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Lassoed in Texas #2

Calico Canyon

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Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutchs of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's—widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair—two people who couldn't dislike each other more—an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?

284 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

70 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read

About the author

Mary Connealy

116 books2,486 followers
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 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.

Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website


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5 stars
1,305 (51%)
4 stars
795 (31%)
3 stars
359 (14%)
2 stars
70 (2%)
1 star
29 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
Profile Image for Aerykah.
465 reviews40 followers
August 12, 2015
Another great one by Mary Connealy! I couldn't help laughing all through this one too. It's a great story, but not all great stories have those parts that are so funny you can't contain your laughter. This one did and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
November 3, 2019
This was such an awesome story that had me cringing and laughing at the same time. The romance was spot on and I fell in love with all of the Reeves!
Profile Image for Margaret Chind.
3,210 reviews268 followers
February 17, 2020
When I got the background on this book, I was a little apprehensive about reading it since I knew that it was about Miss Grace Calhoun. Upon reading Petticoat Ranch Miss Calhoun was present, but only faintly. She was definitely not my favorite character, especially in comparison to the wonders of Sophie and her girls. But, upon reading the first chapter of Calico Canyon Grace came slightly off her pedestal and I began to have some compassion for her. It was by the beginning of chapter three that I was enthralled and ready to commit a full friendship, and by the end of chapter five, I was ready to stand behind her and beat off all the bad guys. Grace is a real person, and just one more example of what you should not just a person by their first impression they leave with you. Grace is so much more than what she seemed and I'm so thrilled that I gave her a chance.

But this book is about so much more than just dear Grace. We meet new characters with Tillie and a plausible romance that just makes sense. Tillie and Grace come from completely different backgrounds, but at the same time could not have more in common. Then there is Hannah and the others in Chicago with their own lives of triumph and struggles. This book captures so many real issues and does it in a wonderful fashion and light. Briefly to mention, there is slavery, and child abuse, and death, and love, and do not forget the idea of multiples!

Mary did a great job with this story, and I was not at all let down! As a matter of fact I was nervous, to see what would happen. I am curious and anxious now about Hannah and Libby and I do hope that there will be more stories of their lives coming from our great author Mary Connealy. I strongly urge you to take the time to read Calico Canyon, it will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,508 reviews655 followers
February 18, 2020
This was another fun Western comedy/drama/suspense.

We met the Reeves’s and Miss Calhourn in book 1 where we already saw the Reeves’ boys to be a handful and Miss Calhourn to be very prim and proper. The antics of the 5 boys and their father made for an entertaining read. While laughing at all they did I found myself hoping my two boys won’t be so bad! While Grace and Daniel was forced into a marriage, they grew together and the situation especially helped Grace to find her courageous self again.

The topic of child abuse was heartbreaking. So many children endures this and the way the abuser can manipulate the children into believing they are alone was sad but also eye-opening. I rooted for the McKellan girls at the end.

Sophie, Clay and the girls played supporting roles... this book goes back a bit before the epilogue in book 1. It was nice to see the spitfires again.

The suspense/action was brief and as the reader knew it was coming - so for readers who likes limited suspense, this should be up their alley.

Great lesson about God’s faithfulness.

Grace’s sister’s story was unfinished in this book. Looking forward to read more about Hannah in the third and final book of the series.
Profile Image for Paula-O.
558 reviews
March 28, 2012
Book #2 Calico Canyon in Mary Connealy's series "Lassoed in Texas"

Mary sure has a way with words with these comical characters in her wooly west series. this one is the story of Grace the mild mannered school teacher who has ran away from a man that had adopted her then cruely misused her. Her life was no better then the ones left to roam the streets trying to exist from day to day on little...little food...little warmth in cold weather.
She did not fare much better in Mosqueros Texas, as a school teacher she lived above a diner in a very small room and when when she sent monies back to her sisters in need - this left little for her to live on.
Daniel Reeves has 5 sons(very rambunctious ones)who seldom keeps them in school because of their rowdyness. Grace and Daniel butt heads many times on rules and the boys picking on others.
One very cold day -- disaster strikes in the way of her "father" coming to town looking for her and she knows she will not let him mistreat her again so she dives through a window with only her flannel nightgown on...Daniel just happens to be driving past and she stows away in his wagon under a tarp without him knowing, so she can lose the man wanting to catch her.
Daniel and his boys live on a ranch called the 6R Ranch, very far from town in a canyon that will soon be snowed in for the winter.
When he arrives home and unloads is the first time he realizes she is there and half frozen to death in little clothing.
The town starts looking for her when they realize she is missing and you will not believe how she soon becomes Mrs Daniel Reeves when the pastor and his wife show up and find they have all been together through the night.
Read this wonderful story and see how Daniel who does not want a wife and Grace who thinks this whole family is a mess, come to understand one another better through the long cold winter.
Will this hapless pair find the courage to face life together in the isolated canyon? Will her father find her again? When Spring comes to this Texas town we will find the answers as the snow melts and the canyon is open again.
Profile Image for Shannah Mauney.
313 reviews43 followers
May 3, 2016
Calico Canyon is another riveting, action-packed, heart-warming romance from Mary Connealy. Tempers flair, hats fly, and love abounds in this wildly exciting story. In the midst of it all, Mary Connealy teaches an important lesson: God is faithful, no matter what. Overall, I really was swept away in this fast-paced romance. It's a great addition to the Lassoed in Texas series. Read my rull review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Kate.
1,928 reviews75 followers
January 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. As with all Mary Connealy books, the emphasis on humour is front and centre, and I giggled my way through a good portion of the story.
But, there were also some more solemn moments, especially when Grace was able to talk to her children about what it meant for us not only to be faithful to God, but what it looks like when God is faithful to us. I appreciated those reminders that God is always looking out for His people.
There were a few side storylines that I was intrigued by, one in particular that doesn't tie up in this book, but forms the basis for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Karen Fisher.
20 reviews
March 26, 2024
The continuing story kept with the same humour as the first book
A fun easy read , was entertaining
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
January 23, 2016
CALICO CANYON by Mary Connealy is the second book in the Lassoed in Texas series. In it, we follow Grace Calhoun, a runaway adopted orphan, who is barely squeaking out a living as a schoolteacher in Mosqueros, Texas. She sends all her money home to her sister, Hannah, who is diligently caring for street kids in Chicago with the hopes of one day being reunited. With her adoptive father hot on her trail with a vendetta to settle, Grace is constantly looking over her shoulder praying she will be able to send Hannah the help she needs. Grace’s determination to make a go of it as a teacher is challenged by the five Reeves boys that she has affectionately named "The Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” When she has it out with Daniel Reeves, the boy’s father, she is fired by the school board and left to wonder how she will ever be able to help Hannah.

Grace’s fear for Hannah is short-lived when Parrish, her adoptive father, catches up with her in Masqueros and plans to mete out his vengeance. In a turn of events, Grace ends up in the back of Daniel Reeves wagon and is carried away to his ranch. Grace, Daniel, and the five boys are thrown together under the oddest of circumstances and have an entire winter to work out their differences. All the while, Parrish is in town plotting how he will one day make Grace pay for her disobedience.

I really enjoyed CALICO CANYON. Much of the premise of Grace and Daniel being thrown together is reminiscent of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, without the brothers. Though there are plots that take dramatic turns, I never found myself gasping in fear. The trials in the book are taken care of so quickly, you never really feel as if anyone is in real danger. I can only assume, since the story ended with Hannah determined to find Grace, that there will be a book three.
Profile Image for Abbie.
291 reviews37 followers
March 31, 2024
Grace comes across as a snotty school teacher who looks down her nose at everyone around her. But Grace is hiding her past. She is supporting her adoptive sister and brothers back in Chicago and is only living on 2 dollars a month! Her other secret her adoptive abusive father finds her and Grace escapes into the wagon of Daniel Reeves. He can’t stand the school teacher and she does not think very highly of him either. Daniel has 5 active boys and Grace does not know how to handle them. After spending the night at Daniels home she is forced to marry him. To top it off a blizzard traps them all together for months! Will these two come to love each other by the time the snow melts or will they drive each other crazy?

This is book two in the Lassoed in Texas series. I enjoyed it and liked how Grace came across being a jerk but deep down she was a nice person.

What I liked: I really like the Reeve boys I kept laughing at their antics and how at first they did not like Grace but slowly they came to call her Ma. It was also fun to watch Grace and Daniel fall in love comedy and all.

What I did not like: The story seemed a little unbelievable at first. They hate each other but it did not take very long for that to change. Grace also went from a timid girl to a spitfire woman really fast and it just seemed like a sudden change. She was also really young and Daniel had to explain everything to her even how babies where made!

Over all I enjoyed this book but it did not quite live up to what I expected. I am interested to read the third book and see how the storyline started in this book develops and blossoms in the next book. This book was quite funny and still a good read.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
Profile Image for Emily Beeson.
Author 2 books32 followers
July 8, 2008
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy


I receive quite a few Review Copies of books I don't request. Because they are not books I choose to fit my personal tastes, few really appeal to me.

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy is one that did.

Schoolmarm Grace Calhoun may seem like just another tightwad teacher at first, but there is so much more to her. Adopted by an abusive father, she has overcome many trials and discovered how brave she can be.


She always wanted to be a teacher, but now that she is realizing her dream, she can't get the 5 Reeves brothers in her class to behave. Their father is no better. She calls him the leader of the rats. "The man had the intelligence of the average fence post, the personality of a wounded warthog, and the stubbornness of a flea-bitten mule. Grace silently apologized to all the animals she'd just insulted."

When Grace's father shows up intending to kill her, she makes a wild escape that leads her to a winter she'll never forget...stuck with the Reeves family.

Calico Canyon is a great romantic comedy. It is apparently the sequel to Petticoat Ranch, which I've never read. So, I'd probably start with that one, although this book can stand alone.

It is set in the year 1867 in a small town in Texas.

The story reminded me of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at times. So, if that is your kind of thing, try this one out. It's a lot of fun.
Profile Image for Jane.
564 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2008
Loved it. What really made this book so great for me was the characters. Grace,has a background and a personality. At first it was somewhat hard to keep all 5 little Reeves boys straight, but they were lovable in their own ways. I almost wish I had read the first book in this series more recently because the same characters from the first book, appear again in this one and I had to think back about what happened to them and who they were again. I dunno... I think it was just a both thoughtful and well written book. Good themes about bravery and faithfulness, finding blessings in the unexpected.
Profile Image for Brook Reader.
46 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2018
I recommend Calico Canyon

Being a former abuse victim, this book was difficult for me to read.
Other than topic, you will find a well written, suspense filled humorous book. I loved the kids...
Off to read Hannah's story.
Each book of the series can standalone. Gotta love that Texas intrigue humor and a little love.
I voluntarily chose to submit my review.



Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,104 reviews203 followers
January 6, 2009
Great Christian fiction and a fun read. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Erica Vetsch.
Author 67 books1,386 followers
August 2, 2010
This was the best book I read in 2009. Wonderful! I couldn't put it down, and I loved every word.
Profile Image for Rosina.
73 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2020
Grace was raised as an orphan and adopted by a horrible man who adopted young girls and was abusive. She escapes and is on a two year run from the adopted father. She finds a town where she becomes a teacher and lacks confidence, as she is only 17 years old. There are a set of twin and triplets brothers who give her a challenge. The father, Daniel, is angry at her for trying to discipline the boys and gets her fired. I like that Mary Connealy, accents more on the boys relationship with Grace. Although, the father, Daniel, is a big part, too. In the end it is a sweet love story.
Profile Image for Carrie Daws.
Author 32 books143 followers
February 2, 2018
Oh, my. Instant mom to five rowdy boys being raised in the wild is a recipe for a lot of frustration and hilarious situations. I enjoyed this book quite a lot, and appreciated how Mrs. Connealy took her time growing each relationship on its own. The antics were quite appropriate, and the story rivals the first book in this series. I'm not quite sure which I like better, but I cannot wait to read the third.
2 reviews
July 21, 2018
This book was HILARIOUS!!! I just discovered this author recently, and I'm so glad I did. This is the sequel to Petticoat Ranch, and it had me laughing out loud too! The writing is brilliant
....the dialog the author uses is witty and had me giggling into the wee hours of the night.
She incorporates faith of Christ into her books which makes it all the better. It is truly a feel good book and a page turner as well. Mystery, romance, and encourager....how can you ask for more. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Elaina.
370 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2019
From start to finish this book kept me on the edge of me seat and I couldn't put it down. What a fun, sassy, on the edge of your seat, mystery, and action packed book. Love the characters from the first book were in this one. New characters came were also brought in. All through the book I had to keep up with what characters were talking where in each chapter. On to the next book and I can't wait for the adventure I will read in it!
Profile Image for Dorothy Vandezande.
361 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2020
I loved this story! It was so fun and funny and wonderful. Even if not 5 star writing quality, I enjoyed it so much. I've always had a soft spot for stories about marriages of convenience. I love reading about people who honor God and honor their vows and train their minds and hearts to follow in obedience to God's Word, instead of "following their hearts" or believing that romance and "being in love" are a worthy reason and foundation for marriage.
1,047 reviews
August 28, 2021
Wow this was a quick read. It is about Grace who at the age of three along with many other young children. She is adopted by Parrish who forces them to work in the carpet mills in Chicago and is intent on revenge. At 16 she runs away ending in Mosqueros to teach school. She ends up getting fired and Parrish shows up. She jumps out a window to escape him and hides in a wagon only to end up with a father and five sons all of whom she has had problems with at school.
Profile Image for Terryan.
742 reviews
December 9, 2020
Maybe it's just me but I did not find this story that amusing nor did I like the continuous religious beliefs that continuously appeared in the story line. The story was ok but could have been better. I also don't like two many characters written into a story. It tends to make it more confusing and detracts from the main characters and story. HEA ending.
Profile Image for Kathy .
1,303 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2021
Love amid the chaos

I was excited to read this story about Danie, Grace, and the infamous Reeves Brothers. Connealy has created a wonderful cast.of characters in her small, Texas Frontier town. This has been a delightful series full of excitement and humor.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,488 reviews51 followers
June 6, 2021
I have enjoyed every book I have read by Connealy, but this one may have been the funniest. The antics of 5 year old triplet boys and their twin 10 year old brothers had me laughing all through the book. Awesome story
Profile Image for Amy.
1,909 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2022
A fun good Christian romance with a plot. I honestly would have gone crazy trapped in a cave with a bunch of boys and a man but I gotta say Grace did well. I’m looking forward to Adam and Tilly’s story
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,067 reviews113 followers
May 20, 2023
Calico Canyon (Lassoed in Texas #2) by Mary Connealy – Grace stows away in Daniel’s wagon to hide from a man set on killing her. Being locked into marriage (and motherhood) in a cave in the winter may be the real thing that does her in though! This one was hilarious! Happy Reading!
1,146 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2017
4.5 stars
Grace had a really rough start with her new family, but it all turned out well ( In the end!)
19 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2018
Read the Montana Marriages series before the Lassoed in Texas series.
Profile Image for Kim.
464 reviews
July 7, 2018
I loved this book just as much as the first one, maybe more!
Profile Image for Beth Kaminske.
693 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2018
I really like Mary Connealy's books! They are very entertaining. And I love how her stories are always about different characters, but how her series all involve the same people. It is just that the main characters are different. Her books are funny, charming, and innocent. Another very good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews

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