Customer Reviews

One Step Over the Border: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
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If you don't pay close attention, you might just slide over some of the subtle witticisms that make this book stand out. The banter between two good friends is worthy of old western movies when the language and plots were still clean. Stephen Bly doesn't hit you over the head with theology either, but if you miss God in this book, you must have your eyes closed. I finished this book ten minutes ago, and wish I had another three or four chapters to go, because I just wasn't ready to leave these wonderful characters.

One Step Over the Border by Stephen Bly is a surprising good read! I'm not a fan of westerns or cowboys, so when I first read the description of this book, I was a bit hesitant to read it, but I'm certainly glad I did. This book redeems cowboys from the Brokeback Mountain curse! Hap Bowman has spent nearly his whole life searching for the girl named Juanita who stole his twelve-year-old heart, but all he knows about her is her name and the horsehead shaped birthmark under her ear. Laramie Majors a quiet peace-loving cowboy with a painful family history hooks up with Hap and they work as cowboys , spend time on the rodeo circuit and rescue beautiful women all in the search for the elusive Juanita. Hap and Laramie's exchanges are stellar, and the humorous situations they fall into a hoot. Bly evokes the simplicity of the cowboy lifestyle while gently teaching that life is less about the destination than about the journey. Both men fall in love with strong unconventional women, but Hap learns that the pursuit of his quest may cost him what he values most. This book put a smile on my face every time I picked it up.

Not only did the cover of One Step Over the Border make me smile, but the first chapter had me laughing out loud. I don't think I stopped chuckling until I finished the book - in record time I might add, because it was just that good. There's just something about a story of two lonesome cowboys getting themselves in one scrap after another that tickles my funny bone.

Not only was this book a fun read, but it also made you think just a bit about what you'll leave behind. A touching scene at a graveside burial makes you wonder just what words are going to be said over your own casket. Stephen Bly writes from a Christian viewpoint without preaching. He gives you a little bit to ponder while slapping you in the saddle and taking you for a ride you won't soon forget.

A must read for western fans!

I just finished reading this book and Stephen has done it again. Delightful read, and the characters are like guys I've hung around with behind the chutes at rodeos. The "search for Juanita" will captivate you ladies, and getting to know these delightful characters will do the same for you guys. This one is easy to recommend. Treat yourself to a good read.

Terry Burns
author of the Mysterious Ways Series from River Oak

Cowboy Hap Bowman is on a quest to find the girl he fell in love with one afternoon when he was twelve years old. All he really has to go on is that her name is Juanita, she lived within sight of the Rio Grande, and she sports a unique birthmark: the silhouette of a petite horse's head under her right ear.

Joining Hap on his journey is his friend and roping partner, Laramie Majors. Along the way they are sidetracked by surprising adventures which would make Butch and Sundance jealous, some grub no one in their right minds would eat, and a long string of Juanitas.

If you are looking for an escape from your routine, One Step Over the Border could be just the diversion you seek. Although the story sometimes skips forward in time, author Stephen Bly catches the reader up quickly. There are enough twists in the story line to make this tale fun and somewhat unpredictable.

Of note: One Step Over the Border is definitely a cross-over book. Although written by a Christian author, this book will appeal to a larger, even secular, audience. I think you will find any faith elements to be subtle and to fit both story and characters perfectly without turning off any potential non-Christian readers. It also crosses gender lines, being a book appreciated and enjoyed by men and women alike. Anyone who likes to cheer for the good guys will enjoy their time spent with Hap and Laramie.

Nearly all of us have at least one "idiot obsession," and One Step Over the Border addresses those obsessions with hysterical adventure. If you like to laugh, read, and pursue obsessive adventures, you really need to get a copy of this book!

There is just something so real, so inspirational, and so downright "country" about the way Bly writes. Every time I read one of his books, I long to own a ranch or a farm house of my own. In fact, I've been known to pester my husband for the "dude ranch" vacation he still owes me for weeks after reading one of Bly's books.

I liked the originality of the plot in this book. A man pining (spelling?) after a woman he only met, in search of what she represents for 20 years, only to nearly miss the one true love of his life because he had blinders on. Good plot. Good storyline. Good book!

You'll love this book, even if you don't normally read westerns. It's got action, adventure, humor, romance, and two great cowboys. Hap and Laramie are now two of my favorite book characters. I really hope there's a sequel because these two cowboys need to live on.

In 1996 in Wyoming, Laramie Majors follows directions provided to him by his roping mentor Dwight Purley to meet another student Hap Bowman so they can team up as cowboys. Instead of a quiet discussion, Laramie arrives only to have Hap running from a cabin; inside is which a woman throwing things at him. She switches her target to the innocent Laramie. He later learns that when Hap was twelve he fell in love with the daughter of a one time customer of his father. Since that time he has dedicated his life over the last decade seeking out his Juanita with the "silhouette of a petite horse's head under the right ear".

Ten years later, Hap and Laramie remain partners still searching for the right Juanita. They cause an international border incident in Mexico and face other troubles in which they accidentally perform heroic deeds with good intentions but not always good results. Laramie falls in love with widow Anamarie Buchet while Hap falls for Rosa Rodriguez Tryor. Whereas Laramie knows who he wants, Hap still obsesses that Rosa is not Juanita so is not for him.

Stephen Bly provides a wonderful amusing modern day western sidekick romance starring two likable cowboys on a romantic quest, but whose code of ethics (especially Laramie's) leads to one problem after another. The story line is character driven from the insane opening gamut until the final twisted climax. Readers will never look at the Rio Grande the same way as the buddies learn rustling on either side of the border is unhealthy. In summary, a rose is a rose is a rose except she's not Juanita.

Harriet Klausner

I like this book. The humor is good. The price is great. It would be nice if it was in a hard cover also.
Thank you,
R. E. Ewoldt