With This Ring? by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most girls dream of that perfect proposal. The one that will sweep them off their feet onto the white horse of their prince so that they might live happily ever after. We all know that the fairytale is mostly just that, a fairytale. Proposals end up being very special to the couple, no matter how many blunders and boo-boos take place. I know my proposal was incredibly unique, even shocking! ;)

In this novella, authors Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagearseach have a unique story to tell. The Husband Maneuver is all about a young girl named Marietta who loves reading the stories of Dead Eye Dan and his adventures. Dan is now a ranch hand on her father's farm. When it's time to take care of business, everyone leaves the ranch except for Dan...or so everyone thought. I loved the storyline in this one!! Karen has a way of writing to keep everyone in suspense right up until the very end!

Her Dearly Unintended is about a young lady named Katie who is watching over the homestead while her parents take care of business. A bad storm pops up and the neighbor boy, Josiah, happens along to help Katie get her livestock back across the bridge to her home. What Katie wasn't planning on was entertaining unexpected guests! I enjoyed the suspense of this one as well!! I don't believe I'd read anything by Regina Jennings before but I will definitely be looking for more of her work.

Runaway Bride is a novella by Mary Connealy. What I love most about Mary's work is that she incorporates characters into each set of novels that she's previously written about. It's like one big family reunion reading her books! Carrie is betrothed to a loathsome man all because her daddy is trying to pay off a gambling debt. She and her brother, Isaac, run away the day before the wedding is to take place. They sure weren't expecting that happened next!

Engaging the Competition is the most light-hearted read in this novella collection. Melissa writes of two young people who are highly competitive and out to best each other. Harrison has a whole new set of challenges when he loses his glasses and has to rely on Charlie for help.

I highly recommend this novella collection of proposals gone awry!! I read this in a short 2 days and it helped to keep my spirit up during a difficult week!

If you've read this, which was your favorite story and why?

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest opinion, which you have received here. Happy Reading! :)



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CFBA: Fired Up by Mary Connealy

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Fired Up

(Bethany House March 1,

by

Mary Connealy


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.


The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.


Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.


The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.


She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy


Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.


Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner--never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.


Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Fired Up, go HERE.


I've been a fan of Mary Connealy for quite some time now. I love her characters and how real they become to me!! This book is no exception! It's an added bonus that it's set in the Civil War area (one of my favorites to read!)! 
I can't help but always get a great laugh out of her characters!! Mary knows how to write an entertaining novel and I look forward to her future ones!! Her covers are also very attractive! Check out Dare on this one!! Hunky doctor looking for love...If I wasn't already married, I'd say sign me up! 

Check this one out today!

CFBA: Swept Away by Mary Connealy

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Swept Away

Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)

by

Mary Connealy


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.


The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.


Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.


The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.


She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!


Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.


Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.


But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

CFBA: Over the Edge by Mary Connealy

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOver The EdgeBethany House (August 1, 2012)byMary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Over The Edge, go HERE.

CFBA: In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  In Too Deep  Bethany House (February 1, 2012)  by  Mary Connealy  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.  

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.


Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Too Deep, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

CFBA: Out of Control by Mary Connealy

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Out Of Control  Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011)  by  Mary Connealy  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK  

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out.


Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Out Of Control, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

Review: Out of Control by Mary Connealy

Out of Control by Mary Connealy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm fairly confident that I've never read a Mary Connealy book before now. I can promise that this won't be the last!!


I'm a lover of historical fiction and this one sure didn't disappoint! Ms. Connealy has a way of weaving a tale that wraps you up so tight. Then, at the moment you least expect it, she unleashes this phenomenal sense of humor!!!


My favorite characters in this book had to be Seth and Audra. No, they are not the main characters but something about each of them drew me to them. They are very much alike, yet so different in many ways. Both have seen worlds of hurt dealt to them and neither seem to know quite how to handle it properly. I'm curious to see how their characters are further developed in future books.


I did enjoy Rafe and Julia's characters as well. Julia reminds me of myself in some ways...bossy and stubborn! Rafe has to be the funniest character of them all though. I was eagerly awaiting with each turn of the page to see what he would think of (or not think of) next. His tactic of shutting Jules up I found more than humerus considering what she thinks of him. Poor Rafe just couldn't catch a break (nor Ethan either for that matter) with Julia thinking them 'stupid ranchers.'


I did come across a word that perplexed me while reading. The word 'troglodyte' is a word for an early version of a caveman. I see how this fits a particular character now! :)


I love how the author incorporated the Andersonville Prison background into this book. I've been intrigued by that for quite some time. I have never visited the site (but plan too...I've passed it before and it's only a couple hours drive for me) but my husband had a part in the movie. While that time period was horrifying, it helps to put a certain character into perspective.


I'm curious to see what happens to these Kincaid boys and "their women" in the next book. I have seen a couple of teasers for [title: In Too Deep] and I'm a bit concerned already!


This book is likely to make you laugh, cry, and empathize with the characters. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Connealy's works!


Thank you to Bethany House for providing a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.


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A Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How willing are you to pick up your cross DAILY and live for the Lord? Annette was willing to do this and then some! Lost in a world of what she thought was a great mission work, Annette soon learns that not everyone who says they are believers really are. Claude and Blanche let her know that pretty quickly.

Annette isn't about to let these two bring her down and ruin her faith. With a tragic situation on hand, Annette finally chooses to escape her current situation and try to better herself.

She's been away from home for six years and Annette is ready to see the ranch and Pa. Several of the townsfolk try to warn her about her ranch and what she may or may not see. Most townsfolk aren't fond of Pa. Little does Annette know, this is yet another cross to pick up and carry.

This book has several tragic starts but has a heartwarming lesson about sticking to the faith and doing what is right. Annette solely leans on the Lord and brings a cowboy to a new found version of life with crosses.

This was my first read by Mary Connealy. I've seen many reviews for her other works and when I saw this on netgalley.com, I couldn't pass it up! I'm so glad that I didn't! She is now on my list of authors to read more of! Coincidentally, I have 3 other books of hers sitting next to me as I write this!

Be sure to check out this great read when it is released on Sept. 1!

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