First Chapter Review: The Treasure of Cedar Creek by Brenda Stanley

The author of this historical novel sent me the first chapter to review.

BLURB: In 1896, the isolated and vast state of Idaho is a haven for the polygamous splinter group called The Kingdom of Glory, which is hiding more than their outlawed practice of plural marriage.

At the compound called Cedar Creek, the prophet is hoping to increase his congregation, even if that means marrying off girls to men decades older. When Peri, who escaped the compound years earlier, returns to help rescue Grace, a girl betrothed to the prophet himself, she ends up also saving her own sister Emma. As the three women make a frantic and deadly escape from the compound, they take with them both the newborn heir to the church, and their dead mother's cryptic journal to the prophet's hidden treasure. Along their journey, the women realize to truly be free they must face what holds them captive, even if those answers are more horrifying than they ever imagined.

COVER: This cover art is beautiful and the color scheme catches the eye. The font in the title stands out nicely. The artwork captivates with the vastness of the untamed west.

FIRST CHAPTER: Emma Elizabeth Dixon opens by explaining she is sharing this story for a reason. Part of that story is how her strong-willed and confident sister, Peri, ended up with her own horse several years ago and a bit of what transpired to lead them to Idaho.

KEEP READING: I snuck over to Amazon to read a bit more from the sample, if that gives you any idea. There is a lot of emotion in this opening chapter, which draws you right to Emma. You feel the hurt that is evident in her words. I'm glad the author started with her character, since she was the most sympathetic character at that point in time. I'm eager to read more and want to make time for this one in my reading schedule.


Paperback: 262 pages
Publisher: Taylor and Seale Publishers (March 26, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1943789762
ISBN-13: 978-1943789764


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This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Harkness by Michael Bigham

Harkness is a superb edgy western murder mystery by debut novelist Michael Bigham.

Sheriff Matthew Harkness investigates the disappearance of two star-crossed teenage lovers. Secrets abound in the Oregon High Desert town of Barnesville, and Harkness must uncover a trail that leads to murder.

In Harkness, Bigham has created a conflicted hero who lives right on the edge of justice. A World War II veteran, Harkness returns to Barnesville and picks up a relationship with the woman he loves. Problem is, she's now married to the town's big-wig, who also happens to be his boss. His fairly regular routine is unsettled when Joey McIntrye, the high school's star football player, goes missing along with his girlfriend, Virginia Kelly. Having lived in Barnesville a long time, Harkness is privy to many secrets, and he must weigh what to reveal in order to help him solve the crime.

The challenge with a character like Matthew Harkness is making him likable enough. In the opening pages he's in bed with the Judge's wife. He drinks too much. Some of the words he uses would curl your mother's hair. He can be a bit violent at times. But overall, Bigham did a fine job of smoothing out those edges to keep the reader rooting for him.

Before I knew I would be helping to promote this book, I had read the first chapter and was totally intrigued.  As a lover of westerns and mysteries, Harkness was a great match for me. Bigham delivered a solid story that kept me turning the pages. The tension slowly built to an explosive conclusion. Along the way, there was the comic relief provided by Addison, the wiener dog that adopts Harkness. In the end, I couldn't say I liked most of the people in Barnesville, but I would definitely return for another adventure; see who else is hiding dirty secrets there.

If you like western mysteries and conflicted heroes, you should give Harkness a try.


Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: Muskrat Press (October 17, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615721974
ISBN-13: 978-0615721972

I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author. The author paid me to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. This fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 5th book I've read for the following challenge: