From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of 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.
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.
MY THOUGHTS.....
I am so glad these books are being re-released so I can enjoy the stories that others discovered several years ago! Calico Canyon follows 17-year-old Grace Calhoun, the new teacher of five very rambunctious little boys, until...she becomes their stepmother. No, this isn't a love at first sight story between Grace and widower Daniel Reeves, but it may turn out to be a lasting love story for seven needy souls!
I received a complimentary digital copy. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Author Mary Connealy fills this western adventure with intriguing characters and serious issues. Grace is forced to flee her adoptive father after years of physical abuse, and Daniel struggles with being both mom and dad to his sons. Marriage becomes a solution after Grace's reputation is jeopardized, but this isn't your usual marriage-of-convenience story. Painful memories follow both Grace and Daniel, and their union becomes a roller-coaster ride of emotions! I alternated between laughing out loud at the antics of five rowdy little boys and then wiping tears when they began to understand how special a mother can be. I marveled at Grace's rediscovered bravery and her return to faith and swooned more than once as Daniel began to see the blessing that had entered his life.
Connealy is known for her romantic western comedies, but the truth and inspiration in Calico Canyon turn it into something very special! I recommend Calico Canyon to fans of historical Christian romance, and I look forward to more books in this Petticoat and Cowboys series.
I received a complimentary digital copy. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys that also have a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
Her most recent book series is Wyoming Sunrise. Other series by Mary Connealy are: The Lumber Baron's' Daughters, Brothers in Arms, The Brides of Hope Mountain, Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing. along with many novellas.
Mary is the bestselling author of 70 books and novellas and she has nearly a million books in print!
Petticoats and Cowboys Series
Calico Canyon
Gingham Mountain
Montana Rose
The Husband Tree
Wildflower Bride
