This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingStuart Brannon’s Final ShotCenter Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012)byStephen BlyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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 received a B.S. degree in Literature & Languages and Fine & Performing Arts from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho. She speaks at women’s luncheons and retreats and does writers’ workshops. She is a member of Winchester Community Church where she serves as music director. She has authored eleven nonfiction and fiction books and co-authored twenty others, as well as contributed to five books. Janet’s hobbies include decorating her home in “country clutter,” reading almost all genres of fiction and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho–elevation 4,000 feet, population 300– situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!
I can’t believe I haven’t read any Stephen Bly’s books, but I guess not being a western fan, I wouldn’t look for this genre. However I am honored to be able to read this last
work of Stephen’s in which his wife and son’s finished for him. What an honor for his family to be able to do this for their dad. And what an awesome job they did of completing the book, to finish the Stuart Brannon story and to honor Stephen Bly’s life.
In this book the characters were those Mr. Bly had created in the previous books, those that were loved by his readers, and some that were not so loved. The plot flows in a way that keeps you reading because you want to find out the end of Brannon’s story. This book is very well written, and a great read. This was ok as a stand alone, but I think reading the other books first would be much better, and I may just have to do that!
Thank you to Stephen’s wife and three sons for allowing readers this final book as a final farewell to not only Stuart Brannon series but their beloved author Stephen Bly.
This book was provided by the publisher through CFBA for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not required to write a positive review.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, go HERE.
splashesofjoy 