Letters and Reviews About
The Man from Shenandoah
A reader in Mesa writes
This is one of the best western novels I have ever read. It is filled with exciting adventures and characters that make the book come alive.
Ron
From a reader in Arizona
In the Tradition of Louis L'Amour
This book follows the great tradition of Louis L'Amour. Marsha Ward's characters are believable and could very well have existed in the Old West. Carl Owen and his family reflect the gritty determination to stand up for what's right no matter the cost.
Darrin
A young reader in Utah writes
I love the book you wrote. It was really good. You should write a sequel.
Alessandra
From a reader in Mesa, Arizona
I enjoyed your book immensely. I could hardly put it down! I am anxious to read your sequel.
Judy
From a Utah reader
Hi Marsha,
I bought your book, The Man from Shenandoah, but I haven't read it yet. However, my 12-year-old can't seem to put it down. She says it is a wonderful book.
It is nice to own a book from somebody you know. Even though we did not do the work, we feel proud that one of our friends did such a wonderful work.
Best regards,
Teresa
Writes a "Friends of the Library" volunteer in Arizona City, Arizona
Dear Marsha,
My friend and I met you for a moment at the [Arizona] book festival and we were the lucky recipients of a signed copy of your book, The Man from Shenandoah, which I personally have just finished reading—didn't get anything else done, but enjoyed every page of this entertaining book.
I have to admit, closing on 80 years old, I have read a few books in my time, and this one was well worth my time.
Thank you again for the book and the enjoyable visit to all 233 pages. It is a book that I will happily recommend to the patrons of our Arizona City Library, [which] is funded and operated by The Friends of the Library of Arizona City.
Betty Jane Beardslee
The Friends of the Library of Arizona City
From a Utah reader
Marsha,
I want you to know how much I enjoyed your book. If you write another one please let me know.
Sincerely,
Josie
Two readers in Mesa, Arizona write
Dear Marsha,
Dennis and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. We read about half of your book on the way up to Utah. And while we were there, we found ourselves thinking of Carl and Ida and Ellen and Rod and Julia etc. etc. etc. as if they were real people. We could not wait to get back to reading. On the way home, we took turns reading. I have never been able to read that much in a car. But, I found myself reading for 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours before I took my turn driving and let Dennis read. What great humor! We loved the ending. Your way
of describing the feelings and emotions of the characters of your story made them come alive to us. What great talent! Several times Dennis and I commented on your gift to write. Thank you for sharing this with us. We can't wait to read your next book.
love,
susan and dennis
From a reader in Phoenix, Arizona
I just read your book The Man from Shenandoah, and I want more. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your work. I am also glad to know you will be writing more. Your sister-in-law will keep us posted as to when the next one comes out. I want to be first in line.
Thank you again for a wonderful story!
Love and Luck,
Phyllis
A friend in Payson, Arizona writes
I stayed up very late to finish the book again. Quite frankly, your book left me in an ebulliently joyous mood; the best thing I have actually sat down and completely buried myself in.…It is true that I really want very much to read the sequel, and as is usual for me I will re-read Shenandoah again first. You know, I have a feeling that copy just might become very dog-eared from use.…I will keep it for when I am hating modern life, or attitudes, or feel ill or just need a lift.
Love
Donna
From a Mesa, Arizona friend
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha,
How did you do it? I couldn't stop reading your book and I finished it today. Now maybe I can get some other stuff done around here!!!!! Loved it, and could picture the people, the countryside and their lives very easily. How do you know all about cows and horses and all that? Were you raised with animals on a farm? It is interesting to me to have you tell about the ways things probably were way back then. How they talked, cooked, built cabins, the terrible snows and the other things they all endured was so interesting. I loved the ending too. Many thanks for such a good read.
Madeleine
From a reader in Spokane
Hi, Marsha,
Love your book and love your beautifully updated website. I'll be looking for your next book.
Carol
A Mesa reader writes:
Hi, Marsha
I just finished your book. Loved it! Planning on posting some reviews
soon.
Best,
Virginia
From a reader in Mesa
The Man from Shenandoah is an excellent read. Had a hard time putting it down. The characters are well developed and the description of the locations is vivid. I have read many Westerns and this book is ranked with the best. Highly recommended.
Duane
From an Illinois reader
Marsha,
Congratulations on a very well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story line. Hope there is a sequel.
Sharon
An author in Arizona writes
A Review
"Reading Marsha Ward's The Man from Shenandoah is like experiencing
time travel. I can be curled up comfortably on my couch in the 21st
century, and find myself crying for the losses, chuckling at jokes,
cheering the triumphs, and booing the bad guys from the 19th century."
Rachel Andersen
Author of A Nurse's World
ISBN 0-595-22060-6
From a Mesa, Arizona reader
Dear Marsha and fellow writer,
I have become immersed in the wonderful story of The Man from
Shenandoah. It is much, much more than a Western—you have made it
come alive with the beautiful writing, the details, the down to earth
characters. I relate to it so well having grown up on a dryland farm in
Nebraska and seeing the struggles of the farmer and rancher. Thank you
so much for writing it!
Take care,
Pat E.
From a reader in California
Wow!
I was very impressed with the pace of the story. It was always exciting in one way or another. Just when one adventure finished, another one started. This book had believeable characters, ones you identified with, ones loved and hated. Even if you think you don't like westerns, you will love this one. The story of Carl, James, Ellen, and all the rest just sweep you up and take you away for a while. I can't wait for the sequel.
Nikki
From an Arizona reader
Hi Marsha,
I stayed up til midnight last night finishing your book. I was going to just read for an hour or so but I got into it and couldn't put it down. Great book! Great ending. I really, really enjoyed it. [My husband] Steve was going to take it out of town with him because he got into it. But I wouldn't let him. :) I highly recommend it.
Mary
From a reader in Utah
Hello Marsha,
I finished The Man From Shenandoah at half-past midnight because I
couldn’t put it down. I didn't know I was a western aficionado, but your
book made me want to find a horse and put my hubby in riding gear (loved
the cover). This was a great story; the gripping action, the believable
characters, and the historical research. I loved that it was as much a
romance as it was a family western, and I never realized I was a romance
aficionado either!
You skillfully took me into the past—the Owens had me there with the dust and the snowstorms and western towns and prairie fire. Especially beneficial was the story's ability to inspire me to be a better wife. I don't want to be so much like that shallow Ida (gulp); I best be gettin' more like Miss Ellen! Your blood, sweat and tears paid off; I will add your sequel(s) to my bookcase as well. Thank you for the fast-paced adventure, Marsha Dear!
Lorna
A reader in Central Arizona writes
Hello Marsha,
So far I've bought two [copies of your book]—[the second] one [is] for my mother and father-in-law, because they love westerns but get very upset at the content nowadays. I know they are going to love this one.
When I can, I'm going to buy a few more for friends and relatives that
I know will love them—oh! I just thought of my friend Chris who moved to
Las Vegas. It's her birthday this month, she loves cowboys and she loves to
read. Hmmm, wonder what I should get her???
love
Donna
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