Where Coyotes Howl by Sandra Dallas

WHERE COYOTES HOWL by Sandra Dallas is a new work of historical fiction set in Wallace, Wyoming during the early twentieth century. Main characters are Ellen Webster, the women whom she befriends, and a romantic interest, Charlie Bacon, who is a cowboy. Dallas refers frequently to the title and its poignancy as a reference to the loneliness and dangers in such a desolate area. Ellen goes to Wallace for a one year adventure as a school teacher; she falls in love and stays longer, but still struggles with the demanding environment, particularly for women. Dallas emphasizes how Ellen's friends (varied in age and background) experience prejudice, spousal abuse, and the devastating death of young children. As in many of Dallas’ other novels, the women draw strength from each other which lessens their pain while allowing readers to more readily appreciate that support and concern. WHERE COYOTES HOWL received a starred review from Booklist. Definitely have a look at some of Dallas’ earlier works, too, including The Diary of Mattie Spenser (a personal favorite of the author), The Persian Pickle Club, and more recently, Little Souls. Plus, numerous historical fiction novels have an emphasis on settling a frontier and/or overcoming hardships, including titles like Homestead by Melinda Moustakis, Christy by Catherine Marshall, and News of the World by the Paulette Jiles.