The Dog Who Would Not Smile/Coyote True/You Can Always Trust a Spotted Horse

The Adventures of Nathan T. Riggins #1-3

by Stephen Bly

In nineteenth-century Nevada, young Nathan relies on his Christian faith as he searches for his parents and faces a variety of adventures.

Genres: Westerns, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011) 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. 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 ranches and farms.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kid pretty much left on his own in the old west tries to find his parents, despite being stranded in a dying town, and gets into all kinds of adventures.

Exciting, but not especially tense.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these as a preteen when they were individually available and they were instrumental in forming my love for reading (and for Stephen Bly!). Twelve-year-old Nathan never lacks for adventure - or for company as long as that dog is following him around.

[Debbie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good series, the books get better as you continue to read-so don't give up reading!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys loved these and although I've read them multiple times as a child, the stories don't get old. Stephen Bly outdoes himself in this series (there are three more). There is adventure, moral lessons, a boys relationship with God, a boy dealing with preteen emotions, slight romance and lots of humor. Definitely a keeper!