Aiming for Love Review-On Tour With Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Aiming for Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 2, 2019

 

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

 David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

 

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

More from Mary

What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory?

What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them?

Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version?

I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas.

Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man.

Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 25

Moments With Mercy, October 25

Bigreadersite , October 25

Emily Yager, October  25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Books, Life, and Christ, October 26

Quiet Workings, October 26

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 27

Stories By Gina, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 27

Older & Smarter?, October 28

Betti Mace, October 28

Wishful Endings, October 28

The Becca Files, October 29

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Mamma Loves Books, October 29

A Baker’s Perspective, October 30

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 30

Britt Reads Fiction, October 30

For The Love of Books, October 30

Hallie Reads, October 31

Connect in Fiction, October 31

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, October 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 1

To Everything There Is A Season, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 1

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Moments, November 2

Simple Harvest Reads, November 2

Batya’s Bits, November 2

She Lives To Read, November 2

EmpowerMoms, November 3

Seasons of Opportunities, November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Blessed & Bookish, November 4

For the Love of Literature, November 4

Through the Fire Blogs, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales , November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

janicesbookreviews, November 6

A Reader’s Brain, November 7

Inklings and notions , November 7

Leona J. Atkinson, November 7

Lukewarm Tea, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY!

My Thoughts

I haven't read a book by Connealy for awhile and the plot of this book caught my interest. I also really like the cover. This story is cute and a predictable easy read. I didn't love the character of Josephine but I really enjoyed the secondary characters. The setting is beautiful of course and the idea behind the plot is fun. Women who live in the high country never having been around people. I think the plot could have been a little bit more developed and that would have given me reason to give this story more stars. I am curious to read the rest of the books in the story to see where she takes all of these characters. If you enjoy quick easy historical novels this could be the book for you! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Accidental Guardian Tour With JustRead Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Accidental Guardian

Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1

Author: Mary Connealy

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance / Western

+To Read: Goodreads 

She's the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR 
will be released later this year in October, 2018!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo courtesy of
Ginger Murray Photography

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

CONNECT WITH MARY: website,  facebook,  twitter,  instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win: 

• The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
• The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)

(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For the full tour schedule for more giveaway entries, head to JustRead's Launch Page HERE (or click on the Tour Banner below).

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

My Thoughts

I have read multiple books by Mary Connealy and I was thrilled to see the covers of this new series. These are by far the best covers for her books so far and I hope the publisher continues in that direction! While this book was very predictable there were some great characters that really pulled the story together. The start of the book starts with a bang and I really liked Trace. It is always fun to see some kids in a story and also a situation when people are thrown together and have to figure out how to survive together. I look forward to the next book in the series! 

"Thanks to Bethany House and Just Read Tours for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own."

Fire & Ice Review

About the Book

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Once again Mary writes a witty comedy set in the old west. This one has a unique twist in the fact that Bailey is thought to be a man and is indeed a woman. There is silly banter between characters and of course and end goal that they both want. While being humorous, it's so very predictable and thus didn't intrigue me as much. I enjoy Mary's writing but at times the plots seem all the same and predictable. I wish I could say better but I did love the setting and that previous characters were included from the other books.

For a very light read you will enjoy.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

Tried and True Book Review

via

About the Book

Kylie Wilde fought in the Civil War dressed as a boy---and now she's homesteading as a man! When somebody tries to burn her property, land agent Aaron Masterson inspects her claim---and realizes she's a woman. Will he keep her secret? And when the attacks continue, will she marry him just so she won't have to be alone anymore?  (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read many of Mary Connealy's books and she has a distinct way of writing in my opinion. This book is very similar to her other books with it's characters and humor.

 This book is a romance with a western flair and touch of humor. I love the front and back cover of this book, the colors are so pretty! I also like the idea about Kylie having fought in the Civil War as a soldier because it really did happen. I think this part of the story line could have been written better and I was a bit disappointed. I don't think Kylie's reaction to things or how she handles life is very realistic from someone who went to war. Her story is somewhat believable but the story line with the rest of the book was rather disappointing. Kylie's character drove me nuts, but I really liked Aaron. The romance was rushed (even considering the circumstances) but the side story of the sisters I really enjoyed. I think I will like the following books more so because I like the sister's characters more than Kylie.

This is not a bad book but I think it could have been better.

If you are looking for a light western romance you will enjoy this book!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Don't miss the first book in Mary Connealy's Wild at Heart series. In Tried & True, Mary is back with her signature humor and heartfelt story-telling.

Mary's celebrating by connecting with readers during a live webcast event and giving away a Kindle HDX.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Tried & True by Mary Connealy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 23rd. Winner will be announced at the Tried & True LIVE webcast event on September 23rd. Connect with Mary for an evening of swoon-worthy book chat, fun trivia, laughter, a sneak peek at the next book in the Wild at Heart series, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Tried & True and join Mary and friends on the evening of September 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Four Weddings and a Kiss Book Review

via

About the Book

In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they've seen God bring together.

“Spitfire Sweetheart” by Mary Connealy

Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

“Love Letter to the Editor” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He’s resolved to change Molly's mind about him—as an editor and as a man.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Thad Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Thad change Katie’s mind?

“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive—or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case—until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace. (Goodreads)

My Review

In Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy I liked the male character more so than Maizy. The story was cute and rather humorous. The only thing I didn't like is the beginning of the book when the two meet unexpectedly. There is a grizzly bear involved and I found that to be rather silly for the location but it did add humor.

In Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher I loved it all! The storyline, the setting ( I love reading about newspapers and working on one) and the characters. There was a bit of mystery within the two main characters and a bit of humor. It was well written and out of all the stories this one was my favorite.

“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley reminded me a lot of a Dr. Quinn episode of trying to figure out who is guilty. The mystery continues but I wasn't really on the edge of my seat. I felt like I had read this before but it was an alright story.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton was a really cute story about a strong woman who needs some help. I liked how it was written and the characters were fun to read. While this story is not new I thought the author brought her own uniqueness to characters.

This set of books is really one of the best I've read.
 If you like this type of book Four Weddings and a Kiss is a must read.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don't miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.

The authors are celebrating with a "Sweet on Love" iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin' Facebook party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!

So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Fired Up Book Review

Picture Credit

About the Book

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?(Goodreads)

My Review

Fired Up is the second book in the Trouble in Texas Series by Mary Connealy. You do not have to read the first book in the series to understand what is going on but it does give a background into the other characters and Glynna's past.

I think the first book is much better than this one.There is some old west adventure and romance but for me the story drug on for awhile. I couldn't really relate to the characters, it's very predictable, but Connealy does include her humor. The author does do a good job of putting the reader where the characters are, such as riding on the trail or helping the wounded.

For a humorous old western romance read, you will enjoy this. For those looking for a deeper story line, you probably won't enjoy this book as much.  

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Mary Connealy is back with the second book, Fired Up, in her Trouble in Texas series, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD
• Swept Away  and Fired Up by Mary Connealy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th. Winner will be announced at the "Fired Up" Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Swept Away Book Review

Picture Credit

Swept Away by Mary Connealy is the first book in the Trouble in Texas Series. 

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.
His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love. (Goodreads)

I loved this book. I got right into the story as the first few chapters were packed with adventure! The rest of the book seemed non-stop, so many things were happening throughout the book that it kept my interest peaked. I love the characters and the setting and the sweet romance, though that was not the main story line. Ruthy is a delight and her banters with Luke are amusing to read. There are bad guys and good guys and a lot of plotting on how to take the bad guys down. Honestly, I rather liked the secondary characters almost more than the main ones, Glynna and her children have quite a life to write about. I discovered that Glynna is the main character in the second book so I eagerly await it's arrival in the fall!

Highly recommend this book, I give it five stars for sure.

 Stop by Mary's Website to learn more about her and all of her books.

"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for and honest review".

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!