Member Reviews

A seamstress has found herself longing to creat pretty dresses while being stuck making men’s chaps, out on the prairies of Wyoming. One day, the opportunity bursts into her life and she jumps at the chance. This book is about love, mystery and womanly strength. These were the days when women strove to have a vote and more rights. It was a time when women were thought to have a weaker mind. This heroine has worked hard to do it on her own after an abusive past. But being a strong woman doesnt mean that you can’t also want womanly things.
I enjoyed this book. I think I enjoyed it more than the 1st in the series. I connected to it. I want to be recognized as a hard worker but I also want to be soft and take care of my home. Married to law enforcement, I know he deals with things that I am thankful not to deal with. But day to day, I still put on my strong face and tackle things I didn’t think I could. I’m a general contractor and enjoy building. But my main job is homemaker. When subcontractors come to the job site, if my husband is there, they tend to go to him and ask him questions. He points at me and says to ask the boss. He has confidence in my abilities. And then we go home and I am honored to be housewife. Just because I want to be strong and enjoy things that are typically for a man, doesn’t mean that I don’t also love being a woman, mom and wife. This book was all that for me.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book from Mary Connealy. Nell and Brand's story is rivoting! I couldn't put the book down and may have lost some sleep before I finished it. Action, adventure, women's rights, romance, faith, and gunfights are all part of this wonderful book. I can't wait to read the final book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Baker Book House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Nell Armstrong, a widowed seamstress, dearly longs to be sewing dresses, but in her small Wyoming Territory town, there is a greater demand for chaps. She is heartily sick of sewing chaps! So when a ragtag young girl in britches takes refuge in her shop to avoid being seen in public, she decides to make a dress. She then discovers the girl has two sisters who are also wearing britches and her opportunity to sew expands. While britches are perfectly good and sensible garments to wear on the homestead, the girls need to be properly dressed to go to school and church. Nell just has to convince their father that she isn't offering charity...

Soon after the girls start earning their dresses for her, the stagecoach is robbed just outside of town. Only one person survives, but he is so badly wounded the doctor holds out little hope. Nell gets caught up in saving the man's life as well as the investigation of the crime. Her late husband was a sheriff who discussed his cases with her, so she has experience and knowledge of the law. Before long, she is appointed justice of the peace--a rare thing for the time and showing that Wyoming Territory is more advanced in its treatment of women than anywhere else in the country.

After many exciting and dangerous adventures, the masterminds behind the stagecoach robberies are eliminated and Nell can go back to sewing and acting as judge. To tell much more would give away the plot and ruin the story for readers.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone who likes historical fiction with a dose of independent heroines. Although it felt a bit slow at the beginning, the pace soon picked up and it was hard to put down.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

'...she was finding it easy to remain safely unmarried As a matter of fact, the more outspoken she was about women having rights equal to any man, the more she repelled suitors. And in a town so lopsided with men, that wasn't easy. But she was proud to say she'd managed it.'

After reading book 1 in this series I was so hopeful that Nell would get the next one. I loved her fiery spirit and attitude. I loved that she was "can-do" about anything and everything because I felt like it was setting up for a never say never situation and I couldn't be more entertained with how this book played out!

I loved getting back to this setting and seeing the same characters. It feels like home when series still include them throughout the series. This book could definitely still be read as a stand alone though and so far this is my favorite in the series.

I loved getting deeper into the 'Dead Eye Gang' and grabbing clues any chance I could to figure out who might be involved. I loved the romance. This is a sweet, sweet romance story and I loved how it came together.

If you like historical western romance with a dash of suspense you would love this book!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content/Trigger: Previous mention of domestic dispute/light abuse, animal injuries, animal attacks, medical injuries are discussed with very light detail, wild west shooting scenes with gunshot wounds mentioned, kisses, implied marriage consummation (no details).

Was this review helpful?

1871 Pine Valley, Wyoming

Such a cute start! When a "boy" barges into Nell's seamstress shop, it takes her a while to realize the newcomer is actually a young woman. Nell is delighted to have a reason to sew dresses instead of chaps.

The gang of bad men that surfaced in the first book of the series is back creating havoc in Pine Valley. This provides Nell an opportunity to share her strong investigative skills.

Three strong female characters in Nell, Becky and Mariah. New characters Brand and his three daughters were great additions.

Another well written western by Mary Connealy. I look forward to continuing the series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the Wyoming Sunrise Series. I recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this one. You will understand better what is going on.

This book is about Nell Armstrong who is a seamstress. But she makes more chaps for men than dresses. She is also knows her way around a crime scene. When the stage coach robbers strike again, she helps the doc in trying to save the life of the one survivor. The problem with that is the robbers don't want anyone to be able to identify them. She is also making dresses for Brand's daughters in exchange for them working in the store. Brand and his daughters are now in danger also.

This is a fast paced book with a good mystery. I highly recommend it.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Was this review helpful?

Mary Connealy delivers another epic tale of life on the frontier that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last!

In the second book in her Wyoming Sunrise series, we meet the town seamstress Nell Armstrong again. She hates making chaps and longs to sew dresses. Fortunately for her, Brand Nolte is a widower with three daughters who desperately need dresses, bonnets and, more importantly, a woman to guide them.

Unfortunately, the Dead Eye Gang is still causing trouble. Nell's investigative skills will cause her and the Noltes more trouble than they bargained for.

I suspected who the bad guys were in the first book, Forged in Love. So it was nice to have my suspicions confirmed in this one. And even though I knew who they were, it didn't detract from the book. It was still an action-packed adventure with a sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

If you like historical romances with vibrant characters, detailed settings and non-stop adventure, you will probably enjoy The Laws of Attraction.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

When Nell Armstrong became a widow, she never dreamed her cruel husband would leave her a legacy that would change her life. Bad things are happening in her new hometown from a really evil gang of robbers. When people are threatened, her knowledge of all things legal, thanks to her former lawman husband, will help her navigate some troubled times. When widowed Brand Nolte and his three lovely daughters come under threat, she will do more than stitch together chaps and dresses for the townsfolk. She will sew up a major crime threat in her own unique way. Mary Connealy has done another fantastic job weaving humor, drama, and romance into this great story, LAWS OF ATTRACTION. The book was hard to put down. I am looking forward the the third book in this trilogy that will put the evil gang completely out of business..

Was this review helpful?

You can count on Mary Connealy's heavy research to craft enjoyable historical fiction. Readers are sure to learn new facts while reading tales of sheer delight and gripping suspense. I eagerly anticipate the finale of book three.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Nell and Brand are the cutest thing ever. They both have been through so much with losing their spouse and the change with their move, and yet they are still strong and loving people. I love how their romance starts, and their first time meeting. Well it probably was not their first time meeting, but how they are introduced together in the book is the finest thing ever. I cracked up so much.

I love Mary Connealy’s writing form. I love her perspective in stories. You never know what way she’ll go, but you’re always in for a western romance.

I requested and received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the first book from the Wyoming Sunrise series by Mary Connealy, Forged in Love and was excited to have the opportunity to read the second addition, The Laws of Attraction. It was great going back in time again to the 1870s era of Wyoming and meeting Nell and Brand. They have wonderful chemistry together. The two find themselves in an adventure that was a pleasure to take with them. There was a little mystery within the pages that I was intrigued with, also. Overall, a fabulous, sweet read.

The Laws of Attraction will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment from the Wyoming Sunrise series, Marshaling Her Heart.

I received a paperback copy of Mary Connealy's The Laws of Attraction from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I loved this charming historical romance. It has all the elements of a great book, and an interesting ending. Nell’s ability to face danger and drama without flinching, while also tutoring Brand’s daughters in the more feminine aspects was inspiring to say the least. This clean historical book is a new favorite of mine.

Was this review helpful?

Captivating Western!

Nell Armstrong is a multi-talented, independent widow who had come west to carve out a new life for herself in Pine Valley, Wyoming. Among her many skills was that of being a seamstress which brought widower hero Brand Nolte and his three daughters to her business. What followed was a page-turning tale of danger which revealed more of Nell’s areas of expertise including doctoring and a knowledge of the law. There were so many facets to Nell’s personality that made for interesting reading. In addition to the peril and threats Nell and Brand faced, there was also a lovely theme of connectedness and community within the town. While this could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series books in order to be completely filled in on background information and town characters. While it was nice catching up with Mariah, Clint and others from the first book, some townspeople caught me by surprise. I loved seeing the return of Brutus and his canine family. If you are looking for a book with danger and suspense and a sprinkle of romance, family and inspiration, add this to your to-read list!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are all my own.

Was this review helpful?

I read the last book in the series Forged in Love and well, I’ll let you know, I had lots of nefarious ideas about who Nell could have been in her previous life. Even though that mystery was cleared up by the end of the book, we were left with so many possibilities about who was in the gang and who wasn’t exactly who they claimed to be I was beyond excited to grab this next book.

Anyway 🙂 I really liked Nell, in both books, and it was fun to witness the beginnings of women being allowed to legally represent others. Witnessing how the women’s movement may have started was fun.

I loved the mystery! Trying to determine who done it, deciding whose stories didn’t match, and figuring out who saw what was a lot of fun. I enjoy Mary Connolly’s characters and these had great personalities that I enjoyed very much. I wasn’t shocked at the end because it was set up so nicely and yet the person wasn’t on my short list.

I can’t wait to read book three! There are a couple of characters that I’ve been guessing about and can’t wait to see the resolution and where they come out in the final showdown.

This will be posted on my website HottBooks.com on June 15th

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book. The good people are just that. Good. And the bad guys are real villains. Vile. There is violence but it isn't overly graphic. The romance was sweet. I liked the main characters and I especially liked the daughters. I liked that the women are capable and willing to do what is traditionally a man's job. And even better, I loved that there were men that supported them in it.

I haven't read the first book in this series but found that this one can stand on its own. Reading the first may have helped by introducing characters that are in this one, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything while I was reading.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Was this review helpful?

Fans of classic Westerns will love Mary Connealy’s style! This unique plot follows a lady judge and a widower with three growing daughters through a desperate fight to stop a deadly gang of outlaws Although I found the writing to be terse at times, the sweet love story set in the Wild West will appeal to Connealy fans!

Was this review helpful?

Great book!

First of all, this book has such a gorgeous cover! This drew my attention instantly.
The art suits the main character, Nell, perfectly. I loved that we got to see more of her leatherworking that she does for a living, and a good bit of regular sewing as well.

Jack of all trades and homesteader Brand Nolte's daughters were sweet and yet tough as all western ladies had to be, but no less feminine. He showed great character, chivalry and depth of heart.

I enjoyed this tale immensely, and was glad to see Nell's crime solving mind showcased in this book. She had great skills, but didn't flaunt them and was a smart but humble woman with plenty of grit and grace.

I'm happy to report this book is squeaky clean. The romance is sweet and tastefully written; it's simply perfect.

Thanks to Revell for this e-book I received  through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The second part of the Wyoming trilogy is here, and It was great just as the first one. I like a lot how the author can build a compelling atmosphere of a period romance with such delicacy to the period of time chosen. I look foward to read all of her other books

Was this review helpful?

Another sweet and exciting chapter in the trilogy! I love reading about these people and how they come together, despite the dangers they face. I can’t wait to read the last book and find out who the leader of the infamous Deadeye Gang is! I didn’t like the main character in this book quite as much as the first one but I adored the three young girls in this one and hope I get to read more of their stories.

Was this review helpful?

The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connelly
Pub Date June 20, 2023
Bethany House
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Christian Romance
#2 Wyoming Sunrise
I was excited to learn what became of Nell and her dress shop after reading the first book in this series, I was not disappointed. There was much to enjoy in this book! I highly recommend it for those who enjoy Christian Fiction .
5 stars

Was this review helpful?