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Wild West Weddings #1
Cowboy Christmas
Get ready for a fun and suspenseful Christmastime romance. Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancée, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer. When it appears Annie is a threat to his mother’s life, Elijah must decide if Annie’s deep faith and love of God is genuine or if it’s all just a ruse. He decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a wanted woman. As Christmas draws near, will Elijah respond to God’s gentle persuasion to find the truth before he loses Annie forever?
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
125 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
118 books2,491 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 93 reviews
December 8, 2020
Thus was a super fun Christmas time story. As always, Ms. Connealy gives us a feisty hard headed heroine and lots of banter with the equally stubborn hero.
Her comedy shines through and gives a relief to the story of harsh times in the old west.
Annie is on the run from unscrupulous Claude and Blanche who want her use her gift of a beautiful voice in unlawful ways.
Elijah Walker, back from putting and old trickster girlfriend in jail, comes across Annie, who he wants to protect. But Annie has a mind of her own and has something to prove to God - that she has a cross to bear for Him. She believes she deserves the misery that she received. Can Elijah and his Ma help convince her that Jesus paid it all?
I like the way Annie sings hymns to say what is in her heart and is determined to use her voice only for God’s glory.
Elijah has some of the best thoughts in his stubborn head:
“Plague was a good way to describe women. Walker did his best to avoid the ones infecting his house before he caught something. Like a wife.”
“His beloved Mother used guilt like she was pulling a Colt revolver. And the woman had become the fastest draw in Wyoming.”
If you enjoy the flavor of the old west, don’t miss this cute story. Mary Connealy at her best!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Her comedy shines through and gives a relief to the story of harsh times in the old west.
Annie is on the run from unscrupulous Claude and Blanche who want her use her gift of a beautiful voice in unlawful ways.
Elijah Walker, back from putting and old trickster girlfriend in jail, comes across Annie, who he wants to protect. But Annie has a mind of her own and has something to prove to God - that she has a cross to bear for Him. She believes she deserves the misery that she received. Can Elijah and his Ma help convince her that Jesus paid it all?
I like the way Annie sings hymns to say what is in her heart and is determined to use her voice only for God’s glory.
Elijah has some of the best thoughts in his stubborn head:
“Plague was a good way to describe women. Walker did his best to avoid the ones infecting his house before he caught something. Like a wife.”
“His beloved Mother used guilt like she was pulling a Colt revolver. And the woman had become the fastest draw in Wyoming.”
If you enjoy the flavor of the old west, don’t miss this cute story. Mary Connealy at her best!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
December 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Get ready for a fun and suspenseful Christmastime romance. Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancée, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer. When it appears Annie is a threat to his mother’s life, Elijah must decide if Annie’s deep faith and love of God is genuine or if it’s all just a ruse. He decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a wanted woman. As Christmas draws near, will Elijah respond to God’s gentle persuasion to find the truth before he loses Annie forever?
REVIEW: This was a fun, adventuresome Christmas read with some happenings that were a bit of a stretch of the imagination and some villains who were a little over the top. In spots the events seemed a bit melodramatic. I liked the developing relationship between Elijah and Annette as well as their growing relationship with Christ. Ma was a sweetheart who displayed her strong and fearless faith which helped both Elijah and Annette see the need to overcome their fears. Loved the theme of God walking with us through the evil that is around us each and every day. Overall, an enjoyable Christmas read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I don't think you need to pray for crosses. This life is hard enough without praying God will make it more difficult."
"But if a person couldn't cry over losing a pa, then there was no reason for God to have even invented tears."
"None of us deserves a thing Annie. None of us deserves love or forgiveness or food or a warm house. We're all born into trouble, as the sparks fly upward. We are living on the sole mercy of God."
REVIEW: This was a fun, adventuresome Christmas read with some happenings that were a bit of a stretch of the imagination and some villains who were a little over the top. In spots the events seemed a bit melodramatic. I liked the developing relationship between Elijah and Annette as well as their growing relationship with Christ. Ma was a sweetheart who displayed her strong and fearless faith which helped both Elijah and Annette see the need to overcome their fears. Loved the theme of God walking with us through the evil that is around us each and every day. Overall, an enjoyable Christmas read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I don't think you need to pray for crosses. This life is hard enough without praying God will make it more difficult."
"But if a person couldn't cry over losing a pa, then there was no reason for God to have even invented tears."
"None of us deserves a thing Annie. None of us deserves love or forgiveness or food or a warm house. We're all born into trouble, as the sparks fly upward. We are living on the sole mercy of God."
September 21, 2009
Have you ever seen or read a melodrama? The only one that comes to my mind is "Snidley Whiplash" which was one of the continuing features on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show I used to watch as a kid. The main characteristic of a melodrama is that everything is exaggerated; the heroes are very good and the villains are awful, with no redeeming characteristics. Mary Connealy's Cowboy Christmas is a melodrama. The heroine, Annette Talbot, was a singer with a travelling gospel show. The managers retired and a new crew took over. She discovered they weren't good Christians, and were actually using the show as a front for gambling. At that time they also told her she was going to wear an indecent dress and sing bawdy songs. She wants to leave, but is going to stay to protect the elderly organ player. However, after a beating, the organ player came to her, said her heart was giving out, and encouraged her to run away, and gave her some money. She ran back to her father's ranch, which she found abandoned. The bad guys were on her heels, they wanted her beautiful voice as a draw. She meets a lonesome cowboy who a few months ago discovered that his fiancee murdered his father. The cowboy and his mother take her in, but the bad guys are not far behind. Will this virtuous maiden escape the dastardly villain? You'll have to read the book to answer that question.
The book is Christian fiction, and like the plot and characters, the faith elements are melodramatic. The hero lost his faith as a result of watching his father die due to the actions of his fiancee. The heroine prays constantly, and dramatically. When the heroine and the hero's mom meet, faith is the first thing they discuss. By the end of the book, the hero's faith is restored.
This book was amusing in its own way, but I preferred Montana Rose and Gingham Mountain.
The book is Christian fiction, and like the plot and characters, the faith elements are melodramatic. The hero lost his faith as a result of watching his father die due to the actions of his fiancee. The heroine prays constantly, and dramatically. When the heroine and the hero's mom meet, faith is the first thing they discuss. By the end of the book, the hero's faith is restored.
This book was amusing in its own way, but I preferred Montana Rose and Gingham Mountain.
August 24, 2009
How willing are you to pick up your cross DAILY and live for the Lord? Annette was willing to do this and then some! Lost in a world of what she thought was a great mission work, Annette soon learns that not everyone who says they are believers really are. Claude and Blanche let her know that pretty quickly.
Annette isn't about to let these two bring her down and ruin her faith. With a tragic situation on hand, Annette finally chooses to escape her current situation and try to better herself.
She's been away from home for six years and Annette is ready to see the ranch and Pa. Several of the townsfolk try to warn her about her ranch and what she may or may not see. Most townsfolk aren't fond of Pa. Little does Annette know, this is yet another cross to pick up and carry.
This book has several tragic starts but has a heartwarming lesson about sticking to the faith and doing what is right. Annette solely leans on the Lord and brings a cowboy to a new found version of life with crosses.
This was my first read by Mary Connealy. I've seen many reviews for her other works and when I saw this on netgalley.com, I couldn't pass it up! I'm so glad that I didn't! She is now on my list of authors to read more of! Coincidentally, I have 3 other books of hers sitting next to me as I write this!
Be sure to check out this great read when it is released on Sept. 1!
Annette isn't about to let these two bring her down and ruin her faith. With a tragic situation on hand, Annette finally chooses to escape her current situation and try to better herself.
She's been away from home for six years and Annette is ready to see the ranch and Pa. Several of the townsfolk try to warn her about her ranch and what she may or may not see. Most townsfolk aren't fond of Pa. Little does Annette know, this is yet another cross to pick up and carry.
This book has several tragic starts but has a heartwarming lesson about sticking to the faith and doing what is right. Annette solely leans on the Lord and brings a cowboy to a new found version of life with crosses.
This was my first read by Mary Connealy. I've seen many reviews for her other works and when I saw this on netgalley.com, I couldn't pass it up! I'm so glad that I didn't! She is now on my list of authors to read more of! Coincidentally, I have 3 other books of hers sitting next to me as I write this!
Be sure to check out this great read when it is released on Sept. 1!
December 6, 2013
I love Mary Connealy's westerns. I love the abrupt writing style that she uses to draw her readers into the rugged period of cowboys, ranchers, gunfights, horses, and (if it's one of Mary's books) many comical twists and turns. I love her humor.
Elijah Walker wasn't my favorite hero, but I did like his sweetness and protective nature. Annie was adorable (even if she was a bit confused).
This was such a fun holiday read, and I'm so glad I got it in time to read for Christmas!
Elijah Walker wasn't my favorite hero, but I did like his sweetness and protective nature. Annie was adorable (even if she was a bit confused).
This was such a fun holiday read, and I'm so glad I got it in time to read for Christmas!
January 13, 2014
The plot was good. The execution wasn't. As with "Out of Control" by the same author, the male character was overbearing, rude, and didn't respect women. And he got away with it most of the time. This one was better, but still wasn't worth recommending or reading again.
February 10, 2017
Full of rip roaring action and surprises right up until the last page. Great!
August 19, 2019
Oh, I love the two main characters and their feistiness! And Ruby was a precious jewel in the story, offering a fierce brand of love that comes from fighting through life. Frank, JR, Gibby, Michael--so many tremendous characters. And a storyline that got so intense in the middle that I thought we were reaching the end, but then the author eased back a little and kept the story going. A truly enjoyable afternoon lost in this book.
December 16, 2018
This was a light, fun western romance. Mary is a writer with a great sense of timing. Some of the happenings in this story seemed quite improbable, but if you are along for the fun of it, that's okay.
July 9, 2015
I read the title of this book and plunged in, thinking I might read about a cowboy Christmas. What does that look like? If you are looking for the answer to that question you won’t find it here. What you will find is one wild, action filled adventure story, cowboy style. I'm so glad I received a review copy of this book.
Mary Connealy doesn’t hold back in this Christmas tale, get a grip on your seat belt when you start reading this book. On the first page there’s fist fighting, gun slinging and everything breaking loose at the seams. I’ve read some of Mary’s other books and they are a hoot. This one’s no exception.
Mary usually has at least one character in her stories that just gets under your skin, in this book it’s Annette Talbot, her main character. Annette is the smartest dumb person I’ve read about. She’s a strong willed, stubborn young lady that doesn’t know when to give up when the getting’s good! Ha! Ha!
Elijah the other leading character is crazed by Annette and her ways. He’s fed up with her and her stubborn streak. Why won’t she just listen to reason? After all he was the man and knew about things out in the west. Elijah thinks this about Annette, “even if he couldn’t quite pin down Annette’s lies, he knew for a fact she was a full-blown idiot. She’d pretty much only survived this long through direct, miraculous intervention from God. A woman shouldn’t need a miracle a day to stay alive. Not even God had time for that nonsense. A person needed some survival skills and Annette had none.”
Annette did trust God with her life how did she end up in such a mess? Hadn’t she heard and followed his lead?
If you are looking for a cozy, warm and fuzzy Christmas story you won’t find it here. What you will find are every loveable, characters like Ruby Elijah’s mother who loves the Lord with all her heart and her son knows that and so does Annette.
Ruby takes a liking to Annette and tries to do a little match making. She tells Elijah to lighten up in regards to giving Annette a bad time. It’s almost Christmas they have to enjoy the time they have and forgive. They all had a past they needed to get unstuck from, so they can enjoy the future. Don’t miss another wild adventure from Mary, it’s guaranteed a good time, with a good message just in time for Christmas.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Mary Connealy doesn’t hold back in this Christmas tale, get a grip on your seat belt when you start reading this book. On the first page there’s fist fighting, gun slinging and everything breaking loose at the seams. I’ve read some of Mary’s other books and they are a hoot. This one’s no exception.
Mary usually has at least one character in her stories that just gets under your skin, in this book it’s Annette Talbot, her main character. Annette is the smartest dumb person I’ve read about. She’s a strong willed, stubborn young lady that doesn’t know when to give up when the getting’s good! Ha! Ha!
Elijah the other leading character is crazed by Annette and her ways. He’s fed up with her and her stubborn streak. Why won’t she just listen to reason? After all he was the man and knew about things out in the west. Elijah thinks this about Annette, “even if he couldn’t quite pin down Annette’s lies, he knew for a fact she was a full-blown idiot. She’d pretty much only survived this long through direct, miraculous intervention from God. A woman shouldn’t need a miracle a day to stay alive. Not even God had time for that nonsense. A person needed some survival skills and Annette had none.”
Annette did trust God with her life how did she end up in such a mess? Hadn’t she heard and followed his lead?
If you are looking for a cozy, warm and fuzzy Christmas story you won’t find it here. What you will find are every loveable, characters like Ruby Elijah’s mother who loves the Lord with all her heart and her son knows that and so does Annette.
Ruby takes a liking to Annette and tries to do a little match making. She tells Elijah to lighten up in regards to giving Annette a bad time. It’s almost Christmas they have to enjoy the time they have and forgive. They all had a past they needed to get unstuck from, so they can enjoy the future. Don’t miss another wild adventure from Mary, it’s guaranteed a good time, with a good message just in time for Christmas.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
September 26, 2009
Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy Mary Connealy's books? She is one of only a handful of authors where I feel that if they write a book, I must buy it. Period. Everything she writes brings me joy and makes me laugh, and in today's society I'll take my laughs anyway I can get them... so bring on Mary's new book!
Cowboy Christmas is her new stand alone book and it is great. Two broken, hurting people meet on a stagecoach where sass and sparks fly, but roles are laid out. Annie is the innocent young woman setting herself up for disappointment as she travels back home to her father after years away and is hoping for a happy ending. Elijah is the rancher that is recovering from his father's death a year ago at the hands of his then fiancee who is now languishing in prison. He has lost his faith, is full of guilt and to top it off he is now falling into the role of protector over this young thing that he knows is going to be heart broken when she gets out to her father's ranch.
Annie is hiding some secrets of her own (a boatload of them really) and is being tracked by some people that do not have good intentions for her. Can Elijah protect her when she doesn't want protecting and can he save his heart from hurt again? In typical Mary style, we travel the road to the answers with many smiles along the way. I will add this book to my Mary Connealy shelf and at the rate that she writes, it will be full very soon!
Cowboy Christmas is her new stand alone book and it is great. Two broken, hurting people meet on a stagecoach where sass and sparks fly, but roles are laid out. Annie is the innocent young woman setting herself up for disappointment as she travels back home to her father after years away and is hoping for a happy ending. Elijah is the rancher that is recovering from his father's death a year ago at the hands of his then fiancee who is now languishing in prison. He has lost his faith, is full of guilt and to top it off he is now falling into the role of protector over this young thing that he knows is going to be heart broken when she gets out to her father's ranch.
Annie is hiding some secrets of her own (a boatload of them really) and is being tracked by some people that do not have good intentions for her. Can Elijah protect her when she doesn't want protecting and can he save his heart from hurt again? In typical Mary style, we travel the road to the answers with many smiles along the way. I will add this book to my Mary Connealy shelf and at the rate that she writes, it will be full very soon!
December 3, 2009
Cowboy Christmas was not at all what I expected. Honestly, it took me awhile to read it. I picked it up, and put it down, quite a few times before I finally finished it. That's highly unusual for Mary's books...normally I devour them in one sitting. I don't know why it didn't hold my attention as much as her other books, such as, Montana Rose, which I absolutely loved! (my review here) That being said, Cowboy Christmas is not a bad book, it just didn't draw me in for some reason. I have been having a hard time getting into my normal reading mood this past week, so maybe it's me, and not the book at all. If you find this book appealing, by all means, pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I plan to read it again later on, and see if I feel differently.
The character of Ruby Walker was my favorite. I loved her gritty determination, and loyalty to her son, as well as her friends and ranch hands. She also stayed true to God through all of her trials and heart-break. She took Annie under her wing from the very beginning, and didn't waver in her belief of Annie's innocence...even when her own son had plenty of doubts.
Elijah and Annie's journey to find each other is a long and difficult one; hindered by many feelings of self-doubt, untrustworthy feelings, and heartrending grief. In the end, they come to the conclusion that with God, all things truly are possible.
*I purchased this book myself on eBay, and will be passing it on to my Mom*
The character of Ruby Walker was my favorite. I loved her gritty determination, and loyalty to her son, as well as her friends and ranch hands. She also stayed true to God through all of her trials and heart-break. She took Annie under her wing from the very beginning, and didn't waver in her belief of Annie's innocence...even when her own son had plenty of doubts.
Elijah and Annie's journey to find each other is a long and difficult one; hindered by many feelings of self-doubt, untrustworthy feelings, and heartrending grief. In the end, they come to the conclusion that with God, all things truly are possible.
*I purchased this book myself on eBay, and will be passing it on to my Mom*
July 12, 2010
At first while reading the latest of Mary Connealy, a special Christmas book, "Cowboy Christmas", I was not quite as impressed as every other western comedy romance that I have read by such a fabulous author. Yet then I got to read chapters twenty-six and twenty-seven and every reason that I love to read Mary's books came out. I was just about hooting and hollering with chuckles. I even kept reading segments aloud to my dear hubby, who just does not care, yet even he enjoyed them. With this story, overall I love it. But I never really did connect to the main protagonist Miss Annette Talbot. She frustrated me too much. The character in this novel that I really enjoyed and anticipated each next page about was the other protagonist Elijah Walker. It was just everything about him that I loved.
This is a Christmas novel, yet can be enjoyed anytime of year. The plot just tells and anticipates of the special day to come. Once again we have a fabulous cast of characters with the good guys and the bad. This time we have both a woman that needs to understand growing in her faith, and a man who needs to find it again. Trust is a big issue, and moving past pain is another. Serious events are portrayed and of course the wonderful Mary laughs are filled through out bringing a fabulously enjoyable lightness to a page turner.
This is a Christmas novel, yet can be enjoyed anytime of year. The plot just tells and anticipates of the special day to come. Once again we have a fabulous cast of characters with the good guys and the bad. This time we have both a woman that needs to understand growing in her faith, and a man who needs to find it again. Trust is a big issue, and moving past pain is another. Serious events are portrayed and of course the wonderful Mary laughs are filled through out bringing a fabulously enjoyable lightness to a page turner.
January 23, 2016
Though the title is a bit misleading, COWBOY CHRISTMAS was another enjoyable read from Mary Connealy.
Annette Talbot finds herself in a world of trouble, far from the traveling missionary troupe she sings with. When a deceptive and swindling Claude and Blanche Leveque take over the troupe and decide Annette is going to sing bar tunes and dress provocatively, Annette has no choice but to run. She finds herself headed home on a stage to Ranger Bluff. Elijah Walker is also on the stage, and though stinging from his own tragedies, it seems he finds himself drawn to the little songbird, even against his better judgment. When Annette's hermit father is nowhere to be found, she decides to settle in on the family ranch and wait for him to show up. Unfortunately, it's the Leveque's that show up and chase her from her home. Annette has a near tragic accident and finds herself once again in the care of Elijah Walker and his nurturing mother. Elijah has no intentions of letting the beautiful Annette Talbot into his heart. His heart has other ideas.
COWBOY CHRISTMAS has action, adventure, tenderness, and a large helping of stubbornness. All together it makes for a wonderful read set in the great outdoors. Don't let the title discourage you. This is not a holiday novel, just down home good reading.
Annette Talbot finds herself in a world of trouble, far from the traveling missionary troupe she sings with. When a deceptive and swindling Claude and Blanche Leveque take over the troupe and decide Annette is going to sing bar tunes and dress provocatively, Annette has no choice but to run. She finds herself headed home on a stage to Ranger Bluff. Elijah Walker is also on the stage, and though stinging from his own tragedies, it seems he finds himself drawn to the little songbird, even against his better judgment. When Annette's hermit father is nowhere to be found, she decides to settle in on the family ranch and wait for him to show up. Unfortunately, it's the Leveque's that show up and chase her from her home. Annette has a near tragic accident and finds herself once again in the care of Elijah Walker and his nurturing mother. Elijah has no intentions of letting the beautiful Annette Talbot into his heart. His heart has other ideas.
COWBOY CHRISTMAS has action, adventure, tenderness, and a large helping of stubbornness. All together it makes for a wonderful read set in the great outdoors. Don't let the title discourage you. This is not a holiday novel, just down home good reading.
February 13, 2016
Alas, I did not like this book.
List of Cons:
There was SOooo much crying in this book! The female lead could not keep it together!
She was trying incessantly to be brave, and in so doing was constantly putting herself in harms way, and therefore constantly needing to be saved. She kept trying not to be a burden but through her constant illogical actions, she was constantly a burden.
The male lead used the term "pretty" WAY too many times. It made him sound oafish.
This book felt like something that could have easily been a small novella, but Ms. Connealy had stretched the living daylights out of the story. Leading to whole chapters just being taken up by stupid arguments e.g. "I'm going to town"-"No. You're not."-"Yes. I am."-"No."-"Yes."-"No." etc. with a bunch of connector words peppered in between.
It would be pages later and I would be like "What? didn't they decide this 6 pages ago??"
Eh. It was so monotonous!
List of Cons:
There was SOooo much crying in this book! The female lead could not keep it together!
She was trying incessantly to be brave, and in so doing was constantly putting herself in harms way, and therefore constantly needing to be saved. She kept trying not to be a burden but through her constant illogical actions, she was constantly a burden.
The male lead used the term "pretty" WAY too many times. It made him sound oafish.
This book felt like something that could have easily been a small novella, but Ms. Connealy had stretched the living daylights out of the story. Leading to whole chapters just being taken up by stupid arguments e.g. "I'm going to town"-"No. You're not."-"Yes. I am."-"No."-"Yes."-"No." etc. with a bunch of connector words peppered in between.
It would be pages later and I would be like "What? didn't they decide this 6 pages ago??"
Eh. It was so monotonous!
February 9, 2010
Mary Connealy has become one of my "auto buy" authors and this book proves why. Great characters, good storyline and nothing unbelievable or far fetched - just a feel good Christian romance.
April 1, 2019
Annette (Annie) Talbot is returning to her Wyoming home after some bad experiences back East. On the stage, she runs into Elijah Walker, owner of the ranch next to her father's spread. Neither of them are aware that Annie's past is about to catch up to her ...
Errors found in Kindle text: p. 79, pure pleasure leeched into Annie / pure pleasure leached into Annie ; p. 87, she had no where in the world / she had nowhere in the world ; p. 93, around countless rock / around countless rocks ; p. 107, he nearly wretched / he nearly retched ; p. 111, If he rode her out there / If he rode out there ; p. 132, snipping at Elijah / sniping at Elijah ; p. 141, You're right of course / You're right, of course ; p. 155, to peak at the pie / to peek at the pie ; p. 170, seemed a might old / seemed a mite old ; p. 179, Hey wait! / Hey, wait! ; p. 185, Wait'll we're / Wait till we're ; p. 212, far worse then I had / far worse than I had ; p. 221, pure stubbornness then headed / pure stubbornness, then headed ; p. 231, nonsense, Annie honey / nonsense, Annie, honey ; p. 241, already hurt then for / already hurt, then for ; p. 255, to try and clear / to try to clear ; p. 277, given a miracle it's Annette / given a miracle, it's Annette ; p. 282, Yes he might have gone / Yes, he might have gone ; p. 284, with Claude dead it was safe / with Claude dead, it was safe ; p. 285, finished the chores he'd neglected / finished the chores, he'd neglected ; p. 292, were true and fair why did he / were true and fair, why did he ; p. 292, why did he try and climb / why did he try to climb ; p. 294, It's Miss Talbot all right / It's Miss Talbot, all right ; p. 297, after Christmas and then / after Christmas, and then p. 299, hot so fast she knew / hot so fast, she knew .
Errors found in Kindle text: p. 79, pure pleasure leeched into Annie / pure pleasure leached into Annie ; p. 87, she had no where in the world / she had nowhere in the world ; p. 93, around countless rock / around countless rocks ; p. 107, he nearly wretched / he nearly retched ; p. 111, If he rode her out there / If he rode out there ; p. 132, snipping at Elijah / sniping at Elijah ; p. 141, You're right of course / You're right, of course ; p. 155, to peak at the pie / to peek at the pie ; p. 170, seemed a might old / seemed a mite old ; p. 179, Hey wait! / Hey, wait! ; p. 185, Wait'll we're / Wait till we're ; p. 212, far worse then I had / far worse than I had ; p. 221, pure stubbornness then headed / pure stubbornness, then headed ; p. 231, nonsense, Annie honey / nonsense, Annie, honey ; p. 241, already hurt then for / already hurt, then for ; p. 255, to try and clear / to try to clear ; p. 277, given a miracle it's Annette / given a miracle, it's Annette ; p. 282, Yes he might have gone / Yes, he might have gone ; p. 284, with Claude dead it was safe / with Claude dead, it was safe ; p. 285, finished the chores he'd neglected / finished the chores, he'd neglected ; p. 292, were true and fair why did he / were true and fair, why did he ; p. 292, why did he try and climb / why did he try to climb ; p. 294, It's Miss Talbot all right / It's Miss Talbot, all right ; p. 297, after Christmas and then / after Christmas, and then p. 299, hot so fast she knew / hot so fast, she knew .
November 24, 2021
I love a good male lead who is prickly or tough and has to soften up a little--that's actually one of my FAVORITES--but for me, Elijah Walker crossed some lines. I mean, how are you supposed to really like a guy who refers to the female lead--more than once--as an idiot, or has thoughts like these:
"'You’d do best to learn to mind me, woman.'” She’d learn even if he had to spend the rest of his days teaching her. He’d dedicate his life to it."
"Her face was bleeding. Claude’s hands on her made him want to tear the man apart. And under it all, Walker was fighting a raging desire to—once he was sure she was safe—grab Annette and turn her over his knee. When he had her free and safe in his arms, he might well arrange for her to have to sit on a pillow for a month."
Even if we know as readers that Elijah isn't really going to spank her, his thoughts and actions go past being gruff and are borderline abusive. He might come to love and trust Annette, but he sure doesn't act like he respects her. He's not the type of character I could root for at all--and he's the sort of man I'd warn my daughters to watch out for.
"'You’d do best to learn to mind me, woman.'” She’d learn even if he had to spend the rest of his days teaching her. He’d dedicate his life to it."
"Her face was bleeding. Claude’s hands on her made him want to tear the man apart. And under it all, Walker was fighting a raging desire to—once he was sure she was safe—grab Annette and turn her over his knee. When he had her free and safe in his arms, he might well arrange for her to have to sit on a pillow for a month."
Even if we know as readers that Elijah isn't really going to spank her, his thoughts and actions go past being gruff and are borderline abusive. He might come to love and trust Annette, but he sure doesn't act like he respects her. He's not the type of character I could root for at all--and he's the sort of man I'd warn my daughters to watch out for.
March 26, 2024
When Annette set out with the Leveque's, she never agreed they weren't the God fearing people they made out to be. Sure, they occasionally wanted her to sing a song that wasn't a hymn or dress slightly provocative, but when she refused they always backed. One day though, they refused to back down, and when her closest friend and piano tells her with her dying breath to run as fast as she can back out west to be with her Pa again, she goes. It's not easy getting there, but when she arrives she discovers that her Pa is nowhere to be found and her neighbour is a person that most days she would just as soon shoot, except of course when she wants to kiss him. When the Leveque's track her down and nearly cause both her life and reputation to end, Annette has to decide just who it is she should trust, and just how many crosses she should ask to carry.
This book was pretty good. They jumped around between characters quite a bit but since it was all written in third person it wasn't really an issue. They did however, change the antagonists name from the blurb on my book to actual story so I'm not sure what happened there. My blurb says the name is Latrell when the book says Leveque
This book was pretty good. They jumped around between characters quite a bit but since it was all written in third person it wasn't really an issue. They did however, change the antagonists name from the blurb on my book to actual story so I'm not sure what happened there. My blurb says the name is Latrell when the book says Leveque
December 22, 2018
Loved it!!
I loved this historical romance which is interlaced with suspense and faith. Annette was sent away as a child to boarding school and had endured a lonely childhood. She found solace in her beliefs and faith. She joined a ministry to help spread the word of God, but suddenly finds herself at the mercy of a ruthless married couple. She flees to the one place she had felt safe and protected, the ranch in Wyoming where her dad lived.
I loved that Annette's faith was unshakable. She wanted to live to glorify God. Meeting Elijah was a blessing that she at first didn't see and trust was something neither gave easily. As the story progresses Elijah and Annette reveal a past they both wish could be changed. Elijah was learning to live and forgive his past, while Annette was running from hers and praying it didn't catch up with her.
I loved this historical romance which is interlaced with suspense and faith. Annette was sent away as a child to boarding school and had endured a lonely childhood. She found solace in her beliefs and faith. She joined a ministry to help spread the word of God, but suddenly finds herself at the mercy of a ruthless married couple. She flees to the one place she had felt safe and protected, the ranch in Wyoming where her dad lived.
I loved that Annette's faith was unshakable. She wanted to live to glorify God. Meeting Elijah was a blessing that she at first didn't see and trust was something neither gave easily. As the story progresses Elijah and Annette reveal a past they both wish could be changed. Elijah was learning to live and forgive his past, while Annette was running from hers and praying it didn't catch up with her.
January 14, 2020
As fast-paced as a horse galloping across the Wyoming Prarie!
5 things from Cowboy Christmas
1) A beautiful songbird flees for her life, but the rumors and troubles follow her.
2)A pipe up a sleeve as an effective method of self-defense
3)"The empty place left by his pa's death-- the emptiness that he'd been left with when Walker had been betrayed by his earthly father-- suddenly had a shape and a name: God."
4) Constantly looking over her shoulder is no way to buck up courage.
5)A grumpy cowboy set on forgettin' all women and not being licked by his ma.. two concepts that don 't always work together
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Great characters and story. This was my first time reading this author, but I will be on the lookout for her books in the future!
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#maryconnealyfiction #Christianfiction #cowboybook #naomicraigauthor #amreading #amreviewing #
5 things from Cowboy Christmas
1) A beautiful songbird flees for her life, but the rumors and troubles follow her.
2)A pipe up a sleeve as an effective method of self-defense
3)"The empty place left by his pa's death-- the emptiness that he'd been left with when Walker had been betrayed by his earthly father-- suddenly had a shape and a name: God."
4) Constantly looking over her shoulder is no way to buck up courage.
5)A grumpy cowboy set on forgettin' all women and not being licked by his ma.. two concepts that don 't always work together
.
Great characters and story. This was my first time reading this author, but I will be on the lookout for her books in the future!
.
.
.
.
#maryconnealyfiction #Christianfiction #cowboybook #naomicraigauthor #amreading #amreviewing #
December 3, 2016
This is the first Mary Connealy book I ever read and I revisit it every Christmas because I love it that much! Annie and Elijah's story has become a holiday tradition in my house.
I love this author's unique style and quick wit. Her deadpan humour cracks me up every single time. And her characters explode off the page and keep me grinning and fuming the whole read through. When it comes to this hero and heroine, stubbornness abounds, complicating the path to a happily ever after. Lots of scope for plenty of reader angst. And the villains are truly dastardly and conniving. Even more reader angst. But I think tough-as-nails-with-a-heart-of-gold Ma might just outshine them all. A rollicking Christmas read!
I love this author's unique style and quick wit. Her deadpan humour cracks me up every single time. And her characters explode off the page and keep me grinning and fuming the whole read through. When it comes to this hero and heroine, stubbornness abounds, complicating the path to a happily ever after. Lots of scope for plenty of reader angst. And the villains are truly dastardly and conniving. Even more reader angst. But I think tough-as-nails-with-a-heart-of-gold Ma might just outshine them all. A rollicking Christmas read!
December 7, 2018
A good read
Mary Connealy has a knack, a talent for hilarious dialogue and Cowboy Christmas is among her best. Songbird Annie is on the run from the evil Claude Leveque & his greedy wife Blanche. Exhausted from the running & hiding, Annie goes back to her father's ranch only to discover him gone. That was the one string left dangling--we dont really know what happened to her father, but we assume he is dead. Neighboring rancher Elijah has reason to distrust Annie but insteadfinds himself falling for her. Their journey toward faith in God & love for each other makes for entertaining reading. Highly recommended.
Mary Connealy has a knack, a talent for hilarious dialogue and Cowboy Christmas is among her best. Songbird Annie is on the run from the evil Claude Leveque & his greedy wife Blanche. Exhausted from the running & hiding, Annie goes back to her father's ranch only to discover him gone. That was the one string left dangling--we dont really know what happened to her father, but we assume he is dead. Neighboring rancher Elijah has reason to distrust Annie but insteadfinds himself falling for her. Their journey toward faith in God & love for each other makes for entertaining reading. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2019
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
The main character was stubborn, headstrong and had a desire to serve God. She fought her self on many occasions and really, truly wanted to do right. That got her into heaps of trouble from time to time, just like life sometimes does.
The only issue I had with this book is that it had to end! It is the type of book I finish reading and then immediately hope there is a second in a series. The characters become friends, and to know their story is over and you’ll never meet them again is hard!
Another great book by Mary Connealy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
The main character was stubborn, headstrong and had a desire to serve God. She fought her self on many occasions and really, truly wanted to do right. That got her into heaps of trouble from time to time, just like life sometimes does.
The only issue I had with this book is that it had to end! It is the type of book I finish reading and then immediately hope there is a second in a series. The characters become friends, and to know their story is over and you’ll never meet them again is hard!
Another great book by Mary Connealy!
December 27, 2024
Ok, I'm not one to get triggered by things, but I also wasn't really prepared to see two people die in the first two chapters of this book. Other than that, I enjoyed this story. It moved a little slower than I prefer, but I really loved the banter between Annie and Elijah. The way they ribbed each other really made for a juicy read. I appreciated the way faith was woven throughout with Annie's songs and Elijah's journey back to God. The winter weather, Christmas carols, and eventually the Christmas celebration made the story the perfect festive read for those in the mood for a historical western romance.
November 19, 2019
I loved this book. It has characters that you can really get involved with. Annette (Annie) Talbot has a beautiful voice that she is using for the Lord but Claude and Blanche have other ideas. As Annie runs from them back to Wyoming to hide out at her father’s ranch she meets Elijah Walker on the stage. And he might just save her life if he can ever learn to trust her. This is a most enjoyable historical romance that you are sure to love also. I bought this book at a library sale. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 3, 2019
As always Connealy took me on a wild fun romp with unexpected twist. Annie escapes from a horrible situation and flees home. I'm the last stagecoach home she meets Elijah Walker, her former neighbor who's trust in women is pretty slim.
Their past makes them suspicious of each other. Annie wants to carry her cross for Jesus while Walker holds God at arms length. Add a feisty Ma Walker and a sleazy villain and this romance gets started with a bang. Love Connealy's books.
Their past makes them suspicious of each other. Annie wants to carry her cross for Jesus while Walker holds God at arms length. Add a feisty Ma Walker and a sleazy villain and this romance gets started with a bang. Love Connealy's books.
December 29, 2021
This was another fun story by Mary Connealy. I must say this is one of the first female main characters by her that I haven’t been a huge fan of. She did have a strong faith, but some of her believes were a bit interesting. And her reaction to thinking she was a coward produced some really stupid situations. Ultimately I did like the story and the characters Ruby was possibly my favorite, although I did like Annie and Eli as well. I’m looking forward to reading more about Gabe in the next book.
December 5, 2018
Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancée, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer.
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