Doctor in Petticoats (Sophie's Daughters, #1)

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Doctor in Petticoats (Sophie's Daughters #1)

by Mary Connealy (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 611 ratings · 78 reviews

What happens when an idealistic student nurse encounters an embittered army doctor in a stagecoach accident? How will she react when she learns her training didn’t prepare her for tragic reality? How will he, an army deserter, respond to needs when he vowed to never touch another patient? Can these two stubborn mules find common ground on which to work and bring healing to...more

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Published (first published 2010)

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Feb 05, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Doctor in Petticoats” is my first Mary Connealy book but I guarantee it won’t be my last! She has created a special place in my heart for romantic comedy AND cowboys that I fear only she can fill! However, amidst all the laughs and quick wit, there is depth to her writing that moves you and reaches past the funny bone to touch the heart.

Meeting the McClellen family makes you instantly wish you were a part of it. I found them to be a strong, courageous, loving, selfless lot, starting with probab...more “Doctor in Petticoats” is my first Mary Connealy book but I guarantee it won’t be my last! She has created a special place in my heart for romantic comedy AND cowboys that I fear only she can fill! However, amidst all the laughs and quick wit, there is depth to her writing that moves you and reaches past the funny bone to touch the heart.

Meeting the McClellen family makes you instantly wish you were a part of it. I found them to be a strong, courageous, loving, selfless lot, starting with probably the best fictional parents I’ve read in a long time. Clay and Sophie McClellen are the kind of parents any girl would love to have, especially living out West back in the day. I was thrilled to learn that Clay and Sophie had their own story back in “Petticoat Ranch”, so I plan to go back and read that book, too, and see where this incredible family all began! From reading Clay and Sophie’s scenes and POV’s in this book I have no doubt that they were an amazing hero and heroine.

We learn from the very first page that the women in this story are strong, level headed, smart as a whip, beauties, who know how to survive anything the West throws at them. Beth McClellen is no exception. She thinks on her feet and isn’t afraid of things that would make most girls swoon to their death. She has a servants heart, that is moved with compassion and gentle understanding for those around her. But the “gentle” part is put to the test when lives are at stake and the one person that is able to help is just sitting around, lost in his dark thoughts and insecurities.

Alex Buchanan is a wounded man and also, a wanted one. He’s running from his past but its horrors dog his every step – whether in his own mind OR in the form of a bounty hunter who wants this army deserter “dead or alive.” Beth, who is initially irritated by him, thinking him crazy, begins to see that there is more to this man than meets the eye. He is a doctor that has the skills and experience to heal but not the courage or the nerve to do so anymore - that is, until this little spitfire, who is determined to find his spine and beat him over the head with it, walks into his life. I normally wouldn’t go for a story that introduces the heroine as being stronger than the hero but I think Connealy makes it work here. And while Alex doesn’t have the rough, tough, swoon-off-your-horse appeal of a Texas cowboy, he is certainly no weakling. We witness his physical strength in the first few pages alone, but war certainly has a way of breaking a man’s spirit and if the wounds of such battles are left to fester they can soon disfigure the soul. Alex does possess strength, courage and honor (his time in the army confirms that) but he now lacks the confidence, thinking himself unworthy, to employ them. But, Beth McClellen has those things in spades and with just a locked-eyes look or a dig-in-the-fingernails grasp of the hand, she helps to infuse him with what he needs to get the job done and done right. Beth is a breath of life for him and helps to point him back to the One who is the true source of strength and peace. A marriage of convenience becomes so much more as these two realize they need each other in more ways than one. But, will finding his faith and facing his past mean losing her and their future together? Or does the crazed bounty hunter have the deciding vote? You’ll be holding your breath till the very end, that’s for sure!

Even though this book was mainly about Alex and Beth, we get a glimpse of the entire McClellen family and the rest of Sophie’s daughters whose own books follow this one. The oldest sister, Mandy, took up a good part of this book and I’m excited to see the rest of her story unfold as the series goes along. Her book is the third one, titled, “Sharpshooter in Petticoats” – which is very fitting for this beautiful, no-nonsense, crack shot! Her husband, Sidney, is a selfish, money hungry, insensitive jerk, but Mary Connealy has opened my eyes to the fact that a woman on the frontier could expect to have many a husband in her lifetime (life was quite harsh out there, after all), so I’ve got a feeling Sidney’s days are numbered and a real hero is on his way. ;)

“Doctor in Petticoats” has taught me two very important things: 1) I have been missing out on a real GEM of an author and now must read all her other books to make up for my terrible oversight! and 2) NEVER mess with a girl in a petticoat! :D

** A special thank you to the author for graciously surprising me with a copy of this fabulous book!**
(less)

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Nov 01, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Barbour Books

Shelves: book-review

Mary Connealy's new series, Sophie's Daughters, is E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T! I loved EVERYTHING about this book, from Mary's seasoned writing to the plot to sweet Sophie herself. There was no way I was putting this book down once I got started. WOWEE!

Doctor in Petticoats is Beth McClellan's story and oh boy! What a story this spunky one has. All she wants to be is a doctor....that is until she meets a broken, crazy lunatic by the name of Alex Buchanan. Both these fabulous characters wormed their way i...more

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May 01, 2011 Tamara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mary-connealy

Mary Connealy’s latest, DOCTOR IN PETTICOATS, the first in the Sophie’s Daughters series is pure Mary Connealy. Great characters, unique circumstances, and always leaving the reader wanting more. I’m already poised to purchase SHARPSHOOTER IN PETTICOATS coming out next month.

Beth McCellen races home from her time in medical school to witness her sister, Mandy’s wedding. Instead, she finds herself stranded after a stage accident with an incapacitated man. She is shocked to find out he is a doctor...more Mary Connealy’s latest, DOCTOR IN PETTICOATS, the first in the Sophie’s Daughters series is pure Mary Connealy. Great characters, unique circumstances, and always leaving the reader wanting more. I’m already poised to purchase SHARPSHOOTER IN PETTICOATS coming out next month.

Beth McCellen races home from her time in medical school to witness her sister, Mandy’s wedding. Instead, she finds herself stranded after a stage accident with an incapacitated man. She is shocked to find out he is a doctor, and when she calls on him to help her with the injured he shirks from his duties until Beth hollers and screams to get him to jump into action.

Alex Buchanan is not only a doctor, but an Army deserter. Having witnessed too much death and pain, he wanders away from the battlefield and disappears into his own nightmares. Alex has no intentions of practicing medicine again, that is, until he meets Beth. Somehow he is able to draw strength from Beth and in turn is able to save the lives of those in Mosqueros, Texas.

With Beth working as Alex’s assistant, she finds herself where she wants to be, treating people, saving lives. Of course, no one would ever allow her to doctor on her own. Alex in turn, realizes he is capable if Beth is at his side, assisting him and spurring him on. When Alex proposes marriage, Beth thinks he’s crazy, but soon realizes if she accepts, she will be able to continue with medicine. In the blink of an eye, they get married. But that is only where the trouble begins. Soon Beth and Alex are pursued by a bounty hunter bent on bringing Alex to justice, and he won’t be satisfied until Alex is dead.

DOCTOR IN PETTICOATS runs at a pretty fast clip. Though the story surrounds Alex and Beth, it also bounces back and forth between their trials and those of her sister, Mandy’s. Mandy’s new husband, Sidney, may not be who he says he is, and is definitely not homestead material. Mandy finds out too late she’s made a mistake in marrying Sidney but is committed to upholding her wedding vows. DOCTORS IN PETTICOATS was an enjoyable read, and I almost felt as if I was getting two books for the price of one. My only negative, with splitting her time between two stories, I felt Connealy rushed the end, skimming over details I would’ve rather seen expounded upon.(less)

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Mar 06, 2011 Elentarien rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All in all I enjoyed this one. It was a light-hearted story (mostly). It was fast paced and action packed, and did not really give the reader a chance to be bored.

I did have a few complaints with it, however.

Given the title, I expected a story about a woman doctor. Instead, she had 'medical training', but was not much more than a nurse and not once was she allowed to practice without the aid of a real doctor - and a man - in the vicinity. Rather disappointing, given the expectations of reading...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Title: DOCTOR IN PETTICOATS
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Barbour Books
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60260-146-8
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Beth McCellan is on the way to Mosqueros, Texas, for her sister, Mandy’s wedding. But on the way, the train is stopped because of a bridge being out due to a hurricane. Forced to take the stage, Beth fears she won’t make it to town in time. But she knows she won’t when she is forced to help the stage coach driver control the runaway stage when another stage crash...more

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Jan 09, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book starts out fast, just like a runaway stagecoach, and doesn't slow down until the end!

Beth McClellan is on her way home to see her sister Mandy marry, she has been away from home studying to be a nurse, She is headed home on a stagecoach, and one of the passengers is a stinky man that she assumes is a drunk. When they happen upon an accident where there are injured people Beth demands that the drunk help her, boy is she surprised when it turns out he "Alex" is a doctor.

Alex Buchanan is...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Cheri Horgan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are not enough stars to tell you how much I love this book! Every chapter leaves you hanging...begging for the page to turn so you can see what happens next! Rarely can a writer hold your attention so well, and have you unable to stop anywhere because you have to find out what happens next! Her characters are fresh and real, not paper dolls who say and do the predictable things you are expecting. From the very first line Beth Mc Clellen talks back, stands up for herself, and isn't afraid o...more

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Nov 19, 2010 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-before-2011

Beth McClellen, a nurse who has been trained by a doctor, is riding on the stagecoach across from an annoying and very smelly man believes is drunk. They come across a brutal stage coach accident and Beth forces him to help her help the wounded. Beth is surprised when the drunk, Alex, turns out to be a doctor-- a doctor who is and army deserter and is on the run from the horrors and memories of his time as an army doctor in the war. He can only function with Beth at his side, yelling at him. Bet...more

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Aug 18, 2010 Angie Lippard rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

n writing a book review, I am trying to share with you what I like and don't like about a particular book. I am trying to save you time by giving you the gist of the book without revealing the story. I have 4 "do's" and 1 "don't" when I write a review.

1) Tell me how hot the romance is between the two characters.
2) If it is a series, let me know which book I need to read first in order to understand this book (or) is there a book in the series better than this one.
3) How good is it compared to ot...more

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Aug 06, 2010 Tina Pinson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Have no fear the Doctor in Petticoats is in... yes, I had to say it...

I enjoyed this book. Doctor in Petticoats is the first in the Sophie's Daughters Series. With the swipe of her pen, Mary Connealy has produced the rememdy for those of us who want our heroines strong, independent, fearless and sassy. The Doc in Petticoats, Beth McClellan is all those rolled in one, like those who came before her. She is her mama's daughter.

Our anguished hero, Alexander Buchanan, seems no match for the spitfi...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

This book is the first in a series called Sophie's daughters. Its based off of characters in a previous series known as Lassoed in Texas but its not really necessary to read that series first. I had actually gone backwards in this particular series but I was very relieved to find out that this first book is much better than the other two in the series.

Beth has been East receiving medical training and now is on her way home to become a doctor of sorts to her town. With her on the stagecoach is a...more This book is the first in a series called Sophie's daughters. Its based off of characters in a previous series known as Lassoed in Texas but its not really necessary to read that series first. I had actually gone backwards in this particular series but I was very relieved to find out that this first book is much better than the other two in the series.

Beth has been East receiving medical training and now is on her way home to become a doctor of sorts to her town. With her on the stagecoach is a man named Alex who appears to be drunk until the stage enters danger and he steps in to help. With the wreckage of another stagecoach Beth learns that Alex is a doctor, and a very good one at that, but he is haunted by his past and unable to do any medical procedures without Beth there to help him. Thinking it practical, they decide to marry and run a doctor's office together. But trouble doesn't leave them for long, with Alex a deserter from the army someone begins to hunt the both of them.

While I believe that all of Connealy's characters fall in love entirely too fast, the characters in this book are pretty good. I like how no-nonsense Beth is and Alex is a surprisingly sensitive character where most of her male characters are strong and gruff. Even her parents play a larger role in this book and are very strong supportive characters. I think about the worst character was the Lieutenant. I couldn't understand his rapid thought changes or the motivations behind them. He was just plain confusing.

The plot goes well enough. It adds a certain element of uniqueness in her writing for it to be the male character being tracked down for once. And the fact that she tried to throw in a woman doctor and show the hardships they faced in that era was interesting as well. The writing was as clear and easy to read as ever and even though they're simple, Connealy has a way with romances that keeps them entertaining. This is a Christian Fiction novel like many of her others but there's barely any mention of religion in this one. Which made it nice and non-distracting.

Definitely the best one out of the series although not the best of her work. I think anyone who liked any of her other books would probably enjoy this one.

Doctor In Petticoats
Copyright 2010
318 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2011(less)

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Jul 10, 2010 Linnette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who loves an adventurous, historical, wild west love story!

Shelves: favorite-books

I love this book! The characters are so real, so vivid, and so realistic. Beautiful portrayal of humanity. Mary has written a truly astounding and multifaceted story that is most enjoyable and really makes the reader think about consequences of decisions each of us makes. Beth followed her God-given calling with a wagon load of grit, determination, and loving compassion. Alex is a hurting man with more courage in his moments of insanity than his new brother-in-law has in his little pinky. Mandy...more

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Jun 24, 2010 Chelsea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When Beth McCellen first meets Alex Buchanan, it is anything but love at first sight. The two of them narrowly escape a coach accident, and while helping those who were injured, realize they are both doctors. As important saving people is to Beth, she knows this means she will miss seeing her sister Mandy off with her new husband, Sidney. Mandy, meanwhile, does not take long to discover her married life is not exactly what she thought it would be. With the aid of Belle Harding (familiar, anyone?...more

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Oct 09, 2010 Jennifer AlLee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you took the movie Die Hard, sent it back to the old West, and took out all the profanity, you might end up with a Mary Connealy book. In other words, her stories are full of heart-stopping action, laugh-out-loud humor, and honest emotions.

In Doctor in Petticoats, book one of the Sophie's Daughters series, Mary starts us off with a bang... a runaway stagecoach. On a mountain road. Heading for a cliff and another, already wrecked, stage. When nurse Beth McClellen and doctor Alex Buchanan are f...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Deana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Deana by: Deanawat@comcast.net

Shelves: review-done

You know how when a good book ends, you're a bit miffed that it ended when it did? Or you just wanted to know a bit more about these people's lives before it ends? Or 'So where did they end up living'? Well, that seems to be the feeling I get with every book I've read of Mary's! So darn frustrating that the story ends at all, never mind where it ends. I know every character in Mary's books as if they're my neighbors. Beth McClellan is a character close to my heart as I'm the only one in my gener...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-historical

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 21, 2010 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First reviewed here: www.overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com

In this first installment of the new series Sophie's Daughters, Mary Connealy brings back the beloved McClellan family who are a little older, a little wiser, but just as hilarious as they were in Petticoat Ranch. I think Mary Connealy is probably the most creative writer of impromptu weddings and flawed heroes and heroines that I have ever come across. This book begins with an out-of-control stage coach and the momentum from that scene c...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Zette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Sophie's Daughters series starts out with a bang with Doctor in Petticoats. Lots of action to keep you turning pages quickly. The main story is about Beth who is returning home after being gone for four years to receive medical training. She meets Alex, a former doctor who deserted from the military and is on the run. Lots of action follows as he runs from a bounty hunter determined to bring Alex in at all costs. We also see the story of Mandy and her new husband, Sidney, as they begin their...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wish I could give this one higher than 5 star! This was an absolutely fantastic read! I loved every single moment of this book.The characters we had never met before were so well written and fleshed out.Then there were the characters we know and love from other books.I was so happy to see them in all their fun and glory.The Christian messages were so well weaved into the story it just added to the fun.I thought the author did such a wonderful job with the characters of Beth and Mandy.They were...more

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Jul 13, 2011 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wasn't sure how this was going to go when I first started it. I think the inner dialogue doesn't necessarily sound like an 1800s woman, but whatever. It ended up being one of those books with likeable characters and where you rooted for a happy ending and got it. Not anything that's going to change the world, but an enjoyable book of western fluff. I liked it. The only thing is I think the author sometimes strives a little too hard to bring a religious connection to it so that it falls under t...more

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Jul 29, 2010 Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are just some books that take you by surprise and draw you into the story with a stranglehold that refuses to be released.

I loved the sheer absurdity of the characters, some of the stuff that Beth did was just off the wall, but it was set up in a way that makes perfect sense. The writing is funny and ridiculous—in a good way. Once you really enter the story, you get the entire feel of being in the character’s world.

Not many books can make me feel the agony as a character dangles over a cli...more

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May 26, 2011 Regina Spiker rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: doctors, war, bounty-hunters, faith, deserters

What do you get when you cross one strong-willed, tough, ornery woman with a shell-shocked frightened doctor? Sparks are flying between Beth, a woman who knows how to handle a gun, and war-torn Alex, who has thrown his doctor's bag away forever, after what he's seen and been through. Alex realizes that only Beth can stabilize his thoughts and give him courage, so he proposes an idea, and pops the question! Will Beth agree to marry him out of pity? Will Alex ever practice doctoring again? A humor...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Valerie Comer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve become a fan of Mary Connealy‘s writing through her posts and comments at Seekerville blog. Her posts are always interesting and amusing, so I was hoping her novels would be the same. No disappointment here!

Doctor in Petticoats is the first of her books I’ve read, and it won’t be the last. It is the first in a historical series called Sophie’s Daughters, in which we meet Beth just returning from four long years back east learning how to be a doctor. Or, as her Pa–who is certain a woman can’...more

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May 03, 2012 Abbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, favorites, blog-reviewed, mary-connealy, western-romance, christian-historical-fiction

Beth is heading home to Texas for her sisters wedding. She has been away at school training to be a nurse(though she wants to be a Doctor!). She ends up across from Alex on a stagecoach. She soon finders herself saving the day with Alex’s help. Alex served as a doctor in the Army but after a horrible battle he ran and has been running for years. He can’t get the horrible images out of his head but with Beth by his side he finds himself able to Doctor again. Will these two find love or will Alex...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Rachel Brand rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, romance, historical, kindle, net-galley, 2011, mary-connealy, barbour, almost-favourites

Edit on 14th March 2011: On second thoughts, I'm bumping this from 8/10 to 9/10. Thinking about this book, I did truly enjoy it and can only really recall a couple of tiny, minor faults about it.

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Heading home to Texas for her sister's wedding, Beth is less than pleased to be sharing her stagecoach with a drunken vagrant. But when they come across another stagecoach that's been involved in an accident, trainee-nurse Beth knows that she needs all the help that she can get. Yet no one is more sur...more Edit on 14th March 2011: On second thoughts, I'm bumping this from 8/10 to 9/10. Thinking about this book, I did truly enjoy it and can only really recall a couple of tiny, minor faults about it.

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Heading home to Texas for her sister's wedding, Beth is less than pleased to be sharing her stagecoach with a drunken vagrant. But when they come across another stagecoach that's been involved in an accident, trainee-nurse Beth knows that she needs all the help that she can get. Yet no one is more surprised than she when Alex reveals that he's actually an ex-army doctor. Finally arriving at her hometown, her relatives and neighbours welcome her with open arms, especially when they learn that she's brought a doctor with her. Despite her aspirations to treat the town's residents herself, Beth knows that a female doctor will never be allowed. But Alex is still mentally scarred from the horrors that he's experienced on the battlefield, and insists that Beth help him treat his patients. Her parents are unhappy with this arrangement, until Alex suggests something that even Beth thinks she can agree to - a marriage of convenience. Beth will work alongside Alex, helping to alleviate his fears, and giving her the chance to use her medical skills. Will their marriage remain purely practical, or can it develop into something more? And will Alex's mysterious past ever catch up with him, revealing why he's still having nightmares about the war?

As you may have noticed, I'm on a historical romance kick right now, especially with novels set in late 1800s USA. Prairie life, homesteading and stagecoaches galore! And Mary Connealy appears to be Queen of these books! I've never read anything by her before but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more of her books.

I made the mistake of starting this while studying for my English exam and had to keep tearing myself away. The start of this novel, where Beth is on the stagecoach and comes across the accident, is incredibly fast-paced and sucks you right into the story. Beth's a spunky heroine and takes control of the situation, ordering Alex and the driver around so that she can take care of everyone. Her heart is obviously in the right place, even if she has to beat Alex over the head with his own hat to make him obey her orders!

The chemistry between Alex and Beth is brilliant. While Beth initially finds Alex irritating, they work well together, both as doctor and nurse and as husband and wife. It was lovely to see their relationship developing and I loved Connealy's portrayal of marriage. Not only did this couple have a wonderful equal partnership where they relied on each other, but Connealy made it clear that sex is something to be celebrated between husband and wife. Some books ignore the subject of sex in marriage, or make it seem like a duty, so I'm very grateful to this author for showing that it is something to be both cherished and celebrated! That said, there was nothing graphic or descriptive on the topic of sexuality, just a few sentences here and there hinting that a happily married couple enjoyed spending time together in their bedroom.

While reading the novel I discovered that some of the characters had previously featured in other books - which is excellent as I'd love to read more about Beth's parents! However, I'm more interested in Mandy, the sister whose wedding Beth was heading home for. I really enjoyed the subplot about her in this book, and I'm happy to see that she's the focus of #3 in the Sophie's Daughters series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't completely love it. While I was initially drawn in by Beth's spunkiness and the quirky and humorous narrative, this petered out after a while. The final conflict was fun to read, but I felt like the focus shifted from Beth to Alex. Of course, I enjoyed reading about Alex too but I found that I preferred the sections of the novel that were from Beth's perspective. I'll definitely be reading more books in this series as I enjoy reading about the McClellan family, but this isn't my absolute favourite historical romance.

If you like your romances to have a quirky narrative and a spunky heroine, this is definitely one to look out for. All three of the books in the Sophie's Daughters series are already on the shelves, so you won't even have to wait to find out what happens next to the McClellan sisters! 9/10(less)

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Jun 07, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the very first page, Mary Connealy grabbed my attention, and didn't let go! From beginning to end, I enjoyed the fast paced action and adventure. Mary has a wonderful talent for making the reader feel the peril, tension, and emotion that the characters are going through. The story grabs hold of you, and doesn't let you put it down.

Christian Historical fiction set in the "wild west" of the 1800's is at the top of my favorite's list, so Mary's Doctor in Petticoats did not disappoint. The sett...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I dare you to read the first two chapters of Doctor in Petticoats without chuckling, but if you're like me, you'll laugh out loud. Mary Connealy is known for writing romantic comedies set in the Old West, and Doctor in Petticoats might be her funniest yet.

This novel follows the lives of Beth and Mandy McClellan, who we first met as children in the novel Petticoat Ranch. Beth and Mandy have grown up and married, and their parents are less than enthusiastic about either of their husbands. The men...more

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Jul 29, 2010 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Renee by: by reading the author's other works

Shelves: favorite-christian-fiction

Mary Connealy's books are always a riot and Doctor in Petticoats is no exception. As a fan of the slightly unbelievable, cowboys and feisty heroines, for me, Ms. Connealy's books are must reads. I really loved this book!

If you know anything at all about Mary's previous series, Lassoed in Texas you know that Beth McClellan the main character in Doctor in Petticoats comes by her sassiness and strength honestly. Beth and her brand new, virtual stranger to her husband, Alex make a terrific team. I l...more

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Aug 03, 2010 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Margaret by: CBD

Shelves: historical, christianfiction, barbour-books, july-2010, own

Every time I finish reading a new book from Mary Connealy I am astonished at how well I have been entertained. I giggled, I cried and I had a desire to throw the book across the room in response to the "bad guys". Doctor in Petticoats is no different on that line of thinking. I was not disappointed and nor will any reader of Mary Connealy be unhappy with this novel.

This is the first book in the Sophie's Daughter series, it comes after Lassoed in Texas series and the Montana Marriages Trilogy. W...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is not as good as Petticoat Ranch but it is about the same family (Sophie and Clay). It didn't have as much humor but was a good read anyhow. I really liked it alot except .... (stop reading here if you don't want to know anymore)the ending!! I cannot believe it just leaves you hanging and wondering about Mandy and her new hubby Sidney and their sham of a marriage!! You know that she should be with Tom Linscott and just wish it would hurry up and happen! I'd better be able to find book numb...more

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About Mary Connealy

I wrote my first book when I was about twelve. A romance novel. I shudder to think what a twelve year old could know about romance. I have no idea what happened to the manuscript. I suppose my mother found it, and burned it while screaming in horror, but I’ve always been afraid to ask. Was it a hundred pages? Two? I have no idea, but I seem to remember just writing FOREVER! So I’m guessing two pag...more I wrote my first book when I was about twelve. A romance novel. I shudder to think what a twelve year old could know about romance. I have no idea what happened to the manuscript. I suppose my mother found it, and burned it while screaming in horror, but I’ve always been afraid to ask. Was it a hundred pages? Two? I have no idea, but I seem to remember just writing FOREVER! So I’m guessing two pages long at least.

As a new bride I marched straight out of journalism school and into the kitchen, I did a lot of scribbling. I still have those heartbreaking works of staggering genius, Ode to Roast Beef, things like that, all born out of the ‘Write What You Know’ school of literature.

I began writing more seriously when my baby went to kindergarten. Not writing well of course, but just putting words on paper. No one does anything well the first time. I’m sure Babe Ruth missed the first ball pitched to him. I’m sure Picasso smeared pages with paint-y fingers when he was a kid—as I remember he went back to that later in life. I’m sure Beethoven played the eighteenth century version of Chopsticks before went for the sonatas.

My writing journey is similar to a lot of others. Boil it down to persistence, oh, go ahead and call it stubbornness. I just kept typing away. I think the reason I did it was because I’m more or less a dunce around people—prone to sit silently when I really ought to speak up(or far worse, speak up when I ought to sit silently).

So, I have all these things, I want to say, in my head; the perfect zinger to the rude cashier, which you think of an hour after you’ve left the store, the perfect bit of wisdom when someone needs help, which doesn’t occur to you until they solve their problems themselves, the perfect guilt trip for the kids, which you don’t say because you’re not an idiot. I keep all this wit to myself, much to the relief of all who know me, and then I write all my great ideas into books. It’s therapeutic if nothing else, and more affordable than a psychiatrist.

So then a very nice, oh so nice publishing company like Barbour Heartsong comes along and says, “Hey, we’ll pay you money for this 45,000 word therapy session.” That’s as sweet as it gets.

My journey to publication is the same as everyone’s except for a few geniuses out there who make it hard for all of us. And even they probably have an Ode to Roast Beef or two in their past.(less)

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Books by Mary Connealy

The Husband Tree (Montana Marriages, #2)

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Quotes from Doctor in Petticoats

“The decent, strong person had to do decent, strong things like love unlovable people and keep peace even when it wasn't easy.” — 17 people liked it

“The man was a lunatic who somehow could tap into sanity when he looked her in the eye. What did that man make her? A human straightjacket?” — 6 people liked it

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Doctor in Petticoats (Sophie's Daughters #1)

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