One Went to Denver and the Other Went Wrong

Code of the West #2

by Stephen Bly

BOOK TWO of the CODE OF THE WEST series. Trouble. Somehow it manages to find people who try their hardest to stay away from it. Like Tap Andrew. He's tired of fighting every gun-toting bounty hunter trying to drag him back to Arizona in order to make a quick buck. He's innocent. He knows it. Pepper believes it. But he has to prove it. However, Pepper Paige won't sit around doing nothing while her husband-to-be sets things right. She's determined to follow him ... until she learns where he's headed. She can't return to Denver to face her past. Not for Tap. Not for anyone. For more Stephen Bly books and other titles by award-winning western writers please visit

Genres: Christian Fiction, Westerns, Fiction, Romance, Christian

183 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2013

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 3 out of 5]

I hadn’t read the first book because the library didn’t have it, so I started with book 2. There were a few places that made me think I was missing some information, but mostly it read just fine as a standalone.
I liked Tap and Pepper. Each was dealing with troubles from their past, but they knew they were forgiven by the Lord. I didn’t really like their yelling at each other over things and jumping to conclusions instead of talking calmly and waiting to hear the other side of the story. But thankfully those times didn’t last long.
This story has a lot of excitement in it. Bad guys, shooting, that sort of thing. It reminded me of an old west TV show only with a little more Christian emphasis to it. I wasn’t expecting so much drama, but of course everything works out okay.
Because there are many mentions about saloon girls, and some about certain men being “with” a favorite girl, I wouldn’t hand this to any younger ones to read. There is nothing descriptive, no bad language, a few kisses, some mistreatment of women, and talk about wounds and killing bad guys (not described).

I do want to read more of this series and find out what I missed in the first book, and what happens in the next one.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Nobody does western better than Stephen Bly. This is the second in the Code of The West series, wherein Tap and Pepper each wind up in Denver and come away fairly worse for the wear. However, they are still alive and headed for home. More to come.... If you like westerns, don't miss this series.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action

So much going on that it’s hard to catch your breath. A page turner until the end. Enjoy it all.

[Heather Gilpin]

a fun western to read.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tap and Pepper are still learning from their past. Like all forgiven people, there are still consequences from previous actions... but nothing is too great to conquer with love and righteousness on their side.

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe these two charactes can get into in one day! Had to keep reading just to see what other trouble Tap and Pepper find.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Code of the West series.
Another Stephen Bly winner.
I love how Tap and Pepper can get into so many different kinds of trouble.
A book well worth reading.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small soft cover book .. good story, easy reading. One of the Crossway Code of the West series. A dandy with Roy Rogers or Gene Autry doing the lead.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Western story with lots of action. Can't wait to read the next in the series.