Saturday, October 8, 2011

Out of Control by Mary Connealy ~ Review & Giveaway

Don't you just love this cover? That's Rafe Kincaid. He's a rancher. (You might want to click on the photo to get a better look ;)) And that's Julia in the background. She's a paleontologist (my interpretation). What could they possibly have in common?



Book Blurb


Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys studying the fossils and formations in the magnificent cave near her father's house. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to climb out.


Rafe Kincaid is a man used to being in control--of himself, his brothers, and his family's ranch. The last thing he expects is to find a woman trapped in the cavern on his land--or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known. But when their developing relationship threatens a reconciliation with his brothers, will Rafe have to choose between his family and this new love that could heal his troubled heart and secure his happiness?

 

 


 


 


My Review


Mary has a natural flair when it comes to writing western romantic comedy. Crisp dialogue kept me turning the pages as fast as I could gallop from one to the other.

The characters in Out of Control are flawed and funny, annoying and adorable! I laughed & laughed, and really did wonder how Julia and Rafe were going to end up a happy couple. Talk about two people being total opposites! But, Mary skillfully brings them together in a satisfying and big-sigh ending :)

Even though I didn't really feel connected to Julia, I did admire the tenacity and strength that she developed over the years due to her not-so-great home life. While wholeheartedly embracing what she believes to be God's calling (and it certainly wouldn't have been an easy one in her day) she survives seemingly insurmountable circumstances!

Rafe is the oldest of three brothers, therefore he has the typical oldest child syndrome happening. He's bossy and thinks he knows what's best for everyone, even Julia. His heart is always in the right place even if his attitude isn't. I like him!

This novel took me deep into the heart of some fascinating cave exploring, making me wonder if Mary's done a little of that. I was very interested in that aspect of the book.

I'm choosing not to discuss the secondary characters since we'll be meeting them more fully in their own stories. I can't wait to learn more about Seth and Ethan, the younger Kincaid Brothers, and their future brides. Mary has successfully roped me in to this series. Be careful! You just might get roped, too ;)

Bethany House provided the book in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive one, just express my opinion of the book. No other compensation has been received.







Meet the awesome author Mary Connealy who writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

You can connect with Mary online at her fabulous website or blog. She can also be found at Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols.

To read the first two chapters of Out of Control click here.

 

Check out this trailer!



Leave a comment letting me know if you've read any of Mary's books. If you have, which is your favorite? (I'm always on the lookout for good books to read) US Only! You MUST be a GFC follower for your entry to count. I'll draw a winner on Oct 14th.

26 comments:

  1. I have read several of Mary's books and liked every one of them. I would have to say Petticoat Ranch since it was my first one and got me hooked on her books.

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  2. OOPS!! Forget to leave my email
    wfnren@aol.com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

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  3. Hey Wendy! I think Petticoat Ranch was the first one I read, too :) Thanks for putting your blog address on here. I'm a follower now!

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  4. I have read several of Mary's books, but my favorite is Petticoat Ranch. Though I must admit that the series on Sophie's daughters was a wonderful read too.

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  5. I need a good laugh. Have not read a good comedy in a long time.
    Thanks!

    Blessings,
    Patricia aka Mamaw

    mamaw1050 at att dot net

    http://itstimetoreadmamaw.blogspot.com/

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  6. I've read several of Mary's books, and I've loved every single one of them, but my favorite one of all is, Montana Rose. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of, Out of Control. And, yes I love the cover, too!

    debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

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  7. Hey Debra! Glad you came by to enter :) Montana Rose was another good one.

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  8. Hi Shirley! Not sure if I've read that series. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for coming by!

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  9. i've read a number of mary's novels...and i LOVE the all :)

    thanks for the chance to read this one!

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  10. I don't think my first try went through.....lol....I enjoyed this interview and love Mary's books. I have read the "petticoat series" and am anxious to read this book, too. Please enter me.
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  11. Having computer glitches, but am going to try right now to subscribe via E mail to this blog.
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  12. Hey Patricia! Thanks for becoming a follower and entering to win.

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  13. Hi Jackie, I'm glad you got entered!

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  14. Hey Karen! Mary's books always guarantee a laugh :) Thanks for stopping by.

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  15. I don't think I've read any of her books, but you had me at him being forced to kiss her.... :O)

    Awesome!!!

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  16. Hey Diane! That was on the blurb but he did do a lot of kissing ;)

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  17. I have to be honest and say that I haven't read any of Mary's books yet but I have some on my wishlist. I love finding new author's:) The review and book trailer have whetted my appetite so I am moving Out of Control to the top of my wishlist!!!

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  18. Hi Margie! Welcome to S&N. Glad you came by to enter. For your entry to count you must be a GFC follower.

    I hope you like Mary's books. I'm sure your local library will have some you can start out with.

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  19. You are right Anne; Rafe is a handsome devil! This book sounds like a fun and easy read and I'm a sap for love stories. Please enter me to win OUT OF CONTROL.

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  20. Hey there! I have not read Mary Connealy before and would love to get a copy of this one :) I love stories about caves and it sounds funny as well! Thanks for this giveaway opportunity!

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  21. Hi!
    I haven't read Mary Connealy but I would love to read this book! I love the West and love romances. Thanks for entering my name into the drawing.

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  22. I have never read any of Mary's books, but have some on my wish list. I enjoy reading historical western Christian fiction and this sounds like a good book. Please enter me in your drawing and thank you for the opportunity.

    Blessings,
    Lori

    triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

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  23. I haven't read any of Mary's books yet but have heard how good they are and definitely want to read them. Please enter me in the drawing.

    Blessings,
    Jo

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  24. My husband is sort of a cowboy-type guy at heart, even had his own horse at one time. Sometimes he and I read books together aloud. Perhaps this would be one if I win the book. Thanks for the chance.

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  25. Hi Lori, Jo & Pam! I'm glad y'all came by but the giveaway ended yesterday (last night at midnight actually). Winner was announced earlier.

    I still have another one going on for Autumn Song. You can leave a comment on that post if you're interested :)

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.