There’s something especially compelling about a Western where the real tension isn’t just the gunfight — it’s whether a man can truly outgrow the life he once lived. Call in the Dogs feels rooted in that question.

 

This story leans into belonging as much as confrontation. A trading post, a growing sense of home, new friendships — and the looming shadow of an enemy who refuses to stay in the past. If you’re drawn to Westerns that mix grit with emotional stakes and community ties, this one looks like it delivers that balance. 

Western/Cowboy,  Cherokee, Outlaw

Date Published: 02-26-2026

Publisher: Write the West Press an imprint of Paperback Press, LLC Springfield, Missouri

This week, I have been sharing my reviews of books and audiobooks from the Islands in the Mist series! Today, I am sharing my review of the fifth book, The Young Stag. Learn about the book and author J.M. Hofer, read my thoughts on the book, catch up on the past books if you missed those, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

 

My Review

 

Character Growth Continued. One of the best parts of this book is seeing how far these characters have come. The growth feels earned. There’s maturity there, but also vulnerability. The relationships carry real emotional weight, and you continue to feel what’s at stake in every decision. It’s rewarding to see their arcs come full circle in a way that feels natural and true to who the characters have become over the course of the series.

 

The author offers a well-done novel. The stakes are high from the start, as they have been throughout the series, and the tension builds steadily as everything moves toward finality. There’s action, political tension, and emotional payoff woven together in a way that keeps the pages turning. The resolution is satisfying and fitting. It answers the big questions, delivers closure where necessary, and wraps up the series in a way that feels complete.

 

Would I recommend The Young Stag? If you’ve followed this series, this finale absolutely delivers. It balances action with heart and gives readers the kind of ending that feels earned rather than rushed. Even if you’re new to J.M. Hofer’s work, this series as a whole is worth a spot on your reading list. I enjoyed this novel, as well as the whole series, and will definitely look for more from this author in the future.

ISLANDS IN THE MIST by J.M. Hofer Book Tour Giveaway

This week, I will be sharing my reviews of books and audiobooks from the Islands in the Mist series! This week, I have alread reviewed the first three books of the series and, today, I am sharing my review of the audiobook version of the fourth book, Into the Shadows. Learn about the book and author J.M. Hofer, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

 

My Review

 

Characters are flawed and face difficult choices. The characters feel real, flawed and even a little relatable rather than being flat characters in a game. They make hard calls. They second-guess themselves. They carry the weight of leadership, loyalty, and betrayal in ways that aren’t neat or convenient. There are hard-hitting emotional moments present in both the quiet exchanges and the big confrontations. I kept wondering who would hold firm and who might finally crack under pressure — and that tension kept me completely pulled in.

 

The story grows darker, but keeps its focus. This novel definitely raises the stakes, but it never feels messy or overdone. The political strain tightens, alliances shift, and the consequences feel real. What I appreciate is that the mythic elements never overpower the human ones. Even as the conflicts deepen, the emotional core stays steady. Nothing feels thrown in just for shock value.

 

The narrator is perfect for this series. The audiobook experience works especially well for me in this series. The narrator doesn’t overact or try to dominate the story, which I’m grateful for. Instead, the delivery feels measured and steady, letting the emotion come through naturally. Tension builds where it should, quieter scenes hold emotional impact, and character voices are clear without being exaggerated. It’s easy to settle into the rhythm of the performance and not want to leave at the end.

 

Would I recommend Into the Shadows?  If you enjoy epic fantasy that balances strong, yet flawed and realistic characters, and fictional world building with situational and historical realism, this one delivers. The themes faced in this book are a little darker--and morality and emotions hit hard throughout. In audio form especially, it’s easy to get swept up in the journey. This book, again, is a little darker, and I found myself disappointed in some of the characters--and saddened by some of the directions the storyline has moved--but, I was definitely ready to continue the journey into the 5th book!

 

I love finding new children's books to share! Learn about Just Call Me Pardner and author Sherry Roberts! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Date Published: 08-16-2025

Publisher: Solander Press

A.J. had always dreamed of being a cowboy on his family's Oklahoma farm. Without a horse, he felt like something was missing. How could he care for the animals and help with the farm work without a trusty steed?

One afternoon, A.J. returned home from school to find a surprise waiting for him in the barn - a beautiful little horse named Lady Star. She was now his to ride and care for. From that day on, A.J. spent all his free time learning how to ride Lady Star and caring for her. He dreamed of being skilled enough to ride alongside his grandfather, father, and Jon, the farm hand, during the cattle roundups.

Award-winning author Sherry Roberts weaves a heartfelt story about growing up in the 1930s and 1940s. Based on the tales passed down by her father, Just Call Me Pardner is a must-read for history lovers and those who enjoy stories of the American West.

 

About the Author

Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville. She has written multiple award-winning fiction picture books such as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus, Hello, Can I Bug You?, Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day, What’s Wrong with Barnaby, and The Best Reading Buddy. She also has written two non-fiction award-winning picture books, Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s in Your Bonnet? and A Visit Through the Wetlands. These two were illustrated with her photography. Sherry’s newest picture book, Amica Helps Zoe, was featured in Kirkus e-newsletter June 2025 as Indie Pick and received a Get It: Recommend review.

As a former middle school teacher, Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel (ages 8-13). Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe, is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt, was released August 2024. Book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, released February 2025.

Sherry’s next venture is a chapter book series (ages 6-8). The first book, Just Call Me Pardner, was released August 1, 2025. The series is about a young boy in the 1930s on a small farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and is inspired by stories of her father’s childhood in the 1930s. Book 2, Just Look at Those Boots, launches in early 2026, with Book 3, Just Don’t Give a Girl a Frog, launching in November 2026.

Dr. Roberts has also written many articles that appear in various academic journals, along with three textbooks. Personal Financial Literacy is in its fourth edition (Pearson). She is an associate professor of Marketing in Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University.

 

Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

Enter the Giveaway