Hey, everyone. Today I want to share reviews of two short stories written by Jan Sikes. Though they are completely different genres, both are highly enjoyable.
Brazos Wind:
War-torn drifter, Jack McClean is left with nothing but bad memories, scars, and a restless soul. When he stumbles upon a burning homestead, and an unconscious woman, beside the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, he stops to render aid. Grieving widow, Savannah Logan, sees no reason to live, and only wants to join her husband and children in their graves. But, Jack refuses to let her die. In saving her, he might somehow find redemption for himself and hope for a new tomorrow. Is it possible that both Jack and Savannah can find a new destiny in the changeable flow of the Brazos wind?
My Review:
Fifteen years after the Civil War, Jack McClean is still searching for a place to settle. One day, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, he comes across the burned-out house of Savannah Logan and stops to render aid.
Savannah sees no reason to live, having lost her husband and two children. But Jack takes her into the nearby town of Albany, where he finds lodging and medical care for her.
Both Jack and Savannah are haunted by the past, but can they find redemption in the Brazos Wind?
I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. Set in Texas, I’m familiar with the places. I would love to see more of these characters in a longer book, and the author left it open for the possibility.
If you’re looking for a well-written and enjoyable short read, I highly recommend Brazos Wind. Five stars!
Brother’s Keeper Blurb:
Quentin Marks’ mother can only love one son, and from the day Rowdy was born, she makes Quentin, his little brother’s keeper. She demands that Quentin fix every problem for Rowdy and that he also protect him. The truth is, after a deadly snakebite, Quentin owes his very life to his little brother, a debt that will never be paid in full. Only now a man is dead, and once again, their mother calls on Quentin to make the problem go away and save Rowdy from prison. When is enough enough, and how much of his own life will Quentin Marks have to sacrifice?
My Review:
Brother’s Keeper is the story of two brothers – Quentin and Rowdy.
After Rowdy saved his life years earlier, Quentin believes it’s his duty to protect his younger brother. Their mother was responsible for this belief and insisted Quentin take on the role of Rowdy’s keeper from the day he was born.
But Rowdy is spoiled and often gets into trouble. One day, he makes a colossal mistake, and Quentin ends up paying a high price. How far will he go to protect Rowdy?
The story is short but well-written. The author did a remarkable job of developing the characters. It was as easy to love Quentin as it was to hate the mother. Five stars for this one.
48 Responses
I’ve read a few of Jan’s short stories now and enjoyed them. These look like two more shorts to add to my TBR. Great reviews, Joan. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I read both on a Sunday morning before my writing time. I really enjoyed the short, but entertaining, reads.
Music to my ears, Harmony! I hope you enjoy them when you read them!
Sounds like you had a good reading weekend.
Thanks for stopping by, Craig!
It was, Craig!
Sometimes short is the way to go. Quickly and easily consumed. And it sounds like she packed a lot into a little, so it’s a wonderful value. Great reviews, Joan. And best wishes to Jan!
Thank you so much, Staci! Both of these were written for a contest. Fingers are crossed that they’ll at least place! 🙂
I have every faith they will. Good luck!
I’ve enjoyed several short stories this year and these are among my favorites. Thanks for visiting, Staci.
Great reviews, Joan! My dad, a big western fan, also enjoyed Brazos Wind. Congrats to Jan!
Whoohoo! Teri, your comment made my day! I’m thrilled that your dad enjoyed “Brazos Wind!” Thank you for sharing it with him!
I encouraged him to leave a review, Jan – he said he’d try, but he and websites occasionally don’t play well together, lol.
No worries, Teri. I’m just thrilled that he read it!
My dad loved westerns. I’m confident he would have enjoyed this one.
Great reviews, Joan. I read both of these and enjoyed them as well. Congratulations to Jan on two winners!
Thank you for your kind words, Mae!!
They were great reads, Mae. I agree, Jan has two winners here.
Excellent reviews, Joan. Congratulations to Jan.
Thank you, John!
😁
Thanks so much, John
Thank you SO much, for sharing your thoughts on “Brazos Wind” and “Brother’s Keeper,” Joan! I’m over the moon!
Well, deserved, Jan. I enjoyed both books. You are a master at writing short stories!
[…] Book Reviews: Brazos Wind & Brothers Keeper by @JanSikes3 #TuesdayBookShare […]
Reblogged this on Writing and Music and commented:
I am honored by these fabulous reviews from Joan Hall! Whoohoo!!!
Thanks for sharing this, Jan!
I’ve read one of Jan’s stories–it was amazing. I keep looking at her Western sort of guy cover. It sounds excellent.
Thank you, Jacqui! I hope it intrigues you enough to pick it up!
Well, honestly, you have a few others I will probably grab first! Brother’s Keeper–such a tough topic. I feel like I couldn’t do the right thing twere I him. It makes me want to see what he does.
OK, just grabbed it!
🙂
If I had to pick a favorite of the two, it would be Brazos Wind. (Probably because it was set in my home state.) But both are excellent reads.
Fantastic reviews! I’m looking forward to reading both. Congratulations, Jan.
Thank you, Gwen! I look forward to your feedback!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy them, Gwen.
Great reviews. Joan:) I loved both of these and would love to see more from Brazos Winds.
Oh, me too, Denise. I do hope she writes a sequel.
Thank you, Denise! You never know. Sometimes a story won’t leave you alone. 🙂
I am reading My Brother’s Keeper right now. I got pulled away before I could read the end, but I’m looking forward to reading it again. It’s fantastic! 🙂
Jan did a remarkable job with both stories!
Thank you, Yvette! I look forward to your feedback on “Brother’s Keeper!”
My Better Half would LOVE this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
It’s a great story.
it this evening.
Thank you, Rae! I do hope he enjoys it! Thank you for stopping by!
Purchased it this evening.
Thank you SO much!