milton McGowan.
Sully Wheeler doesn’t care why his cattle are disappearing. He doesn’t care why but it has to stop. Perhaps it’s the cost of hiding from his past, but who would steal from a one-time gunfighter?
The NW Mounted Policeman that Sully contacted appeared more intent on stopping vigilante action than in stopping theft. If that proves to be the case, Sully will recover his own property, even if it takes gunfire to do it.
Who is this Mountie, anyway? Is he a cop or something else entirely? Is he working to support the crown, leave the crown or actually do something for the settlers?
And while we’re talking about that Mountie, isn’t he spending too much time with that newspaper lady?
Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DNHKVVV/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i2#customerReviews
A Voice From Beyond: Anthology by David Milton McGowan.
Lucky: He is a former Confederate officer who has become far less than an “officer and a gentleman”. When he realizes what he has become he tries to see a new future and a new him.
#thief #enlightenment
Stealing Janet’s Cattle: A young mother and rancher discovers cattle missing. She is alone and, according to the tracks outnumbered, but she is armed and she and her family need those cattle. Is this young female rancher as tough as she thinks she is? Tough enough to defeat the more powerfull?
#woman #pioneer #planning
A Voice From Beyond: It’s the Great Depression and people will do almost anything to survive. Having been somewhat successful in his search for work, a hobo stops to thank those who helped him rise up from destruction. A simple “thank you” becomes something else entirely.
#humor #cemetery #grave robbers
- Rhymes for Christmas
- Just Feelin’ Good
- The Reason For the Season
- An Old Rancher’s Christmas
Product Details:
Print Length: 81 Pages
Publication Date: October 17, 2020
Western (Anthologies)
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LCPNL9H/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i4
Into The Mountains by David McGowan.
How do you save your family when they are faced with hate and racism on all sides? How do you avoid fear every minute of every day?
In the years following the North West Rebellion of 1885 many Métis “disappeared” as many went into hiding to avoid racism and mistreatment. Admittedly, some like Gabriel Dumont went south of the 49th parallel into the US. What happened to the rest?
Almost a century later Métis suddenly appeared as individuals and communities throughout the West. Perhaps “Into the Mountains”, fiction though it is, supplies some explanation.
Product Details:
Print Length: 24 Pages
Publisher: Daison Services, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada (July 9, 2020)
Illustrator: Tracy Wandling
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CS5S6KY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CS5S6KY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i7#customerReviews
Deacon by David Milton McGowan.
Marker of Stone; A fictional recounting of the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean north of Mexico. Was his reception by the local population as he described it in his journal. Perhaps they put up with him hoping he would leave? Another possibility is that they controlled their desire to ensure the strange men left their land.
- #communication #control #protection
- Deacon; A young Canadian and several young American southerners, all fighter pilots and their experiences in 1940 during the Battle of Britain.
- #WWII #fear #bombs #English pubs
- Includes three rhymes about history, interaction with others and the molding of youth
- Native Sons in World War I
- Inclusion
- Education
Product Details:
Print Length: 27 Pages
Publisher: Daison Services, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada V1G 4K8 (August 9, 2020
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FHJHF86/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i5
Invasion by David Milton McGowan.
INVASION!
They lived “off the grid” because in those days and in that area there was no “grid” to be on. They were homesteaders, farmers, and trappers who might find a dozen people within a day’s walk in any direction.
Suddenly they were surrounded by10, 000 strangers, almost all men and trading for goods they had not known existed.
It was 1942 and the Alaska Highway was being built through 1200 miles of wilderness.
Their system of life, the society they knew was gone with the arrival of one train in Dawson Creek. There were hundreds of more loaded freights scheduled to arrive in a town that might see half a dozen during the fall harvest.
What will happen to these people?
Product Details:
Print Length: 39 Pages
Publisher: Daison Services, Dawson Creek, BC (August 30, 2020)
Western Fiction (Crime Thriller)
Western Fiction (Focus On Canada)
Western Fiction (Historical)
Western Fiction (Traditional)
Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers)
Western (Action and Adventure)
Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H1SDWCM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0#customerReviews
About The Author: “Author Dave McGowan has been a cowboy, forest fire fighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman.
He now writes, and works as a commercial driver, in Northern British Columbia.”
The forgoing is the bio from the back of my novels and one might conclude from this information that I was a poor employee … either lazy or didn’t know what I was doing … and was kicked off a lot of jobs.
You would be partially correct, at least in surmising that I don’t know what I am doing. As for my being a poor employee, you would have to ask my bosses … although I think I’ve managed to trick the one I have now.
Of course, when I had my own business, my boss thought I was marvelous.
Truthfully, I’ve managed over the years to find employment regardless of my location or the problems that might exist with the economy. I enjoyed much of that experience at the time and am glad that I attained it.
I’ve also visited a good portion of North America and lived in several areas of Canada where I met some great people and enjoyed some wonderful country.
Speaking of great people, Karen and I are parents to four great people who have supplied eight grandchildren who show that improvements can be possible in each generation. One of those has added a great-grand daughter to the line.
Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:
https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/dave-mcgowans-books/
