Wrangler in Petticoats

These McClellan woman are tough. Frankly, I'm intimidated.

But, I still love 'em. *wink*

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little


Mary Connealy knows how to get to you hooked, that's for sure. There is great action, and GREAT romance, no doubt about it. If you want excellent on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff, well, look no further.

Sally McClellan is a tomboy who couldn't care less about "girlie" things...until she meets a dashing young artist, Logan McKenzie. Logan comes to Sally's rescue when her traveling party is attacked in the Rocky Mountains, and the two of them try to fight their budding attraction while running for their lives from a pair of "ruthless" outlaws.

Now, how awesome does that sound?

I really enjoyed this story just as I enjoy all of Connealy's books. However, as exciting as it was, I felt a bit overwhelmed. And like I said in the beginning, I really like the McClellan girls--I did from the very beginning when I read Petticoat Ranch, but they are SO tough and what they go through is SO crazy, that sometimes I have a hard time finding a way to bond with them. I don't know, maybe its just me. Also, as far as heroes go, Logan was good, but not my favorite. Not every hero can be Levi Grant, I know that, but I didn't really know why Sally liked Logan.

This is TOTALLY just my opinion here, because I know a lot of people just love these stories. So please, if you love Connealy like I do, then you really need to read all of her stuff because its all good. Not every story is going to be your fave, and that's ok.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

March's Author of the Month

Happy Friday!!

Can you believe we are already running headlong into the third month of the year?! WOW!

Well, February was wonderful and I hope you were able to become more acquainted with Amanda Cabot. She is so sweet, and fun and VERY talented! It was an honor to feature her last month.

As for March...drum roll, please. Ladies, hold on to your seats, because this month we are featuring the one, the only--
MARY CONNEALY!!! AHHHHH!!!!! I know!! Isn't it great?

I have read loads of Mary's books and every one of them has captured my imagination within the first few pages. There are still more I need to read, and I CAN'T WAIT!!

It's a thrill and an honor to have Mary on my blog this month! Here is the interview, ladies! Enjoy!!

Tell us about yourself! Please include something unique/funny that people may not already know. *big grin*

I just had my 24th book release, which is unbelievable to me. I write romantic comedy…with cowboys and the publishers seem to keep wanting more of them. I’m the mother of four adult daughters and grandma to two. I live on a farm/ranch in Nebraska with my very own romantic cowboy hero.

Unique and/or funny? I remember as a teenager a good friend of mine, Leslie and I used to always joke around about how AVERAGE we are. We were middle of the road grades, not bad just average. Moderately good at sports. Not awful, but we weren’t gonna start varsity. Medium popularity…everything was average. We weren’t even DEAD middle, because it would be odd to be THAT average, so a few A Grades. An occasional toe onto the volleyball court. We laughed about it, but we thought it was really true.

I’ve lost contact with her now, mostly but she’s got a doctorate and teaches at a university—after almost not going to college, and I’m a published author. So we did okay for a couple of average chicks.

The humor in your books is fabulous! Have you always had a "silly" side? 

I don’t know about silly, I think sarcastic is more like it. Which honestly, is pretty strange. I had a nice, quiet, decent life. Where did all the sarcasm come from?

Of all the characters in your books, which one do you relate to the most and why?

Wow, I’m not sure about relating to them. I think I mostly write characters that are how I’d LIKE to be, not how I really am. I’m a pretty quiet person. (you might even say AVERAGE). I’m pathologically non-confrontational.  So the heroines I write are always taking on anyone who gets in their way (including the heroes) and that’s not me at all.

What is your favorite scripture? 

I have so many I love, that this is a hard question, but the one I’ll share here is Psalm 27:1 because I think there is so much truth in it, and I use it in my books a lot. Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is my stronghold; Of whom shall I be afraid?

I think if we could just hang onto this verse and know that in life and in death, we have nothing to fear as long as we believe, we would all live different, bolder, more Christ-like lives. 

Wasn't that great?! Thank you, Mary, so much! You are such a talented author, and your stories have really inspired me to live a "different, bolder, more Christ-like" life. I'm so happy you are following God's path for you and blessing so many people's lives in the process. Thank you again, and God bless!

Mary has been gracious enough to offer to do a GIVEAWAY!! You KNOW you want to win a copy of her new release SWEPT AWAY, which is available THIS MONTH!!! 

So, here's the dilly-o. To enter, you must post a comment (with your email) and tell me what your favorite Connealy book is--unless you are new to her books, in which case tell me what you'll read first--and make sure you follow me on FB or on this blog and that's it! How easy, right? I will be doing the drawing on March 8th, so be sure to check back and see if you are the happy winner!!

Happy reading everyone, and happy March!!!

Doctor in Petticoats

"Is there a Doctor in the house?!" (Eh hem. I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself...)

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Aw. My friends, you can't go wrong with a Connealy book. You just can't. I mean, every story is different, and some are better than others, but every one has something about it you can enjoy.

This story is fun, fast and fabulous! Beth McClellan (you'll remember her from Petticoat Ranch) has just gone to school to become a nurse, but she likes to consider herself a doctor--and she's good enough to be one. When she crosses paths with a man named Alex Buchanan--a man who's running from his past--her healing skills take on a whole new meaning.

The protagonists in this story are enjoyable--though different. One thing I liked about this was actually the questions at the end. So if you read this book, read the questions at the end--it will give you good food for thought. One of the questions deals with Alex and what a troubled character he is and why it is that so many women want to help troubled men. Very thought provoking...

Anyway, I did think Alex was a bit too needy of a leading man for me. I prefer the strong, stable type (although with the obligatory weaknesses, etc). And Beth was great too, but I had a bit of a hard time relating to her for some reason. But don't let that stop you from reading it!

The thing I liked most was the side story about another McClellan girl, Mandy. So fun! I can't wait for her story!

Grab your Winchester, and a cup of warm cocoa and enjoy the excitement!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Cowboy Christmas

This book is better than any Hallmark Christmas movie!! And that’s sayin’ somethin’, cuz I love Hallmark Christmas movies.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Annie Talbot has been given the gift of singing, and she uses it to spread the word of God. But, when the new leaders of the traveling missionary troupe want her to sing bawdy tunes and wear inappropriate clothing, she runs away—and just in time! However, she fears her father—whom she hasn’t heard from—won’t be happy to see her.

As far as leading ladies are concerned, Annie is great. But, this is how I typically feel about all of Connealy’s characters. She is strong-willed and sweet. She believes in Christ and is always striving to do what is right. What’s not to like? Though I must say, she is so determined to do things her way--even though it puts her in danger--at times I felt like strangling her.

Now, Elijah Walker, the leading man, is fabulous. I can say—in all honesty—that he is my favorite leading man from all of her books. He’s rugged and tough, but tender when he needs to be. He is humble and recognizes when he needs to change, and does it. Plus, he's drop-dead handsome. Wow. The perfect man. *teehee * When Eli crosses paths with Annie, he gets a lot more than he bargained for—in a good way.

One thing I enjoy about Connealy’s books is that there’s always a great villain—or at least the conflict is VERY strong. I love that! The more drama the better (most of the time). That’s what keeps me reading! I know something even more fabulous and more exciting is just a few pages away. No wonder Connealy has won so many awards. She knows what she’s doing!

The Christmas element of the story wasn’t very strong until the last quarter of the book, but it’s so worth it, and if you don’t get misty eyed at the end I’ll eat my hat.

(P.S. This is the kind of book cover I like. No faces. It's creative and cute, but doesn't take away from my own interpretation of the characters.*big cheesy grin*)

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

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!

Montana Rose

MONTANA ROSE is such a delightful story.  I was so pleased with it that the abrupt ending was a bit of a disappointment.  However, that being said, it wasn’t enough to keep me from giving it my highest rating.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

I think I speak for a lot of us HCR lovers out there when I say that I (almost always) fall in love with the leading man in the book I am reading at the time.  This book was definitely no exception!

Cassie Griffin is in a desperate situation.  With her husband dead and a baby on the way she feels that she would rather die herself than agree to marry any of the ruffians that are begging for her hand.  This is where the dashing Red Dawson comes in!  (You can imagine him riding to the rescue on his white steed, shirt flapping in the wind over his  large muscles…mmmm…)  Well, its not really like that at all, but he is truly fabulous and he does come to the rescue!  He offers to be her husband, and she accepts.  I love the stories where they get married right at the beginning!!

He's called "Red" because of his red hair.  Now, I must be honest and say that I have never really been a “red-hair-on-a-guy” kind of girl, but this character really does it for me!  (As did Cassius McLinn in THE COLONEL’S LADY…su-HU-per dreamy!) 

Red and Cassie have a truly wonderful relationship.  The way he cares for her and teaches her to be strong and trust in herself is beautiful!    It’s very romantic, and you will get to enjoy a lot of great kisses in this book, so be prepared!  *wink *  Also be prepared to laugh out loud!!  Great, great humor!

There were several different spiritual messages that I took away from this book, and I thought they were all beautifully orchestrated.  I didn’t feel like it was too much or that the author was just trying to “fit it all in”.  It worked.  Very well.  One of the ones that stood out most to me was that God will be our strength and when He is with us, “whom shall we fear?”

The story is full of great characters and it’s another easy read.  I actually think that I may like these characters more than those from the Lassoed In Texas series. 

I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy Reading!

Buy it!

Gingham Mountain

GINGHAM MOUNTAIN is the last book in the Lassoed In Texas series, and it seems like Connealy saved the best for last.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I’m hooked, what can I say.  I really love Connealy’s style.  It’s fun and fresh--not a lot of fluff or hullabaloo.  She gets me smiling a lot while I read her stories, and that’s exactly what I look for in a HCR—something that will take me away from the dishes and the laundry for a while.  It’s heavenly!

Hannah Cartwright (another character you become familiar with in the previous book, CALICO CANYON) is sure her little sister will have a terrible future as the new adopted daughter of Grant—a man she just met at the train station.  She will risk everything to save Libby and the rest of the children she hears are in his care.

Hannah is a very sweet and lovable character, I thought.  The story overall, was exceedingly enjoyable. It’s an easy read, with very little heaviness.  Yes, there’s the typical “bad guy” (and “bad lady” too, which is kinda fun!) and it’s sad to learn about how all those orphans lived, but Mary writes in such a way so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the sadness of it and I greatly appreciated that!

Grant (no last name…at least to start…) is really fabulous, too.  He isn’t the larger-than-life or untouchable kind of man, which you will sometimes find in a HCR...not that there's really anything wrong with that--  "I love you, Drew O'Conner!"  Anyway, Grant is real and just plain awesome.  His caring nature was endearing, and I thought his love for Hannah was very romantic!

As for the spiritual message, I thought it was just beautiful!!!  I don't really want to give anything away--just go read it and let me know what you think!!

So out of the three books in this series, I think this one is the best.  An easy read.  I bet you could read this one in a day—if there are no chores or screaming kids occupying your time.  *teehee *  So, considering you most likely have both of those, you could read it in two days.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!  (I've got the trilogy again here, folks.  Look at Mary's site for the individual book.)

Calico Canyon

CALICO CANYON (fun title—it rolls off the tounge…) was a Christy Award finalist and I can totally see why.  The message of this story was very sweet.  Here is another book where I wasn’t sure if I could like it because of the five wild and crazy boys, but (like the little girls in PETTICOAT RANCH) they won my heart and I loved this story.

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

This book follows right after PETTICOAT RANCH and includes the characters from that story quite a bit.  If I thought I was attached to those characters then, I grew to really love them after this book.

Grace Calhoun is the school teacher for Mosqueros, TX and you first meet her in the previous book.  This is her story.  As with PETTICOAT RANCH, this one is filled with dirt (and I mean these people are living on a dirt floor for a while…) and mean, mean bad guys and quite a bit of sadness.  Grace has had a terrible youth (in fact, she is still a youth—she’s only seventeen!  I would have liked her a little older, but that’s just me…) and her past has caught up with her.  But “God is faithful” and protects her by leading her into the life of the very man who just got her fired from her teaching job!  Who would have known that it would have been such a blessing to her?  Well, God did!

Daniel Reeves has five young boys and no wife.  They are surviving well enough, but a cave is a poor excuse for a house.  One fateful night when he returns from town, he finds poor Grace in his wagon, nearly frozen to death.  How in the world did she get there?  (You’ll just have to read to find out!)  He saves her life (so romantic!) and that’s where all the fun and adventure begins!

Daniel is a rough on the outside, but that’s only to protect his sweet and gentle heart.  I really enjoyed his character a lot.  His relationship with Grace is sweet and develops nicely throughout the book.  But I really have to say, I could have actually used a bit more romance here, just as in PETTICOAT RANCH.

Connealy has a great writing style.  It took me a while to get used to it, because it really is quite different from say Gist or Witemeyer.  But I think she really captures people’s one-on-one communications very well, and she will get you smiling a lot as you read.

I’m a’bettin’ your gonna like this’n. *teehee *

Happy Reading!
Buy it!  (If you want Calico Canyon you may be able to get it from Mary's own website...I have a link here for the trilogy from amazon.com, but I can't find the book by itself...just FYI)

Petticoat Ranch

First of all, let me say, I love the covers of these books.  HCRs have such fun covers!  My only pet peeve is that when they show the whole face of the girl and/or guy in the story—as beautiful as that face may be, it messes with my own imagination and I kinda don’t like that!  So the covers of Connealy’s books are perfect for me, because they are artistic and cute, but I don’t have an actual face to see that distorts my own interpretation of what the characters look like.  (My favorite covers of all belong to some Gist books…)  Now, what about the story we’re discussing here?  Oh ya.  It was pretty good, too.  (Understatement!)

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

Petticoat Ranch was truly a great story.  It starts off quickly, and doesn’t stop!  I had a hard time thinking that I could get into a book where there are so many children involved.  I guess I just thought it would take away from the romance.  To be honest there wasn’t as much romance as I would have liked to see, but the characters were all so lovely I didn’t mind so much.

If you are looking for a sweet romance, filled with excitement and laced with gentleness—this is NOT the book for you!  This story takes place in the dirty, dirty west with lots of bad guys and TONS of hardship.  (Mmmmm, I like the west!  Anyone second that?!)

Sophie Edwards is an amazingly strong woman who has had to care for herself and her four young daughters for a very long time.  (You will be so amazed at the things these girls had to do to protect and provide for themselves, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were really some people that actually lived that way…or very close to that way…)

Clay McClellan has been looking for his twin brother for many, many years.  Who would have ever thought he would run into his brother’s family in Texas—and need them to save his life.  Now, Clay was a very likeable guy.  Cute personality and kind to Sophie and the girls, but I have to say I didn’t really care for the way he communicated and handled things with them a lot of the time.  But, he would risk his life for anyone and worked hard for their welfare.

There was good romance and fun kisses, but overall it lacked a bit of the gentleness and sweetness that I enjoy so much in these stories.  Most of the book was very rough and tumble.  I like reading about strong women, but Sophie pushed my limit.

I absolutely loved the message of how the Holy Spirit whispers to us.  It was very inspiring and it made me realize that I need to listen for God’s whisperings in my life on a daily basis.

So, if you are up for an adventure and think you can handle this wild ride, go for it!  I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!