Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Montana Rose Tour & Giveawy

About the Book

Book: Montana Rose

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2026

From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a poignant Western romance about second chances, redemption, and the healing power of faith—a moving tale of a heartbroken young widow, a compassionate rancher, and the love that helps them both find their way home.

When Cassie Griffin’s abusive husband dies, leaving her pregnant and destitute, she’s forced to marry a stranger to survive. Red Dawson, a hardworking rancher and part-time preacher, steps forward to save her from a worse fate. Though Red fears marrying a non-believer goes against his principles, he can’t stand by and watch Cassie be claimed by the ruthless Sawyer clan.

Living in Red’s rustic cave home is a far cry from Cassie’s former life of luxury. But as she learns to work alongside him, she discovers strength she never knew she possessed. Red’s gentle patience and unwavering faith begin to crack the protective shell she’s built around her heart. When a dangerous enemy threatens their newfound happiness, Cassie and Red must trust in God’s plan—and each other—to survive.

Can a marriage of convenience bloom into true love? And can a woman who’s known only submission find the courage to stand tall? A tender story of healing, hope and the transformative power of unconditional love. Perfect for fans of Janette Oke and Karen Witemeyer.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

Montana Rose was one of the first books I wrote. Very early on, though it took a while to get it published. And I ended up rewriting it to make it part of a three book series.

My basic goals with Montana Rose were two fold.

One, I seem almost addicted to writing feisty lady ranchers. I do it so much that I decided I needed to challenge myself. Write a quiet, shy heroine.

Cassie Dawson was born. And the thing with Cassie was, she was so used to being controlled by her much older husband, it was very hard for her new husband to convince her of her own worth.

Drawing Cassie out, finding the inner woman, making her believe she had worth, was such an interesting challenge for me as an author.

For a woman who writes in the same genre all the time, I really do try and mix things up. I PROMISE I DO!

Not sure how often I succeed but making my characters be three dimensional is always my goal. And I try and do different things in my books. A fist fight on a moving train. A fire in a blizzard. Diving off a galloping horse to stop a runaway bad guy. I try different careers and different locations. Always, I am trying something new. In Montana Rose, I picked a quiet, frightened mouse of a woman.

At least that was how it started out. By the end, Cassie finds herself.

So that was the fundamental goal.

And the second aim I had was Love Comes Softly, Janette Oke’s classic, beautiful Christian romance. I just loved that book. The pregnant widow, the husband who’s trying to help and needs help himself. Shove them together into a marriage and try to find love.

Of course, my book has more comedy and more gunfire than Love Comes Softly. I call it love comes softly, with mayhem. I pitched the title Love Comes Loudly. Or maybe Love Comes Hardly. We went with Montana Rose. Probably for the best.

Cassie remains a beloved sweetheart. Red, the best hero I’ve ever written…except he was probably too nice. The hero needs to have some challenges too. But Cassie just needed Red Dawson to be so kind and strong and wise. Yes, he has red hair and he has a temper that rarely erupts…though sometimes. But most Red is the best.

Those are the creative forces that forged Montana Rose.

MY REVIEW

One of the best stories I’ve read about redemption, forgiveness and faith is found in this book. I love how the author delivers a powerful message of trusting God. The opening pages share the grief Cassie has endured in her young life. Married at such a young age she has faced abuse physically as well as emotionally. During this time period young women were forced into marriage mainly to help their family financially. No wonder Cassie is a shell of herself who is afraid to speak up for herself. Will Cassie learn to stand up for herself and not allow others to treat her so disrespectful.

Red is the hero in this book. One glance at Cassie was all he needed. His heart breaks for her as he hears others in the town saying such unkind things about her. Out of impulse perhaps, he stands up to marry her right on the grave of her dead husband. He believes he is doing the right thing so he can keep her safe. I love how Red is gentle with Cassie and treats her with compassion and understanding. We all need someone like Red in our life.

I’m not sure I would be thrilled to find out that my new home was in a cave. Can you imagine the look on Cassie’s face when she discovers her new home? Being pregnant causes some concern for Red but he does his best to make her comfortable. They do have moments where tension is high and as they get to know each other. One of Red’s biggest qualities is faith. He wants Cassie to know God but takes it slow so she can find her way to Him.

There is a little danger in the story as one man is consumed with jealousy. He wants Cassie for himself which will put Cassie in a test of trusting her new husband. She has never felt wanted or important and carries this feeling of being unworthy. I appreciate how the author gives us characters with real problems filled with emotion. In the book we discover clear examples of the Fruits of the Spirit which illustrates how we are to treat others.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.