Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) reviewed Gingham Mountain (Lassoed in Texas, Bk 3) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! This is the best from Mary Connealy yet, and quite possibly the best book I have ever read (under 300 pages). You have to understand... This is one of those books that you read when you have some time by yourself. First off is the matter of time, because once you start I promise it is impossible if not painful to put it down. Then, secondly, by yourself because otherwise you are going to be quite embarrassed by the looks that you will earn. I read it with only my two cats nearby and they still looked at me as if I were crazed. *snicker*
Upon starting the story there are a couple little giggles, but shortly there after they turn in to little chuckles, and then every once in a while a snicker. Once, finally it is under hand, then comes the shaking silent laughs that turn to out right snorts. Once you are sure that nothing could make you laugh anymore and you are fully in control of your senses, well then she goes and causes laugh out loud gasping and crying from laughter tears. Covering your mouth and slapping the desk as a reader you are stuck with the amount of pure glee and humor that your body has endured.
With that said, I guess I should not be surprised. Not at all really.
Petticoat Ranch (Book #1) was everything that a good historical fiction should be, and I'm glad to have read it. I so feel for the characters, they are completely real to me, and I'm fully on their side! When I first read it, I said this book was incredible. I cannot count the times that I giggled, or rolled my eyes. I am quite unsure of how many times I snickered and had a little evil laugh, feeling I'm sure the emotions of Sophie and her girls. In all cases, it was plenty, and I definitely was smiling through out the novel. As much as I enjoyed book #1, Calico Canyon (Book #2) was ever so much better! It started with a character that I was not found of from book one, and by chapter three I was swearing loyalty to her and wishing her well.
So far, everything that I have read by Mary has been a complete success in my mind, and I cannot wait to read more! Not only are her stories a good laugh, but they contain such heart beating romance that you blush and giggle with the emotions going through the characters as they trip over themselves in pure beginning steps of love. The bad guys are horrors, and you are almost screaming aloud for justice to be seen. Hardships of real life are touched on in the stories and lessons and the heart of Christ come through in the characters.
Earnestly, I cannot recommend the books and their stories strongly enough!
Upon starting the story there are a couple little giggles, but shortly there after they turn in to little chuckles, and then every once in a while a snicker. Once, finally it is under hand, then comes the shaking silent laughs that turn to out right snorts. Once you are sure that nothing could make you laugh anymore and you are fully in control of your senses, well then she goes and causes laugh out loud gasping and crying from laughter tears. Covering your mouth and slapping the desk as a reader you are stuck with the amount of pure glee and humor that your body has endured.
With that said, I guess I should not be surprised. Not at all really.
Petticoat Ranch (Book #1) was everything that a good historical fiction should be, and I'm glad to have read it. I so feel for the characters, they are completely real to me, and I'm fully on their side! When I first read it, I said this book was incredible. I cannot count the times that I giggled, or rolled my eyes. I am quite unsure of how many times I snickered and had a little evil laugh, feeling I'm sure the emotions of Sophie and her girls. In all cases, it was plenty, and I definitely was smiling through out the novel. As much as I enjoyed book #1, Calico Canyon (Book #2) was ever so much better! It started with a character that I was not found of from book one, and by chapter three I was swearing loyalty to her and wishing her well.
So far, everything that I have read by Mary has been a complete success in my mind, and I cannot wait to read more! Not only are her stories a good laugh, but they contain such heart beating romance that you blush and giggle with the emotions going through the characters as they trip over themselves in pure beginning steps of love. The bad guys are horrors, and you are almost screaming aloud for justice to be seen. Hardships of real life are touched on in the stories and lessons and the heart of Christ come through in the characters.
Earnestly, I cannot recommend the books and their stories strongly enough!
LaVonne W. (Grnemae) -
All I can say is read the review by Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) and then add DITTO several times after it for my opinion.
A wonderful book. I would recommend that you read the entire series and read them in the order they were written and published. I will be looking for more books by this author.
A wonderful book. I would recommend that you read the entire series and read them in the order they were written and published. I will be looking for more books by this author.
Teresa G. (tgriffis) -
WOW! Did someone else already say "Wow!"? Ditto what Margaret and LaVonne said.
Another wonderful book with some of my favorite topics--an historical western and orphans. Unsuspecting man with a heart full of love for abandoned children. Cautious lady with a painful past and a secret. Darling children from various situations, all needing love and understanding. And God who can truly make a house a home.
Highly recommend.
Another wonderful book with some of my favorite topics--an historical western and orphans. Unsuspecting man with a heart full of love for abandoned children. Cautious lady with a painful past and a secret. Darling children from various situations, all needing love and understanding. And God who can truly make a house a home.
Highly recommend.
Sharon F. (bookworm01) reviewed Gingham Mountain (Lassoed in Texas, Bk 3) on + 138 more book reviews
This is the story of Hannah, the "sister" that Grace talks about in Calico Canyon. Hannah is actually going to Texas to be with Grace but she stops in Sour Springs, Texas. Hannah's real little sister is on the orphan train with Hannah. Libby gets adopted by Grant but Hannah hadn't planned on that so she stays to "rescue" Libby from Grant.
This is a sweet story about the unconditional love a man has for the many children that he adopts.....all of whom have lived in the streets of big cities, cold and hungry and often times beaten. Things don't go smoothly for Grant though.
The last four chapters were perfect! I loved how the orphans stood by Grant and eventually won over the whole town. I wanted to cheer at the end!
This book is on my favorites list! I loved it!
This is a sweet story about the unconditional love a man has for the many children that he adopts.....all of whom have lived in the streets of big cities, cold and hungry and often times beaten. Things don't go smoothly for Grant though.
The last four chapters were perfect! I loved how the orphans stood by Grant and eventually won over the whole town. I wanted to cheer at the end!
This book is on my favorites list! I loved it!
Susan G. (susangodfrey) -
This was my favorite in the Lassoed in Texas books. Mary Connealy is a fun writer and her books are always entertaining to read. I just loved this story!
OMG! What an excellent book. Coundn't put this book down. Grant has taken on over 20 orphans during this young adult life. A nosy young lady believes Grant has other motives with these orphans and tells him what she thinks! She's got spit-fire. Little does he know, she grew up an orphan herself and her feeling are based on her life growing up, not with any proof of how Grant raises his children. A must read - Enjoy!
Love anything by Mary Connealy!
Connealy does it again with a heart rending tail laced with rip roaring fun. Not deep and thought provoking, but teaches great lessons nonetheless. Recommend.
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed Gingham Mountain (Lassoed in Texas, Bk 3) on + 353 more book reviews
I enjoyed the story line and the characters very much. However I was given the book and realized too late it was a series. Now I have to find the previous ones to read. I am sure it will be worth it.
I really enjoyed this book! I don't think it's quite as good as the first 2 books in the series ("Petticoat Ranch" & "Calico Canyon"), but I still liked it.
Lori S. (sugarandgrits) -
Again, not near as good as Petticoat Ranch! Sorry again, Mary!
