What do you think?
Rate this book
Sage Country #1
Bear Creek
A man without a legacy, John Everett Sage spent his life wandering, working in cow towns and frontier outposts, usually as a law man. He was hoping to re-connect with his family in Wyoming when a run away horse led him in a new direction. In the town of Bear Creek, John will find his family, only to see them go in search of their own destiny. As a law man, he'll see the high country and track killers in the night. Old friends will help him face new times of violence and danger, his personal limitations, political imperatives and the evil intentions of men whose souls are lost to greed. Along the way he’ll win the trust of a community, the support of a governor and the love of a woman. Hold on tight, the industrial revolution is moving faster than the newest locomotive, faster than a galloping horse and faster than the fastest gun. John Everett Sage will handle whatever comes at him, with grace, humor, lightning fast reflexes, and his personal faith in God. Fans of Louis L’ Amour Westerns will love this inspiring, action packed and gritty Western which may also remind them of Robert B. Parker or Elmore Leonard, with a touch of Cormac McCarthy for good measure.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2013
986 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 15, 2016
Loved the book! My hunnyb is in law enforcement so I love reading crime drama novels plus I love that this book has a Christian theme yeah that makes it all the better for me! Another thing I loved about this book is that it mentions Raton NM and the Raton Pass and Trinidad CO; when I read that part I jumped up and went in to read it to my hunnyb! We actually live in the area :)
The thing I liked best was the main character John Everett Sage. His character has strong qualities and he is not afraid to be the man God called him to be. He is not ashamed of where he came from but neither does he have to stand on the corners boastfully shouting all about himself.
This quote from another author reminds me of John Everett Sage: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
― John Wooden
One of my favorite quotes from the book: "Life is a gift of God and each day is a journey."
If you like reading about the old west and all its incredible twists and turns story with lil bit of romance, crime, and success at beating the odds then you need to get this book asap!
I love this new author I found through my kindle reads!
Can't wait to read another of his books.
The thing I liked best was the main character John Everett Sage. His character has strong qualities and he is not afraid to be the man God called him to be. He is not ashamed of where he came from but neither does he have to stand on the corners boastfully shouting all about himself.
This quote from another author reminds me of John Everett Sage: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
― John Wooden
One of my favorite quotes from the book: "Life is a gift of God and each day is a journey."
If you like reading about the old west and all its incredible twists and turns story with lil bit of romance, crime, and success at beating the odds then you need to get this book asap!
I love this new author I found through my kindle reads!
Can't wait to read another of his books.
July 8, 2018
Just by looking at the sort of books I read it's pretty obvious I bloody love westerns.
In my opinion there are two types of western story.
The violent serial formulaic such as Edge, Herne, Fargo, Crow and many others.
Then there are the more intelligent type such as Louis Lamour, Shane, the William W Johnstone stuff
and again too many to mention. You get my drift.
This one falls into the intelligent category. A clever western with an intelligent hero, not just a bounty hunter or gunslinger. This story follows the hero through this latest stage of his life, including his foray into politics while becoming the Lawmen he eventually becomes.
Neither type of western is better than the other, it just depends on my mood as to which type I want to read.
A brilliant story, an intelligent western
well done Dan Arnold
In my opinion there are two types of western story.
The violent serial formulaic such as Edge, Herne, Fargo, Crow and many others.
Then there are the more intelligent type such as Louis Lamour, Shane, the William W Johnstone stuff
and again too many to mention. You get my drift.
This one falls into the intelligent category. A clever western with an intelligent hero, not just a bounty hunter or gunslinger. This story follows the hero through this latest stage of his life, including his foray into politics while becoming the Lawmen he eventually becomes.
Neither type of western is better than the other, it just depends on my mood as to which type I want to read.
A brilliant story, an intelligent western
well done Dan Arnold
October 30, 2018
An outstanding western adventure that reaches out and grabs you immediately. I believe this is my first adventure with Mr. Dan Arnold but rest assured, it will not be my last. There is no second guessing this exceptionally well written episodes of our old western folklore wit ongoing gunplay and romance.
Definitely a five star journey that doesn't give you time to get tested before there is another outstanding episode of fast moving gunfights. I definitely enjoyed each and every character, as the author really did his homework before penning his first line.
An outstanding composition of heartwarming, and family-friendly western folklore. Too, his extraordinary storylines were above and beyond what my normal expectations are.
I, without hesitation, recommend this outstanding western adventure and I can assure everyone that this series will be competitive with any of the already famous western writers of our great American folklore. Your loss if you do not jump aboard the Dan Arnold train of thought western adventures!
Definitely a five star journey that doesn't give you time to get tested before there is another outstanding episode of fast moving gunfights. I definitely enjoyed each and every character, as the author really did his homework before penning his first line.
An outstanding composition of heartwarming, and family-friendly western folklore. Too, his extraordinary storylines were above and beyond what my normal expectations are.
I, without hesitation, recommend this outstanding western adventure and I can assure everyone that this series will be competitive with any of the already famous western writers of our great American folklore. Your loss if you do not jump aboard the Dan Arnold train of thought western adventures!
April 7, 2023
An excellent Western
Great western! Hero has an unusual backstory. He was orphaned at 10. After repeatedly running from foster care he wound up with a Romany family where he found both stability and loving acceptance. That experience gave him the strength to ultimately wind up in law enforcement.
Responding to a civic emergency during a train rest stop, he winds up in Bear Creek, CO where his adventures take place. As fairly typical of the genre, these occur during the time of transition from Wild West to rule of law community
I particularly enjoyed his thinking/decision making process which illustrated his Romany independence tempered by law enforcement experience. I didn't enjoy, but completely understand, the state-wide politics which entangled him.
The inevitable romance was understated, in keeping with its place in the plot. The woman was sweet, of course, and her crisis in in the loving process seemingly a natural outgrowth of her personality and his values.
This book is a treat for western lovers. Don't miss it.
Great western! Hero has an unusual backstory. He was orphaned at 10. After repeatedly running from foster care he wound up with a Romany family where he found both stability and loving acceptance. That experience gave him the strength to ultimately wind up in law enforcement.
Responding to a civic emergency during a train rest stop, he winds up in Bear Creek, CO where his adventures take place. As fairly typical of the genre, these occur during the time of transition from Wild West to rule of law community
I particularly enjoyed his thinking/decision making process which illustrated his Romany independence tempered by law enforcement experience. I didn't enjoy, but completely understand, the state-wide politics which entangled him.
The inevitable romance was understated, in keeping with its place in the plot. The woman was sweet, of course, and her crisis in in the loving process seemingly a natural outgrowth of her personality and his values.
This book is a treat for western lovers. Don't miss it.
February 19, 2018
It's a decent book. I have one MAJOR problem. No where is it listed as an Evangelical Christian sermon.
I usually avoid these books for the same reason I didn't like this one. If he had left out the justifications, excuses, and attempts to "explain" how it's ok for his protagonist to kill people when he also points out that Jesus didn't actually hurt anyone when he turned out the money lenders in the Temple I would give it 4 stars.
I really appreciate those writers who label their books "Christian". It's a bit like the old categories of books. It pretty much ensures that you won't have a lot of mindless violence, lewd language, graphic sex, etc.
It also allows me to look at other authors who don't sermonize.
I usually avoid these books for the same reason I didn't like this one. If he had left out the justifications, excuses, and attempts to "explain" how it's ok for his protagonist to kill people when he also points out that Jesus didn't actually hurt anyone when he turned out the money lenders in the Temple I would give it 4 stars.
I really appreciate those writers who label their books "Christian". It's a bit like the old categories of books. It pretty much ensures that you won't have a lot of mindless violence, lewd language, graphic sex, etc.
It also allows me to look at other authors who don't sermonize.
April 4, 2020
A DA. Colorado Western Action Adventure (BC) (SCB - 1)
DA. has penned a Colorado western action adventure titled, "Bear Creek" which begins with an ex Texas Ranger stepping off of the stage to stretch his legs when he observes a man trying to steal a horse and in doing so observes the thief shoot the man. He helps the Sheriff detain and arrest the man, becomes a Deputy Sheriff, only to have the same man knife and kill the Sheriff. He becomes the Sheriff and begins to hire people he knows as Deputies. He is changing the way the town of Bear Creek looks at law enforcement. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
DA. has penned a Colorado western action adventure titled, "Bear Creek" which begins with an ex Texas Ranger stepping off of the stage to stretch his legs when he observes a man trying to steal a horse and in doing so observes the thief shoot the man. He helps the Sheriff detain and arrest the man, becomes a Deputy Sheriff, only to have the same man knife and kill the Sheriff. He becomes the Sheriff and begins to hire people he knows as Deputies. He is changing the way the town of Bear Creek looks at law enforcement. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
April 9, 2020
Enjoyable Western
I haven't read a western in years, but enjoyed this one! It carries an authentic feel and could easily be made into a movie. I especially enjoyed the characters and felt they could have been real people. It was great to read a book that wasn't filled with foul language, sex, gore, and other offensive subjects. It was respectful of law and man, with the main character living his life according to his natural and realistic regard for God. It was nice to read about places I have lived, including Lake City and made me want to read more history of those places. I look forward to reading more.
I haven't read a western in years, but enjoyed this one! It carries an authentic feel and could easily be made into a movie. I especially enjoyed the characters and felt they could have been real people. It was great to read a book that wasn't filled with foul language, sex, gore, and other offensive subjects. It was respectful of law and man, with the main character living his life according to his natural and realistic regard for God. It was nice to read about places I have lived, including Lake City and made me want to read more history of those places. I look forward to reading more.
August 2, 2019
Not my usual genre
I received this book as part of a promotion so I read it. At first I didnt think I would get into it but I did. I love stories from first person viewpoint which this is. The wild west. Reminded me of my childhood and watching westerns on TV. I might even keep on reading about Bear Creek cause I like the sheriff. Very little profanity and used appropriately. No graphic scenes. Good story line. Kept my interest. I recommend you check out this author. I'm surely glad I did.
I received this book as part of a promotion so I read it. At first I didnt think I would get into it but I did. I love stories from first person viewpoint which this is. The wild west. Reminded me of my childhood and watching westerns on TV. I might even keep on reading about Bear Creek cause I like the sheriff. Very little profanity and used appropriately. No graphic scenes. Good story line. Kept my interest. I recommend you check out this author. I'm surely glad I did.
July 9, 2022
This was an old fashioned western read. It had a lot of clean, but colorful sayings of the times mixed in. There were a lot of range wars in multiple states and territories. Caused by a wonderful new fencing called barbed-wire. Which cut off the previous local custom of free grazing. There is some humour of the time in the book. There also was a lot of shootings & deaths. Even though this was a rather shallow narrative, I was enjoying the read until I reached the end of the book to find a brick wall called no ending. Not a cliffhanger...the book just ended.
February 13, 2018
I love westerns
I have read hundreds of western novels. Both fiction and non fiction. For fiction I am attracted by the title. Then by the author's style and story line. Dan Arnold caught me up from his first sentence and kept me turning this page to get to the next. Gripping story line, good characters and enough love interest to be honest but not to get in the way. The bible references were a pleasant surprise and added strong reassurances.
I have read hundreds of western novels. Both fiction and non fiction. For fiction I am attracted by the title. Then by the author's style and story line. Dan Arnold caught me up from his first sentence and kept me turning this page to get to the next. Gripping story line, good characters and enough love interest to be honest but not to get in the way. The bible references were a pleasant surprise and added strong reassurances.
January 8, 2020
Most of the books I read are westerns (Louis L'Amour, William Johnstone, Richard S Wheeler, etc). However; I don't like the some of the extreme cruelty, swearing, sexual content, etc that is some of the books contain. I sound like a prude but I really appreciate Dan Arnold's way of telling a story and really enjoyed Bear Creek. I will be downloading more of his books as well as C. J. Petit, Lou Bradshaw, R.O. Lane.
December 4, 2017
A Christian western
I gave this book a five star rating because of the good plot and the great descriptions of the characters. I like a good book that has all of what's makes a book great without all of the foul language. This book proves that a great book doesn't have to have the foul language or the detailed sex that Author's are now putting in their books.
I gave this book a five star rating because of the good plot and the great descriptions of the characters. I like a good book that has all of what's makes a book great without all of the foul language. This book proves that a great book doesn't have to have the foul language or the detailed sex that Author's are now putting in their books.
February 27, 2018
This was a great book! Sure it had a few typos and grammatical errors but I found this book entertaining and uplifting. It wasn’t overly religious but the themes of the faith were evident. I also enjoyed the main character’s transparency as he struggled as a man of faith. It was refreshing to see him, a man of the law, consciously deciding to honor God in his actions.
March 1, 2020
Even the good guys have some bad in them and vice versa.
Having just started reading western books recently, Dan Arnold is my new favorite author. Very well written book with interesting characters. As each one comes alive you are drawn back into the time and place and you want to know more. Looking forward to the rest of the Sage Country series.
Having just started reading western books recently, Dan Arnold is my new favorite author. Very well written book with interesting characters. As each one comes alive you are drawn back into the time and place and you want to know more. Looking forward to the rest of the Sage Country series.
July 8, 2020
A western worth reading.
This is the first book I have read by Mr. Arnold. I was hooked on the way situations and places were described in vivid detail. The story line is good and the characters well developed. The only reason I did not give a five star rating is that this book needs some serious editing. I will probably give another book a try hoping the editing will be better.
This is the first book I have read by Mr. Arnold. I was hooked on the way situations and places were described in vivid detail. The story line is good and the characters well developed. The only reason I did not give a five star rating is that this book needs some serious editing. I will probably give another book a try hoping the editing will be better.
June 3, 2017
Enjoyed the different presentation and good story line.
I read for pleasure and relaxation, not to write reviews which I feel should be left to recognized critics. I feel most readers should utilise the star rating system. I do feel this book was one of my better reads.
I read for pleasure and relaxation, not to write reviews which I feel should be left to recognized critics. I feel most readers should utilise the star rating system. I do feel this book was one of my better reads.
November 13, 2017
A very good story!
This was one of the finest westerns that I've ever read. It was a page turner from the start. You don't find many western writers that involve scripture as a part of the story. I loved this book!
This was one of the finest westerns that I've ever read. It was a page turner from the start. You don't find many western writers that involve scripture as a part of the story. I loved this book!
February 16, 2018
Interesting Book!
I started this book out of curiosity because I love westerns, not expecting to like it because I have never read a novel written by a man. Well, I was pleasantly surprised! Of course, you have to like old western heroes and the good guys who get the bad guys!
I started this book out of curiosity because I love westerns, not expecting to like it because I have never read a novel written by a man. Well, I was pleasantly surprised! Of course, you have to like old western heroes and the good guys who get the bad guys!
May 3, 2018
Good read I would recommend this book
I enjoyed your book but I gotta say it was a little over the top with useless information and it got a little to cluttered but all in all it was readable
I enjoyed your book but I gotta say it was a little over the top with useless information and it got a little to cluttered but all in all it was readable
September 21, 2018
Great western story.
Bear Creek is a well written western novel. You will find the story detailed, accurate and easy to follow. The characters are depicted as a part of the story.
Bear Creek is a well written western novel. You will find the story detailed, accurate and easy to follow. The characters are depicted as a part of the story.
April 3, 2019
A cut Above the average Shoot em' Up
A very enjoyable, well written story. A little different than most Westerns, but he managed to squeeze in a couple of the basic themes, but that just made it so much better.
A very enjoyable, well written story. A little different than most Westerns, but he managed to squeeze in a couple of the basic themes, but that just made it so much better.
September 22, 2019
Relibgion6
Too much religion . I can recall one western personality that used a middle name, J. Wesley Hardin. Most used nicknames. Tex,
Curley, Shorty suggest using Jack Sage or just John sage.
Too much religion . I can recall one western personality that used a middle name, J. Wesley Hardin. Most used nicknames. Tex,
Curley, Shorty suggest using Jack Sage or just John sage.
September 27, 2019
Keeping the Law
Thank you for this exciting story about John Everett Sage and his journey as a keeper of the law. His perseverance in protecting and promoting justice in the wild west was amazing. I enjoyed the fast-moving storyline and the many different characters.
Thank you for this exciting story about John Everett Sage and his journey as a keeper of the law. His perseverance in protecting and promoting justice in the wild west was amazing. I enjoyed the fast-moving storyline and the many different characters.
March 21, 2020
Bear Creek
Interesting and entertaining storyline about life and death in the old west. Good characters and clean story telling. Sometimes the good guys and the bad guys are hard to tell apart.
Interesting and entertaining storyline about life and death in the old west. Good characters and clean story telling. Sometimes the good guys and the bad guys are hard to tell apart.
March 29, 2020
One of the best Western books I have read in ages!
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down! It just keeps getting better and better the further you read into the story.
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down! It just keeps getting better and better the further you read into the story.
February 20, 2024
book vs short stories
A short story is the beginning, development of one incident in time. This book tied numerous incidents in time together to tell the tale of the life of one man.
An in depth, detailed tale. Excellent!
A short story is the beginning, development of one incident in time. This book tied numerous incidents in time together to tell the tale of the life of one man.
An in depth, detailed tale. Excellent!
April 2, 2024
The Legend Of John Everett Sage
This was a great western story. It tells of a gypsy turned lawman and his adventures bringing outlaws to justice in Bear Creek. It's full of action, shootouts and crime solving mystery. I would definitely recommend it!
This was a great western story. It tells of a gypsy turned lawman and his adventures bringing outlaws to justice in Bear Creek. It's full of action, shootouts and crime solving mystery. I would definitely recommend it!
June 19, 2017
Good Western
I mostly only read westerns As a senior citizen I do not enjoy most of the new stuff but this one had an amount of humor and a good story line. Entertaining
I mostly only read westerns As a senior citizen I do not enjoy most of the new stuff but this one had an amount of humor and a good story line. Entertaining
December 20, 2017
Don't know anything have not read.
Nothing no do not post please I have not read this book not one word. Have not read, anything of this book
Nothing no do not post please I have not read this book not one word. Have not read, anything of this book
March 11, 2018
Lawman
This is a rough, tough Western. Plenty of action and suspense. Sage is a lawman who enjoys his job and doesn't back down. I will be reading more from this author.
This is a rough, tough Western. Plenty of action and suspense. Sage is a lawman who enjoys his job and doesn't back down. I will be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews