A Bride in Store

Ladies, "countrywomen" from around the world, lend me your ears....

K, seriously, Melissa Jagears does not disappoint with A BRIDE IN STORE! You will love this one!!


Book Rating: Up All Night'er

I've been looking forward to this novel for a long time! I Luh-HUVED (that's "loved" with emphasis, by the way) the first book and couldn't wait for this one!!

Such a fun and unique plot! I was enthralled from the beginning. Excellent characters, fun twists (like, I mean, REALLY fun twists... I've never seen this done before!) and beautiful Christian messages throughout. Melissa has such an easy writing style and includes great bits of subtle humor that will have you smiling from beginning to end.

Mail-order-bride, Eliza Cantrell (I love how close that name is to Eliza Campbell, from So Fair a Lady!!!) is arriving to town a few weeks early, but things turn foul when her dowry is stolen and her husband-to-be isn't even in town!! Eliza is a very delightful heroine--strong, but not annoying... gentle, but not weak.

The hero, William Stanton is caring for Eliza's almost-husband's business while he's away, even though he'd much rather be doctoring. (Isn't there just something extremely attractive about a young, handsome doctor-type? Yeah, you know what I'm talkin' about.)

Sparks fly instantly but with Eliza ready to marry any day, they both believe nothing can ever come of what they feel for each other.

Oh man, I was SO surprised with so much in this book and I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!!! Well written, well thought-out and just a wonderful, inspiring read.

Congratulations, Melissa!!! Can't wait for book three!!!

ANNNNNNND.... wait for it.... Melissa is doing a giveaway!! To be entered, make sure you follow this blog and/or this blog's FB page and leave your email addy!!! I'll be picking a name in two weeks!!

Happy Reading!
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No Place for a Lady

I was very excited to start this book thanks to a recommendation by my very dear HCR friend, Candy!! Candy has great taste and we have very similar "likes" in books, so I knew I would enjoy this one--and I did!!

Overall, I'm a big Maggie Brendan fan. I've read several of her books, though not all. This particular novel was intriguing enough, but I picked up on a few writerly things that made the story less fabulous than it might have been otherwise . . .

Allow me to explain.

Book Rating: Somewhere between Up All Night'er and Here a little, there a little

Maybe being a writer taints me as a reader, I don't know. But when I started this book I noticed right away a few things that turned me away from the story no matter how engaging it was. I won't spend much time on those things, but let it suffice that I found the actual writing passive and telling a lot of the time which pulled me out of the story.

The basic plot--girl with no family goes to a Colorado ranch and ends up needing to run the place. Honestly, even though there are almost too many of these plots to count, I still like them! There's great conflict, and just so many fabulous opportunities for romance, don't you think? *grin* The premise and setting were intriguing enough to keep me interested, but honestly it was the characters that I found less so . . .

The heroine, Crystal, didn't really come alive to me. I didn't get to know her and "feel" her emotions and struggles as I would have liked, but I think that might have been due to the writing style. Again, this is just my opinion. As for the hero, it's hard not to fall for a cowboy--am I right?! In this case, Luke is pretty great. However, even though their relationship just didn't have to spark I was looking for. But again, that might have been due to the writing style--or maybe it's just an Amber thing.

There were some really great scenes that I don't think I've ever really seen in another book--won't say what they are cuz I don't want to give it away . . . but in that repsect, I found it a very enjoyable read.

Thank you, Cathy for this fabulous recommendation! And please, if any of you ever have a recommendation please let me know--I'm always excited to learn about new books!

Happy Reading!
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A Match Made in Texas

To novella, or not to novella, that is the question.

Hopefully, I have the answer.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

OK. I've read several novellas now and I'm developing quite a strong opinion about them. *oh dear* But before I divulge that, let me talk about this particular collection as a whole.

It's nice to see these authors that we love getting together to write shorter stories with a similar theme. I thought that was fun. I enjoyed seeing Neill, especially, since I'm always a HUGE fan of Karen's. The plots of the various novellas were enjoyable with varying degrees of excitement and drama, and it was a very easy read.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely....
Will you be sorry you bought it? No way....

*do you sense a "but" coming?*

But (there it is!) for me, these stories didn't feel natural--or they didn't feel like they flowed naturally out of the authors brains like a lot of the novels we read. For me--and this might just be me--I sensed the publisher in the background saying something like, "Hey, we've got an idea for a novella collection we want you to be a part of and we want to do it this way." Do you know what I mean? Maybe I'm just being way too picky. This is the real reason why I've shied away from these collections in the first place, and now my fears are realized. THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. There are tons of raving reviews about these types of collections, so obviously there's a real market for them. For me it's a no-go.

Now, as for my overall opinion of novellas generally.... I'm not a fan. They are delightful little stories, but that's it. They don't stick with me, they don't have meat. In fact, sometimes I read them and think, "Shoot! Why didn't they make this into a full novel, it would have been great!" And I just end up feeling jipped. Has that ever happened to you?

In the end, yes, this book does deserve my second highest rating, but that's all. And will I be tempted to pick up any more novellas or novella collections? I don't think so. *frown*

If you read this, let me know what you think and if you LOVE novellas, tell me why!

*Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

Happy Reading!
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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!
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Safe in His Arms

Oh man, if you've had a baby and experienced any cravings--you're gonna relate. I had a craving SO strong the other day (and no, I'm not preggo right now...) I could feel it in my bones--couldn't rest, couldn't focus until I got what I needed!

No, I wasn't craving a juicy hamburger like I usually do.

I was craving a COWBOY ROMANCE!! And this book was just what I needed.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

SAFE IN HIS ARMS was pure cowboy heaven. Man, there's nothin' like getting caught up in the dust of the cattle as they stampede, and feeling the baking sun on your back. Am I right?! This book had it all, and even though I felt much better after listening to my craving, it reminded me why I always go back to westerns.

Margaret O'Brien doesn't feel pretty, and doesn't even really feel loved--by God or by anyone else. Until she meets Daniel Cutler and all of that begins to change. (This is where you sigh dreamily, cuz seriously, I thought Daniel was pretty darn dreamy.) I truly enjoyed Margaret's journey, and her ultimate acceptance of Christ's love. What a beautiful message!

The action and romance is just delightful with enough kisses to keep even me satisfied! Always clean and always exciting, this story will keep you turning pages that's for sure--from a stampeded, to a tornado, to a bank robbery...things keep happening and there's no time for you to get bored.

Margaret is already suspicious of Daniel when her father hires him to help on the ranch, but when she overhears him talking about a bank robbery, she is even MORE worried. But how can Daniel be following a life of crime when he talks so openly about his faith in God? Their attraction starts from page one...ok maybe more like page three, I don't know...but anyway, its right from the start. No doubt, this is a fun book.

If you are having the same kind of craving, please let me help! Git yerself a copy 'o this 'ol--I mean new--book, and you'll be feeling better to. I promise.

Happy Reading!
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A Love Forbidden

This lovely historical romance features a devoted leading lady and a leading man who doesn’t know where he belongs in the world. It works, despite the minor set-backs.

Book Rating: Up All Night’er

I love series stories! I easily get attached to characters and I always like reading more about then in subsequent books. The leading lady in this book is introduced briefly in the previous story A HEART DIVIDED.

Shiloh is a sweet, devoted girl who fell in love a boy who worked at her father’s ranch many years ago. He made such an impression on her that she never forgot him. Many years later when their paths cross again she is thrilled at the chance to have a friendship with him. He however, is not.

Jesse doesn’t like the memories of his life with the white people, and is afraid of all the buried emotions that Shiloh will likely surface in him. But he can't deny he's attracted to her.

I struggled with liking Jesse. He was only partly nice to Shiloh I thought—so bogged down with his past that he couldn’t even really let himself acknowledge that he loved her. He would say and do things that were meant to push her away, and sometimes I kept thinking, “Girl, get over him! He is SO not worth it!”

In the end, I tolerated him well enough. But I thought he could have been made into a much more likable leading man.

There were a few good rescue scenes that I enjoyed, but honestly the romance didn’t do much for me in this one.

Like in the book before, this one had a great Christian element.

I do recommend this, even thought it wasn’t one of my fav's.

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A Heart Divided

This is my first Kathleen Morgan book…I’ll be comin’ back for more!

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

A feuding family story—gotta love those!  Two young lovers get caught in the crossfire of their families anger and have to overcome their differences in order to prove to one another that their love is more important than anything between their families. (Wow, that was a mouthful…)

Awww! So romantic!

Sarah Caldwell is being forced by her father to take part in a robbery! And even though she wants nothing to do with it, she goes along for the sake of her ailing brother.

Cord Wainwright can’t believe that the Caldwell’s have robbed them again! And when he realizes that the little blonde beauty had a hand in things he is even more surprised.


However, both of them are even more shocked when their feelings for each other begin to bloom into a strong love. But can they overcome it all and help heal their broken families?

This leading lady is very likable, I thought.  She is fairly young and naive at times, but it didn't bother me too much. Cord is a great leading man--strong, wise and perfectly flawed. *wink*

This is a fabulous evening or weekend read. Some novels are like a yummy, heavy meal—they stay with you for a long time. Others novels…are more like orange juice. This one is somewhere in the middle—delicious romance and fun characters, but maybe nothing you will come back to and read over and over.

I have a good feeling you will like this one.

Happy Reading!
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When Love Blooms

Every book has a twin, right?

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

WHEN LOVE BLOOMS is strikingly similar to HEART OF GOLD. I mean, so incredibly striking they could almost be twins…that is, with a few minor discrepancies.

This tender love story about Gavin Blake and Emily Harris is so sweet and…

Irrrrrrrrrk (tires screeching…)  wait, what?

"Did you say Gavin is MARRIED for HALF of the book?!"  Yes, you heard me right. The leading man is married to someone else for a major portion of the book.

Take a moment to digest that.

It took me by serious surprise as well, and made liking the book somewhat difficult. Of course, being that it’s a Christian story, one need never worry about anything untoward happening, but still. Having the leading man and leading lady begin a relationship when one of them was married did not sit well with me. Again, nothing bad happens. Keep in mind, Gavin's wife actually wanted them to eventually have a relationship, seeing as she was close to dying and wanted her children to be raised in a happy home. Gavin and Dru were not really in love...never had been. So, if you are curious...you'll want to read it.

When Dru died, the romantic tension between Gavin and Emily got pretty good and stayed very strong until the end. But, I just couldn’t get over that whole married thing. It was too weird for me.

There’s a great faith thread throughout the story, as with all of Hatcher’s novels, so you will be uplifted by that, for sure.

If you read it, please let me know what you think. I always love to hear what other readers have to say!

Happy Reading!
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Rugged and Relentless

It’s hard for me to write reviews about books I don’t care for.  I want to be honest and give my true opinion, but I fear appearing harsh or unkind.  That being said, this latest book was really tough for me to get through.  So, here’s my honest review…*long sigh*

Book Rating: Meh…

I reserve my lowest rating for books that I will never read again.  DISCLAIMER:  There is nothing morally wrong in this book—in fact it has a great Christian element to it.  It was simply the story and writing style that was so unappealing to me.

This was my first book by Kelly Eileen Hake, and I’m not sure I will be able to read any more of hers if they are all like this.  There was something about her style that I simply could not get used to!  First off, there were gobs of characters, which made it difficult for me to follow—and also made it difficult for me to get attached to the hero and heroine who were supposed to be the “main” characters!  I felt like I had to spend too much time reading about other people.  Now, keep in mind this is the first book in a series, so I can understand that the author wanted you to become familiar with the other characters of the other books, but still—it was too much for me.

My next little-bitty beef was, the fact that I felt that there was so little romance.  Romance!!  Where was it?!  It was sprinkled in here and there, and then it picked up a bit at the end, but I still felt like, “That was it?!”

A story should grab you in at least the first few pages.  The characters should be so real you feel like you know them through and through.  I got none of that with RUGGED AND RELENTLESS.

Again, this is just my take on things…I always suggest you read it for yourself and come to your own conclusions.  But as for me, I won’t be reading this again.

Also, sorry, I won’t be giving a synopsis of the book here.  But I will give you what's on the back of the book:  “WANTED: 3 God-fearing men…object: marriage and joint ownership of sawmill.”  Sounds interesting doesn't it?  I know!  That's why I read it!

If you read it, please let me know what you think and tell me if I’m just way off-base here.



Happy Reading!
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Wagered Heart

Wow.  This book was a breath of fresh air.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

You can call me simple-minded all you want.  I’m totally OK with it.  I love books that are fun, chock-full of romantic tension and easy to get through in a few days.  That’s what I call a perfect recipe for an Amber-friendly HCR.  This book fit the bill!

I was hooked from the get-go and had a hard time putting it down.  Hatcher’s characters really come to life to me—and they come to life very fast, so I enjoy them all the way through the book.  That’s one of the main reasons I enjoy her stories so much.

WAGERED HEART was so dang cute.  So dang cute!!

Bethany Silverton makes a wager with her friend Ingrid—betting she can get a certain handsome cowboy to come to church.  But Bethany never expected to fall head-over-heals in love with him.

Hawk Chandler knows women are just trouble and will judge him about his heritage.  He tries to stay away from them as much as possible, but Bethany is making that impossible.    Try as he might, he can’t control his run-away feelings for her.

As much as I loved it, I must admit, this is one of those stories where I found myself shaking my book and yelling at the characters, “Communicate, you fools!  Communicate!”  All of their problems could have been easily resolved by simply telling one another how they felt.  But no.  They kept it all inside and made themselves completely miserable for almost the entire book.  *teehee *  But, that’s what makes it so stinkin’good!

Again, you could most likely finish this book in a day or two—even with several children and a husband vying for your attention at every spare moment.  I’m talking from experience, here.  *wink *

Happy Reading!
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Lady Outlaw

I’m a big-time Love Inspired Historical fan.  Any other LIH’ers out there?  Yay!!

Say it with me, “L-I-H!  L-I-H!  L-I-H!”  *teehee *

I’m going to start writing more reviews on these books and will have an entire link set aside for them, because let me tell you, there are TONS of them!  And that’s wonderful news for HCR people like us because we will never run out of super-duper awesome books to read.

My latest LIH “read” comes from a new author--and friend of mine, I might add!--Stacy Henrie, entitled: LADY OUTLAW.  Catchy, right?  You know you want to read it already! 

Side note here…I will be featuring Stacy and another awesome new author (who I will name later!) in October!!

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

I want to say something really quickly about LIH books in general.  All the ones I have read were thoroughly enjoyable.  But, you might find, like I did, that some of them can be a teensy-weensy bit cheesy at times, with a helping of melodrama on the side.  *teehee *  Not every single LIH is like that, but I have read a few…just FYI.  So if you want to avoid that kind of thing, you will want to make sure and read my reviews--I’ll let you know if there’s any of that in there.  I'm not usually bothered by it, but I have been known to roll my eyes a time or two.

LADY OUTLAW however, was not cheesy in the least.  I had a great time with this story.  And, cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die, it’s my favorite LIH to date. 

Jennie Jones will do anything to save her ranch—even if she has to *gulp * rob stage bandits!  She’s beautiful, kind and determined not to let anything stand in her way.  But her dashing new ranch hand Caleb Johnson is making her question her plans for the future.

Both main characters are very real and very lovable.  They are together a lot throughout the book too, which is a bonus.  That just equals more romance of course!!  (That’s typical of all LIH’s which is one of the reasons I like them so much.)  Their growth and development through the story was wonderful.  Also, I was kind of surprised by a few things in the end.  Fun!

The Christian element of the story was excellent.  I thought Stacy touched on issues that you don't see all too often in these stories, and I really appreciated that.  It's sweet and inspiring.

You will want to pre-order this’n!  Congratulations, Stacy on a wonderful story!

Happy Reading!

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Fit to be Tied

I was in the mood for something light and fun.  So, I picked up FIT TO BE TIED by Robin Lee Hatcher.  I’m never disappointed in her books.  They aren’t one’s that I would pick up and read over and over, but they are fun, entertaining and uplifting stories.

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

I easily finished this book in a day.  There’s nothing huge, nothing shattering that happens in the story—it’s just a simple tale of one girl’s “real life” emotions and experiences as she falls in love.

Cleo Arlington is happier in jeans and a cowboy hat, riding one horse while wrangling another, than she is wearing a nice dress and sitting in a fancy parlor.  She has a strong desire to marry and have children, but she’s afraid that maybe she’s lost her chance.

English aristocrat Sherwood Statham still suffers from the war—emotionally and physically.  He has been attempting to drown his horrors in drinks and women, but his exploits have gone too far this time and his father is sending him to American for a year.

These two characters are a very unlikely pair.  Their growth and development through the book was nice and the supporting characters are also very likable.  The romance was good as well, but I actually wasn’t very convinced that these two were well matched!  I had a hard time seeing what was so interesting about the other person and why they would be attracted—especially since they were SO different from one another.

Also, I tried, but I couldn’t like Sherwood.  There was nothing endearing about him, in my opinion.  If you are looking for a book with a dashing leading-man that leaves you drooling at the end, this one isn’t it.  Also, Cleo isn’t your regular leading lady…she may be a disappointment to you if you need a real damsel-in-distress kind of thing (which I usually go for!) where the lady is beautiful and needs to be rescued, etc.

All of that being said, I do think it’s a nice little read when you need something fast and fun.  So if you haven’t read it yet, give it a shot and let me know what you think!

(PS:  This book is the #2 book in The Sisters of Bethlehem Series...you don't have to read them in order...they are fine to read on their own.)

Happy Reading!
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A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls!  Step right up, and be prepared to feast your minds on one of the most delightful new novels of the year!  And one of the most delightful I’ve ever read.  A BRIDE OPENS SHOP, welcome to my top ten!

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

This book won some raving reviews from many authors that I love and admire.  Folks, I am very pleased to tell you that I  whole-heartedly add my own enthusiasm and praise!

My copy of the book arrived in the mail last week—just before I had to prep for and attend a family reunion.  Talk about torture!  *teehee *  I started it--and loved it, but wasn't able to pick it up again until today!  Once I did, I couldn’t put it down.

Elenora Watkins and her daughter Tildy are on their way to be part of a partnership of a mercantile in El Dorado, California.  But when Miles Rutledge finds out his new partner is actually a woman, he rescinds on his original offer.  (He doesn’t realize that was the biggest mistake he’s ever made!)  But, Elenora won’t be stopped.  So, she opens her own shop across the street!  That is where all the fun begins, my friends!

The characters are pure delight, and the story was the perfect balance of excitement and romance.  No “cheese” here, people.  I loved it all!  The way their relationship develops is just what a reader wants—not too fast and not too slow.  Both the leading man and the leading lady are lovable and you see their growth as individual people as well as the growth of their love.  Bravo, Keli!!

Let me say a few words about Miles.  Holy guacamole, ladies!  So dreamy!  He is definitely up there with my top ten guys as well.  Tough, yet gentle.  Rugged and romantic!  Swoon!!  I think I’m going to ask my husband to grow a mustache.  “Oh, Robby dear….?”

You can tell that Keli did her research for everything that went into this story.  It’s beautifully descriptive, and you feel full and satisfied after reading.  You’re gonna wanna go back and read it again though, I promise.

Congratulations, Keli!  I can’t wait until your next book!

Happy Reading!
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Chasing the Sun

I read my first Tracie Peterson book over the weekend: CHASING THE SUN.  It’s the first book in what I believe is a three book series…the last book isn’t out yet.

Book Rating:  Up All Night'er

A fun book with a good beginning to a series! I love series books because you get to know the characters and see them for longer than just 300 pages. *giggle*

Hannah Dandridge is under a great deal of stress caring for her younger siblings, while trying to run a Texas Ranch, all with just having learned that her father has been taken prisoner.  (This takes place during the Civil War…)  A wounded soldier returns to claim his ranch—and finds that it’s been given to Hannah and her family—will he be able to turn them out of his home once his land is returned to him, or is his growing love for this Southern Belle making it too hard to let her go?

This story was fun, but I just wish there could have been more romance. Then again, as you know I'm a romance junkie. LOL Not to say there isn't romance in the story--there is, but I could always go with another kiss or two thrown in there. *wink*

The Christian element was VERY good, which is this book's shining star.  So, if you wanna give it a shot, I say—go for it!  And then tell me what you thought!

Happy Reading!
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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!

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Captive Heart

Aw, yes.  Now here is a story that is pure HCR heaven.  I will be readin’ this little ‘ol novel again, no doubt!

Book Rating:  Up All Night'er

This lovely book begins with a bang!  A train robbery has Emmalyne Madsen shaking with fear.  The robbers are taking women off the train to who-knows-where and for who-knows-what!  And to her utter despair and fear, one of the robbers takes her as well!

Thayne Kendrich desperately needs a teacher for his son, and he will do anything to get just the right one—even if it involves kidnapping!  Who would have known that God had his hand in all of this from the very beginning?!

I love these two characters!  They will capture you immediately.  I was thrilled that much of the first half focuses solely on them!  It gives you a chance to really get acquainted with who they are and see their relationship develop.  I’ve read a lot of books recently with gobs of characters in them, and I found it very refreshing to have relatively few in this one.

There is a lot that happens throughout this book—lots of rescues, and lots of drama.  I loved it all!  Thayne is completely dreamy.  If you don’t fall in love with him, I will be surprised!

The twist near the end was intriguing and the climax is very exciting!  As for the spiritual elements of the story, there really isn’t very much.  I would have liked to see more of it throughout, but the bit that was there I thought was well integrated.

Overall, this story is loads of fun.  It's a great read for the weekend when you need a good pick-me-up.  I highly recommend!!

Happy Reading!
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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!