Author Interview Janet Bly featuring the book Stuart Brannon's Final Shot-BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today’s interview is with Janet Bly featuring  the book Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot written by Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly. I have loved all of the books I’ve read written by Stephen Bly and this one is fantastic. Here is my review link if you would like to see what I thought. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2012/03/stuart-brannons-final-shot-by-stephen.html
Janet and her sons Russell, Michael and Aaron did a incredible job finishing this  book. So on to the interview and giveaway!

Tell us about the featured book Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot.
Book blurb: It's 1905. Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired Arizona lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity charity tournament.
Summary: At age 58, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon--now a rancher and widower--had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Oregon, nor to participate in a celebrity golf tournament. His life no longer consisted of men to track down, people trying to kill him, gangs preying on the innocent.
Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tom Wiseman is missing. I think there's a cover-up. I'll contact you there. T.R.
How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?
Reviews:
"Stuart Brannon's Final Shot delivers and reminds us what we'll miss most about the beloved author." Jerry B. Jenkins, NYT Bestselling novelist & biographer


"Bly throws his readers into the fray from the first page and never lets up until the final scene." Award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo


"A poignant reminder of a by-gone time...I was drawn into the world ...There's so much wisdom in this book...I loved the story. I loved the colorful characters..." Review by Angie Arndt, ACFW Carolinas Coordinator
"...comes alive with vivid details...an intriguing and often comical story of adventure and loyalty, flavored with the unexpected...has all the adventure one would expect from a Western, with enough humor to appeal to non-Western readers." Jennifer Slattery, CWG reviewer


"...unusual experience...I found it a fascinating look into the process." Michael Ehret, CWG Editor-in-Chief


What was the hardest thing about finishing this book that Stephen started?
Of course the obvious one--not having my husband as part of the project. And having so little time (four months) for such a challenge as this. We so wanted to match Steve's story writing ability, so it read like a Stephen Bly novel and portrayed the Stuart Brannon character as he created him to be. We also missed having a 'rest' time for the story to season for a final objective edit before the deadline. We sent the manuscript in such a flurry of last minute changes, we didn't have a settled feeling. Fortunately, we were allowed an additional look before it went to press. And, yes, we did make corrections.


Of your three sons who helped finish this book, do you see any of them becoming an author of other books?
I know they could create a book together with each of their different inputs. Also, either Aaron or Michael could write on their own, given the time and motivation. They have both expressed this desire.

Many writers are also avid readers.  Do you have any favorite authors?  If so, could you name a few?
Oh dear, where do I begin? I truly do read a vast number of fiction and nonfiction authors. And I'm so privileged to call many of them friends too. Right now I'm enjoying the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I know where Steve is, but I'm so curious to have more biblical information about what it's like for him there and what he might be doing. Reading about heaven comforts me in my great loss. Also appreciate Randy Alcorn's novels, in which he often tells the story from both the earth viewpoint and heavenly perspective.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
The Bible. A concordance. A dictionary. A thesaurus. A journal.

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
My family. My church. My friends.

Which do you enjoy more e books or print books?
Ebooks are fun to order. Print books are the most satisfying to read and mark and I don't have to remember to get them charged.
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Janet Chester Bly has authored and co-authored with Stephen Bly thirty nonfiction and fiction books, including Awakening Your Sense of Wonder, Hope Lives Here, The Heart of a Runaway, The Hidden West Series and The Carson City Chronicles. She lives at 4,000 ft. elev. in Winchester, Idaho. Find out more at http://www.blybooks.com/ or http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/


Russell Bly is married to Lois, father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross), and grandfather of 1-year-old Alayah. He is manager of Deranleau’s department store in Moscow, Idaho.


Michael Bly is married to Michelle and is Director of Business Operations for Inland Cellular in Lewiston, Idaho.


Aaron Bly is married to Rina, father of Keaton and Deckard. He’s Manufacturing Supervisor for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Lewiston, Idaho.


Filled with humor and heart, adventure and romance, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot is the story of a man who embodied the Code of the West. Christy Award–winning author Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) wrote 105 books including six Stuart Brannon novels. In Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, we bid a fond farewell to the character — and to Stephen Bly, his creator.
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One fortunate follower will have the chance to win Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE May 25, 2012

Stuart Brannon's Final Shot by Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly* A Review

ABOUT STUART BRANNON'S  FINAL SHOT
In 1905, at age 58, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon — now a rancher and widower — had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Oregon, nor to participate in a celebrity golf tournament. His life no longer consisted of men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . .gangs preying on the innocent. Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there’s a cover-up going on . . . I’ll contact you there. T.R. How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?



Library Binding: 400 pages
Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611733545
ISBN-13: 978-1611733549
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds


Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) authored 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His book, The Long Trail Home (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, Picture Rock (Crossway Books), The Outlaw’s Twin Sister (Crossway Books), and Last of the Texas Camp (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on California farms owned by his father and an uncle.

Janet Chester Bly has authored and co-authored with Stephen Bly thirty nonfiction and fiction books, including Awakening Your Sense of Wonder, Hope Lives Here, The Heart of a Runaway, The Hidden West Series and The Carson City Chronicles. She lives at 4,000 ft. elev. in Winchester, Idaho. Find out more at http://www.blybooks.com/ or http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/



Russell Bly is married to Lois, father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross), and grandfather of 1-year-old Alayah. He is manager of Deranleau’s department store in Moscow, Idaho.

Michael Bly is married to Michelle and is Director of Business Operations for Inland Cellular in Lewiston, Idaho.

Aaron Bly is married to Rina, father of Keaton and Deckard. He’s Manufacturing Supervisor for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Lewiston, Idaho.

Filled with humor and heart, adventure and romance, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot is the story of a man who embodied the Code of the West. Christy Award–winning author Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) wrote 105 books including six Stuart Brannon novels. In Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, we bid a fond farewell to the character — and to Stephen Bly, his creator.

http://blybooks.com/wordpress/

MY REVIEW
  Stuart Brannon's  Final Shot by Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly is such a fantastic book. I love it, but I must say it was hard for me to read because it is the last work of Stephen Bly. I’ve been a fan of Stephen and Janet’s for many years. I joined their Yahoo group before there was a group on facebook, etc… So it saddened me to read this book, but also made me happy to have Stephen’s last work. In Stuart Brannon's  Final Shot only 7,000 words were written by Stephen Bly, just before his death, Janet, his dear wife and three sons got together and completed the final book Thanks for doing that Janet and sons. It was put together so well that the scenes and words flow very smoothly.
  The characters were some of the ones from other books of Stephen’s that we loved or hated for years. These characters are strong and very descriptive. The scenes and action were very well written and had me on the edge of my seat.
  I love how Stuart still does the right thing even in the most horrible circumstances. How he believes what the Lord says and goes by the Code of the West.
  I highly recommend this fantastic book. It will end up on your book shelf for sure. A western full of action, adventure, close calls, humor and even romance. A 5-star book and one to be loved.

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Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

A preview~STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT by Stephen Bly

I can't wait until this book comes out in March.
Here is just a little preview for you.

Center Point Large Print is proud to present Stephen Bly’s latest (and sadly, his last) Western fiction title, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot. I've attached to this email, the cover art and the text.

Thrilled to be given the opportunity to publish Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, we at Center Point Large Print were saddened to learn that Steve had succumbed to illness before putting completing it. So when Janet, Steve’s widow and a published writer, asked if she and her three sons could complete the work as a tribute to Steve, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. I’m sure you’ll agree that Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot is a tribute to both the character, Stuart Brannon - and to his creator, Stephen Bly. A favorable mention to your readers would be very much appreciated.

For those readers who would like to read the entire Stuart Brannon oeuvre, Greenbrier Book Company will reissue the six books that came before Stuart Brannon’s Final Shotin the spring and summer of 2012 (www.greenbrierbooks.com<http://www.greenbrierbooks.com>).

Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot
By Stephen Bly, with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly
Published by Center Point Large Print
Available March 1, 2012

Synopsis
In 1905, at 58 years old, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon - now a rancher and widower - had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, nor to participate in the celebrity golf tournament for the Willamette Orphan Farm. Even an emotional appeal for his longtime friend didn’t persuade him. His life no longer consisted of bloodthirsty men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . . lawless gangs preying on the innocent. 

Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there’s a cover-up going on. Tell folks you’re going to the Exposition. Nose around. Find out how a U.S. Marshal can disappear and no one knows why. I’ll contact you there. T.R.

How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?

Filled with humor and heart, adventure and romance, Stuart Brannon’s Last Shot is the story of a man who embodied the Code of the West.  Christy Award-winning author Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 8, 2011) wrote 105 books including six Stuart Brannon novels. In Stuart Brannon’s Last Shot, we bid a fond farewell to the character - and to Stephen Bly, his creator.

________________________________________________________________________

For additional information, contact:
Diane Hull - Center Point Large Print - P.O. Box 1 - Thorndike, Maine 04986
Email: dhull@centerpointlargeprint.com <mailto:dhull@centerpointlargeprint.com> - or contact Janet Bly at janetbly@connectwireless.us

Visit  Stephen Bly’s website at http://www.blybooks.com

Throw the Devil Off the Train by Stephen Bly*A Review

Catherine Goodwin's got to escape. She wants a fresh start with fiancé Philip in Paradise Springs. Race Hillyard's into revenge. He seeks to settle a bitter score. Meanwhile, all he wants is peace and quiet and sleep. But it's a long, crowded, noisy train ride from Omaha to Sacramento.

Library Binding: 384 pages
Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (May 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611730244
ISBN-13: 978-1611730241
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

Stephen Bly has authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists.

http://www.blybooks.com/newhome.htm



MY REVIEW
Throw the Devil Off the Train by Stephen Bly is one fantastic book. Most of the story takes place inside of the train heading West. Two unlikely people meet and at first can’t stand each other, but before long become close friends.
This book is full of action and adventure. You won’t find a chapter in this book that doesn’t have you sitting on the edge of your seat, just waiting to find out what the outcome will be. It was hard to put it down in the evening. I would have stayed up all night to finish it if I could have.
I really like the way that Catherine and Race spar back and forth in every thing they discuss. I also like how Catherine makes Race’s saddle something to talk to.
This book is full of kidnappers, swindlers, suicides, love lost and love to come. You will find out Catherine and Race’s past mistakes and lives, but also find the present.
Throw the Devil Off the Train is a touching, tough kind of western, that will keep you turning pages. Stephen Bly the master storyteller has given us another story to enjoy time and time again. This book is so uplifting and entertaining and the words just leap off the pages.
I highly recommend any book by Stephen Bly, but this one is extra wonderful. Reading Throw the Devil off the Train has left me with such a sweet, happy feeling. A 5 plus book for sure.

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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Farewell to a friend and author Stephen Bly

Stephen Arthur Bly, 66, of Winchester, Idaho, passed away June 9, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, after a five year battle with prostate cancer.

===================

One of my favorite authors passed away and I do miss him and his kind heart, but so happy to have his books to read and reread. Books are so much better to remember a person with than anything else I can think of.

I came upon Stephen and Janet Bly’s yahoo group years ago and have felt like family ever since. Whenever I had a question or comment about anything Steve or Janet would always answer me and be a great help to me. I thank God that He brought me and the Bly’s together. They have been a blessing to me.

I love all of his books, but my favorite series is The Hidden West Series, that he and Janet wrote together.

I miss Steve very much, but look forward to meeting him and Janet in Heaven.

Steve was born August 17, 1944, to Arthur Worthington Bly and Alice Wilson Bly, at Visalia, California. He had one sibling, sister Judith Bly Walston who lives at the family homestead in Ivanhoe, California. He was raised on the family farm in Ivanhoe and worked for many years with both his father and for a time with his uncle M. J. ‘Buster’ Allen of Allen Farms in Coalinga, California.

He met his wife, Janet Chester, at Redwood High School, Visalia, California, both in Class of 1962. They married June 14, 1963, and raised three sons, Russell Stuart, Michael Stephen and Aaron Timothy.


Steve authored and co-authored with his wife, Janet, numerous articles, short stories and cowboy poetry, plus more than 100 nonfiction and both contemporary and historical fiction for adults, teens and kids (8 to 17 years). Many of his novels have been recorded in audio form, as well as translated into languages such as Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Portuguese. In May his most recent historical western was released, Throw The Devil Off The Train. He was a winner and finalist for the prestigious Christy Award for Christian Western Novels, for his books The Long Trail Home, Last of the Texas Camp, The Outlaw’s Twin Sister and Picture Rock.

A few days before his passing, he was dictating scenes for Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot. His wife and sons hope to finish this book for him, for 2012 release.
{That is one book I can’t wait to read.}


He has received national positive reviews for his books, including in Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. Little Jimmy Dickens of the Grand Ole Opry once wrote Steve a personal note: “Your book (One Step Over The Border) is as good or better than Louis L’Amour’s.” He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America.



His hobbies included playing golf and he was an avid collector of antique Winchesters with his partner, Jim Grueter, of Winchester. He and Jim wrote regular articles for The Big Show Journal, a magazine for gun collectors. A popular tourist and fan site has been the false front town he built at his Winchester home called Broken Arrow Crossing, named after his first Stuart Brannon novel, Hard Winter At Broken Crossing.

Books by Steve and Janet
Nonfiction:
Radical Discipleship Moody Publishers,1981)
God's Angry Side (Moody,1982)
Quality Living in a Complicated Age (Here’s Life,1984)
How To Be a Good Dad (Moody,1986)
Just Because They've Left Doesn't Mean They're Gone (FOF,1993)
Once a Parent, Always a Parent Tyndale House,1993)
Help! My Adult Child Won’t Leave Home (Tyndale,2006)
The Surprising Side of Grace (Discovery House,1994)
Fiction Series:
Rivers of Arizona Series
Rivers in Arizona (Back to Bible,1991)
Rock of Ages (Back to Bible,1991)
Stuart Brannon Western Series
Hard Winter at Broken Arrow Crossing (Crossway,1991)
False Claims at the Little Stephen Mine (Crossway,1992)
Last Hanging at Paradise Meadow (Crossway,1992)
Standoff at Sunrise Creek (Crossway,1993)
Final Justice at Adobe Wells (Crossway,1993)
Son of an Arizona Legend (Crossway,1993)
Nathan T. Riggins Western Adventure Series
The Dog Who Would Not Smile (Crossway,1992)
Coyote True (Crossway,1992)
You Can Always Trust a Spotted Horse (Crossway,1993)
The Last Stubborn Buffalo in Nevada (Crossway,1993)
Never Dance With a Bobcat (Crossway,1993)
Hawks Don't Say Goodbye (Crossway,1994)
The Adventures of Nathan T. Riggins, Vol. 1 (Crossway,2001)
The Adventures of Nathan T. Riggins, Vol. 2 (Crossway,2001)
Code of the West Western Series
It's Your Misfortune & None of My Own (Crossway,1994)
One Went To Denver & The Other Went Wrong (Crossway,1995)
Where The Deer & The Antelope Play (Crossway,1995)
Stay Away From That City They Call It Cheyenne (Crossway,1996)
My Foot's In The Stirrup & My Pony Won't Stand (Crossway,1996)
I'm Off To Montana For To Throw The Hoolihan (Crossway,1997)
The Austin-Stoner Files Series
The Lost Manuscript of Martin Taylor Harrison (Crossway,1995)
The Final Chapter of Chance McCall (Crossway,1996)
The Kill Fee of Cindy LaCoste (Crossway,1997)
The Lewis and Clark Squad Series
Intrigue at the Rafter B Ranch (Crossway,1997)
The Secret of the Old Rifle (Crossway,1997)
Treachery at the River Canyon (Crossway,1997)
Revenge on Eagle Island (Crossway,1998)
Danger at Deception Pass (Crossway,1998)
Hazards of the Half-Court Press (Crossway,1998)
The Heroines of the Golden West Series
Sweet Carolina (Crossway,1998)
The Marquessa (Crossway,1998)
Miss Fontenot (Crossway,1999)
Old California Series
Red Dove of Monterey (Crossway,1998)
Last Swan In Sacramento (Crossway,1999)
Proud Quail of the San Joaquin (Crossway,2000)
Fortunes of the Black Hills Series
Beneath a Dakota Cross (B&H,1999)
Shadow of Legends (B&H,2000)
Long Trail Home (B&H,2001)
Friends and Enemies (B&H,2002)
Last of the Texas Camp (B&H,2002)
The Next Roundup (B&H,2003)
The Skinners of Goldfield Series
Fool's Gold (Crossway,2000)
Hidden Treasure (Crossway,2000)
Picture Rock (Crossway,2001)
The Belles of Lordsburg Series
The Senator's Other Daughters (Crossway,2001)
The General's Notorious Widow (Crossway,2001)
The Outlaw's Twin Sister (Crossway,2002)
The Retta Barre Oregon Trail Series
The Lost Wagon Train (Crossway,2002)
The Buffalo's Last Stand (Crossway,2002)
The Plain Prairie Princess (Crossway,2002)
The Homestead Series
Strangers & Pilgrims (Crossway,2002)
Courage & Compromise (Crossway,2003)
Reason & Riots (Crossway,2003)
Adventures on the Western Frontier Series
Daring Rescue at Sonora Pass (Crossway,2003)
Dangerous Ride Across Humboldt Flats (Crossway,2003)
Mysterious Robbery on the Utah
Plains (Crossway,2003)
The Horse Dreams Series
Memories of a Dirt Road Town (B&H,2005)
The Mustang Breaker (B&H,2006)
Wish I'd Known You Tears Ago (B&H,2006)
Fiction Stand-Alone:
The President's Stuck in the Mud (Chariot/Cook,1982)
Trouble in Quartz Mountain Tunnel (Chariot/Cook,1985)
The Land Tamers (Tyndale,1987)(Center Point,2009)
Time Warp Tunnel (Chariot/Cook,1985)
Paperback Writer (B&H,2003)
One Step Over The Border Center Street,2007)
Creede of Old Montana (Center Point,2009)
Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon (Center Point,2010)
Throw The Devil Off The Train (2011)
===STEPHEN & JANET BLY (co-authored)===
Fiction Series:
The Crystal Blake Series
Crystal's Perilous Ride (Chariot/Cook,1986)
Crystal's Solid Gold Discovery (Chariot/Cook,1986)
Crystal's Rodeo Debut (Chariot/Cook,1986)
Crystal's Mill Town Mystery (Chariot/Cook,1986)
Crystal's Blizzard Trek (Chariot/Cook,1986)
Crystal's Grand Entry (Chariot/Cook,1986)
The Hidden West Series
Fox Island (Servant,1996)
Copper Hill (Servant,1997)
Columbia Falls (Servant,1998)
The Carson City Chronicles Series
Judith and the Judge (Servant,2000)
Marthellen and the Major (Servant,2000)
Roberta and the Renegade (Servant,2000)
Nonfiction:
Questions I'd Like to Ask (Moody,1982)
Devotions With a Difference (Moody,1982)
How To Be a Good Mom (Moody,1988)
Be Your Mate's Best Friend (Moody,1989)
How To Be a Good Grandparent (Moody,1990)
Winners & Losers (Moody,1982,1993)
The Power of a Godly Grandparent (Beacon Hill,2003)

Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon by Stephen Bly-a review

In its prime, the Matador Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted railroad barons ,governors, foreign dignitaries, famous outlaws, and even a U.S. president. But by 1954, the Matador was a residence for those with nowhere else to go. Six men, who spent their young lives as cowboys in the Southwest, now gather at the Matador for weekly games of cribbage.

One rainy afternoon, one of the men brings his ten-year-old grandson with him to the cribbage game. The boy has on his red straw cowboy hat, his cap gun, and wears his leather bullet belt with the silver-painted wooden bullets. They play cribbage and tell stories - and the boy listens while they pass down a way of life and western tradition that is quickly becoming extinct.

Many years later, the boy looks back and remembers the stories he heard and the lessons he learned on that day when he became a Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon. He finds out he just might not have been born 100 years too late. He discovers good guys and outlaws . . . gentle women and bucking broncs . . . shoot-outs and stampedes . . . tragedies and comedies. And in the midst of it all . . . he gets to live out a genuine cowboy adventure of his own.



Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Center Point Large Print; 1 Lrg edition (June 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602856737
ISBN-13: 978-1602856738
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces


Stephen Bly resides in Winchester, Idaho at 4,000 ft. elev., on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. He's been married 47 years to fellow writer, Janet Chester Bly, and they've co-authored 18 books.
Stephen is father of 3 sons: Russell, Michael, & Aaron. The family includes daughters-in-law, Lois, Michelle & Rina Joye, plus grandkids: Zachary, Miranda (& husband Chris), and Keaton.
As a third-generation westerner, Steve spent 30 years working family ranches and farms in central California.
When he's not writing Steve collects and restores antique Winchesters; studies histories of the Old West; and does construction on Broken Arrow Crossing (a false front western village next to his home). He also plays a par game of golf.
http://www.blybooks.com/


My Review
Six older cowboys and one 10 year old grandson spend the day telling stories and asking questions. Each story they tell would make a great book in itself. How does Stephen Bly come up with so many stories and ideas.
Another excellent book by Stephen Bly. “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon” is such a fun, exciting book. You will simply love reading and you will feel you are just one of the older cowboys, living out the days of your past.
Even though they are telling stories about their past they still manage to get invouled in a present day adventure, with robbers, women, jewels etc… It seems like trouble just follows these guys around.
This book teaches me several things, one, the older generation has a lot to teach us. Next, life is full of adventure all around us. We all have a story inside of us.
I highly recommend “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon.” It is a book that you will treasure forever.

You can order this book direct from Bly Books by emailing Jan Grueter at grueter (at) q.com. Just send your name, mailing address and how many autographed copies you want.

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I received this book from the author for a honest review. Thanks Bly’s!

Creede of Old Montana by Stephen Bly~a review~

No one knew how Avery John Creede got the scar on his face.

From the back cover:
Creede of Old Montana follows the exploits and heartbreaks of Avery John Creede, an ex-cavalry soldier, as he tramps along the upper Missouri River in search of four Army pals who didn’t show up for a scheduled reunion.

In Fort Benton, Avery Creede inadvertently stops a bank robbery. With that action, all hope of sitting on the sidelines and watching the world go by fades away. Suddenly, he finds himself in the middle of one conflict after another. And through it all, he makes some discoveries about himself.

Throughout Creede’s confrontations and adventures, three things remain constant: his courage, his rock-solid faith, and his wounded heart. He knows the first two will never change. And at forty-two, he’s not sure the third ever will either.

About the author:
Author of over 100 books, 37 of them Westerns. and winner of the prestigious Christy Award, Stephen Bly has a worldwide fanbase. Creede of Old Montana is a novel with humor and heart, action and intrigue, doubt and faith-and Creede is a singular character who is sure to live on for the ages.

http://www.blybooks.com/
stephen@blybooks.com
blybooks.blogspot.com
twitter.com/BlyBooks
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stephen_JanetBlyFans



My Review:
I have never read a book written by Stephen Bly that I didn’t love and “Creede of Old Montana” is the best one ever. This book will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath and just having a great time. As soon as Avery John Creede comes into the story there is one conflict after another. He stops a bank robbery, a beautiful girl Sunny tries to
kill him. Then he finds out his nephew has grown up and is now 16. Avery Creede’s love of his life Carla shows up. Also the Rinkman gang is after him and Sunny. All of this happens while John is trying to find his 4 Army buddies. Creede has a strong faith and tries to do the will of the Lord. He is a person who lives his faith and also is willing to share it with any one he comes across.
One scene in the book made tears come to my eyes and that doesn’t happen often. It was so touching and full of emotion. Sad, but very beautiful.
“Creede of Old Montana” is funny, inspiring, full of love, has many battles and fights, but also has sad, touching moments. So if you love Westerns this is a book you must have. Even if you don’t like them you will love this book. I HIGHLY recommend “Creede of Old Montana.”

Hardcover: 520 pages
Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602855757
ISBN-13: 978-1602855755
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches

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I received this book from the author for review purposes.

The Land Tamers by Stephen Bly ~a review~

From the back cover
1870. A fugitive from Yankee justice, Confederate veteran Sandy Thompson looks for peace and solitude in the expanses of the untamed West. His quest is complicated by his reluctant business partnership with a low-down peddler named Montana Mudd, and an orphaned Indian girl entrusted to his care.

Somehow, together, the three drifters must find a home in a land where thieves, vengeful Indians, and forces of nature are constantly threatening. And the trio must finally come to grips with the sinister Yankee officer who is determined to see Sandy dead.

· Paperback
· Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (December 1987)
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 0842324917
· ISBN-13: 978-0842324915
· Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
· Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces

About the author
Stephen Bly has authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christ Award finalists. He speaks at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He is the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He has spoken on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He is an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Janet (who is also a writer) live at 4,000 ft. elevation in the mountains of north-central Idaho, in the pine trees, next to a lake on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda, Michael (married to Michelle), and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on ranches and farms. In his spare time, he pursues collecting antique Winchesters (see www.tapaderaswinchesters.com) . . . and construction of Broken Arrow Crossing, a false front western village near his home.


My Review
I give this book 5 stars, but would give it much more.
How 3 unlikely people become friends, which faced
gunfights, robberies, romance, family, war and ambush. Sandy Thompson's family all died in the war and he’s going west to see last living sister, Montana Mudd befriends him on the train. After he gets hit over the head in which Mudd is a part of the reason, Mudd escapes and leaves Sandy. He then meets famous No Neck Mowery in the wilderness, he has a daughter half Indian, then there is an ambush, No Neck dies, Sandy must take Mowery, No Necks daughter to the missionary school. Meets up with Mudd again, has Indian fights, finally showdown with Yankee officer. Runs from his past, but it always catches up with him. Sandy then meets his friend from his childhood who is a sheriff now.
The overall message is inspiring and it tells us not to ever give up in our dreams. Things happen and we find we’re not going the way we thought we should but God always knows where we are going and why.
It was very entertaining and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. It’s a book you will want to finish in one setting. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves westerns, fighting the odds, romance and not giving up.
I always like to look in the book to see where the title comes in. This book to me it seems like it took all kinds of people from all walks of life to tame the land. No matter who we are we are all important and play a role in life.
The Land Tamers is very suspenseful at times like the stampeding cattle, the Indian fight to win Mowery and the ending of the book, which you don’t want to miss.
Epilogue has facts about people from the story. Really interesting and informative. You will absolutely want this book for your collection.

How to contact Stephen and Janet Bly
http://www.blybooks.com/
stephen@blybooks.com
blybooks.blogspot.com
twitter.com/BlyBooks
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stephen_JanetBlyFans

I've been a member of Steve and Janet's yahoo group for years and they are just like family. I've never known two sweeter people.

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This book was given to me by the author for review purposes.