Excerpts from Their Golden Dreams
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Reviews
Californios meet the Gold Rush
I’ve waited a long time for ” to come out and immediately ordered it In keeping with the beautiful old Californio tales of Mr. Thompson’s previous books, Dream Helper and Delfina’s Gold, Mr Thompson skillfully spins the story set in that budding era of our beloved California with romance, jealousy, rivalry, and the tough Western spirit of the day and clashing of cultures. He builds the romance of that time around points of history a period of time so unique and extraordinary. You feel you are with those early Californios as you become engrossed with the story. I love Mr. Thompson’s writing he’s a suburb story teller. We are lucky someone is dedicated to writing these historical novels which are set in those early years when it was a land of extraordinary beauty, adventurous people and at the cusp of a whole new country. But Mr. Thompson does not forget the hardship of the time, the mistreatment of the Mexicans and Indians and the disrespect for these proud people and their ranchos. This book is particularly interesting in that the timing is around the gold rush when all hell broke loose in California. The once sleepy ranchos and easy pace of the inhabitants were about to be turned upside down. It is a gift of a fine writer to tell a story of a fictional life but done so well by the incorporation of many historical events and people that one almost thinks it is a true account. Mr Thompson’s 3 books belong together in every Californian’s library.
If you have ever been to Santa Barbara, California or just in California this is the book for you. Their Golden Dreams” is a great book about life in California around the 1850’s. The author uses historic figures and events with his fictional characters to show life as it really was in that time period. This book stands on its own but is the third in a trilogy preceded by Dream Helper and Delfina’s Gold. I would suggest reading all three books so you don’t miss out on any of this wonderful story about our history. I thought I knew what life would have been like at that time but was wrong and had many surprises along the way. I even checked out several historical facts in the book and found that his research was impeccable. Once you start reading, it will be really hard to put it down.
A good Historical Novel that takes place in the California gold…
A good Historical Novel that takes place in the California gold country, Some of the characters were historically correct with actual California politicians, and power brokers of that era. Some of the characters tie in with the authors previous book, Delfina’s Gold.
A real “page turner!” I love historical novels and this one was filled with human interest and well-developed characters, while revealing an amazing amount of historical research that wound the story together.
A dramatic view of life in early California
History of a tumultuous period of California’s history comes to life in this the third book in Willard Thompson’s trilogy. The author skillfully blends his story with the events and people of the time, making the impressions more vivid than neither a novel nor documented history could do alone. The endnotes are an excellent summary of the history with which the story is intertwined.
Great Book About California Gold Rush
Excellent historical novel set in the gold rush days in California. Very well written and very interesting. Highly recommended.
WONDERFUL BOOK! I really enjoy these kinds of books, takes you back to when days were more simple and challenging. Thanks again!
GREAT READ—Tough one to put down so allow yourself the time!
I have certainly enjoyed the opportunity I have had to read a advanced, review copy of Willard Thompson’s novel Their Golden Dreams. The third in a trilogy it does not require the previous novels to have been read but the series is more enriched by having the other 2 books under my belt—A deeper emotional connection to the characters from the start. I enjoyed the “voice” of this book as it is told from several differing character perspectives as events unfold—some overlapping, some separate but as you place yourself as a reader in the “shoes” of the characters you feel as though you are sharing the experiences with them. I often found myself vocalizing my emotions as I read, crying silent tears, cheering audibly or loudly proclaiming my dissatisfaction with various outcomes in the story! The book is an easy read, well paced and satisfying–great for a trip/plane read or a days escape on the beach read— warning: Do not attempt to read this chapter by chapter and expect to be able to finish a chapter and put it down—WILL NOT HAPPEN! This author knows how to keep you engaged and coming back for more! So heads up–once you start you won’t want to put it down until it has finished…and even then You will be wishing their was another chapter and you will be dying for the next book! (here’s hoping there is one!)
An Enjoyable Story of Early California History
I recently read Two Years Before The Mast 45 years after first reading it in high school. Their Golden Dreams was a wonderful companion to that read, putting extended personal faces and stories to Richard Henry Dana’s acquaintances past. I would love to read more like it.