Book Review The Brothers Brown Part Two

Author R. G. Stanford undertook a personal genealogical search looking for her extended family, which she had never known. Finding her paternal grandmother's birth certificate, December 27, 1894, was an unexpected discovery, sending her on a continued journey through Federal Census records, National Archives documents, newspaper articles, court records, and cemetery visits to learn more about her family and unravel some mysteries that evolved along the way. One of the author's biggest surprises was discovering her Choctaw heritage, which she had not previously known. After 20 years of genealogical research, Stanford realized she was the keeper of a family story. And so Stanford's debut novel, "The Brothers Brown," a family saga, evolved into Book One. Most of the main events in the story are true, while some characters and events are entirely fictional. My interest was piqued, and I was hooked by the book's introduction. I took a deep dive and stepped back into late 189os Indian Territory for Book Two of the Brown family saga. Since I had read book one of the series, I was eager to catch up, and Stanford's newest book did not disappoint. Themes of family loyalty, forgiveness, redemption, addiction, and depression are addressed in the story. Book Two can be considered a standalone novel as Stanford skillfully incorporated details from Book One into Two to keep readers in the loop.

Robert, Matt, Albert, and Ben were raised in a very close-knit family. In Book Two, Matt is still reeling from his brother Robert's accidental death. Matt meant to protect him, but instead, his reckless behavior killed him. Matt idolized Robert, who taught all of the brothers how to ride, fight, play cards, and get drunk. Matt carries the weight of his brother's death with moments of madness and remorse. He continues to struggle with a fragile marriage and broken relationships. Yes, many of the characters were flawed, but I did find myself rooting for them, hoping each one would find their way to peace and happiness.  Matt's wife, Milla, brings the Choctaw Nation to the forefront as Stanford created scenes that incorporated tribal customs and celebrations. 

Stanford brings her family's past to life with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the 1890s. She skillfully uses dialogue to develop characters with motivations, emotions, fears, and flaws that drive them to behave in ways relevant to the time period by making sure actions are consistent with their personalities. There was no shortage of action in this historical fiction.  Many emotionally charged and heart-stopping scenes will tug at your heartstrings. Danger seems to lurk around every corner, as the characters take many risks.   

The storyline moves at a good pace, and the pages just flew by. I was stunned when I came to the end of the book, wishing there was more. Now I am hoping Book Three won't be too long of a wait. I need to find out what happens next with the Brown family members. 

All About The Author R.G. Stanford

Raised on the beaches of South Texas, R.G. Stanford has always been drawn to stories that transcend time. That passion was ignited in 1976 with the discovery of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, and deepened with The Feast of All Saints just a few years later. Though historical fiction wasn’t an immediate calling, a personal journey into genealogy changed everything.

With no close relatives nearby, R.G. Stanford turned to online resources in search of extended family. That search became a twenty-year journey through genealogy websites, Federal Census records, the National Archives, and old newspapers. Along the way, R.G. Stanford uncovered incredible stories about her family and the people who once lived in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory.

Compelled to record the truth of her family in the lore, sprinkled with imagination, R.G. Stanford is a history lover, a research buff, and a passionate genealogy enthusiast. She is also a mother, a grandmother, and a teller of stories, now living near Orlando.