The Stuart Brannon series, book 1
by Stephen Bly
Published by Crossway Books, 1991
OUT OF PRINT, but available used at:
Abebooks.com: assorted editions
Amazon.com: paperback, large print (hardcover)
Amazon.ca: paperback, large print (hardcover)
Amazon.co.uk: paperback, large print (hardcover)
Highly recommended by: Shannon McNear

After losing wife, baby, and cattle, Stuart Brannon abandons his Arizona ranch and heads north. A blizzard strands him at Broken Arrow Crossing, a remote Colorado stage station, and one thing after another keeps him busy throughout the winter – a wounded old prospector, an abused, pregnant Indian girl, idealistic gold seekers, and a showdown with outlaws.

In the wake of his loss, Brannon grapples with questions about God's sovereignty and love. The answers are never easy or trite – sometimes they don't come at all – but even as he deals with his sorrows, Brannon never gives up on his essential faith. He steadfastly does what he believes is right, no matter how difficult or nonsensical it may seem. His reward is in knowing he hasn't walked away from a situation till he's done all he can to better others' lives.

Well-written, more somber than some of Bly's later works, but plenty of appeal for those of us who love the stories of the Old West. Stuart Brannon is almost a cross between one of the legendary Sackett brothers and a Zane Grey hero, with an unashamed faith in Christ. Bly shatters the myth that genuine commitment to Biblical truth is only for women, children, and old people. (May 2004)