Calico Canyon

Lassoed in Texas #2

by Mary Connealy

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?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Westerns, Historical, Christian Romance

284 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

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

Reviews

[Aerykah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big shout out to the author for making me laugh so hard as I read the opening pages. Grace is a teacher who loves her job. On one particular trying day chaos breaks out in the classroom. Like a domino effect, one thing leads to another calamity where Grace finds herself embarrassed in front of her students. The unruly boys who have caused this disruption denies everything. I think Grace has reached her limit and starts to take back control until their dad shows up. He is not happy witnessing the teacher threatening to hit one of his children. Little does anyone know that this man will protect Grace one day.

Daniel is rough around the edges and doesn’t take kindly to anyone who mistreats his boys. He takes it upon himself to make sure Grace is reprimanded for her actions at school. Does he have any idea that his boys are a tad bit hard to handle? I do like how much Daniel cares for his boys even though they may not always show their appreciation for the sacrifice their father gives to keep them fed and safe.

The story proves to be much more than just a glimpse at family but the deeper meaning of trust. Grace and Daniel find themselves in a predicament that brings them together in a way neither really wanted. I liked how Grace finally showed her courageous side and begins to open her heart to the children she never thought she could care about. Oh how I loved these boys and how much they needed to find security and the love of a mother.

There is danger in the story which adds a depth of learning to trust others. The story also illustrates how two people need to allow God to direct their paths. Daniel is fighting a battle within him that brings out the bitterness he has deep rooted in his heart. With so much unanswered questions and secrets, will Grace and Daniel have a relationship grounded in faith?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Great is thy failthfulness."

I actually let my boys do rest time early so I could justify sitting and finishing this book, cause it got real intense at the end. Even my dog looked at me like I was crazy as I read. So I'd start by saying that some of the stuff spoken of is hard to read. (The main characters' pasts have either child abuse or death in giving birth.) It's intense. And there are people out there that really are that cruel...

But all throughout, there was that reminder of God being faithful. Even when we aren't. Even when we don't see His presence right away. Even when we forget.

There's a wonderful scene where 2 characters are discussing the existence of God and whether He's good or does He forget people.

'Adam nodded, and his hand relaxed on her arm. "There's a God Till, and He loves you."
"He forgot me."
"He never forgets His children."
"He left me in chains."
"Virgil left you in chains, not God. God was with you the whole time, keeping your soul safe. We're from a people that have known chains for centuries, and yet I've seen a powerful faith in slaves, captured or free. Our people have always been too wise in the ways of hardship to believe God exists to make sure the world treats us fair. Instead, He comes to us in the midst of great misery and ministers to our souls. Don't tell me He waits until we're free any more than He waits until we're happy and healthy. God comes all the way to you, wherever you are, and all He asks is for you to accept Him."'

Loooooved that reminder. Yeah you may have a life that has absolutely crushed you. BUT GOD. In His faithfulness He remains.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Calhoun never imagined that teaching in Texas would lead to marriage. Daniel Reeves, infuriated her. Grace needed him, and he was willing to help her, but he had no intention of falling in love with her. While still grieving the loss of his first wife, he knew he never wanted to experience that pain again.

Daniel’s sons needed a mother, and Grace was more than willing to fulfill that need. Daniel built her a house, but he continued to keep his distance. Through all the changes that had transpired, both Grace and Daniel began to lower the walls they had built around their hearts.

“Calico Canyon,” a heartwarming story written by Mary Connealy, is a wonderful tale of new beginnings and discovering courage from within. This story broke my heart into tiny pieces and then put it back together.

I loved Grace’s story of leaving behind her cruel life and going to great lengths to survive. She was incredibly strong. Daniel was an overcomer. After losing his wife during childbirth, he was so protective of his family and his heart. I loved this installment, “Petticoats and Cowboys.” I highly recommend this book.

Get your copy today!! https://amazn.so/CalicoCanyon

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing story kept with the same humour as the first book
A fun easy read , was entertaining

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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...

[Emily Beeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in 2020, when it was published by Barbour as part of the Lassoed in Texas series. Now the series is being reissued by Wild Heart Books as Petticoats & Cowboys, and this is book #2.

It had been long enough since I first read Calico Canyon that I remembered parts of the story, but I’d forgotten a lot, and I laughed just as much as the first time through. This time there’s a widower father with 5 children under the age of 10, and the prissy schoolmarm gets snowed in with the family while trying to escape a vicious adoptive father who gets his jollies out of abusing young girls. The relationships are hilarious, but then suddenly turn tender. The children and adults learn to trust God and His faithfulness. I really enjoyed getting to read this book again!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brook Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Christian fiction and a fun read. I highly recommend.

[Erica Vetsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I read in 2009. Wonderful! I couldn't put it down, and I loved every word.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Still trying to escape from this marriage, Mr. Reeves?” Daniel grabbed her and hugged her tight. “I reckon I give up. I am well and truly caught.”

The wonderful western story has a marriage of convenience and instant family. There is a perfectly evil villain, a dash of suspense, rambunctious boys, and a focus on God’s faithfulness.

Grace is brave, caring, and a little bit of a spitfire. I enjoyed seeing her step out of her comfort zone and I loved the way she handled her new circumstances. I loved when she made connections with the boys and the loving, gentle, honest conversations. I loved seeing her butt heads with and stand up to Daniel. I really enjoyed seeing her love for the boys and Daniel grow. I loved her bravery while facing her past and her realization of the truth of God’s faithfulness. Daniel is devoted and stubborn. I enjoyed his relationships with his boys and the easy, gentle way he interacted with them. I loved his battle with his attraction to Grace and the little victories over his pain from the past. I loved that he was determined to help his boys appreciate their “new ma” and was an example of respect and helpfulness. I just loved all those young Reeves boys!
How fun that we get more of Adam and the McClellens (from book one) too!

A few more quotes:
“So you believe in the wind because of what it does. No one sees God, but everyone sees what He does. And the wind is air, and the air is inside our chests when we breathe, just like our hearts. God is everywhere. And God never leaves us. God is faithful to us, even when we aren’t so faithful to Him.”

🩶 Daniel held his breath. Every touch she bestowed poured over the boys like water in the middle of a parched Texas summer. Each and every one, they so obviously drank in the pleasure of her touch.🩶

🩶 Life was good. She’d married an idiot—but a woman couldn’t have everything.🩶

Note: There is mild child abuse, mention of past abuse to FMC and current abuse of child at school (by secondary character).

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance is a favorite Genre of mine. Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy is Book 2 in the Petticoats and Cowboys series.

WOW, the storyline starts with humor and laughter, then mystery and Romance are a part of the book. The setting is in Mosqueros, Texas in the late 1800's. The main characters in the story are Grace Calhoun, Daniel Reeves and his 5 sons. Grace is a Teacher in a one room Schoolhouse and widower Daniel Reeve has 5 sons in her class. Grace had just arrived in Texas after fleeing from her Adoptive father who was abusive to her. Grace feels safe in Texas and loves her Teaching job, yet the Boys can be unruly often. Daniel is not looking for a relationship as he is still grieving the loss of his wife. Grace is forced into marrying Daniel for safety reasons when she is "hunted" by her Adoptive Father. Marriage of Convenience shows no love at first, until Grace, Daniel and the Boys are stranded together due to a Snow Storm. The "storm" brings calm to the Chaotic family life as Grace gets the courage to protect the Boys and Daniel from the danger of the storm and from danger that lurks from being hunted by her Father. Marriage of Convenience novels are a favorite of mine and this story was intriguing and romantic. Strength, Trust, Faith and Family are all apart of this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the themes in the storyline. GREAT BOOK!

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

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. Connealy is known for her romantic western comedies, but the truth and inspiration in Calico Canyon turn it into something very special! Just be prepared to experience a roller-coaster ride of emotions!

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.

I invite you to read my full review at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....

[Amanda Geaney]

Quotes:

“We don’t want her to die ’r nothin’, but we don’t want her to be our ma. We talked it over, ’n’ we say take her back and get another’un.”

--

He was stuck—pinned in here, in the dim light of the cold night, next to the rudest woman he’d ever known. The woman who had gotten his sons kicked out of school. He’d gotten her fired from her job in return.

--

As long as Pa brung us a ma for one night, don’t it seem like she oughta do the cookin’?” Luke asked. “It’s the least she could do after she and Pa shared the blankets overnight.” “That’s perpetrated, idiot.” Abe shoved John into Mark. “It’s like Methodist and Baptist and Perpetyrians.”

--

Tillie loved being part of this happy family. Suddenly, her eyes stung with the realization that her separation from God created a separation from all believers, however kind they were. That wasn’t of the McClellens’ making but of hers, because they talked of God often and with much sincerity. Tillie couldn’t join in.

--

A hundred less-than-Christian thoughts flooded though Tillie’s mind, all centering around that awful man who’d hurt these girls. But she didn’t get mad. Instead, she smiled and dropped down on her knees, joining the girls’ circle. “When it comes to breaking free, I’m just the woman you want.”

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accidental marriage of convenience.

Grace Calhoun escapes her abusive adoptive father in Daniel Reeves's wagon, but is forced into a marriage of convienience to Daniel Reeves the man who along with his 5 wild sons cost Grace her job. I liked how Grace makes the best of a bad situation, taking time to care for and teach the boys. Daniel is a busy man, who doesn't see a porblem with letting his boys "be boys." But I liked how he sees how Grace isn't strict out of cruelty, but out of care. It was fun getting to know the boys and see their different personalities come through.

A wild adventure full of faith, humor, action, and romance. A western, unlikely enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience, read with a hilarious set up and likable characters, and strong faith. Great interaction and character growth, I liked how they both really leaned on their faith, and came to see each other in a different light.

Overall, an engaging read with a lot going on, strong faith, great characters, situational humor, and great interacton. Highly enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[April Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had mixed reactions/emotions about this novel. The value of family, hard work, and being loyal was good. Grace’s dedication as a teacher and her determination to take the blows for those weaker were good traits for her. Daniel is a strong man, protective, and diligent worker though swallowed up with grief and fear from the past and afraid to have a future. His boys were a big handful needing a mother’s touch, but they were lovable. The marriage of convenience was believable and Daniel and Grace did have a good team spirit, although at odds many times.

There are a couple scenes and discussion that are for the mature reader, I believe, and therefore younger readers should use discernment. Nothing graphic or vulgar, but hints, thoughts, and desire regarding marital intimacy. I also find that while the humor is funny and amusing in places and adds to the story, there are times the words are more anger filled, rude and condescending. That took away from the story a little for me.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled to have a chance to work through this series a second time with the new publisher Wild Heart Books. Calico Canyon gives you the opposite of Petticoat Ranch--this time it's five BOYS. Not just boys...but think of the movie 7 Brides for 7 Brothers--where she discovers how uncouth and crazy the brothers are. Now put that energy and horror she had into seeing five LITTLE boys--Twins age 10 and Triplets age 5.

That's a horror story. LOL.

But that's what schoolteacher Grace is thrust into when she escapes her adopted father's brutality after he finds her in town and she jumps into the back of Daniel Reeve's wagon.

As a boy mom, I must say I totally understood a lot of that concept of sheer NOISE. And keeping idle hands busy!

The ending was also the BEST as Grace uses the tricks she learned from being a boy mom to save herself from kidnapping. ;)

A delightful revisiting of this delightful story!

This story takes place BEFORE and AFTER the epilogue of Petticoat Ranch timewise.

5 stars for the fun!

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace had a rough life. From being abused by an adoptive father to teaching unruly children in a Texas school then being fired. When her “father” located her and started chasing her, she hid in a stranger’s wagon.
To her dismay she found herself in the company of the father of the unruly children that got her fired. Unforeseen circumstances found her in a “shotgun” wedding so to speak. Planning to run away again the next morning, an unexpected blizzard snowed her in with this family until the spring thaw.
I enjoyed reading the progression of this family with Grace over the weeks and months. What would happen eventually? Would the five boys learn to like her or merely put up with her? Living in a crude small cave for a home was tough under the best of circumstances, which this wasn’t. The hardest part for me was keeping up with the three different families mentioned from one chapter to another. But it all “gelled” in the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mosqueros, Texas in 1867 was grateful to have a teacher for their children, even if she was rather young. In her 17 years Grace Calhoun, had already lived a life that was anything but sunshine and roses. Orphaned as a child, abused by Parrish, her adopted father and beaten whenever he so desired, found her jumping boxcars to get as far away as possible, when he suddenly arrives from Chicago ready to continue using her as his whipping post.

Nearly frozen, she is found in her nightgown in the back of a wagon. Forced into a marriage of convenience, she begins the most difficult job of her life. Remembering her mantra to be brave and trust in the faithfulness of the Lord, she heads into a whole new world of what might even, one day, be love.

An early copy of Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2 was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series set in Old Time Wild Texas. This story is sort of the opposite, with a family of wild, motherless boys who cause loads of trouble for their young teacher. The author did an amazing job combining all the elements with the troubling twists that tie together and tug at the heart too. Grace has been running for her tormented past and an abusive adopted father. Now she finds herself in the midst of a rambunctious bunch of young boys she cannot tame. The way she finds herself thrown into the fire makes for a run read. The humor and the danger and the drama all add up to an unforgettable tale with a touching ending that brought unexpected tears. I love to see love grow through the trials and hard times and to read of overcoming obstacles. (But I could do without the beatings the characters suffered.) This story could stand alone, but it’s much better when read in order of the series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked "Calico Canyon" by Mary Connealy. It is an inspiring read, but I will warn you some of the scenes aren't very happy. There were funny moments through. This is a story where the main two characters aren't very friendly at first. If a reader likes Historical romance and wants faith as part of the story line, I say look no farther and get your copy of this and enjoy. My heart was cheering at time for most of the characters but there is one character that I wanted to see get judgement and through this book isn't of the Amish genre I wanted him to get thrown into the manure pile ( it could of have happen because they have animals). It sorted happen but with mud. I hope I said enough to encourage to get a copy See how that happened.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own