Imagine losing everyone you love, except your two sisters. As if that isn’t enough, then living high in the mountains by yourselves, never venturing away to see what the rest of the world is like. The fear instilled in the core of their very beings kept them fending for themselves with no outside help. I find it almost unbelievable that anyone could survive like these three have. The exceptional detail given reminded me how incredibly important it must have been to be observant.

The outside world comes to their valley. Will it bring the disease and death they had been taught about as children? Perhaps it will bring new experiences, friends and a whole different life! I loved learning about Jo, Ilsa and Ursula and hope we will meet them again soon on the mountain called Hope.

This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. My 5 star rating, comments and impressions were not solicited.

After hearing so many rave reviews for Mary Connealy's writing I was excited to start at the beginning of a series with her. I found the premise intriguing and couldn't wait to meet the characters. I have to admit to having some mixed feelings about it after reading though. While the story held my attention with plenty of adventure, it also felt too far-fetched. The characters were likable, but fell short of being realistic. With exception to Ursula, the abilities and personalities of the three Nordegren sisters didn't seem to fit well with their background of living entirely separate from all other mankind. I did like however, that they confused the Bible with other stories they'd been taught as children because that was more believable. Taking some of the realism aside it was still a well written novel and the fast pace easily kept the pages turning.

Even though I had some mixed thoughts I still consider this worth the read and I'm glad I picked it up. If you can get past some of the realism issues I think historical fiction fans would enjoy it.

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

I had a blast reading this book! Jo was such a fun character! She is so completely unique and I loved seeing the world through her eyes. I couldn’t imagine living life the way she and her sisters did, and yet it was completely normal for them. Connealy had me chuckling at some of the misunderstandings and I couldn’t possibly put this book down. It was easy for me to love the Wardens, but not so easy for the sisters who’d never even met another man besides their grandfather. Aiming for Love is the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This book took me on an adventure to a far away mountain where the land was untouched by man and I could imagine how breathtaking it looked. I met the most unique women to probably ever be written, and I grew attached to them quite quickly. I loved their innocence and how they were for the most part pure in their thinking and living. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys going on a unique adventure. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Aiming for Love is the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy and it is terrific. I find it nearly impossible to put down a book penned by this author and this book certainly was the same for me.

The Nordegren sisters are a bit unusual, having a fear of the outside world instilled in them by their grandmother. So, imagine their surprise and curiosity when Jo meets David Warden and his family who have made their way from the lowlands to Hope Mountain. The girls are certainly self-sufficient but Jo is curious about the family but more than that, she finds herself wanting to spend time with them much to her sister's chagrin. Of course things are soon changed when the patriarch of the Warden family is wounded and is in need of medicine and shelter and the sisters are faced with the decision of keeping to themselves or opening up their home to David and his parents.

I absolutely adored how naïve the sisters are, it was refreshing to meet women who are truly innocent and unaffected by the trappings of the outside world. At the same time, I admired their inner strength and the fact that they took care of each other. Not only is this novel filled with endearing characters but as usual it's infused with humor which this authors books always are.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Aiming for Love is the first story in Mary Connealy’s new series. Jo and her two sisters have been raised in a very remote mountainous area and basically know nothing about the outside world. They have been taught to be totally self sufficient, but they’ve also been taught to fear the world and those in it. This concept is interesting and I am looking forward to seeing how each sister deals with civilization coming to them!

Jo is a very likable character, as is Dave. I liked how her curiosity helped her overcome her fears and made her want to learn more about things she was taught to fear. Dave is just an all around nice guy. I really liked him and his entire family, especially Ma.

While I felt like the pace of the story and the writing style were both good, I thought some parts of the story were a bit unrealistic. I was also hoping that some of the threads would be tied up or moved further along, especially the sister’s confusion about the Bible. 3.5 stars.

The ties that bind...

Bethany House produces some of the best book covers out there. This cover does everything one could want - it's eye-catching, gorgeous, and intriguing! And you CAN judge this book by its cover

Connealy's newest series has an interesting premise - 3 young women raised in isolation in the wilderness encounter outsiders for the first time.

The pacing was just right - I was drawn in to the story very quickly & it never lagged. I didn't want to put it down till I finished.

The development of Jo & Dave's relationship, built from their initial fascination with each other, was relatively quick but entirely believable.

I always love books like this that have strong, positive family themes, but there's also plenty else going on to provide suspense and excitement.

The climax of the book ties a bow on Jo's romance but not the other plot points. As is the norm for these series, each will focus on a different sister while the other plot lines continue to develop and move forward from book to book. (From all indications, Ilsa's story will be next) So it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, there is a satisfying conclusion, but it is also clearly a "to be continued" installment in a series.

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, obscure hints of the marriage bed between newlyweds but nothing inappropriate let alone graphic

*Religion: generically Christian, there is talk of & from the Bible and living out the words it contains, but it flows naturally from the story & only those predisposed to be would be annoyed by it

I have been a fan of Mary Connealy's books for years, but Aiming For Love is definitely my favorite to date!

Jo and her two sisters have been raised in isolation in the mountains of Colorado. They were raised by their grandparents and were taught to fear people and that going to town would bring sickness and possibly death. With both of their grandparents gone the girls have been living alone and are extremely self sufficient. They love each other fiercely and have no need or desire for the outside world. When Dave comes to the mountains in search for pasture for his cows, he encounters Jo. Dave is fascinated by the capabilities of these women and how they have survived on their own and Jo is fascinated by the new things she is seeing and learning. When Dave's family arrives in the mountains and need shelter, Jo and her sister Ilsa are willing to help, but Ursula remains fearful of these new people. When sickness soon takes over it seems that grandma was right with what she told them, but there are other things, things that the sisters are now questioning...could it be that the life the were living was not all they thought it to be. Were there grandparents keeping secrets?

This book was so entertaining! It had me laughing out loud on several occasions and it had a sorta "Tarzan and Jane" feel with the roles reversed. I'm pretty sure I can figure out who the next two sisters will be paired with in the upcoming books and I can't wait to see if I am right. If the other books are as great as the first, this will for sure be a favorite series of mine! Now if the second one would release already..

Getting Away from it All?

The Nordegren sisters live in the late 1800's 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 5-star installment of the Brides of Hope Mountain. It will be enjoyed by all who like adventure with a touch of romance.

NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Aiming for Love, for the purpose of review.

This was a fun romp through the Colorado wilderness. I enjoyed meeting the Warden family as well as Jo and her sisters. The mystery elements were intriguing and they appear that they will carry over to the rest of the series, so I am looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I loved the character of Ma and look forward to seeing her again. This was a quick, easy and fun read. I can’t wait for book 2!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars
What a great way to start a new series by Mary Connealy! I loved the cover...reminded me of a female Robin Hood...which is fun to me. The concept of this novel had several interesting aspects. A trio of sisters who have basically raised themselves on a mountain in the wilds of the west, living without disturbance until a family from the bottom of the mountain enters their territory. This throws their controlled environment off kilter. Suddenly men are around, men who are younger than the only man they ever really knew, their grandpa. This challenges all they know...and don't know...about the opposite sex. There is also a new woman in their midst, a woman who acts and treats them much differently than their grandmother. While these three sisters are so courageous and strong with so many things, they have been raised on a hefty dose of fear about others. I also found their perspectives on the Bible and how they were taught to "read" very interesting...a nice element to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Josephine and look forward to reading the next book in the series!


**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give my honest opinion, which I did.**

I love my family. We are all highly introverted and most people probably think we are unusual. We probably are, but I love my unusual family! I think my love for my family made me enjoy the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family in Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy. The sisters are each unique but still close; they have to be close since they live as recluses. Jo was such a fun combination of curious, brave, and naive. I also enjoyed the Warden family. They also were a close family but not as reclusive as the sisters. David is such a gentleman, and feels strongly that it’s his responsibility to take care of his family as well as Jo’s. I really enjoyed how the author portrayed the two families in this book. Another aspect I enjoyed, as always in a book by Mary Connealy, was the humor. I always know I will be able to laugh when I pick up a book by Mrs. Connealy. Aiming for Love had me laughing in several places. It was a very cute book full of humor, families, and adventures. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm so happy for the start of a new series by Mary Connealy! I adore her down-to-earth characters, the adventure found in the remote wilderness setting, and the sweet romance that develops naturally. Jo and her sisters are an anomaly- three women surviving and thriving without any contact with the outside world. They are an interesting blend of naive and savvy, having a strong moral code instilled by their grandma and survival skills taught by their grandpa, and each girl has a different blend of caution, curiosity, and fear when it comes to their new neighbors. Jo is the most eager to associate with Dave and his family, while Ilsa is compelled by her healing skills to help with Dave's father's injuries, and Ursula fights against the new relationships the entire time (her story will be interesting to read!) Of course there are humorous misunderstandings with certain expressions the girls aren't familiar with and the two Bibles they quoted from especially had me chuckling. There is a nice blend of action, suspense, relationship-building, humor, and romance as Jo is torn between loyalty to her sisters and the way they were raised, and the comfort and love she experiences with Dave and his family. The story wraps on a satisfying note, but the conflict with the land-grabber and his hired gunmen will continue into the next book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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.

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.

A 3.5 star read for me.
I'll tell you why.
I love Mary Conneally for her funny outrageous, action packed, shootout style westerns.
This book didn't have the typical action, humor, and I never connected with the romance. That being said I will read the next books. It is an interesting premise of having three sisters live in extreme isolation, only to be thrust into a situation where they have to interact with the outside world.
I have hope that the next books will have more of the trademark action. This book was just too tame for me.
It had a great message about how The Lord has made us to interact and help our neighbor, when in need.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yet again, Mary Connealy delights her readers with a tale of adventure, intrigue, hilarity, faith, and unlikely romance in Aiming for Love, her introduction to her new series Brides of Hope Mountain. This book did not disappoint.  I thoroughly enjoyed Aiming for Love and am excited for the next in the series! ;) I hope you have the chance to read it and discover the excellent tale yourself! 
Josephine Nordegren glides through the forest with silent steps and goes almost undetected by the forest life, providing the food for her and her two sisters with her well-honed hunting skills.  The way of her life in southwestern Colorado is far from typical. Josephine, or Jo as she is known by her family, freely roams the forest and wilderness surrounding her mountain home and uses her excellent archery skills to provide the meat for her and her sisters. The three siblings together live by themselves with no knowledge of what lies beyond their own homestead, which is a rustic cabin perched on top of an Hope Mountain, an isolated mountain far from any  neighboring farms or ranches.  Although in young adulthood, the sisters have no memory of life outside of their current mountain home, only interacting with each other and their grandparents, both of whom are now dead.  The girls' parents had been killed by the outside world--those outside of Hope Mountain. Understandably, growing up with these fears have completely isolated the Nordegren sisters and have caused them to fear anyone other than each other.  The mountain life is not easy without the luxuries of going into town for any supplies,  yet the Nordegren sisters survive with pluck and determination. 

One day Jo, discovers a campsite near the edge of her family's land, and sneaks around when everyone is asleep. Although Jo enjoys exploring the unfamiliar and forbidden realm beyond her home, she gets caught by one of the men. How can she get back without arousing suspicion or causing them to follow her? 
David Warden has much on his mind as he starts his own ranch in the rough Colorado wild. One night when David catches a thief in his campsite (who turns out to be a disguised Jo), his world is turned upside down with the knowledge that there are three sisters that live on the mountain near his land. David doesn't know what to do with Jo, but ends up helping her and needing her and her family's help when trouble comes to his family. David and Jo definitely lack trust for each other, yet with the difficulties surrounding Hope Mountain and both families, they must all band together in order to survive. There are many adorably comedic misunderstandings between David and Jo, due to their drastically different upbringings and exposure in society, which add a nice levity to the serious threats to the main characters.  How will they survive the attacks they are facing?  What can they do to defend each other?  Will they survive and be able to forge a neighborly friendship between the Warden and the Nordegren families? 

One aspect I appreciated from this book is the very unique and surprising situations that the characters met with. It is refreshing to have a lighthearted and comedic tale with a heartwarming aspect of faith, family, and love. I also appreciated the way that each of the Nordegren sisters had their own personalities, strengths, and ideas and weren't overshadowed by the others.  I appreciated their teamwork despite their misgivings and their dedication to each other and to helping others. Aiming for Love definitely is an enjoyable, entertaining, and wholesome tale of love, adventure, loss, fear, courage, and faith.  I highly recommend this book and hope that you have the chance to read it. 

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased honest review

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.