Be Still, My Soul

Mysteries of the West, Book 1

By: Faith Blum

Narrated by: Brantley Brumley

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour." - Ephesians 4:28

When Carsten Whitford is arrested for a robbery he didn't commit, he struggles to clear his name that's already stained by his father's arrest from four years ago. Carsten is the sole supporter of his mother and he works the farm he has lived on his whole life.

The day after his arrest, Carsten's mentor gets him released until the trial. Carsten and his three friends work together to prove he didn’t rob the store since no one, especially the town marshal, seems interested in finding out who is truly guilty. The townspeople assume he is guilty because of his father’s past, including the girl Carsten wants to court.

Will Carsten and his friends find out who truly robbed the store or will they find something more sinister that could even lead to their own deaths?

©2023 Faith Blum (P)2024 Faith Blum

Simplistic Yet Engaging

I am fairly new to the audiobook world and was excited to listen to my first western!

The first thing that caught my attention when I started listening was the simplistic yet engaging writing. There is a kind of innocence that you feel when you’re listening, which was a nice change of pace from what I’ve been reading lately. The narrator has a nice voice that matches what I imagine Carsten would sound like, which heightened the audiobook for me. It’s like he’s telling his own story, which was really neat.

I do wish the narrator would’ve had a bit more emotion behind his voice. A lot of the time I felt like it felt flat and devoid of emotion, though I know Carsten and other characters conveyed many emotions throughout the story. I also had a hard time keeping the different narrators straight, as the narrator did not change his voice enough to make the different characters distinctive, at least for my ear.

It is clear that Carsten is a sweet soul but because of the sins of his past no one will let him prove that he is a changed man no matter what he does. This to me was so frustrating as I was listening. Who wants to have their sins constantly held over their heads, especially when they have repented? I do feel like despite the conflict this was a surface-level story and would’ve liked to have seen more internal thoughts and emotions explored.

Carsten with his group of friends were some of my favorite moments. I love the light, witty banter and seeing how they support Carsten is a nice juxtaposition to the other townsfolk that are suspicious and judgmental of poor Carsten. There is a moment where grace is acted out and it was my favorite moment and something I always appreciate in stories like this.

I left this audiobook with a pretty sweet message. Trusting God and others when things seem bleak can be one of the hardest things to do, but boy oh boy can God do some amazing things when you do.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

A wholesome YA redemption story

“Be Still My Soul” is a wholesome redemption story about a boy raised in thievery who grows into a changed young adult who tries to prove himself better than his past.

Even though my introduction to teen Carsten Whitford is as he attempts to steal a necklace from a churchmate’s home, I can’t help by like him. With the knowledge of how he was raised, it’s easy to empathize for and root for him. Years later, 18-year-old Carsten is a changed man, but he struggles to prove his innocence when he was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.

I enjoyed the faith aspect in this story. Carsten’s relationship with God is inspiring and his prayers feel genuine and sweet. I love a good redemption story, and this one has elements of mystery and suspense as well.

The narration of the audiobook version, by Brantley Brumley, is a bit wearisome for me in the beginning. As the story progresses and I become more immersed in the story, the “reading” feels a little more natural, though I’m still well aware I am being read to. (The narrator could use a bit more inflection.) Still, the story is interesting and engaging, and I’m curious about the rest of the series.

First Line (Prologue): Trying to live in two worlds was near impossible.
Series: Mysteries of the West, book 1
Genre: Christian Western, Mystery & Suspense, YA
Author: Faith Blum
Audio Length: 3 hours and 57 minutes
Page Count: 198
Reading Age: YA

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Good Read

I really enjoyed this book! I started listening to it on my own and then turned it on during my drive time in a roadtrip. Immediately my husband was engrossed and we had to start over so he could understand the story. We were both enthralled!

I really enjoyed the redemption arc of the story as Carsten learned how to live a wholesome life once he learned that the things his father taught him to do were not appropriate. His work to live a wholesome life was inspiring and enthralling. The book has a touch of mystery as well.

Disclosure statement: thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A positive review was not required.

Great YA Mystery

Faith Blum writes a fun, engaging mystery reminiscent of Judy Blume but set in the wild west.

Former thief Carsten must prove his innocence when he is wrongly accused of stealing from the print store. He and his closest friends work to prove he didn’t do it. The drama surrounding his arrest has his hopeful sweetheart turning her back on him.

The narrator on the audio version delivered an engaging performance that drew me into the story.

Lots of twists and turns in this sweet mystery that YA readers and listeners will enjoy.

Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this audiobook courtesy of the publisher through Just Read Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

The faith message is the best part

Carsten is seeking to live an honest life after being raised by a thieving father. Despite his track record since turning to the Lord, the people in town are still somewhat distrustful of him, and when he is falsely accused of stealing, too many are quick to believe the report.

Since the sheriff won't do anything to prove his innocence, Carsten and his friends set out to run their own investigation. Along the way they discover there's more to this crime than first meets the eye. Will they be able to take down a whole network of criminals?

I've seen other reviewers mention this is a young adult story, though it's not marketed as such as far as I can tell. A young adult audience makes sense, as the storyline is rather simplistic, and characters are decidedly either good or bad. There are also consistency issues in the narrative that took away from my enjoyment of the story.

However, the best part of this novel by far is the way Carsten earnestly desires to obey God and turns to Him regularly through Bible reading, prayer, and putting God's Word into practice. This is a valuable example to readers no matter their age.

If you enjoy western stories with a strong faith theme, I recommend Be Still, My Soul. The audiobook is done well and it's easy to imagine this is Carsten's own voice telling his story.

I received my copy of the audiobook from JustRead Tours. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Entertaining Way to Pass an Afternoon

3.5 Stars

Be Still My Soul is the first book by Faith Blum that I’ve read (or listened to in this case). That she chose to tell the story from two male points of view (parallel cases) fascinated me.

The mystery in this book was interesting, and I enjoyed the twist of the accused conducting the most thorough investigation. Carsten’s friends stood by him, never wavering in their belief of his innocence and jumped right in to help figure out who the real thief was. The secondary storyline was interesting but not as memorable as Carsten’s.

I would have liked a little bit more development of the mystery (especially more explanation of how everything fit together in the end) and as a fan of romance, I really wanted a little more in that department. But that’s me. I know there are plenty of readers out there who don’t want the romance.

Brantley Brumley was a good narrator for this story since his voice really became Carsten’s to me.
If you’re in search of a Saturday or Sunday read or need a book to listen to on a half-day road trip, Be Still My Soul is a good choice.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Great Texas Ranger mystery

Faith Blum's faith-filled Western tells the story of Carston Whitford. Raised by his thief father to sneak in and steal precious objects, Carston is stopped in his tracks by an unusual confrontation. As the years go by, Carston embraces faith in Jesus, guided by his believing mother and the local preacher. But the town isn't quick to believe that he has changed. "Like father, like son," the townspeople believe.

One day, a crime is committed, and the local marshal arrests Carston, though there's no evidence of a crime. It seems that a past reputation is hard to get rid of. They release Carston to go back home to work his farm. Until the traveling judge makes it into town, that is.

Carston's three friends are totally on his side, and are willing to try to help him clear his name. But Carston doesn't even know what crime he's accused of. Maybe when the Texas Rangers arrive, they can help. Will he ever be able to court the young lady he's interested in, with such a blight on his name? Oh, and there's the matter of a horse...

Faith weaves a winsome, redemptive story. Carston's walk of faith is believable and compelling. And Brantley Brumley wonderfully brings Faith Blum's western, and its characters to life.

I received an audiobook version of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.

Perfect for homeschoolers & long car rides

Be Still, My Soul
Mysteries of the West #1
By Faith Blum
Read by Brantley Brumley

Be Still, My Soul is an intriguing read. The story is told primarily from Carsten's viewpoint. As a young boy, Carsten was taught thievery by his father. Carsten was skilled at it until the night he was caught in the act. Since that day, Carsten has changed for the better. But after his father is caught and convicted, the townsfolk view Carsten with suspicion, and when a robbery occurs, Carsten is the one and only suspect. What's worse, the marshal seems to have no intention of finding the true criminal.

Carsten is determined to clear his name, but accepting help isn't easy for Carsten, even when his friends offer it. When it becomes clear that more is going on than theft, Carsten and his friends soon find themselves in even more danger than they had ever expected and need help. But will the help they need arrive in time? Or will Carsten be convicted of a crime he didn't commit because of the crimes of his father? Trust is a two-way street and is a lesson that Carsten and his friends need to learn.

This book would, in my opinion, appeal to homeschoolers. The main characters are all young adults who are trying to figure life out but with a faith-based support system. I feel that Susan K. Marlow is the author whose work I would most closely compare the style and feel of this story to. Anyone familiar with her Circle C and Goldtown series should enjoy this first book in the Mysteries of the West series.

I enjoyed this book in the audio edition, which was read by Brantley Brumley. The reading was well presented, though I played it 1.5 times the normal speed as I read faster than the playback speed. At less than 4 hours, this is a perfect road trip companion, especially for those "Are we there yet?" riders.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

YA Christian novel

Be Still, My Soul is a YA western mystery with a Christian message. The protagonist is a young man with a troubled past. Though he has put that behind him and is now trying to do the right thing, his reputation proceeds him, and he is accused of a crime he did not commit. The mystery part of the plot comes in trying to figure out who did commit the crime and how to clear his name. There is a little bit of a romance element, but being a YA novel, it is not fully developed.

The narrator was not the best I've ever heard (few are) but he did fit the character well, so I enjoyed the listen. It's a short book at just under 4 hours.

I suspect I would have enjoyed this book more as a teen, which is the target audience, but it was a pleasant diversion one afternoon.

Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary Audible code from the author. All views expressed are my own.

be still, my soul

carsten whitford is determined to live a God-honoring life, especially in light of his experience with his thieving father. still, he becomes embroiled in the suspicions and accusations when a robbery is committed in his small town. the law has no interest in uncovering the truth, so carsten determines to solve the crime himself.

be still, my soul then goes on to deliver a wholesome, faithful mystery. it is a quick read (under four hours on audio), but i ended up just wishing for a little more from the story—more from the mystery, more from the romance, more from the characterization.

i enjoyed the narration of the audiobook. i'm not too picky about my audiobook narrators, but i do think that brantley brumley did a good job bringing the story to life; it made for easy listening.

though i didn't love be still, my soul, i wouldn't say that it couldn't be a good story for another reader. if you're looking for a short(er) young-adult historical read with mystery, romance, and faith, this could be exactly the (audio)book you need.

(i received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)