John Hansen grew up on a ranch in southern Idaho. After college he worked as a wildlife biologist and wildland firefighter mostly in New Mexico. Upon retiring in 2014 he turned to his passion for writing. To date he has written 14 novels in the western, historical and contemporary fiction genres. His writing has won numerous awards, most notably, four Will Rogers Medallions. John and his wife Debi live in western Montana with their rescue dog Bella, and cats, Max and Patches.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Samuel Quist sells everything he owns and leaves Independence, Missouri, for Oregon for a new beginning and greener pastures. With the tense political climate and war, the move seems like the best option for his family. He takes his wife, Elizabeth, children, Zeke and Mary, and seventeen-year-old brother, James, and they journey through treacherous lands with George Munson and other pilgrims in his care. Unfortunately, Samuel faces ostracization, betrayal, and ridicule from his fellow travelers. The bloodthirsty Native Americans on the pilgrims’ trail make them go through horrors that alter the course of their lives. The entire ordeal leaves Samuel wondering if the journey was worth it. Get a copy of Crazy Woman Creek by John Hansen and join Samuel, his family, and fellow travelers on their life-changing journey.
The 1860s were tough times, and this book perfectly captures the plight of an ordinary man trying to prove himself and protect his family. The story is intense because it makes you feel the characters' pain, grief, and fear. In the beginning, Samuel is an impulsive man trying to prove his worth, but later, he develops into a braver and more confident character. I loved his gradual character development. Elizabeth is also a formidable character who kept her faith and had hope even when the odds were never in her favor. John Hansen has written great characters and a memorable story with tense scenes that kept me glued to the story. The author perfectly captures the culture and lifestyle of the era and gives details that paint a vivid picture of the characters and the environment. Each chapter builds on the next and presents more predicaments for the main characters. I felt so many emotions when reading. I was angry, sad, and tearing up most of the time. I highly recommend Crazy Woman Creek because it is well-written with a fantastic plot. Brilliant writing.
