Woman of Sunlight is the second book in Mary Connealy's Brides of Hope Mountain series and I am looking forward to the next one! Definitely could be read as a stand alone but reading the first book in the series, Aiming for Love, will add interest to the characters and more background information to the story. Connealy has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book. I was hooked from the beginning as the action starts right up and continues through the story, always keeping the reader wondering how in the world will things work out now. The characters are unique and likable. It was interesting to see the world of the 1870s from Ilsa's eyes. Ilsa is a young woman who has never been off the mountain and is now traveling to cities with tall buildings and lots of people. As she and Mitch, a man running from his past encounter one difficulty after another, think danger, suspense, and romance and you have a recipe for an entertaining story. Woman of Sunlight is a captivating tale of family and faith, courage and love. Readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss this story. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

This book was...interesting...once the story got going, I somewhat enjoyed it, but for the first several chapters, I felt like I was missing half of the story. I don’t know if this is a sequel or not, but there seemed to be a lot of backstory that the reader should have known, but it was never mentioned in this book.

Ilsa and Mitch were a very unlikely couple at first - in fact, Mitch didn’t even seem to like her much before they had to get married. There just wasn’t a whole lot of depth to any of the characters, so i wasn’t all that emotionally invested in this story. Parts of it were entertaining, but this story just wasn’t for me.

First, Woman of Sunlight definitely qualifies on all counts as one of the most funny light hearted books I’ve read in recent years.

Ilsa’s inner commentary is very funny, and her perspective makes you think. First, she’s suddenly around 1 family from down below, with their ranch hands. Then, they go down to the “BIG CITY” of Bucksnort. What’s she gonna think when they reach Denver, or Chicago?

I really appreciated her ability to trust Mitch’s leading in the wholly unfamiliar environment down below. She knows she’s out of her depth, and trusts him to a, not lose her, and b, keep her safe.

Mitch, too, learns to trust her instincts and skills as a mountain woman who’s been around predatory animals forever. He’s able to accept her ability to translate that skill to be used against the men hunting them. It doesn’t come easy for him, but he does. I can respect that.

Woman of Sunlight follows the youngest Nordegren sister as she leaves her mountain home for the first time. Ilsa and her two sisters lived alone on the mountain until the Warden family invaded their refuge. Book one, Aiming for Love, of the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy tells that story. The danger brought by the elder Warden brother in the first book continues in Woman of Sunlight. And once again, Ilsa and Mitch are most at risk for losing their lives.

I loved Ilsa’s character! At first this young woman with healing knowledge looks at the outside world with wide-eyed wonder. But it’s not just her innocence that gets her into trouble. It’s her brazen wildness that knows no fear, only freedom. She feels intensely and when those feelings are turned on Mitch, he is captured in her snare.

Mitch Warden isn’t the most likable character in Aiming for Love. However, as we see him grow both personally and in his feelings for Ilsa, we see a depth about him that makes him grow in esteem. He’s a strong character who is not afraid to match Ilsa’s wildness, even when it gets him into a situation for which he wasn’t prepared.

When I read the first book, Aiming for Love, I wished for a better story. However, the characters fascinated me enough that I wanted to see what became of them next. I’m so glad I did! Woman of Sunlight was much better than Aiming for Love. Perhaps Ilsa’s character swept me away. Perhaps this Chicagoland girl liked seeing a post-fire Chicago. Or perhaps the dynamic between Mitch and Ilsa made for great entertainment.

If you’re looking for an historical novel with unusual characters and a lot of danger, definitely check out Woman of Sunlight. I certainly enjoyed it.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Woman of Sunlight is a fascinating look at what happens when a complete innocent goes from seclusion to city life.

Isla has been isolated at the top of her mountain in Colorado for all her life. Until one day, Mitch returns from making his fortune, but has killers on his tail. After Isla saves him the pair head down to the small town below. Then fate steps in, and the pair are forced to marry.

Mitch never expected to find love like he feels for Isla. She’s a woman who dresses like Robin Hood and swings from trees like Tarzan. As he watched with amazement, Isla adapts quickly. She goes from terror at a train whistle to astonished by the amenities of a city the size of Chicago. Most impressively, however, is the way she saves his life several times.

The real question, is whether, when the killers are brought to justice and the true villain behind the attempt is unmasked, if the pair can risk their hearts on each other.

Woman of Sunlight is entertaining and intriguing with up-close glimpses at life in post-fire Chicago and on a secluded mountain in Colorado.

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I've been awaiting the second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series. This one did not disappoint. Mary Connealy writes witty, romantic fiction in every novel she writes.

Ilsa Nordegren is a pixie-ish dynamo, picture a petite Scarlett Johansen with her mettle and defensive prowess as Black Widow. She pairs effortlessly with Mitch Warden who reminds me of another superhero whom I won't name. He's bold, yet caring, adventurous yet longs to be near his loving family. Aah, refreshing.

These characters, the unbridled suspense placed in this novel with the strong line of faith mixed in as well are a home run.

Another one's coming in this series, and I'll be impatiently waiting until it arrives : )

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.

Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy continues her Brides of Hope Mountain series with the focus on Ilsa Nordegren. The first installment of Ms. Connealy's series, Aiming for Love, shattered the Nordegren's world as they knew it, bringing in the Warden family and their troubles. To get a better backstory for this second book, I would definitely recommend reading Aiming for Love before picking up Woman of Sunlight.  Ilsa is the youngest of the Nordegren sisters whom have been sheltered from the rest of the 1870s western world by living in a cabin on the top of Hope Mountain in Colorado. Ilsa is naive in her knowledge of the rest of the world, but she has thrived in her life, learning the benefits of nature in exploring the outdoors as well as learning how to use herbs and natural products to help with sicknesses and healing.  However, Ilsa wants to explore the world and sees now as her only chance to see it. 

Mitch Warden has recently returned to his family's homestead out west from his businesses and troubles out in New York. Mitch can't seem to put aside his arguments and verbal sparring with Ilsa, the lovely young woman, who seem as wild as the land she lives in, even though Ilsa had saved his life.  Mitch and his family have to deal with many dangers, but first need to reclaim their land and deal with the troublemakers trying to attack their family. The Warden's journey back to civilization leads to more risks and dangerous situations that leave the Nordegren sisters also tangled up in their mess. Mitch realizes that he has even more of a target on his back from his troubles out east, which leads to more danger and mystery.  

I greatly enjoyed this sweet and captivating tale of Ms. Connealy (as I have enjoyed all of her other works). Ms. Connealy has a knack for weaving tales of faith, courage, and adventure with such heartfelt love, strong characters, and hilarious situations. Ilsa's character brought such joy, life, and freshness to the story, giving Mitch much annoyance and humor. I appreciated Ilsa's joy, love for the outdoors, her loyalty, and her fierce strength. I also appreciated Mitch's gentleness, strength, humility, and respect for his friends and family as well as his dedication to truth, justice, and faith. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Woman of Sunlight and I think it actually exceeded my expectations. I had enjoyed the first book of this series, but I think that this one was even better. I hope you get the chance to read Woman of Sunlight ...I know you'll enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

I love the unusual characters and circumstances in Mary Connealy's stories! The narrative and conversations are always laced with such humor! There are so many quotable passages it's difficult to not pick them all!

The Nordegren sisters' unique upbringing and circumstances made them appear quite eccentric to outsiders. Their fear of outsiders bringing in sickness. Their ability to blend into the wilderness like feral animals. Their ignorance of the ways of the world. Their misconception about just how many Bibles there are. . .

As the Brides of Hope Mountain series continues, Ilsa ends up getting a chance to see the world, following Mitch, under circumstances she hadn't expected, to cities and towns with more people she had ever dreamed possible. Her reactions were so funny, which seemed reasonable for a woman who had never seen more than four people in the same place in her life. Until the Wardens came to their valley.

I especially loved the way Mitch reacted to Ilsa's quirks. How he began to realize that he didn't want to change her, to mold her into a "proper" lady. He even got to the point of trusting her instincts and allowing her to use her abilities in ways that would have threatened many men.

Ilsa had the same struggles as Jo did in Aiming for Love related to their misconception that Aesop's Fables was "the other Bible". Mitch was appalled by this at the start and was not quiet in his correction. And yet he began to realize that his approach to correcting her wasn't exactly helping. I liked the method he finally ended up employing to help her see the truth.

I also loved that the name of Jesus was mentioned. So many of the Christian fiction stories I've read lately refer to God and Lord but few actually proclaim the beautiful name of my Savior. He was presented as the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost. And salvation was proclaimed. Yay!

One mystery presented in Aiming for Love was solved here, that of who it was that sought to have Mitch killed. The mystery regarding the man attempting to steal the Circle Dash ranch remains unsolved. Wax's was revealed a bit more, enticing me to want to read the next book in the series when it comes out. Which I hope is soon! I'm very curious to find out if my theory on something I think will happen is correct.

If you have not yet read, Aiming for Love, you'll want to read that first. The stories in this series build on one another. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a series you won't want to skip!

Cute, fun, adventurous, book two in series.
We enjoy Mitch and Isla's story here. Isla is the family healer. Isla has never been off the mountain. She is shocked when gets to see Chicago. Circumstances require them to get married. Then they have a mystery to solve.
I would definitely read other book first.
Good read

I haven't read a book by Mary Connealy in a few years but this was just as enjoyable as I remember her others to be. I found Ilsa to be enchanting and somewhat reminiscent of Amelia Bedelia in how she takes things quite literally. I liked the humor between her and Mitch along with the romance that blossoms along the way. There was also some excitement and mystery as they travel to Chicago to figure out who's trying to kill Mitch!

This is the second book in the series but I haven't read the first one yet. I thought it stood-alone fine but I'm sure I've missed a lot from not reading Aiming for Love first. I plan to read that before the last of the series comes out in October 2020.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.

Living in the quarantine era, I'm actually enjoying a little slower pace of life and those quiet moments in the evening when I'm able to read. In light of all that's happening in our world right now, this book was just the escape I needed! "Woman of Sunlight" is about love, courage, loyalty, and trusting God in the face of evil and uncertainty. Mitch is not going to sit around and wait for head hunters to take him down...he's going to fight back. In one of those heated battles, he sees the fairy-like Ilsa turn into a force to be reckoned with. She isn't afraid to fight, and is quite good at it, too. I loved the way that Mitch and Ilsa were a pair of warriors, complementing each other in their fierceness and skill. The action scenes were fantastic! I also appreciated how Mitch let go of any reservations he had about trusting Ilsa and learned to work with her as an equal teammate. The romantic tension in Connealy's novels are some of the best there is. The fun banter between characters, their thoughts about the woman or man they are attracted to, little tidbits here and there that hint at what's going on after the "fade to black"...love it all! Connealy really captures the passion perfectly. Ilsa's journey is probably my favorite. Due to her isolation, she hasn't had the opportunities to learn about things most people take for granted. Her determination to keep learning and understanding, and Mitch's patience in teaching her, really made me think. I'm a teacher, and sometimes it is easy to get frustrated when my students (and now my own children who I'm doing homeschooling with during the quarantine) don't understand things easily. Taking a humble and patient approach is the best, and most effective, way. Appreciated how that was portrayed in this novel.

I loved this book and would also recommend the first book in the series, "Aiming for Love." Click here to see my review!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

I can’t possibly tell you how much I have been enjoying this series. Mary Connealy had me laughing out loud and giggling to myself more often than I’d like to admit. I absolutely love the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family. We first meet both families in Aiming For Love, the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series. This story follows Ilsa and Mitch as they try to discover who wants Mitch dead, no matter what the cost. Woman of Sunlight can easily be read as a stand alone, but you should read the first book because it was just as impossible to put down, and it will make you love Ilsa and Mitch all the more.

Ilsa is the youngest Nordegren sister and completely unique. I’m talking loves climbing trees, knows nature, and is an amazing healer. She and her sisters have never left the sanctuary of their home on the mountain. When the Warden family shows up they are all terrified of what that could mean. Ilsa being the healer couldn’t leave them to suffer and thus begins the begrudging relationship between the two families. Ilsa and Mitch seemed to bump heads from the moment they met, and I loved watching their chemistry. Mitch is the oldest of the two Warden brothers and shows up later in the first book. Trouble followed him home no matter how careful he thought he was, and whoever is behind it needs to be stopped. Knowing Mitch has no choice but to head to a big city and find law enforcement there, Ilsa has little choice but to go along for the adventure.

I loved seeing the world through Ilsa’s eyes. I couldn’t imagine going from being so secluded to seeing so many new things for the first time. Her and Mitch have to be one of my favorite couples to watch, and I dearly hope we get to see more of them in the next book in this series. I am already dying to read it! I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story begins with a familiar scenario I felt we’re living in today. The neighbor asks “…”Was there any fever in town?”

They are making sure they don’t come in contact with people who had the virus, the one that lead to bumps all over their bodies. Some people like Ilsa were in quarantine. She had healed up after her time in isolation.

Mitch meets Ilsa and finds himself in a compromising situation neither one of them imagined themselves to be in.

Ilsa isn’t comfortable around people and is not up on the latest social rules. Mitch was innocent and was unsure of the rules too. Now he was “marrying a woman who couldn’t read, liked to wear trousers, roamed the mountains alone at night, swung from trees like a monkey at the New.York. City zoo was far too skilled with a knife, and believed there were two Bibles. And he’d thought owning and operating factories was complicated.”

Someone suggested they go. Ilsa said, “Good idea. I’m hungry. Let’s go home, shoot an elk, and have steak.”

As usual with this authors’ writing style there is a comical event that makes you smile and sometimes laugh out-loud. This was a fun, delightful read with quirky characters to root for, and a story that’s full of surprises.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Married to Your Enemy!

Ilsa and Mitch have just gotten married and they don’t even like each other—and they have to hurry because someone is trying to kill them. Welcome to the Wild West of 1873. Along with her two sisters, Ilsa has spent her entire life living in isolation on top of a mountain. Not only have strangers invaded their homeland bringing all their new ways of living alone, Ilsa is now married to one of them.

No sooner have Ilsa and Mitch said their vows than they are off to Chicago. As they try to solve the mystery of who is behind the murder attempts, they find themselves in as much danger as they left behind, and killers abound.

Because Ilsa lived cut-off from the world, she experienced her first train ride. Every time the whistle blew, she was traumatized, and wanted off. Other firsts were coffee, which she liked after it had milk and sugar. She found the taste of ice cream, strawberries, and apple dumplings such a delight that she couldn’t get enough.

This is a fun book that also contains a very serious story that is full of danger. Ilsa’s faith is refreshing, and is a great part of this tale. This story stands alone, but there are still some threads that need to be answered in the next installment. This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like well-written fiction or westerns with a touch of humor.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Woman of Sunlight, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Mary Connealy’s second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain is a hilariously fun read with a little suspense thrown in to keep things interesting.

Mary Connealy knows how to keep readers entertained with her wonderfully created stories, smart characters and witty conversations. This latest story is no exception and unlike many second books in a trilogy, I liked it just as well as the first book. It begins right where the first book left off with the Warden family still residing in the Nordegren sisters’ cabin on the side of Hope Mountain. All those who had gotten the chicken pox have sufficiently recovered and are mostly back to normal routines. The unexpected arrival of two gunmen on the mountain sparks a shoot out and creates the need for Mitch Warden to seek out the nearest sheriff. Ilsa Nordegren is not about to miss her chance to finally go into a town and quickly insists that she is going. Mitch points out the lack of chaperone but his mother happily agrees to accompany them as they might meet up with his father and brother on their way down. Their arrival in town with two men slung over horses causes both the local sheriff and the territory US Marshall to question what has happened. Mitch has plenty of questions of his own that he needs answers to but doesn’t seem to be able to get them in Bucksnort. He’s worried the troubles in his past have caught up to him and will put innocent people in danger. Mitch determines to head back East and see what he can discover about the mysterious person paying outlaws to kill him. But before he can leave town, he finds himself in a compromising situation with Ilsa which requires them to marry. Neither of them expected this to happen but both agree to keep things platonic until they get to know each other better. Mitch tries to no avail to get Ilsa to stay with his parents but she is determined to watch his back in light of the continuous onslaught of men coming after Mitch. As they head East, they will find bits of information along the way but until they reach Chicago, they cannot talk with the Pinkerton National Detective Agency who might be able offer the most help. Working alongside the Pinkertons, Mitch and Ilsa begin to puzzle out who is holding a grudge against Mitch and why. But if they are to stay alive, they will have to work fast because someone is determined to silence Mitch forever. This was definitely one of the best stories I’ve read in some time. It had a very good plot, wonderful characters and excellent writing. I loved how protective Mitch was of Ilsa and his kindness in helping her see the error of her belief in two Bibles. Though often frustrated with her stubbornness, Mitch did not leave her behind or demean her. Rather, he let her come along and solve their problems together – even if he was reluctant to put her in more danger. Ilsa is so naive because of her years of isolation on Hope Mountain that she is constantly surprised by her new surroundings. She is terrified of the train they must ride on but is amazed at it’s speed. Ilsa has also never seen food appear as fast as it does in the restaurants they visit. But her sweetness will inspire Mitch to look beyond revenge to justice and ensure that the law takes care of those in the wrong. I loved how they each caused the other to consider the consequences for others of an action rather than just doing what was best for themselves. It made them into better people and taught them the importance of self-sacrifice. And the many discussions of whether or not there are two Bibles made each of them take a deeper look at their faith and beliefs which gave the story the perfect amount of Biblical discussion. I will certainly be recommending this book to others as I know they will enjoy it as well. I am also looking forward to reading Ursula’s story when it comes out later this year.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Ilsa has been sheltered on Hope Mountain. It's all she has known.

Mitch opens the door to a world she never expected. Danger is all around her...the sound of a train, carriages everywhere. But the real danger lurks in the shadows.

Mitch and Ilsa are a good team. They were supportive of each other. They had each other's back. Their marriage might have been unconventional but they complimented each other.

This book is book 2 of a series by Mary Connealy. I read book one so I was introduced to Mitch and Ilsa already. I assume book 3 will be about Ilsa's sister, Ursula. I am looking forward to visiting Hope Mountain again!!

You can very well read this all alone but I highly suggest you read the first book - Aiming for Love.

I received this for free from Bethany House to review.

Ilse Nordegren and Mitch Warden exasperate each other, for various reasons, but Mitch finds he doesn't mind so much when faced with a near-to-shotgun wedding in Mary Connealy's Woman of Sunlight.

From the first word, I absolutely adored this story of danger, adventure, and fraught romance. The slightly mixed up faith of the Nordegren sisters, of which Ilse is a devoted champion, adds such a sweet touch of humor as she begins to have a wider sense of the world.

Mary Connealy has delivered a delightful and endearing second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain trilogy. The more I consider this series, including the build up to the final entry, the more I see similarities with Connealy's Wild at Heart trilogy. While the trilogies are distinct, those similarities help explain why this trilogy is quickly becoming another favorite that I recommend to readers who enjoy a good dash of humor along with faith and cowboys in their Historical Romance.

Be prepared, this is a rollicking, one-sitting read!

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

(5+ stars) - My favorite Connealy series yet!!

[Book 2 in the Brides of Hope Mountain series - the story can stand alone, but each book is about 1 of 3 sisters, and like most family series is better enjoyed in order]

I loved the first book in this series, "Aiming for Love", but this one somehow managed to surpass it! Ilsa is amazing - she's a sort of female Hawkeye character. She and Mitch are perfectly suited for each other. When they go to the city to take on Mitch's deadly enemies, it's suspenseful, surprising & exciting - and frequently funny. I loved it and can't wait for Ursula's story

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian (the sister protagonists have grown up with confused ideas about what constitutes the Word of God, but nothing irreverent or disrespectful)

Mary Connealy's second book in the Bride of Hope Mountain is just as amazing as Aiming for Love, the first book, I didn't realize just how much I have missed the three naive, sweet and loving sisters until I opened this book. The Nordegren sisters have lived on Hope Mountain all their liives. After the deaths of their grandparents the three girls find their lives pretty much the same, living a life cut off from the outside world where they are sheltered from perceived dangers and illness
Until the Warden family showed up and then the sisters lives changed drastically.

Woman of Sunlight is Ilsa's story and what a story it is! She is quite the character, she's tiny, she thinks nothing of swinging from a treetop and she has truly impressive knife skills. She is also curious which is how she ends up going to New York with Mitch Warden and let tell you to be prepared to laugh your way through their journey. Ilsa is such an innocent young woman who is completely out of her element once she leaves Hope Mountain but seeing her experience things she's never experienced before is heartwarming. Yes, I did use the word seeing because the descriptive writing brought this story to life for me. I could easily imagine the excitement, the fears and the uncertainty Ilsa felt as she was off on her big adventure.

I loved the faith element the characters share although the Nordegren sisters were taught slightly different than most people it does not diminish their beliefs or their ability to help others as best they can.
Overall, this book deserves more than the 5 stars I can give it. As usual Ms. Connealy's writing is top-notch, the characters are endearing and the witty plot line was everything I hoped it would be and more. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

It was a pleasure to continue the story of the Nordegren sisters from the first book. This one focused on Ilsa, the wood sprite who runs through the trees and gives Mitch what-for. They definitely have a volatile relationship in the beginning which is fun, but everything changes when they face assassins who are after Mitch. Ilsa's fearless defense of him shifts his realization of how he regards her with admiration and affection instead of frustration and guilt for getting her sick with chicken pox. Ilsa's isolated existence on the mountain made her adventure to the local town and on to bigger cities an eye-opening experience, where she takes things at face value and Mitch feels the need to explain and interpret her misunderstandings. They become quite a pair as they work together to solve the mystery of who's behind the hired guns and how Mitch was betrayed before he escaped to the mountain. We also get come chapters from Ursula and Wax's perspectives, setting us up for the next book. I'm really looking forward to it!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)