Picture Rock

The Skinners of Goldfield #3

by Stephen Bly

The hot desert winds and gold mines of Goldfield, Nevada make California's cool valley breezes and peaceful farms seem like heaven on earth. And though O. T. Skinner constantly dreams of moving west, he and his family are still in the sin-filled boomtown. They don't have much, but they do have each other. O.T. loves his strong-minded, independent wife who takes care of their family as well as the miners who depend on her warm meals and friendly nature. But the days in her café are long, and Dola Mae is finding out the hard way what it's like to be on the receiving end of a helping hand--and she can only pray it doesn't become permanent. Dola Mae knows she is blessed to be married to a man who'd do anything for his family and friends, no matter the risk; but she's terrified she'll lose him. Her fear may become reality when O.T.'s generosity puts his life--and the lives of his loved ones--in jeopardy one too many times. Through it all, the Skinners remain a portrait of virtue and strength, making them the rarest of treasures in a town built on gambling all for a little gold.

Genres: Westerns, Christian Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 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

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Another fun story to wrap up this series.
There is just something refreshing about a book with no language issues, and where the main characters live their faith every day. The kind of characters that folks will trust in any circumstance. (Some men were asked what they would do Mr. Skinner told them the moon was purple. They said they’d go outside and gaze at the purple moon.) Another thing that is so rare in books is the characters prayers. They are not only at meal times or at bed, but they talk to the Lord throughout their day about anything and everything. It was a good reminder that our “religion” shouldn’t just be a now and then thing, but a 24/7 affair.
I liked the Rita Ann much better in this book than in the last one. And the other children are growing up too, but are just as fun. And the ending was so sweet! In some ways I wanted the story to keep going, but it other ways it ended right where it needed to end.

Overall I enjoyed this story.

[A Busscher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I skimmed the entire book bc I couldn't handle Dola. The intro you think is about another woman but really Dola is just talking to herself like she always does that she is ugly. This was the running commentary throughout the whole series. I also couldn't handle the ending where they were leaving, BUT another family needed $400 (which back then is an ABSURD am't) and the townspeople threw a parade for the family. and as they were coming to the end, they decided to stay after receiving all the gifts the folks gave them....