Title: Montana Rose
Author: Mary Connealy
First published July 1, 2009
319 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781602601420 (ISBN10: 1602601429)
Rating: 4.28
Overview
Josephine Morgan has always lived a life of luxury. Her wealthy husband made sure of that.
But now that he’s gone, Josephine finds herself in a difficult situation. She’s heavily in debt, pregnant, and vulnerable.
In the small town of Divide, Montana, Josephine’s options are limited. She could marry one of the local cowboys, but she’s not sure if any of them will accept her.
She’s never been anything other than a spoiled socialite in their eyes. When the most powerful rancher in the area lays claim to her and her property, Josephine’s future looks bleak.
But then there’s Caleb. He’s always been different from the other cowboys.
He sees past Josephine’s silk dresses and recognizes the woman beneath. When he steps forward to marry her, Josephine is unsure if she can trust him.
He’s a man of faith, and she’s never believed in God.
As Josephine and Caleb navigate their new life together, they face challenges and obstacles at every turn. Will Josephine learn to love the man who saved her from a terrible fate?
And will Caleb be able to show her that there’s more to life than luxury and material possessions? Montana Rose is a heartwarming tale of love, faith, and second chances set in the rugged beauty of Montana.
About the Author
Mary Connealy is an award-winning author who is known for her romantic comedies featuring cowboys and a suspenseful twist. Having won the Carol Award twice, and having been a finalist for the Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards, Mary is a celebrated writer.
With over 65 books and novellas under her belt, Mary’s most recent work includes the Braced for Love, A Man with a Past, and Love on the Range series, all published by Bethany House Publishing. In addition to these, she has written four other series for Barbour Publishing, along with various novellas and standalone books for multiple publishers.
Since she began writing ten years ago, Mary has sold almost a million copies of her books. Mary holds a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has previously worked at her local newspaper.
To connect with Mary, visit her online.
Editoral Review
Mary Connealy’s “Montana Rose” is a standout in the Western romance genre. Published in 2009, Connealy’s novel follows the story of Cassie Griffin, a headstrong woman who finds herself stranded in Montana after a stagecoach robbery gone wrong.
Cassie reluctantly partners with a trio of rough-and-tumble brothers to retrieve her stolen belongings, and soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous adventure full of romance, danger, and heartache. Connealy’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with descriptive language that transports readers to the vast, untamed wilderness of the American West.
The plot is well-crafted, balancing action-packed scenes with emotionally charged moments that tug at the heartstrings. The main characters are vividly drawn, with Cassie emerging as a particularly compelling protagonist.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Cassie remains fiercely independent and refuses to back down in the face of adversity. One of the strengths of “Montana Rose” lies in Connealy’s ability to weave historical detail into the narrative without overshadowing the plot.
The novel takes place in the late 1800s, a time when the American West was still being settled and tensions between settlers and Native Americans were running high. Connealy captures the essence of this era with careful attention to detail, making the setting feel both authentic and immersive.
On the other hand, the novel does have some weaknesses. The pacing can sometimes feel uneven, with certain scenes dragging on too long while others are resolved too quickly.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, with their motivations and personalities remaining a bit opaque throughout the novel. Despite these flaws, “Montana Rose” is a compelling read that is sure to satisfy fans of Western romance.
Connealy’s writing is polished and engaging, and the story is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on their toes. Moreover, the themes of resilience, perseverance, and the power of human connections are particularly resonant, making this novel a valuable exploration of the human experience.
For those who enjoy Western romance or historical fiction, “Montana Rose” is a must-read. The novel is a well-executed example of the genre, with strong characters, an immersive setting, and a compelling plot.
It is a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to resonate with readers of all backgrounds. For these reasons, “Montana Rose” earns a solid four out of five stars.
