What Readers are Saying

If I Should Die
If I Should Die is a love story of tremendous beauty. Harlan Hague is a gifted author with a flair for writing fairy tales for grownups.
         - Chris Enss, New York Times bestselling author of The Pinks: The First Women Detectives, Operatives, and Spies with the Pinkerton National Detective
            Agency.
 
Heeding his conscience instead of the laws of his country, John Henry struggles to take a stand against an unjust war . . . a timely—and timeless story.
          - Nancy Plain, award-winning author of This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon
 
If I Should Die is a . . . story of love and redemption across generations . . . a classic, one of a new breed of western historical fiction novels that speak to the timeless challenges of hard, independent decisions, their consequences and rewards.
        - W. Michael Farmer, award-winning author of Blood of the Devil: The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, Book Two
 
At the heart of this original and memorable novel lies the story of an American soldier who is in love with a Mexican girl and who resists the war with Mexico in 1846. The engaging human drama and the captivating historical context have a timeless, universal appeal.
        - John D. Nesbitt, award-winning author of Destiny at Dry Camp
 
. . . Olin sets out to research his ancestor . . . and the circumstances of his court martial during the Mexican War . . . Harlan Hague seamlessly weaves the
modern-day researcher’s story with the riveting tale of his frontier forbears.
          - Rod Miller, award-winning poet and author of Rawhide Robinson Rides a Dromedary

A Place for Mei Lin
Caleb Willis, haunted by tragedy, is a man with nothing to lose and no future worth thinking about.  So when he rescues Mei Lin, a young Chinese girl who has been forced into prostitution, Willis is as surprised at himself as she is.  Unfolding in the rough gold-mining country of Idaho’s Stanley Basin, A Place for Mei Lin is a splendidly written tale of danger and prejudice, of redemption and unexpected love.  It is sure to become a Western classic. 
             - Nancy Plain, multiple Spur and other awards winner

With a keen eye and a spare style fit for the time and place, Harlan Hague has created a compelling story with two memorable characters. Mei Lin in particular is so vivid and multi-dimensional that I wished I could meet her.
             - Lucia St. Clair Robson, WWA Owen Wister Award and multiple Spur winner

Harlan Hague once again demonstrates his acumen as a researcher and historian with this fast-paced drama. Set in central Idaho's Stanley Basin, Hague's latest novel offers insight into a land that is seldom, if ever, the subject of historical fiction. There is something here for anyone who loves historical fiction, drama, action, adventure, and a love story. A Place for Mei Lin is certain to introduce the reader to history that has been untapped, offering a refreshing change from the standard fare.
             - John Horst, author of the Mule Tamer series and Allingham series

At the core of A Place for Mei Lin is a gritty and desperate romance between a struggling prospector and the young woman he fights to save from a life of indentured servitude.  It’s a passionate tale that touches the heart deeper than expected.
             - Chris Enss, New York Times bestselling western author

 “In A Place for Mei Lin, a man who is emotionally bereft rescues a young Chinese woman forced into prostitution, but it soon becomes clear that she is the key to his reawakening.  In Harlan Hague’s hands, a story that could become melodramatic and clichéd, instead is rendered with authority and simplicity. A Place for Mei Lin is a love story, but it is also a microcosm of the hardships suffered by Chinese women in the American West and a vindication of their resilience. It is a compelling read.”
             - Cynthia Leal Massey, award-winning author of Death of a Texas Ranger, A True Story of Murder and Vengeance on the Texas Frontier.




The People
"One of our great western historians turns his talents to fiction with imaginative and highly entertaining results. The People is 'What If' fiction at its very best."
            - Paul Andrew Hutton, Spur award-winning author of Phil Sheridan and His Army

"With vivid detail and a graceful style, Harlan Hague has created an intriguing tale of alternate history.  What would have happened if the western tribes had joined forces and obtained weapons superior to the U.S. Army's?"
           - Lucia St. Clair Robson, Spur award-winning author of Last Train From Cuernavaca and Ride the Wind

"An intriguing, inventive and imaginative novel, well-researched, and told with reverence and respect for American Indians."
          -Johnny D. Boggs, six-time Spur award winner

". . . Harlan Hague's fiery tale is at once ruthless and romantic. The savagery of the clash between the Indians and the whites of the Old West is a compelling theme and, in the hands of Hague, a riveting read."
          - Chris Enss, New York Times Best Selling author of Love Lessons from the Old West

"Harlan Hague's The People is a skillful blend of history and rich imagination that's a great pleasure to read."
          - Thomas Cobb, Spur award-winning author of With Blood in Their Eyes and Crazy Heart

"Harlan Hague's The People is part historical fiction, love story, western and sci-fi . . . A thoroughly enjoyable and unusual departure from the standard fiction about the American Indian Wars."
           - John Horst, author of The Mule Tamer series and Allingham series

"Hague moves you into the mysterious, intriguing world of the little known Beothuk Tribe. A romance blooms between Kimimela . . . and . . . Lt. Wagner . . . The explosive end . . . has a twist that takes the reader by surprise . . ."
          - Cheewa James, author of Modoc: The Tribe That Wouldn't Die 

"... a fascinating take on ... what might have been.  What if ... the tribes had had better weapons than the U.S. Cavalry? Scenes of battle ... love [and] ... evocative descriptions of the West make The People a truly great read."
           - Nancy Plain, Spur award-winning author of Light on the Prairie

"I cut my teeth as a historian of the West on Harlan Hague's The Road to California and his biography of Thomas O. Larkin . . . So I was delighted to encounter his wide-ranging talents in his novel, The People. . . . a different history that would have produced a very different America."
           - Will Bagley, Spur award-winning author of So Rugged and Mountainous and With Golden Visions Bright
              Before Them

"In The People, Harlan Hague has imagined an Old West that will turn your imagination loose."
          - Rod Miller, Spur Award-winning author of Rawhide Robinson Rides the Range

“. . . historical fiction set in the days of the Plains Indian Wars . . . The Indians have come into possession of MODERN weapons, not to be seen until WWII. . . .  a dramatic, well-developed plot, a little romance and a building tempo toward a show-stopping climax, makes this book a real barn-burner and page-turner. I read it through in one long sitting, as I couldn't put it down. . . .  a fascinating well written novel that will keep you riveted to the pages. Highly recommended.
          – George Aubrey on Amazon

“I loved this read. . . . The book is fast-paced and really is a page turner. A rich mix of Indian culture and modern warfare. The characters are well fleshed out and seem more real than fiction by the end. History, romance, warfare, religion, clash of cultures, this modern western has it all. I highly recommend it.”
          – N. A. Waring on Amazon

“. . . an alternate history of the frontier with the inventiveness of science fiction. It begins with a government eager to move settlers onto the land of the western plains so the tribes have formed a confederation to stave off the invasion, and also find a way of maintaining the unstable peace with the American army. . . . The plot is fast-paced and action-packed . . . I thoroughly enjoyed Harlan Hague's The People. It's a fascinating and inventive history of a confederation of tribes struggling to maintain their identity and land in the American frontier. I highly recommend it to history buffs who would like to read about the past with a different outcome.”
          – Believer on Amazon

“I love historical novels, so I found The People to be an interesting read. The author did a wonderful job weaving historical facts with fictitious characters to create a believable tale of the struggle between two cultures. . . . The story is so believable that, at the end of the book, you wish Dr. Hague's version of the epic struggle was the one that actually happened! I found it to be a very well written and entertaining book.
          – Robert S. Morse on Amazon

“The People is an extremely interesting, intriguing story, well written, about how the sad story of the American Indian whose lands and sustenance were taken by the white man could have ended very differently with peace and sovereignty for both. In his novel, this was accomplished through the Indians obtaining superior weaponry like repeater rifles, hand grenades, mortars and bazookas from aliens called Celestials and successfully joining together a number of tribes into a Confederacy to fight their common enemy, the U.S. Cavalry. Set against this background was a love story of an Army lieutenant and an Indian maiden . . . a very imaginative and worthwhile adventure and a MUST good read . . .
          - George R. Wells on Amazon

“A very interesting take on the fictional outcome of the plight of the native Americans. Skillfully thought out and done in logical flowing manner. In reading one is lead by true to type western events to a conclusion that causes one to think one knows what is about to happen only to find out the entities are reversed. So well depicted that it will cause one to rethink history.”
          - Max Oliver on amazon

“Harlan Hague's The People is part historical fiction, love story, western and sci-fi presented in a way only a true expert in history can convey. Dr. Hague weaves a yarn with enough historical detail to let the reader believe that perhaps it is something they've missed in history class. The characters are colorful, multi-faceted, and mostly likeable, except for the villains of course. The story is fast paced, interesting, and keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end.” 
          – John H. on Amazon

 
Sakura
“Unprecedented good read: It's not often that a reader of fiction comes across a book like this. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I found the story interesting, the style simple and engaging, and my only regret was that author Harlan Hague didn't make the narrative longer. Maybe he'll write a sequel. I certainly hope so.”
          – Kiki on Amazon

“. . . Sakura, a novel by Harlan Hague, is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. It’s an engrossing and emotional story about relationships, the love of a man and two women living in two countries, Japan and America. The book reads like a quiet stream flowing through beautiful settings and the lives of three people and their families from the lecture halls of American academia to cherry-blossom walks and a snow-capped Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san) climb at sunrise. Hague’s “Hemingway-esque” style lets the reader paint his own pictures of deja vu loves. A relaxed, enjoyable read. A must read on Amazon.”
          - George R. Wells on Amazon

“In literary style and presence, Sakura by Harlan Hague sets firmly between novel and screenplay. The work is presented in novel form, but would be just as powerful, perhaps more so, in screenplay form. As if memories tainted by time, the novel expounds through flashes of events and time yet manages to effectively show readers the work’s world and characters. . . . The plot is extremely well thought out, and incredibly plausible, which lends realism to the story. Quite plainly, Sakura blossoms… shyly, delicately, and sporadically, yet it maintains even in adversity, but it definitely still blooms.”
          - C. M. Truxler on Amazon

“Harlan Hague brings his beautiful, faulted characters to life in a story of love lost and redemption . . . A short, yet endearing read full of unforgettable characters. Good for romance and contemporary fiction lovers.”
          - Madam Librarian on Amazon

 
Santa Fé mi casa
“Santa Fé mi casa by Harlan Hague is historical fiction about the old west at its best with soldiers of the Army of the West blazing trails from the mountains of Santa Fe to the deserts and plains along the Rio Grande and Gila rivers towards California. It’s a story of winning the west wrapped around a story of love and longing for Morita, a beautiful senorita from Santa Fe. John Henry with Bradford, his buddy, is an Army trooper. They endure long days on the trail, make it through Mexican and Indian fighting meeting all of the challenges troop life. Characters like Kit Carson come alive. Indian customs revealed are fascinating. A must read on Amazon!”
          - George R. Wells on Amazon

“Dr. Hague makes Western history come alive in his novel. By mixing imaginary characters with actual historical figures like Kit Carson and General Kearny, the author shows what life was like during the Mexican-American War for ordinary American enlisted men who are sent from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe and ultimately California to fight a reluctant enemy.  . . . Dr. Hague does a wonderful job describing both the physical struggle of our protagonist and the emotional struggle of a young man trying to justify his continued involvement in a war he now knows is wrong. As a former high school teacher who used historical novels to help reluctant history student enjoy and understand history, I would certainly have used Santa Fe mi casa in the classroom had I read it earlier. It is a wonderful story that explains the Mexican-American War in terms that students would understand. It is history through the eyes of the common man.”
          – Robert S. Morse on Amazon

“Dr. Hague has written a unique novel. It contains romance, adventure, human suffering set in the background of the broader conflict of the Mexican-American War. . . . The writing is spotless and the dialogue crisp and believable. This is a book that is unlike most others, and hard to pin down to one genre, as it contains the best elements of several. I highly recommend this book and look forward to what this erudite author may have in store for us as screenplays.”
          – George Aubrey on amazon

“If you were, like I was, a lazy student of American history in high school, the entire 19th century probably reduces to one handy image. Cowboys, right? Oh, so wrong. . . . Harlan Hague's SANTA FE MI CASA brings to life a portion of American history I should have known more about (I live in the general vicinity of the story) but didn't. In a blend of foot-soldier tale and multicultural romance, he illustrates how brutal life was for those young men recruited in the 1840s to expand the nation into the Southwest and on to the Pacific. As so many soldiers throughout history have done, the protagonist questions the expansion and his role in it. In this, Hague gives a much more thorough and nuanced portrait than the lip service given to such second thoughts in traditional ‘western’ . . . It's historical portraits like SANTA FE MI CASA that make me the enthusiastic student of history that I now am. . . .”
          - HistoriaBuffa on Amazon

“Dr. Hague is an excellent writer and historian, and he demonstrates that only too well in this story of an American soldier caught up in America's conquest of California. . . . The author weaves a story that is compelling and real. The characters are real to the reader, and timeless in the way they are presented. . . . a rich history lesson as well as an entertaining yarn.”
          - John Horst on Amazon

 
Road to California: The Search for a Southern Overland Route, 1540-1848
“This new volume in the American Trails series [Arthur H. Clark] summarizes and condenses into a single work the published, translated diaries and reports of most of the explorers who sought overland routes from the interior to California . . . a useful general study, enhanced by three fine route maps.”
          – The Western Historical Quarterly

“[The author has brought] together in a scholarly and exciting narrative the primary and secondary sources which illuminate a neglected chapter of American history. . . . while other overland routes have been studied in detail, the written history of the American West has lacked a full length treatment of [the southern] route. Happily, Hague has remedied this.”
          – Pacific Historian

“The book tells for the first time in one place the story of the southern overland routes to the Pacific. . . . The volume will prove to be an invaluable aid to anyone delving into this interesting aspect of western history.”
          – El Palacio, Museum of New Mexico Press

“. . . a volume that readers and libraries with an interest in the Spanish, Mexican and United States Southwest will want to acquire.”
          – Utah Historical Quarterly


Thomas O. Larkin: A Life of Patriotism and Profit in old California
“Hague and Langum have authored a wonderful biography that will be the standard life of Larkin for many years to come. . . . This is one of the best accounts available on the nature of commercial transactions during the Mexican period, and Hague and Langum deserve considerable praise for carefully leading readers through the complications and intricacies of Larkin’s financial affairs. These pages constitute a unique contribution to California history.”
          – California History

 “Hague and Langum clearly show how Larkin not only accepted California’s new status as an American province but also profited enormously from the change by plunging back into a business career, especially for land speculation. We are much indebted to the authors for their explication of how to make one’s interests correspond with one’s principles and win fame and fortune in the process.”
          - American Historical Review

 “The authors do an excellent job of detailing Larkin’s varied business interests and an even better job of describing the social world of the Yankee traders along the Pacific slope. Prodigiously researched, well written and nicely illustrated.”
          – Journal of American History