Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Barbour Books (2009), Edition: 1, 323 pages
Description
Cassie Griffin, a seemingly spoiled pregnant woman, sees marrying handyman Red Dawson as the only alternative to marrying a brutal rancher, but Red Dawson, obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience, will try to make her his own.
User reviews
LibraryThing member rosalita
True confession time: I only requested this book because I have an unrequited love affair with all things Montana. I didn't really pay any attention to the description of the book beyond the title, so it was a bit of a surprise to realize as I read that it was (in my view) a Christian romance. I
How refreshing, then, to find that Montana Rose is a very good book. It is well-written, and the characters appealingly drawn. In a nutshell, a woman in 19th century Montana finds herself widowed and pregnant, an unacceptable condition in that time and place. She is forced into marriage with a local fellow (at her husband's funeral, no less!) who is a virtual stranger, and struggles to make a life for herself and her family.
The Christian message is not subtle, but it fits smoothly within the narrative rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. It's true, though, that I don't have any beef with a Christian viewpoint, being one myself though not evangelical. Someone with a strong non-Christian worldview would probably find this book's message overbearing.
As I said, there were some interesting plot "twists." I dreaded the inevitable preaching about a woman learning that it is her Christian duty to be submissive and obedient to her husband, but that wasn't the message at all. Cassie's new husband, Red, is much more interested in molding Cassie into a wife who can be an equal partner for him in their hardscrabble frontier life.
Still, it's hard for a Christian novel to generate much reader suspense over whether the good guys will prevail and the bad guys be thwarted. There's really only one way for it all to work out, so the emphasis for me as a reviewer became whether the journey is enjoyable even when the destination is preordained. In the case of Montana Rose the answer, quite happily, is yes.
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lowered my expectations accordingly (having found previously that books with such an overt point of view, whatever it is, tend to have less-than-stellar writing and plotting) and kept reading.How refreshing, then, to find that Montana Rose is a very good book. It is well-written, and the characters appealingly drawn. In a nutshell, a woman in 19th century Montana finds herself widowed and pregnant, an unacceptable condition in that time and place. She is forced into marriage with a local fellow (at her husband's funeral, no less!) who is a virtual stranger, and struggles to make a life for herself and her family.
The Christian message is not subtle, but it fits smoothly within the narrative rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. It's true, though, that I don't have any beef with a Christian viewpoint, being one myself though not evangelical. Someone with a strong non-Christian worldview would probably find this book's message overbearing.
As I said, there were some interesting plot "twists." I dreaded the inevitable preaching about a woman learning that it is her Christian duty to be submissive and obedient to her husband, but that wasn't the message at all. Cassie's new husband, Red, is much more interested in molding Cassie into a wife who can be an equal partner for him in their hardscrabble frontier life.
Still, it's hard for a Christian novel to generate much reader suspense over whether the good guys will prevail and the bad guys be thwarted. There's really only one way for it all to work out, so the emphasis for me as a reviewer became whether the journey is enjoyable even when the destination is preordained. In the case of Montana Rose the answer, quite happily, is yes.
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LibraryThing member Nee223
This was a sweet love story. Taking place in the 1800's, this is a Western love story between Cassie & Red. It was great to see Cassie become a stronger woman and fall in love. That time was very difficult for women. But it was a sweet and moving love story.
LibraryThing member sultrydiva
The beginning grabbed my attention. Unfortunately it didn’t last long. After the initial interest the book read like a journal. An interesting journal, but a journal none the less. I waited patiently for something to happen. My patience was soon rewarded!
The characters; Red, Cassie and Wade could
Though the novel is a Christian romance, it isn’t preachy. You won’t be bombarded with scripture or ‘fire and brimstone’ sermons. The internal conflicts are those that people of many faiths must deal with even today.
It was an easy read and I came away feeling good.
The characters; Red, Cassie and Wade could
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be from any era, but living in Montana after the Civil War helps to make them more believable. Times are hard; women are scarce. Cassie went from wife to widow to newly married in less than 24 hours.Though the novel is a Christian romance, it isn’t preachy. You won’t be bombarded with scripture or ‘fire and brimstone’ sermons. The internal conflicts are those that people of many faiths must deal with even today.
It was an easy read and I came away feeling good.
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LibraryThing member exploreacademy
Montana Rose is a powerful tale of personal struggles. The story begins with Cassie's struggles to choose what to do with her life after her husband and mentor dies. She is gorgeous and pregnant and believes she has no choice but to marry a man she doesn’t know. As the story continues, Cassie
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evolves and comes to know herself. Her new marriage to Red Dawson brings an opportunity for growth and reflection before her new baby arrives. It is a romantic story grounded in a story about God and his enduring love, but it is also a story about how much strength a woman can have when put in a seriously difficult situation. Show Less
LibraryThing member cee2
First I thought, this is too melodramatic. Then I thought, this is too sweet. Then I finished reading the book and found it was neither.
In 1875 single women in Montana Territory were a scarce commodity and did not usually remain unattached for long. When Cassie’s much older husband dies, and she
I enjoyed seeing how they grew to trust each other, how Red’s Christian faith formed his behavior, and how Cassie came to follow Red’s faith. There are moments of both danger (from another man who wanted to marry Cassie) and comedy (as Cassie and Red learn about each other).
The side story about Belle and Anthony seemed distracting, but it did show another woman’s way of coping with the hardships of living in the western states in the late 1880’s.
This is the first in the Montana marriages series. It was a quick and pleasant read and I would be willing to read more in the series or more of Mary Connealy’s books.
In 1875 single women in Montana Territory were a scarce commodity and did not usually remain unattached for long. When Cassie’s much older husband dies, and she
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ends up marrying Red Dawson, almost before the grave is cold, they are both in for an experience of change and growth that neither one can imagine. I enjoyed seeing how they grew to trust each other, how Red’s Christian faith formed his behavior, and how Cassie came to follow Red’s faith. There are moments of both danger (from another man who wanted to marry Cassie) and comedy (as Cassie and Red learn about each other).
The side story about Belle and Anthony seemed distracting, but it did show another woman’s way of coping with the hardships of living in the western states in the late 1880’s.
This is the first in the Montana marriages series. It was a quick and pleasant read and I would be willing to read more in the series or more of Mary Connealy’s books.
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LibraryThing member jehovahrapha
I read straight through this entire book in one evening, and I felt light-headed afterwards, like I'd been looking over the characters' shoulders while I went. At first, Cassie irritated me to no end; any woman who tries so hard to be obedient to someone who continually demeans her...I had to
I've never actually read Love Comes Softly, which Mary Connealy cites as inspiration for the opening plot, but if it's even half as engaging as Montana Rose, I'm sold already! I fell in love with Red right along with Cassie, and I feared for them both every time the scene cut to Wade, watching from afar. We have a term for men like him in the twenty-first century! Stalker!
But the final scene, the explosive ending...well, I don't know if anyone saw it coming. I sure didn't! And I have to admit that Mary's solution was far more Christian and completely more satisfying than my own reaction of "Oh, just shoot him, already!"
This wasn't just an exemplary work of historical fiction, but it was also a work of inspiration that no one who reads it will soon forget! I can't wait for the next in the series, and I've already checked Petticoat Ranch out from the library!
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forcibly remind myself that she didn't have the benefit of the feminist movement or a strong, supportive mother her whole life.I've never actually read Love Comes Softly, which Mary Connealy cites as inspiration for the opening plot, but if it's even half as engaging as Montana Rose, I'm sold already! I fell in love with Red right along with Cassie, and I feared for them both every time the scene cut to Wade, watching from afar. We have a term for men like him in the twenty-first century! Stalker!
But the final scene, the explosive ending...well, I don't know if anyone saw it coming. I sure didn't! And I have to admit that Mary's solution was far more Christian and completely more satisfying than my own reaction of "Oh, just shoot him, already!"
This wasn't just an exemplary work of historical fiction, but it was also a work of inspiration that no one who reads it will soon forget! I can't wait for the next in the series, and I've already checked Petticoat Ranch out from the library!
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LibraryThing member camptales
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I read I was reminded that I had just recently read another book by this same author. Both books were set in the West, had female protagonists, and marriages that were necessary. Montana Rose (I never did figure out what the title was about) is about a woman I
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have almost nothing in commmon with. Yet her relationship with Red snagged my attention. The fundamental faith of the characters was believable. I liked the way Red preached. For a fun read, try it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tol-milui
I thoroughly enjoyed "Montana Rose." It is definitely reminiscent of the author's acknowledged inspiration, "Love Comes Softly", but with a flavor all its own. The characters were dynamic and believable, and the integration of religion seamless, as is so rare in many purported Christian novels.
M. Connealy's writing style is memorable and engaging, and I don't think I'll spoil anything by saying that the chapter that focuses on Cassie's labor is one I will never forget!!
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Even the supporting characters had strong presences in the story, despite its obvious focus on the relationship between Red and Chrissy. I look forward to reading the remainder of stories that were only partially fleshed out in Montana Rose. M. Connealy's writing style is memorable and engaging, and I don't think I'll spoil anything by saying that the chapter that focuses on Cassie's labor is one I will never forget!!
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LibraryThing member oksner
Married at 15 to her guardian, Cassie Griffin at 18 finds herself a widow and very pregnant. Cassie is called a "China Doll" by the towns-people in Divide, Montana, and there being no shortage of prospective husbands, Red Dawson, a young independent rancher, steps forward to marry her. He takes her
The story is slow going but is a fast read. It is a story of faith and determination. It may be Red's story although intended to be Cassie's.
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to his cave home where he teaches her to milk, gather eggs, and feed Harriet, the mean sow. All the while, Wade Sawyer, the wayward son of a wealthy rancher, watches Cassie and Red from afar, awaiting his chance to kill Red and take Cassie as his wife. Red patiently suffers Cassie's fits of anguish, submissiveness, and unique brand of ranch help while waiting for the baby to be born. The story is slow going but is a fast read. It is a story of faith and determination. It may be Red's story although intended to be Cassie's.
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LibraryThing member franoscar
Spoilers.
This is an obligatory review. This book wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. It is pretty dopey, and the religion is very superficial. But the story, mostly, is cute and the main characters are likeable. There isn't really a conversion story because the girl isn't consciously bad,
This is an obligatory review. This book wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. It is pretty dopey, and the religion is very superficial. But the story, mostly, is cute and the main characters are likeable. There isn't really a conversion story because the girl isn't consciously bad,
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she is just dumb and mis-informed. I didn't like 2 things: one is the portrayal of her first husband. He didn't make sense to me. Did he just marry her for the money & didn't even really like women? Is that the subtext, that this thoroughly unlikeable character wasn't strong in his desire for women? He didn't make sense to me, except as a caricature (which, admittedly, this book has lots of). The other is the horrible subplot with the strong woman (I forget her name) and the bad husband. He was so bad and he almost killed her -- so what would the end be? The other bad guy got redeemed but not this one? How can she go on with him? What is the right answer? I would have liked to have seen her find faith & strength to realize that any reasonable carrying out of gods plan would be to have her move him out of there & seek a better life. Show Less
LibraryThing member smartell
A love story typical of the Christian Fiction genre. Although not a genre I usually read, the story kept me engaged enough to want to find out what happens in the end. At times, the story gets a bit preachy and the ending is a bit predictable but overall the book was a good read. It'll be
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especially popular to those looking for "clean" romances that have a wholesome message to them. Show Less
LibraryThing member traciragas
I couldn’t believe my luck when I snagged a book for an Early Review. Even though Montana Rose is not a book that I would normally be attracted to, I was excited to have the ability to share my opinion with others. I can’t say I’ll be drawn to read other books in this series, but I did enjoy
So here goes….
I couldn’t help but feel for Cassie (the main character) in many scenes. I always tried to keep in mind that this was set in time where women weren’t thought of as much more than property (as seen when Cassie’s first husband dies and the fight for her hand in marriage), or I might have gotten annoyed at how poorly women are treated.
Like most books, I enjoy – there was a definite change in characters. Red sacrifices his life as a single man in Montana to marry Cassie and save her from wretched men in those parts. Cassie learns to look to Red as her husband and no longer just the man that saved her. Red is perhaps the best character, trying desperately to teach his new wife that she doesn’t need to be submissive to him; that his house is their house, that Cassie doesn’t have to agree to everything he says, that she can actually laugh – all things she was never allowed to do previously.
Bottom line: this book is about finding your way, finding faith and understanding love and life.
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branching out a bit. So here goes….
I couldn’t help but feel for Cassie (the main character) in many scenes. I always tried to keep in mind that this was set in time where women weren’t thought of as much more than property (as seen when Cassie’s first husband dies and the fight for her hand in marriage), or I might have gotten annoyed at how poorly women are treated.
Like most books, I enjoy – there was a definite change in characters. Red sacrifices his life as a single man in Montana to marry Cassie and save her from wretched men in those parts. Cassie learns to look to Red as her husband and no longer just the man that saved her. Red is perhaps the best character, trying desperately to teach his new wife that she doesn’t need to be submissive to him; that his house is their house, that Cassie doesn’t have to agree to everything he says, that she can actually laugh – all things she was never allowed to do previously.
Bottom line: this book is about finding your way, finding faith and understanding love and life.
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LibraryThing member lasperschlager
Montana Rose is a sweet story about Cassie and Red. The story takes place in the 1800s in Montana and gives us a glimpse of what life was like for a widowed woman. While I did like the story I always felt like Red was a little too modern in his thinking. I thought his opinions and way he thought
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women should be treated was great but was it accurate to the time? Minor detail really, since the story was enjoyable. Since this is a first in the Montana Marriages series, the author left the door open for other character's stories to be written. I will definitely look for these new books to find out about the people from Divide. If you like Christian fiction you will enjoy this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member judyg54
This book made me laugh out loud in several places, and smile in many more. It was a fun read. Cassie Griffen lives in Divide, Montana, where a single woman doesn't stay single for long. The book starts out with her burying her husband and then pretty much being forced to marry again on that same
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day. Red Dawson steps in and marries Cassie to save her from a far worse fate. Now he must help her become her own person, not some made-up person her previous husband made her into. The interaction and mishaps that happen to them are funny and tender and I enjoyed reading this story. Looking forward to reading book two in this series! Show Less
LibraryThing member cherryblossommj
Every time that I pick up and read a book from Mary Connealy I am in awe at the topics and issues that are addressed in such a loving and in depth manner. This specific book deals with marriage, courage, abuse, healing, strength, and new faith. The lives of the characters are so real and so easily
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comparable to real life that it is extremely difficult to remember that it supposedly just a fictitious story in novel format. Cassie is a woman who was brought up in a closed environment where she was unable to think or be for herself. She was then thrust into a life where the static existence that she formerly knew was practically ripped to shreds as piece by piece she learned to think for herself. Belle is a wounded woman who has endured so much pain at the form of broken hearts in marriage that any hope she once had has dwindled. It is now time for her to either accept the painful defeat of life or find hope in an attempt of grace in action. This book tells the story of Cassie and gets a good foot in the door of the tale behind Belle's life. (Cannot wait for another book in the series to find out more!!)Many people know and think about abuse and how it is a physical pain, but often they forget about the emotional and spiritual scars that are endured as well. Within this tale, various characters find ways of adapting and moving forward in life from years of proverbial abuse. Some make the right decisions and some do not. Watching these characters and their mistakes and correct actions can cause a reader to grow as well. This book is filled to the brim with situations where a reader can learn through someone's pain instead of their own. Also in the style of Mary Connealy, conversations and events fill a reader full to giggling whether they want to or not. Their were points where I'm not sure if I should blame my own pregnancy or not for the giggles brought me to tears. For me personally, another best part of this book was reading about two characters and their own experiences with pregnancy. This is the first book with a birth that I have been blessed to read that was more than she's pregnant and in the last chapter has the babe. I was enthralled by the experiences and interactions that it proved to provide with neighbors and spouses. And now, I impatiently wait for the next book in the series or other from the imaginations of Mary Connealy!! Show Less
LibraryThing member pastrydeity
This isn't my usual kind of book, but I'm glad I won it in the Early Reviewers giveaway. Connealy writes very believable characters--flawed, all on different paths, sympathetic even when they're not the protagonists. That's one of the things I liked best about Montana Rose; nobody is painted as
Cassie is a young woman out on the frontier of Montana whose abusive first husband has died, and who then is married to Red, a man she didn't even really know but who cannot bear the thought of her left to the mercies of the rough men of the town. The book tells the story of their getting to know each other, of him helping her heal the scars of her past, of both of them growing in love and faith for each other. It's a sweet and gentle book, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more in this series.
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being evil, just caught up in their troubles and not seeing the truth.Cassie is a young woman out on the frontier of Montana whose abusive first husband has died, and who then is married to Red, a man she didn't even really know but who cannot bear the thought of her left to the mercies of the rough men of the town. The book tells the story of their getting to know each other, of him helping her heal the scars of her past, of both of them growing in love and faith for each other. It's a sweet and gentle book, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more in this series.
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LibraryThing member SissyCa
This was a very well-written book and the author displayed an excellent writing style; however, I just couldn't get into it. This book did cover a number of issue and contained great characters but Christian Romances are not my genre.
LibraryThing member jenniferarnold
I received this book as a part of the Early Reviewers giveaways. I am so glad I won this book because it has introduced me to a new author to follow! The minute I began reading this book, I knew I was going to enjoy it. I found myself wanting to read the book all the time, not wanting to stop
The characters in this book are wonderful to read about. You can feel the emotion in the writing, and genuinely feel for the characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the Montana Marriages collection by Mary Connealy!
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reading!The characters in this book are wonderful to read about. You can feel the emotion in the writing, and genuinely feel for the characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the Montana Marriages collection by Mary Connealy!
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LibraryThing member tbsomeday
This is my first full book of this author's and I must say I LOVED it! It contains not only good Christian teaching without being preachy, but also a great storyline and humor. It caused me to think about some of my beliefs and actions and really left me feeling good when I finished it.
I can't wait
I can't wait
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to start "The Husband Tree". Show Less
LibraryThing member halo776
When Cassie's extravagant, free-spending husband dies, leaving the young 18-year-old pregnant and penniless, she's forced to choose a husband the very next day who can offer protection and provide for her baby. Red Dawson offers to marry her, only to save her from the rough treatment she's sure to
I enjoyed this book so much for many different reasons. First of all, the characters practically leap off the page. They are multi-dimensional, and Mary Connealy really does a fantastic job of creating people you care about. The heart of this story is Red and Cassie, but the secondary characters were just as wonderful. Cassie forms a friendship with some of the local women, and they are just as endearing. Secondly, the romance is to die for. Red is such a patient man, and he's very considerate and careful with Cassie. I love that from the beginning, he always calls her, "Cass, honey." He cherishes her and in every possible way, puts her needs before his own. Thirdly, although the romance is its principal draw, there are parts of this book that are very funny. Cassie has never had to do manual labor, and when she tries to help Red with the ranch work, it always ends in disaster. To make matters worse, she feels sorry for her husband, believing him to be accident prone! Finally, there is a villain who causes suspense. I don't like plots that are too easy. Every story needs a challenge, and Wade provides that conflict for Red and Cassie.
All the above factors create an enjoyable read that seeks to show God's love, not just tell about it. It's inspirational, but not preachy. The author's easy writing style and pacing added to the story's appeal. The story switches from Cassie's view to Red's to other characters as well, giving you a well-rounded story. I can't wait to read the next in the series, as the characters played such a role in this first book.
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encounter from some of the other men. When he takes his spoiled bride to his sod home, he wonders if he's made a mistake. The worst of it is that she doesn't share his faith. Red is determined to teach Cassie how to be a proper Montana ranch wife, but neither of them is prepared for what the future holds.... I enjoyed this book so much for many different reasons. First of all, the characters practically leap off the page. They are multi-dimensional, and Mary Connealy really does a fantastic job of creating people you care about. The heart of this story is Red and Cassie, but the secondary characters were just as wonderful. Cassie forms a friendship with some of the local women, and they are just as endearing. Secondly, the romance is to die for. Red is such a patient man, and he's very considerate and careful with Cassie. I love that from the beginning, he always calls her, "Cass, honey." He cherishes her and in every possible way, puts her needs before his own. Thirdly, although the romance is its principal draw, there are parts of this book that are very funny. Cassie has never had to do manual labor, and when she tries to help Red with the ranch work, it always ends in disaster. To make matters worse, she feels sorry for her husband, believing him to be accident prone! Finally, there is a villain who causes suspense. I don't like plots that are too easy. Every story needs a challenge, and Wade provides that conflict for Red and Cassie.
All the above factors create an enjoyable read that seeks to show God's love, not just tell about it. It's inspirational, but not preachy. The author's easy writing style and pacing added to the story's appeal. The story switches from Cassie's view to Red's to other characters as well, giving you a well-rounded story. I can't wait to read the next in the series, as the characters played such a role in this first book.
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LibraryThing member rhonda1111
5 STARS
Its a Christian romance with a good story. It kept me wanting to see what happens next. I would like to read more books by Mary.
It starts with Cassie mourning her husband dead. Everyone in town new her husband was always spending money on her and he had loans everywhere.
Their is not a lot
Muriel the shopkeeper's wife tried to help her and wanted Red the grave digger to marry her. Red did not want to especially right their at cemetary. Than Wade and his father Mort Sawyer said, She is marrying him. Mort carried her to his horse. Now Mort was big rancher and people were scared of him and his men. Cassie tried to get away and Red Dawson came and rescued her from him and asked Cassie to marry him. So right their at the grave she got married again.
Cassie at 12 lost her mom and Griff became her guardian and married her at 15 and moved them to Divide Montana. He spent all of her inhertance and morgage all her belongings. So now she had nothing but a dress and was pregnant.
Red is a honest hard worker. He went around and paid off her debts that her husband made. Red worked and barted for all he had and now had a small home,full pantry 500 cows. Red preached on sundays. delivered groceries on sat.Clean stables.
you really care about Cassie and Red and the people of divide. I would like to see how things turned out for Belle.
I enjoyed this story I was given to read in exchane of honest review from Netgalley.
Its a Christian romance with a good story. It kept me wanting to see what happens next. I would like to read more books by Mary.
It starts with Cassie mourning her husband dead. Everyone in town new her husband was always spending money on her and he had loans everywhere.
Their is not a lot
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of women in this small town in Montana. The men were gathering around her saying she had to choose right after the funeral. Cassie or China Doll some called her was in shock. Muriel the shopkeeper's wife tried to help her and wanted Red the grave digger to marry her. Red did not want to especially right their at cemetary. Than Wade and his father Mort Sawyer said, She is marrying him. Mort carried her to his horse. Now Mort was big rancher and people were scared of him and his men. Cassie tried to get away and Red Dawson came and rescued her from him and asked Cassie to marry him. So right their at the grave she got married again.
Cassie at 12 lost her mom and Griff became her guardian and married her at 15 and moved them to Divide Montana. He spent all of her inhertance and morgage all her belongings. So now she had nothing but a dress and was pregnant.
Red is a honest hard worker. He went around and paid off her debts that her husband made. Red worked and barted for all he had and now had a small home,full pantry 500 cows. Red preached on sundays. delivered groceries on sat.Clean stables.
you really care about Cassie and Red and the people of divide. I would like to see how things turned out for Belle.
I enjoyed this story I was given to read in exchane of honest review from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member Fairydragonstar
This is a book that is one that touches the soul
LibraryThing member Becky_McKenna
This was a difficult book to get through. I've tried this author before and was in the mood for something humorous, but there was very little humor in Montana Rose. In fact, I don't really understand how the title is supposed to fit with the story considering the female protagonist is often
I love Christian Fiction and Christian Romance, especially when it's done well, Deeanne Gist and Colleen Coble being two of my recent favorites. Connealy's writing is usually upbeat and humorous, but this story seems forced, with lots of repetition and in-your-face preaching style that made me feel beat up by the end of the book. I'm all for including scripture in the story, but in this case, it overpowered a story that already had problems.
I'll start with the first scene, which stretched far beyond believable. I just can't accept that an entire town of men, especially men living in the 1800's, would be so brazen as to insist on marrying off a widow, in the cemetery, mere minutes after burying her husband. That was just ridiculous to me. Sure, maybe Wade and Mott were believable as villains by making their demands, but all of the single men? Nope. Still don't believe it, but I did keep reading. I read this book for a book challenge, otherwise, I wouldn't have finished it.
My biggest problem with the story is Cassie's character. She drove me nuts. I understand that she was abused by her first husband, brainwashed to the point of stupidity, and that she then "checked out" of having her own opinion, but when things in her life began to change we don't see real character growth. There were a few cute scenes between Red and Cassie, but instead of watching them grow together, we get repetitive discussion and one-sided conversations that are heavy on scripture and judgment. Then one day, "poof" it's all better? Did I miss something or does Cassie have Multiple Personality Disorder?
Finally, I will admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for Belle. I like her strength, her daughters, and her ability to weather the storm, but there isn't a resolution to her story. I'm assuming she gets her happy ever after in the next book, which I'll probably read if for no other reason than to see Anthony get planted beneath the Husband Tree with the rest of Belle's husbands. What a slime ball he turned out to be. I don't like that Belle is taking his actions and blaming herself though. Regardless of anything she did or didn't do, he has the same obligation to take the high road as any other Christian. If she learns something about herself, great, but she shouldn't take on his mistakes.
Montana Rose just isn't an example of the author's best work. I blame most of my displeasure with the book on Cassie's characterization. I like strong heroines and her self-debasing thoughts made it nearly impossible to overlook the other issues and just enjoy the story.
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referred to as china doll. I guess that's beside the point.I love Christian Fiction and Christian Romance, especially when it's done well, Deeanne Gist and Colleen Coble being two of my recent favorites. Connealy's writing is usually upbeat and humorous, but this story seems forced, with lots of repetition and in-your-face preaching style that made me feel beat up by the end of the book. I'm all for including scripture in the story, but in this case, it overpowered a story that already had problems.
I'll start with the first scene, which stretched far beyond believable. I just can't accept that an entire town of men, especially men living in the 1800's, would be so brazen as to insist on marrying off a widow, in the cemetery, mere minutes after burying her husband. That was just ridiculous to me. Sure, maybe Wade and Mott were believable as villains by making their demands, but all of the single men? Nope. Still don't believe it, but I did keep reading. I read this book for a book challenge, otherwise, I wouldn't have finished it.
My biggest problem with the story is Cassie's character. She drove me nuts. I understand that she was abused by her first husband, brainwashed to the point of stupidity, and that she then "checked out" of having her own opinion, but when things in her life began to change we don't see real character growth. There were a few cute scenes between Red and Cassie, but instead of watching them grow together, we get repetitive discussion and one-sided conversations that are heavy on scripture and judgment. Then one day, "poof" it's all better? Did I miss something or does Cassie have Multiple Personality Disorder?
Finally, I will admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for Belle. I like her strength, her daughters, and her ability to weather the storm, but there isn't a resolution to her story. I'm assuming she gets her happy ever after in the next book, which I'll probably read if for no other reason than to see Anthony get planted beneath the Husband Tree with the rest of Belle's husbands. What a slime ball he turned out to be. I don't like that Belle is taking his actions and blaming herself though. Regardless of anything she did or didn't do, he has the same obligation to take the high road as any other Christian. If she learns something about herself, great, but she shouldn't take on his mistakes.
Montana Rose just isn't an example of the author's best work. I blame most of my displeasure with the book on Cassie's characterization. I like strong heroines and her self-debasing thoughts made it nearly impossible to overlook the other issues and just enjoy the story.
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LibraryThing member love2readnovels
From the outside Cassie Griffin looked like she had everything. A nice house, silk dresses and all the pretty things money could buy. Everything that is except a loving husband. Griff was a rough man who always made his 'china doll' feel unworthy. Then one day Griff dies. Cassie is left pregnant
This was a very enjoyable story. I fell in love with Red. Who wouldn't! The secondary characters were interesting too. Especially Belle. The rough and tough gal who always manages to marry worthless men. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her. As with all of Mary's books she mixes a generous portion of humor, mayhem and a dash of suspense.
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and penniless. Because the preacher is in town they feel like she should marry up with one of the cowboys. Her choices are not too great (especially a rich ranchers son named Wade Sawyer) but when Red Dawson steps up to the plate she agrees to marry him. Red is a fine man who slowly teacher Cassie how a real man should love his wife. Can he help her become more than just a submissive mouse? Will Cassie ever feel worthy of Red's love? And what will happen when Wade decides that the 'china doll' should belong to him?This was a very enjoyable story. I fell in love with Red. Who wouldn't! The secondary characters were interesting too. Especially Belle. The rough and tough gal who always manages to marry worthless men. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her. As with all of Mary's books she mixes a generous portion of humor, mayhem and a dash of suspense.
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LibraryThing member weatherlover1
Cassie husband dies and leaves her broke and pregnant. All the men of her small town want to marry her since there are not a lot of women around. Red saves her from having to marry her neighbor so he can have her land. Cassie soon finds out how broke her husband was and the town’s people soon
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realize Cassie is not the spoiled rich girl they thought. Red has admired Cassie from a far since she had first moved to the area and now he is learning there is more to her then he first thought. Will these two find a true marriage or will Cassie’s lack of self esteem keep them apart?I enjoyed this book a lot but there where parts of the book that moved a little slow. The underlying subject of this book was a little hard to swallow. Cassie’s first husband had “made” her obey and Red works to get her to understand that what he did was not okay and that she is allowed to be her own woman and that he would never hurt her. It was fun to see Cassie come out of her shell and start to take charge of her life.As is the authors style she also starts to introduce the main characters of the other books in this series. Wade who will be the main character in the 3rd book is one of the men who wanted to marry Cassie before Red stepped in. He is a scary man but you start to see there is a good man under all the hurt. I had trouble with the huge turn around this character took as well as how fast he went from a scary villain to a friend. I have read the whole series that follows this one and when I realized who Wade was my mouth fell open.We also get to know Belle who will be the main character in the 2nd book. It was a little hard in the first book to read about all 3 characters, but the author did a good job and I did not feel the main story of this book was over shadowed. You definitely need to read this series in order or you will miss part of the story. Over all another great book by Mary Connealy! If you have not read any of her books your missing out!DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. Show Less