People of the West: A short story timeline

By D.M. McGowan

A collection of 9 short stories (along with some back-ground) and 14 poems available on several sites

1793 Marker of Stone, 1867 Lucky, 1888 Into the Mountains, 1914 Stealing Janet’s Cattle, 1936 A Voice from Beyond,

Just Feeling Good, The Reason for the Season, An Old Rancher’s Christmas

1940 Deacon,

Native Sons in World War I, Inclusion, Education

1942 Invasion

The Road That Couldn’t Be Done, Hiking Mountain Ranges

1963 Sure, I can do that! , 1966 Blizzard!

What if justice wasn't always about rules but about results?

David M. McGowan’s Boundaries is a captivating and richly woven tale that transports readers to 19th-century British Columbia, a land marked by untamed wilderness, shifting alliances, and the unyielding spirit of those who call it home. With its vivid depiction of frontier life and a nuanced exploration of morality, identity, and resilience, Boundaries is a standout in the realm of historical fiction.

This book is a bold, gritty, and incredibly absorbing read.

Fast-paced, unpredictable, and layered with moments that keep you thinking long after the chapter ends. The author has crafted a character-driven narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Call him a bounty hunter, a rangeland detective, an actor, a chameleon, a puzzle solver; whatever title you choose, Bob Morgan will find a way to reshape depravity, corruption and destruction into the manageable and acceptable. All that is necessary is to not expect too much, appreciate whatever improvement may be realized, and don’t look too closely at Morgan’s past.

From the same vault that holds the work of William Johnstone, Matt Braun, Max Brand, and Louis L’Amour.

Sully Wheeler doesn’t care why his cattle are disappearing.

He doesn’t care why but it has to stop. Perhaps it’s part of 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?

AUDIO / EBOOK / PRINT

Tom Brash is educated, traveled, trained and for 1866 well aged

Frank Clement is uncouth, unsophisticated, uneducated and young.

Tom believes young Frank who has no idea where they are and is completely unaware of the dangers they face will not survive traveling alone.

Frank thinks the “old man” will get himself killed with his fancy talk and fancy guns.

Can they work together to fend off the renegades trying to kill them out on the plains in Canada’s Western Wilderness? Will their differences make it impossible to work together at all?

Ride along with these men who find renegades, Blackfeet, the most feared people on the northern plains, US Cavalry, gold miners, policemen, thieves and killers.

From the same vault that holds the work of William Johnstone, Matt Braun, Max Brand, and Louis L’Amour.

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 awhile 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.

Mare Nostrum. Our everyday sea. That's what the Romans called it, without knowing exactly how far that sea stretched, which in principle was only the Mediterranean. That sea that begins with the beauty of a beach and never ends, because the sea is infinite. A setting of endless horizons, stormy reactions, and limitless routes.

The Western Maryland, Garret family, struggles to maintain their farm as their neighbors argue the slavery issue. They live in a border state where folks take both sides and emotions run hot. Their stoic matriarch, known only as "Mother" holds the family together in the absence of her dead husband. The deceased patriarch, Valentine, was a giant of a man both in stature and character. He acts as the family conscience and mentor throughout the novel. It is his admonition that people who get snakebit think and act crazy which is how he viewed the state of the country when he died. 

Gabe the eldest and an adventurer, wanders off to Bleeding Kansas. This leaves taciturn Geoffrey, the spitting image of Valentine. as man of the house. Intelligent and beautiful, Becca is being suited by two beaus, twins no less. But she aspires to something better than being just a backwoods wife. Samuel, the youngest is the wildest member of the clan. Impetuous and ornery. he keeps the family occupied - for good or ill. 

As the novel progresses historical characters are also introduced including Abraham Lincoln, future President of the Union and Alexander Stephens, future vice President of the Confederacy. Some characters attend historical milestones like the 1859 Republican Political Convention in Chicago, the Contentious Democratic Convention in Charleston South Carolina and the tense trial of John Brown in Charles Town, Virginia. 

In each instance the question of race tears at the fabric of American society. Ultimately, bitter recriminations lead to secession and war in book two, FIRE-EATERS. Each chapter of each book is a self-contained story. just as each book can stand alone. But through it all the Garretts, their friends and family tell our American story, the story we didn't hear about in school.

Orion's Seed is a gripping science fiction thriller that blends ancient alien mystery, high-stakes exploration, and a touch of cosmic horror. The story opens with a dramatic prologue in which the dying Erythian race seeds prehistoric Earth with a mysterious artifact—the Luminaris—hoping to preserve their legacy. Millennia later, archaeologist Blake Edwards is drawn to a remote Antarctic outpost by strange satellite anomalies and buried structures with unnatural geometry. What begins as a scientific investigation quickly spirals into a desperate race for survival as Blake uncovers evidence of a long-lost extraterrestrial presence and a deadly conspiracy determined to keep it buried. From ancient tombs in Sudan to the frozen wastelands of Antarctica and the streets of Buenos Aires, Blake is hunted by mercenaries and haunted by visions, piecing together clues that point to the Luminaris being more than a relic—it's a living key to something vast and powerful. With sharp pacing, rich atmospheric detail, and mounting tension, Orion's Seed explores themes of legacy, obsession, and the primal fear of what might be watching us from beneath the ice—or beyond the stars.

Thief of Dreams by Jerry Payne is a crime thriller that takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of the protagonist, Kyle Stone. Set in the vibrant and tumultuous city of San Francisco in the 1980s, the novel is based on the author's own experiences and offers a unique and fresh perspective on the genre. The story follows Kyle as he navigates the challenges of building a financial empire, but every time he faces a setback, he is mysteriously saved by a guardian angel or higher power, leaving him and the reader wondering about the identity and motive of this mysterious savior.

The novel is expertly crafted and offers a perfect balance of mystery, intrigue, and action. The author slowly unveils the explanation for this phenomenon, creating a sense of anticipation and keeping the reader engaged throughout the novel. Alongside the crime elements, the novel also delves into touching relationship stories and provides an informative and educational family history. The portrayal of the Mafia in this book is refreshing and different from the typical stereotype. The book also balances the serious themes with lighthearted moments, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience.

The characterization of Kyle Stone is particularly noteworthy as the author paints a vivid picture of the character, his struggles, and his triumphs. Kyle is a complex and multi-dimensional character who evolves throughout the novel, and his arc is satisfying and relatable.

The ending of the book is dramatic and satisfying, leaving the reader wanting more. Overall, Thief of Dreams by Jerry Payne is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and anyone looking for a fresh and captivating novel. The book is expertly crafted and offers a perfect balance of mystery, intrigue, and action, making it a page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Manu is a tired old soul weary of his practice and often in confusion. His visions bring forth great experiences of his past future lives. And finally, after a consultation with his guru, he is lead to his ultimate goal.

During World War II, the Reverand John Scott Holladay was called upon to serve as a spy. If he accepted the assignment, for their own protection, he could not tell his family for fear that foreign spies would kidnap them in order to turn his loyalty against America. After diligent prayer, he accepted the call to service, giving him an opportunity to save American, Thai, and even Japanese lives.

After the war, he was called to minister in rapidly decaying, crime ridden Cairo, Illinois. His ministry grew his church, built community standards, fought for racial equality, and stood against organized crime. Feeling the pressure of John’s community leadership and losing money, deadly Mafia gangsters plotted to end his life.

COMES THE CALL: For God and Country is a fast-paced, historical, biographical sketch. If you like Evangelical ministers, war heroes, crime fighters, amazing stories of courage, and inspirational reads, you’ll love Thomas Holladay’s novel about his Uncle Jack.

Buy COMES THE CALL now to find the faith it takes to fearlessly answer God’s calling. Only $5.98