I just finished reading Horse Creek Trading Post, a
Christian fiction novel by Jim Burnett. It
is a chronicling of the family line of one Gus Reese, a legendary pony-express
rider, horseman, cattleman, and evangelist. The story begins in Wales, weaves
through Tennessee, and lands in Wyoming. Five generations are mentioned; but, the story
focuses on the two prior to Gus’s before telling Gus’s story itself. It is an ideal read for any age. It is full of
travel & adventure, romance, and bravado.
It is unlike any other Christian novel I’ve read to date in
that it reads like a novel; but, it could be read as a devotional since each
chapter is full of stories shadowing scripture.
The author specifically mentions Biblical characters and their stories,
and scripture passages are referenced throughout. The author skillfully
demonstrates God’s involvement in the lives of the Reese family as they remain faithful
to His calling in their lives.
I am not a fan of western novels, per se; but, I did enjoy
learning about many aspects of the frontier lifestyle portrayed in the book. There
are many facts and details surrounding naval voyages, trail rides, different
horse varieties and their roles in the frontier life, driving cattle trains,
the civil war, the pony express, the role of various Native American tribes and
their relationship to the white man in the frontier days, and law & justice
in that same setting.
Overall, this is a novel I would recommend to any age. At a
little over 220 pages, I would think it would be especially a good book report
novel for junior high or high school students as it is so full of history. Anyone
who enjoys stories about the west, horses, cattle driving, the civil war, or reconciliation
and redemption, would love this novel. Another important point about this novel
is that this book is a prequel! There are TWO previous books...so, I can pick up
the next two books and finish the Reese storyline! This would be a great gift
idea for any age or gender. I whole-heartedly
recommend it.
