The Winner
of an ebook copy of
is
Kathy Rader
Kathy, I will contact you to confirm your email address and get the book sent to you.
Mary Connealy
Montana Rose–coming soon–and a giveaway
We are on to book four in this NINE BOOK SERIES!
These books are formerly published and out of print, so I’m giving them a new life with the help of Wild Heart Books.
But only six covers so far. I can’t wait for the rest!!!
This month the book re-releasing is………..
Montana Rose is one of the first books I ever wrote. Not first by any means but before any of the other five books that are included in that lineup.
To make it into a series I had to rewrite it, along with The Husband Tree…which I wrote a bit later…move Montana Rose to Montana…or did I move the Husband Tree to Montana? And I know it was The Husband Tree that I had to date a lot later to match up with the time of The Husband Tree and, if you’re reading Montana Rose, you’ll see that Belle Tanner, the heroine of The Husband Tree is in the book, as is Tom Linscott…neither of these people were originally in Montana Rose. There might have been a passing mention of the name Tom Linscott as a cranky neighbor who would bid to buy the land that is being seized by the bank near the beginning of the book.
He never appears on the page. He never had a line of spoken dialogue and, in my imagination, he was an old codger. Now he’s a handsome young cranky neighbor bound of a love story of his own.
All of this changed when I threw my back (okay, my fingers!) into making these books a series. Adding in Wildflower Bride well, that was the first original book I wrote after I became published.
Montana Rose was written as my effort to re-create Love Comes Softly. If you’re familiar with it, it is the beginning of Christian Publishers buying and publishing fiction. It was all non-fiction before Love Comes Softly. It’s a beautiful story, classic and widely known. Also at this point in my writing, I’d been creating female characters that were tough, feisty lady ranchers. I wanted to try and grow as an author, test my skills. Can I create a true damsel in distress…and in the truest, old fashioned sense of the word.
Cassie is meek. She’s been mistreated by her first husband, a much older man who, after Cassie’s mother’s death, tended the vast wealth Cassie inherited. Well, he married her and took her west, spent her whole fortune, got her pregnant and died. Leaving her penniless, alone, used to taking orders and convinced she’s stupid and childish and someone needs to tell her every decision to make.
There, on the freshly turned grave of her husband….
…………..Here’s the thing. I like to think of Montana Rose as Love Comes Softly … Only with Mayhem and Gunfire.
I suggested to my publisher we call it that. Or maybe Love Comes Hardly. Or Love Comes Loudly.
I felt like that captured the spirit of the book. In their usual wisdom, they picked a title of their own.
Montana Rose, coming June 23. That’s next Tuesday. Available now for preorder, along with The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride.
Have you read Love Comes Softly? It was a movie on The Hallmark Channel…the author Janette Oke, absolutely beloved, has had many many books made into movies, six in the Love Comes Softly series alone. In some ways they really launched The Hallmark Channel and those movies run and rerun to this day.
So my humble attempt to capture that beautiful pregnant woman, grieving from her husband’s death on a wagon train, in terrible need, her forced marriage of convenience to a near stranger, and how those two learned to trust. And how Cassie learns to risk her heart again.
With me as the author, it fell into chaos of course, lots of shooting and such. But I love it just the same.
Have you read Love Comes Softly? Have you seen the movie? To get your name in the drawing for an ebook copy of Montana Rose, let me know in the comments. Then, if you dare!!! Risk the mayhem of Montana Rose.
A poignant Western romance about second chances, redemption, and the healing power of faith—a moving tale of a heartbroken young widow, a compassionate rancher, and the love that helps them both find their way home.
When Cassie Griffin’s abusive husband dies, leaving her pregnant and destitute, she’s forced to marry a stranger to survive. Red Dawson, a hardworking rancher and part-time preacher, steps forward to save her from a worse fate. Though Red fears marrying a non-believer goes against his principles, he can’t stand by and watch Cassie be claimed by the ruthless Sawyer clan.
Living in Red’s rustic cave home is a far cry from Cassie’s former life of luxury. But as she learns to work alongside him, she discovers strength she never knew she possessed. Red’s gentle patience and unwavering faith begin to crack the protective shell she’s built around her heart. When a dangerous enemy threatens their newfound happiness, Cassie and Red must trust in God’s plan—and each other—to survive.
Can a marriage of convenience bloom into true love? And can a woman who’s known only submission find the courage to stand tall? A tender story of healing, hope and the transformative power of unconditional love.
Mary Connealy’s Winner!
The winner of an ebook copy of
is
Minna Puustinen
Minna, I will confirm your email with you so be on the lookout!
Gingham Mountain releases next Tuesday—and a giveaway
Wow, this re-release schedule is HECTIC.
Gingham Mountain is book three in what will be a NINE book series called
PETTICOATS AND COWBOYS
(I love that because it sounds so much like Petticoats and Pistols!!!)
Right now it’s listed as book 3 out of 6, but three more are coming.
I always consider this book the story of my own life growing up. The tiny house…full of kids. All outside playing really year round…yep, it’s Nebraska. COLD in the winter. HOT in the summer.
But honestly our heater was pathetic and the air conditioning…well, I’m not sure air conditioning had been invented yet. Least ways there wasn’t much of it around my house.
So outside was actually cooler than inside in the summer. And it wasn’t that much warmer in the winter. Plus my mom’s solution to about 90% of discipline problems was GO OUTSIDE!!!
None of us are in jail (I’m reasonably sure none of us even is on the run from the law)
So I’m claiming that as a good discipline tool.
There were EIGHT OF US. In a TWO BEDROOM FARM HOUSE. Well, later it was a three bedroom farmhouse. So I exaggerate!
It was the baby boom. These things happened. Our neighbors across the road built a four bedroom house for their seven kids and man, was that fancy.
Anyway.
So Grant stacking kids in his ramshackle house was the absolute truth. I knew it could be done.
And Hannah, such a little pill. Driving Grant CRAZY trying to save the orphans he kept adopting. Her heart was in the exact right place. And Grant would have handled it better if she didn’t make his heart skip a beat every time he saw her. And if he didn’t end up kissing her a few times which was absolutely NOT his plan.
I love this book. It is, I believe, the bestselling book of all I’ve written, which is weird. I just figured that whole three book series just built and built and built. Until BAM Gingham Mountain.
What did you do back then that is absolutely NOT allowed today? My city grandkids can NOT be told to get out of the house. It’s DANGEROUS OUT THERE. Hah, as if we didn’t flirt with death all day every day climbing around the rafters of buildings and wandering into yard with killer bulls.
Leave a comment about your own childhood to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of Gingham Mountain. It’s available now for pre-order but it’s coming SOON!!!
A devoted bachelor rancher, a determined schoolteacher, and the orphaned children who bring them together.
Grant Cooper has dedicated his life to taking in orphaned children others have overlooked, building a loving family on his rugged Texas ranch. When a new schoolteacher arrives in Sour Springs with strong opinions about his unconventional household, he finds himself drawn to her fierce spirit—even as she challenges everything about his carefully ordered world.
Hannah Cartwright’s own painful past as an orphan makes her wary of the bachelor rancher raising children alone. But as she gets to know Grant’s extraordinary family, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. When dangerous enemies threaten both their futures, Hannah and Grant must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other.
Can a man who’s sworn never to marry risk his heart for love? And can a woman who’s known only betrayal find the faith to build a true home at last? A touching story of healing, hope and the family bonds that transcend blood.
Mary Connealy’s Winner!!!
The winner of an ebook copy of
is
Susan Johnson
Susan, I will contact you using the email you’re signed up to Petticoats and Pistols with to make sure it works for you.
Then I’ll get your book on the way to you.
Book #2 of the Petticoats and Cowboys series-THIS MONTH–and a giveaway
Last month,
and now
These are re-releases of out of print books that I love.
I have a chance to get them back in print with Wild Heart Books Publishing and I’m excited about it.
A few things I remember about Calico Canyon
- My mother-in-law was one of my favorite people on the planet. For most of her life…the part I was in…I considered her one of my best friends. She passed away fourteen years ago and I still think of her often and wish I could tell her some story that would make her laugh. I dedicated Calico Canyon to her. The mother of seven sons, of which My Cowboy Husband was number 6. She read the book and said, “My children didn’t behave the way these five boys did.” Completely true because NO CHILDREN ever behaved the way these five boys do.
- I got word of a contract offer for Calico Canyon the same week my daughter got married. Third daughter, but first to marry. The contract made the wedding FAR LESS PAINFUL to pay for and I really appreciated it.
- Calico Canyon got nominated for a Christy Award. Wow, I didn’t see that coming. I’m a firm…THE NOMINATION IS THE AWARD…person. Sure you can always upgrade what you say, WINNER instead of FINALIST. But no one’s taking that finalist award away and I always cherished this. I did NOT win but they announce the winner by reading the first sentence of the book. And the first sentence of Calico Canyon is, “The five horsemen of the Apocalypse rode in. Late as usual.” I always loved that as an opening for a book and I wanted so badly for them to read that out. Nope.
- And the wedding scene in Calico Canyon ranks up with, In My Opinion, the funniest thing I’ve ever written.
Calico Canyon, coming April 28. Can anyone remember a favorite first line from a book? I’ve got a few from other books that I love.
Grace McKennon’s Wonderbra saved her life. From Julie Garwood…Grace Under Fire
There’s just no good way to pick up a human head. From Alex Kava…A Necessary Evil
And the classic, Jane Austin…It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
And of course…
“The five horsemen of the Apocalypse rode in. Late as usual.
What about our Petticoat and Pistol readers? Have you got a favorite? Comment on your favorite first lines to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of Calico Canyon.
Calico Canyon
A runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.
Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.
When Grace flees her adoptive father’s cruelty by hiding in a stranger’s wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.
Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.
Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He’ll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he’ll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.
Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.
As Grace discovers the courage she thought she’d lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He’s finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.
But when Grace’s dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.
A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s unexpected turns.
Mary Connealy’s Winner
The winner of an ebook copy of
is
Laura Michelle Delgado
Laura, I will email you to make sure
I’ve got the right email address to send the book
Petticoat Ranch–where it all began–and a giveaway
Kicks off a flurry of renewals. done with the help of Wild Heart Books.
This publisher specializes in historical fiction so there is a LOT to love over there.
I’ve got six books and, I think, eight novellas coming out in the next ? six? months. Re-releases of old favorites. And none I loved more than my very first released book, Petticoat Ranch.
My gosh, when that book came in the mail, a box full of books back then, I hugged them and danced with them and told My Cowboy we were gonna need a bigger bed because I was going to sleep cuddled up to them FOREVER!!
The books never made it as sleep-over friends but otherwise it’s all true.
This month, that beloved book, out of print, is now available again on all the standard outlets.
Seriously getting those books is one of the best experiences of my life. Total Top Ten Experience
Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of Petticoat Ranch. There are paperback copies, too, but I don’t get any of those are part of my contract. So I’m going with an ebook.
Leave a comment if you are SICK of this stupid, cold weather. It’s like spring is TAUNTING ME!!!
I’m looking out the window at a snowstorm right now…the self-pity is embarrassing but I can’t stop it!
Book #1 of the Petticoats and Cowboys Series
From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.
Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.
Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.
As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?
A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West.
Mary Connealy’s Winner is…
The winner of
a signed copy of
is
Sarah Evankovich
Sarah, I will email you to get an address and get the book in the mail to you asap!
Bestseller List–YAY–Podcasting–A Giveaway!!!
Ambush of the Heart landed on
for the week ending February 7.
A new book releasing is always full of excitement and lots of work and…admit it…terror.
Okay, maybe i’m overstating that. It’s never the podcast, it’s the tech.
Can I get my computer to log on. Can I get the microphone to work.
One time, trying it back and forth with my laptop and my phone…I could get the SOUND to work on the laptop and the PICTURE to work on the phone.
But neither had both.
Then finally, with podcasters so patient it qualifies as saintly behavior, we get started and then it’s fun. Nice ladies, mostly ladies, great questions. Lots of laughter.
I always have such a great time on podcasts but BEFORE the podcasts I can really get frazzled.
If you’d like to see that bestseller list or listen to either one of those podcasts, click the link above.
How are you with tech? Is it really because I forgot how to do things? Or is it changing so fast, even an MIT graduate is being left behind…and trust me…I’m not MIT graduate..
Tell me the most frustrating thing that’s ever happened to you with a computer, a phone, maybe a credit card, or a car telling you to BE CAREFUL. Mine always beeps warnings when I’m backing out of my garage. The walls have NOT MOVED and I HAVE to back through them.
Still, the beeping continues.
Next month yet another new book is coming. I’m releasing some older works. Books I love that I’d love to see get a new life.
Book one is Petticoat Ranch. A book a month for six months.
We’ll talk about them…next month and every month for a while.
Leave a comment about computer battles to get your name in a drawing for a signed copy of Ambush of the Heart.