The Bodens are a dynamic family. They can beat up on each other, but if someone else tries to hurt a member of their family, watch out! They are loyal and determined. Once they determine a course of action they stick to it and put their all into it.



This is the second book in a series. I requested this book from Netgalley over a year ago, and then found out that the books needed to be read in order. I had not read the first, so it took some time before I found wiggle room in my review schedule to read both of them together. My thoughts are that is better to read it late, than never. I'm glad I did read it! The best part, the third book is out and I don't have to wait to read it. I am ready for Cole's story!



The Bodens have a land grant in New Mexico. Someone with government connections is trying to take their land away from them. They didn't realize what they were taking on when they decided to mess with the Bodens. I LOVE the family. They love each other fiercely, and accept new members as they come. This is a romance, so new members are finding their way in every book.



The second book highlights Justin, the second son. It also has the point of view of the rest of the family. I enjoyed that I stayed connected to the characters that I came to love in No Way Up, and the introductory novella The Boden Birthright.



If you love a good action, suspense, romance book set in the Old West. You should definitely give this series a try. It has Christian themes, non-graphic violence, and kissing.



Source: I requested a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I really wanted to love this book since I loved all the other series I'd read by her but unfortunately I found myself really bogged down by the pacing of the book. I also really missed the humor that was in her other books.

The second book in the Boden series. I came across this book without reading the first one but the story can stand on its own. It was a very adventure filled book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I liked the strength in each character and that they all had each other’s backs. I look forward to reading the rest of the series as the mystery has not been solved just yet.

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

This is the second story in the Cimerron  Legacy series.  This book starts with Cole seriously injured and Angie coming with the dr. to help tend him.  Justin can't seem to get her out of his mind. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story.  I did find it strange that Cole healed so quickly.  He was out riding his horse only a couple of weeks after being shot.  I am anxious to read Cole's story next.  It's not necessary to read the first story about Sadie and Heath but it would be helpful.  Also, reading the prequel would help.

I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

I was quickly swept into this story and held there until the last page turned.  The setting is the New Mexico Territory in the 1880's and focuses on Justin Boden.  He is rough and tough, but underneath it all has the softest heart.  He and Cole, his brother, don't always see eye to eye on everything, but both always put family first.  Justin is a protector by nature and he will do whatever is necessary to protect his family.  As important factors emerge Justin realizes things are much more complicated than he ever thought.  One complication he never imagined took the form of Angie DuPree, the woman who had been assisting the doctor in taking care of Cole.  
This story has elements of suspense, mystery, romantic tension, and faith.  
 **I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first book of this series, so naturally I had to read book two. My thoughts:

What I liked:

The Boden family. The Boden family is fully fleshed out by this point. I know how Justin and Cole and Sadie think and react. Most importantly, I enjoy watching them interact with each other. Connealy does a lovely job of showing how siblings can love and support each other and still want to annoy each other at the same time.

The mystery. I like that the mystery is spanning the entire series. Little bits and pieces get solved in each installment, but you know it’s all leading to something bigger.

Ranching/Cowboying. I’ve never been on a ranch and I’ve never met a cowboy, but Connealy writes about this kind of work effortlessly. It feels real. She never forgets the horses and the cattle and the things that need to be done on the ranch no matter what the Boden family is facing.

Romance. One thing I can absolutely count on in a Connealy novel is the couple working together against an outside force. The couple is never torn a part by miscommunication. There is no contrived drama. All adversity comes from the outside.

Spiritually, characters pray and trust God throughout the novel.

What I didn’t like:

I do think this book was a bit slow in moments. It started off with a bang, but slowed down towards the middle. There just wasn’t any real twist or surprise.

Romantically, I do wish that we could actually see the H/h fall for each other. It’s very insta-love.

Some of the characters are a bit over the top in their reactions, but that’s a personal opinion.

Romantic scale: 7

Overall, a good second book. It’s not super exciting, but it’s not bad either.

**I received a copy from Netgally. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

The second book in The Cimarron Legacy series, Long Time Gone, continues the story of the Boden family and is about one of the Boden brothers, Justin.  It is yet another exciting adventure with a bit of danger and suspense, causing readers to be on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens next.  Connealy once again brings to life another engaging, entertaining, and funny story in her well-written and pleasant novel.  I would highly recommend this charming western romance.

With his father recuperating in Denver, and his brother recovering from a recent gunshot wound, Justin Boden finds himself not only running his family's ranch, but trying to solve a decades-old mystery.  Who is this powerful enemy that will seemingly never give up until the Bodens have lost their land?  

Angie DuPree is finally learning to express herself and make up her own mind after having been completely managed by a manipulative mother and hurtful husband for most of her life.  When she comes to stay at the Boden's ranch to help care for Justin's brother, can she trust herself to keep her own identity as she and Justin spend more and more time together?  Despite all the chaos of his life, Justin can't manage keep Angie off of his mind.  Will he decide that she's safer by his side, or out of his life completely? 

In Long Time Gone Mary Connealy takes readers on yet another entertaining adventure in the Wild West.  Perhaps I'm just partial to the New Mexican setting, but the Cimarron Legacy series seems to be one of Connealy's best so far.  Her character development continues to evolve and improve with each attempt.  While I definitely enjoyed this second installment in the series, it doesn't stand well on its own.  If I hadn't read No Way Up, there's no way I would have been able to follow the plot of Long Time Gone.  Having read the previous installment so many months ago, I still had trouble jumping right back in to the story.  Connealy's latest effort is definitely worth reading... just make sure to brush up on Boden family history first!

Giddy-up, y'all! The Bodens won't rest until the threat against their ranch is hog-tied and branded so grab your hats for another exciting and entertaining adventure!!!

Without a doubt, Justin Boden has ranching in his blood. Dainty city gal Angie DuPree has him feeling like a bull in a dress shop with her grace and quiet manner. 

Y'all are going to enjoy the ride as the entire Boden clan works together to uncover the truth behind the attacks against their family and their ranch... before it's too late. Full of fun and excitement, this series is a must read!!!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

A charming western romance with action and adventure at just the right spots.

After the patriarch of the Boden family is injured in what appears to be an accidental landslide and sent to Denver for treatment, the rest of the family is left to handle the ranch and quickly uncover it was no accident.  Justin Boden is now in charge of the ranch and after seeing his father hurt and now his brother Cole, shot and in critical condition, he feels in over his head.  The doctor trying to save Cole has an assistant, Angie Dupree, that is a distraction to Justin.  Angie came to town to stay with her aunt after her life didn’t go as planned.  Justin and the rest of the family must work together, with the help of Angie, who he is quickly falling for, and a few others to figure out who is out to get their family.  Things are turning out to be much bigger than they first thought and danger is around every corner and deadlier than they could have imagined.

The best thing about a Mary Connealy book is that it is a quick read that is enjoyable.  However, sometimes the books can be unmemorable, especially when you read a lot.  It has been a while since I read the first in the series and didn’t remember a whole lot of it before starting this one.  In a way that is good because I can say that if readers haven’t read the first book, they will still enjoy this one.  It does help for some background information with the parents and what the family is facing.  But it is not completely vital to have read the first before starting this one.  I read these and enjoy them while I am reading them and then move on to the next on my list, whereas with some I hate to put it down because it was so good.  I liked the storyline of Justin and Angie, I could see where they were heading and everything felt natural for the characters as they got to where they needed to be.  I’m hoping the third book will go into Cole and his relationship to come, ( I could be wrong but I’m guessing he will fall for Melanie.)  I recommend this book to readers than enjoy a good, clean, historical romance with cowboys, action and a little humor sprinkled in for good measure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I really enjoy the writing style of this author and this book is another great one.  This book had me on the edge of my seat and hanging on for more.  The characters were well-developed and I liked the good ones and despised the bad.  Learning the history of a time in history where people did not like the border lines between Mexico and New Mexico were fascinating and intriguing.  So, the events to follow were overwhelming and well-written about by this author.  Sometimes downright intense!  I recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The book is hard to read If you haven't read the two prior books.  The take off is slow and it kind of stays that way - It is a western mystery - it is a little interesting - you are left waiting for the next book to find out who the mastermind is.  Dantalion is dead but he leaves clues behind for the Boden family to find out who killed him but that just keeps them all in danger - it is all just a shame - nice storyline though, but it does not need to be dragged out by all these books with a kind of cliffhanger - you know what I mean?  It would be a better book if it was a stand alone book.

This is book two in The Cimarron Legacy series, however it is a stand alone book. I have not read book one and had no issues keeping up, I did feel like I probably missed out on some history and another great book though. 

Mary Connealy always does such a great job at keeping your interest, the sparks that fly between characters and their spunky personalities. She is one of my favorite authors. 

Justin Boden, the handsome cowboy, and his family are in a pile of mystery. Trying to find out who is trying to kill them and why. When Angie DuPree is needed to help watch over Justin's brother will more develop than he had ever dreamed.

Angie DuPree is not sure she is cut out to be of any help to the Boden family. She is trying to learn to stand on her own. When trouble strikes this loving family will she be able to help them or is she just in the way.

I love the personalities of all the Boden family and Angie. Mary Connealy does a great job with their dialogue and keeping you wanting more. I look forward to the next book in this series. This book is full of suspense, mystery, romance, faith and family.

"Stop noticing handsome young men..." (59), and handsome men they were! O, men, yes, but cowboys to be more exact with some mad skills!  And that is just one of many reasons why Mary Connealy's Long Time Gone, the second full novel of The Cimarron Legacy is just as fun and funny as the first one, No Way Up. With the author's usual humor, we can expect she rubbed off on some of her characters.

It's such a delight to see the characters from the first book make an appearance, and not just short and sweet, but makes convincing supporting characters. Heath may be my favorite character - can't help but laugh when I think of him. I think he's more non-chalant about his humor in this one than the first, but still good, especially when he verbally baits Justin. And speaking of baits, what a story about family always comes first and love defends all. The love story seems to take a back burner to the character development, but it's all relative, since the romance buildup started from the get go. I just love how Angie grew emotionally, as she finds strength to be who she wants to be, a woman of courage to decide for her own, stand up for herself, and know when to surrender to the Lord. She has this quiet strength with a heart of gold that I admire.

The bottom line is, Long Time Gone will stick with you, and you with it until the very last page, and still continue to create amusing thoughts in your head long after its gone from your hands.  Action packed with a bit of everything, romance, mystery and a plot that moves. Want to start a new series, definitely give this one a try!


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Mary Connealy’s The Cimarron Legacy novel, Long Time Gone, is a great romance and an even better adventure.

We jumped right into the novel, actually even before the last one ended, and for a while, it was a bit confusing. Eventually, my brain caught up… well, she reminded me of what I was missing from the previous novel… and I devoured Long Time Gone.

Angie is an easy character to like. She’s intelligent but has little experience. She’s courageous but has always been protected. She’s had a difficult life but had turned to God. I couldn’t help but to love her.

Justin is… well, a protector and a dictator. Like many, but he’s also loving and God-fearing. A wonderful combination.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook for free by the publisher, Bethany House through Net Galley, blogger review program, for an honest review.   I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.


Once again Mary Connealy brings us another wonderful Historical Christian Fiction romance.  
I fell in love with the Boden Family from the first page and cannot wait for the rest of the series.  Although this is book two in the series, I didn’t have to read the first book to understand the characters, however now that I have read this one, I definitely want to go back and read book one and I can’t wait for book three.  

Angie and Justin are the main characters in this book.  It is fun to watch their love for each other grow throughout the book.  This book is filled with adventure, mystery, murder, forgiveness and love.  What is not to love about cowboys and romance?

This book takes place in New Mexico Territory in the 1880’s.  Someone is trying to take the Cimarron Ranch away from the Boden Family and they will not let anyone get in their way.  Not even friends of the family.  Will the Boden’s be able to protect their family and those they love and not lose the land that has been in their family for years?  That question and more will be answered as you turn the pages of this wonderful book.

I had so much fun reading this book!  I know when I am reading a book by Mary Connealy that I am going to be in for a treat.  This book didn't disappoint.  I easily fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.  Long Time Gone is the second full length novel in the Cimarron Legacy Series.  I was blessed to read the first novel, No Way Up, and loved it as well.  We meet the Boden family in the first book, and have no choice but to love them.  That being said, you can read this book as a stand alone and you won't feel lost at all.  This story focuses on Justin and Angie as they both keep dodging danger.  

Some one is keeping secrets, and those secrets could be deadly.  Knowing his family is in danger drives Justin crazy.  The Cimarron Ranch is his home, and some one else would like to change that fact. Little does their enemy know, the Boden family won't be easily swayed.  Their land didn't come at an easy price, and they aren't going to stop fighting to protect it no matter what.  When Justin's brother Cole is injured everyone is scared and frustrated.  Angie arrives to help take care of Cole, which forces her and Justin to spend even more time together.  But did she unknowingly put herself in danger?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with the perfect amount of suspense mixed in.  You are in for a fun and fast paced ride.  And if you're like me, you'll enjoy every moment of it.  I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I'd forgotten some of what had happened in the first book of the series, and it was helpful to go back and skim some to refresh my memory. Being as the entire series is focused on a single family and an assault against their ranch, these books are pretty closely tied together, and I'd recommend reading the previous books first.

I really enjoy the family dynamics in this series; the siblings really act like siblings, squabbles and all. There's a definite brotherly rivalry between Justin and Cole, with comments about how one of Justin's favorite activities includes punching his big brother, yet there's definitely strong love too. With such an extensive history of squabbles, they tend to fall back on their old habits of annoying each other to express that love rather than a sudden sentimentality. I get it--there are just some siblings you can't get too sentimental with, or they'll assume something is really wrong, and it's easier to fall back on old habits than to change too fast.

I really liked how the author took Angie--a proper, obedient, quiet, city girl--and proved that anyone, when faced with danger, can be brave. And just because one is trapped in unfamiliar surroundings doesn't mean that one has to be helpless. Angie may not know much about the New Mexican wilderness or defending herself, but she makes good use of common sense, and that goes a long way. She's the kind of heroine I like best--the kind that balances femininity with intelligence and bravery, who's willing to both help and accept help.

As usual, lots of humor and fun writing. I look forward to the conclusion to the series!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free e-book. No review, positive or otherwise, was required, and all opinions are my own.

This book picks up right where the last one left off, Cole Boden has just been shot and Justin is rushing to  get his brother safely back to the ranch. 

Angie Dupree comes with the doctor and stays to care for Cole, she came to Skull Gulch to her her Aunt Margaret at the orphanage. She met Justin  when she first came to town, Angie does what she can to help out and soon finds herself drawn into their problems,

Full of mystery, even though they caught a couple of the bad guys, they still don't know who is behind it all or why. Especially after a woman at the orphanage is shot, instead of the sniper's mark, Justin. 

I like the friendship between Justin and Angie, he always seems to be there when she falls and he doesn't give up when she refuses his idea of courtship. 

Angie came to Christ during her first marriage and has held to her faith through the troubled times, she doesn't want to let her past define her anymore, she wants to prove to herself that she is strong and capable of taking care of herself. 

I like the sense of camaraderie between the brothers, and how they have accepted their brother-in-law, Heath, even though they didn't like him when he first married their sister, Sadie. There is plenty of teasing and humor between them. 

I like that his boo also follows the Boden parents, Veronica and Chance who are in Denver seeing a doctor about Chance's leg. And they know the family trouble isn't over, because it has followed them to Denver, and they work together to keep each other safe.

This was a quick paced read, and there was always something going on, leading up to an action packed ending. A highly enjoyable read! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising"