The Calico & Cowboys Romance Collection

by Mary Connealy

Calico and denim clash in the Old West

From Texas to Nebraska across the Plains to Montana, love is sneaking up on eight cowboys who begin their relationships on the wrong foot with women. Faced with the challenges of taming the land, enduring harsh weather, and outsmarting outlaws, these couples' faith and love will be tested in exciting ways.

The Advent Bride
A Bride Rides Herd
His Surprise Family
Homestead on the Range
Sophie's Other Daughter
The Sweetwater Bride
Texas Tea
Hope for Christmas

The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy, and readers will enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside one contemporary and seven historical cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.

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

438 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2017

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

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Connealy is one of my favorite authors, bringing humor and sweet romance to the world of Louis L'Amour westerns. Her novellas are always fun to read, although there sure is a lot of insta-love ;) Her characters tend to jump into marriage quickly, but that is part of the times and is refreshing when compared to today's commitment wary society. The action and adventure always sweep me away to the setting and keep me turning the pages. It's a delight to revisit the families that are built throughout her series of books.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took the advice of another reviewer (Rachael), and made sure to read these in chronological order. What fun stories! I think my favorites were Hope for Christmas and Homestead on the Range. I loved following up with the Reeves, McClellan, Cooper, and Harden families.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole lot of fun, adventure and romance set mainly in the 1800's!
A hand picked collection of previously published novellas, with some family connections. Love this author's humor and quick paced writing! Colorful characters, full of spunk and grit, who are thrown together into adventures, awkward and dangerous situations at times. Laugh out loud fun along the way in western settings stretching from Texas, Nebraska and up to Montana. Enjoyable reading even the second time around. The last story is a contemporary one, with a family tie-in that makes a nice wrap up to the set.
Recommend for anyone looking for a fun, light-hearted, clean romance!

(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.)

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last, a good selection of Mary Connealy's novellas are under one cover, so when I want to reread the Lassoed in Texas--Montana Marriages--Sophie's Daughters series, I can find all the subsequent novellas without digging through stacks of volumes (or worse, trying to find them in Kindle copies). All had been published elsewhere originally, so a few of these I've already read, but there were some that were new to me that I enjoyed finally getting to read.

"The Advent Bride" is one that isn't actually connected to any of the author's novels (that I can tell), but it's a sweet story about a teacher finding a way to reach her student--and the student's father--with a puzzle box. You know those kids who can't sit still and make trouble rather than do their work, but you know that it's all a plea for love and attention? Where you know somewhere is a simple key for unlocking the sweet and clever and attentive child you know they can be, if only you can find it? That is Simon. And since I've known a couple Simon's, I could really appreciate this story. "Homestead on the Range" takes place near the same town of Lone Tree, Nebraska as "The Advent Bride," so while they don't have the close connections of the other stories, they do share a setting.

"Sophie's Other Daughter" might just be my favorite, being about the last McClellan girl and the rambunctious Reeves family. Grace and Daniel, as well as Sophie and Clay, all have a larger role in this one than the other related novellas, and it's fun to see them again, especially now that Grace has her girl. It does not surprise me in the least to read about Luke Reeves's success in "Texas Tea"--he always was the wily one. However, I'm glad to see he's far from heartless, and that Libby Cooper can find love!

"A Bride Rides Herd" was a fun addition to the stories about the Reeves and Harden families (with cameos of certain friends and relations from the other books and stories). I loved the humor of this one, as the three small children appear to be trying to kill themselves at every turn, while their two babysitters have the supposedly simple task of keeping them alive. There is a video game based on this precise concept.

Tanner's story in "The Sweetwater Bride" was creative and fun, and quite fitting for the Harden family. I loved the old longhorn bull. Considering how disastrous mail order bride schemes could go, Si really doesn't end up too badly off in "His Surprise Family," though I understand his disappointment and lack of trust, considering his bride's significant lie of omission.

"Hope for Christmas" has pretty much everything to love about one of Connealy's stories--the humor, the cowboys, the strong family ties--but in an updated, modern setting. Modern legalities add a fun (well, fun but also frustrating, given the ease of abuse of the law,) twist to the story. It's quite fitting to the Harden family.

One thing I would have preferred--I wish they were printed in chronological order. It's clear that Sophie's Other Daughter comes first, followed by Texas Tea, A Bride Rides Herd, The Sweetwater Bride, His Surprise Family, and [definitely last] Hope for Christmas. And of course, The Advent Bride and Homestead on the Range go together, so I'd have preferred them next to each other at either the beginning or end, while instead they were all mixed up.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for a free ARC. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has written eight novellas that are full of lighthearted adventure in the Old West. Each story is a stand-alone, but I have read some of the stories in other anthologies or they were a part of a previously read series. The ones that belonged to the series were using secondary characters that needed their own story, but it wasn't enough to make into a whole book. They all tied together by using one family as the main theme throughout. Even the one story that was contemporary had the Hardin family in its family tree. Each story was sweet, romantic, clean, historical, amusing, and faith based. While I enjoyed all of them, since I love this author, I did have a couple of favorites. His Surprise Family and and Hope for Christmas were my two favorites.

This author does a great job of setting the scene so that the reader feels a part of what is happening. Each story is all about romance, but there is some intrigue and drama as well. And each story has family and faith at the very heart. While faith is a very strong element, the reader doesn't feel preached to. The faith is a part of the characters and their lives. So while the characters are flawed, they are authentic and relatable. I really enjoy reading this author's books and can't wait for the next one.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I have to express my delight at the cover. I can just imagine cowboy brides in cowboy boots, especially if they are in Texas.

With eight wonderful tales, Mary Connealy takes us on a journey through the Old West, from the Nebraska grasslands and plains to Montana and Texas, from the 1800s to the 2000s. Some of the stories are linked through family, but they are not all in chronological sequence and occasionally reveal another plot. Just a word of caution: double-check the dates at the beginning of each novella.

I enjoyed the diversity of the scenarios, as well as how several of them had a Christmas theme. I also appreciated how Biblical themes were presented without overwhelming readers with heavy-handed preaching.

In her plots, Connealy's clever, witty humor shines through, as does her historical knowledge. The characters in each short story are engaging to get to know, and you won't want to leave them when the book ends.

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection is another compilation of short stories that will keep your attention until the end. They're also enjoyable, entertaining, clean and wholesome. The book will fascinate and engage you as you read it. It's a terrific pastime if you have a period of time to read. You will want to absorb, think about and delight in each novella.

I received an e-copy from NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Mary Connealy. She is a total hoot! I tell you, you just can't read one of her books without laughing out loud way more than once. This is a great collection of her novellas, with one thrown in at the very last I'd never read before. The modern day one. I burst out laughing numerous times during the reading of it. That story alone is worth the price! Don't miss it. She's at her best.


*I was given a copy of this by the publisher via Net Galley. My review is my own honest opinion.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars:
The Advent Bride
Homestead on the Range
Sophie's Other Daughter

3 stars:
A Bride Rides Herd
The Sweetwater Bride
Texas Tea

2 stars:
His Surprise Family


1 star:
Hope for Christmas

There are two groups of stories that are connected to each other. One has two stories; the other has six. Hope for Christmas is the only contemporary story; the others take place in the 1800s. Each story has a happy ending and takes place in Texas, Montana, and/or Nebraska. Some of the stories were entertaining; they had drama and humor. The others were boring with characters and stories that I didn't like.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection is a collection of eight stories by the talented and fun author Mary Connealy. These stories include:
The Advent Bride
A Bride Rides Herd
His Surprise Family
Homestead on the Range
Sophie’s Other Daughter
The Sweetwater Bride
Texas Tea
Hope for Christmas
If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be His Surprise Family. This is among one of my favorite collection of stories to date.
5 plus stars.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mary Connealy’s Books and I was definitely not disappointed with this great collections of novella. Loved the plot, the wester setting and the characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Margaret Chind]

The Advent Bride from The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection Reviewed on the blog: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2... (The Advent Bride from Netgalley.)

A Bride Rides Herd in Old West Summer Brides from The 12 Brides of Summer Collection: 12 Historical Brides Find Love in the Good Old Summertime was a fun read full of humor. (Summer Collection #2 from Netgalley.)

His Surprise Family

The Homestead Brides Collection: 9 Pioneering Couples Risk All for Love and Land Love this one! Homestead on the Range was a lot of fun in a very Yours, Mine, and Ours sort of romance. I own the Homestead Brides Collection on Kindle.

Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection
The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Begin After Saying "I Do" I own the Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection on Kindle. The Sweetwater Bride: Years ago, reading The Husband Tree, I fell in love with the character of Belle Tanner Harding and her family of interesting characters. Being able to now come and read the story of her son Tanner and his discovery in the hills and woods is nearly magical.

Texas Tea
Hope for Christmas

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection was funny and covered the adventures in 3 parts of the American west from Nebraska to Montana and Texas. The reader is taken on a funny and dangerous ride through the lives of the Reeves and Harden families from the late 1875 to 1897 Texas and Montana following a few of the children of the characters in the Lassoed in Texas Series of books and a connection is made to bring all 3 families in the series together. We meet 3 of Dan and Grace Reeves oldest boys. Also there are the 2 boys of Silas and Belle Harden and the descendant of their family in modern times. We also meet the people of Lone Tree Nebraska in the last 2 novellas.

The Advent Bride Lone Tree Nebraska November29, 1875 Melanie is the local school teacher who is dealing with a difficult student who is in trouble. When she realizes he's going home and no one is there makes him stay until his father comes. Henry thought never to marry again but every time he sees Melanie he gets a jolt. They become friends and spend time together when Melanie figures out how to keep his son from disrupting class. The box her landlady has is the perfect solution. Melanie and Henry get closer as they help Simon find the items in the box. Finding a compartment Melanie missed Henry puts a ring in it and is about to propose when her mean landlady comes in the with the school board making accusations about Melanie. With an audience Henry proposes.

Homestead on the Range Lone Tree Nebraska 1875 Elle is looking around the general store when she notices a man buying sewing supplies and since the store is busy tells the owner she'll help him. Elle & Collin find out that they're neighbors. They're attracted to each other immediately and plan to go on a drive but after Collin finds out Elle has 4 kids he just doesn't think he can handle it because with his 3 that would be 7. He keeps his distance but when her son comes to tell Elle where Collin is building his home they rush to stop him because its a flood area. They move Collin's family closer to Elle's house so they can share the artesian well. The Winters family help the Samuelson family build their house and when a tornado comes through they take shelter in Elle's root cellar. Collin and Elle kiss for the first time and then keep their distance. but knowing how they feel the children come up with a plan to get them together so they can be one family and it works.

A Bride Rides Herd Montana 1894 Matt Reeves is coming to visit his brother when he sees someone in the creek and he's in the process of trying to save them when he realizes that there are 2 little girls but the 2 are just having fun. Matt realizes they're his nieces. As the 3 of them are headed home they run into the girls Aunt Betsy. Matt is immediately attracted to her and when he finds out the problems she has while watching their nieces he offers to stay until his brother gets home. They find ways to keep the girls in the house so they don't cause problems. When a storm comes through and stampedes the cattle they take the 3 girls and go to round them up. On a break they kiss but are caught by Betsy's family who are not pleased. They head back to the house and along the way Matt asks Betsy to marry him.

Sophie's Other Daughter Mesquero, Texas 1887 Laura is in happy about going out to the Reeves' Ranch because Grace is going to have a baby #13 because she's never needed help before. Laura just arrives when she's told that the baby should arrive in an hour. As Grace is getting ready for the birth her husband brings in their son Ike who's come home as a doctor. Ike ends up delivering what everyone expects to be a boy but is actually a girl, stunning everyone. Laura is finally able to head home and Ike is with her. They ride through the canyon and Ike realizes someone is trying to kill and they've shown up. Ike keeps Laura save by taking her to a cave he played as a child. They come up with a plan to capture the outlaws. Working together they capture all 6 and are about to take them to town when Laura's pa shows up and catches them kissing. Ike offers to marry her and is told that he needs to talk to her ma. Ike's twin brother shows up and says that the whole town knows about what happened the night before because the outlaws spread the gossip. Laura and Ike decide to get married but not only because of the gossip but because they love each other.

Texas Tea Sour Springs Texas June 1897 Luke Reeves shows up at the school that sorta cousin Libby Cooper is teaching at. They're glad to see each other and they share a unexpected passionate kiss. When Libby finds out that Luke is an oilman she doesn't trust him because of past relationships. Because they know Luke and trust him the give him a chance to make is case. Libby and her parents and Luke head out to the oil seep on the ranch and are confronted by men trying to steal the oil. Libby is shot and the bad guys are captured they head to town to take them to police and get Libby a doctor. Luke tells the Coopers his plans for the town and the oil and lets them decide what they want to do. All the while Luke and Libby are getting closer to each other. Luke starts courting Libby and her parents decide to take him up on his offer. Libby and Luke get married and move into a house. Later that year Luke's parents and siblings come to visit, They tell everyone that they're expecting a baby.

The Sweetwater Bride Montana July 1897 Tanner harden is out riding his land looking for water sources to his ranch when he hears a woman scream. He locates a hidden valley where Debba McClain has been living alone for years. They are both shocked to see each other. Tanner can't leave her in the valley alone so he kidnaps her to take her to his ma. A few days later Debba's whole menagerie of animals show up at the ranch. The Hardens don't think that its right for Debba to go live at home alone so they talk her into to meeting a trio of older people who aren't keen on living so close to civilization. They all like each other and agree to go live in the valley with Debba. After the group start building the new houses Tanner decides to go check on his own ranch but can't seem to leave the valley and when Debba thinks he's living for good runs after him. They get married at his parent's ranch with family and friends around and as soon as possible before her pet longhorn shows up.

His Surprise Family Montana 1898 Silas Harden is waiting on the train in Helena Montana for his mail order bride to show up. Wen she arrives they immediately get married and have meal. On the way up to their room a commotion erupts and a small boy comes running toward Meghan. It is then relieved that this is her brother and that there are 2 more. Silas is anger because Meg lied to him but he takes all 3 in. They head for his ranch and meg scares them into being good so he won't send them away. When Silas gets anger because they aren't really becoming a family Meg tells him their story and they start going on walks to get to know each other. When Meg's youngest brother goes missing and gets hurt Meg and her brothers work together with Si to save him and the boy from wolves. The next day Si's parents show up for a visit and welcome Meg and her brothers into the family.

Hope for Christmas Montana December 2014 Kelsey is travelling back roads trying to stay off the radar when she is caught in a blizzard and brakes to miss hitting something in the road crashes her car and it falls into a gorge just after she jumps out. Kelsey is facing the wolf she almost hit when Tanner comes to her rescue. Hearing the crash he came to see what happened, He takes her back to his house. They end up delivering her baby girl. They start falling for each other and Kelsey tells Tanner everything about why she's on the run and Tanner shares about his family. When Hope gets sick they take her to Tanner's cousin who's a doctor and he insists that they fill out a birth certificate and file it. Tanner's brother Silas comes for a visit and they plan the Christmas Eve celebration at Tanner's house. While they're celebrating Kelsey' s mother-in-law barges in with the police to have Kelsey arrested and take custody of the baby. With Tanner's aunt the judge there they look through the papers and when the mother-in-law won't cooperate she's put in jail. Tanner and Kelsey had fell in love with each other and they get married then, They go to court where its revealed that the mother-in-law has committed more crimes so Tanner's aunt has her arrested again.

Mary Connealy shows you how the Harden and Reeves family have continued into the 21st century and I can't wait to hear more about the families and the also the Cooper McClellan families in the past and the future. I had fun reading their stories and it makes me want to read the parents and sibling stories that have already been written.

[Desi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love reading and I hardly ever have a bad review on a book, but I wasn't too impressed with this one. To me, this seemed thrown together and anyone who hasn't read the Texas-Montana Petticoats Saga would most likely be confused by references made to that series. If anything, these stories should have been included in the Texas-Montana Petticoats Saga to help fill in a few gaps.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calico and Cowboys Collection was a great set of novellas. I especially enjoyed reading the stories about the children of some of Mary Connealy's previous characters.

I noticed a few manuscript flaws, like spelling or grammar errors, but overall the stories were engaging, clean, and a lot of fun to read!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of cowboy novellas. Each story had it own spin on the cowboy angle, some only taking place in Texas, Montana or Nebraska but the professions included Ranchers, doctors, teachers, a sheriff, an oil man, nurse, homesteader, and a wanderer. I especially enjoyed that 6 of these 8 stories were connected! There is one family the Hardens with parents Belle and Silas and their 9 children in Montana, then there is the Reeves, Daniel and Grace and their 12 boys and 1 girl in Mosqueros, Texas, and the McCellens, Clay and Sophie and their 4 oldest girls and a bunch of boys, also in Mosque rose, Texas. Last there is the Coopers, Grant and Hannah in Sour Springs, Texas with more than 40 adopted kids with just Libby still at home. These are the Texas and Montana families that are related by marriage. Hannah Cooper and Grace Reeves were friends and related by adoption and the Hardens and Reeves in two states joined by the marriages of several of their children. Now it was great learning so much about these families, but boy was it confusing figuring out how they all were related. The things that made it the hardest was that the stories were not in chronological order! The first and fourth took place at the same time (1875) in Lone Tree, Nebraska but they have no other noticable connections to each other or the other stories in the collection. The other 6 all fit together. The 5th story should be first, taking place in 1887 in Texas with Ike Reeves and Laura McCellen. Then comes the 2nd story in 1894 in Montana, Matt Reeves and Betsy Harden. Then is the 7th story taking place in 1895 in Texas with Luke Reeves and Libby Cooper. Then the 6th story in 1897 in Montana with Tanner Harden and Debba. Then the 3rd story in 1898 in Montana with Silas Harden and Meghan. Then it jumps to 2014 to the great great grandson of Belle and Silas Harden in Montana with Tanner Harden and Kelsey. Now if you think thiso is confusing I thought so too. I had to constantly go back over the stories and dates to find out what and when something was taking place. Not to mention the stories you read first in order of the book give away plot details of later but earlier stories! Like one of the grooms kidnapping his bride. I am also quite curious how the first Reeve boy ended up in Montana from Texas, which should be Mark? Another testament to how confusing these stories are together is that almost every review had errors in their observations like that the Hardens are central to every story which HALF the stories does not involve a Harden, or that the last story regarding an oil boom was in modern timesociety, which the oil story took place in 1895...hardly modern timesociety. There was a modern story (2014) but it took place in Montana not the Texas oil fields! Almost every review I have seen has a mix up. Shows how confusing this group is.

The stories as stand alones were fantastic and if the publisher doesn't reorder the stories chronologically (as I read an advanced readers copy) then I would just suggest reading the stories in this order: 1st, 4th, 5th, 2nd, 7th, 6th, 3rd, and 8th. Then they will be much more enjoyable... I am almost tempted to post the family tree of the families for clarification!

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first three stories: The Advent Bride, A Bride Rides Herd, and His Surprise Family captivated me and were exactly what I would expect from Mary C. books. I loved the family stories! Then, I began reading #4 Homestead on the Range, and after a few pages, I knew that I had already read this story in one of her other books, so I didn't read it again. Therefore, when I got to story 5, 6, 7 and 8 and learned that Harden & Reeves family stories were not put in chronological order and the characters as well as mysteries of each story were basically "ruined" since I knew all the basic information from A Bride Rides Herd, I skimmed through the last four stories without reading them, because the stories didn't captivate my attention.

I really like Mary Connealy writing style, and as an author, she knows how to captivate you and bring her reader into the story. A bit more planning and a little more work on behalf of Mary would have made this book awesome, including 5 stars. I eliminated 2 stars due to the Harden and Reeves family stories not being in chronological order and 1 star due to "recycling" stories from one book to another. As a reader, I want the story to flow as well as enjoy new reading material.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by the publisher for an honest review.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do a tamed herd of longhorns, an advent box with secret compartments, three unruly little girls, and oil have in common? Each has a place in a story in The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection: 8 Novellas from the Old West Celebrate the Lighthearted Side of Love.
These novellas, all written by Mary Connealy, take readers to Nebraska, Montana, and Texas. Whether couples have a long history, admire each other, or are meeting for the first time, there are plenty of hijinks and laughter (something Connealy excels at adding to her stories) on their way to finding their happily ever after.
I liked that there was some overlap in these novellas. Each one stands alone, but there is common ground with families—one through several generations—and towns. This common thread made each story I came to a bit more enjoyable with the insight from the previous one with some of these characters.
Get comfortable and settle in to a wild west with heart and humor in this collection.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Must Read

I love when authors bring characters from different book series together. Mary has put together a collection of novellas that bring characters from her other books into these stories. I enjoy being able to read about these characters and their grown children. In this series you will find the Reeves family from Calico Canyon , the Harden family from The Husband Tree , McClellen family from Petticoat Ranch and Sophie's Daughters series. As well as the Cooper family from Gingham Mountain. In addition a few characters are mentioned from Montana Rose and Wildfire Bride. This can be a stand alone read but is more enjoyable if you've read any of the above mentioned books. I always fall in love with Mary's characters and never want her stories to end. So this was an extra special treat for me to get more stories of my favorite characters!

[Linda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.

The Advent Bride
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.

A Bride Rides Herd
Matt Reeves arrives at his brother’s ranch to find Betsy Harden alone with the little girls during a cattle drive. Will the ladies be too much to handle when Matt steps in for the missing ranch hand?

His Surprise Family
A lonely young rancher orders a mail-order bride and after the vows are spoken, she “surprises” him with her three little brothers. No amount of apologies Meghan McCray gives are going to make Silas Harden, Jr. believe a word she says. Should Silas just build himself another house and let his mail-order family take over the one he’s got?

Homestead on the Range
Widow Elle Winter meets new homesteader Colin Samuelson on the Nebraska prairie, but the attraction between them is soon dampened by the discovery that they have seven children between them. Soon their children are working against them to bring the two families together.

Sophie’s Other Daughter
Dr. Ike Reeves comes home to visit his family only to bring trouble in the form of outlaws who believe he witnessed their latest crime. When the gang traps Ike and his old nemesis, Lauren McClellen, in a cave, they must work together to outsmart the thugs. But will their time together put them in a compromising situation that will threaten both of their good reputations?

The Sweetwater Bride
Debba McClain takes offense at being offered a wedding in exchange for valuable water rights. But she doesn’t like to see a good man’s cattle die of thirst—and the rancher Tanner Harden is rather handsome.

Texas Tea
Luke Reeves has gotten wealthy in the oil business and goes to visit his uncle to convince him to sign over the oil rights to his land. But when he meets his grown up adopted cousin Libby Cooper, he may be forced to give up one dream to win another.

Hope for Christmas
It might be 2016, but Montana is still a mighty rough place to survive the winter. When Silas Harden finds the very pregnant Kelsey Black in a wrecked car surrounded by a pack of wolves in the heart of a blizzard he takes her to his remote home. What will Silas do when the baby decides to come and Kelsey confesses why she was out in such a terrible storm?

This book did not disappoint. It was fun reading about the children and grandchildren of previous book characters. It was a typical Mary Connealy book. Boy meets girl and they fall in love right away with all kinds of mishaps along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calico and Cowboys and Romance Collection by Mary Connealy

This is eight romance novellas all in one book. Connealy has a spunky, fun writing style. Many of these novellas are related in one way or another, which make for fun reading.

-The Advent Bride - A story about a school teacher, widowed father and hurting son. There is really not a lot of detail in the romance department in this novella, but it is full of misunderstanding, love, learning with a touch of romance.

-A Bride Rides Herd – We find a beautiful woman, Betsy, in need of some help. Matt is only open to helping her on the ranch. There is much to be done on a ranch with three busy little girls, and no cowhands. There is humor, laughter and romance in this novella.

-His Surprise Family – This is a mail order bride type book. When Meg neglects to tell the whole truth and Si uncovers it will their marriage be doomed before it really begins. This novella is full of getting to know each other, hard times, family and romance.

Homestead on the Range - I love the chemistry between Elle and Colin in this novella, Sometimes when the children out number the adults things get interesting real quick.

Sophie’s Other Daughter – This was a fun novella full of surprises, some mystery, and of course romance. I loved the sparks between Laura and Ike. Their families have unique characters as well that make for some fun reading.

The Sweetwater Bride – This is a fun novella with some interesting animals involved. This novella takes place before His Surprise Family. Debba is a unique lady with some unusual behavior, Tanner really only wants what is best for her even if his ways are a little unusual.

Texas Tea – This novella brings a couple families we have already met in this collection together. Luke is a free spirited man, Libby is content with her lot in life. Even though they have grown up as cousins, (which truly they are not) the years have come and gone and the attraction is there. When Luke must prove himself to Libby will he win her trust along with her heart?

Hope for Christmas – This is a modern day novella in this series, yet with some of the same descendants from earlier novellas. This one is one of my favorite in this collection. It is full of some surprise, family, love, and more.

[Lainey D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Connealy did an amazing job with this book, and I had such an enjoyable time reading each story in this collection. Though I loved it, I had trouble getting through the second story, A Bride Rides Herd, I just felt like it was a little bare. The story just seemed a little thrown together, we didn't really get to know the characters that much, making it harder to relate. The plot of the second story was also a little difficult to follow. I loved the fact that six of the stories were about the Harden and Reeves families, this added to the stories plot line and gave some more information on the different characters. The order of the stories with these two family lines, gives more shape to the stories, giving different point of views and more information. Almost all the stories take place in the late 1800's, except for the last story that takes place in the year 2016. This change in time didn't really sit well with me at first, it was confusing and I wasn't quite sure how Ms. Connealy was going to make that time jump work. After reading the first chapter, I was amazed by the fact that Ms. Connealy made the time change work, and continued the telling of the harden family decedents. I was extremely sad to put the book down, I enjoyed going on adventures with each of the characters. Mary Connealy is an amazing Author with a God given talent.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection: is eight novellas and boy I hate that. What I especially do I hate is that they are novellas, I wish each and every one of them were novels or longer stories. They were so very incredible when I read the first one and was touched and loved it so much I thought the rest could not be come patible with that, but boy howdy was I wrong. They each were as good or even better. You have a teacher who needs a student's Dad she is tutoring the son. There is a Rancher who sees a lady with the children on the ranch. You have a Rancher who has a mail order bride who after the wedding springs a major surprise on him. The next one is about a widower who is a homesteader. The next one is about a doctor and his nemesis being trapped what happens? You have to read the book The next one is about a business owner who falls for his adopted cousin. One is when Silas rescues a pregnant Kelsey. Why was she out in the storm pregnant? These and many questions need to be answered and the only way to find them is to read the book. I received this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author. I wait impatiently for her next book, Yes Impatiently, that was not a miss-type. This is one of the best collections I have read. In the eight Novellas she revisits many of my favorite characters. You know you are over the top when you can't wait to talk to your daughter about the latest escapade of these characters, as if they are relatives. If you have read anything by Mary, you know her novels are well written, fast passed and laugh out loud funny. She has such a great wit and wonderful one liners. Her novels are also full of very tender moments. Quote from The Sweetwater Bride, “I love you Tanner, That's why when your pa said you left-----” “The sun dimmed and the birds quit singing. The trees wept and the wind turned cold. I knew you'd gone out of my life.” Mary has a wonderful way of picking you up and planting you back into the late 1800's, before you even realize what's happened. Hope for Christmas was a pleasant surprise. It was written as a modern day novella. A story of the great, great, great grandson of the first Harden family. If you were to ask me which novella was my favorite, I would have to say the one I am reading right now. Don't miss out, read Calico and Cowboys, Purchase one for a friend who loves western romance novels.

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calicos & Cowboys Collection- Novellas: Rating 4-Overall a great collection of novellas.

-Advent Bride- 3- schoolteacher romance with father of a problem child; unlike her other stories.
-A Bride Rides Herd- 4.5- Great story about Belle Harden’s daughter; I really like the books in that series.
-His Surprise Family-4-sweet story, romance, fast/thorough plot; child of Belle & Silas Harden, orders a mail order bride.
-Homestead on the Range- 3.75- Brady Bunch type story but with much better ending; kids get couple together.
-Sophie’s Other Daughter-4-Great! Ike Reeves & Laura McClellen; Old friends get trapped in a cave overnight and fall in love. I like that series.
-The Sweetwater Bride-3.5-Tanner Harden, reminded me of Aiming for Love book but better.
-Texas Tea-3.5- Luke Reeves; Old friends, a teacher & oil tycoon, fall in love.
-Hope for Christmas - 4-Modern era Tanner Harden rescues a woman, delivers a baby, & they become a family.

[Raina Rausch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was iffy about this collection when I realized they were all written by Mary Connealy. She is a great writer, but pushes the limits of decency in the romance category. (I have opted out of reading any more of her novels.) It wasn't too bad. Only one time did it cause me to raise my eyebrows, lol. Something I didn't appreciate was in the last novella, the couple continues to live together unmarried after the blizzard clears up. The heroine could have lived with any number of his family. Though faith and God weren't mentioned much, so maybe this collection is only loosely (or not at all) considered faith based.
I do wish they would have organized the novellas in order of storyline in the book - not sure why they didn't. Because of this, the over-arching plot was out of order. I did enjoy the two families who provided most of the main characters. I enjoy watching characters grow up and develop, and there were some story lines that were unusual, which I appreciate.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of eight Old West novellas filled with romance and humor. These stories are tied together by main characters who are either from the Reeves family (think 12 boys and then a girl) or the McClellan family (4 rambunctious, strong willed girls and then boys). The major characters from the stories have also starred in other books of Connealy's, so it is nice to revisit them. Another common thread is that each story features a child or children that draw the male and female lead together and leads to romance. Each novella feels like a complete story.

Mary Connelly's books are always clean, humorous and filled with old west fun while maintaining a strong Christian thread throughout. Another great collection from this author featuring easy-to-read stories that are perfect for a short break on a busy day.

[Maryk Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My top most Favorite Author

My top most Favorite Author , is Mary Connealy, she is witty, and has such a great sense of humor that she brings into the stories you will find your self laughing out loud sometimes at the things she has written, I ALWAYS BUY HER BOOKS....
The only bad part about this book is a publishing problem.. it seems most of the stories were laced out in the wrong order, you will be reading one story and meet some family members that are married, or referred to as married then the next story is about they themselves meeting someone & getting married. Only to have them referred to as single in the next story.... if I read it again, I will go by the first paragraph, it usually gives what year it is... (just to keep it in order)
But keep in mind that’s a publicity problem not the Author.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a set of 8 sweet faith filled western romance novellas. Seven of the eight novellas are historical romances. While all of the novellas stand on their own, six of them have interconnected characters/families. All of these novellas concentrate of romance that is sweet, clean, and based on faith. There is humor and adventure throughout. I really enjoyed The Advent Bride and The Bride Rides Herd, both of which involved rambunctious children and couples who fall in love while trying to care for them. All eight stories have different plots.
Thank you to Barbour and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I have voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance novella collection was a wonderful diversion which often made me laugh. It was fun to reconnect with the Harden, McClellen, and Reeves families since they were featured in several of the novellas. I do wish the stories had been in chronological order since some of the stories referenced things that happened previously, but we didn't read about them until later in the book. Fortunately, since I was reading a paper copy, it was easy to look at the beginning of each story to see the date it took place. I was surprised at the number of editing errors but that still didn't dim my enjoyment of Mary Connealy's delightful stories.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Connealy is the queen of quirky, yet lovable characters and this extended family has plenty to offer. This family tree has many branches of interesting stories and a fierce loyalty to each other. It's like reading a delightful "rest of the story" many times over that ties up loose ends. Each story has strong characters as well as some strong opposition to face. So, grab cup of your favorite hot beverage and spend some family time with Calico and Cowboys.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.