NOW AVAILABLE
soft cover release
Beyond the Rio Gila is now available in softcover, released by Riverfeet Press. Located in Livingston, Montana, Riverfeet focuses on books that connect readers to the natural world with themes of “adventure, healing, wildlife and the environment.” Learn more about Riverfeet Press HERE.
We are proud and honored to have the privilege of bringing you Scott G. Hibbard's debut novel in paperback. If you are a fan of adventure stories, loaded with personal risk, daring challenges, past demons and cultural ramifications that shook and shaped our country . . . then this is a book you won't want to miss. Available on our website, HERE, or from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.
“…a compelling coming-of-age story that brings history to life. It’s highly recommended reading that should be in any collection strong in historical novels and early Mormon history alike.”
— D. DONOVAN, SENIOR REVIEWER, MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
***Available at your local bookstore, the Montana Historical Society, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, IndieBound.org, and Bookshop.org.
summary
In 1846, the Mexican-American War cast together Latter-day Saints fleeing persecution and U.S. DRAGOONS on an urgent mission to capture California. In a grueling trek through hostile Indian Territory and across the parched southwest desert, the Mormon Battalion – including two pregnant laundresses – must march two thousand miles.
LEARN MORE ABOUT The Author, SCOTT G. HIBBARD
Photo by Kathe LeSage
TALKS, READINGS, AND BOOK SIGNINGS:
Stephen Ambrose Memorial Lecture, Lewis and Clark Library, Helena, MT
Elk River Books, Livingston, MT
Tucson Festival of the Book (author’s booth)
The Book Bungalow, St. George, UT
The City Library at Academy Square, Provo, UT
How Novel Story Lorry – recorded readings at KBMF radio station, Butte, MT
The Montana Club, Helena, MT
The Montana Historical Society, Helena, MT
Blackfoot River Brewery, Helena, MT
REVIEWS
“Scott’s…writing does what every good writer wishes: It lifts you off the page.”
“Beyond The Rio Gila will transport you to a time in our history that Scott Hibbard skillfully breathes new life into…his compelling characters come alive in a flowing narrative that places you firmly in each scene.”
“Fine writing and a gripping story…with hardship and danger you can feel in your teeth. A deeper level touches the courage and vulnerability of the women… In the tradition of greats like A. B. Guthrie and James Welch, by an author born and raised a Montana rancher.”
“Beyond the Rio Gila is not just a historical novel; it is classic, a well-crafted story with sophisticated characters, a smartly written plot, and humor that sinks its teeth to the very core of the reader.”
“The interaction between these two [main characters]…was an absolute highlight of the tale for me… If true, hard-hitting historical adventure stories are your passion, then this is absolutely the book for you.”
“From the opening…to the ending…each scene is vivid and sticks in the minds of readers. There is strength in the narrative, a presence of power that grabs the attention of readers.”
“Hibbard’s book is a rare combination of little-known historical event and superb
story-telling. Suspenseful, knowledgeable, heartbreaking and triumphant, Hibbard’s characters and especially his use of language fairly bound right off the page.”
“The author’s Muse must of been born in that time and place as his accounting is
so detailed and colorful he had to of been there. I am grateful for this amazing
read and an amazing way to learn about my country that I wouldn’t have
otherwise.”
“…this epic journey alongside beautifully rendered characters is worth every
step. Hibbard’s meticulous blending of fact and fiction puts flesh on history and
brings to light an extraordinary chapter from our past.”
“Although I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Montana Army National
Guard and took several military history courses, I had no idea about this part of
American history. Scott’s meticulous research, thoughtful approach, and superb writing brings it to life. ”
“Scott Hibbard’s…gorgeous writing puts the reader right there, whether surviving on mesquite beans, panting through a parched throat across the scorching desert, or giving birth in primitive conditions.”
“…an astonishing, vivid, meticulously researched morality allegory… an elaborate tapestry made authentic as Hibbard nails period dialogue, inner and spoken that is consistently and completely credible.”
“…a scrupulously researched book…attention to detail is meticulously thorough… the profusion of factual information brings…this not-so-widely-known time in history to life. As an enthusiastic history buff, I was captivated…”
“Beyond the Rio Gila is a highly literate piece of compelling historical fiction… The exquisite prose…lends an incredibly authentic voice to this intrepid tale… Hibbard’s resonant writing…infuses this highly unique novel with both historical accuracy and a profound sense of vivid immediacy. A wonderful and complex historical recollection.”
“…a superb work of fiction that takes its readers along with acute detail of every harrowing moment...”
“Best of all, it’s acted out by complex, believable characters. Some of what they
say and do might make us uncomfortable these days, but we’re lucky to have
books like “Beyond the Rio Gila” to keep our history straight and true.”
“From the first page, this book pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down. ”
“As a bit of a history buff and with relatives who were involved in this tale, I
found the story accurate and fascinating. The characters, both actual and
fictional, make the story come to life. ”
“This beautifully written account of the desert country of central and southwest
New Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern California is accurate, and every bit as steady a western prose as written by Abby, Stegner, and McCarthy. ”
“[Hibbard’s] exhausting research coupled with his ability to bring his characters
to life through their authentic and entertaining dialogue keeps the reader
consistently engaged and glued to the novel’s story line. ”
