Gingham Mountain (Lassoed in Texas, #3)
by Mary Connealy
Wow! This is the best from Mary Connealy yet, and quite possibly the best book I have ever read (under 300 pages). You have to understand… This is one of those books that you read when you have some time by yourself. First off is the matter of time, because once you start I promise it is impossible if not painful to put it down. Then, secondly, by yourself because otherwise you are going to be quite embarrassed by the looks that you will earn. I read it with only my two cats nearby and they still looked at me as if I were crazed. *snicker*
Upon starting the story there are a couple little giggles, but shortly there after they turn in to little chuckles, and then every once in a while a snicker. Once, finally it is under hand, then comes the shaking silent laughs that turn to out right snorts. Once you are sure that nothing could make you laugh anymore and you are fully in control of your senses, well then she goes and causes laugh out loud gasping and crying from laughter tears. Covering your mouth and slapping the desk as a reader you are stuck with the amount of pure glee and humor that your body has endured.
With that said, I guess I should not be surprised. Not at all really.
“Petticoat Ranch”(Book #1) was everything that a good historical fiction should be, and I’m glad to have read it. I so feel for the characters, they are completely real to me, and I’m fully on their side! When I first read it, I said this book was incredible. I cannot count the times that I giggled, or rolled my eyes. I am quite unsure of how many times I snickered and had a little evil laugh, feeling I’m sure the emotions of Sophie and her girls. In all cases, it was plenty, and I definitely was smiling through out the novel. As much as I enjoyed book #1, “Calico Canyon” (Book #2) was ever so much better! It started with a character that I was not found of from book one, and by chapter three I was swearing loyalty to her and wishing her well.
So far, everything that I have read by Mary has been a complete success in my mind, and I cannot wait to read more! Not only are her stories a good laugh, but they contain such heart beating romance that you blush and giggle with the emotions going through the characters as they trip over themselves in pure beginning steps of love. The bad guys are horrors, and you are almost screaming aloud for justice to be seen. Hardships of real life are touched on in the stories and lessons and the heart of Christ come through in the characters.
Earnestly, I cannot recommend the books and their stories strongly enough!
Margaret (MJ) Chind
Creative Madness – Quilts & Book Reviews
http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
Pam Williams December 14, 2008
I can’t imagine a BEST book from Mary, I don’t know how one can top the already best ones that came before it. I heard about this one and look forward to reading it some day.
Deena January 11, 2009
When I first discovered Mary Connealy’s books, I stated that she had brought fun back to the old western romance and revitalized the genre.
I’m here to correct myself: Mary Connealy OWNS the genre, and she proves it in the third edition of the “Lassoed In Texas” series, “Gingham Mountain”. Filled with heart, laughter and some suspense for good measure, this book kept me up into the wee hours of the night.
Grant has no last name–and he doesn’t want one. He wants to continue to identify with the passel of orphans he’s adopting. Children from all walks of life who’ve been abandoned and left all alone with barely anything to their name. It’s a custom made family that is built on love–anyone can see that.
Except for Hannah.
She too is an orphan, but her experience as an abandoned child is far different from Grant’s. Remembering the abuse and the mistreatment, she has made it her mission to take Grant’s children away from him.
Where she’ll take them to…well, she hasn’t thought that far ahead! So she finds herself trapped into becoming the local school teacher. What better way to keep an eye on Grant and his brood!
One problem. Hannah’s not a school teacher. Nor a cook, or a mom, or any of those womanly things she longs to be.
When things heat up between Grant and Hannah, will they combust, or turn into something beautiful? Will the few in town who are prejudiced run Grant and his kids back out to Gingham Mountain again, out of the school and away from their businesses?
And if you’ve read the previous books, you’ll be pleased to know we see old friends from “Petticoat Ranch” and “Calico Canyon” in this book as well.
I’m hoping like crazy that Mary’s not done with Grant, Hannah, Grace and the rest of this madcap wild west bunch of folk! For now, I’m giving “Gingham Mountain” five out of five bookmarks, with a lantern as a charm–Grant’s going to need all the light he can get to maneuver with this bunch!
Reviewed by Deena Peterson