Once An Outlaw

By Sandra Hall

Once an Outlaw is part one in the coming together of three outlaws, at different points in their lives and careers.
Most of the action takes place in and around a growing Negro settlement somewhere in northern Montana during the late eighteen hundreds. In the midst of gun play, bank robbing, and kidnapping is the beginning of a love story and the start of trying friendships.

Caine Fuller is an exceptional looking man as well as a gifted gunman and reluctant outlaw. His journey over the years leads him from Texas, where his name was made, to Montana. In a way, it is his last stop. He can't go any further and he refuses to go back, especially, after meeting the smart and beautiful, adventurous, Veronica Murray. Even though things are a bit difficult, they quickly fall in love. Caine's enemies are on his trail and because he wants Veronica, he decides not to run, but face any threat head on. Amazingly, Veronica proves to be a woman experienced with trouble. It is obvious to the female population that she has something in her past, yet Caine doesn't question the integrity of the woman she seems to be.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B09RM8GGCQ
• ISBN13: 9798201749897
• Release Date: September 2016
• Publisher: Darkest Eye Productions
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Thought provoking... I was engrossed

Once an Outlaw written by Sandra Hall and published in 2012 by Darkest Eye Productions is from the Western. Action & Romance genre. The book is the first part of a series with book two of the series Titled: Heart of an Outlaw. From post by the author, I understand a third in a trilogy is on the way soon. This extraordinary and , hugely successful book, gives a fantastic look at the west; post civil war. With emphasis on the lives and relationships of People of Color, Caucasians, Chinese, and the typical communities of the area, this book sheds a different light. The focus is more on communities, doing business together, thriving, living, struggling, and even loving regardless of race or background. Tension is there, yet there is no barriers to attraction, and successful ventures. Black and white doesn’t matter much. “ Back then when the old timers first started settling up here, it didn’t matter what your color was, as long as you could make it through the winter and hold your own, you was somebody worth having.” The book opens with the meeting and unveiling of the main characters Veronica and Cain. There is a sense from the reader, that there is much more to unveil about each of these characters. The storyline develops well, and the book is set out in alternating chapters from different characters, and some glimpses into different periods. Veronica is a school teacher who has been offered a job in the settlement of Gingerville. “ Gingerville. It’s a Negro settlement. Real successful too.” According to Gertie. Veronica is a bold and driven type of character. A single lady in the west, during a time most women needed the protection of a man. When men, “ made their own law.” Other characters are Cain the gunslinger, people like Murdock, and many other good and some shady characters that make the story interesting and colorful. These characters are linked together by proximity, the towns are close enough. Their lives and deeds good or bad connect them; as well as love, hate, and complicated relationships. I really enjoyed the dialogue, the historical descriptions of the era, and how believable the characters were. It’s hard to pick a favorite character. There is something unique about each character regardless of their contribution to the storyline. The primary two characters are believable because of the life encounters and situations that readers can relate to. The author could have improved the book by continued unfolding of the main characters, and the story. She has actually with the 2nd part of the series, and I have learned from following her post, that the 3rd book of the trilogy is soon to come. I give this book 5 stars. I couldn’t put this book down. With a look at how communities and different people of different cultures and backgrounds live, and thrive in post civil war era, is thought provoking. With some of the tension, and attention grabbing scenes; I wish there was a film I could watch about this book. The story reminds me of authors like Lorelei James, with a bit of Mary Connealy, Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, Kiru Taye, Kayla Perrin, and others. I recommend this book to anyone who likes these authors, or just a fun read. A part of me thinks the author daydreams this stuff. I’m sure you’ll come to love and appreciate the work of Novelist Sandra Hall.