Montana Books

Why half-breed Shambeau killed a couple of men and scalped another wasn't important to some. Now Sheriff Ben Stillman has a murder case on his hands and as the law prescribes, he must hunt down and hang the renegade. But nobody knows the land better than Shambeau and bringing him in isn't going to be easy. And with the Sheriff away from town another group of outlaws sees it as the ideal opportunity to rob the bank.

This is the fifth book to feature Sheriff Stillman and Peter Brandvold gives the reader a twist to the hero being hunted by a posse and him taking them out one by one plot, by having the hero being part of the posse being killed off brutally one by one by the outlaw.

Also Stillman, knowing he must do as the law says, sympathises somewhat with the man he's hunting, as both he and Shambeau are relics from a west where revenge was accepted - and that was why Shambeau had killed wasn't it?

With taking Stillman away from town, Peter Brandvold inserts a great subplot with the bank robbery that allows him to bring the townspeople into the story, characters already familiar to readers of this series.

This book once more proves that Peter Brandvold can tell a gripping story and I would urge all fans of westerns to check him out.

Ben Stillman has his toughest assignment since becoming Sheriff of Clantick, Montana Territory in this latest book by Peter Brandvold. The Bar 7 riders were only funnin when they shot Shambeau's mule. But the Metis trapper was not laughing and by the time he was finished, two cowboys lay dead and another scalped alive. Now Ben Stillman must track down the old mountain man in his own territory to bring him to justice. This latest installment in the Ben Stillman is Brandvold's best.

This story continues with the characters from Brandvold's previous "Once" books but spotlights the theme of frontier "justice" in all its brutal, harsh reality. Sheriff Ben Stillman, though reluctant, must track down Louis Shambeau, a "half-breed" French Indian who has applied the only form of justice he knows to right a wrong done to him. As the chase becomes one between ranchers and trapper, it also becomes a Western snapshot of the struggle between the new and the old, between a dying way of life up against the new breed. In the process it shows what went in to the raw life and death struggles that played out on the changing frontier. Brandvold weaves another plot into the struggle back in Clantick, where Deputy Leon McMannigle must face another crisis. To any who have read Brandvold, they know he includes some explicit sex. This may offend some, but one could argue that Brandvold uses it within the context of the story. In fact, when it applies to Sheriff Stillman and wife Fay, it is in the context of a married couple faithful to each other and who continue to be madly in love. Louis L'Amour was sometimes criticized for the opposite, leaving out sex, though he had his reasons (see Education of a Wandering Man, p. 153-154). If readers can handle this part of Brandvold's books, they will find treasures from a master storyteller.

Richard Manning has made me think of my home land in a new way. One Round River should be required reading for those of us who live or want to live in the West, as well as for everyone who uses the fruit of the West - lumber, beef, and especially gold. The message in this book is so important and so well written that I have made my family and friends read it too!

Richard Manning understands the people, and the places, he speaks of in his sharp discussion about mining and its effects on the new (and old) Montana. Were we truly to learn from the past so ably told in One Round River, modern gold mining practice would be outlawed. Would that this could be true... A more honest connection with the Montana landscape, and the lives its people (of all types) will be hard to find. Buy the book. If anything because it's a good read.

Few of us experience life as passionately as Richard Manning: a writer, hiker, fisherman, and nature lover...with an ability to put it all into words. He is our modern day Norman McLean...and I enjoyed 'One Round River' immensely. I can not recommend a book more highly...a 10+++.

Award-winning author Rick Bass presents Platte River, an anthology of three novellas each of which presents a human heart experiencing the infinite majesty of God's natural creation. "Mahatma Joe" is the tale of an evangelist who makes a home for himself in Grass Valley, Montana, and the woman who falls head over heels for his vision of the world; "Field Events" is the story of a woman who pines for an athlete who is even more muscular than her discus-tossing brothers; and "Platte River" is about a man's meditation on the nature and meaning of loneliness, peace, and the search for love. A warm, introspective read, filled with lush imagery of beautiful natural wonders.

You get an overall sense of gloom from the peoples lives in the book, but I believe the author wants you to look deeper than just that. One story is basically the more the change, the more the things remain the same. Another looks at peoples strengths vs. weakness's and surprisingly where you will find them. And, finally, another looks at looking inside yourself. Among this, is the most beautiful and desriptive narrative of mother nature in all her glory. You can easily picture Exactly where and what he is talking about. It never fails that a few words thrown together will bring back memories of your own that you had long forgotten.

These stories are about something that no one else I know of is writing about. I can't make out what it is exactly. I'll leave lists of superlatives to professional book reviewers and just give you what for me is the bottom line -- this book is important

I am not Native, this book is directed at the recovery of Native American Women, but I thought this book was incredible.

I bought an extra copy to pass on.


Kim you are awesome, Thank You (Meegwetch)

The book made me think, and any book that can do that, is worth reading. It made me think of being a woman, of being a auntie and a grandmother and the responsibility that holds. It made me appreciate the hardships all Native people had to go through while in the residential schools, and how, in the name of a God and the attitude of assimilation, people were put into such abusive situations. And it made me appreciate the strength that Native women have to overcome such behaviour.
I am not Native, yet I follow the spiritual concepts that were mentioned in the book and it was wonderful to read the history of these traditions and get a better understanding of the traditions.

One of the more refreshing aspects of this unique look at women's historical roles in First Nations cultures is it's comprehensive and insightful understanding of the concept of gender balance. Kim Anderson has well illustrated the social structures which adequately served First Nations people across the Americas for centuries prior to European arrival. In addition, she examines the impact of colonialism, genocide and assimilation on that structure without ignoring or minimizing the undermining of women's roles which was crucial to the success of these policies. She finishes by portraying a hopeful and positive perspective which incorporates the lessons of history.

this is a good book that tells the story of two people who are not unalike. they both have problems and both face them and evetually conqure them. they become friends and help each other get through a tradjety that happened.

What a wonderful read. The author gave a clear idea of what it felt like to grow up as a young woman in the 60s. It was an adventure, full of the heart-break of real events. The book pointed out that although life does not often have happy endings, some moments do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even read it twice, something I rarely do.

Only children don't want to reveal--even to other only children--what it's like to be an "only." McNamer sprawls the secrets across the page, threads the feelings through the tale, whispers the solitary questions and unspeakable answers.

The interior lives of McNamer's characters echo against an exterior heavy with foreshadowing. This reader often found herself gasping, pulling the still-open book against her breast, knowing and afraid to venture into the inevitable plot events. Yet, except for a few unconnected thoughts and moments, this is a novel that involves the reader throughout and lingers in memory even years after the covers are finally closed

This book is about the experiences of a white boy and an Indian boy who are trapped in the Rockies during the winter. It was written in 1912 and is said to be a true story as told to the author, who in the 1870s lived among the Black foot tribe. Full of adventure, it is also a moving story of cooperation by members of two different cultures, and the friendship that develops between them. I would highly recommend it to parents. I read this book in elementary school and for over 20 years, I could recall scenes from the book, but was unsure of the title. When I moved back to my home town, I searched the local schools for it, without success. I had told my family about this on many occasions and recently my mother found it in her attic. She had bought it at a school book sale years ago and it had been sitting in a box since then. She surprised my on my birthday with it and it was great to read and see how my memory compared with what was actually written.

My dad made me read this when I was about 6th grade. ...
It is a compelling book to read and is apparently all true. It is about basic survival in the rich lands of the rockies. It is not about cannibalism, or Donner-Party survival, but about how wonderful a life you could make for yourself in the old Rockies, starting with nothing but the clothes on your back. It is a tremendously uplifting book.

First read it in the 6th grade and almost every year for the past 30 years. Love this book-a classic.

The book was very useful to me on my recent trip. The river was too high so Montana agates were off the menu unfortunately. The book is as good as any of the others in the series.

I have read this book and found it to be extremely informative and full of good places to visit

As a fellow rock-hound, I can certainly appreciate good directions to off-the-trail sites to collect minerals and fossils. There's no feeling like when you hold a great find in your hands. With Montana's help, the difficulty in finding these locales is greatly reduced. Not only are you provided with a map w/ contour shading, but gps coordinates are given as well. She makes every effort to educate you as well as guide you. I was extremely impressed and pleased by the end result.

I've personally met Ms. Hodges and read her other works; She's an excellent writer and well traveled, with ambition only over-shadowed by her talent. I intend to keep an eye on this geo-journalist, and expect great things of her.

Dolly would be proud!!

Lynn Vanderzalm's latest book, Spiritual Sunlight For The Weary, is a must read for those who suffer with chronic illnesses. She especially speaks to those who live with a very misunderstood illness called Chronic Fatigue Immune Disfunction Syndrome(CFIDS). Reading the devotionals gives us insight into the connections we have as fellow sufferers, and brings comfort to those who feel "alone" in their battle. I am so thankful to Lynn for once again helping others with her insights.

I primarily read books written by Christian authors from a Christian perspective. Finding "Meditations" was literally a God-send. It includes brief narratives written by Christians of all ages, male and female, who presently live with CFIDS. They candidly describe the devastating effects CFIDS has had on every aspect of their day to day lives. I actually found myself talking to the book, and shaking my head in agreement--feeling relieved that there are others out there who feel what I feel emotionally, spiritually, as well as physically. Each meditation ends with a brief, practical prayer to the Lord--not so much for divine healing, but for perseverance and hope.

I searched high and low for a devotional book that I could heartily recommend and this one is it! You'll love this cozy, comforting-feeling devotional and as you flip through it you'll quickly recognize that this is a book that hits reality! It's the kind of book you reserve a permanent spot for on your night table, so go get a dust rag and find a spot! Even the soft binding makes it easy to hold-- very important for a person, such as myself, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

All the topics titles look like someone has peeked into your journal, but the words on the page speak deeply too. This isn't a "don't worry, be happy" meditation book. Rather it's like getting a letter from God that says, "It's okay.. I understand.. move a little closer so I can give you a hug."

Some Devotional Topics Include: Why this Waste? What am I Worth? Why all This Suffering? Receiving a Gift I Didn't Want.

Buy 2. You'll want to give one away to a friend and you won't want to get rid of yours for an instant.

Lisa Copen
Director, Rest Ministries, Inc.
Serving people who live with chronic illness or pain.
(...)

A friend who lost her 26 year old son in a car accident introduced me to Barbara Johnson's books. I just lost my 26 year old daughter in a car accident. The Christian humor is therapeutic. It also helps me realize I'm not the only one in this world who has suffered tragic loss, and is helping me deal with and live with that loss.

This book and all the books from Barbara are wonderful and they really help people with there problems and let you know that no matter what problems you have and they seem bad there is someone out there that has more and more hardship than you. She lets you know about gods unconditional love and grace an how we must keep the faith. They are everyday stories and they are wonderful, funny, and loving.

This is a wonderful book! It made me cry and laugh at the same time. The author presents adversity not as the end of our lives but as an opportunity to grow and learn. The book is easy to read but at the same time very profound and inspirational. I would recommend it to anyone who is going through difficult times. The book would help people to be joyful in the midst of adversity.

Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (5/06)
"Starlight Shines for Miranda" is the fifth in a series of six books called the Starlight Series. The series is about a girl Miranda Stevens and her horse Starlight. This touching book portrays the loving bond between girl and horse.

Miranda is twelve years old and readers of the series learn about her and her friends as they have been through fun times and tough times in a small Montana town. Miranda has a loving family and friends, but it is her horse that she loves the best. When Mr. Taylor, half-owner of Starlight, takes him to a race in Texas, Miranda is heartbroken to be away from Starlight for so long.

As we find out, Starlight has formed an unbreakable bond with Miranda and he refuses to eat or race without Miranda around. She flies to Texas to be with him on Christmas and he not only perks up, but wins a bet with Miranda riding him that helps Mr. Taylor out of some financial trouble.

Mr. Taylor, who has been portrayed throughout the series as a grouchy old man, shows his sensitive side in this book as we learn about his childhood and his estrangement from his parents. He teaches Miranda a lesson about love and family and shows her that he was once a kid himself.

This book is for any girl who has fallen in love with a horse. Janet Muirhead Hill knows her horses and the lingo needed to write accurately about horses and their care. Her books teach young riders and readers about the safety precautions and proper handling of a horse in a fun way through a great story.
And for those who want more than just horses, there is plenty of adventure to keep a reader enthralled. Races, fires, near kidnappings, and more make this book a page-turner.

This book rocks so much I just finishes starlights shooting star the fourth book and its amazing!!!Its so great I want the next book right away!

The fifth title in Janet Hill's outstanding series featuring a young girl and her beloved horse, Starlight Shines For Miranda finds that 12-year-old Miranda and her black stallion Starlight experience a forced separation causing both the girl and her horse to go "off their feed" as their health deteriorates. The plans of Mr. Taylor (the crotchety owner of Shady Hills Horse Ranch) are in jeopardy until Starlight and Miranda are reunited and find a way to save Mr. Taylor from financial ruin. Starlight Shines For Miranda continues to document Janet Muirhead Hill as one of the truly skilled storytellers writing for young readers of middle-school aged children today.