Reason & Riots

Homestead #3

by Stephen Bly

When a boy is killed by a breakaway rail car, Jolie Bowers's compulsion to control is stretched to the limit. The homesteaders of western Nebraska threaten to retaliate against the railroad. And this is only the beginning. In the midst of teaching school, preparing for her wedding, and dealing with the violent reaction to the railroad accident, Jolie finds herself facing trouble from all sides. Mr. Avery shows up with legal papers demanding a return of the family homestead. Jolie's father, Matthew Bowers, is trying to pull together enough money to build the family the first house they've ever owned. Her mother, Lissa Bowers, is injured in a dynamite blast, and her sixteen-year-old brother decides to get married. Her little sister Essie's sweetheart, Leppy Verdue, is sentenced to be hanged, and fourteen-year-old Gibson is sidelined with the chicken pox in the hunt for an escaped criminal. Some would be depressed and crushed, but for Jolie it is a test of endurance and faith. And for the first time in her life, she doesn't know how things will end.

Genres: Westerns, Christian, Historical

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

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

[Jordan Forehand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this series! I only wish there were more books to keep reading about Jolie’s married life, finishing the family homestead, etc. I was drawn in and hanging on every word!

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Homestead series and though it was good it was not quite as good as the two before it. This series does have excellent insight into homesteading with some humor and plenty of warmth in it's characters. It is not so bogged down with poverty and despair that sadness follows. It is written in mostly dialogue format; mostly discussions between the Bowers family and the many faces in Scottsbluff. I thought it was well rounded and fun to read. My only regret is that the last book for me did not carry quite the charm and homespun feeling that the first two books in this series did; but it was still worth my read and will remain on my bookshelf.

[Jennavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this whole series was stinking cute. I loved so many things about it. It was a little simplistic at times but it's heart was always in the riot place. There was a lot going on. I kept turning pages even when I had other things to do! The ending left me in a good place in regards to the characters. I wish them all the best and look forward to reading more of Bly's books.

[Gwennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three books in the Homestead series are delightful. Full of adventure, laughs and Gods love shown brightly through this family. I will read them again and again. I will add them to the list of books my daughters should read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Bly is one of my favorite authors. His books are entertaining and inspiring...they make me feel good. I've read this book twice now, the first time was in 2006.