| 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.
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Release Date: March 10, 2026
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My Review
Sparks and bullets fly when they join forces....
I'm a fan of Mary Connealy from way back and I've enjoyed every one of her series that I've read. Petticoat Ranch is the start of a new series, Petticoats And Cowboys, and I was excited to head back to Texas with her.
Petticoat Ranch had everything that I've come to expect from Mary Connealy including humor and and some good edge-of-your-seat moments. There were also some surprises along the way – particularly the unexpected answers to a woman's prayers – that were interesting and kept me turning those pages.
Sophie and her girls were such a delight to read about, though I must admit that all of their giggling and crying made my imaginative 'ears' almost as tired as they did poor Clay's fictional ones. But, they also had an amusing vicious streak that made me laugh out loud more than once. Clay, however, made me mad. His high-handed ways and bullheadedness drove me crazy. Just as I was hopping mad, about halfway or so through the first Petticoats And Cowboys book, I had a sudden realization. My high emotions over a fictional character was really a testament to just how well Mary Connealy had written him to be. And I was impressed by just how quickly and easily she had gained every bit of my attention.
Petticoat Ranch was a good read. While, I may have been annoyed by a certain character, I still couldn't really put it down since I just HAD to know what would happen next. I do think this was a strong start to the Petticoats And Cowboys series and I am looking forward to reading book two....
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.
I'm a fan of Mary Connealy from way back and I've enjoyed every one of her series that I've read. Petticoat Ranch is the start of a new series, Petticoats And Cowboys, and I was excited to head back to Texas with her.
Petticoat Ranch had everything that I've come to expect from Mary Connealy including humor and and some good edge-of-your-seat moments. There were also some surprises along the way – particularly the unexpected answers to a woman's prayers – that were interesting and kept me turning those pages.
Sophie and her girls were such a delight to read about, though I must admit that all of their giggling and crying made my imaginative 'ears' almost as tired as they did poor Clay's fictional ones. But, they also had an amusing vicious streak that made me laugh out loud more than once. Clay, however, made me mad. His high-handed ways and bullheadedness drove me crazy. Just as I was hopping mad, about halfway or so through the first Petticoats And Cowboys book, I had a sudden realization. My high emotions over a fictional character was really a testament to just how well Mary Connealy had written him to be. And I was impressed by just how quickly and easily she had gained every bit of my attention.
Petticoat Ranch was a good read. While, I may have been annoyed by a certain character, I still couldn't really put it down since I just HAD to know what would happen next. I do think this was a strong start to the Petticoats And Cowboys series and I am looking forward to reading book two....
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
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.
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.
 Mary Connealy | 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! |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
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Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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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
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