After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything. Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle … cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.
Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn’t realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he’s determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city–and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they’ll never forget.
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After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.
Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.
Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn’t realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he’s determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city–and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they’ll never forget.
Another great book by Ms. Connealy. This is the second book in the series. It is not necessary to read the first book but it would be beneficial to read it to understand why Ilsa is the way she is. It was entertaining to see how Ilsa reacted to the world out side her beloved mountain. She had never been off the mountain and then she travels by horseback and train to Chicago. Her perspective is really enjoyable to read. There is also a good mystery involved. Someone is trying to kill Mitch. Little does he know that Ilsa can take care of herself in a fight.
This is a highly entertaining book and I recommend it to everyone. It has mystery, romance and laughter all rolled into one.
I was given this book by Bethany Publishing House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
“She’d swung in from the treetop. Into a gunfight. She’d brought a knife to a gunfight. What’s more, she’d won.”
(I love these phrases! )
This is the second book that I’ve read in this series and I ended up loving it too. Having read two of the sister’s stories now I am eager to read the last one about Ursula. But that is for another day.
The main characters in this story are well drawn. Both Mitch and Ilsa are intense in their own ways with quite a bit of depth in the story. It helped to be able to get both of their P.O.V,’s as well. I enjoyed how it all meshed together.
Mitch knows himself pretty well and makes some sound observations. That he spent a lot of time being tough and independent. That he usually keeps him emotions under control. Something that Ilsa turns totally upside down because he has never met anyone like her. And she was also as far from the worldly, sophisticated women he is used to.
Ilsa is one wild child, totally innocent of anything outside her mountain world. She’s a free-spirit who loves nature, swinging in the treetops, animals and her sisters. I loved this character!! She is non-violent unless she is cornered by an animal or needs to hunt for food. Oh and yes if someone she cares about is threatened. More than once when defending someone the warrior or feral look came out of her expression. That was so well described and Mitch ought to know about it because she saved his skin more than once. Ilsa and her knives yes, that added some interesting moments for sure.
The only downside I felt was the over mentioning of the three different sister’s skill sets and fears. I slowed the story a couple of times although all of it was an important part of the story. In my opinion it could have been pulled back a bit.
However, I just had to give it high marks because the mysteries in the story, twists and turns and the people were so good. And the intensity of the chase takes off time and again especially towards the end!
A very satisfying H.E.A. brings it all to an end for now and for them. There is still one other threat out their for the Warden family (probably completed in the next book) but at least this one is over.
”I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Diving into any book written by Mary Connealy is a delight because of the combination of romance, western, humor, and mystery that is so unique to this particular author. Woman of Sunlight has everything I expect in a Connealy book and then some.
Ilsa Nordegren is a strong woman. She and her two sisters have to be as they’ve survived alone on a mountain top. Yet, she’s also endearingly naïve about the ways of the world. I mean, once this woman who loves the outdoors, handles a knife better than most men, and swings through treetops gets on a train for the first time, it’s downright hilarious.
As Ilsa and Mitch try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill Mitch, they travel from the mountain tops of Colorado to the great city of Chicago (and if you think the train was an experience for Ilsa, imagine what the big city brings).
I smiled and chuckled throughout so much of this book, but the suspense is just as engaging. I also felt Ursula’s despair and loneliness without her sisters and will be watching for her story soon.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What a fun follow up to Aiming For Love. I really enjoyed the mysteries following Mitch and the adventure he and Ilsa are forced on when the danger following Mitch comes to close to home. The mysteries had few surprises and a satisfying conclusion. Ilsa was such an interesting character and after getting to know Ursula a little bit in this story, I am looking forward to her story later this year. All in all, this was a fun read, with mystery, humor and romance. Recommended.
I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
When I get my hands on a Mary Connealy book, I know I’m in for a fantastic reading treat! I loved Aiming for Love, the first book in Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain series, but I wasn’t quite prepared to be immersed in Ilsa’s story. Let me just post a warning—do not eat or drink anything while reading this book. There are so many humorous incidences scattered throughout that you’ll never know when you might end up laughing, snorting, or chuckling. It’s a delicious, riotous, witty barrel of fun.
Connealy is a genius at creating colorful, endearing, imaginative, and quirky characters, and Ilsa and Mitch are two of my favorites. They are so perfect for each other. I love how Mitch just puts aside expectations and goes with the flow. I love Ilsa’s innocence and also her fierceness when needed.
This book can be read alone, but reading Aiming for Love first will enrich the experience and give you a little more background into the family. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for Ursula’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mary Connealy continues to delight readers with the second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series! Woman of Sunlight is filled with fun and laughs…along with intrigue, danger, adventure…and of course love…set in the Colorado of 1873. Ilsa Nordegren has never left her home on the top of Hope Mountain. She is more at home in the tree-tops and with the woodland animals than she would be on a city street, even the streets of Denver in 1873. But when Mitch Warden rides into her world everything changes. Join Ilsa on the adventure of a lifetime! An enjoyable read that leaves you wanting to pick up another of Mary Connealy’s books!
Woman of Sunlight
Woman of Sunlight is an amazing story. I enjoyed Ilsa and Mitch’s story. I loved that they got married early in the book. Ilsa helps Mitch fight a lot of battles. Someone is trying to kill him. Who is it? It was a surprise to me.
In Woman of Sunlight there is also a mystery involving the Bible. Ilsa was told that there was two Bibles. Mitch tries to figure out why.
The book is an historical set in 1873. I love reading this type of book, how different the traveling was. Mostly by horseback but also by foot. Ilsa did get to experience a different way to travel in the book. I just loved her character so much.
This is the 2nd in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through the author. This book review is my own opinion.
Ya’ll this book! This author!! I just love her and her stories! They are amazing!
I think the reason I love them so much is she adds humor and wit to her stories. They are feel good books that just makes you want to laugh right out loud no matter where you’re reading the book at. I love it when people give me weird looks.
I first “met” this author when I picked up The Husband Tree. When I finished I knew I was a fan for life. It too is funny. All of her books are.
This new series is awesome! I mean when I started this book I knew that I wouldn’t put it down until it was finished.
I must admit that I did snicker at the town’s name Bucksnort, Colorado. Sorry but I thought it was cute.
Ilsa and Mitch are something else! I laughed at them in the beginning but yet at the same time it was maddening.
I thought it was wrong to teach these girls to be afraid of the world. Because eventually, they’ll need to fend for themselves and meet new people.
I do love Ilsa. I love that she is a healer. It takes years of learning something like that. I”m not sure I’d have patience but if I had to I could. I couldn’t imaging living on top of a mountain like that although we did think about it. I’m sure glad we didn’t.
You will fall in love with Ilsa. She sort of reminds me of Tarzan who swings through the trees where she’s the most comfortable in nature.
The way the author describes Hope Mountain sounds a lot like Kings Mountain here in Kentucky.
Mitch is another story altogether. But, I liked how he took care of some things that continued to follow him.
There’s this old saying that you can run but eventually it will follow you. Best to take care of it so you can move on.
I loved every minute of this book and was sad to see it end. I can hardly wait until next year when Ursula’s story comes out. And the cover for that book is simply gorgeous!
I loved the cover for this one too. Makes me wonder what tricks she’s up to when she grins at you like that.
Thank you Mary and Bethany House for an awesome read!
I highly recommend this book. NO compensations were received I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did because I loved this story so much. There wasn’t a thing that I didn’t like about this story. It’s very entertaining! All opinions are my own.
Loved this book. I had trouble putting it down. Ilsa is someone who I couldn’t help but love. Protective of those she cares for, wanting to explore and experience new things. She knows her mind and speaks it. Mitch is ever the big brother. He wants to protect all he cares for. When they join forces to solve who is after him, nothing can stand in their way. This book will keep you wanting more.
Woman of Sunlight is Mary Connealy’s second installment of the Brides of Hope Mountain series. And I must say, it’s better than the first.
While reading the first novel could help you better understand a few things, Woman of Sunlight can be read as a standalone. I could follow everything even though I read the first book several months ago.
As usual, Connealy packs action and humor that keeps you turning pages. The juxtaposition of Ilsa’s innoncence and ferocity provided most of the moments I found memorable. Especially when Mitch and Ilsa reach the city. Ilsa’s reactions to things we take for granted today will entertain readers as much as the mystery of Mitch’s attacker will keep them them on the edge of their seat. Just when I thought I knew who the culprit was, Connealy threw me for a loop. She’s quite good at spinning an interesting and humoring tale, and this novel is no different.
The fact that the heroine’s family believed that there are two Bibles bothered me. But this novel addresses that more than Aiming for Love, which I appreciated. I think the next novel will finally resolve that. Speaking of the next novel, I liked the glimpses into Ursula. I’m excited to see what she’s up to in the next book.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. If you like westerns, romantic comedies, and plots that keep you guessing, than this is the book for you.
Holy smoke! This was such an amazing book! Ms. Connealy never ceases to amaze me with her writing but this was just such a fabulous book. I love that Ms. Connealy can write such strong female characters and yet they aren’t annoying. Ilsa is as wild as the mountain she grew up on and has no desire to leave that mountain life. Mitch flees the big city when someone tries to kill him and ends up on Ilsa’s mountain, along with his parents and brothers. When trouble finds him on the mountain, he decides he must act to protect those he loves. When Ilsa insists on going with him, he reluctantly agrees. But, will curiosity kill the cat? Will Ilsa survive her trek off the mountain? Things get exciting with so many twists and turns!
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!
I highly recommend this book for lovers of Christian fiction, historical fiction, and exciting adventure!
Gifted author Mary Connealy crafts another stunning edition of the Hope Mountain trilogy. She weaves brave, capable female and strong, trustworthy male lead characters throughout her inspirational and historical fiction that readers choose again and again.
Middle sister, Josephine, raised away from society like her siblings, gradually learns interdependence. Though she and Mitch Warden initially and strongly clash, they grow to combine strengths in efforts to protect families and land against several dangers and threats.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I’ve been awaiting the second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series. This one did not disappoint. Mary Connealy writes witty, romantic fiction in every novel she writes.
Ilsa Nordegren is a pixie-ish dynamo, picture a petite Scarlett Johansen with her mettle and defensive prowess as Black Widow. She pairs effortlessly with Mitch Warden who reminds me of another superhero whom I won’t name. He’s bold, yet caring, adventurous yet longs to be near his loving family. It’s refreshing.
These characters, the unbridled suspense placed in this novel with the strong line of faith mixed in as well are a home run. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I urge you to read the first one, Aiming for Love as well, it’s wonderful.
Another book’s coming in this series, and I’ll be impatiently waiting until it arrives : )
I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.
I love Mary’s books and writing style. She always delivers an exciting story packed full of great characters.
This prolific author will keep you entertained from beginning to end!