**Sarita** by Natalie Dossett is a compelling tale set in 1920s Texas, amidst a backdrop of socio-political upheaval. The story follows Sarita, a young woman determined to defy societal expectations and secure a future for herself and her father while avenging her brother's death. Sarita's life has been marked by loss; her fiancée's disappearance makes her the town gossip, and her mother's death forces her to abandon her graduation plans to take on household chores at her father's behest. Unlike other girls, Sarita prefers ranch work over kitchen chores, but her father consistently denies her the opportunity.

Tragedy strikes again when her 13-year-old brother, JJ, is killed by tequila smugglers, leaving the family in deep grief. With Texas authorities ignoring the case, Sarita's father, now without his son to help on their ranch, faces an uncertain future and the threat of selling their property to a persistent oil marketer. Resolute and courageous, Sarita decides to pursue the man responsible for her brother's death, a mission fraught with peril that could cost her life. She also seeks to preserve their ranch and improve their lives.

Inspired by the words of Maude, a resilient widow—"Nothing worthwhile lands in your lap dipped in honey, sugar—you got to charge ahead and grab it"—Sarita embarks on a dangerous journey across the Rio Grande River into a world of bandits and outlaws. The novel, spanning 366 pages, captivates with its brisk prose and rich use of dialect, enhancing the story's authenticity and context. Sarita's admirable character and her encounters with danger create engaging plot twists. Dossett's smooth, coherent writing showcases her deep understanding of the Wild West's landscapes and culture, making **Sarita** a delightful and immersive read.

In "Sarita," Natalie Musgrave Dossett crafts a gripping historical novel set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1920s Texas during Prohibition. The narrative centers on Sarita, a determined teenage girl who embarks on a quest for vengeance following the murder of her brother at the hands of tequila smugglers. This personal tragedy fuels her journey, intertwining themes of justice, resilience, and the socio-political upheaval of the era.

The novel is praised for its rich character development and engaging plot twists. Sarita emerges as a strong and admirable protagonist, navigating a world rife with danger and moral ambiguity. Dossett's writing is described as smooth and coherent, reflecting her deep understanding of the historical context and the complexities of her characters' motivations.

Critics highlight the book's ability to blend personal and political narratives, making it not just a story of revenge but also a reflection on the broader implications of lawlessness during Prohibition. The vivid descriptions of Texas in the 1920s enhance the immersive quality of the novel, allowing readers to feel the tension and excitement of the time.

Overall, "Sarita" is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads and intricate plots. Dossett's storytelling prowess places "Sarita" in a commendable position within contemporary historical literature, appealing to both young adult and adult audiences alike

I really loved this book! It was beautifully written and very informative. I could not put this book down! I would highly recommend this book!

Wow! I loved the novel, Sarita! I read almost 100 books a year so it is a treat to find a unique book. Sarita had everything I enjoy in a novel, well researched historical setting, exciting action, strong female characters and a believable plot line. The setting of the novel at the Texas border in the 1920’s was very interesting. Wonderful, loyal horses and a few brave Texas rangers also helped make this novel great. This is a novel that I believe will appeal to many readers. I will be recommending Sarita to my reading friends and book club.

Sarita by Natalie Musgrave Dossett is one story that hooked me from the beginning. It was incredible gripping so that it was difficult to put down once I started reading. I found it to be very readable with an investment early on with the main character. The trauma and the decisions that she faces are huge seeming insurmountable. Still Sarita persists. Learning as she goes.

Beginning in the summer of 1920, this is about as far from the roaring twenties as a story could get. WWI may be over but in Texas there are other battles to still be fought with Prohibition and smugglers comes across the border. When the Texas Rangers are useless to help it takes a young woman who gives it her all. One amazing story!

Will likely revise when I can gather my thoughts! Loved this one! Such an inspiring story, the descriptions were in 4D, the characters were phenomenal!

Publishing date: 10.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

The book as a meal: Water from a mountain stream and crisp ripe apples
The book left me: Saddened, empowered, and inspired

Negatives:
These poor women
Not described, but pretty graphic SA told about later

Positives:
Great character writing
Palpable tension
Absolutely stunning atmosphere and story

Features:
Strong female lead, lots and lots of travel, all kinds of injustices you can imagine done to women, justice is best served cold, main lead realizing what strengths she has

Why did I choose this one?
I love myself a book in a western setting, I love a female lead, and I love a sob story. This book encompasses all of these things at once. Want a heart wrenching story about a cowgirl discovering the cruelties of the world. This one officer!

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Devourable. This was such an exciting read, I wanted to read it all day long (and I almost did actually). The constant tension, the sense of hurriedness, the sense of being hunted and not knowing who, where or when the hunter is.
This story sucks you in and grips you like a vice.

What was the vibe and mood?
Dusty, boot to big, backside and legs aching from constant movement and riding, the sun on your face, sweat seeping through your clothes, adrenaline pumping in your veins. Will I make it in time? Who will live to come home with me? Will I live another day or perish in the night? Was this all a stupid idea?

Final ranking and star rating?
5 stars, S tier. This book is in my tops of the year. Stunning story, stunning character work, and wonderful atmosphere. The author deserves all praise. Will be recommending this book to everyone. Be warned, you might need some tissues and someone to comfort you from the horrors and injustices put upon the people in the book.
Need more stories like this, please miss Dossett🙏