Heart-tugging, uplifting, and evocative!

Tough Luck is an absorbing tale set in 1863 that takes you into the life of Haidie Richards, a fourteen-year-old-girl who, after her mother dies and her older brother decides to sell the farm, escapes the orphanage with her little brother and does whatever she has to in order to make her way to Denver to find their estranged father who left years ago in search of riches in the west.

The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are strong, courageous, and resilient. And the plot is a tender tale of life, loss, heartbreak, determination, hardship, hope, secrets, survival, love, and friendship.

Overall, Tough Luck is an atmospheric, hopeful, captivating tale by Dallas that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, personalities, and lives of the characters you can’t help but root for them.

Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas is the story of a young woman on the search for her father in 1863. Their father left four years to find his fortune in the Colorado Territory and is thought to be dead. After her mother dies, Haidie Richards and her younger brother, Boots, are placed in an orphanage and put to work. She waits for her chance to leave. She is determined to find her father. Haidie doesn’t believe it and she isn’t going to wait for him any longer. She and Boots leave the orphanage and embark on the perilous journey deep into the American West. Disguised as a boy, she learns to handle mules, oxen, and greedy men. Haidie also finds new friends. She hopes that each day gets her closer to finding her father. Will she find him? Will she accept whatever she discovers?
Tough Luck is a cross between True Grit (1969/2010) and The Journey of Natty Gann (1985). Filled with colorful characters and vivid details of Haidie’s journey and experiences, Tough Luck is a story of youthful tenacity and hopeful hearts in the American West. I enjoyed Haidie’s character as a no-nonsense young woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and get her hands dirty in order to get what she wants. The characters she meets along the way are either other hopeful hearts searching for a future or scoundrels who would prey on them. Ms. Dallas’s description of the American West and the people who lived there were so vivid that I thought I was right there next to Haidie as she traveled. I thoroughly enjoyed Tough Luck. If you enjoy Western adventures with a strong heroine, I highly recommend Tough Luck.

Tough Luck is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on April 29, 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy provided for an honest review.

This story is told in first person by Haidie, a fourteen-year-old girl living in Illinois in 1863 whose father went to Colorado four years ago for the gold rush and her mother just passed away. Haidie’s older brother sold the farm and left her and their little brother, Boots, at an orphanage. Haidie devises a plan to escape and travel to Colorado to find their Pa with Boots in tow. The story follows their misadventures along the way via wagon trail with Haidie dressed as a boy to find various odd jobs to earn their keep.

The characters in the novel were colorful and eccentric. The story was fun and entertaining almost in a tall tale of the west way. This is my second novel by this author, and I found myself procrastinating reading this one because I cried through the last. And now I’m kicking myself for not reading this one sooner because I laughed through Haidie’s adventures and her wonder at the new world around her.

Main character Haidie was a courageous young girl, determined and sharp as a whip. The kids meet many people who want to help them and many a swindler and con artist out for themselves. Shady folks who turn out to not be so shady and seemingly kind folks who will steal the horse right out from under you. Maybe a bit farfetched at times, but it all worked for me. It reminded me of watching old John Wayne westerns with my dad growing up, which is appropriate because I read that it was an homage to True Grit.

The audiobook is narrated by Mia-Hutchinson-Shaw. This was my first listen by this narrator, and I enjoyed her portrayal of Hadie and her adventures. If you’re an audiobook listener, I would recommend this format.

Recommended to readers who enjoy tales of the wild west and frontier historical fiction.

Get ready to head west in search for gold and family in this new historical fiction story.

Haidie and her brother Boots are a duo that you won’t soon forget. They’re heading out west to find their long lost Pa and meet a slew of unique characters along the way. Each stop on their journey is stepping stone to their finding their and teaches them a life long lesson. The descriptive setting is the perfect fit for this old western tale and you will be cheering on the siblings from start to finish

I was a little wary when I saw that there were only 10 chapters but Sandra Dallas an excellent job of breaking up the story and it didn’t feel like the chapters dragged on at all.

I haven’t read a book like this in a while but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I felt immersed in the Wild West during a time where people were hardened, determined, and often faced some “tough luck”.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tough Luck is a stand-alone western historical book by Sandra Dallas. I read two of her previous books and enjoyed them very much, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I usually don't care for westerns, as the language sounds rather hokey to me, but the last book by Ms. Dallas I read was also a western, so I knew I was heading into a good story. Once again, she didn't disappoint.

In 1863, when their mother dies, Cheet Richards sells the family farm and takes off to gamble, sending his 14 y.o. sister Haidie and 10 y.o. brother Boots to an orphanage to work. Four years ago their Pa left for the Colorado Territory intent on finding a gold mine, but since then they have only received three letters from him. Haidie believes that he's still alive, struck gold and will come back for them. She's not a patient girl, however, so she and Boots escape and head out on a dangerous trek into Western territory, with Haidie pretending to be a boy. She learns how to drive a wagon, handle mules and oxen, cook on a campfire and deal with greedy and lawless men. She learns they are better off in a community, and theirs turns out to be quite unusual: a "freighter" and his very ugly dog, a card shark, and independent "spinster" sisters, among others. When their reach Colorado and discover the truth about what happened to Pa, Haidie and Boots will need their new friends in a plot to get even with those who done them wrong.

The last two books that I read by Ms. Dallas were a bit depressing, though very good. This one had a bit of a lighthearted spirit to it, and it was a nice change of pace. Haidie was a great character! She admits three important truths about herself: She lies (not to be bad, but it's to her benefit), she could be a sneak thief if she wanted to (but didn't because no one who lived in their town had anything worth stealing) and she's good at making plans. She used all of those traits to protect herself and Boots so they could find their father. Haidie was only a girl herself, but she took better care of Boots than anyone else in her family. Besides Haidie and Boots, there were some other remarkable characters who added so much depth and life to the story. Jake Crowfoot was a freighter who hauled things to the mining camp, and he traveled with his ugly-as-sin dog. They were very protective of the kids. Then we had Cornelius Vander, or "Corny", who was a very cheery sort of gambler. He was a flimflam man, but was also quite handy, picking herbs along the way as they traveled to make their vittles taste better than just with salt. Ben Bondurant was the scout for the wagon train the kids traveled with, and he taught them many things to help them survive the trip. My favorite supporting characters, however, were the "spinster" sisters (who were basically pretty young, just unmarried) Miss Lizzie and Miss Arvilla. They were traveling to rejoin their well-to-do brother in Colorado. They were some pretty tough cookies! When Indians attacked, these two women jumped in to join the fray! One had her hand shot off, and both were tougher than many of the men on the trail. With the exception of Ben, all the others assisted in getting justice for Haidie, Boots and their family. Though dealing with some tough subject matters, this book was very exciting and truly a lot of fun. Maybe Westerns aren't so hokey after all!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Unfortunately not able to finish, the writing style is really hard to read and just not enjoyable. I’m sure some people will enjoy this but it’s not my cup of tea when reading historical type books

This was a very well written story. I read Where Coyotes Howl and loved it, so I was really looking forward to this book. This book has so many ups and downs. I loved that the main character was a 14 year old girl who was basically thrust into a difficult situation. While I did enjoy the writing, I feel like this book would have been more enjoyable for me if there was either more chapters or I had listened to the audiobook. With only ten chapters in this book, it’s almost like it was broken up into larger bigger chunks of what happened. This took away from the story a bit for me and felt like it took too long to get through since I’m one of those people who like to end on a chapter and not the middle of one, but that was impossible to do with this book. Again, I truly think the story itself was amazing and well written, I just wish it hadn’t felt like it dragged on so much.

I have always been a fan of westerns, as well as strong female leads. This story did not disappoint. The strength Haidie had to practically raise her younger brother Boots, after their mom died and their father left for Colorado to search for gold, was absolutely incredible. I could not imagine being 14, practically an orphan, taking care of a kid, and trekking across the country to find my missing father. Nope. Not gonna happen. But she did it. And she did it well.

A fourteen year-old girl makes a perilous journey with her much younger brother to the Wild West in search of her gold-mining Pa.

It’s 1863, Haidie and Boots bravely escape the confines of an orphanage with the belief their Pa is alive in the Colorado territory. As they journey from Illinois, they face many challenges traveling west. They join a wagon train meeting interesting characters along the way, finding a new found family to reach their father.

Haidie is a fierce, determined character. She’s resourceful, scheming and willing to do it all to be reunited with her family.

This novel captures the heart of the Wild West, and the resilience of what it takes to survive on the open plain. The author brings to life strong, independent females throughout the story, each capable of making there way just as the men.

Thank you St. Martins Press

I love Western books, and this one has some amazing characters. I loved following Haidie's journey from Kentucky to Denver. There were so many vivid details as they traveled by wagon train across the plains. My only complaint is that the story wraps up a bit too neatly. But then again - the title is Tough Luck, and maybe it was time for Haidie to experience some luck after a hard life.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Sandra Dallas for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Sandra Dallas never disappoints! Another fabulous read that I truly enjoyed. I listened to and read this story, the transition was seamless and the narrator did a fantastic job. Highly recommend to anyone enjoying a strong female lead in a frontier setting.

I LOVED this book. The writing captivated me immediately and I was completely immersed in this story about the travel west. The characters were vivid and jumped off the page (and mostly into my heart). Haidie is now one of my all time favorite characters. Her voice was unique and I was just soaking in this amazing storytelling. It was a wild and interesting and fun ride and I was not ready for it to end. I haven't read many westerns, but now I need more!

Note: The audiobook narration was perfect and really immersed me into the story to help me love it even more.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for this arc.

As this is more of a young-adult focused book, I can make allowances for how neatly things line up at times as well as the toned down violence. I was enjoying myself too much watching Haidi take no prisoners, forge ahead, and prove herself. Haidi may be an expert liar but if she’s given her word or someone has treated her fairly, she’ll pledge herself and mean it. Haidie also gets some more lessons in growing up.

Given her youth, Haidie could have given up on her father and on getting justice. But Haidie is no quitter. With the situation they’re in, Haidie could have stopped shielding Boots from the danger they’re in or not supported his belief that they’d find their father a rich man. But Haidie loves her brother Boots. Haidie is strong and takes this all on her shoulders and makes getting to Denver happen.

Along the way they meet several people. Most are good or are mostly good. The bad ones are fairly obvious from the get-go and usually get their comeuppance. I like that if there is a question, most of the characters are willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt until such time as their true character has been revealed. In some cases, even after a person has disappointed them, someone will still act with honor towards them because that’s what honorable people do. You can be a cheat and scoundrel but I’m not going to stoop to your level.

Though this is a relatively short book, it’s tightly written with dialog that sounds period without also sounding overdone.

A common theme in Dallas' books is the strength of women, often in the face of how the men in their lives disappoint them. Not everything goes as Haidie thought it would, she has some hard lessons to learn, and she’s allowed to be mad about some of them. There are some loser men here but thankfully enough good’uns plus one or two who appear to pull themselves up a bit. The draw for me though is watching one fourteen year old girl overcome long odds against her. B+

There's a lot to like in this tale set in 1863 that sees 14 year old Haidie disguise herself as a boy when she grabs her little brother Boots and escapes the orphanage where their brother deposited them. They go on a quest to find their father, who left years before for Colorado. They're lucky that Teresa, who works at the orphanage goes with them and that they meet Jake almost right away. Jake is a freighter who takes them with him to Omaha. Along the way they meet Cornelius, a gambler, who will reappear at a fortuitous time. Then there are the bad guys and rotten they are. And a Conestoga wagon train where they meet a pair of sisters going it on their own. This is a Western to be sure but it's also the tale of resilience and determination with a spunky heroine. To be honest, it's got a bit of a YA vibe but that doesn't mean it isn't a real page turner. There are surprises along the way (no spoilers), terrific characters, and good atmospherics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great storytelling makes for a great read.

This is my first book by Sandra Dallas and I found myself pleasantly impressed. Based on the cover, I was expecting an older character with a more serious tone, however I did enjoy this more lighthearted and engaging western style story.
14 year old Haide and her younger brother Boots escape the orphanage in Illinois that their brother Cheet committed them into after their mother died. Their father had gone west to Colorado a few years prior, caught up in the gold rush. Off to Colorado go Haide and Boots and their adventures begin. The wagon train they join has a wide cast of believable characters and the authors descriptive writing about their journey, the terrain, the challenges and obstacles pull you in. Her use of the western language adds another layer of authenticity and depth to the story.
As their journey continues, more engaging characters are introduced and their backstories keep you intrigued. There is kindness, friendship and some romance as well as violence that aligns with the story, treachery and betrayal.
While the ending may be a bit too tidy and neat, and nothing is too deep or dangerous, overall I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventurous western stories, particularly those that have a very likable and strong protagonist, who is loyal, tough, intelligent and grows up in adversity.. A solid 3.5 stars!
A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure and privilege to read this. All opinions expressed are my own.

After their mom dies and their brother dumps them at an orphanage, Haidie and her younger brother Boots determine to set out west to find their father who went looking for gold.

Haidie is strong and determined, and she’s a bit of a liar. She poses as a boy and relies on her cunningness and a bit of luck to make her journey, teaming up with an interesting cast of characters.

Tough Luck was a fun adventure out West and the ride along with Haidie was enjoyable and had no shortage of escapades.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press.

Historical fiction with a found family trope? Sign me up!

This book was a lot of fun. Haidie is such a great MC, and I loved her attitude, strengths and gumption throughout the book. She was resourceful when put in different sorts of situations, and her loyalty to her people was evident. Boots was a sweet sidekick to Haidie, and I enjoyed their sibling bond. The other characters they meet along their journey were great, and I loved how much they added to the story.

The writing in this book was one of my favorite things about it. It was descriptive and immersive, and I felt like I could picture the settings easily. The dialogue between characters was engaging, and the plot was relatively upbeat. This book was adventurous in a cozy kind of way, and the stakes were just high enough to keep me interested without feeling like things were too dramatic.

Is is the best I've read, no, but it kept my interest. I found it an easy read and entertaining. A solid 3 stars.

Thank you #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the eARC.

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Sandra Dallas for the arc!

From the very first page … this story grabbed hold of my heartstrings & brought them along on a journey full of adventure, danger, mystery, grit, determination & a whole lotta “tough luck”!

I loved Haidie & her brother Boots immediately & had just the best time with them! The plot & the pacing of the story was on point with an easy & captivating flow, the dialogue & banter between characters was humorous & entertaining and that ending was perfectly satisfying!

And oh my golly, the secondary characters in this book are fantastic! Some are colorful & quirky & easy to love … and some you just want to bonk on the head with a gold miner’s spade! But together they create the perfect meld of emotions and bring just the right touch to this sweeping saga!

Although I have quite a few of Sandra Dallas’ books on my tbr/wishlist … this is the first one I have read! I loved it so much, that now I am super excited to move on to her backlist! Pretty sure she just found herself a new fan!

Haidie and her brother, Boots, set off across the prairie to find their pa. Thing is, they ran away from an orphanage (where they didn't belong) and everyone is looking for them. So Haidie pretends she is a boy and winds up in all kinds of predicaments. This would make a good summer read as it moves at a quick pace and is an easy read. My only real complaint is the overuse of the term "Indian" to refer to the indigenous people they (very rarely) encounter.. Even though this is historical fiction, and that is terminology most likely used at the time this book is set, it would have been stronger if the author referred to the tribes by name rather than a generic racial slur. It was distracting and unfortunate considering how funny the remainder of the book is.