Saturday, October 16, 2010

My Review of Wrangler in Petticoats

Here's a description of the book from Barbour Publishing: "Ride into the Rockies where love peaks between a tough Texas tomboy and a passionate artist. On her way to Montana, Sally McClellan’s party is attacked and robbed. But then artist Logan McKenzie saves the badly wounded cowgirl who has been left for dead. Can this landscape painter tame the tomboy without breaking her spirit? Sally doesn’t know much about ribbons and lace, but Logan’s presence makes her want to connect with her feminine side. Will this fractured female discover a way to capture the artist’s love—or find herself captured and killed by outlaws?"

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

Mary Connealy paints a vivid picture in Wrangler in Petticoats that the reader can't take their eyes off of--all through the night! I was drawn to the story like Sally was drawn to Logan's paintings (although I was far less reluctant than Sally, might I add). Connealy knows how to write action and romance in a way that makes the reader laugh, sigh, and continue turning pages almost as fast as Sally can draw her gun!

I was drawn to Logan as soon as his character was introduced. It was interesting to both love Logan for his passion for art, and also become frustrated with his consuming need for it. I loved how Connealy brought in a discussion of art--in a real, down-to-earth, but also thought-provoking way. The connections to some of the topics I've been learning about in Literary Criticism class were great, and they added another dimension of depth to the story that appealed to me. I also loved the discussion of uniqueness and God's gifts throughout the story!

Overall, with the beautiful and mysterious descriptions of the Rockies and Yosemite, the romance that threw a lasso around me and drew me in inescapably, and the multiple, intertwining plots filled with adventure and suspense, I highly recommend this book!

*With thanks to the author for my copy of this book! I was not obligated to write a review.*

Note: I didn't read the first book in this series, but I was still able to enjoy this book on its own.

13 comments:

Sara said...

Nice review! I have one book to finish before I start reading this one. I haven't read the first on though, so I'm glad that it won't matter.

Amber Holcomb said...

Sara,

Thank you! I think you'll really enjoy this book--it's lots of fun with lots of romance and adventure! ;)

I'm sure it would be nice to read Doctor in Petticoats first to get a little more of the back story, but yes, I was able to still really enjoy it even though I read it on its own! :)

~Amber

Kav said...

Oh-Oh-OH!!!!! I'm on page 35!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a nail-biting beginning! Great review, Amber!

Amber Holcomb said...

Kav,

I know!!! I love how this book pulls you in right away--and doesn't let up on the intrigue all the way through! Happy reading! :D

~Amber

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

I think all of Mary's books grab your right from the beginning LOL! They're a blast to read and I love your review of this one. You better get to Doctor in Petticoats 'cause I know you'll love that one too. :-)

XOXO~ Renee

Amber Holcomb said...

Renee,

Ooooooh yeah! ;) Of the other books I've read by her, I loved Cowboy Christmas and The Husband Tree, which are both full of romance and intrigue!

(Have you seen the movie Ever After? I watched it--not for the first time--last night with some of my friends. I feel like Marguerite when she says, "Oh, I just love a good intrigue!" Of course, "intrigue" had a different connotation/meaning at that time, but still... ;) GREAT movie!)

Anyway, I'm sure I'd love Doctor in Petticoats, too! And Sharpshooter in Petticoats is pretty much a must-read after Wrangler in Petticoats! ;) Mandy has quite a story to tell, to my way of thinking!

~Amber

Mary Connealy said...

I had so much fun fixing poor Mandy's life. She is just sooooooo cranky from her years of marriage to Sidney, she's way to quick with that rifle.

:)

It takes quite a man to keep her disarmed.

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Yep those books are on my keeper shelf Amber!

Yes I LOVED Ever After! I've seen it a million times.

Sharpshooter in Petticoats is the one I've been waiting for the most! That loser husband of hers is really getting on my nerves! Poor Mandy, I hope she gets the happiest of endings and doesn't have to use her shooting skills TOO much. :-P

XOXO~ Renee

Amber Holcomb said...

Mary,

I can't really blame her for being cranky! Yeesh, what a mess her marriage is! :(

And yes, I think it will take quite a man to keep her disarmed. ;) I'm sure Sharpshooter in Petticoats will be another wild and crazy ride! :D

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Renee,

Oh poor Mandy! Sidney is so uncaring. :( Not that I should judge, but that man...ugh!!!

I hope she gets a really happy ending, too. :D

~Amber

Michelle Gregory said...

great review. i'll read anything by Mary.

Amber Holcomb said...

MICHELLE: Thanks! :D I know what you mean--any book written by Mary Connealy has got to be one fun, wild, and satisfying story!

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Tracy,

Thank you! :) That's sweet of you to link to my review!

It is a bit unconventional to have a hero that isn't as "manly," but I think he did have a "manly" side to go along with his artistic side. :) He certainly made for an interesting character!

~Amber