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melmo2610's review
3.0
This was a fun romp through the Colorado wilderness. I enjoyed meeting the Warden family as well as Jo and her sisters. The mystery elements were intriguing and they appear that they will carry over to the rest of the series, so I am looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I loved the character of Ma and look forward to seeing her again. This was a quick, easy and fun read. I can’t wait for book 2!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
clonazine's review
2.0
Me aburrió, además una de las peleas que tiene la protagonista y la hermana termina en violencia física, fue horrible de leer.
_carolcabrita's review
3.0
This book reads like a Hallmark movie. It's cute, comfy, I know what to expect and get exactly what I want. Though I must say Aiming For Love is lot more about the 3 sisters knowing about themselves and their relationship with the Warden family than the romance. Maybe now that everything is set the next book might focus on the romance.
delightful_reading's review
4.0
A typical Mary Connealy novel:
Wild West/Post-Civil War Setting
Cowboys/Ranchers
Strong, Independent Females
Fun Shenanigans
Banter
Romance
Christian Viewpoint
All in all: 4/5 stars for a light, fluffy, and quick read. Exactly what I needed at the time. :)
Wild West/Post-Civil War Setting
Cowboys/Ranchers
Strong, Independent Females
Fun Shenanigans
Banter
Romance
Christian Viewpoint
All in all: 4/5 stars for a light, fluffy, and quick read. Exactly what I needed at the time. :)
eressea's review
4.0
Aiming for Love is the first book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy. You can notice this is not Mary’s first book, as you just fly through the pages with excellent pacing, there isn’t a dull moment. For me, it was a very fast read too.
The story is very original, and it had me chuckle out loud quite a few times. We follow Jo, one of the three sisters who have been raised in isolation by their grandparents, having no contact with the outside world at all, as grandmom claimed that was extremely dangerous. As the grandparents passed away, the girls have fended for themself rather remarkably, managing to get food on the table and roaming the lands. Jo especially is quite the roamer, she hunts and even has her own made camouflage suit. As you can imagine, in ways she is both very naive and very wise. And the naive moments make you chuckle and want to wrap her in a big hug tbh.
Then we have the Warden family, their home brutally taken away, with no other choice but to climb this mountain, finding it occupied already. And the handsome Dave might just be what Jo needs, and vice versa. But this book isn’t about romance really, it’s about family, and how family can be stronger together. It’s a book about sisterhood, too. There were many themes I really liked (like how faith can overcome fear), and the story itself is rich, with a lot of side stories. Though it gives the story the oomph it needs, for me was also the only element I didn’t like: because so much was left unresolved, the ending didn’t feel like an ending at all, it felt like it was cut off in the middle. I’m sure future novels will set this right, but it felt a bit unsatisfying. But the characters are well formed and amazing, and we already have amazing character growth that feels deep and profound.
But all in all, I really liked this whimsical story with quite the unique premiss.
I’ve got an e-arc from Bethany House and Netgalley, for which I’m very grateful. It has not influenced my opinions on this book.
The story is very original, and it had me chuckle out loud quite a few times. We follow Jo, one of the three sisters who have been raised in isolation by their grandparents, having no contact with the outside world at all, as grandmom claimed that was extremely dangerous. As the grandparents passed away, the girls have fended for themself rather remarkably, managing to get food on the table and roaming the lands. Jo especially is quite the roamer, she hunts and even has her own made camouflage suit. As you can imagine, in ways she is both very naive and very wise. And the naive moments make you chuckle and want to wrap her in a big hug tbh.
Then we have the Warden family, their home brutally taken away, with no other choice but to climb this mountain, finding it occupied already. And the handsome Dave might just be what Jo needs, and vice versa. But this book isn’t about romance really, it’s about family, and how family can be stronger together. It’s a book about sisterhood, too. There were many themes I really liked (like how faith can overcome fear), and the story itself is rich, with a lot of side stories. Though it gives the story the oomph it needs, for me was also the only element I didn’t like: because so much was left unresolved, the ending didn’t feel like an ending at all, it felt like it was cut off in the middle. I’m sure future novels will set this right, but it felt a bit unsatisfying. But the characters are well formed and amazing, and we already have amazing character growth that feels deep and profound.
But all in all, I really liked this whimsical story with quite the unique premiss.
I’ve got an e-arc from Bethany House and Netgalley, for which I’m very grateful. It has not influenced my opinions on this book.
booksoneveryshelf's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not even sure where to start with this book. It was both somewhat what I had expected, but also almost nothing like expected. I’ve read quite a few of Mary Connealy’s tales over the years, though I’ve not kept up with her most recent writing, and this story was . . . different. Not in a bad way, at all. Just different.
Expected things: I liked the characters. They were quirky and definitely unique. The details and descriptions are very well done. There’s suspense and a hint of mystery. I couldn’t resist laughing more than a few times.
Unexpected things: The story was deeper than I remember from her older books. God was mentioned much more than just in passing. This is something of a heavier story, with more difficult topics broached and in the beginnings of being tackled. The ending was kind of left unfinished.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and as already mentioned, I liked the characters. I enjoyed meeting Jo, Ilsa, and Ursula, along with Dave, Mitch, Ma, and Quill. The sisters are different, as expected. They haven’t spoken to people other than one another in years and are a little awkward at times, as a result. I loved Jo’s curiosity and willingness to reach out to help others. She’s outspoken and determined to do the right thing, as she sees it. I appreciated the kindness she shows even those who oppose her. And she and her sisters have such a loyalty to one another, which was interesting to see play out amidst conflict. I had to laugh at the misunderstanding of “two Bibles” and the stories that ensued. This book closed with a lot more questions than answers, which in most cases leaves a cliff-hanger and an “I can’t wait to find out what happens next!” attitude. In this case, though, to me the story just felt unfinished. Like someone ripped out the last couple chapters and I was missing something. I am curious to read the next book, but more so just kind of perturbed at how this one ended.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but would maybe suggest waiting to read it until the next one is available. So you don’t have the wait time I get to endure between this ending and the next beginning.
(3.5 stars)
*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected things: I liked the characters. They were quirky and definitely unique. The details and descriptions are very well done. There’s suspense and a hint of mystery. I couldn’t resist laughing more than a few times.
Unexpected things: The story was deeper than I remember from her older books. God was mentioned much more than just in passing. This is something of a heavier story, with more difficult topics broached and in the beginnings of being tackled. The ending was kind of left unfinished.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and as already mentioned, I liked the characters. I enjoyed meeting Jo, Ilsa, and Ursula, along with Dave, Mitch, Ma, and Quill. The sisters are different, as expected. They haven’t spoken to people other than one another in years and are a little awkward at times, as a result. I loved Jo’s curiosity and willingness to reach out to help others. She’s outspoken and determined to do the right thing, as she sees it. I appreciated the kindness she shows even those who oppose her. And she and her sisters have such a loyalty to one another, which was interesting to see play out amidst conflict. I had to laugh at the misunderstanding of “two Bibles” and the stories that ensued. This book closed with a lot more questions than answers, which in most cases leaves a cliff-hanger and an “I can’t wait to find out what happens next!” attitude. In this case, though, to me the story just felt unfinished. Like someone ripped out the last couple chapters and I was missing something. I am curious to read the next book, but more so just kind of perturbed at how this one ended.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but would maybe suggest waiting to read it until the next one is available. So you don’t have the wait time I get to endure between this ending and the next beginning.
(3.5 stars)
*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
nicole1's review against another edition
4.0
A 3.5 star read for me.
I'll tell you why.
I love Mary Conneally for her funny outrageous, action packed, shootout style westerns.
This book didn't have the typical action, humor, and I never connected with the romance. That being said I will read the next books. It is an interesting premise of having three sisters live in extreme isolation, only to be thrust into a situation where they have to interact with the outside world.
I have hope that the next books will have more of the trademark action. This book was just too tame for me.
It had a great message about how The Lord has made us to interact and help our neighbor, when in need.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'll tell you why.
I love Mary Conneally for her funny outrageous, action packed, shootout style westerns.
This book didn't have the typical action, humor, and I never connected with the romance. That being said I will read the next books. It is an interesting premise of having three sisters live in extreme isolation, only to be thrust into a situation where they have to interact with the outside world.
I have hope that the next books will have more of the trademark action. This book was just too tame for me.
It had a great message about how The Lord has made us to interact and help our neighbor, when in need.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
abigailharder's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, I really did. The plot and storyline were very unique and entertaining to read. I just wish I could have liked it more.
The characters I felt were a but dull at points and I had a rather hard time relating to them. I really like all the characters but I felt that their development could have gone deeper than what it did.
I had to continue to remind myself that the girls were very sheltered as I was reading this because I found myself growing annoyed at parts, lol. It's not the authors fault or anything, this was just me wanting to shake a few characters. I like Jo's and Isla's characters a lot. I am hoping that we get to see them grow more in the future books.
The faith content was there and it was subtly which was prefect for this book. I cannot wait to see some of the characters, hopefully, come around from some of their views. I am hoping that they change in the future books.
Dave and Jo's romance seemed very rushed and not very well paced. I felt just a tiny bit of chemistry at one point and then a whole bunch of chemistry a few chapters later. I liked their relationship though. I thought that they were cute and made for each other. I enjoyed seeing their romance blossom, I just wish it could have been better paced.
I felt like the middle of this book was rather rushed in a whole as well. The first part was okay but then everything felt rushed and then the book was over. I feel like this book could have easily have been longer.
I will definitely be reading the second book because I want to find out what happens next with the Walden's ranch. The suspense is actually really good. I almost feel like the second book can be better than the first if Ms. Connealy can nail down the action and suspense that I feel building up.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Sure, it was not a favorite but I am still going to read the next books and maybe some of the author's other work.
*FTC: I received this book from Bethany House thought Netgalley and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.*
I enjoyed this book, I really did. The plot and storyline were very unique and entertaining to read. I just wish I could have liked it more.
The characters I felt were a but dull at points and I had a rather hard time relating to them. I really like all the characters but I felt that their development could have gone deeper than what it did.
I had to continue to remind myself that the girls were very sheltered as I was reading this because I found myself growing annoyed at parts, lol. It's not the authors fault or anything, this was just me wanting to shake a few characters. I like Jo's and Isla's characters a lot. I am hoping that we get to see them grow more in the future books.
The faith content was there and it was subtly which was prefect for this book. I cannot wait to see some of the characters, hopefully, come around from some of their views. I am hoping that they change in the future books.
Dave and Jo's romance seemed very rushed and not very well paced. I felt just a tiny bit of chemistry at one point and then a whole bunch of chemistry a few chapters later. I liked their relationship though. I thought that they were cute and made for each other. I enjoyed seeing their romance blossom, I just wish it could have been better paced.
I felt like the middle of this book was rather rushed in a whole as well. The first part was okay but then everything felt rushed and then the book was over. I feel like this book could have easily have been longer.
I will definitely be reading the second book because I want to find out what happens next with the Walden's ranch. The suspense is actually really good. I almost feel like the second book can be better than the first if Ms. Connealy can nail down the action and suspense that I feel building up.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Sure, it was not a favorite but I am still going to read the next books and maybe some of the author's other work.
*FTC: I received this book from Bethany House thought Netgalley and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.*