Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older … sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.
David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David’s father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?
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Getting Away from it All?
The Nordegren sisters, Jo, Ursula and Ilsa, have grown up in the late 1800s in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Their grandparents raised them in isolation scaring them with stories of sickness followed by death if they mix with the rest of the world. Jo is a hunter and moves silently through the forest, while Ilsa is an expert with medical treatments made from local ingredients. Ursula, the oldest, is in charge, cooking and keeping house for all of them. Suddenly, their quiet world has been invaded by the Warden family along with cowboys, cattle and wonders from the outside world.
Though nervous, Jo welcomes them, but when sickness soon follows, Ursula declares either she, or the newcomers, must go. Can Jo give up the new family, especially since experiencing feelings she is unaccustomed with towards the Warden son? Will the sisters perish from diseases brought from the outside world? Or will the sisters be separated permanently because of hard feelings?
The author pulls us into a fast-moving story full of the incredible sights of the Rockies along with the Warden’s thrilling escape to the mountains. The sisters are a delight from the way they live, enjoy the nature around them, to the things they discover about themselves and their family. Be ready for a rip-roaring good time, filled with danger, suspense and peril. This is all wrapped up in a clean story told from a Christian perspective. I highly recommend this first installment of the Brides of Hope Mountain. It will be enjoyed by all who like adventure with a touch of romance. Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Aiming for Love, for the purpose of review.
I love starting a new Mary Connealy series! Aiming for Love, the first book in her “Brides of Hope Mountain” series, is an action-packed introduction into the world of Hope Mountain and the three sisters who live there alone – that is, until the Warden Ranch moves in. Jo Nordegren, the middle sister, is fascinated with all things from outside her sheltered home, especially rancher David Warden. But when trouble follows him to the remote mountains, we wonder if Jo’s curiosity will bring about the downfall of her family.
Of course, Mary Connealy delivers the answer in her wonderfully humorous and touching way. I loved this story and can’t wait for the sequel!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my impartial review.
One of the things I love most about Mary Connealy’s books is how unique they are. You can’t fit them into one specific genre box. They’re historical, western, romance, and comedy all wrapped up in fabulous words.
Aiming for Love (book one in the new Brides of Hope Mountain series) introduces readers to three sisters who have survived on a Colorado mountain isolated from society. When a rancher, his hands, and his family arrive on Hope Mountain, Jo (Josephine) is intrigued. And, of course, gets herself into a spot of trouble as only a Connealy character can.
Readers are right there on the mountain with the author’s vivid descriptions of the scenery, wildlife, and dangers. The characters (well, most of them anyway) are ones I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with.
The sisters are an interesting study since they have lived such sheltered lives, raised to believe the outside world is to be avoided at all costs. The three of them are different mixtures of wonder, curiosity, and fear and each of them has their unique strengths that have helped them survive.
While I usually lean toward more romance in a book, Aiming for Love has so many other delectable components, I didn’t miss a stronger romantic thread. I’m looking forward to finding out more about this family and hanging out with Jo and David more in the upcoming books.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jo Nordegren grew up high in the Colorado Mountains, a self-taunt bow hunter, she’s taken care of her sisters since the death of their parents and grandparents. The three sisters have worked together to survive in the mountains without any need for the outside world.
But when rancher Dave Warden and his mother, and wounded father show up on the mountain, in need of help, Jo and her sisters must decide whether they will take the risk to help them.
Jo is the middle sister of the three, she’s always been curious about the outside world below despite their sheltered upbringing. She and her sisters share a close bond, working together to grow, hunt, and scavenge what they need. They have a genuine, but innocent faith, having large portions of Scripture and Aesop’s Fables dedicated to memory. The coming of the Warden family is a blessing, but it also brings with it some of the sisters’ biggest fears brought to life. Ursula is especially hesitant to give up their ways to help the outsiders.
David and his family are fighting for their ranch against a land grubbing gang of outlaw with the guns to take what they want. The Wardens drive their cattle up Hope Mountain in an effort to save their livestock. David admires Jo’s keen outdoor skills, and how she and her sisters have survived for so many years. David’s mother is a strong Christian woman, who takes the girls under her wing and helping them to fill in some gaps in their education.
An excellent beginning of a fantastic new series, with great introductions to all of the characters in this action packed tale of faith, family and friendship. An engaging read, with great storytelling, Ms. Connealy is in her element doing what she does best in this delightful read that I didn’t want to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mary Connealy never disappoints! This is a unique story with wonderful characters. Can’t help but love Jo and Ma! Everyone else too!
I’ve been awaiting Mary Connealy’s new novel, the first in her Brides of Hope Mountain Book, for some time.
As I cracked open the beautiful cover, I read the story of three sisters, Jo, Ilsa and Ursula in two days. The sisters bond between them captivated me, they were strong women who’d been sheltered from the bustling, busy world beyond their mountain home.
And, when they met the Warden family, the women realized there could be more for them out in the world. I enjoyed the playful relationship between Dave and Jo, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey with these memorable characters in the next book in the series.
When you read this, you too will probably feel the same way.
I was given this novel by Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The thoughts contained in this review are strictly my own.
3.5 stars
“The Nordegren women were better off alone.”
Or were they? Along with her two sisters, Josephine Nordegren had lived her entire life isolated from civilization, living on the side of a mountain nestled deep within the wilds of Colorado. So naturally, when a passel of men and their cattle braved the steep trail towards the top of Hope Mountain, she became curious; curious enough to make a critical mistake.
Once David Warden realized that the ghost-like snoop was none other than a right beautiful woman, he head swam, but not for long. Right after he caught the fist swinging, boot kicking little thief red-handed; his parents, their entire crew, and a thousand head of cattle came barreling up the mountainside. The family patriarch, Quill Warden, had been shot.
Wielding her western wit, the author delightfully tells a tale of misguided understandings that kept three lovely young women afraid to venture off their property, and terrified to let strangers become friends. What would a man have to do to change their minds? Hint; there might be a little kissing involved.
Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy is the best book I’ve read this year, and I’ve read hundreds! The cover is gorgeous, and pulled me in right away. I loved the blend of wit, humor, romance, history, and Christianity this novel brings. Connealy’s books are always so historically accurate. She adds in special details and interesting facts for the reader to enjoy. Her characters are also unique and likeable, while being completely believable. The women of her novels are strong women who can take care of themselves, but still need romantic love and the love of God in their lives. I loved the nonstop adventure and the mystery themes of this book. It was so entertaining and such a page turner, and left me counting the days until the next book of this series. I sat down and read this in one sitting. I could not put it down! Every book by Mary Connealy is wonderful and worth reading, but this one was extra special and an amazing start to a fantastic new series!
Aiming for Love is the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy. From the writing, you will notice this is not Mrs. Connealy’s first book. As you zip through the pages, you’ll find there are no dull moments. Because it’s a page-turner, it was a very fast read. As always Mrs. Connealy has written another amazing book with just the right amount of humor.
When reading her books, I feel like I’m in the book as one of the characters–usually the strong female character! Whenever she writes, it pulls me in from beginning to end. I laughed and found myself holding my breath more than once! The antics of Dave and Jo kept me laughing.
What a fantastic introduction to a new series. With true Connealy style, this story unfolds with charismatic characters, deep faith, and a smidge of quirky humor. Set in the wild Colorado mountains, nature and terrain make the setting play a very important role in the story. Since this is labeled as the first in the series, I can’t wait to get to the second!
I recommend this story for fans of western fiction, Christian fiction, strong female characters, and books that can’t be put down!
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for an advanced review copy of this book through Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The first in this series by Connealy and if the others are like this one, it will be her greatest series yet……Three sisters have lived in isolation on Hope Mountain in Colorado for their entire lives. They are fearful of other people for they were taught by their grandmother that if they came in contact with people from the town they would surely die. All of their relatives are dead included their father whom was the last to die. They are left all alone to fend for themselves. They have learned to live from hunting and what food they could raise. Then their small world is turned upside down when a man stumbles into their world bringing with him a whole new world they did not know existed. It also brought fear for their lives as they knew they were going to die, and they almost did. Should the three sisters be left to their own world undisturbed or brought into civilization? What a book….. filled with strong characters, especially the sisters in their own way. Sadness, tragedy, harsh winters and romance, all showing the love of God throughout. I cannot wait for the next sister’s book…….
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
Another great read from Mary Connealy. If you love westerns similar to Louis L’Amour but with more romance and humor then try this one. Jo, Ilsa and Ursala have lived on Hope Mountain their entire lives and the only access to the outside world was when their grandpa would go down the mountain to get supplies. They were taught by their grandma to fear the outside world with it’s sicknesses and death. Jo is like a female Robin Hood with her bow and arrows. She loves to hunt and explore and on one of her explorations discovers Dave Warden and his men bringing cattle up the mountain. Dave and his family are running from an outlaw determined to take their land. The interaction between the sisters and the Wardens is humorous and heartwarming. I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series about Ilsa and Mitch Warden.
I fell in love with the characters. Jo is curious and willing to learn. She knows her Bible, she may confuse a few things, but she knows it should be there. Jo loves her family, and wants to help them become a better them. Dave is a protector. He loves his family. When he sees Jo sneaking in his camp and discovers that she’s a woman, his first thought is to keep her safe from harm that could be hiding in the mountain. When danger brings Dave’s parents to the mountain Jo is faced with a choice. Can she risk her sister fleeing the cabin to bring these new friends in out of the cold?
This book will take you to the mountain. Let you explore glorious areas, and meet characters you can’t wait to know better. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for book two so I can continue the journey that was started in this book.
I did receive a copy of the book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are fully mine.
From the striking cover to the unusual setting and characters, Mary Connealy has crafted a fantastic start to her new series, Brides of Hope Mountain. The setting in the wilds of the Colorado Mountains in 1873 got my attention, and the thoughts of three sisters existing on Hope Mountain by themselves—away from civilization with only their pioneering skills to keep them alive—captured my imagination.
In classic Connealy style, the characters are colorful, unique, and so intriguing. Jo Nordegren, the heroine of Aiming for Love, has serious tracking and shooting skills. She’s feisty, competent, and quite sure of herself until she comes up against the Wardens—a family that has had to escape to her mountain. David Warden is a fabulous hero. I love his heart for his family and his care of others. A superb cast of secondary characters makes the story shine. I especially loved Ma Warden with her gutsy outlook on life, her wisdom, and her love of others. Themes of family, helping others, and faith run through the tale and give an added dimension to it.
All in all, it’s a fun and satisfying read with the usual Connealy humor and wit. Be aware, though, that the ending leaves a few loose threads to be continued into the next tale in the series. I’m looking forward to Ilsa’s story and a continuation of the Nordegren sisters’ books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“Kissing you is the most thrilling thing that’s ever happened to me, and I once killed a grizzly bear with six arrows and a dull knife, so that’s saying something.”
–Jo Nordegren
In typical Mary Connealy style, this western is filled with dry humor, interesting characters, vivid descriptions, and a tall tale befitting the western frontier. This first novel in her new series introduces us to the Nordegren girls. The storyline centers around Josephine “Jo”, the middle sister, a curious, yet naïve, blue-eyed blonde who dresses in a most unusual manner and runs wild in the woods with a bow and arrows which she most certainly knows how to use. Her older sister, Ursula, an extremely isolated, anti-social young woman rules the household, and her younger sister, Ilsa, swings from branches all over the woods and runs fairly wild gathering medicinal herbs. These unique young women have no contact with civilization until David Warden shows up in their valley high on Hope Mountain.
The story centers on the themes of helping others because it is the right thing to do, accepting people as they are, and believing that family is what you make it. The secondary characters involved in the story, Dave’s parents and brother, his cowhands, and even the bad guys, add an element of depth to the story. A unique storyline filled with family drama, a bit of romance, and some sadness as well make up this intriguing read from Mary Connealy. Bring your imagination to the table when you read this one!
Readers of inspirational historical fiction and western fiction will enjoy this distinctive story. I am personally looking forward to book two in the series to see what further adventures Mary Connealy has for us.
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
4 out of 5
#AimingForLove #NetGalley
This was a powerful story that I really enjoyed. It also had great people in the story too. Jo and her two sisters all on their own had lived quite the unusual life. And they had lived on their own for at least a decade. The outside world was just that, outside. The three sisters depended on each other and their skills to survive in a harsh world that they loved. Ursula, the oldest sister mainly kept things in their home safe. That doesn’t mean that she didn’t have any skills outside the home though. It’s just that they each had their specialties. The youngest sister, Ilsa’s specialty is being like a medicine woman. She’s no slouch in the woods either though. Jo was the hunter who kept them stocked with meat. It was interesting to read how attuned these three women were to nature and how they had pretty much run wild on that mountain top.
When Dave and his family show up, they add a whole good but different dimension to the story. So does the attraction that grows between Dave and Jo. This is a clean story with no love scenes but a deep abiding respect for God in both families.
I gave this book a 5 STAR rating even though not all of the problems are solved. There is a lot of action going on that keeps things interesting. There is also a few threads left hanging but the story was so rich I just couldn’t give it any other rating. A couple of those things not resolved yet had to do with recovering the Warden ranch, Wax Mosby, and Ursula to mention a few. I have to say that I’m really interested in finding out more about how Wax Mosby is going to figure in. Why? Because it seem that this famous gunslinger has some things changing inside him. And I want to see how that plays out.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.
David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David’s father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?
Another enjoyable read by Ms. Connealy. The Nordegren sisters grew up without any contact from the outside world. All they know is their mountain top. They were taught how to take care of themselves by their grandparents. They’ve been told if they leave the mountain or have contact with anyone from the outside they’ll die of fever just like their parents did. David is looking to establish a ranch for himself and comes across Jo. Then his parents follow as they are being chases off their ranch. The Nordegren sisters have to adjust to people. Jo really would like to get to know David better and find out what the outside world is like. A great story. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m thinking it will be Isla and Mitch’s story.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.
Immersed in a world of loneliness and frontier life, three sisters are confronted with the dangerous world outside their sheltered life on a mountain. This world was both forbidden and feared by the grandparents who raised them. However, a man is wounded and his family, ranch hands and livestock have invaded the secluded land. Two of the sisters rush to help, but the oldest flees to more seclusion.
Mary Connealy again builds a world and characters that draw readers from the first page. You imagine stepping foot on this quiet land and wonder what isolation and confrontation would be like for this family.
No doubt the remaining two books of the Hope Mountain Brides series will be just as adventurous, poignant and enjoyable. The fate of the families and evil men after them must reach its full conclusion.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.