Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Sharpshooter in Petticoats

Mary Connealy

After a disastrous marriage, widow Mandy McClellen Gray is doing just fine in her remote mountain home.  She's got her three children to keep her company and gold in the bank to keep her solvent.  The last thing she needs right now is a cantankerous cowboy encroaching on her life.

Rancher Tom Linscott is as tough and cranky as his unruly stallion.  When he finds outlaws have trapped Mandy on her mountain, he's determined to rescue her, whether she wants to be saved or not.  Only problems is, Mandy's trouble follows her.  When he brings her to his home--against her will--outlaws trail then right to his door.
When  the feuding family expands their vengeful plans to include Tom, his need to protect his woman puts him right in the line of fire.

My Take:

Growing up I did a lot of stuff to be like my dad.  As a kid, I thought blue cheese dressing was quite possibly the nastiest thing on planet earth, but I ate it all the time because that's what my dad ate.  I read Lord of the Rings in elementary school because they were my dad's favorite books, though I had to take it one line at a time and consult a dictionary constantly.  I ate sushi with a smile concealing a gag reflex. I watched James Bond movies completely confused by the Cold War intrigue (I was 2 when the Berlin Wall came down, so I didn't grow up in the height of it). Whodathunk that eating and doing these things as a kid would make them my favorite things as an adult.  I can't get enough blue cheese and sushi (though not at the same time-gross!), I am an avid Lord of the Rings fan, and I go to the midnight release of every James Bond movie and actually understand the plots (mm'mm Daniel Craig, be still my beating heart).  

Well, in all of the things I did to be like my dad, one thing stands out as the thing I most love: reading amazing Westerns a la Louis L'Amour.  I don't read as many as I used to, because I've read everything by my beloved Louis, and other westerns just can't stand up in comparison.  So in my oh so verbose and "I digress" sort of way, I'm trying to point out that westerns were a very important part of my childhood and I'm picky about them and I really enjoyed Sharpshooter in Petticoats.  The author really seemed to know what she was talking about.  As I've mentioned before on my blog, I grew up in rural Nevada, where they pronounce "creek" as "crick" etc. so I have a healthy appreciation for all things outdoorsy including hunting fishing and firearms.  I cringe a bit in most books when firearms are brought up, because most of the time, I can see write through the author attempting to sound knowledgeable and it really bugs me.  This is especially key to westerns, because whether you are pro or anti gun, there is no denying that they were an integral part of the old west, and an authentic knowledge is essential.  Sharpshooter in Petticoats is, I believe, the third book in the the Sophie's Daughters series, but it was the first one I read.  I absolutely enjoyed it and never felt lost or that I'd missed out because I hadn't read the previous books.  I did get very interested in the other character's stories and I can't wait to read the other books.  If you enjoy a good western, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.  The characters are rough, gruff and often down right mean, the action is good, the scenery is beautiful and the romance was practical yet sweet. Now, I'm nothing if but honest on this blog, so I do have to say that Sharpshooter in Petticoats was no Louis L'Amour, but it was a great book nonetheless and I rate it a 2, Borders with a Coupon.

Tell me what you think!  Do you enjoy westerns?  Have you ever read Louis L'Amour?  Have you read any of the books in this series?  Which is your favorite?  Hit the comments!

If Sharpshooter in Petticoats was a movie it would likely be rated PG for some mild violence and mildly suggestive material (references to "wifely thoughts" or "being a wife in every way")

***FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing the Sharpshooter in Petticoats, or any of the books from the Sophie's Daughters Series, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon links, thank you!

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9 comments:

Ann said...

The cover, the title, the plot - this sounds like a great book. Such a shame it was only rated a 2, but then not all books can become our favourites. Thanks for a great review. I'll await a coupon and perhaps buy it for a holiday, before leaving the book in the hotel room for another reader!

Larissa said...

I think I've read one western, but it was a science fiction type western but I;ve heard of that name before Louis L'Amour. It rings a bell, so I might have to try one of her/his books.

Larissa said...

I haven't read a western before but I have heard of that name Louis L'Amour. It rings a bell. I might have to try to read one of her/his books. Thanks for the great review.

Kate the Book Buff said...

@TheBookGatherer a 2 is the 2nd best rating! I LOVED this book!

@Larissa if you do read a western it should be a L'Amour, he's the best!

Mrs. Precocious said...

Wonderful blog, I'm always looking for new and exciting books! I am following you, and you can follow me back at http://mrsprecocious.blogspot.com if you'd like!

Shabby Chic Boho said...

I love western movies and books. I'm always looking for reviews online because I am a book worm. I will give this book a try in the near future, I received a handful for Mother's Day I need to read first. In my humble opinion blue cheese dressing IS the nastiest dressing ever made ha. But then again, my dad didn't eat it :).

Terri's Little Haven

Kate the Book Buff said...

@Terri Blue Cheese is absolutely an acquired taste :) Well, when you get around to reading this series, definitely come back here and let me know how you liked it!

Two Bibliomaniacs said...

I've been wanting to read a GOOD western for the longest time now. Thanks for the Connealy and L'Amour tips!

Kate the Book Buff said...

@2bibliomaniacs-Glad I could give you some good tips!

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