About Stephen Bly

Author Stephen Bly

 Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011), award-winning western author

Stephen Bly published more than 100 inspirational nonfiction books and novels, plus hundreds of short stories, cowboy poetry, devotionals, and writing articles. He co-authored dozens of books with wife, Janet Chester Bly.

There are more than two million Stephen Bly books in print worldwide.

Stephen Bly’s historical western novel, The Long Trail Home, (The Fortunes of the Black Hills Series, a family life saga, B&H Publishers), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award in the Western Novels category for excellence in Christian fiction.

Three other historical novels–Picture Rock (The Skinners of Goldfield Series, Crossway Books), The Outlaw’s Twin Sister (The Belles of Lordsburg Series, Crossway Books),
and Last of the Texas Camp (The Fortunes of the Black Hills Series, B&H Publishers) were Christy Award finalists.

Stephen Bly and Stuart Brannon:

Stephen Bly’s most well-known character is cowboy, lawman and rancher, Stuart Brannon from The Stuart Brannon Series. Brannon receives at least a mention in every Stephen Bly novel. He was working on Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, Book #7 of The Stuart Brannon Series, at the time he passed away. His widow, Janet Chester Bly, and sons, Russell Bly, Michael Bly, and Aaron Bly, finished the novel for him.

From left Aaron, Michael, Janet, and Russell Bly

Stephen left them one chapter, a 1-page summary, 2-pages of character names and a 4-month deadline for Centerpoint of Thorndike Press. Read the story of their writing adventure here: Dad’s Final Novel  Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot was a Selah Award Finalist.

Stephen Bly Bio

Western author Stephen Bly spoke at colleges, churches, camps, men’s retreats and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He served as pastor of Woodlake Presbyterian Church (CA), Fillmore Bible Church (CA), and Winchester Community Church. And he also was mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). Stephen spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family and was a speaker for Moody Bible Institute Family Living Conferences in the 1980s and ’90s.

Graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University (FSU) and received M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America (WWA).

Stephen’s three sons include: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah, Jason and Elric; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard.

A third generation westerner, author Stephen Bly spent his early years working ranches and farms in the San Joaquin Valley of California for his father and uncle. He and his widow Janet Chester Bly published more than 120 –his, hers, and co-authored– Bly Books titles.

Tribute to Stephen Bly by author Christina Tarabachia  STEPHEN BLY TRIBUTE 

Broken Arrow Crossing 1880s false front town, Winchester, Idaho

ABOUT STEPHEN BLY’S FORMER HOME

Author Stephen Bly’s home in Winchester, Idaho, including the 1880’s false front town he built, has been converted to an AirBnB, available for rental reservations for families and other group events.  DETAILS BELOW:  BLY HOUSE at Broken Arrow Crossing

Enjoy a video tour of the Bly House: BLY HOUSE VIDEO TOUR  

Winchester, Idaho with elevation 4,200 feet, has a population that hovers around 350. Situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, the city is across the street from Winchester Lake State Park.  Ever been to Winchester Lake State Park? MORE HERE STATE PARK 

CHECK OUT Winchester Lake Lodge HERE: WINCHESTER LAKE LODGE FACEBOOK PAGE   OR HERE WINCHESTER LAKE LODGE WEBSITE

OR CALL (208) 924-6430

Janet Chester Bly & Stephen Bly

Reviews for Stephen Bly books, “written in the tradition of western authors Louis L’Amour, Zane Grey, and Luke Short”

In this fresh contribution to the CBA market, (Stephen) Bly…pens an amusing parody…(Paperback Writer) is a funny, enjoyable romp….” – Publishers Weekly

(One Step Over The Border) as good if not better than anything of (Louis L’Amour). I shall remain a fan of Stephen Bly.” – Jimmy Dickens, country western musician, The Grand Ole Opry

(Western author Stephen) Bly does a lot of things right for lovers of the traditional western novel. … (he) clearly knows the country he writes about. … Luke Short and Frank Gruber come to mind.” – Library Journal

“Stephen Bly was probably the greatest writer of faith-based Western fiction ever seen before.” ~~Box Office Revolution, Christian entertainment news & reviews

“One hallmark of Stephen Bly’s classic westerns is that they are complete. Bly gives you the full experience, every detail, evoking a period he has mastered.” Jerry B. Jenkins, NY Times Bestselling Author, co-author The Left Behind Series

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

BOOKS BY STEPHEN BLY

Fiction Series:

Stuart Brannon Western Series – 1991-1993, Crossway Books
re-released 2012, Greenbrier Books, 2020 Bly Books
Hard Winter at Broken Arrow Crossing
False Claims at the Little Stephen Mine
Last Hanging at Paradise Meadow
Standoff at Sunrise Creek
Final Justice at Adobe Wells
Son of an Arizona Legend
Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot – 2012, Center Point/Large Print, Greenbrier Books, finished by widow, Janet Chester Bly, and sons, Russell, Michael, Aaron

Nathan T. Riggins Western Adventure Series –
1992-1994, Crossway Books
The Dog Who Would Not Smile
Coyote True
You Can Always Trust a Spotted Horse
The Last Stubborn Buffalo in Nevada
Never Dance With a Bobcat
Hawks Don’t Say Goodbye

Code of the West Western Series – 1995-1997, Crossway Books
It’s Your Misfortune & None of My Own
One Went To Denver & The Other Went Wrong
Where The Deer & The Antelope Play
Stay Away From That City They Call It Cheyenne
My Foot’s In The Stirrup & My Pony Won’t Stand
I’m Off To Montana For To Throw The Hoolihan

The Austin-Stoner Files Series – contemporary western romance
1995-1997, Crossway Books
The Lost Manuscript of Martin Taylor Harrison
The Final Chapter of Chance McCall
The Kill Fee of Cindy LaCoste

The Lewis and Clark Squad Series – youth, contemporary
1997-1998, Crossway Books)
Intrigue at the Rafter B Rqnch
The Secret of the Old Rifle
Treachery at the River Canyon
Revenge on Eagle Island
Danger at Deception Pass
Hazards of the Half-Court Press

The Heroines of the Golden West Series – 1998-1999, Crossway Books
Sweet Carolina
The Marquessa
Miss Fontenot

Old California Series – 1998-2000, Crossway Books
Red Dove of Monterey
Last Swan In Sacramento
Proud Quail of the San Joaquin

Fortunes of the Black Hills Series – 1999-2003, B&H Publishers
Beneath a Dakota Cross
Shadow of Legends
Long Trail Home
Friends and Enemies
Last of the Texas Camp
The Next Roundup

The Skinners of Goldfield Series – 2000-2001, Crossway Books
Fool’s Gold
Hidden Treasure
Picture Rock

The Belles of Lordsburg Series – 2001-2002, Crossway Books
The Senator’s Other Daughter
The General’s Notorious Widow
The Outlaw’s Twin Sister

The Retta Barre Oregon Trail Series – 2002-2003, Crossway Books
The Lost Wagon Train
The Buffalo’s Last Stand
The Plain Prairie Princess

The Homestead Series – 2002-2003, Crossway Books
Strangers & Pilgrims
Courage & Compromise
Reason & Riots

Adventures on the Western Frontier Series – 2003, Crossway Books
Daring Rescue at Sonora Pass
Dangerous Ride Across Humboldt Flats
Mysterious Robbery on the Utah Plains

The Horse Dreams Series – 2005-2006, B&H Publishers
Memories of a Dirt Road Town
The Mustang Breaker
Wish I’d Known You Tears Ago

Rivers of Arizona Series – youth, 1991, Back to Bible Publishers
Rivers of Arizona
Rock of Ages
Book #3 written, but never published

Fiction Stand Alone:
The President’s Stuck in the Mud – Making Choices, kids (8-12),
1985, Chariot Books/David C. Cook
Trouble in Quartz Mountain Tunnel – youth,
1985, Chariot Books/David C. Cook
The Land Tamers – 1987, Tyndale House; first western novel
Time Warp Tunnel – Making Choices, kids (8-12)
1994, Chariot Books/David C. Cook
Paperback Writer – 2003, B&H Publishers
One Step Over The Border – 2007, Center Street/Hachette
Creede of Old Montana – 2009, Center Point/Large Print
Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon – 2010, Center Point/Large Print
Throw The Devil Off The Train – 2011, Center Point/Large Print

Cowboy Poetry Collection:
When The Cowboys Come To Town – illustrated by Wendy Liddle, 2000
also includes CDs & cassettes, audio by Stephen Bly

Nonfiction:
Radical Discipleship – 1982, Moody Press
Quality Living in a Complicated Age – 1984, Here’s Life Publishers
How To Be a Good Dad – 1986, Moody Press
Just Because They’ve Left, Doesn’t Mean They’re Gone –
1993, hdbck, Focus On the Family
Once a Parent, Always a Parent –
ppbk re-release of Just Because They’ve Left, Focus On The Family
The Surprising Side of Grace – 1994, Discovery House
Help! My Adult Child Won’t Leave Home – 2006, Tyndale House
Following Jesus Series eBooklets (9 total) – 2014
Following Jesus (paperback) – re-release, 2014

STEPHEN BLY & JANET CHESTER BLY (co-authored)

Fiction:

The Crystal Blake Series – youth, 1986, Chariot Books/David C. Cook, 2017 Ebooks, Bly Books; 2020, paperback, Bly Books
Crystal’s Perilous Ride
Crystal’s Solid Gold Discovery
Crystal’s Rodeo Debut
Crystal’s Mill Town Mystery
Crystal’s Blizzard Trek
Crystal’s Grand Entry

The Hidden West Series – 1996-1997, Servant Publications
Fox Island
Copper Hill
Columbia Falls

The Carson City Chronicles Series – 2000, Servant Publications
Judith and the Judge
Marthellen and the Major
Roberta and the Renegade

Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot – 2012, Center Point/Large Print, Greenbrier Book, Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael & Aaron Bly

Nonfiction:
Questions I’d Like to Ask – youth, 1982, Moody Press
Devotions With a Difference – youth, 1982, Moody Press
How To Be a Good Mom – 1988, Moody Press
Be Your Mate’s Best Friend – 1989, Moody Press
How To Be a Good Grandparent – 1990, Moody Press
Winners & Losers – youth, 1993, Moody Press, revised Devotions With a Difference
The Power of a Godly Grandparent – 2003, Beacon Hill Press, revised How To Be a Good Grandparent