About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Petticoat Ranch (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 1) by Mary Connealy

Petticoat Ranch (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

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.



MY THOUGHTS.....

This book is such a treat! Author Mary Connealy seasons Petticoat Ranch with likable but fallible characters, realistic frontier life, and the trademark humor that I've come to expect. I was immediately drawn to this exciting story of a widowed woman who had been the sole provider for her four young daughters until her late husband's twin brother showed up unexpectedly. Sophie and her daughters need the physical help and protection that Clay McClellen can offer, but it won't be easy! Clay has little experience with females, let alone five, and Sophie and her girls have zero trust in men. Can they adapt to a life together?

I'm always ready for a Western adventure, but this is also a heartwarming story of struggling to find a new normal. The danger is real, the emotions are raw, and the need for faith and prayer is ever-present. I recommend Petticoat Ranch to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

This is a re-issue of a book first published as Lassoed in Texas in 2006. I received a digital ARC from the author and Wild Heart Books. 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! 

Learn more at her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


Petticoats and Cowboys Series

Petticoat Ranch
Calico Canyon
Gingham Mountain
Montana Rose
The Husband Tree
Wildflower Bride

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Last to Fall (Gossamer Falls) by Lynn H. Blackburn

Last to Fall (Gossamer Falls)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help Mo Quinn, a former Army Intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them is ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn and Mo must break years of silence to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

Lynn H. Blackburn skillfully draws you into a thrilling plot taut with gripping suspense and romantic tension that will have you turning pages long into the night.








MY THOUGHTS.....


"Whoever said blood was thicker than water had never known about the Pierce family."

Oh, my! I am so in love with this book! From the beginning of this series, I've been intrigued by the feud between the Quinn and Pierce families, along with the unsettled relationship between Bronwyn Pierce and Mo Quinn. Now, in the last book of the Gossamer Falls series, my questions have been answered!

Last to Fall features flashbacks to a time when Mo and Bronwyn were special friends until... life threw a sucker punch in their journey. Now, in the present, Bronwyn is under attack, and her first instinct is to call on Mo. What follows is a compelling story riddled with suspense, danger, and multiple surprises, and the reawakening of Bron and Mo's friendship. Second chances, inspiring faith, a reunion with the entire Quinn family, and exhilarating romance are all present. This is the perfect way to end this Gossamer Falls series, but it won't be goodbye. You can bet that I will be reading these books again!

I recommend this 5-star read to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them in terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. 



Learn more about Lynn H. Blackburn 

GOSSAMER FALLS SERIES

Last to Fall