Stephen Bly
The Long Trail Home (2001)
Author: Stephen Bly
Genre: Christian/Western
Plot Summary:
Recently sprung from prison, Sam Fortune finds himself at a personal crossroads. Travelling through the Oklahoma Indian Territory, he begins for the first time to resist the temptation to resume his previous occupations as a bank robber, train holdup specialist and horse thief. Sam begins to pray for redemption from his past sins. On the one hand, he receives considerable support for his self-improvement plans: Throughout his travels, Sam has numerous reunions with old friends who have each mended their old habits, assuring him that he can do the same. On the other hand, Sam's past has left him with many enemies, many of whom would like to see him dead. SPOILER: Sam's transformation begins in earnest when he receives an unaccompanied package in the mail, containing his father's prized Sharps carbine rifle. Sam cannot stop pondering the mysterious meaning of the gift. As Sam's appreciation of prayer blossoms, his life seems to improve until finally he receives a job offer which takes him to Deadwood, South Dakota; the town where most of his family reside. In Deadwood Sam has a joyous reunion with his brothers, Robert and Todd; his sister, Dacee June; and his father, old Brazos Fortune. Brazos explains to his wayward son that he mailed him the rifle in order to lure Sam home where he belongs. Among the warmth of his family, Sam also meets his sisters best friend, Abigail Gordon. Sam and Abby fall in love and together make their plans for a new life.
Geographical Setting: Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, South Dakota
Time Period: 1885
Series: Book 3 in the Fortunes of the Black Hills Series
Appeal Characteristics:
The alternation of exterior and interior action scenes contributes to the story's moderately fast pace: On the one hand, the reader repeatedly observes the protagonist attempting to resolve conflicts with a series of characters. On the other hand, the author's use of italicized language effectively portrays the main character's thought processes; his struggles with conscience. The pacing is further achieved by the prevalence of dialogue: For example, Sam has a series of world-weary conversations with his friend, Kiowa Fox that are not only compelling to read but also serve to flesh out the distinctive personalities of the two characters. Perhaps the main appeal characteristic of the story is its strong central character, Sam Fortune. Fortune's repeated attempts to model his outer actions on his inner conscience make him fairly realistic and appealing to readers.
Read-alikes: Readers who enjoy The Long Trail Home will doubtless want to read other books in Stephen Bly's Fortunes of the Black Hills Series, which begins with Beneath a Dakota Cross (1999). Another author who excels in the Christian Western genre is Robert William Rogers. His Toward a New Beginning (1999) shares the similar theme of survival in the face of numerous hardships. This book was also a 2003 Christy Award-winner. Also consider Brock and Bodie Thoene's The Man From Shadow Ridge (1990), the first book in the Saga of the Sierras Series and another Christian-themed western romance about a man who must confront the past he is trying to escape. James Walker's The Dreamgivers (1994), book #1 in the Wells Fargo Trail Series, is similar to Bly's novel in the same way the Thoene's book is. Al Lacy's Legacy (1994), book #1 in the Journey of the Stranger series, also has a focus similar to Bly's novel with honor, justice, and redemption being strong themes. Finally, readers may also enjoy the classic Western writing of Zane Grey/Riders of the Purple Sage (1912). Zane's tale has a Christian undertone. While it may not be a perfect match, Zane is a classic western author and this book would be a good starting point for a reade willing to tackle westerns that are not overtly Christian.
Red Flags: Violence
Red Dove of Monterey (1999)
Author: Stephen Bly
Genre: Western/Romance
Plot Summary:
The Red Dove of Monterey is actually a young American woman named Alena. Alena takes over her father's business interests in Monterey California after he dies. She was supposed to sail home to Boston and one of her brothers was meant to take over the business; however, she determines that they are all busy, and it would be inconvenient for them to travel to California when she is already there. Not long after her father's death, she receives a message from a mysterious rancher that was intended for her father. The message is intriguing and leads to an investigation into the business. Alena and the "rancher" travel together to Monterey to determine why her factory burnt down. In the midst of the trip, Alena and Wilson Judd Merced, her love interest and soon to be husband, are married quietly. Meanwhile, back home, Echo Jack, Wilson's second in command, gets accused of murder and it is up to Alena and Wilson to save the day. Alena uses her womanly wiles to enter the prison and trick the "lawman" while Wilson tracks down and kills that individual actually responsible for the arson in Monterey and theft of Alena's money. Wilson rides heroically into town just as Alena and Echo Jack's wife are trying to stop his death by firing squad. Wilson saves the day and everyone goes home to live happily ever after.
Geographical Setting: Pre-Gold Rush Monterey, and San Juan California
Time Period: Pre-Gold Rush 1849 California
Series: Old California
Appeal Characteristics:
This is not a fast paced read. It would appeal to both men and women who are looking for a gentle read with a little romance, and lots of character. The men are "individuals" (rugged, independent, stoic, the classic John Wayne character). The women are chaperoned and quite passive except in dangerous situations, and then they tend to stand up to authority. Other appeal characteristics include the geographical setting in 1800s California, and the descriptive passages of pre-statehood California.
Red Flags: Stereotypes are super prevalent. The single men are rugged, strong, handsome, and loners. The women are ultra feminine and passive; excluding the main character who is a strong, independent woman. Other than that, there are no other red flags. It is a western with religious tones.
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