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Montana Marriages #1
Montana Rose
Cassie Griffin has always dressed in silks. Her free-spending husband expects nothing less. But now he has died, leaving her unprotected, heavily in debt, and pregnant. As any single woman doesn't remain so for long in Divide, Montana, Cassie wonders if marrying one of the local cowboys might be her only choice. After seeing her choices, she then wonders if joining her husband might be even better.
Red Dawson has always had a soft spot in his heart for Cassie, even though most of the townspeople see her only as a silk-clad china doll. When she's left a widow, only one thing keeps him from immediately sweeping her off her feet—she's a nonbeliever.
As the other cowboys lay claim to Cassie, the most powerful rancher in the area steps forward to demand what he thinks rightly belongs to him... and the property that goes with her. Red struggles with figuring out what to do, but decides he can't allow Cassie to suffer a fate worse than death and marries her himself.
Will Red win over this seemingly fragile and spoiled china doll's heart... and survive her unique brand of ranch help in the meantime? Will Cassie find true love with her cowboy—and his God—when she exchanges smooth silk for coarse calico?
Red Dawson has always had a soft spot in his heart for Cassie, even though most of the townspeople see her only as a silk-clad china doll. When she's left a widow, only one thing keeps him from immediately sweeping her off her feet—she's a nonbeliever.
As the other cowboys lay claim to Cassie, the most powerful rancher in the area steps forward to demand what he thinks rightly belongs to him... and the property that goes with her. Red struggles with figuring out what to do, but decides he can't allow Cassie to suffer a fate worse than death and marries her himself.
Will Red win over this seemingly fragile and spoiled china doll's heart... and survive her unique brand of ranch help in the meantime? Will Cassie find true love with her cowboy—and his God—when she exchanges smooth silk for coarse calico?
319 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
186 people are currently reading
1814 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
118 books2,488 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
January 17, 2021
While this book is set in the Rocky Mountains of Montana Territory in 1875-6, and I've shelved it as a Western (mainly to keep it together with the other books of the series), prospective readers would be better advised to think of it instead as historical fiction that looks at farm and community life and marriages in the late 19th-century American West, rather than as an action-oriented Western in the L'Amour or Zane Grey mold. The lead male character's spread could be called a "ranch," and he does run some cattle on it, but their care isn't central to the book; and there's no gun-play, combat, or major physical challenges from the environment, beyond the general ones of low-tech life in a rugged climate and terrain. (This is the first book I've read by the author that didn't land a spot on my "action heroines" shelf.)
Our story opens with 18-year-old Cassie Griffin a pregnant, brand-new widow in Divide, Montana, a typical small frontier settlement of that day. Born and raised back East, her parents had serious money; but she was orphaned at 12, and left to the dubious guardianship of her late mother's unwisely-trusted business manager, Lester "Griff" Griffin. He married Cassie when she was 15, to cover and further enable his appropriation of her money for his use (the laws of that time pretty much handed over married women's property to their husbands). A physically, verbally and emotionally abusive tyrant, he brainwashed Cassie to see herself as stupid, worthless and needing his male "discipline" and tutelage to mold her into what she be "should" be (i.e., sort of a 19th-century version of a Stepford wife). Coming West was his idea, and he sunk all of her inheritance into a large ranch and huge house, complete with opulent life style, that he was too lazy and incompetent to maintain; and his death left her saddled with a mountain of debt. (We learn much of this information only gradually, but it's helpful and not really a spoiler to be aware of it now.)
Young small-scale rancher and lay preacher Red Dawson (his real name is Fitzgerald O'Neill Dawson, but even his mom called him "Red") supplements his income with numerous odd jobs in Divide, including gravedigging --we meet him early on as he's preparing Griff's resting place. He's always admired the attractive Cassie from afar, and felt guilty about it because of her married status. But her status now is single --and women are scarce in Divide, and single women scarcer. Most of the community's single males are prepared to demand that she choose one of them as a second husband as soon as the earth is tamped on the first one's grave; and the one most likely to be able to enforce his demand by brute force is powerful widowed rancher kingpin Mort Sawyer (though what he really wants is the water rights on Griff's claim). While I realize the strong pressures that existed for young widows in the West to remarry, I do think that the kind of scene Connealy depicts after Griff's burial is unrealistically exaggerated, and probably would not have happened in real life. But it does set a stage for Red to feel justified in offering himself to Cassie as a better alternative, and for her to feel justified in accepting. (Forced marital rape is NOT part of this scenario; he has no intention of demanding conjugal rights!)
The main body of the novel is the story of the first several months of this couple's marriage, the growth and development of their relationship, the birth of their child (okay, the baby doesn't have Red's genes, but that doesn't mean that he can't truly be the dad!) and most importantly Cassie's psychological journey from the awful starting place Griff put her in to a state of confident and responsible personhood, as an adult member of the human race with rights and value equal to anyone else's. That's also partly a spiritual journey. Red had misgivings about marrying Cassie because he assumed she was a nonbeliever, since the Griffins didn't attend church. That was Griff's decision, not Cassie's; she was raised as a Christian and has a Christian-influenced view of the world, but not a vital personal trust in God. Learning to rely on a loving and forgiving God who values her for who she is helps to enable her personal growth, as does a developing love relationship with a spouse whose view of marriage is considerably more equalitarian than she's used to, and who wants an equal partner who speaks her mind, not a slave who takes orders.
This book, of course, is marketed as a "romance," and can fairly be called one. I often say I'm not a "romance" fan; but what I'm not a fan of is excessive, navel-gazing and daisy-petal-pulling romantic angst, explicit sex, the "Her bones melted at his touch!" school of over-blown and overheated prose, and plots in which romance swallows up every other element of the story. This book, in my estimation, doesn't have any of that; it's descriptive historical fiction in which a healthy and loving relationship can be a wholesome and rewarding part of life (and of a book), just as it can be in the real world, and I approached and appreciated it that way. Connealy develops her characters very vividly and roundly, so that we get to know them deeply and care about them; she writes very well, and tells an involving story; she creates a realistic (in the main) picture of the time and place which transports us to it, and she leavens the work with her characteristic humor, even though the tale and the author's messages are serious. More so than in her other books that I've read, a Christian message is prominent here. As noted above, Red's a preacher; faith is important to him, and comes to be to Cassie, and she's not the only character here who's on a spiritual journey. I'd say the book is probably intended primarily to appeal to Christian readers. But it has nothing to offend readers of other faiths, or no faith; readers of that description, except for those actively hostile to religion and believers, who like clean romances and/or historical fiction, IMO, could appreciate and enjoy it as well (and might find it an interesting window into the Christian faith, just as, for example, non-Jewish readers find Chaim Potok's The Chosen a window into the world of Judaism).
Although this is the opening book of the Montana Marriages trilogy, it was the third volume that I read; Barb and I read the series in reverse order (long story!), and had also encountered some of the characters in our reading of another trilogy by the author set a few years later. This had both pluses and minuses; and the author certainly intended the books to be read in order, to allow character arcs to be appreciated and to prevent significant plot spoilers. But I'm not as concerned about the latter point as many readers are; and to me it was much like reading a prequel. Barb commented that she was glad we read the books out of order, because one character we liked in the other two would have been much harder to warm to if we'd first met the person here. I had to agree; and I'd also say that the way one subplot is left here would be very unsatisfying and even depressing without a knowledge of events in the second book. But that's just the personal reaction of a couple of readers!
Our story opens with 18-year-old Cassie Griffin a pregnant, brand-new widow in Divide, Montana, a typical small frontier settlement of that day. Born and raised back East, her parents had serious money; but she was orphaned at 12, and left to the dubious guardianship of her late mother's unwisely-trusted business manager, Lester "Griff" Griffin. He married Cassie when she was 15, to cover and further enable his appropriation of her money for his use (the laws of that time pretty much handed over married women's property to their husbands). A physically, verbally and emotionally abusive tyrant, he brainwashed Cassie to see herself as stupid, worthless and needing his male "discipline" and tutelage to mold her into what she be "should" be (i.e., sort of a 19th-century version of a Stepford wife). Coming West was his idea, and he sunk all of her inheritance into a large ranch and huge house, complete with opulent life style, that he was too lazy and incompetent to maintain; and his death left her saddled with a mountain of debt. (We learn much of this information only gradually, but it's helpful and not really a spoiler to be aware of it now.)
Young small-scale rancher and lay preacher Red Dawson (his real name is Fitzgerald O'Neill Dawson, but even his mom called him "Red") supplements his income with numerous odd jobs in Divide, including gravedigging --we meet him early on as he's preparing Griff's resting place. He's always admired the attractive Cassie from afar, and felt guilty about it because of her married status. But her status now is single --and women are scarce in Divide, and single women scarcer. Most of the community's single males are prepared to demand that she choose one of them as a second husband as soon as the earth is tamped on the first one's grave; and the one most likely to be able to enforce his demand by brute force is powerful widowed rancher kingpin Mort Sawyer (though what he really wants is the water rights on Griff's claim). While I realize the strong pressures that existed for young widows in the West to remarry, I do think that the kind of scene Connealy depicts after Griff's burial is unrealistically exaggerated, and probably would not have happened in real life. But it does set a stage for Red to feel justified in offering himself to Cassie as a better alternative, and for her to feel justified in accepting. (Forced marital rape is NOT part of this scenario; he has no intention of demanding conjugal rights!)
The main body of the novel is the story of the first several months of this couple's marriage, the growth and development of their relationship, the birth of their child (okay, the baby doesn't have Red's genes, but that doesn't mean that he can't truly be the dad!) and most importantly Cassie's psychological journey from the awful starting place Griff put her in to a state of confident and responsible personhood, as an adult member of the human race with rights and value equal to anyone else's. That's also partly a spiritual journey. Red had misgivings about marrying Cassie because he assumed she was a nonbeliever, since the Griffins didn't attend church. That was Griff's decision, not Cassie's; she was raised as a Christian and has a Christian-influenced view of the world, but not a vital personal trust in God. Learning to rely on a loving and forgiving God who values her for who she is helps to enable her personal growth, as does a developing love relationship with a spouse whose view of marriage is considerably more equalitarian than she's used to, and who wants an equal partner who speaks her mind, not a slave who takes orders.
This book, of course, is marketed as a "romance," and can fairly be called one. I often say I'm not a "romance" fan; but what I'm not a fan of is excessive, navel-gazing and daisy-petal-pulling romantic angst, explicit sex, the "Her bones melted at his touch!" school of over-blown and overheated prose, and plots in which romance swallows up every other element of the story. This book, in my estimation, doesn't have any of that; it's descriptive historical fiction in which a healthy and loving relationship can be a wholesome and rewarding part of life (and of a book), just as it can be in the real world, and I approached and appreciated it that way. Connealy develops her characters very vividly and roundly, so that we get to know them deeply and care about them; she writes very well, and tells an involving story; she creates a realistic (in the main) picture of the time and place which transports us to it, and she leavens the work with her characteristic humor, even though the tale and the author's messages are serious. More so than in her other books that I've read, a Christian message is prominent here. As noted above, Red's a preacher; faith is important to him, and comes to be to Cassie, and she's not the only character here who's on a spiritual journey. I'd say the book is probably intended primarily to appeal to Christian readers. But it has nothing to offend readers of other faiths, or no faith; readers of that description, except for those actively hostile to religion and believers, who like clean romances and/or historical fiction, IMO, could appreciate and enjoy it as well (and might find it an interesting window into the Christian faith, just as, for example, non-Jewish readers find Chaim Potok's The Chosen a window into the world of Judaism).
Although this is the opening book of the Montana Marriages trilogy, it was the third volume that I read; Barb and I read the series in reverse order (long story!), and had also encountered some of the characters in our reading of another trilogy by the author set a few years later. This had both pluses and minuses; and the author certainly intended the books to be read in order, to allow character arcs to be appreciated and to prevent significant plot spoilers. But I'm not as concerned about the latter point as many readers are; and to me it was much like reading a prequel. Barb commented that she was glad we read the books out of order, because one character we liked in the other two would have been much harder to warm to if we'd first met the person here. I had to agree; and I'd also say that the way one subplot is left here would be very unsatisfying and even depressing without a knowledge of events in the second book. But that's just the personal reaction of a couple of readers!
August 5, 2022
This was a thoroughly pleasant and uplifting western story. I did laugh out loud several times as it was amusing while yet head shaking other times at how widows were almost fought over like livestock sure as the men were desperate for a wife. It flowed well without any wondering what happened etc and who was connected to who as with some books at times. Plenty of absolutely heart warming and excellent spiritual elements with compassion and grace/forgiveness being extended to a few sorry excuses of men instead of violence. They were beautifully done with sharing God's love towards anyone ,no matter what. The late husband Griff, was a real piece of work....not in a flattering way either. The only concern was when they talked about praying for Griff's soul after his death...... can't be done, no going back after that! If matters aren't made right with God before dying, it's too late sadly; others can't pray someone into heaven then. Otherwise a fabulous, sweet story....Now on back to my other "non distraction" type book ; Phil Robertson's The Theft of America's Soul :)
August 30, 2009
Mary Connealy and historical westerns - they are like peas and carrots, german chocolate cake and coconut frosting, Husker football and red and white fans - you just can't have one without the other. Mary's books are in the rare category where I will read sections of the book out loud to my husband because the writing is so good I know he will appreciate it along with me, even though he doesn't have a clue about the storyline. I did that with Montana Rose - I read him an entire chapter and we both laughed through the whole thing. Seriously, Mary is probably one of my single favorite authors right now and I just eat up any book she writes. If Mary Connealy is listed as the author then you are guaranteed...
1) Excellent storylines - off the beaten path too, they are not your same 'ol, same 'ol!
2) Fantastic characters - we're talking the kind you love and the kind you hate and especially the kind you laugh at... a lot!
3) Humor - lots of it. Laugh out loud, humor. You can not remain in a bad mood if you are reading one of Mary's books.
To top it off, Montana Rose is one of my favorite Mary books so far - you must get this book!
1) Excellent storylines - off the beaten path too, they are not your same 'ol, same 'ol!
2) Fantastic characters - we're talking the kind you love and the kind you hate and especially the kind you laugh at... a lot!
3) Humor - lots of it. Laugh out loud, humor. You can not remain in a bad mood if you are reading one of Mary's books.
To top it off, Montana Rose is one of my favorite Mary books so far - you must get this book!
January 13, 2018
I truly enjoyed this novel. At first I thought, "This author did nothing more than use another author's story line and "fluff" it up a bit. But, as I continued, I discovered that this story had a wealth of its own. And, joyfully for me, this author raised up the Lord and gave Him glory in the telling.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves both a good love story, and the results of the Gospel in someone's life.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves both a good love story, and the results of the Gospel in someone's life.
December 26, 2015
This was an enjoyable, light read. The writing style keeps the action going while showing how each character grows into a greater faith and a better person. The hero is not entirely realistic, but somehow Connealy pulled it off. I really enjoyed seeing Cassie come to life and realize that she wasn't an utter failure in life just because her egotistical first husband had said she was. And it was a pleasure to see her quit being so gullible.
I loved the independent woman, Belle, who the next book will be about; even though she can't see it herself, a great deal of her independence is a desperate bluster, and I'm looking forward to reading her story.
Two nit-picks: toward the end, I felt this was indeed clarified better; but it bothered me at times that Red kept wanting Cassie to buck his authority. He could easily have been playing with fire and hurt her just as much by drawing out her suppressed anger as by doing as he wished and drawing out her subdued personality. I don't know how well this might have worked in real life.
Second, Red was too perfect! Too many books like this might easily lead girls to expect the moon and then get disappointed. Hence, young ladies read with caution. :)
The resolution with Wade single-handedly added one star to my rating.
I loved the independent woman, Belle, who the next book will be about; even though she can't see it herself, a great deal of her independence is a desperate bluster, and I'm looking forward to reading her story.
Two nit-picks: toward the end, I felt this was indeed clarified better; but it bothered me at times that Red kept wanting Cassie to buck his authority. He could easily have been playing with fire and hurt her just as much by drawing out her suppressed anger as by doing as he wished and drawing out her subdued personality. I don't know how well this might have worked in real life.
Second, Red was too perfect! Too many books like this might easily lead girls to expect the moon and then get disappointed. Hence, young ladies read with caution. :)
The resolution with Wade single-handedly added one star to my rating.
April 10, 2015
'Montana Rose' is a Christian historical romance set in 1875 Montana Territory. Being a women during this time and living out west was difficult and very foreign to today's standards.
I really did enjoy 'Montana Rose'; it had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are well developed and I really felt connected to them. It is a very strong story line with lots of emotion and a great meaning.
I am looking forward to reading The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride.
March 9, 2021
Vintage but good one
3.75 stars
Nearly 4 a little too much crowded in the end
3.75 stars
Nearly 4 a little too much crowded in the end
January 21, 2010
Montana Rose is a good title for this book because it shows how genuine love and concern for another human being can cause a person to bloom who had been previously stifled by fear. There were many things I enjoyed about this story. At first I found the repetition about the heroine Cassie's submissiveness, her abuse history, and the reference to her being a China doll a bit annoying. I clearly caught that early on. But the story was strong enough to pull me along. I quickly forgot that issue once the story picked up speed regarding her developing marital relationship and all of the peaks and valleys they experienced along the way.
There were so many wonderfully romantic scenes in this story that I couldn't choose just one. There was also a lot of humor like when Red told her to speak her mind and she bowled him over during her birthing pains. That was LOL funny and also very believable. Red was the ultimate hero and such a godly example to his wife, yet he was human and obviously flawed, too. His character's strengths and weaknesses seemed very balanced to me.
The character arcs and emotional/spiritual development of these character was also very well done. The subplot with Belle was heartbreaking, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we haven't seen the last of Belle. I also enjoyed how the author showed that loving relationships can cause people to see what they are missing whether it's in relation to each other or between them and God. She did a great job showing how that inspires people to want something better. To want to change. In Montana Rose it created a longing for something more than they are currently experiencing. That was very well done.
So while this story wasn't perfect in the beginning, it really warmed my heart as the story developed and I believe the message is powerful (and beautiful) if the reader pays attention to it. This story has the potential to help women who are stuck in a rut like Cassie had been, and like Belle remained, and hopefully readers will seek something more for their life (like respect) as a result. Highly recommended.
There were so many wonderfully romantic scenes in this story that I couldn't choose just one. There was also a lot of humor like when Red told her to speak her mind and she bowled him over during her birthing pains. That was LOL funny and also very believable. Red was the ultimate hero and such a godly example to his wife, yet he was human and obviously flawed, too. His character's strengths and weaknesses seemed very balanced to me.
The character arcs and emotional/spiritual development of these character was also very well done. The subplot with Belle was heartbreaking, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we haven't seen the last of Belle. I also enjoyed how the author showed that loving relationships can cause people to see what they are missing whether it's in relation to each other or between them and God. She did a great job showing how that inspires people to want something better. To want to change. In Montana Rose it created a longing for something more than they are currently experiencing. That was very well done.
So while this story wasn't perfect in the beginning, it really warmed my heart as the story developed and I believe the message is powerful (and beautiful) if the reader pays attention to it. This story has the potential to help women who are stuck in a rut like Cassie had been, and like Belle remained, and hopefully readers will seek something more for their life (like respect) as a result. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2009
Montana Rose is a rollicking western adventure. Red wants a wife who can think for herself, but he ends up with Cassie, who's first husband beat her into a quiet, submissive woman. This book touches on a serious topic but in a humerous way.
October 25, 2017
This book had some good character development. I like Cassie and Red and how they overcame the way Cassie had been trained to think and act by her first husband.
However, this book was a bit too gritty for me and I did not like Wade’s obsession with Cassie and how that miraculously disappears and suddenly everyone is best friends. I wouldn’t let that lunatic near my baby until I saw solid, time proven evidence that he’d come to his senses.
This book was also very preachy.
However, this book was a bit too gritty for me and I did not like Wade’s obsession with Cassie and how that miraculously disappears and suddenly everyone is best friends. I wouldn’t let that lunatic near my baby until I saw solid, time proven evidence that he’d come to his senses.
This book was also very preachy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
what-to-read-next
July 24, 2019My copy of this book can be found in this anthology:
October 23, 2025
Belle’s story was SO freaking sad. And she wasn’t even the main character. I’m tempted to read the second book only so I can read her happy ending. 😭
Overall the book wasn’t bad. I liked Red’s maturity and how he treated Cassie. Cassie’s growth was…fine.
Overall the book wasn’t bad. I liked Red’s maturity and how he treated Cassie. Cassie’s growth was…fine.
January 30, 2018
I grew up reading westerns, and every now and then I like to read one for old time's sake. I'm also a sucker for marriage of convenience stories, so the combination enticed me as soon as I read this book's description. A pregnant woman is widowed one day and married the next? I wanted to find out more.
Cassie Griffin has never been allowed to have a thought in her head that wasn't placed there by someone else, and usually by her newly deceased husband. Griff is no sooner in the ground than she is literally circled by men wanting to marry her, as women are scarce on the Montana prairie and Cassie is as pretty as they come. Seeing her hand will be forced to choose one of these men, Cassie chooses the one who makes her skin crawl the least, and immediately sets to learning how to do everything exactly the way he wants.
Red Dawson has always thought Cassie was a beautiful woman, but he didn't want to marry her. Not with her reputation of being quite spoiled, or with her questionable belief in the God that Red serves. But when he saw her surrounded by men who would never consider her best interests, Red threw his hat into the marriage market and wound up hitched to the lovely and naive young woman. He finds Cassie eager to help but almost comically helpless. She's not spoiled, she's just never been allowed to do anything or think anything or say anything that wasn't approved by someone else. He begins trying to teach her that as she is safe in his care, she is free to learn how to be herself instead of the image that was always thrust upon her in the past.
This book takes quite an effective look at what it is like to come out from a controlling situation and the challenges one faces with that. The writing style was simplistic, and I wondered if that was done to reflect the way Cassie's thinking had been molded. However, the simplicity worked against it for me as a reader because everyone's motives were so obvious and overstated that it wasn't nuanced at all. There were two side plots that also disturbed me - one about Cassie's lack of knowledge about the intimacies of marriage and birthing babies, and the other was danger from a local rancher who was obsessed with Cassie and who stalked the Dawsons' cabin looking for an opportunity to kill Red and take Cassie for himself. Since most of the book was written so simply that a child could read it, those felt way too adult and overplayed. I would only recommend this book to those above age 16.
I never felt invested personally in the characters, although I was thoroughly intrigued by minor character Belle Tanner Santoni and I'm in the middle of her book now. Stay tuned for that review in another week or so.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
Cassie Griffin has never been allowed to have a thought in her head that wasn't placed there by someone else, and usually by her newly deceased husband. Griff is no sooner in the ground than she is literally circled by men wanting to marry her, as women are scarce on the Montana prairie and Cassie is as pretty as they come. Seeing her hand will be forced to choose one of these men, Cassie chooses the one who makes her skin crawl the least, and immediately sets to learning how to do everything exactly the way he wants.
Red Dawson has always thought Cassie was a beautiful woman, but he didn't want to marry her. Not with her reputation of being quite spoiled, or with her questionable belief in the God that Red serves. But when he saw her surrounded by men who would never consider her best interests, Red threw his hat into the marriage market and wound up hitched to the lovely and naive young woman. He finds Cassie eager to help but almost comically helpless. She's not spoiled, she's just never been allowed to do anything or think anything or say anything that wasn't approved by someone else. He begins trying to teach her that as she is safe in his care, she is free to learn how to be herself instead of the image that was always thrust upon her in the past.
This book takes quite an effective look at what it is like to come out from a controlling situation and the challenges one faces with that. The writing style was simplistic, and I wondered if that was done to reflect the way Cassie's thinking had been molded. However, the simplicity worked against it for me as a reader because everyone's motives were so obvious and overstated that it wasn't nuanced at all. There were two side plots that also disturbed me - one about Cassie's lack of knowledge about the intimacies of marriage and birthing babies, and the other was danger from a local rancher who was obsessed with Cassie and who stalked the Dawsons' cabin looking for an opportunity to kill Red and take Cassie for himself. Since most of the book was written so simply that a child could read it, those felt way too adult and overplayed. I would only recommend this book to those above age 16.
I never felt invested personally in the characters, although I was thoroughly intrigued by minor character Belle Tanner Santoni and I'm in the middle of her book now. Stay tuned for that review in another week or so.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
April 5, 2011
Mary Connealy's books always have a way of pulling me in and getting under my skin. Montana Rose was no exception at all! She took a seemingly ordinary setting out West with every-day people, and turned it into a story that was full of emotion. I connected with these characters in a way that hasn't happened to me in a very long time, so much so that I felt like I was a small part of their community.
I loved the compliment at the very beginning of the book that stated this was a tribute to Janette Oke's famous book, Love Comes Softly. It's been years since I read that book, but the story is one that I'll never forget. I thought Mary's take on this very similar story was done so very well that I never once compared the two. Mary's story stood apart and had it's own personality, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series, and I have no doubt that I will fly through it! Book 2, The Husband Tree, looks to be a continuation of Belle's story that was featured in Montana Rose. Hopefully, she'll be able to do something with that dead-beat husband of hers, other than hit him upside the head with her skillet. :o)
I loved the compliment at the very beginning of the book that stated this was a tribute to Janette Oke's famous book, Love Comes Softly. It's been years since I read that book, but the story is one that I'll never forget. I thought Mary's take on this very similar story was done so very well that I never once compared the two. Mary's story stood apart and had it's own personality, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series, and I have no doubt that I will fly through it! Book 2, The Husband Tree, looks to be a continuation of Belle's story that was featured in Montana Rose. Hopefully, she'll be able to do something with that dead-beat husband of hers, other than hit him upside the head with her skillet. :o)
December 30, 2025
Beautiful story. Sad at times. Cassie has just lost her husband, pregnant and unsure of what the future holds. Everyone calls her “China Doll” because she was always wearing fine silks and Griff wouldn’t let her socialize. When a mean rancher wants to marry her, Red Dawson intervenes and stops it. Red and Cassie wed because she feels at least safe with him. She quickly has to learn how to live and exist in a ranchers world and not a world of luxury and fine things. If you like Francine Rivers, you will love Mary Connealy. Can’t wait to start book 2
July 11, 2024
Such an enjoyable read.
May 4, 2012
Cassie husband dies and leaves her broke and pregnant. All the men of her small town want to marry her since there are not a lot of women around. Red saves her from having to marry her neighbor so he can have her land. Cassie soon finds out how broke her husband was and the town’s people soon realize Cassie is not the spoiled rich girl they thought. Red has admired Cassie from a far since she had first moved to the area and now he is learning there is more to her then he first thought. Will these two find a true marriage or will Cassie’s lack of self esteem keep them apart?
I enjoyed this book a lot but there where parts of the book that moved a little slow. The underlying subject of this book was a little hard to swallow. Cassie’s first husband had “made” her obey and Red works to get her to understand that what he did was not okay and that she is allowed to be her own woman and that he would never hurt her. It was fun to see Cassie come out of her shell and start to take charge of her life.
As is the authors style she also starts to introduce the main characters of the other books in this series. Wade who will be the main character in the 3rd book is one of the men who wanted to marry Cassie before Red stepped in. He is a scary man but you start to see there is a good man under all the hurt. I had trouble with the huge turn around this character took as well as how fast he went from a scary villain to a friend. I have read the whole series that follows this one and when I realized who Wade was my mouth fell open.
We also get to know Belle who will be the main character in the 2nd book. It was a little hard in the first book to read about all 3 characters, but the author did a good job and I did not feel the main story of this book was over shadowed. You definitely need to read this series in order or you will miss part of the story.
Over all another great book by Mary Connealy! If you have not read any of her books your missing out!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book a lot but there where parts of the book that moved a little slow. The underlying subject of this book was a little hard to swallow. Cassie’s first husband had “made” her obey and Red works to get her to understand that what he did was not okay and that she is allowed to be her own woman and that he would never hurt her. It was fun to see Cassie come out of her shell and start to take charge of her life.
As is the authors style she also starts to introduce the main characters of the other books in this series. Wade who will be the main character in the 3rd book is one of the men who wanted to marry Cassie before Red stepped in. He is a scary man but you start to see there is a good man under all the hurt. I had trouble with the huge turn around this character took as well as how fast he went from a scary villain to a friend. I have read the whole series that follows this one and when I realized who Wade was my mouth fell open.
We also get to know Belle who will be the main character in the 2nd book. It was a little hard in the first book to read about all 3 characters, but the author did a good job and I did not feel the main story of this book was over shadowed. You definitely need to read this series in order or you will miss part of the story.
Over all another great book by Mary Connealy! If you have not read any of her books your missing out!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 7, 2010
Title: MONTANA ROSE
AUTHOR: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Barbour Books
July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60260-142-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Cassie Griffin’s husband, Griff died and suddenly as her husband is laid to rest, virtually every man in town shows up, demanding Cassie marry him—right away. Griff left Cassie heavily in debt, pregnant, and homeless, and every man in town wants a “turn” with the “China Doll.”
“Red” Dawson has long admired the “China Doll” but figures he’ll never marry her. After all, he’s a minister, and can’t marry an unbeliever. But still, he’s the one that ends up married that day… Red is determined to treat Cassie well, but well, sometimes it is hard because the only thing Cassie is good at is cooking. She brings mayhem everywhere else on the ranch and is turning even Red’s mildest horse into a nerves wreck.
When another local cowboy who was denied the “China Doll” begins stalking her, suddenly Red finds his life in danger, and Cassie living in fear. What will it take to be set free from this nightmare?
MONTANA ROSE is the first book in Ms. Connealy’s Montana Marriages series, and it is loosely based on Ms. Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series. MONTANA ROSE is filled with laugh out loud moments and mayhem, and with non-stop action. I literally couldn’t put MONTANA ROSE down.
Cassie is a real sweetheart, totally different than the “China Doll” image that most of the town folk had of her, and her first husband was abusive, so she learned to read signals and try to be that kind of wife, so she wouldn’t get knocked around. Red is a real sweet hero, but sometimes he became a bit difficult, so he did have some flaws. I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters and think this is the best book by this author I’ve read to date. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 318 pages. $10.99
AUTHOR: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Barbour Books
July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60260-142-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Cassie Griffin’s husband, Griff died and suddenly as her husband is laid to rest, virtually every man in town shows up, demanding Cassie marry him—right away. Griff left Cassie heavily in debt, pregnant, and homeless, and every man in town wants a “turn” with the “China Doll.”
“Red” Dawson has long admired the “China Doll” but figures he’ll never marry her. After all, he’s a minister, and can’t marry an unbeliever. But still, he’s the one that ends up married that day… Red is determined to treat Cassie well, but well, sometimes it is hard because the only thing Cassie is good at is cooking. She brings mayhem everywhere else on the ranch and is turning even Red’s mildest horse into a nerves wreck.
When another local cowboy who was denied the “China Doll” begins stalking her, suddenly Red finds his life in danger, and Cassie living in fear. What will it take to be set free from this nightmare?
MONTANA ROSE is the first book in Ms. Connealy’s Montana Marriages series, and it is loosely based on Ms. Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series. MONTANA ROSE is filled with laugh out loud moments and mayhem, and with non-stop action. I literally couldn’t put MONTANA ROSE down.
Cassie is a real sweetheart, totally different than the “China Doll” image that most of the town folk had of her, and her first husband was abusive, so she learned to read signals and try to be that kind of wife, so she wouldn’t get knocked around. Red is a real sweet hero, but sometimes he became a bit difficult, so he did have some flaws. I enjoyed getting to know both of these characters and think this is the best book by this author I’ve read to date. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 318 pages. $10.99
December 3, 2009
The very same day Cassie Griffin's husband dies, the men of Divide, Montana practically fall all over each other trying to determine who will marry her! When the richest rancher in town tries to force the visiting parson to perform the wedding ceremony, Red Dawson intervenes...but he's not quite sure it's God's will for him to do so. Cassie has already decided that she hates Red, due to a previous encounter with him, but she quickly discovers that she hates the other townspeople more. To save herself from a terrifying situation, Cassie reluctantly accepts Red's offer of marriage.
This is a wonderful story about learning to be the person God has created you to be ~ not the person others may want you to be. I found Cassie and Red's story to be heartwarming, as well as, encouraging. Red is constantly seeking God's help in his new marriage ~ while Cassie is busy keeping her thoughts concerning her new husband to herself, or so she thinks!
There are no slow, or boring, parts in Montana Rose; I read it in about 2-3 hours! Cassie and Red will have you laughing, and crying, right along with them. There are also some interesting secondary characters ~ I especially enjoyed Belle Tanner, and her daughters. We will be reading their story in The Husband Tree ~ Mary's second installment of her Montana Marriages trilogy. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I highly recommend this book ~ if you enjoyed Petticoat Ranch, then you will love Montana Rose! Be sure to watch for books 2 and 3:
The Husband Tree, Book 2 - releases January 1, 2010
The Wildflower Bride, Book 3 - releases May 1, 2010
This is a wonderful story about learning to be the person God has created you to be ~ not the person others may want you to be. I found Cassie and Red's story to be heartwarming, as well as, encouraging. Red is constantly seeking God's help in his new marriage ~ while Cassie is busy keeping her thoughts concerning her new husband to herself, or so she thinks!
There are no slow, or boring, parts in Montana Rose; I read it in about 2-3 hours! Cassie and Red will have you laughing, and crying, right along with them. There are also some interesting secondary characters ~ I especially enjoyed Belle Tanner, and her daughters. We will be reading their story in The Husband Tree ~ Mary's second installment of her Montana Marriages trilogy. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I highly recommend this book ~ if you enjoyed Petticoat Ranch, then you will love Montana Rose! Be sure to watch for books 2 and 3:
The Husband Tree, Book 2 - releases January 1, 2010
The Wildflower Bride, Book 3 - releases May 1, 2010
February 14, 2013
I love historical fiction. I love Christian fiction. When I can find an author who writes good historical Christian fiction, I get pretty giddy.
I had never read anything by Mary Connealy when this book was chosen for my online book club to read in February, but I figured it would be fun to try out a new author. Imagine my delight when the author's note at the beginning of the book mentions that she wanted to emulate Janette Oke, who is among my favourite Christian historical fiction authors! I was hopeful that this would be a good read, but still, Janette Oke leaves some pretty big shoes to fill.
I was transported back in time with this novel. I felt as if I was in Divide, Montana in 1875. I felt as if I was right alongside Cassie as she buried her husband, only to be married again 30 minutes later. I felt as if I knew Muriel, Seth, Belle, and Red. I grew to enjoy the characters and the setting.
Those kind of details are what makes a good historical novel. The parts of the book that made it a good Christian novel were not lacking by any stretch of the imagination! I loved how the author used the situations in the book, and specific Bible verses to remind us that real courage comes from relying on God.
All-in-all, I'm very excited to have found another author of historical Christian fiction to add to my favourites list!
I had never read anything by Mary Connealy when this book was chosen for my online book club to read in February, but I figured it would be fun to try out a new author. Imagine my delight when the author's note at the beginning of the book mentions that she wanted to emulate Janette Oke, who is among my favourite Christian historical fiction authors! I was hopeful that this would be a good read, but still, Janette Oke leaves some pretty big shoes to fill.
I was transported back in time with this novel. I felt as if I was in Divide, Montana in 1875. I felt as if I was right alongside Cassie as she buried her husband, only to be married again 30 minutes later. I felt as if I knew Muriel, Seth, Belle, and Red. I grew to enjoy the characters and the setting.
Those kind of details are what makes a good historical novel. The parts of the book that made it a good Christian novel were not lacking by any stretch of the imagination! I loved how the author used the situations in the book, and specific Bible verses to remind us that real courage comes from relying on God.
All-in-all, I'm very excited to have found another author of historical Christian fiction to add to my favourites list!
November 26, 2011
'Montana Rose' is a Christian historical romance set in 1875 Montana Territory.
I hadn't noticed that this was a Christian romance before I started reading, and in fact it wasn't until the second half of the book that it really picked up and ran with the Christian message. I wasn't planning to read another overly Christian story for awhile, so I am actually pleased I didn't know in advance otherwise I would have missed out on a fantastic book.
I really did enjoy 'Montana Rose'; it had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are well developed and I really felt connected to them. It is a very strong story line with lots of emotion and a great meaning. I also loved the humour; it had me laughing out loud a number of times through the book.
I highly recommend 'Montana Rose' by Mary Connealy.
I hadn't noticed that this was a Christian romance before I started reading, and in fact it wasn't until the second half of the book that it really picked up and ran with the Christian message. I wasn't planning to read another overly Christian story for awhile, so I am actually pleased I didn't know in advance otherwise I would have missed out on a fantastic book.
I really did enjoy 'Montana Rose'; it had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are well developed and I really felt connected to them. It is a very strong story line with lots of emotion and a great meaning. I also loved the humour; it had me laughing out loud a number of times through the book.
I highly recommend 'Montana Rose' by Mary Connealy.
March 23, 2013
his was the second book by Mary Connealy that I have read. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the other book, so I didn’t know how I’d like this book/series. No need to worry. It’s fun series that made me laugh aloud several times. Of the three books, I liked Montana Rose and Husband Tree best. But Flower Bride was a nice wrap to the series.
The romance is clean and sweet, characters struggle with real life problems and biblical principles are brought into the story in a non preachy way. The drama with Wade keeps you turning the pages and it's quite fun to learn so many life lessons along side Cassie.
Complete review first posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2013...
The romance is clean and sweet, characters struggle with real life problems and biblical principles are brought into the story in a non preachy way. The drama with Wade keeps you turning the pages and it's quite fun to learn so many life lessons along side Cassie.
Complete review first posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2013...
September 30, 2015
Montana Rose by Mary Connealy is one of those books that sticks with you years after you read it. The premise isn't as simple as it seems in the blurb, but I won't spoil anything by explaining the differences. Just trust me that this is a book that stands out in the crowd. Well written and entertaining, the lessons learned through the lives of these characters will get you thinking and stay with you long after the last page is turned.
If you're a fan of Christian historical romance, this is the book for you, and when you're through don't forget the next two books in the Montana Marriages series. They are just as wonderful and you can't help but love how the stories unfold and the characters develop throughout the trilogy.
If you're a fan of Christian historical romance, this is the book for you, and when you're through don't forget the next two books in the Montana Marriages series. They are just as wonderful and you can't help but love how the stories unfold and the characters develop throughout the trilogy.
February 26, 2010
This is the first of Mary Connealy's new series. This is about a pregnant woman who is vertually a lone woman in Montanna after her husband dies. She ends up marrying another man the almost immediately after her husband is barried. There is one man who wants her for himself that causes some strife in the book. There is also another character that begins her story, but ends it in the next book of the series. I enjoyed this one.
June 30, 2009
Being able to stand up for yourself is not all bad, as long as it is done with love. What a great read. Mary is a master at believable characters including villains.
July 26, 2012
Good read!
April 19, 2015
Well this book didn't hold my interest for long. It took me a while to read but i finished it. I did enjoy the ending though.
July 18, 2016
So good I read it again. :)
August 12, 2015
Another great read by Mary Connealy! She hasn't disappointed me yet!
June 12, 2013
If I could, this book would get 6 stars. Mary Connealy is an amazing author!
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