Howdy readers! Clear your schedule, because these eight historical fiction books set on ranches are about to become your new obsession. From sweeping frontier love stories to haunting tales of survival and secrets, this Western-themed roundup has something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re curling up on the couch or soaking up the sun poolside, these novels will transport you straight to the Wild West—no cowboy boots required. Ready to ride? Keep scrolling!
Best historical fiction books set on ranches
From Texas, to Montana and Colorado, here are the best historical fiction books set on ranches.
‘Lonesome Dove’ by Larry McMurtry
Simon & Schuster
Set in 1870s America, Larry McMurtry’s blockbuster book Lonesome Dove has been called “the grandest novel ever written about the last defiant wilderness.” The book—which now has a foreword written by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan—transports readers to a small frontier town called Lonesome Dove and follows former Texas Rangers Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call on a dangerous cattle drive to Montana. It’s an unforgettable journey filled with terrifying moments, adventurous plot lines and the grit of the Old West.
What readers are saying: “If I had to compile a top 10 list of quintessential American classic novels, this book would be on it. It was so vivid in scope, so unapologetic in its portrayals of the characters and so emotionally involved that I will never be able to read another western and be quite so satisfied.”
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‘Fairfield County’ by DéLana R.A. Dameron
The Dial Press
Set against the sweeping landscape of South Carolina, this book shines a light on Southern Black cowboy culture in 1937. For over a century, the Bolton family has raised champion horses with pride. But when tragedy strikes, Dwayne Bolton becomes the reluctant heir to a legacy he never wanted. Disconnected from the cowboy life his grandfather dreamed of for him, Dwayne struggles to keep the family farm from slipping away. Elsewhere, his daughter Nikki is a natural-born rodeo star—yet she knows nothing about the rich history running through her veins. Now Dwayne must decide: Will he embrace his past to secure his family’s future?
What readers are saying: “This book left me feeling extremely proud and silently introspective. I always knew there were Black cowboys and cowgirls in the American South, but I had never read any stories about them. My 67-year-old mother and I have been talking about finding some Westerns to read together, and this book was the perfect introduction to the genre.”
‘Lone Women’ by Victor LaValle
One World
Set in 1915, this gripping novel follows Adelaide Henry, a mysterious woman who never goes anywhere without her enormous steamer trunk. What people don’t know is that the trunk must remain locked at all times—because when it opens, people around Adelaide vanish without a trace. This includes her own parents, who were killed under mysterious circumstances. Now Adelaide must flee California and make her way to a new ranch in Montana, all while protecting her dangerous secret. What follows is a haunting tale of strength, survival and unexpected connection.
What readers are saying: “The book had a slow start but it was very easy to finally get into. The twist was … wow. I thought I had guessed the significance of the trunk in the story but I was WRONG. This was a great story of a woman’s perseverance in the face of difficulties and a family legacy she carried the weight of.”
‘Texas Destiny’ by Lorraine Heath
Avon
The first book in Lorraine Heath’s Texas Trilogy is set in 1876 and follows mail-order bride Amelia Carson after she heads to Fort Worth, Texas to meet her soon-to-be husband, Dallas Leigh, for the first time. Upon her arrival, Amelia learns that Dallas’ brother Houston has been sent to pick her up and take her to his family’s ranch, where Dallas is waiting for them. Along the way, Amelia and Houston begin to bond, and now they must decide whether to remain loyal to Dallas or follow their hearts. A fun, romantic Western ride.
What readers are saying: “I haven’t read a book I didn’t love by this author. This story had it all. The heartache was so real. I cried and laughed, and fell in love with these characters. I can’t recommend it enough.”
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‘The Texan’s Wager’ by Jodi Thomas
Berkley
Bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes readers back to the 1880s in this swoon-worthy tale. After being thrown off a wagon with two other women and trying to avoid jail for a murder, Bailee Moore decides to enter into a “Wife Lottery,” something created by the Cedar Point sheriff to secure wives for the men in this small town. For some women, it’s a dream. But for Bailee, it’s another jail sentence. After all, who wants to be married to a man who doesn’t speak to her? But as time goes on, Bailee and her husband Carter McKoy begin to open up to one another, and soon sparks fly.
What readers are saying: “This book is about the strength of the human spirit, the power to trust oneself and others, and learning to love. This is the best western romance I have read in a long time.The characters are true to how they feel about themselves and follow thoroughly with relationships. Sit in a cozy chair and start reading.”
‘Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold’ by Ellen O’Connell
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Travel back to 1885 Colorado within the pages of this historical Western novel. Anne Wells has always embarrassed her rigidly proper family, and the fact that she’s 28 and unwed doesn’t help with that. Cord Bennett is also an embarrassment to his ranching family, so when he and Anne cross paths, they bond over their upbringings. One night, they are caught alone together, causing Cord’s father to force them to marry. Can they use their unexpected marriage to escape their families and find peace?
What readers are saying: “I love this story more than I can adequately express with words. I thought the characters were wonderfully written and developed. Cord and Anne’s relationship seems so sincere that I can’t help but fall in love with them, too. I go back to this story and reread it multiple times a year.”
‘The Forever Cowboy’ by Jody Hedlund
Northern Lights Press
This novel, which is a follow up to Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, begins after Violet Berkley runs away from her wedding and goes back home to Colorado in the late 19th century. Upon her arrival, she’s shocked to learn that her father’s gambling debt has caught up to him and the only way he can get rid of it is to have Violet become a dancing girl at a saloon. Desperate for another option, Violet turns to the one person she knows can help: Sterling Noble, the man she left at the altar. What comes next is a spicy rekindling that will leave readers breathless.
What readers are saying: “The Forever Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the first book in the Noble Ranch series and a definite must read if you love western historical romances. It has just enough inspirational themes in it along with plenty of sweet romance. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.”
‘The Son’ by Philipp Meyer
Ecco
This 2017 novel—which was recently adapted into an AMC series starring Pierce Brosnan—sweeps readers back to the 1800s Texas frontier. The story follows 12-year-old Eli McCullough after Comanche warriors overrun his family’s homestead, killing everyone he loves. With nowhere else to go, Eli is taken in by the Comanche and raised as one of their own. But as the years pass, disease, starvation and relentless westward expansion decimate his adopted tribe, leaving Eli alone once more. Told partly through interviews with Eli’s son Peter, this powerful novel explores race, identity, survival and the complex political forces that shaped the American West.
What readers are saying: “I found this novel, which focuses on five generations of a south Texas family, to be immensely entertaining, captivating and educational. I would put it alongside Lonesome Dove with regard to both subject matter and quality. All in all, a first class piece of work. It’s among the best I’ve had the pleasure to read.”
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