Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humor. 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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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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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

 

It's always good to spend time with the Irish. In this case a lot of them. Completely entertaining, on your toes humor, cunning, caring and spicy. Viola and Riley are both from successful self made families and well off. Both have an interest in making the lives of others better, especially the poor immigrants coming into town. With all the passion of a John Wayne, Maureen O' Hara match. And a clever matchmaker. Excellent story to fall in love with and get lost in.

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

#CallingontheMatchmaker #NetGalley #JodyHedlund #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical 

Jody Hedlund

Goodreads Author


Website

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JodyHedlund

Genre
Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult




Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere

 



London, England 1881
The Telegraph was an important tool of business, opening up lines of communication that were impossible before. Businesses quickly took advantage of it to give them a competitive edge. Morse code was easy as long as you could memorize, listen and combine it correctly. Since Morse code was widely becoming known, they had to develop their own code words so that anyone who intercepted and listened in wouldn't know the message. Women were as good as men with this and entered the workplaces as telegraphers, alongside men. We all know what happens when you put men and women together in the same place all day. Lots of possibilities. Love issues and theft of information among them. When Alice comes into the office, she has a lot of experience, intelligence, and is highly efficient at her job. The guy who was already there was a slump but was related by marriage. Douglas was an intelligent and hard-working guy who had advanced himself from a poor life, becoming invaluable to the owner. Into this mix comes jealousy, social snubbing, social climbing, subterfuge moral code of the day and love. Mixed with a little humor to make it interesting. This is one of those fabulous authors who makes you forget the people aren't real. I found myself praying for them more than once. Excellent read that you don't want to see end. 

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

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Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The Blizzard Bride, DAUGHTERS OF THE MAYFLOWER #11 by Susanne Dietze

 



“I hope we can all draw strength from God’s Word, but also through the example of those who’ve gone before us."

1800s Christian Historical set in Nebraska. You never know where one of the Mayflower books are going to take you, but you can guarantee you'll be attached to the characters quickly. In our lives, some of us are deeply hurt by others, and ostracized by no fault of our own. Forgiveness and compassion through God's love will see us through healing. Murder, mystery, friendship, understanding and love are woven throughout. Abby moves to a small town as a teacher, working for the secret service to catch the man who murdered her father. Dash is her partner, but also her old love who hurt her deeply. They make a good team as they work through misunderstandings on both sides, while forming lasting friendships in the town. Told with some humor and great lessons. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheBlizzardBride #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #SusanneDietze #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks

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Sunday, May 1, 2022

Family Camp

 

FAMILY CAMP is a faith-based family comedy from The Skit Guys, opening in theaters May 13.
It’s fun (and funny!) for the whole family … everyone from 8 to 80.
Great film, well made, very entertaining. Lots of faith gems within. Laugh a lot, cry a little and learn a lot. When you get as low as you can go, give it all up to God and He will see you through.
Nice to see a quality family movie, with a good message. It's nice to be able to view good clean movies.
Many thanks to K-LOVE Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions 
are 100% my own.

#FamilyCampMovie #FamilyCampMovieMIN @familycampmovie @familycampmovie2022 #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Available for sale now

• The cast includes The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—along with Leigh-Allyn 
Baker (“Good Luck Charlie”), Gigi Orsillo, Robert Amaya (“Courageous”), Cece Kelly, Mark 
Christopher Lawrence, and social media sensation / comedian Heather Land.
• While there should be an endless supply, it sure feels as if we are running low on hope these 
days. FAMILY CAMP combines hope with humor and Him in an encouraging movie.
• By seeing it opening weekend (May 13-15), you are letting Hollywood know that you and 
your family want more movies like this!
• There is nothing better than seeing a movie in a full theater with your people. Take your 
group from church, school, the neighborhood, to see it together. www.familycampmovie.com/groups.
• The Skit Guys have been creating mini-movies for churches and youth groups for years, as 
well as performing live at events
• Synopsis: When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect 
clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature 
film from The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family 
member from eight to eighty.

FAMILY CAMP is releasing in theaters on May 13th! Buy your tickets now! 

You can view the trailer on the website https://familycampmovie.com

Giveaway: $10 Amazon Giftcard
One giveaway chosen at random from comments here on my blog under this post. Contest is open until Sunday May 22, 2022


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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings

 




This is one of the best love stories of all time. It develops slowly, with people who are achingly real.  Maisie and Boone both have their own hang-ups, flaws and self-doubt, but the way they grow together as they deepen their friendship and love is deeply satisfying. Sigh. Side rolling humor threaded within danger, mystery and social inequality. Tops even the first fabulous book of the series. I know I'd love to see the Crystal Cave that was found deep in this mine. I've been to Howe's Cavern in NY and found it amazing. But to have a cavern where you could have weddings, a ball, etc would be wonderful. Rough edged Maisie will steal your heart, as will Boone who is unwaveringly focused on solving, learning, and keeping his business going successfully. Especially when his business becomes Maisie. Sigh. Always nice to see a socially snobby family turn out to be made of good stuff underneath. As good underneath as the down to earth family who works with their hands and isn't afraid to get dirty. Looking forward to the next story as I hate to see this one end. (So nice to see Calista the detective and their feisty family again.)
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ProposingMischief #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #fivestarbooks #ChristianHistoricalRomance

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Tuesday, September 14, 2021

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

 



This was not what I expected. It's a murder mystery that's up there with the rest. Told with a great sense of humor. It is a bit of a page turner. We take working women for granted these days. In this time it was not common at all, and was socially frowned upon by the upper class. Great story, well told and engaging. 

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

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Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800729633/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0800729633&linkCode=as2&tag=netg01-20https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/almost-home-valerie-fraser-luesse/1128873062?ean=9780800729639#/https://www.christianbook.com/almost-home-valerie-luesse/9780800729639/pd/729632?event=ESRCGhttps://www.powells.com/book/-9780800735623https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40392260-almost-home?from_search=true

"We don’t get to see the whole map. We just have to cover our stretch o’ the road best we can .”

Christian Historical set in Alabama during the war. A couple lives near an Army plant in a big old house where they took in boarders to help pay their taxes. Money and jobs were in short supply but there was work at the Army plant. These people, mainly three couples, came together in this big old house, living as best they could. This story is full of wonderful Southern warmth, charm and humor. You'll just love these people who are all struggling in their own way, trying to get by, putting a good face on it and learning from each other in the long run. The bond that they form is very strong. This is a new author for me - I'm a fan now.

"We both like tendin’ to our own knittin’ and don’t get on each other’s nerves.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#AlmostHome #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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