Montana Books

If you thought Andreae's Lee Squires series was poorly written and characterized, wait until you read this one!

No detail of fire-fighting or human nature escapes the notice of Christine Andreae, the author of Smoke Eaters. Those who love her "Lee Squires" mysteries will love Smoke Eaters, the story of a woman leading a fire crew, dealing with loss and battling personal demons along with a major forest fire. For those who haven't read Andreae's earlier mysteries, this dramatic suspense story is a good place to start. Every word rings true. Along with the courage and strength of the female fire commander is the dark voice of a madman who comments through his journals on day to day life at the fire command post. He can only be someone that Mattie, our heroine, depends on. The slow unraveling of his mind keeps the internal action as tense as the fiery disaster. You will love Smoke Eaters.

Christine Andreae weaves a web of wonder in this her latest effort. I can honestly say that I literally could not put this book down. I laughed outloud at some points and found myself sobbing at others. I found that although I knew virtually nothing about firefighting, I could relate very strongly with the heroine in this book. I also have much more respect for the men and women who have been battling the summer blazes in the west. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates great writing, a compelling story, fabuloulous character developement and an overall fantastic read. I hope it gets made into a movie soon!

I read this book because it concerned forest fire fighters and is very much in vogue, considering the fires in the western states this summer. It also purports to be a crime mystery. Well, the first 40% of the book concerned a great deal of data describing the characters and the setup of a forest fighting unit. The heroine is one of those "up against the glass ceiling" characters, in both money and position. I was ready to put the book aside because of the lack of crime until it happened. It wasn't one but five deaths. The plot then picked up as the investigators (heroine, cop, and the forest service investigative team) all tried to solve the mystery forensically. Then it got really interesting. And, the ending was NOT the usual hackneyed ending I have come to find in so many recent novels. As a matter of fact, I thought the ending was surprising.

So, if you like characters and fighting underdogs, as well as forensic crime-solving, I recommend this book.

A plot crackling with excitement, a determined and likable protagonist, complex characters, an atmospheric setting, and a heart-stopping climax make this story about fire and those charged with containing it a great read. Mattie McCulloch becomes the first woman given overall command of a fire team. She has to deal not only with the life-threatening blaze but resentment from her male colleagues, a sexual predator with a penchant for arson, a firefighting son who has problems with a mother as boss, and an attraction to a married reporter. As the plot picks up steam, its hard to put down, and when you have raced through to the end, you wished you had slowed down and savored the prose of a writer at the top of her craft. Ranks right up there with Nevada Barr's "Firestorm." Another good book in this genre is Judith Van Gieson"s "Hotshots."

I had the opportunity to meet Warren at an open house for a climbing facility in our area. After listening to him speak, I just had to have his book! Warren MacDonald's "A Test Of Will" is one of those rare books that was difficult for me to put down. One day, I was almost late to work, because I became so immersed in it, and lost track of time! I 'm left wanting to read more of his stories. Warren's "can do" attitude is one that we all should strive for. It's his attitude, not his body, that enables him to do what ever he pleases. He may have no legs, but there is no "dis" in his ability. This book is a must read for anyone working with ,and helping people whose bodies fit different molds .

Diana Hanks, Volunteer for Vermont Adaptive Sports

Survival stories are a 'guilty pleasure' of mine and over the years I've gobbled up quite a few. Although I have yet to find a story that gets even close to Krakauer's 'Into Thin Air' this is definitely one of the better books of the genre.

As opposed to plenty of other author's of survival books Warren Macdonald stays refreshingly human in his outlook and he quite openly describes also his not so positive and politically correct feelings. I was very impressed particularly by the second half of the book describing how he works to get his life back on track in a self-determined manner. His attitude could certainly serve as an example for a lot of people out there.

As for the contributions of his travel companion, I could have very well done without them.

Certainly a good read!

Very inspiring. I did see Warren MacDonald in an interview and he had so much Charisma that I wanted to read the book. An amazing story how a person can evolve through crisis, this goes for the victim as well as for the savior. Warren shows that the sky can be the limit and it is possible to put mind over matter. It is a very intense story and the way it is written, it feels like being part of it. It's remarkable how candid he describes his feelings and conclusions regarding the amputation. It gave me very important insights as I never knew anyone dealing with amputation, but it completely changed my view.

I approached this book with some trepidation. Having just read two similar accounts of persons severely injured in the wilderness, I was in no mood to endure yet another awfully written book.

Apparently, Warren MacDonald has some writing experience or perhaps a very good editor. In either case, readers are treated to an exceptionally interesting book chronically the course of Warren's maverick life.

As expected, Warren first immerses his readers in the gripping tale of his entrapment beneath a one-ton rock as fellow hiker Geert van Keulen frantically goes for help. An added feature of the book are the Geert van Keulen written sections covering his side of the experience.

In interspersed chapters, reader's learn of Warren's introduction to the wilderness, his doomed efforts to save a portion of it, and his eventual and emotional efforts with friends and family to overcome the loss of his legs. Showing his maturity, Warren is wise enough to thank all those folks responsible for his rescue and long recovery.

This is truly a well written and inspiring take on the age old ideal of never giving up.

For Warren, things went from bad to worse, to worst. Wow! I knew how it ended and I still couldn't put it down. It's a great message in an even better book.

WILD WILD WEST is my very first erotica romance. Don't get me wrong, I've read some pretty darn steamy romances. With Charlene Teglia's book, I actually walked away with more knowledge than I started. And it's not a book you can read all in one sitting, at least not for an amateur like me. This book is like rich imported chocolate. It needs to be taken in small bites and savored.

The story begins with three Montana cowboys. Let me stop there so I can add a "mmm mmm good." They stop in at the Lemon Espresso, a little city-style coffeehouse. It's not coffee these cowboys are after though. Gabe has his eye on Willow, a poet who's giving a reading that evening. Chet Andrews has his radar on Jolie McIntyre and Reuben Black knew Laura Jamieson, the coffee shop owner, was the one for him. He'd known this since the day he first saw her.

Each couple has their own private, steamy story to share. Three stories. One book. A must read for romance fans.

WOW! I've always had a weak spot for men in tight jeans and cowboy hats and these cowboys know how to complete a pass and go for extra yardage.

The stories are steamy, the dialogue is hotter than hot, and sexual tension abounds. These cowboys can leave their boots under my bed anytime!

A Man's Word is His Bondage

When rancher and English teacher Gabe Wilson was dragged into Lemon Espresso by friends Chet and Reuben, he thought his reputation was ruined. Then he saw Willow.

Willow Daniels was in Missoula as part of a poet-in-residence program. With only two weeks left to go, Willow will soon return to the demanding pace of her job back home. Then she meets Gabe. One weekend with this sexy cowboy and Willow's life is turned upside down. With sex so inventive and sinfully kinky, their erotic rodeo is bound to be made into an Olympic sport. When Gabe suggests that her dream isn't as farfetched as she thinks, Willow has to make some choices about her future. Will that future include Gabe?

Ready to Play

What was it about Jolie that always seemed to set Chet Andrews' blood afire? Ever since his friend Reuben insisted they start frequenting the Lemon Espresso and he met her, a part-time employee at the café, Jolie has been under his skin. From their verbal repartee to her fast driving, Chet knows he's met his match in the feisty Jolie.

Jolie McIntyre has spent the carefree years of her twenties making her way through college and law school. She only has a short time before the bar exam to be wild and carefree. Some no-strings attached sex is just what she needs before she has to return to reality and put on her professional face as a no-nonsense attorney. When Chet ponies up to her flirting and takes her on the ride of her life, will Jolie come to realize that life is more than the corporate ladder?

Reuben's Rules

Ever since former Army-Ranger-turned-rancher Reuben Black set his eyes on Laura, he started strategizing to make her his. He's made himself a familiar presence at Laura's café, Lemon Espresso, lowering her guard with his gentle persistence of friendly chatting. Soon, he'll advance his plan of seduction and make her completely his through the intimacy of BDSM. He thought his plan was foolproof, but he hadn't counted on love.

Laura Jamieson has worked hard to make her coffee house a success. After leaving her former stressful career, she's opted for the quiet life of Missoula. Her sex life is nonexistent; however, she's primed and ready when regular patron Reuben entices her with a weekend of domination and submission. But when she falls for the sexy cowboy, she realizes that she won't settle for a relationship without love, even if it means she'll have to give up the most intense passion she's ever known.

I absolutely loved Wild Wild West! The sultry seductive vibes between Gabe and Willow were mesmerizing. It was vastly entertaining to experience the witty verbal sparring of Chet and Jolie. The sexual tension between Reuben and Laura was so thick, it was palpable. The stories blend seamlessly, making for a magnetic and thoroughly erotic read. Print fans will discover what e-Book readers have long known: Charlene Teglia is one scintillating author.

Reviewed by: Bella March of Fallen Angel Reviews

There are 3 novellas here with smart city women and hot cowboys. The author sets the scene up well and has a good knack for dialogue. The banter and sexual tension are great. The plots are simple but suit the erotic romance format. Note: There are no menages, infidelity or abuse in this book.

4 stars for the first story. I liked how Gabe the cowboy cringed at the thought of anyone seeing him attend a poetry reading at a yuppie coffeehouse. Willow was gutsy and went after what she wanted. The chemistry between them was good and the sex scenes were hot.

5 stars for the second story. Jolie wants a fling before settling into corporate life as a lawyer. Chet wants more than just a fling. He was my favorite of the heros. He was protective and encouraging to her. I loved the lengths he went to to make Jolie his for good. Smokin'!

3 stars for the third story. This was my least favorite. Reuben and Laura are both practical and controlled. No doubt that makes them a good match but it also makes for a boring story. To her credit, the author foresaw this and introduced BDSM as a way to spice up their romance. Unfortunately she didn't go far enough. A collar is all well and good but where's the spanking, the toys? Laura remains far too cool and controlled in her submissive role. Reuben is dominating but seldom does more than tell her to open her legs. There's a lot of verbal foreplay but the sex itself is brief.

Despite the disappointing finish, I still recommend this book for a scorching erotic read. Hmmmm, cowboys.

I bought this book based on the other reviews. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as they did though. I will give the author an A for very likable characters. I felt she did a very good job making the heroines strong without them coming off immature and bratty.

My major disappointment with this book was Reuben's story. He's described as having a "taste for edgy sexual games". I'm sorry, but putting a collar on someone and telling her to spread her legs, repeatedly, just doesn't seem edgy to me. Her fantasy is to be a submissive? What's she submitting to, exactly? Vanilla. Vanilla. Vanilla. Gabe had more kink in his story.

Ellen Baumler continues in this book where she left off in her earlier book "Spirit Tailings." While "Spirit Tailings" concentrated on the many haunted sites of the historic mining communities of Virginia City, Butte, and Helena, she ranges further afield in location and subject matter. Not all the stories in this book are about ghosts or haunted places. Some are about mysterious events, and there is one about Montana's famous Flathead Lake Monster.

Baumler's approach is that of a professional historian (she is interpretive historian for the Montana Historical Society) trying to make sense of the many anecdotes brought to her by people she meets in her job, while being respectful of their experiences. As she terms it, she writes "history with a twist." This is why the stories are based in thorough historical research to try and find possible historical reasons for the things that people tell her.

Baumler starts with a number of short anecdotes in the first story, "Beginnings," including bits on the Richards House (Lenox Addition house in first collection); Eighth Avenue house; Helena High School; a house on Hillsdale/site of Hangman's Tree near corner of Blake and Highland (and a couple other houses in that neighborhood); a new house site in a heavily wooded area of Jefferson County (north of Helena), the Harlem Hotel (in Harlem of course!), unnamed houses in Havre and Shelby; Virginia City's Fairweather Inn and Bonanza Inn; Virginia City Theater and Opera House.

"The Sleeping Buffalo" is about a Native American sacred place, now called Sleeping Buffalo Rock. Originally it was located on the Milk River at Cree Crossing, then it was removed from its ancient site by white people to Trafton Park in Malta, and finally to the junction of Montana 243 and US 2.

"Fruit of the Hangman's Tree" relates the history of the infamous hangman's tree of Helena, which was located on what is now the corner of Hillsdale and Blake, the "Boot Hill" graves associated, and some of the eerie happenings in houses in this quiet old neighborhood.

"The Hoo Doo Block" is about an unlucky series of events in an area in Fort Benton, Block 25 (now Block 164).

"Digging Up the Dead" is a tragic and spooky tale covering Benton Avenue Cemetery (mention also of Boot Hill, the pioneer City Cemetery (now Central School), and Forestvale Cemetery.

"Speaking with Artifacts: Conversations with George" introduces the reader to a Helena-based dowser who does "psychic archaeology," George McMullen. He has traveled to and dowsed many Native American sites, including Hellgate Canyon (in Broadwater Co., not far from Helena); in the story he also does psychometry (reading the impressions) of some historical artifacts.

"The Hanging of Peter Pelkey" is about a brutal murder on a ranch between Helena and East Helena, the execution of the murderer (buried in what is now Robinson Park), and the mysterious ghost lights at the ranch.

"Celestia Alice Earp" is a story of a murder by a pioneer woman's stalker and the victim's burial in Bozeman.

"Legacy of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch" lets the reader in on the history, secrets and spooky goings-on at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Landmark in the Deer Lodge Valley. Also a mention of the thermal cone (a sacred Native American site), and furtrade rendezvous site at the Warm Springs State Hospital, about 15 miles away.

"A Ghost Within a Ghost" is a story about a scary night many years ago at the historic ruins of old Fort Assinniboine.

"School Spirit" is a look at urban legends and student tales about the University of Montana-Western in Dillon (Old Main Hall), Montana State University in Bozeman (the old theater now torn down and replaced as of 2007); University of Montana in Missoula (Brantly Hall and University Hall). Most of this story is devoted to Helena's Carroll College, and its stories of St. Charles Hall (including the urban legend of the third story bathroom), Borromeo Hall, and St. Albert's Hall. It also tells the story of Father Paul Kirchen, who is said to still hitchhike around Helena, trying to help people as he did in life. This last bit hits home personally, as I attended Carroll in 1979-1980, and I used to visit with Father Kirchen in his office all the time, and he was truly a living saint.

"The Centerville Ghost" is the story of a 19th century hoax that put a scare into one of Butte's outlying communities.

"Remnants of a Copper King" covers the ghostly happenings at Riverside, the Marcus Daly Mansion in the Bitterroot Valley, near Hamilton.

"Ghostly Transport" is about a phantom train seen in 1893 in the Bitterroot Valley.

"The Bishop of All Outdoors" relates the tragedy of a murder-suicide in Havre.

"Stranger at the Door" is my favorite in the collection, as I currently (2007) live a block away from the site where the events all took place. It is a very creepy story about Catholic Hill (now called Tower Hill, site of the famous firetower "Guardian of the Gulch") in Helena, the various buildings and historic activities there, notably Immaculata Hall, and probably the scariest story in the entire book, about a "stranger at the door" of one of the Tower Hill Apartments.

"Late Night Fright at the Fairweather Inn" adds more stories about Alder Gulch's Virginia City and Nevada City, including the Sedman House/Junction Hotel, the Fairweather Inn, and the Elling House; this entry revolves around the filming of a spooky overnight stay by the FOX network for "Real Scary Stories" in 2000.

"Spirited Victoria Charmer" is a house which attracted national attention at one time as the "House of Screams," the Zakos house haunting in Missoula, which was featured in FATE magazine in August 1975.

"The Adams Hotel" is a haunted hotel in Lavina, north of Billings.

"The Mysterious Death of Thomas Walsh" is the story of the unexplained death of Montana's Senator Thomas Walsh, who died on a train to Washington, D.C., where he was due to be appointed to the cabinet of President Theodore Roosevelt.

"Fire in the Snow" covers the 1945 crash of a C-47 transport plane in Billings, and the reported haunting of the Depot Antique Mall, originally the Sawyer Store, and the store's refrigerated vault where the remains of the crash victims were kept for a time.

"Montana Nessie: Flathead Flossie" is a cryptozoological entry about sightings of the Flathead Lake monster.

"Laura's Canaries" is the story of the Stonehouse Restuarant in Helena's Reeder's Alley, and the "bird lady" who once lived there.

Baumler is a great storyteller, and this collection is a nice mixture of ghosts and historic mysteries ideal for the Montana traveller.

[...]

Having read her "Spirit Tailings" books and taken one of her tours, I greatly respect Ms. Baumler's knowledge of Montana history and folklore. Whatever one's beliefs regarding ghosts and their attachments and activities, the existence of the stories and what it reveals about a community and its attitudes is as fascinating as it is revelatory.

While I prefer reading Baumler's stories and savoring their wealth of regional detail, this CD collection is a great introduction to the books and their subject matter, as well as a good way to hear Ms. Baumler telling her stories, if you've never been so fortunate as to attend one of her lectures or bus tours. Philip Aaberg's accompanying music is appropriately brooding and mysterious, though the presentation was occasionally intrusive. I would rather have had it "bookending" each story, or in bands of its own between each story.

But this collection is great fun, and an interesting approach to historical research (without diving into the realm of seances and tabloids). Montana is lucky to have so many spooks and so dedicated a historian as Ellen Baumler to chase them.

As a lifetime resident of Montana and a professional historian, I have to disagree with Cbauman's review of this wonderful book. From my conversations with the author over the years, the intent of the book is to not only tell a good story, but provide good historical contexts of of the times, people, and events that lead to the ghostly encounters. The stories tell you a great deal about Montana's history from a perspective that you don't ordinarily get in most history books. These are community stories as much as they are ghost stories and the way they are presented makes them relevant and interesting for skeptics and true believers. For any student of history and for anybody looking for a great ghost story, I strongly recommend this book. The stories will both haunt you and provide a great inside look at Montana's history from a new perspective.

Read aloud by the author and interpretive historian Ellen Baumler, and featuring a bonus music CD by composer and pianist Philip Aaberg, Beyond Spirit Tailings is an abridged audiobook on CD about historical Montana ghost stories handed down through generations. Combining evocative music with tales ranging from the story of the hitchhiking specter of a priest to a departed Hamilton socialite who spreads the scent of roses, Beyond Spirit Tailings is a spooky treasure for ghost story lovers everywhere. Highly recommended.

Beyond Spirit Tailings is the recipient of a 2006 Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History.

Goodis supposedly sold a million copies of this pulp fiction drugstore paperback in the early fifties. Those were the "good old days" when American postwar anti-heros gave meaning to proletatian fiction in a very real way. And the working class actually read books. How so? Working class readers could identify with this kind of literature as a form of entertainment with at least one blow by blow knock-em out fight scene and penultimate gritty sex scene to match the come-on cover. It talked about their condition, hopes and despairs in an unglamorous way, spoke their diction, and didn't pull any phoney punches. We need real literature again on the mass market paperback racks besides the usual thrillers and fem-novels instead of relying on trade paperbacks for the elite.

Forget the title--this book is not about sex. At least, not very much (only a brief reference or two). What it's about is what it's like to live as a young poor person in Philadelphia. The book was written in the 1950's, it's written about the 1930's, but as a former resident of Philadelphia, I can attest to the fact that it is as accurate a depiction of today's world as any other decade. The novel is a small gem that captures the essence of being unemployed and poor in the big city, but without being depressing or moralistic in any way. Doesn't sound like much of a recipe for success, but Goodis is a master at bringing a mood to life. He accomplishes with understatement what most novelists never achieve: genuine, believable characters in real settings. This book has not, to my knowledge, been made into a film as his other works have, which is probably due to the unusual plot structure (basically, not much excitement goes on in the book), but the trueness of his vision soars beyond any limitations. I lived in similar circumstances to the characters in the book, and was astonished at the accuracy that Goodis gives to real life. It's amazing. Worth a read, even if you are only marginally interested. It's a brief page turner that leaves you longing for more, just as the characters in the book feel. This book is a revelation.

This novel is Goodis's classic tale of urban desolation. Like a bleak, sparse George Bellows painting, Goodis' world is master strokes of grim description from torn overcoats to bloodied maws to swearing Santas. At the center is Ralph Creel, a lazy bum torn between his romantic soul and his animalistic instincts. Ralph Creel is a fighter, a survivor, a supremely Goodis creation who like us all, eventually gives in to life, to the Fat Blonde on the Street Corner, but not before he allows the reader to witness some moments of Grace./(I am putting this in a second time because amazon did not print my name the first time!)

David Goodis was one of the major writers of crime noir in the 1940s and '50s. Many of his best works were filmed to good effect, including DARK PASSAGE, with Bogart playing the lead, Tourneur's NIGHTFALL, Truffaut's SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER, Sam Fuller's STREET OF NO RETURN, and THE BURGLAR. Goodis's novels painted bleak, black views of the inner-city life he himself lived, populated by losers and drunks. As Ed Gorman once said, Goodis didn't write novels, he wrote suicide notes. But his power lay in his ability to get down on paper the stark reality of the low-life he witnessed around him, before he too fell victim to the type of decline experienced by the characters he wrote about.

It's a tragedy that, apart from this reissue, few of the eighteen novels Goodis wrote are currently in print. This is the first publication of THE BLONDE ON THE STREET CORNER since it originally appeared in a paperback edition in 1954. The story is set during the depression years of the 1930s, in Goodis's own home town of Philadelphia, and seems to be at least partly autobiographical. Ralph and his buddies are out of work, and jobs are not easy to find. He'd like to be a song-writer, but there's little hope of getting that kind of break. Christmas is coming and he needs some money, and the only other options involve crime and sex. With his usual talent for brilliant prose description and language, Goodis takes you effortlessly into the murky realms of depression America to meet the deadbeat characters who populate the streets and bars.

Serpent's Tail Press are to be congratulated for reissuing this long-lost classic by one of the legendary writers of the hardboiled. It's to be hoped that more by Goodis follows from them soon.

This novel is Goodis's classic tale of urban desolation. Like a bleak, sparse George Bellows painting, Goodis' world is master strokes of grim description from torn overcoats to bloodied maws to swearing Santas. At the center is Ralph Creel, a lazy bum torn between his romantic soul and his animalistic instincts. Ralph Creel is a fighter, a survivor, a supremely Goodis creation who like us all, eventually gives in to life, to the Fat Blonde on the Street Corner, but not before he allows the reader to witness some moments of Grace./

Reading this, I could not help making comparisons with the play, "Death of a Salesman." While James Welch may not appreciate his story of a half-breed American Indian being compared to a play about a very white, middle-class male, I found my reaction to both very similar. Despite the sense of doom, from the very beginning, I found myself foolishly hoping, as I did with Willy Loman, that Jim would latch on to one of the opportunities offered him, and change his fate. At the same time I knew that Jim, like Willy, was a finished product by the time I'd met him, and that simply changing locations (or jobs) would not make any real difference. Of course, Willy was more a product of his own choices, while Loney is more a product of other peoples'disregard. This is where the story of the white man and the Indian diverge.

Welch is an excellant writer. This book is concise and neat. Very little is extraneous or superfluous to the story. There are a couple of small flaws, however. While he does an excellent job of portraying the feelings and emotions of Loney's sister, I thought he did not do as good a job with his white girl friend. To me she came off just a bit one-dimensional, but then, it is often difficult for a male writer to explain the female side of a relationship. I also thought he could have done away with some of the explanations at the end regarding Indian alienation from the white culture, and Officer Painter's sudden realization of Loney's "plan." Perhaps Welch didn't trust in his own abilities to bring this out within the story, but he had already done an admirable job, and it didn't require repetition.

All in all, I would recommend this book very highly. You will probably end up, like I did, reading it in one night, and then wishing that you hadn't finished it so quickly, so that you would still have it to look forward to.

Nihilistic and lonely, Welch offers a vision of Manifest Destiny in reverse, and an exploration of, amongst other things, the Anglo desire to Cowboy and Indian, though in the context of that novel there is nothing romantic about these romanticized ideals; there is the wind and there are the ghosts and bottles line up in front of the middle and the final solution is personal Armageddon.

The Death of Jim Loney is a story about Jim Loney, a poor drunk, half-breed, of white and Indian parentage, who is trying to find where his life went wrong. Was it his mother that left him and his sister when they were children, or their father who disowned them nine years later? Or is it the gradual decay of his reason to exist? Nobody can penetrate his world, not his girlfriend Rhea or his sister Kate. This story goes through his troubles and struggles everyday, fighting off thoughts of death and despair. I liked this book, although its not a book you want to read to feel good about yoursef, it will get you depressed!

This is such a heart-aching book. It's gorgeous and simple and so sad. I read it for a course at University and am so glad to have encountered this treasure. I've marked the hell out of its few pages. My professor highly encouraged us to write all over our books, as a way of CLAIMING the books and the reading process as MINE. (Something I've always been a fan of, anyways). Concise and so powerful. Each word is perfectly chosen. Everyone should read this novel.

Ýt is a compeling novel with unique descrpýtýons of a modern Native American who is caught between his past and present.Jim ,a half- breed with a blurry past, is struggling with self-identification.While trying to reinvent his lost identity, Jim is offered help from people who love him.However,neither social relations nor cheap wines help him get over his identity crisis.As he gets more involved with his subconcious thoughts and dreams, he starts to become a non-person in the small town of Montana.As he refuses to get help from people who try to bring order to his life, he realizes the liveliness of the land and as a result identifies with it for a regeneration of his soul. Even though,the plot is quite simple, the intriguing descriptions make the novel an extraordinary one.Inarguably,everyone can find certain points or characters to identify with himself.

I was a bit dissapointed. From the title and the reviews, I was expecting a book describing different off-the-beaten-path fly fishing locations in Montana. I did expect a "how to" guide discussing basics like equipment and technique.

Even if you have been fishing for Thirty years I gaurentee that this book will change; where, when and how you fly fish like no other. Professionals and recreational fly fishers alike will count this book a one of their most prized Fly fishing tools posessions. It is the only book on fishing that I have read cover to cover in one sitting. At times Trappers story telling had me laughing out loud, his tales speak to the reasons we love the sport, but most of all he is unparalelled in organizing and presenting a life time dedicated to flyfishing in a way that will de-mystify the reasons for succsess or failure and transform your personal experiance of Fly Fishing in practical terms.
Never has this much technical information been presented inter mixed with true life stories and stunning photograpy in such a way that will change your approach to Fly Fishing and your
experiance of the places it brings you forever.

It isn't often that a fly fishing book offers both outstanding photography and narrative at the same high levels of excellence, but Badovinac provides unparalled descriptions in both forms. It is a tabletop gem and a wonderful reference at the same time. In a word, it's a treasure.

I started flyfishing, alone, many years ago. I tie flies commercially and am a guide. Trapper has captured the essance of why we fish, and why, sometimes, why we NEED to be alone, male or female. I've known Trapper for MANY years and have swapped flies and lies... and MANY fun days on the river with him. Know this ....Trap's book captures WHY WE ARE WHO WE ARE. Knowing Trapper and his philosify has changed how I view the world and my perceptions in many ways!

Dan

I don't even fish, but I bought the book for the beautiful stories and photos. As I got into the book, I found out that it was so much more than a collection of stories and photos. There's info about navigation that everyone who hikes, wanders, fishes, hunts, or just loves nature should read. Do you know the steps to take if you're lost? Do you know how to navigate, whether it's light or dark? Don't you think you should? And you can with this book.

The value of the navigation info led me to view Trapper's other book, Fly Fishing Montana's Missouri River. Guess what--he gave us something similar there-- what we should all know about etiquette. No, not table manners--outdoor manners. The ones you wish everyone else would follow. Let's start by learning and following them ourselves.

Every time Polly McMaster misses a meeting she is assigned to complete some huge project. Last time she ended up as mayor of Elmer, Montana and this time she has been put in charge of The Great Montana Cowboy Auction. The auction is designed to raise money for Maddie Fletcher, a foster mom, who has raised half of the town and who is about to lose her home. To make matters worse former local bad boy and foster son, Sloan Gallagher, now a Hollywood star, has volunteered to be auctioned off to highest bidder. With that announcement Polly's hometown becomes a media circus and even the local residents are acting a bit crazy. Added to that is the fact that Sloan and Polly have a bit of a past and you have the makings of a rousing romance. This is a humorous addition to a series featuring different residents of Elmer, Montana and a sweet love story.

Elmer, Montana temporarily transforms from a quiet ranching community into a media feeding frenzy with the announcement of THE GREAT MONTANA COWBOY AUCTION. The town elects Polly McMaster to organize the fund raising event that aims to provide relief for a Maddie Fletcher, owner of a neighboring ranch threatened with reposition. As if Polly does not have enough to do as mayor, post mistress, part-time college student and single mother of four, she adds yet another committee to her resume. When someone volunteers to invite Sloan Gallagher home for the auction, as the top prize, Polly remains skeptical that the small town trouble maker turned Hollywood star will put in an appearance. She hopes he will not, with the memory of him catching her in a compromising position eighteen years ago still burning a searing memory in the back of her mind.

When a buddy asks him to return to aid Maddie, Sloan jumps at the opportunity to repay the kindness done him by the Fletchers during his teen years. With his mother deceased his father descending into emotional and financial devastation, as well as the family ranch being sold, Sloan had been placed in foster care for two years. Maddie her husband gave him a home, providing the frightened teen stability and instilling confidence and self-worth. As a fourteen-year-old, Sloan's curiosity got him in trouble one afternoon when he peaked into the barn to see the most glorious vision of his young life. Of course Sloan buried the memory, reserving it for fantasy. But this opportunity to return to Elmer reawakens the memory, and Sloan is anxious to see Polly, particularly when he learns she has been widowed for the last six years.

THE GREAT MONTANA COWBOY AUCTION weaves numerous subplots with Polly and Sloan's story to create a dazzling tale filled with angst, humor and passion. Anne McAllister is master storyteller, using a long ago memory to bind Polly and Sloan and boldly bring them together. Polly's reticence to become involved with Sloan makes her believable and sparks the reader's compassion even as the reader also cheers Sloan's determination to change her mind. Polly's creative mother and mastermind of the idea for a cowboy auction, inspired by Elmer's surplus of cowboys, gives the novel an added sparkle, as do her children and sister. Indeed, sister Celie's story begins here, and will continue in the June release of the Silhouette Desire entitled A COWBOY'S PURSUIT. A marvelous tale that should not be missed, THE GREAT MONTANA COWBOY AUCTION comes very highly recommended.

This is the kind of book I know I should hate, but I don't. This book is thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. What is wonderful is that many plotlines run through it, with love stories for all generations, ranging from 19 year old Sara to 60 year old Joyce.

The real thrust of the story is about Polly and Sloane, the former Montana cowboy turned George Cloony superstar. Suspend your disbelief and wallow in wonderful story of how Sloan courts Polly and wins her over, ostensibly by agreeing to be a bid in a cowboy auction! Cool or what.

Actually, the best story to my mind was that of Celie and Jace - I found myself skipping the Polly and Sloane parts to get back to those two. Thankfully Ann McAllister is taking up the threads in her next book - she has left a great cliffhanger.

I really recommend this book - I am sure you will love it.

A small town in Montana decides to help out a neighbor whose ranch is about to go into foreclosure by holding an auction of artwork by local artists, services by local businesses, and dates with local bachelors. The twist in this story is that one of the foster children raised on that ranch is now an extremely famous movie actor, Sloan Gallagher (who seems to be a actor in the Harrison Ford mold). After a call from an old buddy, Sloan agrees to be one of the items in the auction. Naturally, his involvement in the auction turns it into a national three-ring circus, with fans, groupies, and the news media descending on the unprepared town of Elmer MT.

Polly McMaster is the mayor, the postmaster, and a widowed mother of four in the town of Elmer. She's been picked to organize the auction and adds it to the many other duties that she has. She's a woman who's pulled in many directions but seems to be able to handle what comes along (with the exception of forgetting a child here or an appointment there). She's also a woman who hasn't taken an interest in other men since her husband, her soulmate and best friend, was killed in an airplane crash 6 years ago. That's about to change, big time.

Sloan and Polly have a history, but it was more on his part than hers - she is his "golden memory" of something he saw when he was 14. She's always been the standard that he's compared the other women in his life. When he finds out that Polly has been widowed, he's determined to renew their acquaintance and find out if his memory has held true.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with multiple subplots. I've never read anything by this author, but from the number of people mentioned in the book, I got the impression that there are other books out there telling their stories. The characters, their actions, and their emotions were believable. The children in the story were realistic, without being cloying or wiser than their years. The scene with Sloan sharing a bedroom with a 9 year old beautifully captured the child's thrill of being in the presence of his movie hero, and the frustration of an adult male sleeping in a bottom bunk when there was someplace else he'd much rather be. There are multiple romances in the book - tender, wishful, unrequited, and sexy. Sloan and Polly's developing romance was filled with aggravation, humor and sexual tension. This is one of those books that once you read it, you want more, to find out the full stories of the other characters that were mentioned. From the threads left hanging on this one, hopefully another book set in Elmer MT will arrive soon.

I just finished "The Great Montana Cowboy Auction", and I couldn't put it down! It was a great mix of romance, comedy and reality. I love how Sloan loved her his whole life, how her son was getting rich off selling "authentic Elmer rabbits", and the realisim of the closeness that a small town has. It had me laughing and cheering Sloan on the entire time. I can't wait to read "A Cowboys Pursuit", the next book in the series!

This is Book No.3 in the Heirs of Montana series and they seem to get better and better.The main character, Dianne has such strength and fortitude - the Lord being her mainstay and she always comes through accepting God's plans for her and for Cole, her husband - her heart, however, always wanting to settle in this land of Montana.
This is one of the best series by Tracie Peterson

This book is as wondeful as the first two. It gives a clear picture of what life is like knowing Jesus and what it can be like if you don't.

I almost quit reading after I got into this book #3 of the series.
I am so glad I did not. There was so much happening, to pull the characters together, I started to doubt the story line. Tracie Peterson pulled these people together in their quest for family, peace and love of the Lord as well as the wonderful, difficult land they were determined to make a home.
I recommend the whole series of Heirs of Montana to those who love history and fiction. The series is Christian Fiction of the highest quality.

Very interesting, shows how the pioneers were tough and rugged individuals to survive the new frontier.

This whole series kept me totally engaged. I read each of the books in about 1 or 2 days. I totally recommend!

Nice book.REMINDS me of the under ground rail road.

The subtitle, "Story of the 1890s Fort Missoula Buffalo Soldiers Bicycle Corps" is a good general description of the book's contents. I had never heard of Ft. Missoula, much less known that they had a bicycle corps, before stumbling across this book in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial's bookstore. It's not a long book, but it covers its topic well. Of course I was interested in the horrendous ride from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, but the account of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry saving the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill was enlightening. Also (all too) informative was the account of the "discharge without honor" by order of President Theodore Roosevelt of 167 soldiers, many of them formerly of the bicycle corps. The book also includes numerous photos, a number of which are wonderful shots (and very well-printed) of the soldiers in Yellowstone National Park. I highly recommend this book as an entertaining account of a dedicated group of American soldiers who happened to have been of African descent. (Incidently, having read this book I was able to feel incredibly smug with recognition when the Bicycle Corps turned up as an integral part of Peter Heck's "Tom's Lawyer", the most recent installment of his Mark Twain mystery series.)

This is a very interesting and neglected subject for a book. I'm interested in anything about bicycling and a bit about the turn of the century, so this was a must-read. Because this is the only book of it's kind I've found, I would recommend reading it.

However, be aware of a few annoyances. The book is poorly edited and proof-read. There are many hyphens separating words that are not at the ends of lines, and a few paragraphs end mid-sentence. There are quite a few repeated passages and it tends to wander a bit from the main subject. One gets the feeling it would not have filled a book of more normal format and was padded a bit. It would be nice to see this one re-published and improved.

Again, I don't mean to disparage it too much - just pointing out some personal annoyances.

Hope it helps...

What a great book! It really has something for everybody; military bike history, Black history, the American frontier at the turn of the century and more. Great pictures and illustrations also. Military cycling books are rare and this one fills a much needed niche. You will not be disappointed.

In 1897 a contingent of twenty black soldiers, a white West Point officer, a military surgeon and a young newspaper reporter rode bicycles from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri, following the Burlington Northern railroad. The groups' leader, Lt. Moss, was trying to prove to the army that bicycles could be a valuable asset. I first became acquainted with this little known gem of history through the children's magazine Highlights in the early 90s. I have been fascinated with it ever since. George Niels Sorenson's Iron Riders presents this story and the broader context of those "Buffalo Soldiers-on-wheels". He tells us of the practice trip the bicycle corp made to Yellowstone Park before their epic St. Louis run and the lives of the riders after their trip. This 8 x 10 book has many primary source pictures, documents and maps which illuminate the text. It's the only informational book I know of devoted to a story which deserves a wider audience. If you are a middle school history teacher, like me, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It would make a fantastic unit. But I agree with the other reviewer: anybody who likes black history, social history, military history, bicycle touring, the west and/or unsung heroes will find a lot to enjoy in this book. And, if you like this book you'll want to check out the PBS video The Bicycle Corps: America's Black Army on Wheels and the children's book Black Wheels.