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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Aiming for Love is a perfect start to her new series. I have always enjoyed her romantic western’s and this book set in the rugged mountains of Colorado has great character’s with strong faith and lots of quirky humor that Mary Connealy is known for.
I enjoyed getting to know the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The theme of overcoming fear is woven throughout the story. The inspirational thread is not overwhelming but is definitely there.
Having lived in Colorado as a kid it was fun to revisit it in this book.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One mountain, two families…
Oh, what a fun book to read! This is Mary Connealy at her best! It’s been awhile since I’ve read one of her books but this one had such a cool cover and sounded interesting. Aiming For Love was exactly the type of story I was in the mood for! Humor, romance, and adventure are delightfully blended in this charming story set in the dramatic mountainous landscape of Colorado.
I truly enjoyed Aiming For Love. It was nice to escape from the hum-drum of our modern world and drop right into a rip-roaring adventure complete with handsome cowboys. Mary Connealy’s brand of cowboy fiction with quirky characters and a faith message is fun and a definite must read for fans of historical romance.
I liked Aiming For Love but now find myself in the predicament of having to waaaait for Mary Connealy’s next release in the Brides Of Hope Mountain series. I look forward to seeing the characters again and I especially look forward to finding out more about the Nordegren sisters’ somewhat mysterious past and whether the Wardens will be able to get their ranch back from that mean ol’ land hungry thief and and his hired goons. And so, I wait…..
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
What a wonderful journey the author takes readers on in this new story filled with danger, adventure and life lessons. It was so easy to fall in love with the three sisters that fill the pages with survival, danger and relationships. The author made me feel like I was there as Jo explores on her own. What she stumbles upon surprises her since there hasn’t been anyone around in along time. The isolation Jo and her sisters endured must have been hard at times. They always had their grandpa around to look out for them. I liked how they were able to hunt and live on their own for so long.
The contrast between two families make the story intriguing and adds an element of caution for all. What would you do if you found someone on your land unexpectedly? Would you help them in their time of need? I liked learning about the different traits each of the sisters had. They complimented each other well with their skills and helped them to be able to survive on their own for so long.
I don’t think I would be thrilled to suddenly see cowboys and cattle invading my quiet life. The story is filled with many surprises and I loved the faith element in the book. It is a very promising start to a new series by the author. She always has a unique way of telling a story that keeps you glued to the pages as characters grow and experience life. I loved the main focus on Jo and her new relationship with someone. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Nordegren sisters are living in a mountain paradise! This is not to say they have a physically easy life but you don’t have to be an awestruck flat-lander like me to appreciate their hard-core survivalist skills. After living cut-off from the outside world for the majority of their lives, these ladies take socially awkward to a whole new level and I love them for it!
Jo’s insatiable curiosity played a major role in ending the only way of life she and her sisters have ever known, secluded from the world in their mountain hideaway. Adventurous Josephine with her middle-child peacemaking heart is the perfect sister to lead the way into the terrifying new yet exciting territory of socialization.
David’s shock, concern, and frequent befuddlement over the Nordegren sisters is one of my favorite parts of this story. His chivalry doesn’t allow him to simply forget the sisters yet the fact that he’s hard-pressed to keep anything other than his fascination with Jo on his mind is evidence of the kind of attraction that makes chivalrous behavior a challenge.
Mary Connealy delivers a heartwarming, thought-provoking, and entertaining tale which is sure to delight readers from all elevations! I highly recommend Aiming for Love and eagerly anticipate the remaining installments of the Brides of Hope Mountain series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a fantastic introduction to a new series. With true Mary Connealy flair this story unfolds with dynamic characters, rich faith, and a splash of quirky humor. Set in the rugged beauty of the wild Colorado mountains, nature and terrain take on an important role in the story. Once of both breathtaking beauty and harsh reality. The characters are unique and show great potential for further grown as the series progresses.
Josephine and her sisters are quite an enigma. Raised in seclusion, with a grandmother fearful of the outside world, they have rather unique ideas about things. Proficient with the forest and the natural world around them, yet remarkably guileless and naive when it comes to things most people take for granted.
When the Warden family are driven into hiding, two worlds collide and the very thing that had long been feared is on the sisters’ doorstep. Will curiosity of the unknown or the overpowering fear of the outside world win the raging internal battle? Will the sisters rely on their faith and forge ahead, welcoming this new experience? Or will fear take-hold and send them hastily rushing deeper into hiding?
I enjoyed my time reading this story and getting to know both the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next!
(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.)
Mary Connealy is an expert craftsman when it comes to marrying love-stories and humor. In Aiming for Love, Josephine Nordegren oversees her two sisters and one Colorado mountain. She’s unnerved and curious when strangers herding a lot of cattle encroach upon them. Connealy tells a tale that is both entertaining and uplifting.
This book was wonderful. I know that these are fictional characters, and for the most part, the things they do are realistic. However, there are times when you have to say, if only I could do those things, climb straight up a cliff, swing on a vine thru the trees, however, the thing that makes it so great is they are kind of impossible for us humans to do.
This is a romance, and it is very realistic and holds with the integrity and the wholesomeness that people once lived up to. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys are(sigh) real heroes and heroines.
This author has a little bit of everything in her books. I enjoy her humor
I have loved every series of Mary Connealy that I’ve read. She has a unique voice, and her story lines are completely different from any I’ve read. AIMING FOR LOVE is a totally new, enthralling story. I love the characters and the good and not so good interactions kept me turning pages. What’s not to love? High mountains. Romance. Cowboys. And so much more. You won’t want to miss this book.
I have enjoyed many of Mary’s books, this one being no exception. The cover was appealing and the storyline interesting and I looked forward to reading it. It’s always fun to get lost in the plot and this one sends a girls heart dreaming… Handsome cowboys, pretty women, the typical hero/damsel in distress type book, but with a twist. Maybe the damsels are not in distress… and the heroes are? Or maybe they both need each other.
A tale of learning to trust in God and each other. Depend on each other, when depending on self is the norm. The girls (sisters) in this story haven’t had much interaction with the outside world. One they feared. So when the Warden family shows up in the area, they are quite the oddities and attraction. At first from a distance until they are pushed together by an act of fate.
This book was a fun read, lighthearted, yet inspiring. I think in every book there is always something we may have written different, but just sit back and enjoy the ride. I would recommend this book!
I received a free copy through Celebrate lit for my reading enjoyment. I was not required to write a positive review
Jo. Did a woman up her whole world because a new one caught her interest?
She had lived isolated all her life up the mountains with her sister until Dave came along. They had a very peculiar first meeting but in retrospect it is funny.
This book was one of a kind. The mountain settings and the author’s description of it was remarkable.
The 3 mountain sisters were remarkable to read about. Ursala, Jo and Ilsa.
This book was about Jo’s story. Her and her sister’s was raised by their grandparents on an icy mountains. Those mountains were all they knew and they lived as wild woman. The story revolves around their icy haven disturbed by a family from the lowlands. I enjoyed reading about how they got to learn to adapt to people and things there weren’t used to.
Dave did not expect to see humans on the icy mountain talk less of a woman and her sisters. But when his family needed help he had to do all to help them survive.
I loved reading about Dave who was used to civilisation fell in love with Jo who knew no ounce of civilisation or knowledge of the outside world. I loved reading about her zest to know more and learn new things and new ways. Dave’s patience and devotion to her and his family was beautiful.
All Jo and her sister’s knew were what their grandparents taught and told them. Some wrong, so not entirely true. They got to know that no one has monopoly of knowledge and interacting with others widen their view of life and the world.
Love can meet you anywhere and come from anyone. And with God, trust and understanding two different people can make it work.
I loved this book. Really enjoyed reading it! It is filled with God’s provision, love and joy even in the wild.
I got a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
What I think you should know:
Aiming for Love is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1800s in Colorado. Josephine “Jo” Noredegren and her sisters live in the wilderness of the Colorado mountains where they were raised by their grandparents. The grandmother instilled a fear of the unknown and outer world in the girls and due to their remote location they have never met anyone outside of their immediate family. When rancher David Warren ventures close to their home Jo is too curious to stay away from him, but David may end up bringing everything her grandmother warned her about straight to her.
What I enjoyed about this book:
Mary Connealy, the author did a great job writing characters that are unique and strong. I loved Jo, she was a contradiction to the way that her grandmother raised her, independent, curious and caring. I loved the practical knowledge that she had as well as her self reliant skills however my heart broke at the ways they had been shut out of the world and their education and world was different that they thought it was. I loved all of the characters and am anticipating this rest of the series being as good as this one!
Who will enjoy this book (just to name a few):
Fans of Historical Fiction
Fans of Western Fiction
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
It is always exciting to come across a new-to-me Christian fiction author who is able to draw me in with the first of their books that I pick up, and doubly so when their work is refreshingly unique! I can safely say that Mary Connealy’s “Aiming for Love”, book one in the Brides of Hope Mountain series, is one of the most distinctive novels I have had the pleasure of reviewing. My appreciation extends to the book cover, as well. It initially enticed me just by its beauty and woodland backdrop, and as I read, I realized how perfectly it captures the essence of the novel. Mostly wild, but with hints of civilized society. As the two meet, it becomes a question of whether they will blend or remain at odds.
Living off the grid seems to be an up-and-coming fad, fueled by TV shows and the popularity of minimalism. I will admit that it certainly has its appeal, and there are times when I would love to head off to Walden Pond. It’s no surprise, then, that I immediately enjoyed “Aiming for Love”. Hidden away in the highlands of Hope Mountain, Josephine (Jo) Nordegren and her two sisters, Ilsa and Ursula, were taught how to survive without any outside contact. Even in 1873, this is an unusual feat. When rancher Dave Warden sets up nearby, their seclusion is challenged for the first time in their lives, and this is when things really get interesting!
“Aiming for Love” brings up so many fascinating issues that the pages seem to fly by even as they make the reader pause to think. Jo’s journey is captivating and filled suddenly with questions: “Did a woman give up her whole world because a new one caught her interest?” “Had her life, lived so alone, made her the purest form of herself?” And the wonder of it is that we often ask ourselves these same questions today, albeit likely in a different context. The crux of this story is the importance of community, particularly within the church. Scripture makes it clear that not only are we to love our neighbor, but also to nurture relationships with each other. Connealy skillfully illustrates the dangers of isolation and stagnancy through the Nordegren sisters’ lives and gives insight into cult mentality. Something that intrigued me is the intermixing of Bible stories with fables and fairy tales, which seems so easily discernible but would not be to someone taught only that they were all part of God’s Word. This is valuable insight to consider when interacting with people who are not of the Christian faith or who hold false beliefs. In that regard, Ma Warden is a shining example of patience and compassion in this novel.
Fans of Joanne Bischof’s Blackbird Mountain series, Catherine Marshall’s “Christy”, and Misty Beller’s novels will no doubt want to add Mary Connealy and “Aiming for Love” to their to-read lists. I would also recommend this book to anyone in search of an adventurous story with some suspense, and to those interested in living off the land and how that impacts a person’s disposition and belief system.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Mary Connealy’s books are always full of laugh-out-loud moments, and I’m happy to say Aiming for Love is no different!
I loved the idea of the wild, untamed sisters who’d not had much direction in their lives except for their “Good Books.” And yet, by taking their study of God’s Word seriously through the years, they were well versed in the life of a faithful servant of Christ and obviously had a great love for their Savior.
The spiritual theme of setting aside fear and trusting God is one that resonates with the sheltered Nordegren sisters, but also in our lives today. The struggle inside Jo to go against the strict ban on the outside world imposed by her grandmother in order to help the Warden family. Should she put her family at risk? Should she help a stranger? The answer can be found in one of her “Good Books.”
I also loved how the gorgeous setting of this book was connected to the characters faith. How seeing a beautiful sunrise or a luscious valley makes Jo turn to the Lord in prayer. It made the description of the scene that much more magnificent.
The sweet romance between Jo and Dave was different than some–mainly because Jo had never seen or talked to a man beside her grandpa! But I love how Dave doesn’t judge or make fun of Jo for her ignorance about the outside world. Instead, he wonders at the skills she and her sisters have gained over the years. It is this simple respect that blossoms into more.
I enjoyed Aiming for Love, but it left so many questions unanswered that I’m going to be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series! If you like Christian historical fiction, especially western-type fiction, you will like this book!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I have always been a fan of Mary Connealy books and with this one, she has written something very different. And I love it! I could never imagine 3 young ladies living their entire lives on a mountain, never going down that mountain to meet anyone else. And living off of the mountain land. And add to that, they know nothing about real life. But that is what this book is about. And you really need to read it to know what happens.
This is such an enjoyable read. The three Nordegren young ladies are very different, Ursula was a loner and afraid of everything, Jo was more adventurous, and Ilsa was sweet and loveable. But they all had amazing skills to survive. But when the Warden family moves to the mountain, life was more interesting. And there is a lot if humor throughout the books from the three sisters because they had no idea what the Wardens were talking about most of the time. I grew to love these characters, and the sweet family they all became. All except the Ursula that is. The awesome plot kept me reading, but I didn’t want this book to end. Being in a place without the worries of the world was so peaceful, it just didn’t last long enough. I can’t wait for the second book in this series.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Aiming for Love by extremely talented author Mary Connealy is another offering of historical Christian romance at its best. Filled with inspiration and faith the author has written a whimsical tale that includes humor, action, emotion, and mystery. It is a page turning delight.
Set in the mountains of Colorado, this is the tale of Josephine Nordegren and her two sisters. They were raised by grandparents secluded from the outside world. It is also the story of rancher David Warden and his family. When the two families meet, sparks and arrows fly.
Author Connealy is a fabulous storyteller. From the beginning I was invested in this book. My dishes piled up while I kept reading. I devoured this entertaining, inspiring, and even educational book in one day. It is that good!
The writing style was smooth and inviting. Details were enough to make me feel like I was up in the mountains but not so much that they were tedious. The characters were well rounded and believable. Conversations were accurate for the time period.
I highly recommend this beautiful book. It is a sweet romance with action, intrigue, and mystery. I definitely rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
My Thoughts on Aiming for Love:
This is the first book in a new series by Mary Connealy. I have loved all the books I’ve read by her before and this was no different. Great book and an easy to follow read.
I really enjoyed the storyline for this book and can’t wait to continue the series to follow the other sisters. We’ve got almost a fairy tale story but with such fun thrown in that, I forget I’m reading a book. It’s like I’m part of the story and I can’t wait to see what the next page brings. Life gets sad when you have to stop reading and start going back to your own life and the dreaded dishes!
Jo is a sweet and fun, inquisitive character. She’s a great one to follow. I loved learning more about her as the book goes on.
The storyline is unique and I’ve never read a book like this one. I really enjoyed it. David is sweet and I fell in love with the family. But can they escape the trouble that follows them? Can they keep these girls safe and still somewhat apart from the world?
I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series to come out and see the stories of the next two sisters play out. Where will they go? What will they do? Will they find love?
Of course, I can’t tell you too much about Jo and David and their story because I don’t want to give it away and make you feel like you don’t need to read the book. Give it a read! Then find me and we can chat! This is a great story and it’s one I wouldn’t mind reading again and again.
Plus it’s one I would add to the shelf that my teenage daughters can read. If you’ve read my reviews before you know that I like to add whether I would let my teens read the book or not. Anything by Mary Connealy tends to go in the my teen can read pile.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Do you like reading about a society existing outside the known world? Well, Connealy has given the reader such a place with vibrant characters living tucked away from civilization and the advances made in the recent years. I was so excited to meet three sisters secluded in the mountains of Colorado in 1873. I question if I could have survived in the rugged terrain with only the knowledge taught by my grandmother and grandfather.
As exciting as that might sound to live away from the problems of society such as disease, finances, war, and expectations of others, community brings love, hope, help, and meaning to life. I learned a few lessons from reading this novel. One has to do with what I teach my children and grandchildren about God. I need to be diligent that my words speak the truth. Also, I want to appreciate my family members to the degree that I want them to thrive in their surroundings and callings.
Connealy gives me much to think about as she carries her characters through the collision of two worlds. I look forward to other installments of the Brides of Hope Mountain.
I enjoyed this fun story of sisters who grew up isolated in the mountains. I understood how fear could took hold in their lives as they had been raised by such a fearful grandmother. I liked the way that Jo and Ilsa were able to move past those fears and begin to live life and help the people who showed up on their mountain. However, Ursula really frustrated me. I spent a lot of the book angry with her treatment of Jo and the way she allowed fear to control her. I do look forward to seeing how the author redeems this character in a future book.
I liked Jo and David and thought that their love story progressed realistically throughout the novel. I liked seeing some insight into Mitch and also into the character of Wax Mosby. It will be interesting to see where the author goes with their stories in the future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a book!
I was so happy when I received the honor of having Mary Connealy’s newest book Aiming for Love featured on my blog. Mary Connealy is one of my go to authors when I need something to smile about. This book definitely has that aspect in spades, it kept me smiling and laughing through the whole book.
The characters Jo And Dave had such interesting interactions that were so real. Things did not going the way that either of them expected. I thought Dave not quite knowing what to do with Jo’s families ideas was a fun experience as well. Plus all the additional sub characters in this book make it hard to put down as I never knew what was going to happen next. I still totally wish I could do the things that Jo and her sisters could do.
The plot was also very creative to me. I thought the way it was written keeps you wanting more and it gives you more as you read it. Mary Connealy has a way of starting off small and ending with a bang. Personally, I have never read a story quite like this one. But I loved it and I highly recommend picking this one up as a must read.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for all the happiness it brought to my heart, the laughter of the characters, the very unique premise, and the way in which Mary Connealy was able to convey the message of Christ through out the whole book.