'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
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24
Texas Book-aholic, March 25
Holly’s Book Corner, March 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26
Jodie Wolfe, March 27
For Him and My Family, March 27
Devoted To Hope, March 28
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30
She Lives To Read, March 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
Sydney Schmied Books, April 2
Cover Lover Book Review, April 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4
Labor Not in Vain , April 5
Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, April 6
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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