This book was Classic Mary Connealy and I thoroughly enjoyed it! She writes humorous western love stories and this left me wanting even more! It was nice to read #1 in the series and not have to try and remember who was who or what happened in the previous book. That is my only dislike of her writing when she does a series. But this being first it was all new characters and stories and it was great! A fun weekend read!

The cover of Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy captured my attention, and I couldn't wait to read the story inside. I'm really glad I did. Connealy created conflict between three sisters who don't know any better and the Warden's. The external and internal conflict was different than anything I have ever seen before. And that says a lot because I read a lot. The conflict was driven majority by the characters who have never learned the proper way to interact with other humans. They were completely cut off from everyone else. I was fascinated with Jo 's story, and I'm really curious about Ursula's story. She has major issues to work through. The romance between Jo and David was going on nicely and believable, but than Connealy wrote that they had their perfect happily-ever-after ending. Since this is a three-book series, I would have liked to see their relationship stretch a little more. Maybe be married in the second book or even the third book. Overall, Aiming for Love is a wonderful story on helping others when they need if even if you don't honestly know them. A delight to spend a couple of hours with.

I received a complimentary copy of Aiming Love by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Mary Connealy has a knack for developing memorable characters that readers fall in love with. Her new book, Aiming for Love is no exception. I loved the curious, unspoiled, naive Josephine Nordegren and how she interacts with rancher, David Warden. They are an unlikely duo, but Mary has a way of taking two opposite characters and helping them to find common ground. This is a book you won't be able to put down. I truly enjoyed it.

~This book was provided for free, but I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. The pleasure was all mine. (2019)

The first few chapters of this book was delightful! I found myself chuckling and smiling at the funny scenes. Definitely a 5 star for that part of the book. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the other parts. It just fell flat for me.
So disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC. This is my honest review.


.

This book brings so much adventure to a small mountain family. The plot is simple, but engaging. I literally was surprised when I turned the last page of the book. I’m sure there will be a sequel.

This book is amazing. You will not want to put it down. It made me laugh throughout at the things someone who grew up away from society would not know.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jo has lived her entire life on Hope Mountain. She's never been off the mountain, never been to a town, never seen any other people but her own family - her two sisters, parents (missing since she was small, and presumed deceased), and grandparents (both deceased for many years). Jo and her two sisters live in a house, raise their chickens, forage for and plant vegetables, and hunt for their meat.

Jo and her sisters have been taught to be fearful of the outside world. Their grandmother was a germaphobe. She insisted that when the grandfather return from town, he live away from them for two weeks before he could rejoin them. Before grandmother died, she taught the girls that other people were infested with deadly diseases. Jo's sister Ursula is especially fearful.

Dave grew up on his parent's ranch on the lower slopes of Hope Mountain. As a youngster he and his brother Mitch would climb the mountain exploring. Now Dave has made a trail up the mountain and is set to homestead. This brings him, and his 6 cowhands, into Jo and her sister's life.

Jo is naturally curious and it doesn't take long for her and Dave to meet. Both are fascinated with one another. Dave can't believe that 3 women are living alone up on the mountain. When Dave's parents are forced from their ranch, they join Dave (along with their 6 cowhands and about 1000 cattle) up in the mountain. Dave's father is injured, and Jo and her sister Ilsa nurse him. But when illness comes, Ursula is terrified.

I have read a lot of Mary Connealy books, and enjoyed them all. This one is a bit different, and I have mixed feelings about it. I really like the idea of having the girls grow up in isolation. I just couldn't reconcile this with the way they acted (and spoke). Being alone from early teen years would stunt anyone's development. They couldn't read, so how did they get an advanced vocabulary?

I found this story to be less a love story between two characters and more a family drama. A lot of the story is dealing with illness of various family members, getting situated in a new environment, and the fears that the sisters, especially Ursula, have to deal with. When your entire life shifts so dramatically, I'm skeptical that you would immediately want to marry. I am looking forward to the continuing of this story.

Jo Nordegren and her sisters have lived on Hope Mountain their whole lives, having only each other for company once their grandparents have passed on. They know nothing of the real world, except that their grandmother was terribly afraid of it and told them it was full of sickness and death. Now, Dave Warden and his family have appeared on their mountain, and the sisters must decide how to handle these strangers from below.

This book was just not for me. I found the characters to be unbelievable and bordering on preposterous. Jo and her sisters did not ring true as women who'd lived sheltered from real life their whole lives; their naivete felt forced, convenient to the plot in some sections, yet oddly missing in other situations. The most interesting character for me was Wax Mosby - the hired gun whose men ran the Wardens off their ranch and into the mountains. His determination to finish out the job, while not crossing his own pre-determined lines regardless of his ruthless boss, and begin a new life for himself was intriguing, and I wish he hadn't disappeared from the storyline halfway through the book.

So, while I found the idea of this book interesting, and I am curious to know how Wax extricates himself from his situation, I do not foresee myself reading the rest of this series. I have read other works by this author, however, and I would likely pick up something else of hers in the future.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publishers, in exchange for my honest review.

Mary Connealy gets better with every series. This new one is the best yet. Her stories are always funny and full of characters that are not so familiar with dealing with the opposite sex, but the humor has become more subtle and less slapstick and is a pure delight.

Jo and her two sisters have grown up on the mountain isolated from the outside world by a paranoid grandmother and a grandfather that was the only one who ever went into civilization, Both grandparents have died and the sisters have learned to survive on their own. David Warden is a rancher who brings his herd up into the mountains to find good pasture and stake a new claim. Jo is curious about the newcomers and soon makes their acquaintance much to the chagrin of her oldest sister who shares her grandmother’s paranoia.

This book is a wondrous read and I’m anxious to learn how the story continues in the next book of the series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This story captured my imagination and swept me away to the mountains of Colorado during the days of old-west cowboys and cattle drives. I loved this unique storyline of the three young sisters who had lived alone in the mountains for much of their lives, and their adjustment to being around other people when the Warden family moves their cattle there and settles in the area. I loved the character of Jo, the middle sister who was brave, compassionate, and extremely curious. It’s Jo’s curiosity that leads her to the Warden family and their youngest son, Dave. Dave’s admiration for Jo’s ability to swiftly disappear into the forest, and her mastery of using a bow and arrow, swiftly turns into love. There’s some amusing moments as Jo does not always understand things that Dave is trying to say, since she’s had no contact with the outside world. But she finds herself having to choose between marrying Dave and hurting her relationship with her older sister, who insists that she wants nothing to do with anyone except her two sisters. This will be a fun series to follow, and there’s still a suspenseful storyline that was not resolved at the end of this book.

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

This is the first book in a series, and after this good start I look forward to reading the rest of the series to learn what happens to the characters we are introduced to in this book. It's a lighthearted, clean Romance set in the west.

AIMING FOR LOVE by MARY CONNEALY tells the lovely story of the three beautiful and wild Nordegren sisters, who have lived their whole lives hidden away in the mountains, and the Warden family, gentle giants who have come up Hope Mountain to find grazing for their cattle.
With no experience of the outside world or anyone other than their deceased parents and grandparents, the sisters' reactions range from Jo's excitement and curiosity to Ursula's fear and outright hostility.
I really love the characters - they are beautifully portrayed, with the sisters' rather unusual view of parts of the Bible, the scriptures which they quote word for word, and their understanding of helping their neighbours, all the while being afraid of being infected by them, and the Wardens' with their close family ties and down to earth ways.
I highly recommend Aiming For Love as an enchanting read, humourous in parts and with a really good Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Aiming for love
By Mary Connealy
The more I read and reflect on books the more critical I feel I am becoming. Before this I would have read this book and just accepted what took place without much thought. The book was well written and easy to read. That said I had more doubts in the characters stories and was not impressed with how things transpired. The idea felt unlikely and far-fetched. Some of the characters were believable and others were stretched for a story. I don’t know that young girls could have been left to the wilderness for years alone but if they were, I don’t know if they would be as the story portrayed. Jo was so open off the bat. Ursula’s reaction to outsiders seemed the most genuine as did her fear. Ilsa was a mystery in a way. I can’t see Isla swinging through trees. It was odd too that she was so versed with medicine but that they never got sick. It was odd that they were so wild living off the land but their surroundings were so undiscovered until the Wardens showed up. The Wardens were another set of questions. The timing of Mitch coming home and being able to find the family was far to convenient. The controversy of this story was far from unresolved. There were just too many things that were off to say it was a good read for me.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mary Connealy kicks off her newest series with her usual style: plenty of action, plenty of lovable characters, and enough mystery to make you keep reading.
The romance did feel a bit rushed for me, but considering all the characters had been through --gunshot wounds, disease, a runaway sister-- I could understand a bond growing between Jo and Dave rather quickly. So that was something I was able to set aside. I do wish Jo's views on the book of fables were rectified before the end, though. I can only assume Connealy plans on addressing that later in the series, but I felt like that was an important issue to address before any thoughts of a wedding.
Overall, Mary Connealy has crafted an entertaining, fast-paced read that will definitely keep you enthralled. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the Brides of Hope Mountain series and see what becomes of Jo's two sisters.

(My review will go live on the blog on Sept. 20 at 5:00 PM)

Aiming for Love was written by Mary Connealy, and is book one in the Brides of Hope Mountain series.
Summary: Josephine Nordegren knows little of the outside world. Well, she knows plenty about the forest surrounding her Colorado mountain home-how to hunt for food, take care of animals and plants, and survive the bleak winters. But as far as other people, she has only her two sisters for company-as well as the dire warnings handed down to them from their long-since-past grandparents.
So, when cattlemen move their herds up into the mountains close to the sisters’ home, Jo is more than curious about these new strangers. She feels drawn to learn as much as possible about the outside world.
But have the newcomers brought trouble with them? Will Jo and her sisters remain safe, or were their late grandparents right after all, and outsiders only bring death and destruction?
My Thoughts: This was a fun book. The author did a really good job portraying characters that had not been exposed to people outside of their small circle-down to the finest details about how they would act.
The sisters have some pretty unique mannerisms from their sheltered life that cause plenty of misunderstandings on both sides. This made for a very interesting and entertaining story, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Oh, and can I just say-how gorgeous is this cover? So, so beautiful, and I think it really captures the essence of this book.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Aiming for Love is the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy. You can notice this is not Mary’s first book, as you just fly through the pages with excellent pacing, there isn’t a dull moment. For me, it was a very fast read too.

The story is very original, and it had me chuckle out loud quite a few times. We follow Jo, one of the three sisters who have been raised in isolation by their grandparents, having no contact with the outside world at all, as grandmom claimed that was extremely dangerous. As the grandparents passed away, the girls have fended for themself rather remarkably, managing to get food on the table and roaming the lands. Jo especially is quite the roamer, she hunts and even has her own made camouflage suit. As you can imagine, in ways she is both very naive and very wise. And the naive moments make you chuckle and want to wrap her in a big hug tbh.

Then we have the Warden family, their home brutally taken away, with no other choice but to climb this mountain, finding it occupied already. And the handsome Dave might just be what Jo needs, and vice versa. But this book isn’t about romance really, it’s about family, and how family can be stronger together. It’s a book about sisterhood, too. There were many themes I really liked (like how faith can overcome fear), and the story itself is rich, with a lot of side stories. Though it gives the story the oomph it needs, for me was also the only element I didn’t like: because so much was left unresolved, the ending didn’t feel like an ending at all, it felt like it was cut off in the middle. I’m sure future novels will set this right, but it felt a bit unsatisfying. But the characters are well formed and amazing, and we already have amazing character growth that feels deep and profound.

But all in all, I really liked this whimsical story with quite the unique premiss.

I’ve got an e-arc from Bethany House and Netgalley, for which I’m very grateful. It has not influenced my opinions on this book. I will post my reviews on other sites closer to the release date.

Immersed in a world of loneliness and frontier life, three sisters are confronted with the dangerous world outside their sheltered life on a mountain. This world was both forbidden and feared by the grandparents who raised them. However, a man is wounded and his family, ranch hands and livestock have invaded the secluded land. Two of the sisters rush to help, but the oldest flees to more seclusion.

Mary Connealy again builds a world and characters that draw readers from the first page. You imagine stepping foot on this quiet land and wonder what isolation and confrontation would be like for this family.

No doubt the remaining two books of the Hope Mountain Brides series will be just as adventurous, poignant and enjoyable. The fate of the families and evil men after them must reach its full conclusion.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Jo and her two sisters live alone on top of a mountain. They haven’t seen another human for many years. So when Jo sees Dave Warden and his men on her mountain, she’s drawn like a moth to flame. It reminded me of Mowgli when he sees people for the first time in “Jungle Book.” Jo is very curious and wants to learn all she can about these people.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I liked Jo’s adventurous spirit. Her sister, Ilsa, reminded me of a fairy, flying through the trees. Ursula was a little harder to warm up to as she was so afraid and angry most of the time. I’m sure she’ll come around eventually. While this book wasn’t as funny as some of Connealy’s books, there was humor as two cultures clashed and both found out unexpected things about the other.
I appreciated Ma’s wisdom and kindness. She understands how the girls are feeling and has a gentle way about her. I would dearly love to taste her pancakes.
This book sets up the series well. I was immediately drawn into the story. It was hard to put the book down. I’d recommend it.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#AimingForLove #Netgalley

Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy Reviewed by Bettie Boswell
I enjoyed this rollicking tale about a frontier family of women who live in a world of their own. Mary Connealy is a master a crafting fun stories set in the west and this is the first book for her latest adventure. True to form, Aiming for Love was a page turner which kept me wondering what could possibly happen next. I look forward to reading the other volumes in the series.

Three sisters have existed on their own for years. They've had no contact with the outside world that swallowed up their parents, either in death or desertion. The sisters live in fear of contact with other people. However, fears do not extend to daily life in their tiny part of the frontier. They are masters at hunting with arrows and living in the natural world. .Each sister has a unique personality and set of skills that make them reliant on each other.

Then one day trouble and blessings show up when a family of ranchers enter the sister's territory. That's when the fun and romance begins. Aiming for love is devoted to Jo (Josephine,) whose curious nature causes her to break the barrier to the outside world.

The book was enjoyable despite a few proof reading errors that someone missed. But, the energy flowing out of the plot kept me engaged enough to skip over those bumps in the road. There was an interesting 'aha' moment when an important historic setting is revealed as a key element of the plot.

If you love a clean western romance with comic relief, you will enjoy this gem.

Plot: It was really good! I liked the premise of Jo, Ilsa, and Ursula living up on the mountain their whole lives, and getting to read their reactions to things that were so different to them but normal to the rest of the characters. I appreciated the fact that the book went right into the story, and didn't have a lot of filler before the story really began. I also liked getting glimpses at what the plot (I assume) of the next two books will be.

Characters: Jo was a really good main character! I liked Dave, and his family. I also look forward to reading a book with Ilsa as the main character.

The cover: I like it!

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a really good beginning to a new series, and I look forward to reading the next book! I highly recommend this book!

The start of a new series is always exciting; especially by authors I already love. So when I picked up the newest release by Mary Connealy I was expecting a fun story.
I did get a fun story, but I struggled to like the heroine. Granted, the author did a wonderful job of bringing the reader into the isolated home of three orphaned sisters who had learned to survive on their own by living off the land. They’d been raised by grandparents who had suffered great loss and instilled a strongly rooted fear of anything beyond their mountain top home. They’d taught them how to hunt, scavenge for food and look for healing plants. The three girls had lost their parents (or at least it was thought they died somewhere below the mountain) and didn’t remember a time when they had been anywhere else.
Our heroine, Jo, is curious, but quite uninformed of life in general. She seemed more like a child than the grown woman of 20 she was supposed to be. Again, I had to remind myself she’d been sheltered her entire life as some of the things she said or did really made no sense. I grew annoyed with her at some points, but could see her sincerity and appetite to learn. The author did a great job with Jo’s point of view, showing the readers Jo’s train of thought in some circumstances.
The Warden family who intrude on the girls’ solitude are a loveable bunch, and reflective of the author’s ability to create likeable and memorable characters. They were a breath of fresh air to Jo’s awkwardness.
The story started out slow for me, but once Mitch Warden entered the scene, the action picked up. His story, I hope, will be featured in the second instalment of The Brides of Hope Mountain, because I really just want to know what he’s all about, and who the two strangers are who showed up at the Warden’s abandoned ranch…
I received an ecopy from the Publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

What do you do when your greatest fear—the outside world—suddenly comes crashing in? That’s the question Jo and her two sisters must answer when rancher Dave and his herd appear on their mountain home’s doorstep. When danger follows Dave, will Jo face her fears and reach out to the newcomers? Or will she and her sisters disappear higher into the mountains they call home?
Connealy does a beautiful job with her characters, especially the three sisters, contrasting their knowledge of all things wild with all that they do not know of the outside world—often with a touch of humor.
I’m assuming this is the first in a series of three—one book for each of the three sisters. And while the romance between Jo and Dave blooms sweetly, I would love to have seen a bit more depth to their relationship. Note that this is not a standalone book as many of the threads are left dangling at the end, which is not a bad thing—it just leaves me eager for the next installment. Aiming for Love is a sweet, weekend read.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Great start to a new series by Mary Connealy. The Nordegren sisters have lived alone in the Colorado mountains for several years since their grandfather's death. When the Warden family intrudes into their mountain territory, the sisters have to learn how to trust outsiders as the sisters use their survival skills to help the Warden family. Romance develops, friendships deepen, and action intertwined together in this wonderful historical fiction.

First in Mary Connealy’s new Brides of Hope Mountain trilogy, Aiming for Love introduces two families but centers on the middle Nordegren sister, Josephine, and the younger Warden son, Dave. When these two people and their families are forced together by the actions of dangerous men, they are all challenged in different ways. And aside from the perilous situations, that is where the fun comes in.

The Nordegren sisters live by the skills and a strict set of rules that have helped them to survive. But living apart from the world on their mountain, their beliefs and behaviors are strange to the newly arrived, practical Wardens. Most endearingly, their strong but slightly off kilter faith.

The Wardens are established ranchers and Dave is very much a younger son. His attraction to Jo is adorably challenging to him and works so well with Connealy’s trademark humor. And while the mountain-wood-fairy-ness of Jo and her sisters is sometimes a bit cloying, they are also a delight. Well, perhaps not oldest sister Ursula, though I suspect her story will turn out to be my favorite of the trilogy.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction filled with faith, humor, cowboys, danger, and slightly but delightfully over the top heroines with mad hunting skills.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

I feel conflicted on this story.

I enjoyed the plot dealing with the family and the sisters isolation. I did not enjoy the "romance". There wasn't anything there really. I mean they kind of went on horse back rides for two weeks getting to know each other but he was basically the first man she has ever met.

I would consider reading more in the series just to find out what becomes of the Warden farm but it almost sounds like they are all just moving up the mountain. It was a quick read so maybe the next books will be quick as well and we can see what happens.

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.

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.

Jo and her sisters have lived in isolation on Hope Mountain in Colorado for their entire lives. They live off the land and what Jo can hunt down. The sisters rely on each other and love each other fiercely. But their quiet existence is shaken up when Dave Warden comes onto their mountain looking for pasture lands for their cows, and then the rest of his family joins him after being driven off of their land. Jo and Dave have a quick connection, but Jo’s sisters, especially the oldest, Ursula, are more leery of the new folks. And when sickness comes, Ursula is determined to isolate herself. Meanwhile, Jo and Dave’s interest grows into love. But can their love survive the fears that Jo and her sisters have lived with their entire lives?

This was my first Mary Connealy book, and I really wanted to like it. The story line was unique and intriguing. The characters were not deep, but they were fun and interesting. However, it was too fast-paced, which led to shallow characters and situations, but at the same time the book was repetitive in that I read the same explanations over and over again. I also had a hard time with believability as, among other things, I’m not sure that three teenage girls could really survive on the mountain and while I get that they are isolated, their ignorance on the ways of the world were, at times, a bit much. I enjoyed Dave and Jo’s relationship, and Dave’s Ma was a delight. Ilsa, Jo’s sister, was also a wonderful character and I would have like to have read more about her—perhaps in a future book in the series. It will be interesting to see how everything pans out. I just wish there had been more to this story, but I still enjoyed reading it and I’m grateful for the chance to review it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely 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.)

This book is cute and I love the descriptions of nature especially in the beginning of the book. I believe I'd be really good for younger girls maybe 10-13 since I feel that s the age displayed by the main character in the writing style. I loved the message. I want to thank Bethany publishing for sending me the book I enjoyed it.

From the striking cover to the unusual setting and characters, Mary Connealy has crafted a fantastic start to her new series, Brides of Hope Mountain. The setting in the wilds of the Colorado Mountains in 1873 got my attention, and the thoughts of three sisters existing on Hope Mountain by themselves—away from civilization with only their pioneering skills to keep them alive—captured my imagination.

In classic Connealy style, the characters are colorful, unique, and so intriguing. Jo Nordegren, the heroine of Aiming for Love, has serious tracking and shooting skills. She’s feisty, competent, and quite sure of herself until she comes up against the Wardens—a family that has had to escape to her mountain. David Warden is a fabulous hero. I love his heart for his family and his care of others. A superb cast of secondary characters makes the story shine. I especially loved Ma Warden with her gutsy outlook on life, her wisdom, and her love of others. Themes of family, helping others, and faith run through the tale and give an added dimension to it.

All in all, it’s a fun and satisfying read with the usual Connealy humor and wit. Be aware, though, that the ending leaves a few loose threads to be continued into the next tale in the series. I’m looking forward to Ilsa’s story and a continuation of the Nordegren sisters’ books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.**

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.

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.

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..

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Aiming for Love " (Bridges of Hope Mountain Book#1 ) by Mary Connealy is a Christian Fiction book. Jo Nordegren and her sisters live in the wild in southern western Colorado. They have learned how to live off the land and protect themselves. When David Warden shows up with his herd and his family how will they get along with the Nordegren's? This book shows how the Nodegren's survived living on the land. The book is creatively written and shows what life is like for these people . I liked the character descriptions. I was given this book from netgalley and the publisher to read and review this book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book. I am not obligated to give a positive review.