Gingham Mountain

I had so much fun reading Gingham Mountain. I keep coming back to Grant’s crowded little house and those children who needed someone to love them, protect them, and not give up on them.

I loved knowing Mary Connealy drew part of this story from her own childhood in a tiny farmhouse full of children. That made Grant’s house feel even more real to me. I could picture those children spilling outside because there was hardly room inside.

Grant Cooper has taken in a house full of children because he knows what it feels like to be alone and unwanted. His home is not fancy or quiet, but it is full of love.

Then Hannah Cartwright comes charging in with her lioness heart, ready to protect those children from anyone who might hurt them. I loved show more that about her. She does not understand Grant at first, and he certainly does not understand her, but they are both trying to save children from pain they know all too well.

One line that I’ll never forget that was spoken during an impactful scene: “The devil is who torments good folks in the night. He whispers doubt in your ear.”

Such incredible truth in that quote. These children have been hurt. Grant has been hurt. Hannah has been hurt. And the enemy would love to use fear, anger, bitterness, and old wounds to keep everyone apart and isolated. But this story continually showed something better. So much better!

That is what made this story so very special to me.

There is plenty of Mary Connealy cowboy chaos, and Grant and Hannah made me laugh so many times. Their banter. Their differences. Their complete inability to calmly figure each other out and share the same space. It was great.

But underneath the fun is a story about loneliness, courage, faith, and love that makes room for the ones who need it most.

I loved Grant’s tender heart and Hannah’s fierce courage. I loved that the children were not just tucked into the story for sweetness. They were the reason so much mattered.

Family is not always quiet or tidy. Sometimes it is noisy and crowded. But when love is rooted in Jesus, it is held together by an amazing love that keeps making room for others.

Gingham Mountain was a joy to experience!

I received a digital copy of Gingham Mountain from Celebrate Lit. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less

Wow! This is the best from Mary Connealy yet, and quite possibly the best book I have ever read (under 300 pages). You have to understand... This is one of those books that you read when you have some time by yourself. First off is the matter of time, because once you start I promise it is impossible if not painful to put it down. Then, secondly, by yourself because otherwise you are going to be quite embarrassed by the looks that you will earn. I read it with only my two cats nearby and they still looked at me as if I were crazed. *snicker* Upon starting the story there are a couple little giggles, but shortly there after they turn in to little chuckles, and then every once in a while a snicker. Once, finally it is under hand, then show more comes the shaking silent laughs that turn to out right snorts. Once you are sure that nothing could make you laugh anymore and you are fully in control of your senses, well then she goes and causes laugh out loud gasping and crying from laughter tears. Covering your mouth and slapping the desk as a reader you are stuck with the amount of pure glee and humor that your body has endured. With that said, I guess I should not be surprised. Not at all really. "Petticoat Ranch"(Book #1) was everything that a good historical fiction should be, and I'm glad to have read it. I so feel for the characters, they are completely real to me, and I'm fully on their side! When I first read it, I said this book was incredible. I cannot count the times that I giggled, or rolled my eyes. I am quite unsure of how many times I snickered and had a little evil laugh, feeling I'm sure the emotions of Sophie and her girls. In all cases, it was plenty, and I definitely was smiling through out the novel. As much as I enjoyed book #1, "Calico Canyon" (Book #2) was ever so much better! It started with a character that I was not found of from book one, and by chapter three I was swearing loyalty to her and wishing her well. So far, everything that I have read by Mary has been a complete success in my mind, and I cannot wait to read more! Not only are her stories a good laugh, but they contain such heart beating romance that you blush and giggle with the emotions going through the characters as they trip over themselves in pure beginning steps of love. The bad guys are horrors, and you are almost screaming aloud for justice to be seen. Hardships of real life are touched on in the stories and lessons and the heart of Christ come through in the characters. Earnestly, I cannot recommend the books and their stories strongly enough! show less

What a beautiful story that illustrates unconditional love. I enjoyed reading about orphans and the hardships they endure. It is hard to imagine children traveling by train from town to town hoping someone would take them in. The hero in this story is definitely Grant.

Grant has a big heart for orphans and takes them in even though he is a bachelor. Some think he shouldn’t be taking in these children because he is a man but if they only took time to talk to him they would know how dedicated he is. His past certainly shapes how he treats others and is fiercely protective of the children he takes in. I love how they pitch in and do chores and watch out for each other. His faith is deep and knows that God will provide for him and his show more family. I love how selfless he is and does without so the children are feed, clothed and have a safe home.

Hannah is desperate to find a job and get away from her painful past. Her clothes are barely hanging on her but she continues to look for work and a place to stay. Being hired as a teacher in the small town gives her hope. I like how she becomes very interested in her students needs. Her first encounter with Grant was not very pleasant. Hannah judged him instantly and throughout the story she tries to discredit him. We soon realize that her past causes her to be overly cautious with the orphan children.

The story also explores greed and how far someone is willing to go to prosper from their evil plan. We are witnesses to how cruel people were in the story when it came to children of color. Oh how I wanted to go scream at a few members of the town. Their prejudge exposes how prideful they are.

The author does an amazing job of showing unconditional love, healing, forgiveness and a beautiful story of redemption. Two people with similar pasts face danger as they slowly learn to trust each other. High praises for a story rich in how God wants us to treat others.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy is a fun little afternoon read. The book follows the journey of sharp-tongued Hannah Cartwright after she arrives in a small Texas town on a train carrying two orphans. When the two orphans are adopted by local rancher named Grant, she takes it upon herself to make sure they are not mistreated while also signing up to be the local school teacher. Clashes of personality and romance ensue.

Immediately after reading the first few chapters, the average reader will know the way the book just has to turn out, but they will keep reading anyway for the pure fun of the journey.

The journey is extraordinary with this volume. It is part inspiration, part romance, part suspense, always entertaining. I came into show more Gingham Mountain having not read the two previous Lassoed in Texas titles and had no trouble diving right into the story.

It is a highly recommended jaunty book. While you will not leave the reading dazzled by the book's literary merits, you will most assuredly leave with an exceedingly happy heart. show less

How much does your past affect what you think and do?

Grant, as an orphan, had a brief time of being adopted before he was again alone. Knowing how it feels, was always at the depot when the orphan train arrived as Sour Springs was the last stop. After that, they had to return to New York. His solution - adopt all who were still available, regardless of age or ability. Hannah tried to help the other orphans the abusive man took in, making them slaves. Hopping the train was the only way out, only to find Grant at the end of the line, who must be taking these children and making them slaves.

What a wonderful story of overcoming your past, working through misunderstandings and learning that the world is not the horrid place you thought it show more was. This reprint was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. show less

Wow! This is the best from Mary Connealy yet, and quite possibly the best book I have ever read (under 300 pages). You have to understand... This is one of those books that you read when you have some time by yourself. First off is the matter of time, because once you start I promise it is impossible if not painful to put it down. Then, secondly, by yourself because otherwise you are going to be quite embarrassed by the looks that you will earn. I read it with only my two cats nearby and they still looked at me as if I were crazed. *snicker*

Upon starting the story there are a couple little giggles, but shortly there after they turn in to little chuckles, and then every once in a while a snicker. Once, finally it is under hand, then show more comes the shaking silent laughs that turn to out right snorts. Once you are sure that nothing could make you laugh anymore and you are fully in control of your senses, well then she goes and causes laugh out loud gasping and crying from laughter tears. Covering your mouth and slapping the desk as a reader you are stuck with the amount of pure glee and humor that your body has endured.

With that said, I guess I should not be surprised. Not at all really.

Petticoat Ranch (Book #1) was everything that a good historical fiction should be, and I'm glad to have read it. I so feel for the characters, they are completely real to me, and I'm fully on their side! When I first read it, I said this book was incredible. I cannot count the times that I giggled, or rolled my eyes. I am quite unsure of how many times I snickered and had a little evil laugh, feeling I'm sure the emotions of Sophie and her girls. In all cases, it was plenty, and I definitely was smiling through out the novel. As much as I enjoyed book #1, Calico Canyon (Book #2) was ever so much better! It started with a character that I was not found of from book one, and by chapter three I was swearing loyalty to her and wishing her well.

So far, everything that I have read by Mary has been a complete success in my mind, and I cannot wait to read more! Not only are her stories a good laugh, but they contain such heart beating romance that you blush and giggle with the emotions going through the characters as they trip over themselves in pure beginning steps of love. The bad guys are horrors, and you are almost screaming aloud for justice to be seen. Hardships of real life are touched on in the stories and lessons and the heart of Christ come through in the characters.

Earnestly, I cannot recommend the books and their stories strongly enough! show less

Another treasure of a story. It will make you laugh - hard, tear up, feel frustrated and angry and all because of the wonderful characters who will positively melt your heart. This is another special book that you're sure to love and treasure, and want to read the rest in the series.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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