OKLAHOMA'S KID...
THE WRITER
L. L. WARD
Some Reviews...
Julie's Book Review
All Roads Lead Home by L.L. Ward
Jesse McKlintock is making his way back home. He has been gone for ten years and is not sure what is drawing him to a place that he was happy to leave behind him. But he is sure that it is meant to be that he go back to the only place he thinks of as home. And to be honest, he has run out of places that will take him in. Along his journey he encounters curious characters and happenings. He has many dreams and memories of his grandma's teachings and tales spanning over eighty years of his roots in pre-Indian Territory.
Review: This is a historical western read. In this book Jesse captured my interest right away. At first I was confused about the second story woven through Jesse's until I realized that the author was showing me stories from his ancestor's past. Once my mind was following properly, I enjoyed both Jesse's journey back home and learning about his family history. The people he meets along his way gave the story depth and sometimes added mystery as to who or what was helping him make his way home safely. Once he is home, the author adds new characters for us to embrace or dislike. I felt like the ride of this story was up and down with many twists and turns. It will keep you wondering what can come next. Which is exactly was I was wondering at the end since this is book one in the series. Okay L.L. Ward, I am so ready for more Jesse McKlintock. :)
Theresa 4 of 5 stars
Posted by Julie Ramsey 3-14-15 at 8:38:00 AM
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story..it should be a movie.
By MMMorrell on May 7, 2015
Format: Paperback
L.L.Ward has tapped into the lore of westerns that John Wayne would be proud to be the main character in the story line. The author L.L. Ward has done what they set out to do. I felt myself tumble into a world that kept me captive until I set down this wonderful book, I want to go back. This book is one, of a great series I anticipate to be full of adventure and human experiences. All Roads Lead Home: Book One Getting There. Make sure you get your copy ordered.
5.0 out of 5 stars The characters are familiar and fun.
By Amazon Customer on March 15, 2016
Format: Paperback
Absolutely loved this book! The characters are lively and amusing. Jesse's reflections of his ancestry are full of tales from his Scottish and Native American background...cannot wait to get into book two!
5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed the read
By Kelly Bird on July 30, 2014
Format: Paperback
I really enjoyed the read, getting to know the characters was a lot of fun. Didn't want it to end , could just about picture the people. Of course I am looking forward to the next book, I'm hooked!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!!!!
By Tammy on May 7, 2015
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
This book is a must read!!!! My two teenagers who prefer to look at their phones or Xbox actually want to read it just based off of the synopsis on the back. Now that takes talent!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
By Janet Taylor on August 23, 2014
Format: Paperback
Love this new author. Love the characters. She brings them to life. Ready for the next book.
A couple of emails received from Becky Chapman about Book One - used with her permission:
L. L.,
I wanted to let you know I think you are an incredible Writer!!! I enjoyed getting to know the characters, getting involved with them & the story.
Some things that worked for me:
- I was hooked when I realized the 1st character Jesse met was John Wilkes Booth.
- Crazy Mary - what a great character who reminds Jesse of his heritage. A great lead-in to the next chapter.
- The trek back in time with the Scottish brothers. Loved all the banter back & forth, the way you developed their individual traits. How they settled with the Natives.
- You did a Masterful job with the Indians. My favorite was Odd Dog. I can see him & hear him in my head. Also his Father and their relationship and how it blossoms over the years.
- Loved the part where 'E' saw the 'spirit dog' and nobody else did. Also, I kept waiting for the Indians' prophecy to be explained (where 1 is cut down, but 2 others are released) and then you did explain it! But what about the other prophecy (where 2 becomes 3??? ). Hmmmm....to be explained later or maybe it already has been....
- Love, Love, Love Shorty & Millie. I can also see & hear them speaking in my mind. :)
- Just now to the part where Jesse is finding out about his beloved *** & ***'s unscrupulous land deals.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know I'm in awe of your talent! What a breath of fresh air to read something laced with HOPE and LOVE.
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Second email:
L,
First, let me just say I think you are one talented writer!!! Wowza!
Talk about a cliffhanger...I didn't want it to end.
Your ability to make the reader FEEL what the characters are feeling, it seems effortless. I know it isn't, but that's what it seems like. A GIFT.
- I KNEW that wolf/dog was going to come back in the story! Is he Jesse's Guardian Angel/Wolf? Or is he a symbol of Jesse's Native heritage?
- Okay: I'm sad that *** turned out to be a scoundrel. I really liked him at first & didn't see that coming at all. Twists & Turns. Again, masterful writing.
- The Pond: lots of Imagery & Symbolism for me, I don't know if that was intentional but sure did work for me.
- Dried-up/dead/weeds gave me the image of all the times I fell short; my past sins.
- Jesse's Grandma. Someone he felt safe with/needed her comfort/ someone God uses to get our attention.
- The Voice: God's Voice. Your past is over. Move on. Do your best from here on out.
- Then the banged-up dog leading Jesse out of the dried up pond. Again, either Jesse's wolf/dog angel or his symbol of his native heritage. Leading him out of his old life and into the promise of his new life.
*Poor Jesse's angel/wolf/dog is all beat-up from all his hard living.
L, while I was reading it, I kept thinking, I KNOW the Author! What a God-Given Talent!
I honestly enjoyed reading this. I feel connected to all the characters. I found myself (during the last 2 chapters) saying, "didn't see that coming, L."
You are an Incredible Writer.
Well Done!!!!
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From Facebook:
Zack Johnson
If anyone is looking for an amazing western series I highly recommend you read these books. The Author is amazing and can paint a mental picture like no other. Check it out and show the book some love.
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