cherryblossommj
Written on May 3, 2011
Every time that I pick up and read a book from Mary Connealy I am in awe at the topics and issues that are addressed in such a loving and in depth manner. This specific book deals with marriage, courage, abuse, healing, strength, and new faith. The lives of the characters are so real and so easily comparable to real life that it is extremely difficult to remember that it supposedly just a fictitious story in novel format.
Cassie is a woman who was brought up in a closed environment w...more Every time that I pick up and read a book from Mary Connealy I am in awe at the topics and issues that are addressed in such a loving and in depth manner. This specific book deals with marriage, courage, abuse, healing, strength, and new faith. The lives of the characters are so real and so easily comparable to real life that it is extremely difficult to remember that it supposedly just a fictitious story in novel format.
Cassie is a woman who was brought up in a closed environment where she was unable to think or be for herself. She was then thrust into a life where the static existence that she formerly knew was practically ripped to shreds as piece by piece she learned to think for herself. Belle is a wounded woman who has endured so much pain at the form of broken hearts in marriage that any hope she once had has dwindled. It is now time for her to either accept the painful defeat of life or find hope in an attempt of grace in action. This book tells the story of Cassie and gets a good foot in the door of the tale behind Belle's life. (Cannot wait for another book in the series to find out more!!)
Many people know and think about abuse and how it is a physical pain, but often they forget about the emotional and spiritual scars that are endured as well. Within this tale, various characters find ways of adapting and moving forward in life from years of proverbial abuse. Some make the right decisions and some do not. Watching these characters and their mistakes and correct actions can cause a reader to grow as well.
This book is filled to the brim with situations where a reader can learn through someone's pain instead of their own. Also in the style of Mary Connealy, conversations and events fill a reader full to giggling whether they want to or not. Their were points where I'm not sure if I should blame my own pregnancy or not for the giggles brought me to tears. For me personally, another best part of this book was reading about two characters and their own experiences with pregnancy. This is the first book with a birth that I have been blessed to read that was more than she's pregnant and in the last chapter has the babe. I was enthralled by the experiences and interactions that it proved to provide with neighbors and spouses.
And now, I impatiently wait for the next book in the series or other from the imaginations of Mary Connealy!!
The Husband Tree, #2
It is quite a fact that I have yet to come across a book by Mary Connealy that I did not like. I loved the Lassoed in Texas series and I am enamored with the Montana Marriages series. It is baffling to me how each and every story can grip you further. The catty whit is so amusing and the characters are lovely. The issues dealing with real world problems are incredibly woven in a western historical standpoint and cause a reader to truly think. The growing love between protagonists is breathe taking and palpable.
Belle Tanner is not your average western woman, but a woman not to be challenged. She has had her fill of husbands, as is shown by the occupied dirt surrounding three sides of the Husband Tree. The last thing that she wants is another husband nor a romance that leads that general direction. Silas is man with two near misses when it comes to marriage and not looking for another chance. When time has run out and a cattle drive has to be made by Belle and her four daughters, the drifter Silas is her only hope. What God brings together, let no man put apart.
As a mother of a new baby reading and watching Belle's days with her girls especially her infant is amazing. I cannot imagine nursing while riding on horseback, much less changing a diaper in mid gallop without missing a beat. I am thrilled and enchanted to the bone by the tale devised by Mary's imagination and I cannot wait for the third installment in the series The Wildflower Bride. In this book you get a taste for what might be in for Wade Sawyer and Abby Lind. *sigh* Anticipation.
Wildflower Bride, #3
As the third book in the Montana Marriages series, "Wildflower Bride" brings another comedic romance off the pages an into the imagination of readers. Although starting the novel knowing that this was a story of a character that I despised in the beginning of the series it was amazing how author Mary Connealy was able to bring a character's personality into favor for me. The first two books in this series are my favorite from Mary so far. I cannot wait for future stories!
Wade Sawyer, a man changed finds himself in love with Abby Linscott also known as Glowing Sun. Observing the changes in Wade's behavior and soul makes a painful yet hopeful example that anyone can change. Abby born to a white family yet raised by a Flathead Indian tribe after the early death of her birth family then finds herself alone again after the massacre of her tribe. Through the strength of God, Wade is able to return home to face his abusive father and Abby is given the opportunity to open her heart and trust that she will not be alone again. These pages provide a hopeful story of love that will entertain. [b:Montana Rose|4802729|Montana Rose (Montana Marriages, #1)|Mary Connealy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347549887l/4802729._SY75_.jpg|4867844][b:The Husband Tree|6598206|The Husband Tree (Montana Marriages, #2)|Mary Connealy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328745143l/6598206._SY75_.jpg|6792004][b:Wildflower Bride|6605738|Wildflower Bride (Montana Marriages, #3)|Mary Connealy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328743291l/6605738._SY75_.jpg|6799652]