The Husband Tree

It was difficult for me to settle on a rating for this book.  At first I really enjoyed it, but as it went along I found myself less interested.  Overall, it was a nice story, but not one that I am likely to read again.

Book Rating:  Here a little, there a little

Connealy’s books are fabulous.  So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed them all.  For some reason, I didn’t like this one quite as much.

Belle is a character you first meet in the previous story, MONTANA ROSE.  She has had a very hard life, (as do 90% of the characters in these books…) and she finds herself husband-less…again.  But, for Belle, that’s really not a bad thing.  She’s been running her ranch by herself (with the help of her girls) for many years, and she is laboring under the belief that men just cause problems, so she is thankful her third husband is gone.  She will NEVER get married again.  Famous last words…

Silas Harden is a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and needed to get out of New Mexico to avoid a sham wedding!  He finds himself in Texas and in need of work.  He ends up signing up for Belle’s cattle drive.  Little does he know what he is in for! 

Both of these characters want nothing to do with anyone of the opposite sex.  Can you guess what might happen?  Yeah, they eventually get together.  You got it, bravo!  *teehee *  Overall, there was a smooth story-line and plenty of excitement to keep a person reading.  But eventually, I was tired of hearing how much she hated men, and how difficult everything was for her.

Frankly, I know I would have never made it as a pioneer/frontier woman.  Natural childbirth?  Forget it.  Natural childbirth outside, in the middle of nowhere?  Not even going there.  Natural childbirth, with three other children, while having to nurse a baby you have just 18 months ago, and drive cattle—not to mention take care of basic every-day needs?!  I’m having serious nightmares just thinking about it.  I admire beyond words what those women did and their struggles humble me exceedingly, and that includes "Belle", but as I read I felt kind of overwhelmed by the difficulties she had faced.

I liked the spiritual nature of the story, but it didn't seem as clear or as specific as some of the other messages I have seen in her books.  It was good though, so in that respect I think you will be pleased.

Out of all of Connealy’s books this would be my least favorite I think.  But, I do recommend giving it a try.  You may find you really enjoy it.  I know for sure you will laugh a lot.  That’s always something fun to expect from Connealy.

Happy Reading!

Buy it!