Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

 

About the Book

Book: Petticoat Ranch

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West. 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

 

More from Mary

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Holly’s Book Corner, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Jodie Wolfe, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Devoted To Hope, March 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1

Vicky Sluiter, April 2

Sydney Schmied Books, April 2

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Labor Not in Vain , April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/0Pzml/petticoat-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Bible Companion Book 7 Proverbs-Song of Songs by Karen Westbrook Moderow

 

About the Book

Book: The Bible Companion Book 7 Proverbs-Song of Songs

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: September 6, 2025

Are you disappointed with life?

The Bible Companion Book 7 helps you reconcile the realities of life with the promises of God. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible study.

In the Books of Wisdom, God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. These books reveal a God concerned not only about our minds and bodies, but also our emotions. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs bridge the gap between life as we hoped it would be and life as it is. If you struggle with your life’s circumstances, The Bible Companion Book 7 will help you find guidance, comfort, and strength in the poetry of men and women who searched for God in the dark and found Him.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

"The Bible Companion Book 7 Proverbs-Song of Songs: Journey Through Scripture One Day at a Time " by Karen Westbrook Modero is a great study guide to these Bible books. There are many good scriptural insights in this book.  Each chapter is highlighted with its main point and other information. I think this would be a great way to learn about what the Bible says for someone just starting to read the Bible and always a review for all believers and someone searching to believe. I really enjoy having these books read to me on audiobooks. I have book 1,2,5, 6, 7. I am going to get books 3 and 4 as soon as I am able. I believe these books can be used more than once because each time you read the Bible you have new insights. These Books also included other verses that enforces what the author is trying to teach us in each book. 

There is a companion thought after each chapter which is really thoughtful questions and there is a suggested plan for a small group study. 

I want to get all the books that are in this series, which is nine, but I am hoping that that author writes more. I will really like a book like this on all the books of the Bible. 

I really recommend that everyone get this book and the rest of the series, I mean how can you go wrong study the Bible. I do want to stress that these books should enrich your study not replace reading The Bible as well. 

I was given a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen

The Promise Box

My mother had an intricately carved wooden box approximately 4” x 3” that was passed down to her by her mother. It was called a Promise Box and held 150 small cards in assorted colors. One side had a Scripture verse, the other a prayer. Most of the verses came from Proverbs.

The Promise Box was always kept in place we passed many times a day. A place where we’d be sure to see it and be enticed to pull a card. I’d lift the lid and breathe in the musty smell of years gone by then choose a card, eager to see what message from God awaited me. The limp cards with their faded colors told me I wasn’t the first.

My mother’s Promise Box had belonged to her mother. When my mother-in-law died, I received the Promise Box that had belonged to her grandmother. By then the metal box engraved with an intricate family scene had seen better days. The hinges had broken apart. The once shiny box had darkened to near black. But I couldn’t part with it. It had to be more than 150 years old. I couldn’t help but wonder how many times those who owned it reached for a word from the Lord to get them through their day.

Most had lost children. They depended on God for daily bread literally as the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl took their family members and livelihoods. As an adult, I understood that we aren’t to treat the promises of God like fortune cookies we hope will bring us good luck. A daily visit to the Promise Box doesn’t substitute for time spent with God in prayer and His Word but it has value. The Promise Box reminds us that God is not only in the church, He is in our homes. He wants us to see Him, to reach for Him, and rely on His promises. If a little box nudges us to look to Him with expectation., then it is not only a gift we should treasure, but a treasure we should pass on.

Norma’s Promise Box

 

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 19

Girls in White Dresses, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Lots of Helpers, March 25

Cover Lover Book Review, March 26

Books Less Travelled, March 27 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 28

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 29

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, March 30

Mary Hake, March 31

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/Y0MR0/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-celebration-tour-giveaway

Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary by Tony Stoltzfus

 

About the Book

Book: Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary

Author: Tony Stoltzfus

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: October  3, 2025

At the very edge of heaven, beyond pain and death, the Great Leap waits for you…

Dive in with physicist Amanda for a full-on immersion in a breathtaking, mind-bending new world that’s far, far better than you ever imagined! Gravity is optional, so you can fly. Mistakes are impossible, because evil no longer exists. Time is swallowed in the Eternal Now where you never miss out or run short of time. And an intimacy and acceptance we can only dream of on earth is present with everyone you meet, from the very first moment.

And heaven’s God is gloriously, ridiculously good—as comfortable and accessible as your best friend, completely satisfied in you, yet so big that you’ll never run out of adventure, wonder and delight. Marrying scripture, near-death experiences and physics, this profound journey of imagination will transport you into an eternity you’ll never forget.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

I wish I could say that I liked the book "Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary" by Tony Stoltzfus but I really didn't. I know the book is fiction, but it was filled with things that just didn't resonate with me. I haven't finished the book in it entirely yet, but I feel pretty confident in saying that there  are two things that I really liked about this book, there  was wasn't any curse words and there wasn't any bedroom scenes which I realized the book is not that type of book but that is why I'm giving this book three stars. I also like that the book does stress that Jesus is always with us even we can't see or feel him. This book deals with many subjects like grief and unforgiveness and forgiveness and others. While reading some of the scenes I have to say my heart was happy for Amanda, so it isn't like I totally disliked this book just not a favorite one. 

I received a complimentary copy from by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Tony Stoltzfus is the author of 21 books on coaching, life and leadership, including the best-selling Coaching Questions (over 200,000 sold). His latest is Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary—a full-on immersion into life in heaven.

His specialty over 25 years as a professional coach is working with ‘senior leaders in painful transitions’, helping them find the goodness of God in the midst of suffering. He’s had plenty of opportunities to meet God in his own adversities, including betrayals, losing access to his life’s work, depression, a home burning down in a forest fire, and more. His message through it all is, “there is nothing that can happen to you that God won’t make something beautiful of.”

Tony has launched or co-launched several coach training organizations, including Leadership MetaFormation and Coaching Mission International. He has trained and certified thousands of Christian coaches, and been recognized by CCNI for pioneering contributions to the Christian coaching field. He is the developer of the Encounter Coaching approach, which transforms the emotional brain by making Jesus a live participant in the coaching conversation.

Tony lives in Redding, CA with his wonderful wife of 37 years, a dog that is a sucking void of emotional need, and a constantly-breaking sprinkler system.

More from Tony

“If people could spend just one day in heaven, they’d give anything to go back…”

Sounds right, doesn’t it? Then what would it take for people to have that experience on earth (without, of course, the messy detail of having to die in the process)?

The surprising key is in that word, ‘experience.’ Experience is the realm of your emotional brain. That side of you that thinks in pictures, stories, and feelings—not in sterile words and detached, rational concepts. Give people a story that transports them to heaven, that lets them feel timelessness, soar in the gravity-optional skies of the Beautiful Land or fall into the all-encompassing embrace of the lover of their soul, and maybe, just maybe, they’d give up anything to go!

The book, Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary, is that story. Join physicist Amanda as she finds herself on the other side, in an astonishing, mind-bending universe where evil has been so completely stamped out that no one remembers it ever existed. In this world built of light, gravity is optional—you can sky-dive without a parachute. Conversations are spirit-to-spirit, with no chance of misunderstanding. You travel at the speed of thought. And heaven’s extra dimensions let Jesus be everywhere at once—so you never have to wait to spend time with him!

For those who’ve experienced loss or grief in this life, it’s a heaven that holds the power to make ALL things well. You’ll weep with Amanda as the devastation of losing both parents as a teen is brought to light; but then rejoice when the Man of Light enters every painful memory, washing her heart clean. You’ll see how prayers and acts of kindness done in secret echo down through generations, joining all of us in a Great Tapestry of connections. Meet the mother of an autistic child, and see how the great sacrifices that circumstance drew from her made them both Great Ones in heaven. Learn how Jesus worked behind the scenes to make the man who betrayed Amanda’s father into one of his dearest friends.

And when Amanda learns that her mom has chosen not to come, discover how heaven makes even THAT well.

And yet this heaven is still, always, more! Join a flash-mob gathered to revel in unrestricted joy. Breathe under water in the River of Life. Garden with an angel, and make a plant grow simply by speaking to it. Travel through time to relive any memory in your life, whenever you want.

Heaven is beyond comprehension—but not beyond imagination! And when we give ourselves permission to imagine the unthinkable, the seed of heaven gets lodged deeply in our hearts.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 13 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, March 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 15 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Blossoms and Blessings, March 20 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 21 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Books, Books, & More Books, March 23 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Tony is giving away the grand prize of a $150 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/FRl5c/heaven-experience-the-extraordinary-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Prayer Ministry (in daily blog form) by Anita Higman

About the Ministry

Book: My Prayer Ministry (in daily blog form)

Author: Anita Higman

Genre: Daily Scriptures, Prayers, and Questions for Pondering

My latest endeavor is not a book, but a prayer ministry in blog form, which is entitled, JourneyWomanPrayers. Please feel free to drop by my website at anitahigman.com and check out my free miniblog of daily prayers, scriptures, and questions for pondering. If you would like to receive future prayers straight to your inbox, you may subscribe to them on my website.

About the Author

Anita Higman—an award-winning and bestselling author from Texas—has authored or coauthored fifty-plus books, and she has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. A few of Anita’s favorite things are fairytale castles, antiquing, exotic teas, gardening, being with her family and friends, and, of course, her daily visits with Jesus.

Anita’s latest endeavor is a prayer ministry entitled, JourneyWomanPrayers. Please feel free to drop by her website at anitahigman.com and check out her free miniblog of daily prayers, scriptures, and questions for pondering. If you would like to receive future prayers straight to your inbox, you may subscribe to them on her website.

 

More from Anita

Beginnings….

Some might wonder why I chose to start a prayer blog entitled, JourneyWomanPrayers. Well, I guess you could say I fell off a cliff. Not literally, but sometimes the tumult of these past few years has felt like a wild freefall—a crazy journey—and the world still feels that way!

As I see ongoing global chaos, violence, fear, and loneliness, my prayer life has become more raw and real than ever before. I no longer come to the foot of the cross with a list; I come with a soul ready to listen. Since sometimes it’s hard to know truth from lies in our world, I’m hungrier than ever for God’s truth. As I watch the culture collapse, social media explode, and our nation divide, the need becomes greater in me for those quiet waters and green pastures—and those daily visits with Jesus. He will lead me to what is tranquil, genuine, and hope-filled—what is redemptive, miraculous, and eternal.

And then I thought, “I wonder if these ongoing prayers would resonate with anyone else?” And so, that it is how JourneyWomanPrayers came to be born. Please join me, and together we will pray, and we will dance this sacred dance with God…

Anita Higman

Here is a sample of the journey ! 

Those Onery Weights

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Dear Jesus, today I feel heavy—like I am dragging around a bag of rocks and maybe a few lawn

chairs too! Even though I’d like to blame all my miseries on the shortcomings of other people, I

know that some of these onery weights come from me. So, I confess my sins, and I am sorry.

Make all things right between us again. I want to walk with You—fervent, and Spirit-filled, and

free…

Questions for Pondering…

Why do I sometimes hesitate to confess my sins?

What sin am I dealing with right now—one that I have yet to bring before the Lord?

https://anitahigman.com/those-onery-weights/

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25

Stories By Gina, March 26 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, March 27

Fiction Book Lover, March 28

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 29

The Bookish Ledger, March 30

The Quiet Bookmark, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anita is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/Ubd8Z/my-prayer-ministry-in-daily-blog-form-celebration-tour-giveaway