ŷ������

Who me? Reading a Western? This is a Sandra Dallas novel, so yes, I am...

In 1863, when their mother dies, Haidie Richards, 14, and her younger brother, Boots, 10, live in an orphanage, but not for long. They soon escape and plan to head from Smoak, IL, to the Colorado Territory. They're in search of their father, Manley, who left four years ago with a severe case of gold fever and high hopes of striking it rich.

Boots and Haidie, disguised as a boy, gain passage with folks traveling to the Western Territory and learn hard and fast lessons along the way. Once they arrive in Colorado, their lessons are far from over...

Tough Luck is a story I enjoyed with a compelling storyline, wonderful characters, and simple descriptive writing that immerses you in the timeline of the 1860s and the culture of the West. I love Haidie, our main character, who held the weight of this story on her tiny shoulders. Dallas made a wise choice by placing the first-person narration of this story in the hands of this brave character. She is a little spitfire!

This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, who recounts the story flawlessly in an accentuated voice appropriate for the timeline and delivers the perfect first-person voice for Haidie. The result is an entertaining listening experience.

This was not the first Sandra Dallas novel I have read. I read her second novel, The Persian Pickle Club, five years ago and loved it. I must admit, though, I fell in love with that beautiful, colorful cover first. Take a look for yourself and see if you agree.

Tough Luck was enjoyable to read and listen to, and just as I said when I finished The Persian Pickle Club, I need to read more from this talented author!

4.25��

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Sandra Dallas for a DRC and an ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. Publication date: 4/29/25!