Why does it seem to take
FOREVER
for the third book in a series to release?
Is that my imagination?
But even though all three books release at the same pace, the third one seems to SLOW!!!
But it’s here, next month, but so so soon.
Today I’m giving away a signed copy of Marshaling Her Heart. If I move FAST, the winner will get a copy before it’s released!
This is my wheelhouse. This is my HAPPY PLACE!!!
The Feisty Lady Rancher rides again.
I’ve had a lot of fun with this series. My lady blacksmith, and lady justice of the peace were really interesting and fun and I loved writing them.
I love the research, the fresh take on writing that a new career brings, and finding a character who fits that career is part of what I love about being an author.
But ah, Lady Ranchers. I have to fight every instinct in my body to not make every single heroine in every single book a lady rancher.
For Marshaling Her Heart I didn’t have to fight it. Becky Pruitt is tough and smart and capable and in charge.
And with her tyrant of a pa, who as good as drove her off his ranch…with his ceaseless unkindness, she’s not that interested in a husband and giving up control of the life she’s finally made for herself.
And along comes trouble and there stands her foreman to step right between that trouble and Becky.
Well, she doesn’t need any man’s help…and yet, she finds herself surprised and deeply touched that he’ll take care of her when her pa never would.
Have you got a preference for heroines? Tough, meek, damsels in distress? School marms, whip cracking girl bosses?
Leave a comment about your favorite type of heroine, or even just your favorite heroine in any book, it’s not just about me, right?
Marshaling Her Heart
by Mary Connealy
Coming in October!
Will their lives and romance survive the trouble coming their way?
Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that’s happening on her successful ranch, so an unexpected admission from her foreman, Nate Paxton, comes as quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate–a former U.S. Marshal–believes Becky’s ranch is the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base to hunt them down.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels obligated to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she’s never liked giving up control, of her life or her ranch. If there’s anyone she can trust with her ranch, and her heart, it might be Nate. But the outlaws won’t go away quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.
Welcome | Mary Connealy, author of romantic comedies with cowboys
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Author of Romantic Comedy...with Cowboys including the bestselling Kincaid Brides Series
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I like them to be true ladies, but with a good amount of grit!
I like that, Ami. Well put!
Lizzy Bennet and Jo March are my favorites.
We always come back to Jane Austen…and Little women. Excellent examples.
I like a heroine who has depth and is smart. She is strong but kind, caring, and giving. There is strength in being gentle too.
That is a perfect human being. And what’s the point of fiction if we can’t make characters exactly as we like them!!!???
I like a herione who can take care of herself.
Becky’s doing it well…and now, she’s got a little help.
I like female characters who are not afraid to face challenges, kind and care about others. I also like a bit of humor mixed in. I think Belle Tanner is my favorite of all time. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series. The first two were wonderful.
For all her toughness, I think the key to Belle is that she’s vulnerable. For all the hard lessons of her life, she can’t resist Silas because he touches a part of her that she’s got firmly buried.
Hey Mary! This story is to my liking! I like them tough, strong, independent, sassy, but with some humor! I read a book recently where the heroine had a teasing remark that made me smile! She laughed or grinned at the hero. He was always thrown off when she did that! So, when he made a cutting remark, she stared and then laughed at him. Usually it’s the other way around! It was a pleasant surprise!
Best wishes Mary!
Hi Tracy. One of the things in the Lumber Baron’s Daughters Series that I liked was, always making the heroines grin. They are just so utterly confident that they know best, they’re the smartest, they should be running things……..that if someone criticizes them, all they can do it just smile. Cuz they know best. It’s a trait I enjoyed giving them, then tipping them off balance a few times.
I like a heroine who is tough and smart, but can also rely on a man when needed.
that’s well put, KariJean. I like it.
Strong/tough, but can show vulnerability too, kind/caring, and a sense of humor
I made a definitely effort once to write a heroine who was meek and needed to be taken care of. I forced myself to do it just to explore that type of character. Of course, part of her story was finding her own strength. And a kind man helped her stand strong.
My kind of hero faces her struggles with God by her side. She can be a warrior, but she still depends on God. Has a good sense of humor even facing adversity. My hero isn’t in a book it was my mom and twin sister who are both now with Jesus.
Sharon, I love that you picked your mom and sister. God bless you. It had to be a terrible loss. I like the warrior woman idea. Have I written true warriors?
I like characters that reflect reality. The situation might be hard, but the reaction should feel real.
Hi David. but…this is fiction, not reality…we can’t have too much real can we?????????
I like strong and tough but can also accept help when needed. I love the female justice of the peace roles and ranchers are good too. Just have a strong man next to her who isn’t afraid to let her lead if that’s what needs to happen.
Naomi, well put. In this series, Nell was the one who seemed vulnerable, even weak, with her desire to make pretty dresses, but we peeled back the layer and find a very tough woman under those pink ruffles.
I like a strong woman! my Mom was strong and taught all of us to not let anyone run over us easily!
good for your mom. I hope I taught that to my daughters.
I love feisty heroines!
Honestly, feisty is one of my favorite words. LOL
I like a heroine who’s feisty and tough but able to admit when she needs some help and support. I can’t wait for this book. It has seemed like it’s taking forever! I just finished rereading the first two books last night, as a matter of fact, so the details will be fresh in my mind.
I love a woman who can stand up for herself, but warm and loving to a man who values her for what she is. One can be both without overriding her male love. My husband and I are both strong willed people, but when it comes down to it, I will not fight to the death. After all, he is the man of the house.
Judy, it sounds like you’ve found a good balance.
I’ve had this book on order since book one came out. I might be weird but I buy the whole series and then I read one right after another. Can’t wait.
Marcia, I hate waiting for sequels, too. And I tend to re-read books I enjoyed. I probably do that, too much!!!
I like all your characters!
Thanks, Carolyn!!!
Becky Pruitt is a take charge rancher and a problem solver. I love that about her! Her dad is awful and I hope he gets what he has coming. This series has me so wrapped around its finger! Each book is memorable!
Kathy!!! Hi. Oh, yes, we need to slap Joshua Pruitt down HARD!!!
I like a heroine that is strong when she needs to be and knows how to be humble and accept help when she needs it
Sounds like a good one, Shelia
I like a lady that acts like a lady but won’t bail at the first sign of trouble and will stand her ground.
I’m not sure if wearing a riding skirt and busting broncos is really ladylike, but my heroine is at her heart, an absolute lady who cares about propriety…but that doesn’t stop her from standing her ground!
I like the women to have backbone! One of my favorite books, because I do NOT have just one, is Heather Blanton’s A Distant Heart. And, of course, her whole Defiance series. Her heroines all have grit and determination.
Trudy, I think I write heroines to be like I wish I was, rather than how I am. I’m such a wimp. LOL
Mary, I’m happy dancing for you! Huge congrats. This is going to be another winner. This cover is so fabulous in every way. It sure draws my eye.
I like most of them, but sass and strong are my favorite. They still have to have soft moments, but spunkiness to keep pushing. I can’t wait to read this 3rd book, Mary!
I like a heroine who has a soft but strong character. She is witty and knows how to handle her opponent.
Rough and tough Belle, in The Husband Tree is a remarkable lady! I laughed all the way thru that book! And I’ve read it two or three times! Thanx, Mary, for sharing your sense of humor in your writing!
I’m so excited to read the final book in this trilogy!
I like a heroine that is full of spunk & grit, but also has a soft, vulnerable side that allows her man to protect her. She’s capable, but still needs her man. 🙂
I think the feisty ones are a lot more fun to write. 🙂
I love all your books. They are a blessing. I’ve reviewed them too. God continue to use you.
I like Grace Livingston Hills’ heroines’ who always put the needs of their family before their own needs (taking care of siblings or elderly/sickly parents).
I read a lot of GLH books through the years too, Becky.
Welcome today. I love your books. I really like my heroines to be true to themselves and what they believe. Or at least open to hearing about Jesus. I like them to be honest and open to others around them. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
thanks, Lori!
I like Miranda in Rosanne Bittner’s Outlaw Heart series. She is a very strong woman of the old west that cherishes her husband Jake and family.
I haven’t read that one, Connie. I’m going to look it up.
This might be the hardest question anyone has ever asked me. How do I choose between the Lumber Baron daughters and Nell! But I guess that sums up my favorite heroines! Grit, sass, wit, and charm! I can NOT wait to read the last book! Those little nuggets throughout the other two have KILLED me!
Aw, Lindsey, thank you!
Most will not agree but I would have to say Scarlett O’Hara.
Great character, very complex. Vivian Leigh won an oscar for a reason
Melanie, who was on the surface the opposite of Scarlett, but underneath she exhibited a strength which held everyone together. Always look forward to the release of your next book!
Two great female characters in one book.
I like one who is strong and compassionate, and who is also not afraid to ask for help when needed.
I like a strong women that can take care of herself.
I like heroines who are strong, good people. They may not always be sure of themselves, but when it counts, they come through. She may be a damsel in distress, but not because she is waiting to be rescued. She is dealing with a situation that is just too big for her to handle herself and just needs someone by her side to balance her abilities.
I’m thinking of Belle, Sofie’s daughters , & lately ,the lumber baron’s daughters
Tough, sassy, & soft ladies but strong when needed to be. Love your sense of humor Mary! ( I sometimes listen to your books with my earbuds while traveling, & I laugh out loud! ) ? my hubby looks over at me like ‘what’s so funny ‘? I just grin & say ‘I LOVE Mary’s Books’??
I love how your characters portray their Christian walk in your stories.
I’m eagerly looking forward to Becky’s story!
Ginny
School Marms seem to have a lot of backbone and sass. They’re my favorite. I like just about any lady who remains very feminine but bucks the social norms.
I couldn’t see the email address box before. Had to update as I typed it incorrectly.
I’m reading book one now and totally enjoying it! Mail order brides have a lot of courage to leave everything familiar and move thousands of miles away to marry someone they’ve never met.
I’ve liked all of your characters that you’ve written. I enjoy heroines that have layers and are more than meets the eye once you get to know them.