For the first time, you can now get all three novels in Stephen Bly’s Horse Dreams Series together in one trilogy book.
In the first novel of this series, Memories of a Dirt Road, we meet Develyn Worrell. Develyn, or Devvy for short, is a fifth-grade schoolteacher from southern Indiana who is broken-hearted about her husband's death and her daughter's decision not to come home for the summer. To clear her mind, Devvy decides to find a little dirt road town in Wyoming where she vacationed as a child. She fondly remembers the quaintness of the small town, the beautiful sunsets, and an remarkable Roan horse that has captivated her dreams ever since. Desperately wanting to experience that peace and tranquility again, Devvy embarks on a journey to find the town. When she arrives, she purchases her very own Roan mare, rents a little cabin with an incredible sunset view, and watches as God brings three very important men into her life.
In the second part of the Horse Dreams trilogy, The Mustang Breaker, heavy-hearted Develyn Worrell’s mood is changing as she begins to escape the worries of her past and enjoy the equine charms of her picture-perfect small Wyoming town. It is there that the Lord’s leading is beginning to become clear, even as cowboy romances and the relationship with her grown daughter get more complicated.
In the third and final installment of the Horse Dreams trilogy, soul-searching Develyn Worrell has finally found her groove. Ready to savor the end of summer in small town Wyoming, she settles in to enjoy “end of summer” peace and contentment. That is, until her daughter pays a visit, an eclectic friend plans to marry, a suspicious stranger enters the picture, and a dear mentor suffers a heart attack. Just as she begins to feel as if the world is closing in on her once again, the steady friendship of Cooper Tallon comes to her rescue. He may lack the charm and flash of other cowboys, but he always seems to have just what Develyn's heart needs. As her relationship with Cooper blooms and her faith and trust in the Lord grows, she looks forward to the unwritten chapters of her life.
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.
This is one of those books I wish there was a higher rating than five stars. The characters rang true to life, and they felt like friends. Parts of these stories were laugh out loud funny, and parts brought tears to my eyes. There was no sugar coating of the tough issues of life, and there was no preachiness to the Christian message. It was just real people doing the Christian life to the best of their abilities, sometimes failing spectacularly and sometimes shining so brightly you could feel the love of God. You will never regret the time you spent reading this trilogy, and you will hate for it to be over. Happy trails!
MEMORIES OF A DIRT ROAD TOWN A story that flows, like reading a diary of Dev’s. She remembers the dirt road at age ten, the peace, the sunsets. A life of turmoil, and unease, she takes off to find herself, or at least the quiet that she needs for her soul, A fifth grade teacher, a daughter who is twenty one, a mother who has remarried and traveling. Why not take out for the summer and head back to Wyoming. Along the way she finds angels that help her open up and start to heal. An auction to find herself buying a horse. To men who are attracted to her, to becoming a witty, loving person. Well done, the adventure to the new Dev has begun.
Horse Dreams Trilogy - My most favorite series ever!!
My best friend told me she had started reading this wonderful book by Stephen Bly and since I am still ,even at the age of 67, a horse lover I would enjoy it. Understatement! I found all 3 books to be relevant, poignant, sweet and ,often, very funny. I loved all the characters, two footed and four footed, especially Uncle Henry! The descriptions of the Wyoming landscape made me feel as if I was there riding with Devy through the sagebrush and the the cedar trees. God was surely guiding the hand of this author and I can't wait to read more of Bly's books!
This inspirational treasure makes one want to go west for the summer. But the storyline is way too sensational to be believed! Just a fun way to pass the time.
I have read twice with many years in between. I think of this fun book often. The sequels are just as good and fun. Must be a good book if I think of it years later. I’m sure I’ll read it again.
I cried, I laughed I mourned. Every emotion you can think of with these three books. I went on adventures, I road horses I dreamed of this little town in Wyoming. I liked it so much I'm reading this again.
Funny. Scary. Puzzling. Peaceful. Should lots of prayers be +-rated (cross, Christian)? Bly is author to try another. He draws wide construct of females- suprisingly, honeyed drawl cowboys, and silly burros. Pass me an orange popsicle, sweety.
Typos: c2 p4 bought is brought; c11 p21 Ill is I'll; c4 p5 others' arms is others' arms; c5 p21 than held is then held; c7 p26 Sarte is Sartre; Decarte is Descartes;
I loved these stories. This was a new author for me and I was very pleased with his characters and his storyline. Did not want to put it down. Looking forward to reading more in the future.
I liked the characters, the premise of a school teacher needing to get away for the summer and the description of Wyoming. Very entertaining and inspirational.
Full of funny exchanges and great lessons. For people who love animals and their interaction with people. Nice to read a book that leaves you happy but has enough suspense along the way. Don't miss it.
If you are looking for a good read to get lost in or a book which is hard to put down, look no further. This book is inspirational and never strays from God's word.
I enjoyed this trilogy from beginning to end! Well-written fun story. Lots to think about included. Relaxing reading without being boring. It touched my heart.