Western Research: 12 Incredible Montana Factoids

Stephen Bly (1944-2011)

12 Incredible Montana Factoids, western research by award-winning western author Stephen Bly

I've set lots of books in Montana, including the recent historical western romance, Creede of Old Montana. In fact, we came close to moving to the Treasure State over thirty years ago. Somehow, Idaho snagged us instead. Even though there were a dozen towns in western Montana from our western research that intrigued and tugged at us.

In the meantime, I learned a lot about the Big Sky country. All of it part of my extensive western research, both fiction wise and personal. Here's some of Montana's many charms.

Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell by Janet Chester Bly

Snow covered Chevy Lumina

Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, a country girl adventure by Janet Chester Bly

We never know when we're about to face a frightening moment of decision. Doesn't matter if you're city bred or a country girl out for a ride.

What Is a Karimption? Western Slang Devotion by Stephen Bly

What Is a Karimption? Western slang

Stephen Bly speaking
Maranatha Conference Center
Michigan 2010 

devotion by award-winning western author Stephen Bly

Old Jack Ferguson had a special role in our church. He counted the folks who attended the worship service. But he didn't bother with exact numbers. He used western slang instead.

He had 3 categories: Karimption. Sunday rodeo comfort. Or funeral size.

The Offering, new novel by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Offering

The Offering, new novel by Angela Elwell Hunt releases May 14th, but it's available for pre-ordering now...at your bookstore or favorite online bookstore!

Be among the first to read this new novel story--an intimate look at what can happen when technology intersects a contemporary American family. Angela set the book in her own geographical area. She enjoyed doing firsthand research in her own locale--which in this case involved visiting a local Cuban grocery.

Rebekah, novel by Jill Eileen Smith

Rebekah, a Novel

Rebekah, biblical fiction novel by Jill Eileen Smith, Wives of the Patriarchs Series

This biblical fiction novel received 4 Stars from RT Book Reviews.

Can love heal the rift between two souls?

Christian Cowboy Poetry - The West Will Truly Be Won

The West Will Truly Be Won, Christian cowboy poetry by Stephen Bly

  When the world came West in '49,
it was called the promised land.
Big and wild and open and free,
room for all to make their stand.

 They say it was gold that stirred their bones
and caused the masses to move.
I reckon it was somethin' deeper than that
and it ain't that hard to prove.

All In Good Time, new historical romance novel by Maureen Lang

Author Maureen Lang

A Note from Maureen Lang about historical romance novel, All In Good Time:

New releases are always exciting! I was just telling my husband that THIS historical romance book is my favorite, but he's noticed I say that about every new release.

Well, this historical romance is holding a special place in my heart. I think authors, like parents with their children, love each book for certain reasons.