Season of Our Reckoning

County South Saga Book One

By: Barbara Toomer

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

An undeniable masterpiece!

A deeply touching journey through the intertwined lives of the Hayes and Champion families on the American Frontier in the late 1880s. Set in the reconstruction era with cattle ranching and homesteading as the backdrop the story explores themes of family, love, loss, redemption, and resilience. A compelling love story of two fate-made marriages each trying to survive when their interests collide. Who will triumph in a timeless frontier range war?

Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) Laramie Award 2023 Short List Selection

Ella and Harrison marry under unusual circumstances, but their bond strengthens as they build a family and a thriving ranch in County South. Meanwhile, Glory, a circus performer, dreams of a different life and falls in love with Kit Champion, who seeks independence through homesteading. However, their dreams collide with Harrison's concerns over land boundaries and cattle migration, leading to a conflict with far-reaching consequences for both families. Will Glory's aspirations come to fruition? How will Harrison confront the challenges posed by Kit? Find out in this compelling book.

Pinched between the toothy grin of the Mineral Hills and the alkali dusted Badlands sits the Thistle Creek Crossing: the only piece of real estate that matters in the battle for domination on the windy plains of the American Frontier.

Harrison Hayes is building the biggest cattle ranch in County South. Ten years of back-breaking work and risk gives him the arrogance to kick aside anyone that gets in his way. His success depends on the twice-annual migration of his cattle across Thistle Creek.

Kit Champion-gently born first son running from the lofty expectations of his overbearing father-is chasing the American Dream. The government has invited him to prove up one-hundred-sixty acres of Manifest Destiny. His land grab is known as the Thistle Creek Crossing.

Reckoning: Failing to heed the warnings on the dark winds of change leaves Hayes vulnerable. He stands to lose everything to the scythe of progress and the greed of man. With a fool's brag and unworthy mettle Champion goes too far unaware he's poked the reigning despot in a kingdom where the weak cannot survive.

How far will a husband go to construct his wife's untenable fantasy of happy-ever-after? What unthinkable measures will a man take when his hearth-and-home are threatened?

"This book is undeniably a masterpiece. There is so much to love about it. The author's skillful use of vivid imagery and authentic dialogue bring the story to life. The characters are developed compellingly, allowing readers to understand their motivations and decisions. I became deeply attached to the main characters, which made certain chapters incredibly touching. In particular, the fifth chapter is a delightful moment when Harrison, a seemingly unemotional man, unexpectedly falls in love with his wife. However, the thirty-eighth chapter was painfully emotional due to my strong connection with the characters. The book's pacing is superb, keeping readers engrossed and making it difficult to put down. From start to finish, it offers an intriguing and captivating read. I found the line "A man ought-a know what he’s getting in for" particularly memorable, and I can say that anyone who reads this book is getting in for a great read." --OnlneBookClub

"Not since the Calder stories by Janet Daily, have we seen such a beautiful grand sweeping saga of the American West. In County South you'll find rich compelling characters whose stories unfold in the gripping world of the great American Frontier. Love, loss, compassion, betrayal, forgiveness, renewal. The Hayes' family stories are as tall and faceted as the rugged Mineral Hills in whose shadow they unfold." --Windy Plains Media

pleasantly surprised

I had read the paper version of this book and was interested to hear how an AI voice would read it. Much to my surprise it was very pleasant and I thought the voice had very good inflections and pace. I really enjoyed listening to this book and I'm looking forward to the third installment to this trilogy.

Great story about the founding of the western plains.

Absolutely great story . Hung on every chapter to see what happened next. Can’t wait for the next book!

Lyrical Prose: Touching Story

The story, while labored at times, reads authentic for the time period. The characters are richly developed allowing a worthy understanding of motivation. A good introduction to County South. Looking forward to more in this historical family saga.