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 Stinky Surprise for Jake the Snake by Shelly Nicholason

This is a super cute book and I just loved it! I hate to even admit that I had tears in my eyes as I was reading this book!!

Jake the Snake and his brother find out that their mom is going to have a baby. All they can think of is how stinky this baby will be. If having a baby wasn't bad enough, it's going to be a G-I-R-L!! How stinky!! Mom wants to name her what!?! Rose?!? Oh please!!

Jake starts 1st grade and gets to be the Star Student. Shortly thereafter, he gets sick and has to go home, but not before facing Nurse Picadilly. While at home, Grandma shows up and makes everything all better. Until the phone rings and well, I won't say anymore!!

The story in this book is very cute and identifiable with small children who worry about how a new baby will impact their lives. I highly recommend this book for all parents with young children, especially if more children are on the way!

Don't forget to check out the author's guest post from yesterday!