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Reader Reviews
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Overall Ryland Creek Saga Reviews
Joseph Gary Crance's book, The Last Coon Hunter, and indeed all the books in his Ryland Creek Saga, are more than just beautifully crafted adventure stories. They are a lesson plan for a life well lived. I respect people for their ability, their integrity, their courage, and their compassion. These books belong in the backpacks of every middle school and high school student who wishes to become a person worthy of such respect. They also belong on the nightstands of every parent who is aware of their duty and responsibility to motivate their children toward that goal.
-- Dave in PA (from Amazon.com)
Joseph Gary Crance's book, The Last Coon Hunter, and indeed all the books in his Ryland Creek Saga, are more than just beautifully crafted adventure stories. They are a lesson plan for a life well lived. I respect people for their ability, their integrity, their courage, and their compassion. These books belong in the backpacks of every middle school and high school student who wishes to become a person worthy of such respect. They also belong on the nightstands of every parent who is aware of their duty and responsibility to motivate their children toward that goal.
-- Dave in PA (from Amazon.com)
I picked up this book with some trepidation.
I am not usually a fan of novels or sagas.
These books were fantastic. I read all four of them in less than a week. I couldn't put them down. Mr. Crance creates a world and family that I couldn't help but love and root for. His clear knowledge of the subject matter and the trials and tribulations of growing up in rural America, the challenges of being of the land while outside influences (drugs) threaten the fabric of what makes rural America worth holding on to, was very well done. I can't wait for the next one.
--B. Siragusa
I am not usually a fan of novels or sagas.
These books were fantastic. I read all four of them in less than a week. I couldn't put them down. Mr. Crance creates a world and family that I couldn't help but love and root for. His clear knowledge of the subject matter and the trials and tribulations of growing up in rural America, the challenges of being of the land while outside influences (drugs) threaten the fabric of what makes rural America worth holding on to, was very well done. I can't wait for the next one.
--B. Siragusa
Before I sign off on this little note, I want to say something personal to you. I auditioned for TLCH [The Last Coon Hunter] specifically because the audition scene was wholesome, gentle, and beautifully written. Young love burst through the page, and the charm and tenderness with which you told the tale made me unable not to read the script in hopes that I might do it some justice. My great hope is still that I have done your exceptional work justice. Your tales are far more than homespun yarns, they are very deep and endearing lessons on and about life, both its simple joys and gut wrenching sorrows.
You are a master! I am honored to have read them . . .
-- From Wayne Thompson, voice actor for The Last Coon Hunter (Fifth Anniversary Edition) (TLCH) and An Exceptional Hound: Book II of the Ryland Creek Saga, via personal correspondence to the author
You are a master! I am honored to have read them . . .
-- From Wayne Thompson, voice actor for The Last Coon Hunter (Fifth Anniversary Edition) (TLCH) and An Exceptional Hound: Book II of the Ryland Creek Saga, via personal correspondence to the author
Praise for The Last Coon Hunter
Fall in the Painted Post region
Finishing up the first one now. For me, I'd agree the book leaves me wanting more as I'm reading it. I haven't come across a lot of book's that' grab my attention such as this.
--R. Merchant
The heart of this book is the Ernst family. You can’t help but care for them deeply as you discover their love, humor, and incredible determination. As you watch widower Jacob Ernst raise two amazing little boys into thoughtful young men possessed of astounding strength you’ll be reminded of the dizzying goodness in the world, made brighter in the face of heartbreak. Even if you normally get through a touching story without shedding a tear, good luck with this one. If you usually need a few tissues, you’d better have a whole box handy.
"It is Painted Post, after all,” is a joke, turned into a signal, turned into a clue, turned into legend. The answers to the questions at the beginning of this review are partly found in the way Crance layers in hints of a deeper mythology. The inextricably woven bond between the local folklore and the tragedies and triumphs of the Ernst family.--Mattea O
As a girl growing up in Queens, NY, I never had any experience with coon hounds. My only pets were a set of hermit crabs and several prolific hamsters. Mr. Crance's book drew me into the unfamiliar world of hunting the ring-tail. His vivid descriptions of the lifestyle, the lessons gleaned from the forest and the love of the beloved dogs came through on every page. I found myself staying up late to "finish just one more chapter" again and again. This coming-of-age book delves with abundant clarity the protagonist Nathan's close relationship with his father, his younger brother, the sweet girl in his life, and of course, the hounds. I cry at movies easily. For a book to make me weep, it needs to work harder. The Last Coon Hunter had me reaching for the tissues several times. Teen angst, a bully, a bit of the unnatural and the unexpected complications of bad choices made by others, round out this interesting first book in the Ryland Creek Saga. Treed!' --Michelle B
Many say the family saga style books are not in vogue anymore and have gone by the wayside with Horatio Alger and the like. Although The Last Coon Hunter falls into that genre—that comforting throwback period of when we all gathered around to watch The Waltons on Thursday nights with Mom and Dad—the author blends this atmosphere with some modern day infusion of angst, turmoil, and heartache via mankind and his natural propensity of wrongdoing. The story challenges the mind to see a “simple” time, but reminding the reader that those simple times we all see in a quixotic way were, and still are, laced with troubles and calamity. However, the tragedies that do exist in these pages are met with great honor and resolve from the characters the author so masterfully created. The author’s use of imagery is phenomenal taking seemingly innocuous scenes in the storyline and making them vibrant and important.
The story is not a man versus nature account, it is a man in harmony with nature fused with some supernatural elements that tie the story together remarkably. Well worth the read.
The Last Coon Hunter promises to be a good series.--Dutch Van Alstin, author, on Amazon
So, I’m from Las Vegas, NV, and decidedly not a coon hunter or familiar with the backwoods of upper NY or any other raccoon-laden land. That said, this book brought about wholesome images of the benefits of a simple life. The author did a fantastic job describing the environment so I could visualize places I’d never been. Also, connecting with the characters was easy and fluid because they had such wonderful personalities. I also liked how there was a touch of paranormal elements, mystery, romance, and intrigue. The author did a great job of weaving these pieces together for an amazing story. --Shining Cheese (Amazon.com review)
This book incorporates so many aspects of life--parenthood, being a child, joy in small things, rigor of chores, death, loss, coping, spirituality, and the list goes on. I quickly fell in love with Painted Post and the forests surrounding it. The characters become quickly intimate and while I was left without complete insight, I was not left wondering. I was left "in wonder," but not unfulfilled regarding the book. Can't wait to dive into Book II!--Cilla P.
Joe Crance is a wonderful writer. His characters are solid, believable and real. He paints pictures with his words that make you feel as though you are there, in the story, every detail as real as the chair you are sitting on. The setting, Painted Post, becomes its own entity- trust me, you just have to read the story to understand. And then there are the dogs. if you are a dog lover, you will instantly connect. if you are not, you may become one before this story is done. This novel is about so much more than dogs, coon hunting, or Painted Post. it's about loyalty, family, love, integrity. . . Just read it. You won't be disappointed, and you may fall in love with a place called Painted Post.--Lee O'
--R. Merchant
The heart of this book is the Ernst family. You can’t help but care for them deeply as you discover their love, humor, and incredible determination. As you watch widower Jacob Ernst raise two amazing little boys into thoughtful young men possessed of astounding strength you’ll be reminded of the dizzying goodness in the world, made brighter in the face of heartbreak. Even if you normally get through a touching story without shedding a tear, good luck with this one. If you usually need a few tissues, you’d better have a whole box handy.
"It is Painted Post, after all,” is a joke, turned into a signal, turned into a clue, turned into legend. The answers to the questions at the beginning of this review are partly found in the way Crance layers in hints of a deeper mythology. The inextricably woven bond between the local folklore and the tragedies and triumphs of the Ernst family.--Mattea O
As a girl growing up in Queens, NY, I never had any experience with coon hounds. My only pets were a set of hermit crabs and several prolific hamsters. Mr. Crance's book drew me into the unfamiliar world of hunting the ring-tail. His vivid descriptions of the lifestyle, the lessons gleaned from the forest and the love of the beloved dogs came through on every page. I found myself staying up late to "finish just one more chapter" again and again. This coming-of-age book delves with abundant clarity the protagonist Nathan's close relationship with his father, his younger brother, the sweet girl in his life, and of course, the hounds. I cry at movies easily. For a book to make me weep, it needs to work harder. The Last Coon Hunter had me reaching for the tissues several times. Teen angst, a bully, a bit of the unnatural and the unexpected complications of bad choices made by others, round out this interesting first book in the Ryland Creek Saga. Treed!' --Michelle B
Many say the family saga style books are not in vogue anymore and have gone by the wayside with Horatio Alger and the like. Although The Last Coon Hunter falls into that genre—that comforting throwback period of when we all gathered around to watch The Waltons on Thursday nights with Mom and Dad—the author blends this atmosphere with some modern day infusion of angst, turmoil, and heartache via mankind and his natural propensity of wrongdoing. The story challenges the mind to see a “simple” time, but reminding the reader that those simple times we all see in a quixotic way were, and still are, laced with troubles and calamity. However, the tragedies that do exist in these pages are met with great honor and resolve from the characters the author so masterfully created. The author’s use of imagery is phenomenal taking seemingly innocuous scenes in the storyline and making them vibrant and important.
The story is not a man versus nature account, it is a man in harmony with nature fused with some supernatural elements that tie the story together remarkably. Well worth the read.
The Last Coon Hunter promises to be a good series.--Dutch Van Alstin, author, on Amazon
So, I’m from Las Vegas, NV, and decidedly not a coon hunter or familiar with the backwoods of upper NY or any other raccoon-laden land. That said, this book brought about wholesome images of the benefits of a simple life. The author did a fantastic job describing the environment so I could visualize places I’d never been. Also, connecting with the characters was easy and fluid because they had such wonderful personalities. I also liked how there was a touch of paranormal elements, mystery, romance, and intrigue. The author did a great job of weaving these pieces together for an amazing story. --Shining Cheese (Amazon.com review)
This book incorporates so many aspects of life--parenthood, being a child, joy in small things, rigor of chores, death, loss, coping, spirituality, and the list goes on. I quickly fell in love with Painted Post and the forests surrounding it. The characters become quickly intimate and while I was left without complete insight, I was not left wondering. I was left "in wonder," but not unfulfilled regarding the book. Can't wait to dive into Book II!--Cilla P.
Joe Crance is a wonderful writer. His characters are solid, believable and real. He paints pictures with his words that make you feel as though you are there, in the story, every detail as real as the chair you are sitting on. The setting, Painted Post, becomes its own entity- trust me, you just have to read the story to understand. And then there are the dogs. if you are a dog lover, you will instantly connect. if you are not, you may become one before this story is done. This novel is about so much more than dogs, coon hunting, or Painted Post. it's about loyalty, family, love, integrity. . . Just read it. You won't be disappointed, and you may fall in love with a place called Painted Post.--Lee O'
Praise for An Exceptional Hound
An exceptional coonhound . . . an exceptional story . . . an exceptional author. This is probably the most heartwarming novel I've ever read about the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Close family ties and values also play a big role in this story. The author's prowess as an extremely gifted writer makes this book even more enjoyable to read. The plot is very well constructed and smoothly presented. It is a brilliant story line with amazing characters, not the least of which is the villain, Scar Paw, a monstrous bear with a diagonal scar on its left rear paw, hence the name. Intensely suspenseful at times, it also contains some very tender moments and plenty of witty banter. The profound love between the main character, Nathan, a coon hunter, and his coonhound, Seth, is both undeniable and, at times, overwhelming. The pacing is superb and the action, dynamic. The descriptive settings are so spot-on, you feel as though you are actually there. This book is a page turner from the very beginning, a must-read masterpiece.
There is no doubt in my mind that it will reach best-seller status the moment it hits the market.
This is a real gem, one that you definitely won't want to miss! --Joyce M.
Loved the book--best thing after reading Where the Red Fern Grows. As a houndsman, not many of us are able to write how we feel about our hounds. Joe can.--Ernie S
I read Mr. Crance’s first book: The Last Coon Hunter. An Exceptional Hound is the second book of his Ryland Creek Series. This book was not so much a continuation, but a partial prequel of sorts. A difficult challenge for any writer to attempt such a daring format, but Mr. Crance pulls it off very well. At the risk of sounding redundant of my first review of his book, I have to reiterate that the use of imagery he creates is exceptional. What would seem to be a minor, and perhaps banal piece of the story—as all books have—manages to come to life, and the reader is instinctively visualizing in his/her mind as the words are passing by your eyes.
The characters are easily related to, and the subtext and metaphors are well-placed throughout the book. (Keep an eye out)! Mr. Crance challenges conventional wisdom for those who demand every seemingly hopeless situation result in contrived happiness by bringing the reader to a place where reality exists, and the beauty of the world can turn cold and dark. I highly respect this style of writing where it provokes all sorts of emotions, not just the ones we want. The ending—at the risk of being a spoiler alert—is something that should, seemingly, make the reader melancholy and evoke some somber tone to their thoughts, but it made me smile. I read—and I am confident its by the writer’s design—an ending I did not expect and did not know that I wanted until I read it.
Grab a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair and peruse the pages. You will not be disappointed.--Dutch Van Alstin, Author, Life Behind Bar series
Great story. Very well written. Keeps you interested through the whole book. --Stacie
Set in a small town in upstate New York, An Exceptional Hound is filled with unforgettable characters whose charm and heart will stay with you long after the last page. What begins as a light story of inter-generational bonds develops into a tale that will at turns make you laugh, make you cry, and fill you with fear.
Nathan Ernst appears content in his isolation, though not happy, until the day he fulfills his role as a father figure in a family that has found him. An evil has come out of the hills of Painted Post, and Nathan must do what it takes to protect those he loves. Luckily, he has the help of the king of hounds.-- MO
An exceptional coonhound . . . an exceptional story . . . an exceptional author. This is probably the most heartwarming novel I've ever read about the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Close family ties and values also play a big role in this story. The author's prowess as an extremely gifted writer makes this book even more enjoyable to read. The plot is very well constructed and smoothly presented. It is a brilliant story line with amazing characters, not the least of which is the villain, Scar Paw, a monstrous bear with a diagonal scar on its left rear paw, hence the name. Intensely suspenseful at times, it also contains some very tender moments and plenty of witty banter. The profound love between the main character, Nathan, a coon hunter, and his coonhound, Seth, is both undeniable and, at times, overwhelming. The pacing is superb and the action, dynamic. The descriptive settings are so spot-on, you feel as though you are actually there. This book is a page turner from the very beginning, a must-read masterpiece.
There is no doubt in my mind that it will reach best-seller status the moment it hits the market.
This is a real gem, one that you definitely won't want to miss! --Joyce M.
Loved the book--best thing after reading Where the Red Fern Grows. As a houndsman, not many of us are able to write how we feel about our hounds. Joe can.--Ernie S
I read Mr. Crance’s first book: The Last Coon Hunter. An Exceptional Hound is the second book of his Ryland Creek Series. This book was not so much a continuation, but a partial prequel of sorts. A difficult challenge for any writer to attempt such a daring format, but Mr. Crance pulls it off very well. At the risk of sounding redundant of my first review of his book, I have to reiterate that the use of imagery he creates is exceptional. What would seem to be a minor, and perhaps banal piece of the story—as all books have—manages to come to life, and the reader is instinctively visualizing in his/her mind as the words are passing by your eyes.
The characters are easily related to, and the subtext and metaphors are well-placed throughout the book. (Keep an eye out)! Mr. Crance challenges conventional wisdom for those who demand every seemingly hopeless situation result in contrived happiness by bringing the reader to a place where reality exists, and the beauty of the world can turn cold and dark. I highly respect this style of writing where it provokes all sorts of emotions, not just the ones we want. The ending—at the risk of being a spoiler alert—is something that should, seemingly, make the reader melancholy and evoke some somber tone to their thoughts, but it made me smile. I read—and I am confident its by the writer’s design—an ending I did not expect and did not know that I wanted until I read it.
Grab a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair and peruse the pages. You will not be disappointed.--Dutch Van Alstin, Author, Life Behind Bar series
Great story. Very well written. Keeps you interested through the whole book. --Stacie
Set in a small town in upstate New York, An Exceptional Hound is filled with unforgettable characters whose charm and heart will stay with you long after the last page. What begins as a light story of inter-generational bonds develops into a tale that will at turns make you laugh, make you cry, and fill you with fear.
Nathan Ernst appears content in his isolation, though not happy, until the day he fulfills his role as a father figure in a family that has found him. An evil has come out of the hills of Painted Post, and Nathan must do what it takes to protect those he loves. Luckily, he has the help of the king of hounds.-- MO
Praise for The Legends of Ryland Creek
Absolutely love this book and the previous two of the Ryland Creek series by Joseph Gary Crance! A great author! Books are so well written, well documented, attention holding. Have not wanted to put each book down as I read them. Looking forward to a new book each time I finish one!
-- Irene (on Amazon.com)
I loved this book! It's a wonderful read full of humor, mystery, excitement and unforgettable characters set in a mythologized version of Painted Post. A small town in Upstate New York where, as the villains in this book soon learn, there is a wild heart of magic tucked into the apparently normal woods. Legends brings together beloved characters from the earlier books and introduces several new ones, taking them and the reader along to a dark night in the woods, illuminated only by lightning, gun shots, and the headlamps of the coon hunters.
-MO (on Amazon.com)
Legends of Ryland Creek is book 3 in the saga and transports the reader back into the charming forests of Upstate NY. We are reunited with the Ernst clan and meet a new four-legged member of the family, Judge. Along with another new friend, the story gently guides us in the intricacies of the sport of coon hunting and in many ways, life. Unfortunately, evil forces lurk in the shadows: one from out of town, one local, and one supernatural that will haunt your dreams. This is a refreshing, wholesome series that is an absolute joy to read. Mr. Crance has once again crafted characters we can identify with, sympathize in grief, root for, boo, and those we wish would become better acquainted with the Black Oaks of Painted Post.
Great book! -Michelle P.B.
-- Irene (on Amazon.com)
I loved this book! It's a wonderful read full of humor, mystery, excitement and unforgettable characters set in a mythologized version of Painted Post. A small town in Upstate New York where, as the villains in this book soon learn, there is a wild heart of magic tucked into the apparently normal woods. Legends brings together beloved characters from the earlier books and introduces several new ones, taking them and the reader along to a dark night in the woods, illuminated only by lightning, gun shots, and the headlamps of the coon hunters.
-MO (on Amazon.com)
Legends of Ryland Creek is book 3 in the saga and transports the reader back into the charming forests of Upstate NY. We are reunited with the Ernst clan and meet a new four-legged member of the family, Judge. Along with another new friend, the story gently guides us in the intricacies of the sport of coon hunting and in many ways, life. Unfortunately, evil forces lurk in the shadows: one from out of town, one local, and one supernatural that will haunt your dreams. This is a refreshing, wholesome series that is an absolute joy to read. Mr. Crance has once again crafted characters we can identify with, sympathize in grief, root for, boo, and those we wish would become better acquainted with the Black Oaks of Painted Post.
Great book! -Michelle P.B.
Praise for The Master of Hounds
Second Place (Book) 2021 NY State Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft awards
Second Place (Book) 2021 NY State Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft awards
Joseph Gary Crance, has done it again via The Master of Hounds, his 4th book in The Ryland Creek saga. You'll find it difficult to put down as almost every page is suspenseful. Not only is he a masterful storyteller, he's an educator about many subjects: nature, hounds, personalities, martial arts, world events, and much more (that my mentioning would take much of the suspense out of the story). His characters are believable, the scenes and places are real life, the relationship of hound to master is undying love. Joe Crance weds all the above together into a credible novel. Don't delay in purchasing your copy - of each one.
As always, write on, Author Crance. We can't wait to read the next one.
- Judy J.
"I would like you to know that your books are helping me through this season of my life. The story line, the impact of the characters' purity on the story line, The Waltons type of base line. (I'm not sure that's what it is called, but for me that's what it feels like.) Your book is in my bed on the corner of my mattress where my pillow lies. I'm really taking my time reading this one, it's important to me. . . . I love this newest edition to your series. A lot."- CMS
This fourth installment of the Ryland Creek Saga reunites the reader with the Ernst clan. Like a beloved, intricate, heirloom quilt, this book stitches together the stories of many cherished characters for a satisfying conclusion to the series. This tale also reveals a curious bond between a young man and his dog. Mr. Crance again masterfully weaves magical elements of the hills of Painted Post with practical knowledge of the forest, coon hunting, and life. Chance encounters between the Ernst family and interesting humans and other creatures, will pull you along through a delightful range of emotions. - Michelle B.
Another Five-Star Hit! The Ryland Creek Saga continues with this fourth installment centering around the Ernst family, in particular Matthew. Since childhood, Matthew has always enjoyed a great rapport with the family’s coonhounds . . . and dogs in general. He has the very distinctive ability to see through the eyes of his coonhounds, especially Monk. Bikers come to town to exact revenge when Matthew is accused of “stealing” the gang leader’s girlfriend, Logan. The closeness of the Ernst family is very heartwarming, and the descriptions of the unparalleled beauty of Upstate New York will delight you. There are numerous ethereal elements to this story that also come into play, adding immeasurable charm to this tale. The plot is very well constructed, and the characters will leave an indelible impression on you. The non-stop action is riveting as you are taken into two worlds—past and present. This book has all the makings of a bestseller, so don’t miss it! Kudos to the author for penning another unforgettable story!
- Joyce M.
Got it! Read it! Loved it! Write faster!
- Carole B
I just finished reading The Master of Hounds, and I have to say that Joseph Gary Crance has done it again. I laughed and cried my way through this latest adventure in Painted Post. Consistent with his style, Mr. Crance brings the woods alive through his artful use of the written paintbrush. This book is full of old friends and new characters to love and hate. It is another great book by a great storyteller. I am already looking forward to the next book in the Ryland Creek Saga. -Chanon L
The author deems his work family saga, but I felt like this book reminded me of an action film with magical realism, which definitely worked for me. The exceptional powers of characters, human and canine, plays fairly lightly but an important element. Though I’ve only had one dog of my own in my life, the uncanny intelligence of a dog is something that I’m well familiar with, and so I can readily accept a canine character that goes just a touch above that. I’ve also always enjoyed an easy sort of acceptance in spirits and spirit guides stepping into a story to offer some perspective.
My favorite parts of the story owe more to the detailed description of nature and the experiences characters have while communing with the countryside of Painted Post – from camping to fishing to simply observing sunrises:
“Then it happened. The sun poked above the eastern ridge, bathing Painted Post in soft yellow. A flock of starlings, ecstatic at the start of the new day, left the upper limbs of large sycamores and started a twisting murmuration over the growing corn.”
-Melora Johnson on GoodReads.com
Praise for The Forest Ghost
2021 First Place (Book) NY State Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft awards
2021 First Place (Book) NY State Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft awards
Throughout the entire series of Joseph Gary Crance's Ryland Creek Saga, one character, Uncle Arthur, stands in the background but touches the fates of every character as well as the hearts of every reader. Now, in The Forest Ghost, we learn Arthur's story, which fills in gaps we hadn't noticed and adds still more layers of meaning to Crance's words. Although it is a prequel, it is also a completion. Immediately upon finishing it, one cannot help needing to re-read the entire saga from the beginning, now understanding how Uncle Arthur is moved by his past. I heartily recommend not only The Forest Ghost but the entire Ryland Creek Saga. -- Dave Muffley on Amazon
Another superb offering from brilliant storyteller and author Joseph Gary Crance, whose firsthand knowledge of the forests of Painted Post is second to none. This Ryland Creek novel focuses on the life of Arthur McCutcheon, whose father, a very successful businessman in Upstate New York, hopes he will emulate by attending a very prestigious college in order to secure a prosperous future.
But Arthur has other plans, as he feels most comfortable roaming the forests of Painted Post with his special coonhound, Renee. Arthur obtains an unparalleled education of the woods and its inhabitants by Seneca Chief John “Gray Eyes” Cornplanter, his wife, Shell, and their daughter, Mist. As time goes on, Arthur discovers his true calling, all the while endearing himself to the Cornplanter family.
This unique story has it all—suspense, romance, villains, heartache, and some ethereal moments—all of which will pull you in from the get-go as the author knows precisely when and how much to interject to hold your interest. This story is nothing short of astounding! -- J.A.M on Amazon
Love Uncle Arthur, and now we know his back story. The series is a must buy and you won't be able to put them down. The author draws you in, and it kept me turning the pages to see what happens next. -- A. Vandegrift on Amazon
The master storyteller, Joseph Gary Crance, did it once again - wove together his love of nature, history, coon dogs, with a little romance, and good vs evil, into a spellbinding can't-put-it-down story. If he's not yet your favorite author, he will be after this read. His best story yet. --J Janowski on Amazon.
I can usually read a book quickly. I read the first 250 some odd pages in a few nights. There was about 50 pages left, and I just kept procrastinating. I couldn’t figure out why until the end and it hit me… I didn’t want the book to end. I was connecting to the characters as if I was there with them. It was like having separation anxiety.
Not many books offer what counts. This one most certainly does. --Dutch Van Alstin, author, Life Behind Bars series
Praise for The Time of the Backroads
The Time of the Backroads stands alone but adds depth to the reader's understanding of Joseph Gary Crance's entire Ryland Creek Saga. The reader learns how the characters are related and motivated by events known to them only as legends. In this book, we feel the throb of energy in the acorn which becomes the oak in later lives. As a novelist and historian, Crance rises to the level of James A. Michener. --Dave Muffley on Amazon.
Joe has once again written a fabulous story about my hometown of Painted Post, NY.
He weaves in local history with a fantasy approach (or is it?) to tell a tale of the area and it’s earlier natives. Good versus evil is brought into it, as well as growth of many characters. It put me into happy, sad, hopeful, and enlightened moments throughout the book. If you love a multi- faceted tale of old and new with nature as its setting, you will adore this book. I highly recommend it and any of Joe’s book. --A Hagy on Amazon
If you haven't yet purchased any of the Ryland Creek series, Joseph Gary Crance's book - The Time of the Backroads - will convince you to start. His characters are not soon forgotten, including the hound. --J Janowski on Amazon.
This tale is a stand alone treasure, while at the same time weaving the stories of other well known characters from the Ryland Creek Saga into the fabric of the story. I highly recommend this book (and the whole series).
--B. Siragusa on Amazon
I now have the whole series, each one of Joe's books have left me breathlessly waiting for the next! This last one- Time of the Backwoods,,, was beyond words. It is so well written, you'll feel as through your there! The characters will seem as though you could just sit down and talk to them.. But that said, there are some characters that you will have just the opposite effect. I'm praying that someone out there will read this series and know it's going to be a huge hit.
I'm looking forward to this winter, I'm going to reread the whole series again. Just because I know details I may have missed and I don't want to miss a thing.
More Sir Joe... 🤩 Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
--Carey S on Amazon
Fulton Wainwright and his coonhound, Jupiter, time travel to centuries ago, in this charming addition to the Ryland Creek world. The author seamlessly blends fictitious new characters with interesting historic facts about the native people who inhabited the idyllic Painted Post region of Upstate NY. Favorite characters of the series make appearances throughout the book in unexpected ways.
Not everything—or everyone—is who they seem. With revelations and plot twists, combine with past and present paths in the woods, the reader is once again delightfully wrapped up in a land where “there is magic, if you know where to look.”
--Writer Mom on Amazon