Takeover Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Toward the Dawn 

Series: A Western Light #2 

Author: Mary Connealy 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. 

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

My Review

The journey continues with Kat and Sebastian going stir-crazy in the safety of the isolated canyon with their friends, and with the convenience of trains they are able to travel from city to city, getting married, establishing a homestead, building a lab for Sebastian's inventions, and tracking down the mystery of who is after them. We have some sections from the perspective of some of the villains- Ginny's vengeful husband and Kat's greedy uncle, but are kept in suspense to discover who is after Sebastian and his inventions. I enjoyed Kat and Sebastian getting to know each other more and figuring out how to have a good marriage. I wasn't feeling much chemistry between them since they are both pragmatic and tend to state and restate their situation to each other, and there wasn't much depth to their emotions, especially romantically. The plot is definitely driven by the action and tension building from the dangerous villains seeking Kat, Sebastian, and those in the canyon. Another asylum escapee reappears and the third perspective is from those in the canyon trying to rehabilitate her. Quite a bit going on which kept the pace steady and accelerating toward an exciting finish.

 Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

More Books from this Series

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About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron's Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Connect with Mary by visiting MaryConnealy.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Toward the Dawn and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 3, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Tour & Review: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

My Review

There's something about this story that really resonated with me. I feel like the author was intentional and thoughtful with the themes and difficulties of the characters and the era. The railroads have made travel to the West more accessible and swift, and the wagon trains are tapering off. It provides Beth and her mother an opportunity to hide in plain sight as her father assumes they would escape via rail travel. I enjoyed the people they meet and become close to on their journey, and loved the way Oscar, a former employee, showed his loyalty and decency by aiding Beth in her plans and supporting them on the trail. Jake and Beth have great chemistry, and their relationship and romance developed slowly and naturally as they work together through all the obstacles along the way. There is anticipation of an impending altercation as Beth's father closes in and we have some passages from his villainous perspective. Overall, the pace is steady and I appreciated the character growth as well as the details of the journey. I look forward to continuing the story with the next book, following Sebastian, a mysterious inventor they rescued and brought on the trail, and Kat, who escaped the asylum with Beth's mother.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next book in A Western Light series . . .

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's daughters, and has many other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads

PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON

"Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."— Sophia Rose, The Reading Frenzy

5 STARS "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, Fostering Literacy

 

5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, Christian Books and Coffee

Review: Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that's happening on her successful ranch, which makes her foreman Nate Paxton's admission to her quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate--a former U.S. Marshal--believes that Becky's ranch might be the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base and hideout.

The timing couldn't be more crucial for the growing town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels a commitment to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she's never liked giving up control--of her life or her ranch. Again and again, Nate's proven himself to her and she soon realizes that if there's anyone she can trust with her ranch--and her heart--it might be him. But the outlaws won't go quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

My Review

This third book in the Wyoming Sunrise series wraps up the overarching plot of the outlaws targeting local citizens with Becky and Nate working together with the marshals to draw them in. Nate's hidden identity as a marshal takes Becky off-guard, but it adds to her admiration of him, even when they disagree. I loved that the main characters from the previous books play important roles, and Becky's friendship with Nell and Mariah is steadfast. Women's suffrage is a theme throughout the series, with Wyoming being the first state to allow women the vote and to hold offices. They are pretty proud of it, and I liked the historical details. Brand's daughter Samantha and her new role provides some comic relief, and I hope to see her with a story of her own in a future novella! I was happy to see the community band together to defeat the criminals and stand up for peace and freedom.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the previous books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Review: The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If widowed town seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might lose her mind. So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower father struggling to raise three girls, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls, and Nell finally has a chance to both create beautiful dresses and teach the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the unique legal and investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover why there seems to be a bull's-eye on their backs.

My Review

My favorite of the series! I loved Nell in the first book and it was eye-opening to learn her backstory and all she's been through. Her experiences prepared her to really help her friends and the town, leading her on a path she never considered. The exasperated attitude she has about making money hand over fist sewing cowboy chaps rather than dresses is hilarious, but there's such demand she can't give it up. She is sensitive and compassionate to Brand's daughters and their needs, figuring a way for them to help each other rather than take pity on them with charity. The danger from the first book continues with the stage-robbing outlaws on the loose, and the author's trademark action, suspense, faith, and humor complement rather than compete with the romantic relationship that develops between Nell and Brand. I felt connected to them and their emotions which made for a rather satisfying reading experience!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Review: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's on, killing her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith business and attempts to move forward, the old-fashioned townspeople meet her new occupation with disdain.

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to Western Wyoming from the painful memories he left back east. In the hope of a new life, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with a harsh welcome from the townsfolk who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the similar trials they face in a new town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

My Review

I'm always taken back to the vibe of my dad's old Louis L'Amour books when I start a new Western series by Mary Connealy. Granted, I enjoy that her heroines play a more central role and romance is a key component, but the setting, adventure, suspense, dry humor, and strong characters full of grit make these books impossible to resist. I love that Mariah keeps running her father's blacksmith shop, and Clint is a gourmet chef bringing flavor to the small town. There is some unrequited love, some forced proximity, and plenty of intrigue as they try to protect themselves against unknown villains. Not all answers are found, which continues part of the plot throughout the series, connecting the books.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Review: Too Far Down by Mary Connealy

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them.
Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he's honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.
 

Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassoes than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She's determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that's threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm's way be more dangerous than anyone expected?

My Review

Finally all the answers are revealed in this last book of the Cimarron Legacy series! What made this book different from the previous is that we not only get Cole and Mel's perspectives, we also get the villain's point of view a few times throughout the book. There seemed to be more talking and less adventure, despite the mine explosions. I was also looking forward to Cole and Mel developing a romance, but that thread was pretty lacking. Plot took center stage, and while it was good to see the Bodens reunited, I was disappointed that Cole and Mel didn't have more special moments together.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in The Cimarron Legacy series . . .

Review: Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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

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

My Review

It had been a while since I read the first book in the Cimarron Legacy series, but the author did a good job of catching me up, woven into the action-filled beginning, right where the previous book left off. This time we get the perspective of Justin and Angie as they work with the other Bodens and friends to solve the mysterious attacks on their family. There is quite a lot of investigation mixed in with various attempts on the lives of Justin, Cole and Sadie. Their parents Chance and Ronnie are in Denver while Chance recovers from his broken leg, and letters fly back and forth as they are updated on the danger. More leads are opened up and bad guys taken down, but the big picture answers are saved for the third and final book.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in The Cimarron Legacy series . . .