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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On this journey the reader has the privilege to see the world through the eyes of an innocent. The beauty is magnified. The ugly is questioned. Faith is challenged. Growth is a given. I’ve really enjoyed this series (even reading them out of order.)
This is book Two of the Brides of Hope Mountain and I loved it as much as the first one. I know the 3rd one is coming out soon and you can bet I will have that one on my wish list to read as soon as I can get it. Three sisters who family is gone live on this mountain alone until a family has to evacuate their land and head to the mountain. The girls know nothing of real life and it is up to the families to teach them while not taking away the skills they have learned to survive. I loved how Mary Connealy explains the trials and tribulations of each girl and what the must go through to learn of their new life.
This second book continues the fascinating story of three sisters who grew up in isolation in 1873 Colorado mountains. The series should be read in order to fully understand the subplots running through the first and second books. Jo and Dave’s story in the first book is fun; the story of Ilsa, the youngest sister, and Mitch, Dave’s older brother, is equally fun and their interaction is full of sparks flying left and right. It’s great to see how they work together and complement each other – Ilsa’s rough edges and stubborn streak are tempered by Mitch and Mitch’s take-charge arrogant ways soften with Ilsa. The book has plenty of action with a good dose of suspense as Mitch and Ilsa travel from the mountains to put an end to the danger following Mitch. Ilsa’s innocence and naivete about the world is humorous and her child-like reactions to traveling and city-living are endearing and delightful. Though gruff, Mitch shows patience and tenderness with Ilsa that makes him a likable hero. Ursula, the oldest sister, also has a voice in this book, which transitions nicely to the last book in the series where we’ll get to know her better.
I received the book from Bethany House Publishing via Goodreads and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy.. What an interesting story of how these two families are acquainted. This is about the black haired lady who dresses like Robin Hood and the son who captures her heart. What was once a quiet life in the mountains becomes full of surprises and a lot of action.
I haven’t read the first book, Aiming for Love, so it took a few chapters to grasp what was happening in this novel.
Woman of Sunlight starts amusingly with Mitch Warden trying to get Ilsa Nordgren to rest even though she is recovered from chickenpox. She is upset with him for spreading the chickenpox to her when he returned to his family. The Wardens were Ilsa’s nearest neighbors but had been driven out of their home so were staying with Ilsa when Mitch returned home.
As they moved along, Mitch looked at her speckled face and said, “I’m really sorry I gave you my chickenpox.” His already-tight hold squeezed a bit more. “Really sorry, Ilsa. I had no idea I’d been near anyone who was sick, but then maybe they showed no symptoms. I probably gave it to you before I knew I had it.”
“My grandma always made Grandpa stay away when he’d gone to town.”
“That’s called a quarantine. It’s usually only called for when a disease is identified, not every time someone has been near another person.”
Her grandfather chose to use herbs for his health instead of being afraid and taught Ilsa how to wisely use herbs too.
When hired gunmen come up the mountains to kill Mitch, Ilsa swoops down from the trees Tarzan-style to help Mitch fight them off. They find the name of Mitch’s old partner who eloped with Mitch’s intended in the pocket of the gunman who died in the shootout. Mitch suspects his old partner is the one who has been trying to kill him so he can get Mitch’s millions. He realizes he won’t ever be safe even in the near wilds of Bucksnort, Tennessee.
The Wardens and Ilsa go to town to tell the sheriff what happened and deliver the gunmen to him. Unfortunately, the trip does not turn out quite as expected. Mitch and Ilsa suddenly are married but not for the reason you may be assuming. Even though she finds Mitch attractive, Ilsa feels the necessity to get to know him before having an intimate relationship.
I enjoyed seeing their friendship change to love. She had very little knowledge of social customs which was difficult for her new husband at times. Mitch works on learning to accept her as she is and avoids trying to ‘fix’ her.
The newly married couple set off on a several days journey to hire the Pinkerton Agency. The repeated attempts on Mitch’s life needed to be stopped or none of Mitch’s loved ones would ever be safe!
Mitch and Ilsa are shot at again in Chicago. He wonders if there is a double agent in the Pinkertons who is sharing his location with his enemies. The final scenes where the killer is identified were unusual. I liked how thoroughly this plot line was developed.
Why Ilsa’s older sister Ursula was alone at the top of the mountain was unclear until the last third of the book. I was sad for Ursula and that her terror of illness was making her so depressed. Hopefully she will be healed of this fear in the next book.
A couple scenes mildly exasperated me but I really loved the amusing scenes in this clean romance. I was once again impressed that God had inspired another author to include a quarantinable disease in her book at this time!
If you are afraid because of the recent pandemic, consider reading this clean romance. It takes courage for all of us to go through any disease. Ilsa finds that living an unsheltered life is much easier than she thought. Woman of Sunlight is a reminder that God never forsakes us.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Exactly what I hoped for in Isla’s story! I thoroughly enjoyed Isla getting to see more of the country, with Mitch at her side. I laughed out loud at several points as Isla’s innocence, naivety and strong beliefs came into contact with Mitch’s intelligent, tough and patient demeanor. A delightful break in my normal reading habits and a fun love story just for the sake of humor and love. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these delightful families.
Woman of Sunlight is the second book in Mary Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain series and I am looking forward to the next one! Definitely could be read as a stand alone but reading the first book in the series, Aiming for Love, will add interest to the characters and more background information to the story. Connealy has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book. I was hooked from the beginning as the action starts right up and continues through the story, always keeping the reader wondering how in the world will things work out now. The characters are unique and likable. It was interesting to see the world of the 1870s from Ilsa’s eyes. Ilsa is a young woman who has never been off the mountain and is now traveling to cities with tall buildings and lots of people. As she and Mitch, a man running from his past encounter one difficulty after another, think danger, suspense, and romance and you have a recipe for an entertaining story. Woman of Sunlight is a captivating tale of family and faith, courage and love. Readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss this story. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
WOMAN OF SUNLIGHT is book 2 in Mary’s Brides of Hope Mountain series. Book one was my favorite book she had written. Book 2 quickly took that top spot. Taking one of the characters out of her usual situation and putting her in situations she didn’t understand really revealed Mary’s ability to write surprising humor. I love her way with words. And there’s a lot of suspense through the whole book. Another must-read novel.
Mary Connealy’s second book in the Bride of Hope Mountain is just as amazing as Aiming for Love, the first book, I didn’t realize just how much I have missed the three naive, sweet and loving sisters until I opened this book. The Nordegren sisters have lived on Hope Mountain all their liives. After the deaths of their grandparents the three girls find their lives pretty much the same, living a life cut off from the outside world where they are sheltered from perceived dangers and illness
Until the Warden family showed up and then the sisters lives changed drastically.
Woman of Sunlight is Ilsa’s story and what a story it is! She is quite the character, she’s tiny, she thinks nothing of swinging from a treetop and she has truly impressive knife skills. She is also curious which is how she ends up going to New York with Mitch Warden and let tell you to be prepared to laugh your way through their journey. Ilsa is such and innocent young woman who is completely out of her element once she leaves Hope Mountain but seeing her experience things she’s never experienced before is heartwarming. Yes, I did use the word seeing because the descriptive writing brought this story to life for me. I could easily imagine the excitement, the fears and the uncertainty Ilsa felt as she was off on her big adventure.
I loved the faith element the characters share although the Nordegren sisters were taught slightly different than most people it does not diminish their beliefs or their ability to help others as best they can.
Overall, this book deserves more than the 5 stars I can give it. As usual Ms. Connealy’s writing is top-notch, the characters are endearing and the witty plot line was everything I hoped it would be and more. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have come to expect fun and romance when I see a new Mary Connealy book and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with Woman of Sunlight. This second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series introduced another Nordegren sister and once again, I was drawn in by the tale of three sisters who had always lived on Hope Mountain and been warned by their grandparents to reject everything connected to modern civilization. Ilsa is the focus of Woman of Sunlight and she is a brave young woman who dresses like Robin Hood and swings from the treetops. As the book opens, she and her friend Mitch are recovering from chickenpox but this proves to be the least of their problems because they are soon involved in keeping Mitch safe from a would-be murderer. What follows is a lot of danger and adventure but oh, there is so much more. Ilsa leaves Hope Mountain with Mitch and sees and hears things that she’s never experienced before. Lights in the houses, music like she’s never heard, and people everywhere. She is even more surprised when they arrive in Chicago and she witnesses big city life. Food that she’s never seen or tasted, coffee available all of the time, and clothes that make her look like a woman. Things that are so foreign to her and so common to all of us.
I found myself laughing out loud as I read Connealy’s description of Ilsa’s reactions to civilization and I was caught up in the danger and adventure of trying to discover who is after Mitch. And then, there was the romance—romance as only Connealy can write! Mitch soon realizes that this ‘wild child’ has stolen his heart but is there a chance that she will ever feel the same about him?
If you enjoy heart-warming romance, thrilling western adventure, and a story that will have you laughing out loud, look no more. Woman of Sunlight is just what you need!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I positive review was not required and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
Book Review of Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy
Brides of Hope Mountain Series Book 2
If you have had the enjoyable experience to read Aiming For Love which is Book 1 in this series, you will undoubtably enjoy this Book 2, which is the story of Ilsa and Mitch.
Ilsa, the youngest and most unusual ( I think) sister of the Nordegren family sheltered sisters of Hope Mountain, finds herself at odds dealing with Mitch Warden, a new comer to the Mountain, who not only brings dreaded sickness to the Mountain, but also trouble.
Mitch Warden, who left the area many years ago and became a successful businessman in New York, doesn’t realize what he’s getting into when he decides to visit his family in Colorado whom he hasn’t seen for years. His return not only changes his life forever, but also changes Ilsa’s life in an even greater way.
As usual, Mary Connealy writes an action packed story filled with humor, as well as drama and romance, which holds the reader captive until the very last page.
You will laugh many times at the things Ilsa says and does as she experiences the unknown world below the mountain that she has never seen. You will also be amazed at the talents and bravery of this unusual woman who grew up on a mountain isolated from the outside world.
Mitch Warden certainly has his hands full dealing with Ilsa, plus all his problems, yet in the end God works everything out for good as Romans 828 tells us, and you as well as I, will be looking forward to see what Mary Connealy has coming for us in the next book of this series.
If you love Western Romance with lots of humor and action I recommend you read this book!
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own.
Leona J. Atkinson
I really enjoyed this book! It picks up right where the first one left off. I loved Ilsa’s character! She is so innocent and feisty. She and Mitch made such a great pair! I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Book two, Woman of Sunlight in the Brides of Hope Mountain series, takes us back to the mountains outside Bucksnort, Colorado in 1873. Mary Connealy has long been a favorite author in the Slapstick Historical Western genre. Yes, I just made that up! How could she not have fun with three girls raised by their grandparents and isolated on a remote mountain and then thrust into civilization?
This book is about Ilsa Nordegren, the youngest sister who has learned the art of healing from her grandfather. She is most at home in nature, namely swinging or running through the treetops. Her most prized possession is a sharp hunting knife that belonged to her grandfather and she knows how to use it!
What brings the girls face to face with civilization after their grandparents die is the urgent needs of their far neighbors, the Wardens. The Warden family had to flee their ranch when someone chased them from their land. Son Mitch has just rejoined the family after serving in the Civil War and cashing out his substantial investments while keeping one step ahead of someone who is after him. The two families team up. They both have a strong faith in God, albeit, the girls only know what their grandparents taught them and some of it is flawed. This makes for some very funny scenes.
If you like a good comical western with a fascinating mystery, this book is for you.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
‘She’d swing in from the treetop. Into a gunfight. She’d brought a knife to a gunfight. What’s more, she’d won.’
Mary Connealy adds to her Brides of Hope Mountain admirably with this second novel. I just adore Mary Connealy. The Nordegren sisters have lived on Hope Mountain all their lives, raised to be afraid of the world by their grandparents, who are now dead. Now they must learn that the world is a very odd place for them. This installment deals with the sister Ilsa. We came to know her in book one and also to love her. She and Mitch Warden caught chicken pox together and now they are well, someone is after Mitch to kill him. He decides to go back east to face his would be killers rather than endanger his family after coming back west to help them reclaim their land from a sneaky varmint. But Ilsa insists on coming with him to the city. She has never ridden a horse, never seen a train, much less eaten in a restaurant. Things get strange pretty quickly, especially when they must dodge bullets nearly every day!
Mary Connealy has long been a favorite of mine. Her wit and dry sense of humor have me cackling out loud during every book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to sister Ursula’s story next year! Oh, why does it have to be so long? Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishes for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I enjoyed reading this exciting love story of Ilsa and Mitch. The characters were great and the story was very interesting and kept the reader guessing until the end who was trying to kill Mitch. I highly recommend this book and this Brides of Hope Mountain series. Each book is a standalone but reading the series in order makes things clearer.
I love this series. You will want to read all three. I loved the relationship between the three sisters and how each one meets the man intended for her. This is an absolutely charming and action-packed series.
Once again Mary Connealy penned a historical western fiction that is filled with humor yet so realistic. Ilsa Nordegren lives near the top of Hope Mountain in Colorado with the nearest small town Bucksnort. But because her grandpa raised she and her two sisters, he repeatedly told them to stay away from the lowlands as they were dangerous. So Ilsa and her sisters grew up uneducated and unladylike, but strong Christians.
So many phrases that we take for granted such as hogtied and chip on your shoulder had no meaning whatsoever for poor Ilsa. She had never worn anything other than the buckskin pants that she’d hand sewn or had as hand me downs from her sisters, and she had run wild through the tress and hill country near their home. Corsets and dresses weren’t even in her vocabulary. Enter Mitch Warden whose father had a horse ranch down the mountain and trouble followed him everywhere including all his interactions with Ilsa.
I loved seeing the world and all it held opening up to Ilsa and Mitch’s warm support and understanding were incredible. The suspense was just enough to keep me page turning as Mitch and Ilsa kept running into trouble wherever they went. Of course, a HEA ending made this western an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
“She was a little fairy princess. Short and fine boned with a tangle of dark curls and eyes so blue they were like looking into the heart of a flame. And she could vanish in the woods as quick and quiet as any wild creature.”
And most of the time, she infuriated him. . . . . maybe that was overstating the facts just a bit, but Ilsa Nordegren certainly knew how to rub Mitch Warden the wrong way with surprising accuracy. Equally as impressive was the fact that he knew few, if any, women who could swing from trees and wield a knife with the precision of a surgeon; this woodland sprite could do both, and make it appear effortless. How in the world was he going to contain her?
As fate would have it, an unpredictable liaison solves all his problems. Or perhaps Mitch’s problems have only just begun. Unfortunately, there is a price on his head, and Mitch realizes that he has managed to bring a batch of cold-blooded killers onto his family’s mountain. Maybe a pretty little blade swinging wildcat is just what he needs. . . . until death do them part.
You can always count on Mary Connealy to write a story filled with entertaining characters!
Fun and unexpected
Great mix of plot and character. Loved the surprises and the fun dialogue. The historical background was worked in nicely. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
A great second book in the series! It continues to story, builds on the plotlines that run through all the books in the series, but nicely ties up this segment. Looking forward to reading more.