Marah Ellis Ryan’s That Girl Montana is a sweeping tale of the American frontier, first published in 1901. Set in the rugged wilds of Montana and the Kootenai River country, it follows the fortunes of Montana Sands, a young woman as untamed as the land she calls home.
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That Girl Montana
A fierce young woman fighting for her land in the Montana wilderness must choose between loyalty to her past and a future she never imagined.
| Author | Marah Ellis Ryan |
| Published | 1901 |
| Genre | Romance, frontier fiction |
| Chapters | 28 |
| Setting | Montana and Kootenai River country |
| Heroine | Montana Sands |
🏔️ The Story
Montana Sands has grown up in the shadow of the mountains, raised by her gambler father in a world of mining camps, river crossings, and rough justice. When her father dies, she inherits a claim and a secret that puts her at odds with powerful men who want her land. She must navigate a world of claim jumpers, cardsharps, and a mysterious stranger whose arrival changes everything.
Along the way she finds unexpected allies: Akkomi, a Native American image-maker who sees beyond the surface; Dan Overton, whose motives are never quite clear; and Lavina Huzzard, whose suspicions mask a hidden kindness. The Montana wilderness itself becomes a character, its forests and rivers shaping the lives of everyone who dares to call it home.
📖 About This Edition
Ryan’s novel offers a vivid portrait of frontier life at the turn of the century, with a heroine who defies the conventions of her time. Strong-willed, independent, and fiercely loyal, Montana Sands stands alongside the great female characters of Western fiction. This edition presents the complete 1901 text, carefully formatted for modern e-readers.
Zero Distractions
No ads, no license pages — just the complete text, clean and uninterrupted.
Smart Typography
Curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis — typeset with care for a premium reading experience.
Chapter Navigation
Full table of contents with navigation to each of the 28 chapters — easily jump between them.
Cleaned & Polished
All Gutenberg boilerplate stripped, consistent formatting throughout the text.
No DRM
You own your copy — read on any device, anytime, forever.
Instant Download
EPUB format included, delivered instantly after purchase.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a romance or a Western?
Both. It is a frontier adventure with a strong romantic thread, driven by a heroine as tough as the Montana wilderness. The romance builds slowly and naturally against the backdrop of claim jumping, river crossings, and wilderness survival.
How does Ryan portray Native American characters?
Unusually for 1901, Ryan’s depiction of Native American characters — especially Akkomi — is respectful and nuanced. Ryan was known for her advocacy of Native American rights, and this sensitivity shines through in her writing.
How long does it take to read?
At 367 pages across 28 chapters, most readers finish in 8-12 hours. The chapters are paced like episodes of a frontier adventure, making it easy to return to.
Who is Marah Ellis Ryan?
Ryan was a prolific American author who wrote extensively about the West. She was also an activist who advocated for Native American rights, and her novels often feature strong female protagonists and respectful portrayals of indigenous culture.
Is this suitable for modern readers?
Yes. While some language reflects its 1901 origins, Ryan’s progressive views on women and Native Americans make the novel feel remarkably modern. The story’s heart — a young woman fighting for her independence — is timeless.
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🏔️ Read the Frontier Romance
Marah Ellis Ryan’s That Girl Montana is a sweeping tale of the American frontier with a heroine who defies convention. The DodaBooks edition presents the complete 1901 text:
- ✅ Complete 28-chapter text — every word of the 1901 classic
- ✒️ Smart typography — curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis
- 📜 Full table of contents with chapter navigation
- 🔒 DRM-free — read on any device, anytime
- 📥 Instant download — EPUB format