Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas: A Wild Ride through the American West!
By golly, I had fun with this one! 🤩 From the very first page of Tough Luck, I was captivated. As a longtime fan of Westerns—thanks to those countless John Wayne films I binge-watched with my little brother—you could say that this story was right up my alley. Author Sandra Dallas has created an adventure filled with colorful characters, rich historical detail, and, above all, an irrepressible spirit that kept me turning pages in eager anticipation.
The plot revolves around Haidie Richards and her younger brother, Boots, taking us on a whirlwind journey through the American West following their mother’s death. After being unceremoniously sent to an orphanage by their brother, Cheet (a name that perfectly encapsulates his character, let’s just say), the pair makes a daring escape. Haidie’s fierce determination to find her father—a man who has been absent for years—sets the stage for a quest packed with danger and unexpected friendships.
What truly makes Tough Luck shine for me, though, is the characterization. Haidie is a force to be reckoned with: spunky, smart, and, as the town recognizes her, widely known as a “liar.” This descriptor only added to her charm and made her all the more relatable. Boots, the sweet and innocent younger brother, served as a perfect contrast to Haidie’s fiery spirit, grounding the story with his earnestness. Along their journey, they meet an unforgettable cast, including card sharks, independent “spinster” sisters, and a fiercely loyal dog that made my heart swell. Each character felt fully realized, breathing life and depth into the narrative, and I found myself rooting for them all.
Dallas’s writing is a delight. She has a knack for creating a vivid landscape that you can almost feel beneath your fingertips. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the essence of the time period while remaining relatable to modern readers. The pacing is spot-on—full of twists and turns without feeling cluttered or convoluted. I truly appreciated how every plot point added to the overarching story, leading to a satisfying conclusion without loose ends or distractions.
One thing I cannot overlook is the book’s ability to evoke emotion—there are moments filled with grief, loss, and heartache, yet it celebrates the tenacity of youth and the strength found in community. It struck a chord with me, reminding me that while the journey is fraught with challenges, it is also lined with the beauty of friendship and resilience.
In terms of content warnings, readers should be aware of themes surrounding death, murder, and familial loss, but these elements are woven into the story with purpose, enhancing the emotional depth rather than overshadowing the adventure.
Overall, I was utterly taken by Tough Luck. It’s a delightful blend of humor, heart, and action that I can’t recommend enough. If you enjoyed What the Silent Say by Emerson Ford (and I can’t stop raving about that one), then you absolutely must dive into this book. I can already tell that it will be one I revisit again.
So for anyone looking for a spirited adventure filled with unforgettable characters and a thrilling quest, Tough Luck would be a fantastic addition to your reading list. It’s releasing on April 29, 2025—which, coincidentally, is my birthday! What a fantastic gift that will be to the literary world! 🎉 Enjoy the journey; I certainly did!
