Petticoat Ranch | Devoted Hope

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Petticoat Ranch
Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West.

DEVOTED TO HOPE'S REVIEW OF PETTICOAT RANCH

I was smiling … and somewhere in the middle of that light, easy laughter, something deeper began to press.

Not loudly. Not heavily. Just clearly.

Love.

Petticoat Ranch carries a kind of joy that feels almost effortless … strong personalities, unexpected situations, a household that feels like it could tip into chaos at any moment. I settled into it quickly, amused, curious, enjoying the rhythm of it. And then, without warning, the story reached past the surface and touched something deeper … something with eternal weight.

“Love God. Love your neighbor. We have to find it in ourselves to love everyone.”

That kind of truth searches. It moves inward. It asks quiet questions that don’t disappear when the chapter ends. I felt that … especially in the moments where hating someone came more naturally,
where patience had to be chosen, where grace had to be given without being earned.

And then the words that don’t allow for any softening: “Don’t fool yourself that you can walk through life harboring hatred and still call yourself a believer in Jesus Christ.”

There’s a steadiness in that kind of truth … the kind that brings everything back into alignment with Jesus and God’s Word. It leaves no room for exceptions. It does not adjust itself to comfort. It simply stands … and invites full surrender.

“Love is what Jesus demands of us.”

Not when it’s convenient.
Not when it feels deserved.
Just … always.

In the middle of strong wills, close quarters, and more tension than comfort, that truth kept rising.

This story met me in the middle of something enjoyable … something even humorous … and quietly reminded me that following Jesus is never separate from how I love the people in front of me. Every conversation. Every reaction. Every moment where I have a choice to hold onto frustration or release it.

Mary Connealy created something full of life … and within that life, truth is present. Active. Transforming.

I closed this book fully aware that the Lord had used it to gently correct and realign something in my own heart.

I want my life to reflect that kind of love more faithfully.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group and also read it through Kindle Unlimited). I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

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

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.