WOMAN OF SUNLIGHT by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise and Winnie Thomas

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Book two, Woman of Sunlight in the Brides of Hope Mountain series, takes us back to the mountains outside Bucksnort, Colorado in 1873. Mary Connealy has long been a favorite author in the Slapstick Historical Western genre. Yes, I just made that up! How could she not have fun with three girls raised by their grandparents and isolated on a remote mountain and then thrust into civilization?

This book is about Ilsa Nordegren, the youngest sister who has learned the art of healing from her grandfather. She is most at home in nature, namely swinging or running through the treetops. Her most prized possession is a sharp hunting knife that belonged to her grandfather and she knows how to use it!

What brings the girls face to face with civilization after their grandparents die is the urgent needs of their far neighbors, the Wardens. The Warden family had to flee their ranch when someone chased them from their land. Son Mitch has just rejoined the family after serving in the Civil War and cashing out his substantial investments while keeping one step ahead of someone who is after him. The two families team up. They both have a strong faith in God, albeit, the girls only know what their grandparents taught them and some of it is flawed. This makes for some very funny scenes.

If you like a good comical western with a fascinating mystery, this book is for you.
I give this book 5 stars.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
When I get my hands on a Mary Connealy book, I know I’m in for a fantastic reading treat! I loved Aiming for Love, the first book in Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain series, but I wasn’t quite prepared to be immersed in Ilsa’s story. Let me just post a warning—do not eat or drink anything while reading this book. There are so many humorous incidences scattered throughout that you’ll never know when you might end up laughing, snorting, or chuckling. It’s a delicious, riotous, witty barrel of fun.

Connealy is a genius at creating colorful, endearing, imaginative, and quirky characters, and Ilsa and Mitch are two of my favorites. They are so perfect for each other. I love how Mitch just puts aside expectations and goes with the flow. I love Ilsa’s innocence and also her fierceness when needed.

This book can be read alone, but reading Aiming for Love first will enrich the experience and give you a little more background into the family. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for Ursula’s story. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

Warden is intent on helping his family reclaim their land, but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Dangerous men have tracked him, and rather than risk innocent lives, he's determined to end the danger. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on a venture they'll never forget.

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