Introduction 

For today’s "Author Spotlight", I am thrilled to introduce R.G. Stanford, an author whose work sits at the intersection of meticulous historical research and evocative family saga. Raised on the shores of South Texas, Stanford has spent decades exploring the stories that transcend time. Her novels do not just recount history; they breathe life into the "red dust" and forgotten echoes of the Indian Territory, offering readers a gritty, tender, and unflinching look at the ties that bind us.

From Genealogy to Genre: R.G. Stanford’s Journey

Stanford’s path to becoming a novelist was paved by a twenty-year obsession with genealogy. What began as a search for extended family through online archives, federal census records, and old newspapers transformed into a life-changing discovery of her own Choctaw heritage. This personal journey into the National Archives and hidden family lore compelled her to record the truth of her ancestors, blending documented facts with a vivid imagination.

While her love for storytelling was sparked in the 1970s by the gothic atmospheres of Anne Rice, Stanford’s own voice is rooted in the "rough mercy" of the Old West. Now living near Orlando, she is a mother, grandmother, and a dedicated research buff who views herself as the keeper of a family story that was waiting for over a century to be told.

The Brothers Brown Series: A Frontier Saga

Stanford’s series is a sweeping exploration of loyalty, culture clashes, and the pursuit of redemption in the late 19th-century Indian Territory.

• The Brothers Brown - Part 1: For the Sake of a Brother: This opening volume introduces us to the charismatic yet deeply flawed Matt and Robert Brown. Caught between the law and the lawlessness of the frontier, Matt struggles to find his own path while living in the shadow of his smooth-talking older brother. His world shifts when he meets Milla, a woman deeply rooted in her Choctaw heritage who inspires him to imagine a different future. It is a powerful tale of blood ties and the difficult choices one must make to escape a consuming past.

• The Brothers Brown - Part 2: For the Sake of Family: Based on a true story, the second installment follows Matt’s descent into a darker world of guilt and addiction following a tragic loss. Set against the wooded banks of Bokchito Creek and the burgeoning railroad towns, the narrative explores the "slow march of progress" and the heavy weight of a conscience at war with itself. With tribal customs and celebrations brought to the forefront, this sequel is a haunting meditation on madness, murder, and the fragile hope of finding forgiveness on the far side of ruin.

What Readers Are Saying About R.G. Stanford's Work:

Stanford’s writing has been praised for its immersive sensory details and its respectful, thoughtful portrayal of Indigenous culture. Here is a selection of reader feedback:

• "The author's vivid description of sights and smells made me feel as though I was there...The Choctaw characters were introduced thoughtfully and respectfully which you don’t always find in historical stories." — Sandy on For the Sake of a Brother, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Dark, gritty, and emotionally charged...Stanford keeps you guessing with sharp writing and characters that linger long after the final page. A moody, atmospheric read." — The Tattered Spine on For the Sake of a Brother, 4 Stars, Goodreads
• "Matt’s struggle to break free from his past while facing love, loss, and loyalty is a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever fought for a better future." — Milan Harper on For the Sake of a Brother, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Stanford brings her family's past to life with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the 1890s...many emotionally charged and heart-stopping scenes will tug at your heartstrings." — Sue Ready on For the Sake of Family, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "The writer makes the characters and stories come alive, like you are watching it all play out. A few heartbreaking scenes in this one. So, so well done." — Janell Madison on For the Sake of Family, 5 Stars, Goodreads

A Call to Connection

If you enjoy historical fiction that is rich in emotion, steeped in authentic research, and unafraid to explore the darker corners of the human heart, I highly recommend connecting with R.G. Stanford. You can follow her journey on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate links below:   

• The Brothers Brown - Part 1: For the Sake of a Brother  (free to read with Kindle Unlimited) 
• The Brothers Brown - Part 2: For the Sake of Family

Conclusion

R.G. Stanford has managed to turn twenty years of genealogical labour into a riveting narrative that honours her ancestors while captivating modern readers. Her ability to weave tribal customs and historical accuracy into a story of raw human emotion makes The Brothers Brown a standout series in the genre.

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.