What do you think?
Rate this book
Brides of Hope Mountain #2
Woman of Sunlight
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.
Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.
Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.
Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.
Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
195 people are currently reading
1932 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
115 books2,532 followersMary 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
July 3, 2020
I was looking forward to this one a lot--Connealy to me is escapist fiction for when I don't want something to strike too deep--and my expectation of enjoyment did make my disappointment overly strong as well. Two stars for "okay." Most of the humor was centered around the misunderstanding of having a book of legends considered a "second bible" and after the first book the excessive "humor" about it was really heavy-handed and annoying. I also disliked that Mitch's mom thought it was okay to humor her belief and go along with her error without standing for her own beliefs a little more firmly (is Connealy softly suggesting, for instance, that we humor Mormons instead of saying truthfully we don't believe in a second holy book, then turn around behind their backs and say "well, you know, I don't really think that"?).
Other eye-roll moments were that half her "unknowns" made her look more stupid than ignorant, so there are some really cheesy lines that got past my patience mark.
However, the final third of the book focuses on the suspense and on Ilsa and Mitch learning to love each other. I really, really wanted more of this section. This is the sort of character bond that I love to see in a Connealy story. Sadly, it was over too quickly and my appetite was more whetted than satisfied.
I'll definitely be reading more in this series, even though this particular book was a miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Other eye-roll moments were that half her "unknowns" made her look more stupid than ignorant, so there are some really cheesy lines that got past my patience mark.
However, the final third of the book focuses on the suspense and on Ilsa and Mitch learning to love each other. I really, really wanted more of this section. This is the sort of character bond that I love to see in a Connealy story. Sadly, it was over too quickly and my appetite was more whetted than satisfied.
I'll definitely be reading more in this series, even though this particular book was a miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
March 14, 2020
Afraid of people and disease, wild child recluse Ilsa Nordegren lives isolated on Hope Mountain when successful business man and neighbor Mitch Warden returns from New York. He brings danger with him as gunmen turn up to kill him. On a trip to the city to get help, Ilsa and Mitch’s relationship gets time to blossom in the midst of intense danger.
Woman of Sunlight is installment #2 in Brides of Hope Mountain Series. The story is about the three young Nordegren women living in isolation on Hope Mountain, Colorado. New York business man Mitch Warden return to help his family, but brings with him danger as armed gunmen turn up. The Nordegrens and the Wardens use all their skills to apprehend them and go to town delivering them to the local sheriff. It becomes vital for Mitch to hire a nation-wide detective agency to investigate the two strangers so he goes to the city. Ilsa insists on accompanying him and it becomes an eye opening experience for her as she has lived such a reclusive life. The mystery of who is trying to kill Mitch kept me gripped right to the end.
Fiercely independent recluse Ilsa Nordegren, is illiterate but knowledgeable about Indian medicine. She seems socially impaired, cut off from the world for too long. I love that she is such a complex character. On the one hand she seems a person having been isolated from other people having little experience; on the other hand she has the most amazing survival skills that come in handy in dangerous situations.
Civil war veteran and successful businessman, Mitch Warden, is Ilsa’s friend and neighbor. Returning from New York he finds his family has been run off their rightfully owned land and stays to help. He is also trying to escape troubles in New York, but that seems to have followed him to Hope Mountain.
Wax Mosby is a hired gun who helps chase innocent settlers and drive them of land they own by law. He is not shying away from criminal acts in the process. I am happy to see he seems to wise up somewhat throughout the plot. His conscience seems to bother him and he seems to feel a pull back to his mother’s Bible teachings. For initially such a bad character, it’s nice to see he seems to go through a process of wanting to get back to his faith and live a decent life..
This plot has elements of a western tale including outlaw gunmen horse riding, criminal activity and gold, which I really enjoyed. My favorite part of the story is descriptions of Ilsa’s love of nature and Mitch’s tireless work to teach her to read and help her adjust to life outside what she had been used to all her life.
Ilsa and Mitch’s romance seem to start with anger and scolding, continue with moments of closeness and finally more and more awareness of their feelings for each other.
Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain #2) by Mary Connealy is a sweet, entertaining and easy read with elements of faith and family, but also danger and hardship. I read it as a standalone which worked absolutely fine, but as a rule I try to read a series starting with #1. This is the first book I have read by Mary Connealy and I will read Aiming for Love (Brides of Hope Mountain Book #1) to catch up with the story line running through the series.
Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain #2) is recommended for fans of Mary Connealy and for readers of historical romance fiction or historical fiction.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Woman of Sunlight is installment #2 in Brides of Hope Mountain Series. The story is about the three young Nordegren women living in isolation on Hope Mountain, Colorado. New York business man Mitch Warden return to help his family, but brings with him danger as armed gunmen turn up. The Nordegrens and the Wardens use all their skills to apprehend them and go to town delivering them to the local sheriff. It becomes vital for Mitch to hire a nation-wide detective agency to investigate the two strangers so he goes to the city. Ilsa insists on accompanying him and it becomes an eye opening experience for her as she has lived such a reclusive life. The mystery of who is trying to kill Mitch kept me gripped right to the end.
Fiercely independent recluse Ilsa Nordegren, is illiterate but knowledgeable about Indian medicine. She seems socially impaired, cut off from the world for too long. I love that she is such a complex character. On the one hand she seems a person having been isolated from other people having little experience; on the other hand she has the most amazing survival skills that come in handy in dangerous situations.
Civil war veteran and successful businessman, Mitch Warden, is Ilsa’s friend and neighbor. Returning from New York he finds his family has been run off their rightfully owned land and stays to help. He is also trying to escape troubles in New York, but that seems to have followed him to Hope Mountain.
Wax Mosby is a hired gun who helps chase innocent settlers and drive them of land they own by law. He is not shying away from criminal acts in the process. I am happy to see he seems to wise up somewhat throughout the plot. His conscience seems to bother him and he seems to feel a pull back to his mother’s Bible teachings. For initially such a bad character, it’s nice to see he seems to go through a process of wanting to get back to his faith and live a decent life..
This plot has elements of a western tale including outlaw gunmen horse riding, criminal activity and gold, which I really enjoyed. My favorite part of the story is descriptions of Ilsa’s love of nature and Mitch’s tireless work to teach her to read and help her adjust to life outside what she had been used to all her life.
Ilsa and Mitch’s romance seem to start with anger and scolding, continue with moments of closeness and finally more and more awareness of their feelings for each other.
Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain #2) by Mary Connealy is a sweet, entertaining and easy read with elements of faith and family, but also danger and hardship. I read it as a standalone which worked absolutely fine, but as a rule I try to read a series starting with #1. This is the first book I have read by Mary Connealy and I will read Aiming for Love (Brides of Hope Mountain Book #1) to catch up with the story line running through the series.
Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain #2) is recommended for fans of Mary Connealy and for readers of historical romance fiction or historical fiction.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
March 13, 2020
It was a pleasure to continue the story of the Nordegren sisters from the first book. This one focused on Ilsa, the wood sprite who runs through the trees and gives Mitch what-for. They definitely have a volatile relationship in the beginning which is fun, but everything changes when they face assassins who are after Mitch. Ilsa's fearless defense of him shifts his realization of how he regards her with admiration and affection instead of frustration and guilt for getting her sick with chicken pox. Ilsa's isolated existence on the mountain made her adventure to the local town and on to bigger cities an eye-opening experience, where she takes things at face value and Mitch feels the need to explain and interpret her misunderstandings. They become quite a pair as they work together to solve the mystery of who's behind the hired guns and how Mitch was betrayed before he escaped to the mountain. We also get come chapters from Ursula and Wax's perspectives, setting us up for the next book. I'm really looking forward to it!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 1, 2020
What a fun follow up to Aiming For Love. I really enjoyed the mysteries following Mitch and the adventure he and Ilsa are forced on when the danger following Mitch comes to close to home. The mysteries had few surprises and a satisfying conclusion. Ilsa was such an interesting character and after getting to know Ursula a little bit in this story, I am looking forward to her story later this year. All in all, this was a fun read, with mystery, humor and romance. Recommended.
I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
March 2, 2020
'She'd swung in from the treetop. Into a gunfight. She'd brought a knife to a gunfight. What's more, she'd won.'
Mary Connealy adds to her Brides of Hope Mountain admirably with this second novel. I just adore Mary Connealy. The Nordegren sisters have lived on Hope Mountain all their lives, raised to be afraid of the world by their grandparents, who are now dead. Now they must learn that the world is a very odd place for them. This installment deals with the sister Ilsa. We came to know her in book one and also to love her. She and Mitch Warden caught chicken pox together and now they are well, someone is after Mitch to kill him. He decides to go back east to face his would be killers rather than endanger his family after coming back west to help them reclaim their land from a sneaky varmint. But Ilsa insists on coming with him to the city. She has never ridden a horse, never seen a train, much less eaten in a restaurant. Things get strange pretty quickly, especially when they must dodge bullets nearly every day!
Mary Connealy has long been a favorite of mine. Her wit and dry sense of humor have me cackling out loud during every book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to sister Ursula's story next year! Oh, why does it have to be so long? Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishes for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Mary Connealy adds to her Brides of Hope Mountain admirably with this second novel. I just adore Mary Connealy. The Nordegren sisters have lived on Hope Mountain all their lives, raised to be afraid of the world by their grandparents, who are now dead. Now they must learn that the world is a very odd place for them. This installment deals with the sister Ilsa. We came to know her in book one and also to love her. She and Mitch Warden caught chicken pox together and now they are well, someone is after Mitch to kill him. He decides to go back east to face his would be killers rather than endanger his family after coming back west to help them reclaim their land from a sneaky varmint. But Ilsa insists on coming with him to the city. She has never ridden a horse, never seen a train, much less eaten in a restaurant. Things get strange pretty quickly, especially when they must dodge bullets nearly every day!
Mary Connealy has long been a favorite of mine. Her wit and dry sense of humor have me cackling out loud during every book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to sister Ursula's story next year! Oh, why does it have to be so long? Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishes for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
April 22, 2020
This story was a fun read. I found it to be humorous, intriguing, lots of unexpected events, some suspense, and even a bit of action and danger.
Ilsa is quite the feisty, intriguing young lady. Completely ignorant in the ways of the world. Almost to the point of being unbelievable. And yet, when I think of the circumstances in which she grew up -- all alone like that, with her grandparents, and then just her two sisters, never venturing down into the outside world, ever. Well....then it does make it seem a bit more likely.
This entire story is quite the adventure. Ilsa joins Mitch in an unforgettable journey. Chasing killers a very long way – Colorado to Chicago. She is a heroine that you wouldn't want to have as an enemy. Having grown up with a knife in her hand, knowing how to fight anything that came her way, she was very much a formidable ally to Mitch, and put up quite the fight to their opponents.
I liked seeing the sights of a big city like Chicago through her eyes. An unlearned, outdoorswoman like Ilsa had nothing to compare to the busy streets, crowds of people and tall buildings. Even the many stairs left her gaping in awe.
This adventure they went on also brought out their true colors. Ilsa showed herself to be a very loyal, dependable, and trustworthy friend. In spite of Mitch and Ilsa not knowing each other at all at the beginning of this book, they rather quickly grew to know and trust each other.
This is a fun story,
Mary Connealy has once again brought those early American days to life. The days of the Pinkerton Agents, the days of the Wild West, and the early railroads.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Ilsa is quite the feisty, intriguing young lady. Completely ignorant in the ways of the world. Almost to the point of being unbelievable. And yet, when I think of the circumstances in which she grew up -- all alone like that, with her grandparents, and then just her two sisters, never venturing down into the outside world, ever. Well....then it does make it seem a bit more likely.
This entire story is quite the adventure. Ilsa joins Mitch in an unforgettable journey. Chasing killers a very long way – Colorado to Chicago. She is a heroine that you wouldn't want to have as an enemy. Having grown up with a knife in her hand, knowing how to fight anything that came her way, she was very much a formidable ally to Mitch, and put up quite the fight to their opponents.
I liked seeing the sights of a big city like Chicago through her eyes. An unlearned, outdoorswoman like Ilsa had nothing to compare to the busy streets, crowds of people and tall buildings. Even the many stairs left her gaping in awe.
This adventure they went on also brought out their true colors. Ilsa showed herself to be a very loyal, dependable, and trustworthy friend. In spite of Mitch and Ilsa not knowing each other at all at the beginning of this book, they rather quickly grew to know and trust each other.
This is a fun story,
Mary Connealy has once again brought those early American days to life. The days of the Pinkerton Agents, the days of the Wild West, and the early railroads.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 9, 2020
I can always count on a book authored by Mary Connealy to lighten my heart with humor, faith honoring characters, and general sense of goodness. Woman of Sunlight does not disappoint!
In book #1 of the Brides of Hope Mountain series we met the three sisters living extremely isolated lives atop a mountain. That story involves Josephine. Read my review here Book #2 gives us a delightful encounter and experience with Ilsa and how this isolated woman that is so naive, sweet and fierce, and beautiful captures the heart of Mitch.
I simply love the tongue-in-cheek fun quips and thoughts of the characters.
I highly recommend this as a fun, clean, relaxing read that will lighten your day as you read.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
In book #1 of the Brides of Hope Mountain series we met the three sisters living extremely isolated lives atop a mountain. That story involves Josephine. Read my review here Book #2 gives us a delightful encounter and experience with Ilsa and how this isolated woman that is so naive, sweet and fierce, and beautiful captures the heart of Mitch.
I simply love the tongue-in-cheek fun quips and thoughts of the characters.
I highly recommend this as a fun, clean, relaxing read that will lighten your day as you read.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
July 9, 2021
What a lovely story!
The cover model’s hair color is completely wrong. The leading lady, who has Norwegian genes, has dark-blonde hair, but the model’s is clearly dark brown. This always irritates me.
The plot was wonderful. I loved that there was a road trip. More than that, I enjoyed that Ilsa was naïve about the ways of the world and that she had a goal of learning better how to read people’s expressions. She was delightful!
I liked that Josephine returned and realized that the sisters’ book of fables was not a “second Bible,” as they’d been raised to believe.
I’m so happy this story was about Mitch and Ilsa! They were so adorable in book one, and I had hoped very much that they’d be the stars of book two. This story was exactly what I would have hoped for the two of them.
It was wonderful that Wax was back. I liked that the main antagonist from book one carried over to book two. It’s a series! Too many “series” these days are marketed as a “series that stands alone.” Isn’t that an oxymoron? It drives me batty. I grew up reading series that were all interconnected and built from book to book. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to “standalone series.”
Ooooh! I’m so excited we got a few peeks into Ursula’s point of view. I’m so eager to read her story next!
The cover model’s hair color is completely wrong. The leading lady, who has Norwegian genes, has dark-blonde hair, but the model’s is clearly dark brown. This always irritates me.
The plot was wonderful. I loved that there was a road trip. More than that, I enjoyed that Ilsa was naïve about the ways of the world and that she had a goal of learning better how to read people’s expressions. She was delightful!
I liked that Josephine returned and realized that the sisters’ book of fables was not a “second Bible,” as they’d been raised to believe.
I’m so happy this story was about Mitch and Ilsa! They were so adorable in book one, and I had hoped very much that they’d be the stars of book two. This story was exactly what I would have hoped for the two of them.
It was wonderful that Wax was back. I liked that the main antagonist from book one carried over to book two. It’s a series! Too many “series” these days are marketed as a “series that stands alone.” Isn’t that an oxymoron? It drives me batty. I grew up reading series that were all interconnected and built from book to book. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to “standalone series.”
Ooooh! I’m so excited we got a few peeks into Ursula’s point of view. I’m so eager to read her story next!
May 4, 2020
I chose this book for my next read (well, listen, thanks to audible) because I'd just come off a stretch of heavy issue reads and I felt the desperate need to lighten up my fictional life a bit. Cue the dead-pan humour and quirky style of Mary Connealy and suddenly my whole world seems brighter.
Bwahahahahaha! That about sums up this read. Ilsa is such an unconventional heroine. Mitch is both appalled and intrigued by this strange barbarian Nordegren woman. Wily and stubborn, she's as comfortable swinging from trees and catapulting into danger as his ma is in the kitchen. And what Ilsa can do with a knife! Well, Mitch is just glad she's on his side. :-)
This is an enemy to frenemies to love romance with so many funny quips and comedic moments that I'm still giddy. But danger is lurking on the mountain and beyond and Mitch is determined to put an end to it. There's a price on his head and gunslingers will keep coming for him if he can't figure out who is sending them. And why.
To do that he's got to leave the mountain and Ilsa refuses to be left behind. (Luckily for him, as it turns out.) Some of the best moments in this story happen when Ilsa leaves her cloistered life on the mountain for the first time. Her wide-eyed wonder, the way she takes everything so literally and Mitch's frustration when he tries to explain trains and hotels and banks...even money....to her is soooooooo much fun! And of course, there's tons of action and near death scenes to keep a reader on the edge of her seat right to the end.
This is the second book the Brides of Hope Mountain series and some of the plot has carried over from the first book. Not so that it would be confusing for a new-to-the-series reader though. Connealy does a good job of catching new readers up so they won't feel lost. And while Mitch's issues are satisfactorily resolved by the end of the novel, we're just gearing up for what promises to be a blockbuster ending to the series as the Warden clan prepares to face down the nefarious villain trying to lay claim to their land.
We'll have to wait until October to find out what happens next. That's when the third Nordegren sister's story comes out -- Her Secret Song.
Bwahahahahaha! That about sums up this read. Ilsa is such an unconventional heroine. Mitch is both appalled and intrigued by this strange barbarian Nordegren woman. Wily and stubborn, she's as comfortable swinging from trees and catapulting into danger as his ma is in the kitchen. And what Ilsa can do with a knife! Well, Mitch is just glad she's on his side. :-)
This is an enemy to frenemies to love romance with so many funny quips and comedic moments that I'm still giddy. But danger is lurking on the mountain and beyond and Mitch is determined to put an end to it. There's a price on his head and gunslingers will keep coming for him if he can't figure out who is sending them. And why.
To do that he's got to leave the mountain and Ilsa refuses to be left behind. (Luckily for him, as it turns out.) Some of the best moments in this story happen when Ilsa leaves her cloistered life on the mountain for the first time. Her wide-eyed wonder, the way she takes everything so literally and Mitch's frustration when he tries to explain trains and hotels and banks...even money....to her is soooooooo much fun! And of course, there's tons of action and near death scenes to keep a reader on the edge of her seat right to the end.
This is the second book the Brides of Hope Mountain series and some of the plot has carried over from the first book. Not so that it would be confusing for a new-to-the-series reader though. Connealy does a good job of catching new readers up so they won't feel lost. And while Mitch's issues are satisfactorily resolved by the end of the novel, we're just gearing up for what promises to be a blockbuster ending to the series as the Warden clan prepares to face down the nefarious villain trying to lay claim to their land.
We'll have to wait until October to find out what happens next. That's when the third Nordegren sister's story comes out -- Her Secret Song.
March 10, 2020
This second story in the Brides of Hope Mountain series picks up right where the last story ended. I enjoyed spending time with Ilsa and Mitch in this story and getting to know them better.
I didn’t want to put this story down for a moment. The adventure, the mystery, and of course the fun banter between these two characters kept me wanting more and turning pages late into the night. I do have to admit that I didn’t like how this book ended. But with that said, I was thrilled to find out that there will be a third book, and I can not wait to get my hands on that story!
If you are looking for a page-turning, witty story, filled with mystery and adventure then do yourself a favor and be sure to pick up a copy of this book! Do be sure to catch the first book in the series, because you will want to read these wonderful stories in order.
(I receive complimentary books 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 didn’t want to put this story down for a moment. The adventure, the mystery, and of course the fun banter between these two characters kept me wanting more and turning pages late into the night. I do have to admit that I didn’t like how this book ended. But with that said, I was thrilled to find out that there will be a third book, and I can not wait to get my hands on that story!
If you are looking for a page-turning, witty story, filled with mystery and adventure then do yourself a favor and be sure to pick up a copy of this book! Do be sure to catch the first book in the series, because you will want to read these wonderful stories in order.
(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766269624i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 16, 2024
Beautiful cover! An arranged marriage unlike any I have ever read before! Let me just say I love Mitch Warden! I loved him in the first one too! Ilsa and him fit so well together! I enjoyed their little bickering! It was great! 😂 I love this series so far! Ilsa and her sisters do have some very strange beliefs about the Bible which Mitch and his family help set straight and lay out the truth for them. There are some many things that Ilsa doesn’t know about and some of them are funny in a way. Ilsa and Mitch compliment each other very well. Maybe not at the beginning, but as they both get to know each other better. Ilsa reminded me of a woodland elf a bit by always wanting to be in the trees and having her knife by her side. There are a few parts I could do without. Parts that quite frankly were too in depth for me. Overall, it was an enjoyable and exciting read! I didn’t figure who the bad guy until they were revealed! 😂
February 28, 2020
Book two, Woman of Sunlight in the Brides of Hope Mountain series, takes us back to the mountains outside Bucksnort, Colorado in 1873. Mary Connealy has long been a favorite author in the Slapstick Historical Western genre. Yes, I just made that up! How could she not have fun with three girls raised by their grandparents and isolated on a remote mountain and then thrust into civilization?
This book is about Ilsa Nordegren, the youngest sister who has learned the art of healing from her grandfather. She is most at home in nature, namely swinging or running through the treetops. Her most prized possession is a sharp hunting knife that belonged to her grandfather and she knows how to use it!
What brings the girls face to face with civilization after their grandparents die is the urgent needs of their far neighbors, the Wardens. The Warden family had to flee their ranch when someone chased them from their land. Son Mitch has just rejoined the family after serving in the Civil War and cashing out his substantial investments while keeping one step ahead of someone who is after him. The two families team up. They both have a strong faith in God, albeit, the girls only know what their grandparents taught them and some of it is flawed. This makes for some very funny scenes.
If you like a good comical western with a fascinating mystery, this book is for you.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This book is about Ilsa Nordegren, the youngest sister who has learned the art of healing from her grandfather. She is most at home in nature, namely swinging or running through the treetops. Her most prized possession is a sharp hunting knife that belonged to her grandfather and she knows how to use it!
What brings the girls face to face with civilization after their grandparents die is the urgent needs of their far neighbors, the Wardens. The Warden family had to flee their ranch when someone chased them from their land. Son Mitch has just rejoined the family after serving in the Civil War and cashing out his substantial investments while keeping one step ahead of someone who is after him. The two families team up. They both have a strong faith in God, albeit, the girls only know what their grandparents taught them and some of it is flawed. This makes for some very funny scenes.
If you like a good comical western with a fascinating mystery, this book is for you.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
September 25, 2020
Once again Mary Connealy penned a historical western fiction that is filled with humor yet so realistic. Ilsa Nordegren lives near the top of Hope Mountain in Colorado with the nearest small town Bucksnort. But because her grandpa raised she and her two sisters, he repeatedly told them to stay away from the lowlands as they were dangerous. So Ilsa and her sisters grew up uneducated and unladylike, but strong Christians.
So many phrases that we take for granted such as hogtied and chip on your shoulder had no meaning whatsoever for poor Ilsa. She had never worn anything other than the buckskin pants that she'd hand sewn or had as hand me downs from her sisters, and she had run wild through the tress and hill country near their home. Corsets and dresses weren't even in her vocabulary. Enter Mitch Warden whose father had a horse ranch down the mountain and trouble followed him everywhere including all his interactions with Ilsa.
I loved seeing the world and all it held opening up to Ilsa and Mitch's warm support and understanding were incredible. The suspense was just enough to keep me page turning as Mitch and Ilsa kept running into trouble wherever they went. Of course, a HEA ending made this western an enjoyable read.
So many phrases that we take for granted such as hogtied and chip on your shoulder had no meaning whatsoever for poor Ilsa. She had never worn anything other than the buckskin pants that she'd hand sewn or had as hand me downs from her sisters, and she had run wild through the tress and hill country near their home. Corsets and dresses weren't even in her vocabulary. Enter Mitch Warden whose father had a horse ranch down the mountain and trouble followed him everywhere including all his interactions with Ilsa.
I loved seeing the world and all it held opening up to Ilsa and Mitch's warm support and understanding were incredible. The suspense was just enough to keep me page turning as Mitch and Ilsa kept running into trouble wherever they went. Of course, a HEA ending made this western an enjoyable read.
February 28, 2023
I enjoyed this story MUCH more than the first one, but then it also includes a marriage of convenience which might be my favorite romance trope ever. Connealy has such fun banter and humor with her characters, and I had some true laugh-out-loud moments during this story. I was relieved to finally know what book was considered to be their the Nordegren sisters' second Bible, and it was exactly what I'd guessed it to be. Hopefully, by the end of book 3, the second Bible business will be put to bed. Considering how these three sisters were raised, I think Connealy did a great job of portraying their misguided belief in 2 Bibles quite well.
Venturing into Ursula's story in book 3 should be quite interesting!
Venturing into Ursula's story in book 3 should be quite interesting!
March 2, 2020
Ya'll this book! This author!! I just love her and her stories! They are amazing!
I think the reason I love them so much is she adds humor and wit to her stories. They are feel good books that just makes you want to laugh right out loud no matter where you're reading the book at. I love it when people give me weird looks.
I first "met" this author when I picked up The Husband Tree. When I finished I knew I was a fan for life. It too is funny. All of her books are.
This new series is awesome! I mean when I started this book I knew that I wouldn't put it down until it was finished.
I must admit that I did snicker at the town's name Bucksnort, Colorado. Sorry but I thought it was cute.
Ilsa and Mitch are something else! I laughed at them in the beginning but yet at the same time it was maddening.
I thought it was wrong to teach these girls to be afraid of the world. Because eventually, they'll need to fend for themselves and meet new people.
I do love Ilsa. I love that she is a healer. It takes years of learning something like that. I"m not sure I'd have patience but if I had to I could. I couldn't imaging living on top of a mountain like that although we did think about it. I'm sure glad we didn't.
You will fall in love with Ilsa. She sort of reminds me of Tarzan who swings through the trees where she's the most comfortable in nature.
The way the author describes Hope Mountain sounds a lot like Kings Mountain here in Kentucky.
Mitch is another story altogether. But, I liked how he took care of some things that continued to follow him.
There's this old saying that you can run but eventually it will follow you. Best to take care of it so you can move on.
I loved every minute of this book and was sad to see it end. I can hardly wait until next year when Ursula's story comes out. And the cover for that book is simply gorgeous!
I loved the cover for this one too. Makes me wonder what tricks she's up to when she grins at you like that.
Thank you Mary and Bethany House for an awesome read!
I highly recommend this book. NO compensations were received I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did because I loved this story so much. There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about this story. It's very entertaining! All opinions are my own.
I think the reason I love them so much is she adds humor and wit to her stories. They are feel good books that just makes you want to laugh right out loud no matter where you're reading the book at. I love it when people give me weird looks.
I first "met" this author when I picked up The Husband Tree. When I finished I knew I was a fan for life. It too is funny. All of her books are.
This new series is awesome! I mean when I started this book I knew that I wouldn't put it down until it was finished.
I must admit that I did snicker at the town's name Bucksnort, Colorado. Sorry but I thought it was cute.
Ilsa and Mitch are something else! I laughed at them in the beginning but yet at the same time it was maddening.
I thought it was wrong to teach these girls to be afraid of the world. Because eventually, they'll need to fend for themselves and meet new people.
I do love Ilsa. I love that she is a healer. It takes years of learning something like that. I"m not sure I'd have patience but if I had to I could. I couldn't imaging living on top of a mountain like that although we did think about it. I'm sure glad we didn't.
You will fall in love with Ilsa. She sort of reminds me of Tarzan who swings through the trees where she's the most comfortable in nature.
The way the author describes Hope Mountain sounds a lot like Kings Mountain here in Kentucky.
Mitch is another story altogether. But, I liked how he took care of some things that continued to follow him.
There's this old saying that you can run but eventually it will follow you. Best to take care of it so you can move on.
I loved every minute of this book and was sad to see it end. I can hardly wait until next year when Ursula's story comes out. And the cover for that book is simply gorgeous!
I loved the cover for this one too. Makes me wonder what tricks she's up to when she grins at you like that.
Thank you Mary and Bethany House for an awesome read!
I highly recommend this book. NO compensations were received I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did because I loved this story so much. There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about this story. It's very entertaining! All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2023
After starting to fully enjoy staying up on Hope Mountain with Jo and realizing that I was going to prolong my fourth trimester as we all were confined to stay at home in the midst of the Pandemic of 2020, it was a strange struggle to adventure on a train with Ilsa and her newly shotgun wedding husband Mitch as they ventured far far from anywhere she had ever been. She was nervous, I was nervous. She was excited and in love, I was loving having my husband work from home and not have to journey out for homeschool requirements and activities. It was again and interesting parallel much like my experience with Aiming for Love. In Woman of Sunlight, I was fascinated by Ilsa, and her character is possibly my favorite of the three sisters.
This is a great read and the rest of the trilogy is worth the time as a whole. Highly recommended as always. Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for the blessing of letting me read this story.
This is a great read and the rest of the trilogy is worth the time as a whole. Highly recommended as always. Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for the blessing of letting me read this story.
March 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It picks up right where the first one left off. I loved Ilsa’s character! She is so innocent and feisty. She and Mitch made such a great pair! I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
July 25, 2020
Very enjoyable series. I highly recommend it.
June 6, 2020
I haven’t read the first book, Aiming for Love, so it took a few chapters to grasp what was happening in this novel.
Woman of Sunlight starts amusingly with Mitch Warden trying to get Ilsa Nordgren to rest even though she is recovered from chickenpox. She is upset with him for spreading the chickenpox to her when he returned to his family. The Wardens were Ilsa’s nearest neighbors but had been driven out of their home so were staying with Ilsa when Mitch returned home.
Her grandfather chose to use herbs for his health instead of being afraid and taught Ilsa how to wisely use herbs too.
When hired gunmen come up the mountains to kill Mitch, Ilsa swoops down from the trees Tarzan-style to help Mitch fight them off. They find the name of Mitch’s old partner who eloped with Mitch’s intended in the pocket of the gunman who died in the shootout. Mitch suspects his old partner is the one who has been trying to kill him so he can get Mitch’s millions. He realizes he won’t ever be safe even in the near wilds of Bucksnort, Tennessee.
The Wardens and Ilsa go to town to tell the sheriff what happened and deliver the gunmen to him. Unfortunately, the trip does not turn out quite as expected. Mitch and Ilsa suddenly are married but not for the reason you may be assuming. Even though she finds Mitch attractive, Ilsa feels the necessity to get to know him before having an intimate relationship.
I enjoyed seeing their friendship change to love. She had very little knowledge of social customs which was difficult for her new husband at times. Mitch works on learning to accept her as she is and avoids trying to ‘fix’ her.
The newly married couple set off on a several days journey to hire the Pinkerton Agency. The repeated attempts on Mitch’s life needed to be stopped or none of Mitch’s loved ones would ever be safe!
Mitch and Ilsa are shot at again in Chicago. He wonders if there is a double agent in the Pinkertons who is sharing his location with his enemies. The final scenes where the killer is identified were unusual. I liked how thoroughly this plot line was developed.
Why Ilsa’s older sister Ursula was alone at the top of the mountain was unclear until the last third of the book. I was sad for Ursula and that her terror of illness was making her so depressed. Hopefully she will be healed of this fear in the next book Her Secret Song.
A couple scenes mildly exasperated me but I really loved the amusing scenes in this clean romance. I was once again impressed that God had inspired another author to include a quarantinable disease in her book at this time!
If you are afraid because of the recent pandemic, consider reading this clean romance. It takes courage for all of us to go through any disease. Ilsa finds that living an unsheltered life is much easier than she thought. Woman of Sunlight is a reminder that God never forsakes us.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Originally posted on Book of Ruth Ann!
Woman of Sunlight starts amusingly with Mitch Warden trying to get Ilsa Nordgren to rest even though she is recovered from chickenpox. She is upset with him for spreading the chickenpox to her when he returned to his family. The Wardens were Ilsa’s nearest neighbors but had been driven out of their home so were staying with Ilsa when Mitch returned home.
As they moved along, Mitch looked at her speckled face and said, “I’m really sorry I gave you my chickenpox.” His already-tight hold squeezed a bit more. “Really sorry, Ilsa. I had no idea I’d been near anyone who was sick, but then maybe they showed no symptoms. I probably gave it to you before I knew I had it.”
“My grandma always made Grandpa stay away when he’d gone to town.”
“That’s called a quarantine. It’s usually only called for when a disease is identified, not every time someone has been near another person.”
Her grandfather chose to use herbs for his health instead of being afraid and taught Ilsa how to wisely use herbs too.
When hired gunmen come up the mountains to kill Mitch, Ilsa swoops down from the trees Tarzan-style to help Mitch fight them off. They find the name of Mitch’s old partner who eloped with Mitch’s intended in the pocket of the gunman who died in the shootout. Mitch suspects his old partner is the one who has been trying to kill him so he can get Mitch’s millions. He realizes he won’t ever be safe even in the near wilds of Bucksnort, Tennessee.
The Wardens and Ilsa go to town to tell the sheriff what happened and deliver the gunmen to him. Unfortunately, the trip does not turn out quite as expected. Mitch and Ilsa suddenly are married but not for the reason you may be assuming. Even though she finds Mitch attractive, Ilsa feels the necessity to get to know him before having an intimate relationship.
I enjoyed seeing their friendship change to love. She had very little knowledge of social customs which was difficult for her new husband at times. Mitch works on learning to accept her as she is and avoids trying to ‘fix’ her.
The newly married couple set off on a several days journey to hire the Pinkerton Agency. The repeated attempts on Mitch’s life needed to be stopped or none of Mitch’s loved ones would ever be safe!
Mitch and Ilsa are shot at again in Chicago. He wonders if there is a double agent in the Pinkertons who is sharing his location with his enemies. The final scenes where the killer is identified were unusual. I liked how thoroughly this plot line was developed.
Why Ilsa’s older sister Ursula was alone at the top of the mountain was unclear until the last third of the book. I was sad for Ursula and that her terror of illness was making her so depressed. Hopefully she will be healed of this fear in the next book Her Secret Song.
A couple scenes mildly exasperated me but I really loved the amusing scenes in this clean romance. I was once again impressed that God had inspired another author to include a quarantinable disease in her book at this time!
If you are afraid because of the recent pandemic, consider reading this clean romance. It takes courage for all of us to go through any disease. Ilsa finds that living an unsheltered life is much easier than she thought. Woman of Sunlight is a reminder that God never forsakes us.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Originally posted on Book of Ruth Ann!
March 7, 2020
Diving into any book written by Mary Connealy is a delight because of the combination of romance, western, humor, and mystery that is so unique to this particular author. Woman of Sunlight has everything I expect in a Connealy book and then some.
Ilsa Nordegren is a strong woman. She and her two sisters have to be as they’ve survived alone on a mountain top. Yet, she’s also endearingly naïve about the ways of the world. I mean, once this woman who loves the outdoors, handles a knife better than most men, and swings through treetops gets on a train for the first time, it’s downright hilarious.
As Ilsa and Mitch try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill Mitch, they travel from the mountain tops of Colorado to the great city of Chicago (and if you think the train was an experience for Ilsa, imagine what the big city brings).
I smiled and chuckled throughout so much of this book, but the suspense is just as engaging. I also felt Ursula’s despair and loneliness without her sisters and will be watching for her story soon.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Ilsa Nordegren is a strong woman. She and her two sisters have to be as they’ve survived alone on a mountain top. Yet, she’s also endearingly naïve about the ways of the world. I mean, once this woman who loves the outdoors, handles a knife better than most men, and swings through treetops gets on a train for the first time, it’s downright hilarious.
As Ilsa and Mitch try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill Mitch, they travel from the mountain tops of Colorado to the great city of Chicago (and if you think the train was an experience for Ilsa, imagine what the big city brings).
I smiled and chuckled throughout so much of this book, but the suspense is just as engaging. I also felt Ursula’s despair and loneliness without her sisters and will be watching for her story soon.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2020
This book continues the story of the same three sisters and family that removed themselves from society to protect themselves from bad people, situations, and disease, but this story focuses on the next sister, Ilsa and another Warden brother, Mitch. This is the story of their sudden marriage and the adventures they are on together to find a murderer. The story is confusing in a few places as it randomly switches to the point of view of some of the side characters a bit too frequently, when the story should be focused on Ilsa and Mitch. But overall this is an entertaining and enjoyable Colorado western from author Mary Connealy.
Series: Brides of Hope Mountain
Genre: historical, romance, western, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: March 3, 2020
Number of pages: 304
Other books in the series:
1-Aiming for Love
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: Brides of Hope Mountain
Genre: historical, romance, western, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: March 3, 2020
Number of pages: 304
Other books in the series:
1-Aiming for Love
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 3, 2020
Woman of Sunlight
Woman of Sunlight is an amazing story. I enjoyed Ilsa and Mitch’s story. I loved that they got married early in the book. Ilsa helps Mitch fight a lot of battles. Someone is trying to kill him. Who is it? It was a surprise to me.
In Woman of Sunlight there is also a mystery involving the Bible. Ilsa was told that there was two Bibles. Mitch tries to figure out why.
The book is an historical set in 1873. I love reading this type of book, how different the traveling was. Mostly by horseback but also by foot. Ilsa did get to experience a different way to travel in the book. I just loved her character so much.
This is the 2nd in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through the author. This book review is my own opinion.
Woman of Sunlight is an amazing story. I enjoyed Ilsa and Mitch’s story. I loved that they got married early in the book. Ilsa helps Mitch fight a lot of battles. Someone is trying to kill him. Who is it? It was a surprise to me.
In Woman of Sunlight there is also a mystery involving the Bible. Ilsa was told that there was two Bibles. Mitch tries to figure out why.
The book is an historical set in 1873. I love reading this type of book, how different the traveling was. Mostly by horseback but also by foot. Ilsa did get to experience a different way to travel in the book. I just loved her character so much.
This is the 2nd in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through the author. This book review is my own opinion.
July 20, 2020
note:
I am reviewing the audio version of this book...
This is the second book in the brides of hope mountain series.
Just like the first book, I totally enjoyed this one.
It had all the things that were in the first book, pluss the mystery aspect of the ookk deepened.
There were a few twists I wasn't expecting.
Ilsa was totally adorable.
I am hoping for a third book.
Again, the topic of fear and faith was covered. The fact that people need each other was also illustrated.
This was like watching a cowboy movie on tv, only with substance, clean and wholesome.
Again, the narration was spot on.
Would highly recommend this series.
I am reviewing the audio version of this book...
This is the second book in the brides of hope mountain series.
Just like the first book, I totally enjoyed this one.
It had all the things that were in the first book, pluss the mystery aspect of the ookk deepened.
There were a few twists I wasn't expecting.
Ilsa was totally adorable.
I am hoping for a third book.
Again, the topic of fear and faith was covered. The fact that people need each other was also illustrated.
This was like watching a cowboy movie on tv, only with substance, clean and wholesome.
Again, the narration was spot on.
Would highly recommend this series.
August 21, 2021
On this journey the reader has the privilege to see the world through the eyes of an innocent. The beauty is magnified. The ugly is questioned. Faith is challenged. Growth is a given. I've really enjoyed this series (even reading them out of order.)
January 9, 2022
The main girl is sooo naïve. She has no concept of money, people, or numbers. I couldn’t handle reading more of it on every single page.
DNF
DNF
July 26, 2023
Content: clean, murder without graphic details. This was a rough read for me. Everything seemed forced/contrived. I had to get my teeth every time the word feral appeared (which was a lot) and for patronizing condescension and from Mitch. Ugh. Not my fave.
July 28, 2020
Really great book, loved the second book in this series and it was also lovely to see secondary characters also go on there own journeys of discovery also. Set up really well for the third book. can't wait for it to come out.
February 9, 2020
Woman of Sunlight is book two in the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy.
Summary: Ilsa Nordegren and her sisters have only ever known living on Hope Mountain, and fending for themselves.
Now that Mitch Warden and his family have arrived, everything is changing.
As much as Ilsa loves her home, she is curious about the outside world, and wants to explore it.
Mitch Warden thought he had escaped his dangerous past, but it seems he has brought his troubles home with him. Now, the past is threatening his family, and he is determined to end things once in for all-even if it means heading back east to do it.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book. At first, I thought the premise of how Ilsa and Mitch ended up together was quite silly, but as the book played itself out, it was fun to see how their strengths really suited each other-especially in times of danger.
It ending up being a fun adventure story, with a bit of a mystery as well, and I am looking forward to seeing how everything finishes up in book three.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!
Summary: Ilsa Nordegren and her sisters have only ever known living on Hope Mountain, and fending for themselves.
Now that Mitch Warden and his family have arrived, everything is changing.
As much as Ilsa loves her home, she is curious about the outside world, and wants to explore it.
Mitch Warden thought he had escaped his dangerous past, but it seems he has brought his troubles home with him. Now, the past is threatening his family, and he is determined to end things once in for all-even if it means heading back east to do it.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book. At first, I thought the premise of how Ilsa and Mitch ended up together was quite silly, but as the book played itself out, it was fun to see how their strengths really suited each other-especially in times of danger.
It ending up being a fun adventure story, with a bit of a mystery as well, and I am looking forward to seeing how everything finishes up in book three.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!
March 28, 2020
This is Book 2 in Mary Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain series. I only just finished Book 1 (Aiming for Love) 2 weeks ago, and I was so excited to be able to review this next book as a part of Mary’s launch team. I did receive a copy of this book for free in an exchange for an honest review.
In this book, we take up with Mitch Warden and Ilsa Nordegren where we left off with them in book 1. These two characters were introduced in the first book, and they continually butted heads. In the next book, their interactions quickly change and before you know it, they are married out of an issue with propriety and on an adventure of their own in Chicago shortly after the 1871 fire.
Because this is a story of marriage of convenience, we get to see Mitch and Ilsa fall in love. They find themselves on a honeymoon that includes Ilsa comically figuring out the modern world (since she’s lived her entire life on top of Hope Mountain with only her sisters as company) in the midst of murder attempts, kidnappings, shootouts, and carriage chases through the city. The last portion of the book is very exciting and you will be on the edge of your seat. A honeymoon is a time for a married couple to bond together and that’s exactly what happens with Ilsa and Mitch. Who knew a honeymoon could be fraught with such danger and mayhem!
The Brides of Hope Mountain is indeed a series. There are plot elements that continue from book to book. The focus just changes from each book depending on who the main point of view characters are. In book 1, both of the major problems are introduced. One problem is solved in Book 2 and the rest I imagine will be resolved in book 3. It would be wise to start at the beginning in book 1 and continue with all three books. You’ll be glad you did.
Woman of Sunlight is an enjoyable and amusing story. It contains characters to care about and root for, an engaging plotline and in the end it will leave you with a warm, feeling to combat the troubles we are currently battling in the world today.
In this book, we take up with Mitch Warden and Ilsa Nordegren where we left off with them in book 1. These two characters were introduced in the first book, and they continually butted heads. In the next book, their interactions quickly change and before you know it, they are married out of an issue with propriety and on an adventure of their own in Chicago shortly after the 1871 fire.
Because this is a story of marriage of convenience, we get to see Mitch and Ilsa fall in love. They find themselves on a honeymoon that includes Ilsa comically figuring out the modern world (since she’s lived her entire life on top of Hope Mountain with only her sisters as company) in the midst of murder attempts, kidnappings, shootouts, and carriage chases through the city. The last portion of the book is very exciting and you will be on the edge of your seat. A honeymoon is a time for a married couple to bond together and that’s exactly what happens with Ilsa and Mitch. Who knew a honeymoon could be fraught with such danger and mayhem!
The Brides of Hope Mountain is indeed a series. There are plot elements that continue from book to book. The focus just changes from each book depending on who the main point of view characters are. In book 1, both of the major problems are introduced. One problem is solved in Book 2 and the rest I imagine will be resolved in book 3. It would be wise to start at the beginning in book 1 and continue with all three books. You’ll be glad you did.
Woman of Sunlight is an enjoyable and amusing story. It contains characters to care about and root for, an engaging plotline and in the end it will leave you with a warm, feeling to combat the troubles we are currently battling in the world today.
March 4, 2020
A wonderful and delightful experience! If you are looking for a great and light hearted experience then this book will not disappoint!
Ilsa and Mitch constantly find themselves fighting with one another. Mainly due to Ilsa wild way of climbing trees and her insistence on the belief in 2 Bibles. Mitch is almost killed until Ilsa comes swinging in to his aide. Thanks to her help one killer is killed and the second is rendered unconscious. Thus leading to a trip to town to turn them in to the sheriffs office.
This trip to town results in a marriage of Ilsa and Mitch being caught alone in his room talking. This is where the adventure and fun begins as they travel to Chicago to try to find Mitch’s killer, facts pointing to his former partner in his business but will he find out before he gets killed? If Ilsa is near he may just make it out alive.
I received this book from Net Gallery but this is my honest opinion and wasn’t required to leave a review.
Ilsa and Mitch constantly find themselves fighting with one another. Mainly due to Ilsa wild way of climbing trees and her insistence on the belief in 2 Bibles. Mitch is almost killed until Ilsa comes swinging in to his aide. Thanks to her help one killer is killed and the second is rendered unconscious. Thus leading to a trip to town to turn them in to the sheriffs office.
This trip to town results in a marriage of Ilsa and Mitch being caught alone in his room talking. This is where the adventure and fun begins as they travel to Chicago to try to find Mitch’s killer, facts pointing to his former partner in his business but will he find out before he gets killed? If Ilsa is near he may just make it out alive.
I received this book from Net Gallery but this is my honest opinion and wasn’t required to leave a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews