A Match Made in Texas: Novella Collection

A Match Made In Texas: A Novella Collection

Bethany House, Baker Publishing Group
January 2014
9780764211768

There's a secret matchmaker at work in frontier Texas!

In the small town of Dry Gulch, Texas, a good-hearted busybody just can't keep herself from surreptitiously trying to match up women in dire straits with men of good character she hopes can help them. How is she to know she's also giving each couple a little nudge toward love?

A Cowboy Unmatched
Neill isn't sure who hired him to repair Clara's roof--he only knows Clara desperately needs his help. Can he convince this stubborn widow to let down her guard and take another chance on love?

An Unforeseen Match
Hoping to earn an honest wage on his way to the land rush, Clayton ends up on Grace's doorstep, lured by a classified ad. He may have signed on for more than he expected though--and he may have found the one woman who can keep him from moving on.

No Match for Love
Andrew can't fathom how refined Lucy ended up as the caretaker to his dotty aunt, and somehow her arrival has prompted even more bizarre occurrences around the ranch. When they join forces to unearth the truth, will the attraction between Andrew and Lucy develop into more?

Meeting Her Match
When the tables are turned and a tenderhearted meddler becomes the beneficiary of a matchmaking scheme, her world is turned upside down. As her entire life changes, will she finally be able to tell the banker's son how much she cares for him?

Read an excerpt.
Buy Your Copy: B&N | Amazon | CBD | Baker Book House

My Review:
A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer: I was first introduced to the Archer Brothers in Short-Straw Bride and Stealing the Preacher, so I was very excited to get back to their family in this story. Karen Witemeyer did not disappoint. I love her writing style and the fact that she could condense what could be a novel into a novella without losing quality is amazing. Neill and Clara’s story is swift, sweet, and action packed from beginning to end. It’s a great start to the novella collection!

by Regina Jennings: What a unique story! I’ve not yet read a novel by Regina Jennings, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t disappointed! I wish this was a full length novel because there is so much more the author could have gotten into. Two very vulnerable people meet, overcome what seems insurmountable, and fall in love… all in the space of 100+ pages. The author does a great job, though, of creating such a believable story in such a short space of time. I was very impressed!

No Match for Love by Carol Cox: Even though this is not my favorite story of the collection, I still enjoyed it. The mystery around the ranch was enough to keep me turning page after page. I really think this might have been better as a full length novel, but I do enjoy how the story ended with every wrapped up in a nice, neat bow.

Meeting Her Match by Mary Connealy: This is such a sweet story. Like all of Mary Connealy’s books, I expected witty rapport, love that almost never takes the easy way in coming, and faith that grows throughout the story. I wasn’t disappointed. I just wish it were longer! Mary did an exceptional job of getting the point of the story across without seeming rushed and I know that’s got to be hard to do in a novella!

Overall, I highly enjoyed this sweet collection of novellas. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a quick, romantic read with a good dose of faith mixed in.

Karen Witemeyer

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three...Continue reading about Karen Witemeyer.

Mary Connealy

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,...Continue reading about Mary Connealy.

Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to...Continue reading about Regina Jennings.

Carol Cox

Carol Cox Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and...Continue reading about Carol Cox.

Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

Long Time Gone

Cimarron Legacy, Book 2
Bethany House, Baker Publishing Group
February 2017
9780764211829

Connealy Combines Western Action and Charming Historical Romance

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

Buy Your Copy: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This book LITERALLY picks up where No Way Out ended (therefore, I recommend reading the first book in the series before this one). From the moment Cole is shot, tensions run high. There are a myriad of dangers facing the Boden clan and Connealy had me gripping my seat, hoping to uncover the danger but knowing there’s another book in the series so it won’t end with this one!

In No Way Out we meet confident and rugged Justin Boden who understands running a ranch and remains unshakeable. Long Time Gone shows us another side of Justin. You can immediately sense that his brother’s injury really shook his faith in himself and those around him. The only part of his character that seems unshaken is his protective streak. Enter Angie DuPree! It’s hilarious to me to watch Justin bumble through his “courtship” of Angie and it definitely helped to tone down the seriousness of the story.

Their faith in God, loyalty to their ranch and family, and love for one other shines through every page of the book as we watch Angie and Justin grow together, Cole heal, and the Bodens grow closer together to face the dangers that seem to be surrounding them. From start to finish, Mary Connealy delivers another action packed historical romance that is sure to please everyone!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Blog

The Boden Birthright | No Way Up by Mary Connealy

I’ve always loved Mary Connealy and her stories. They are funny, mysterious, and always provide a nice lesson I need to learn! These two are no exception. I decided to review both The Boden Birthright and No Way Up together since the novella is a precursor to the novel. Sorry for the long post!

The Boden Birthright | The Cimarron Legacy, Book 0.5 | Bethany House | May 2016 | 9781441228789

A lonely father whose grief almost cost him his son
A feisty young frontier’s woman who wants the son and may have to take the city slicker father to get him.
A little boy who needs a home.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THIS NOVELLA BEFORE READING NO WAY UP. Ok, so you don’t have to, but it provides the background story for the parents featured in No Way Up, as we as an explanation as to why the legacy is so important to Chance. It’s a quick read, with Mary’s customary witty banter and I loved it!

Get Your Copy: It’s FREE: B&N | Amazon | CBD

No Way Up | Cimarron Legacy, Book 1 | Bethany House, A Baker Publishing Group | July 2016 | 9780764211812

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately.

Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don’t live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike.

Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath’s desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.

Buy Your Copy: B&N | Amazon | CBD
Read an excerpt.

My Review: What can I even say about this book to make you understand how much I loved it? Mary Connealy takes her books to a whole new level. While the book still provides us with the customary wit and banter we have come to expect in a Connealy novel, there is an underlying seriousness that is, to me, new and exciting.

The interactions between Heath and Boden clan kept me in stitches. He certainly has a brotherly relationship with Justin and Cole! The romance between Sadie and Heath was very well spaced between the mystery surrounding the avalanche and the danger lurking in the shadows.

Overall, the legacy of love and faith Chance and Veronica Boden left their children is beautiful and I hope we see the Boden clan come together over the next few books! I can’t wait to read more!

Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Blog

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

Overview: Saddle Up for a Wildly Fun Ride in Mary Connealy's Latest

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?

ISBN-13: 9780764211805 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 10/06/2015 | Series: Wild at Heart, #3

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I love Mary Connealy. Her books never fail to inspire me, make me laugh, and keep me on the edge of my seat. Fire & Ice is no exception. It's always interesting to me to go back in time to homesteading and the hardships and challenges of it. Mary Connealy always does an excellent job of describing life on the range. You can tell she does an extreme amount of research for her stories. She also does an excellent job of keeping the story engaging and exciting.  From the very beginning, I was caught up in the story of Bailey and Gage.

Bailey is a tough woman who has endured unspeakable horrors of war and came out on top. In a way, I can relate to her fears and sorrows based on her experiences. Gage is your typical Western male, with the exception of his past. I loved that Mary Connealy gave each of these characters such a unique past. Their troubles and heartaches were different from anything I've read before, and I appreciated the story so much more for it. I always love how the author weaves the love story into her plots. She excels at making you aware of the main characters attraction, without detracting from the plot. It developed, almost, without the reader noticing. 

The message of the story centers on trust. I know, after you read the story you might think I'm crazy, but I have a reason for my choice. Bailey lived through unspeakable horrors. Understandably, her fears drive her to a life of isolation. When she decides to give up that isolation by agreeing to Gage's crazy proposal, she is terrified. Her fears drive her to the point where she doesn't trust anyone, including herself. Gage is just the person to help Bailey, in my opinion. His past allows him to reach out to her in a way no one else could. That's God. Near the end of the story, after Bailey opens up to Gage, he makes a bold statement that really struck me: "..What good does it do to torture yourself by wondering what you should have done? It's over. All that's left now is forgiveness. Have you asked God to forgive you?"

"Yes, a thousand times. But the weight is as bad as it ever was.."

"That's not God refusing to forgive you, honey...it's you refusing to forgive yourself. God's done His part; now you have to do yours."

How many times do we withhold forgiveness from ourselves, even after we ask God to forgive us? Doesn't that drive our trust and fears? What a powerful message!

Overall, if you're looking for a "wild ride" of a story, this is the one for you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | My Blog | My Website

Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy

Overview: All aboard for a delightful, suspense-filled romance, where a Texan is torn between his attraction to a meddlesome schoolmarm and the charms of a designing dressmaker. When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, she’s determined to keep him from committing her orphans to hard labor on his ranch. How far will she go to ensure their welfare? Grant is determined to provide a home for the two kids brought in by the orphan train. Can he keep his ragtag family together while steering clear of love and marriage?

ISBN-13: 9781624167263 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 1/1/2014 | Series: LASSOED IN TEXAS, #3

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Gingham Mountain is the third and final book in the Lassoed in Texas series. While it's not as good as the first two, Petticoat Ranch & Calico Canyon, it's still a fun read. The conversations between Hannah and Grant are entertaining. Sparks fly and tempers flair every time these two get together. I wish there was a little more connection between the two characters though. It seems he just fell in love with her all of a sudden. This book deals a lot with bullying and how to deal with a bully as well. The message of the story is about the love and compassion of the Lord, shown in our treatment of widows and orphans. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the World." - James 1:27

Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion to the Lassoed in Texas series and I look forward to enjoying more books by Mary Connealy.

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Overview: Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutches of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?

ISBN-13: 9781624162190 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 7/1/2008 | Series: Lassoed in Texas Series, #2 

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Calico Canyon is another riveting, action-packed, heart-warming romance from Mary Connealy. Grace Calhoun is a prissy schoolmarm trying to escape her past. Daniel Reeves is a rambunctious mountain man with 5 rambunctious children trying to eke out a living in the wild west. When these two come together, sparks fly (LITERALLY). After her hasty exit from the town of Mosqueros, Grace finds herself married to Daniel. The story gets a whole lot more interesting after that! Tempers flare, hats fly, and love abounds in this wildly exciting story. In the midst of it all, Mary Connealy teaches an important lesson: God is faithful, no matter what. "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Overall, I really was swept away in this fast-paced romance. It's a great addition to the Lassoed in Texas series.

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

Overview: Sophie Edwards is doing just fine alone, until a strange-yet oddly familiar-man rides into her life, insisting on rescuing her and her four daughters. Can she find a way to love a headstrong mountain man? When Clay McClellan discovers his brother has been murdered, he's bent on finding the killers and seeing them properly hung. But first his Christian duty demands that he marry his sister-in-law. After all, Sophie needs someone to protect her - right? Faith and love help unruly wed newlyweds find common ground and a chance at love on the Texas frontier.

ISBN-13: 9781620297957 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 4/1/2013 | Series: LASSOED IN TEXAS

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This was probably one of the first Christian Historical Fiction books I ever read, and I've re-read it plenty of times since 2010. Mary Connealy never fails to entertain. Her books are action-packed. Her characters are strong, witty, and stubborn. Her messages are well thought out and integrated seamlessly into the story. I was laughing to the point of tears at the antics of Sophie's daughters and the banter between Clay and Sophie. I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for Clay, Sophie, and the girls to win the fight for the ranch. On a more serious note, the message of the story was clear:  ^"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19) The way in which each character in the story contemplated these words and the Lord resonated with me.

Overall, if you're looking for an action-packed, faith based, laugh out loud story, look no further than Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy. 

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Top Ten Tuesday: Can't Wait for Sequels

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

 Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. 

 

This Week's topic: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

 

 

I really enjoy series that follow a family or group of friends, such as Sabotaged and Now & Forever. It's fun to meet the new family member or friend, while still keeping up with the previous characters. A new favorite kind of series of mine is one that follows the same person throughout the whole series, like Julia Elliston in Price of Privilege, Kate Adams in Desperate Measures, and Mia Quinn in Lethal Beauty. I feel like you can really connect with the character and watch them learn and grow.

1. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey - Alaskan Courage Series
2. Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta - Price of Privilege Series
3. To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander - Belle Meade Plantation Series
4. Now & Forever by Mary Connealy - Wild at Heart Series
5. Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas - Appalachian Blessings Series
6. Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley - Logan Point Series
7. Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard - Port Aster Secrets Series
8. Lethal Beauty by Lis Wiehl - Mia Quinn Series
9. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky - Edwardian Brides Series
10. After a Fashion by Jen Turano - I don't know if this will be a series or not, but I love Jen's writing so I added it anyways :D

 What sequels are you DYING to get your hands on?