Mary Connealy, Petticoat Ranch

Petticoat Ranch

Mary Connealy

Barbour, Feb 2007, $9.97

ISBN: 1597896470

In 1867 Mosqueros, Texas, Sophie Edwards struggles to keep her four young daughters safe since her spouse Cliff was lynched as a "horse thief" during the Civil War. She knows that the dangerous Judd Mason, owner of J Bar M, killed her husband, but no one including the law will touch the powerfully cruel rancher.

Clay McCellen has searched for his missing twin Cliff since the war ended. He has come to Mosqueros because he knows his brother was murdered nearby. However, he is chased and shot by Judd and his associates as the odious wealthy man wants Clay's horse that he claims was stolen. Sophie and her offspring bring him into the shack they call home. As he heals, he vows to protect and take care of the five females his brother "left" to him. Though he anticipates a showdown with Judd, Clay never anticipated he would fall in love with the five females the way he has. He prays that God is there for them if he fails.

This is an interesting, inspirational, western romance that focuses on relationships between people and with Jesus. The storyline contains individuals seeking revenge, but the motives are the key as to whether one walks with the Lord or with the devil. The four pre-adolescent girls are brave and loyal while their intrepid mom is like a she-lion keeping them safe. Clay rides into this mix knowing he would die for his nieces and their mother as he learns that they are soft on the outside, but strong on the inside, just the way God made women.

Harriet Klausner