10.23.2009

My Review: Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy


Cowboy Christmas
by Mary Connealy
Copyright 2009
Pages: 304
Barbour Publishing
ISBN: 9781602601451
Fiction/Christian/Romance

Back cover:

A Secretive singer reawakens a cowboy's wounded heart at Christmastime.

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the gospel with a traveling missionary troupe. When the Leveques take over and want Annie to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie flees to Ranger Bluff, Wyoming, dreaming of reuniting with her father for Christmas. But trouble chases her - right off the edge of a cliff!

Elijah Walker's heart turned as cold and barren as the high plains in December after his ex-fiancee betrayed him and caused his father's death. But when he rescues Annie out of a freezing river, Walker's instincts tell him he must help a stranger in need.

With her hermit father retreating to the high country and the Leveques intent of kidnapping her to make money off her singing, Annie may have no way out.

Has Annie hidden the truth about wanted posters bearing her face too long for anyone to believe her now? Can Elijah overcome the painful past and learn to love again? Will there ever be peace in their hearts in time for Christmas?

My Review:

Cowboy Christmas was not at all what I expected. Honestly, it took me awhile to read it. I picked it up, and put it down, quite a few times before I finally finished it. That's highly unusual for Mary's books...normally I devour them in one sitting. I don't know why it didn't hold my attention as much as her other books, such as, Montana Rose, which I absolutely loved! (my review here) That being said, Cowboy Christmas is not a bad book, it just didn't draw me in for some reason. I have been having a hard time getting into my normal reading mood this past week, so maybe it's me, and not the book at all. If you find this book appealing, by all means, pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I plan to read it again later on, and see if I feel differently.

The character of Ruby Walker was my favorite. I loved her gritty determination, and loyalty to her son, as well as her friends and ranch hands. She also stayed true to God through all of her trials and heart-break. She took Annie under her wing from the very beginning, and didn't waver in her belief of Annie's innocence...even when her own son had plenty of doubts.

Elijah and Annie's journey to find each other is a long and difficult one; hindered by many feelings of self-doubt, untrustworthy feelings, and heartrending grief. In the end, they come to the conclusion that with God, all things truly are possible.

If you're interested in finding out more about Mary Connealy, and/or her books, please visit her website: www.maryconnealy.com or her blog: Mary Connealy ~ Real Life Petticoat Ranch.

*I purchased this book myself on eBay, and will be passing it on to my Mom*

3 comments:

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

I enjoyed this book but I have to say it was my least favorite out of all her books! Great review!

xoxo~ Renee

Blanche said...

I really love Mary's books and have been waiting for this one!! I'm on the wishlist for it at PBS, maybe I'll just wait until my turn comes up and not go out and buy it brand new until I've had a chance to read it!

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Hey ladies ~

Maybe I psyched myself up so much for this book to finally be released that I jinxed it. ??? This book has some really good parts, but I actually found myself skipping other parts...I never do that with Mary's books!! I feel kinda bad that I didn't love it. :( Sorry, Mary!