It’s been more than a few years since I read one of Sandra Dallas’ books, although she wrote two books I still remember and recommend, The Persian Pickle Club and Tallgrass. In fact, Dallas’ notes say she thought she had retired from writing. Instead, she wrote Tough Luck, her tribute to True Grit.

After Haidie Richards’ mother dies, her older brother, Cheet, sells the family farm, and, despite her protests, he puts fourteen-year-old Haidie and their younger brother, Boots, in an orphanage. However, after too many days of doing laundry, Haidie has a plan. She recruits one of the young nuns, Teresa, for help, and, along with Boots, the three escape from the orphanage. Haidie intends to join a wagon train and head to Colorado. Their Pa headed there in 1859 searching for gold, but they haven’t received a letter from him in two years.

Haidie has her hair cut so she can pass as a boy, and she and Boots find a scout who allows them to accompany him and a wagon train. Along the way to Colorado, Haidie learns to handle mules, Indians, and greedy men. Even when they part ways with the wagon train, Haidie knows she’s found some friends who are reliable.

Dallas has given us a young heroine to cheer for, a girl determined to reach Colorado and reunite her family. As in her novel, Sister Wives, she sets a course across county in a fascinating story. As a fan of an old movie, “Westward, the Women”, I appreciate the courage and hard work needed to make that trek. Haidie has a tough job, making that journey while looking after Boots. I’m glad Dallas decided to write one more book about a strong young woman.

Sandra Dallas’ website is https://www.sandradallas.com/

Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas. St. Martin’s Press, 2025. ISBN 9781250352309 (hardcover), 288p.

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