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Guest Review by Angie Lippard from Hot Christian Books

I like Mary Connealy’s writing. I really do but I had a hard time with this one. I have read all of the Montana Marriages series, as well as, the Lasso in Texas series. I feel that makes me a capable judge of this new series, Sophie’s Daughters. We first meet Sophie’s girls in “Petticoat Ranch” and again in “Calico Canyon.” This book, the second in the series, mainly focuses on Sally with a good bit of Mandy’s problems thrown in. (See my review of “Doctor in Petticoats” for more about Beth and Mandy’s life.) You could read this book out of order and not miss much at all. Although, reading “Calico Canyon” will give you a good sense of what Sally has been through in her lifetime and break your heart in the process.

This book was harder for me to get into. I couldn’t decide if Sally’s rescuer was manly enough for me. Oddly enough, that was one of the same struggles that Sally had! He is an artist so he is sensitive but he has lived in the wilderness long enough to make him strong and independent. Mary Conneally does a great job of addressing the issue of the way we perceive artists and our immediate judgment of them, good or bad. I struggled with my perception of him the entire book but I also think that was the point.

My biggest problem with the book though is the ending. Mary left it wide open for the next book and I hate that. Mainly because I am impatient and I can’t stand waiting for the next book in a series! The story lines are wrapped up enough in this book but it is clear that some of the issues were left unresolved on Mandy’s side of things. This also means I have read two books with Mandy’s problems and am going to have to wait on the third book to find out if she ever truly finds happiness.

Here are my ratings, from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest

Hotness Factor: 3 stars I think Husband Tree by this author was much hotter but this is pretty good. He can’t stop kissing her at random times so that keeps the chemistry between the two going throughout the story. If you like a lot of tenderness instead of tension then you will like this book.

Series info: 3 stars In this series, “Doctor in Petticoats” is definitely the better book, so far. I personally liked the “Lassoed in Texas” series better but Husband Tree is still my favorite book by this author.

Overall Rating: 3 stars Mary Connealy gives a good performance in this series. She is a good storyteller and includes passion and longing but not as much as other CHF authors like DeeAnne Gist and Julie Lessman. There were also some really funny moments between the main characters that seemed genuine and had me laughing out loud.

Christianity: 3 stars God and faith are in this book but not overtly. More of the “Lord help me through this” than the deep struggle for forgiveness, grace, need, etc.

Summary Plot: 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?

Tracy’s Pick of the Best Reviews:

Renee at Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot

Amber at Seasons of Humility

Pepper at Words Seasoned with Salt