Showing posts with label danger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label danger. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

 


'He marveled at the hundred ways a woman made a man's life better.'

Preciously delightful western with danger. I was fully engaged right in the beginning of the story, with emotions all over the place - anger, sad, laughter. Hold your breath part of the time, snort with laughter a lot of the time. You have to feel involved with each one of them. Sophie's husband's twin shows up some time after he was killed, a twin that she never knew about. She has four little girls, and they all know how to take care of themselves, the ranch and each other - have been for some time. Clay's never been around girls before, so he's mystified - and doesn't think females are capable of "men's work". Someone's looking to kill them, so the danger and struggle are real, the solutions interesting and smart. Easy to read page turner. Loved it!!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#PetticoatRanch #MaryConnealy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ChristianWestern #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Petticoat Ranch

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

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. 

 

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 is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

 

More from Mary

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Blog Stops

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/0Pzml/petticoat-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Mail-Order Baroness (Lords of the Rockies Book 2) by Misty M. Beller

 

In a series of stories about a Royal family who have a ranch in America, James has his turn in this story, where he returns his childhood love Rose back to the ranch and to the family. Not an easy journey, full of sadness, danger and hidden feelings of brokenness. And full of beautifulness and love, with excellent faith lessons. These rough and rugged men have such tender hearts! Looking forward to Thomas's story next as he's sent on his own mission.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#MailOrderBaroness #MistyMBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #MistyMBellerBooks

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Baroness

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.

Rose’s remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.

James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.

With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, a second chance romance, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m so excited to be back with you in the Lords of the Rockies world—where Regency roots and Montana grit collide in the best kind of way.

When I first dreamed up this series, I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if five sons of an English duke were raised far from ballrooms and titled expectations…out in the wide-open wilderness instead. No polished drawing rooms. No London Season. Just rugged mountains, hard work, and the kind of faith that’s tested (and strengthened) when survival itself requires perseverance.

And now I’m thrilled to share the newest installment with you…

Welcome to Mail-Order Baroness!

One of my favorite things about writing romance is getting to explore the truth that God is always in the business of redemption—of taking what’s been broken and offering something new. That’s one reason I especially love the second-chance romance trope.

There’s just something so moving about two people who have already been hurt—by life, by circumstances, sometimes even by each other—and yet are given an unexpected opportunity to try again. Not because everything is suddenly easy, but because they’re different now. Wiser. Humbled. More aware of what truly matters.

In Mail-Order Baroness, you’ll find a love story rooted in that kind of hope—the kind that doesn’t ignore the past, but doesn’t let the past have the final word either.

If you enjoy stories with:

  • old wounds that still ache
  • hard-earned forgiveness
  • trust rebuilt one choice at a time
  • and the gentle reminder that God can restore what feels beyond saving

…then I think this one will tug at your heart.

At its core, this book is about a fresh start that doesn’t come from pretending yesterday didn’t happen—but from bravely stepping forward anyway, learning to hope again, and discovering that the Lord can write something beautiful even after disappointment.

I pray you love Mail-Order Baroness! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Sydney Schmied Books, March 14
Madi’s Musings, March 14
Pause for Tales, March 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15
Holly’s Book Corner, March 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 16
Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 17
Texas Book-aholic, March 17
Slyvan Musings, March 18
Devoted To Hope, March 18
Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 18
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
She Lives To Read, March 21
For Him and My Family, March 21
Life on Chickadee Lane, March 22
Book Looks by Lisa, March 22
Cover Lover Book Review, March 22
lakesidelivingsite, March 23
Lyssa Loves Books, March 23
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24
Fruitfully Planted, March 24
Books You Can Feel Good About, March 25
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25
Connie’s History Classroom, March 26
Artistic Nobody, March 26 (Guest Review from Donna)
Blossoms and Blessings, March 27
Mary Hake, March 27

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/F0qYE/mail-order-baroness-celebration-tour-giveaway


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Friday, February 27, 2026

Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy (Book 1 of the Rocky Mountain Marshals series)

 

I really enjoyed every bit of this story. Thoroughly. Set after the war, five U. S. Marshalls are escorting a prisoner across Colorado Rocky Mountain territory. They agree to escort two of the Bridger kids as well. Not all goes as planned, and they end up traveling very rough territory, scaling mountains nearly impossible to cross where they were. Their interactions, survival skills and tracking skills kept me riveted through the danger.  Can't wait to read the next book in this new series. Wonderful characters, the way it's written seems like you're there. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AmbushOfTheHeart #MaryConnealy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BethanyHousePublishers


About the Book

Book: Ambush of the Heart

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: February 3, 2026

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing him and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

 

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 sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 

 

 

More from Mary

Two things drove my interest in The Rocky Mountain Marshals Series. In book #1, Ambush of the Heart, I got to begin that adventure.

The first thing: U.S. Marshals. I did a bit of research and just began discovering how much I didn’t know. I mean…what are U.S. Marshals? The only one I could think of was Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But my research was confusing. Yes, there were lawmen out hunting for outlaws. But a lot of that was because Oklahoma Territory back then was Indian territory and thus, had no law beyond tribal law. And, because of that, outlaws had gotten to running into Oklahoma and treating it like they’d reached base in a game of tag.

Because it was federal, the government came up with a federal solution. The U.S. Marshals Service already existed. But chasing outlaws into a place with no law…that was new. I went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, known back in the past as the gateway to Indian territory. So many outlaws passed through there that a part of my research led me to the brand-new U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.

I could write an entire series about Bass Reeves alone, a former slave who became a U.S. Marshal. Some of my reading suggests he was in part the inspiration for the Lone Ranger and it’s said in his 32 year career as a marshal he arrested 3000 outlaws. He has a TV Series on Paramount+ TV. A network I don’t have.

I found so much of this out because I went on a research trip. (I don’t do that often.) Very fun and I learned a LOT.

My second driving interest was…just how lost could someone get in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains? I’ve read so much about Pathfinders…Kit Carson, John Colter, James Beckwourth, John Mullen (a guy I’d never heard of who is so interesting he deserves his own book!). I definitely count Sacagawea among them. These bold, adventurous explorers who went out in the wilderness and found their way through. It was NOT easy.

One thing I found really interesting (all those pathfinders are interesting!) was talk about The Donner Party. That Donner Pass cut 400 miles off the trip to California on the California trail. That might sound ridiculous to us, but back then, in a wagon train, especially in rugged country, that 400 miles was a huge lure. Of course they tried it. People were always trying to find a shorter way through those treacherous mountains.

So, my hero Owen, is transporting a federal prisoner who escaped jail, from Denver to Fort Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming—where he’s due to hang.

An attempt to break him free by his gang drives the escorts and those with them—including beautiful Delaney, into the Rockies and whoa…they didn’t know how to get out…especially one pair who got separated from the main party.

One other twist is, my three heroes…the guys (the women are heroes, too of course) but the men, Owen, Morgan and Tex, all appeared in the book Marshaling Her Heart, book three in my Wyoming Sunrise series. Writing that book awakened my interest in U.S. Marshals. And I loved those tough men and wanted to … ahem … well, maybe tame them just a little.

So come and join me as my travelers, including the bold and brave Owen Riley and the beautiful and trail savvy Delaney Bridger, are chased from behind and more lost with every step they take ahead. They fight the outlaws, the Rockies and their growing attraction, to find their way home.

Blog Stops

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/3eYes/ambush-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway


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Monday, November 24, 2025

The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

With these characters it's almost completely hard to comprehend what they'll do next. There's a mystery. Someone is trying to kill Meg, her uncle and Tom. She's lost her memory and is trying to remember. Honestly, never a dull moment, no way to know what to expect next. But you have to love Meg and Tom. Intricate page turner keeps you wondering. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheRedCottage #HannahLinder #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianMysterySuspense #BarbourFiction


About the Book

Book: The Red Cottage

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We’re made for someone. I think I’ve always believed this—that it was never about proximity, or happenchance, or who you know, or where you are.

But that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a second half for each of us.

Someone who fits in the curve of your neck when you hug.

Who laughs at the things you laugh at.

Who speaks to you in a language your soul understands.

I think that’s why I love The Red Cottage so much. Circumstances would have never mattered with Tom and Meg. They loved each other. They were linked. And even if everything had been different, if they had been born hundreds of years before, they would have found their way back to each other.

If the age was ancient Egypt, and he had been a Pharaoh, and she a slave, they would have discovered each other.

If the year was 1920, and he a factory worker, and she the daughter of an oil tycoon, they would have defied the rules of society.

In any other place, in any other time, in any other way, Tom would have loved Meg. And Meg would have loved Tom. That is the beauty and the mind-blowing magic of real love.

So, when you fall into the pages of The Red Cottage, I hope you aren’t so foolish as to imagine this was an accident. That Tom said the right things, or that Meg felt vulnerable in just the right places, and that their bond—both the first and second time—was a mere hapless stroke of luck.

They would have loved each other anyway.

We’re all made for someone.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 21
Devoted Steps, November 21
Sydney Schmied Books, November 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22
Sylvan Musings, November 22
Texas Book-aholic, November 23
Min Reads and Reviews, November 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24
Books You Can Feel Good About, November 24
Lily’s Corner, November 25
She Lives to Read, November 25
Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 26
For Him and My Family, November 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27
Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews , November 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 29
Cover Lover Book Review, November 29
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30
The Mommies Reviews, November 30
Betti Mace, December 1
Book Looks by Lisa, December 1
Bizwings Blog, December 2
Mary Hake, December 2
Holly’s Book Corner, December 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 3
Pause for Tales, December 4
To Everything There Is A Season, December 4
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 4

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! 


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Thursday, August 14, 2025

A Wager with the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match Book #3) by Jody Hedlund

 

Our Matchmaker is at it again with a match for Keirian Shannigan. Alanna is in danger and he steps in to try to hide and protect her from the Irish gang that's after her brother, looking to get even with him. Lovely tale of people from different classes, it's importance and discrimination, difficulty and obstacle and how they conquer it. Pleasing end!

Original, wonderful characters, romantic, page-turner, realistic, easy to read.

I received this book free from the author and NetGalley bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
 
#AWagerwiththeMatchmaker #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction @JodyHedlund #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Sunday, June 15, 2025

A Lesson in Propriety (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Book #1) by Jen Turano

 

A Gilded-Age Historical Rom-Com Set in Chicago


Delightful, you'll read and enjoy every single word. Very lovable, funny, flawed and brilliant characters in a tight and thoroughly enjoyable story. You'll find yourself laughing out loud and shaking your head...after a while you'll be talking to them!

Druscilla is from a family in the New York Four Hundred (read that with great poise and your nose in the air). Their fortunes change after her father dies and they are forced to go and live in the property that her Aunt left to her. It's located in Chicago in a wealthy area of new money people (people who have earned it). Rhenick and his family live next door. Ever a gentleman, he stops when it looks like she needs help.

After all, the property is like a castle, complete with ravens, a ghost and goats inside. 

But she has made up her mind that she will never rely on a man again and will always handle things herself. She is independent and doesn't even chinch her corset in all the way. 

Strength of character keeps them going and as they persevere, things begin to be uncovered and they all draw together to discover what's really been happening with the castle and what became of their Aunt, as well as track down the man who embezzled their fortune. Hilarious as always! Will not disappoint. A fabulous start to a new series - yay!

I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ALessonInPropriety #NetGalley #JenTurano #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFicton #Romance

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