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Sophie's Daughters #1
Doctor in Petticoats
Beth and Alex survive a stage coach accident. Beth realizes the derelict in the stagecoach with her is a doctor and she forces him to help tend the injured. Alex finds he can care for the patients as long as Beth is right beside him... yelling at him.
Alex saves Beth's sister’s life, but he only has the courage to treat patients as long as Beth is there. The one way to keep her close it to marry her. Beth thinks he's a lunatic, but there's no denying his skill, and she's so empathic she can see the terrible price Alex pays to help hurting people. Besides, she owes the loco doctor for saving Sally.
She agrees to marry him. Her parents, Clay and Sophie protest the sudden marriage, but when Beth agrees to the marriage they grant their blessing.
And that's when the real trouble begins. A bounty hunter is on Alex's trail for desertion from the army. Alex has to live long enough to turn himself in, and then he may face a firing squad. And this all happens right when Alex is getting to be semi-sane and Beth is just starting to like him.
Alex saves Beth's sister’s life, but he only has the courage to treat patients as long as Beth is there. The one way to keep her close it to marry her. Beth thinks he's a lunatic, but there's no denying his skill, and she's so empathic she can see the terrible price Alex pays to help hurting people. Besides, she owes the loco doctor for saving Sally.
She agrees to marry him. Her parents, Clay and Sophie protest the sudden marriage, but when Beth agrees to the marriage they grant their blessing.
And that's when the real trouble begins. A bounty hunter is on Alex's trail for desertion from the army. Alex has to live long enough to turn himself in, and then he may face a firing squad. And this all happens right when Alex is getting to be semi-sane and Beth is just starting to like him.
319 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
50 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
116 books2,487 followersMary 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 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
August 4, 2019
Note: I don't recommend reading the Goodreads description for this book, because it gives away far too much information that the average reader would prefer to encounter sequentially on his/her own (and is written in such a way as to create a somewhat false impression on one point). Although I'm a Goodreads librarian, I can't edit it (even to correct a typo), because Connealy is a Goodreads author.
Last year, the third book of this trilogy, dealing with three young women making their way in the late 19th-century American West, was a thrift-store discovery as a gift for my wife; I'd assumed that since each of the three novels focused on a different sister, they'd be readable as stand-alones. But when we started it, we quickly discovered that it presupposes considerable entwined back-story from the earlier books; the siblings' lives intersected as part of a close-knit family, and we decided we really needed to read the trilogy as a whole, in order. (As it turns out, the young ladies' mother, Sophie McClellan, is the heroine of Petticoat Ranch, the opener of an earlier series by Connealy; and some characters from a book in still another of her series, The Husband Tree, also play a role here. We didn't deem it necessary to read those first; but we definitely do want to do so eventually!)
This series opener is set in West Texas, New Mexico, and Montana in 1878-1880 (the date on the first page says 1879, but the reference to "two years" near the end suggests that 1878 was meant). It opens with heroine Beth McClellan traveling by stagecoach back to her parent's ranch, hoping to arrive in time for her older sister's wedding. Gifted with an interest in and knack for healing, she's now finished her nursing studies in Boston. (Despite the book's title, she's not a physician as such; but she is trained as what we would today call a nurse practitioner. She and the doctor who trained her knew she'd be the only health care professional in her community, and she's equipped with a skill set appropriate to that situation, having even performed surgeries on occasion.) Not far into the book, the stagecoach winds up in serious jeopardy; but luckily, Beth's no shrinking violet. Though she'd rather heal injuries than have to inflict them, she packs a Colt and knows how to use it (she can handle a rifle as well); she's strong, athletic, courageous and tough-minded, good with horses --having been raised on a ranch-- and knows how to throw a punch when she needs to. These are qualities her mother and her two oldest sisters fully share. ("I like to include tough women in my books, in case you haven't noticed," Connealy comments in her dedication. "I like to think I've raised four tough women.")
Evangelical author Connealy hasn't written a preachy book, but she depicts characters who have a strong Christian faith, who pray for strength and help in time of trouble, and who have a moral compass informed by Christian ethics. She creates very believable, well-drawn round characters who come fully alive for the reader and evoke strong liking or strong detestation, as appropriate; but even the unsympathetic characters are mostly drawn with a certain complexity, not just as cartoon villains. In keeping with this, she's aware that what makes a person heroic is more than what he or she can do physically --that it has more to do with the qualities of inner character. Clean romance forms a key part of the plot here, and the circumstances are unusual, but not impossible. But romance doesn't swallow up the entire book (and there's very little in the way of what romance-phobic readers might call "mushy" parts). Two interlocking plot strands, Beth's and older sister Mandy's, both character-driven, are woven skillfully together. Action elements don't dominate the book, but they're there. There are also some serious themes and issues brought out here, that continue to be relevant today. (The omnibus edition of the trilogy which Barb and I are reading includes 11 discussion questions for use by reading groups, which I think would be a helpful feature, though I didn't consider them in detail.)
There are a few nits that can be picked here. At one point, hero Alex has to remove a bullet from a wound --even though there's an exit wound. We have a couple of references to "President Arthur," but when this book is set, Rutherford B. Hayes was President. I'm not sure how solid Connealy's grasp is of the history of specific Indian vs. cavalry battles she refers to; and her prose sometimes can be repetitious, using words or names several times close together. But those are relatively trivial points. This was a first-class read for both Barb and I, and Connealy is an author whom I expect will become a favorite.
Last year, the third book of this trilogy, dealing with three young women making their way in the late 19th-century American West, was a thrift-store discovery as a gift for my wife; I'd assumed that since each of the three novels focused on a different sister, they'd be readable as stand-alones. But when we started it, we quickly discovered that it presupposes considerable entwined back-story from the earlier books; the siblings' lives intersected as part of a close-knit family, and we decided we really needed to read the trilogy as a whole, in order. (As it turns out, the young ladies' mother, Sophie McClellan, is the heroine of Petticoat Ranch, the opener of an earlier series by Connealy; and some characters from a book in still another of her series, The Husband Tree, also play a role here. We didn't deem it necessary to read those first; but we definitely do want to do so eventually!)
This series opener is set in West Texas, New Mexico, and Montana in 1878-1880 (the date on the first page says 1879, but the reference to "two years" near the end suggests that 1878 was meant). It opens with heroine Beth McClellan traveling by stagecoach back to her parent's ranch, hoping to arrive in time for her older sister's wedding. Gifted with an interest in and knack for healing, she's now finished her nursing studies in Boston. (Despite the book's title, she's not a physician as such; but she is trained as what we would today call a nurse practitioner. She and the doctor who trained her knew she'd be the only health care professional in her community, and she's equipped with a skill set appropriate to that situation, having even performed surgeries on occasion.) Not far into the book, the stagecoach winds up in serious jeopardy; but luckily, Beth's no shrinking violet. Though she'd rather heal injuries than have to inflict them, she packs a Colt and knows how to use it (she can handle a rifle as well); she's strong, athletic, courageous and tough-minded, good with horses --having been raised on a ranch-- and knows how to throw a punch when she needs to. These are qualities her mother and her two oldest sisters fully share. ("I like to include tough women in my books, in case you haven't noticed," Connealy comments in her dedication. "I like to think I've raised four tough women.")
Evangelical author Connealy hasn't written a preachy book, but she depicts characters who have a strong Christian faith, who pray for strength and help in time of trouble, and who have a moral compass informed by Christian ethics. She creates very believable, well-drawn round characters who come fully alive for the reader and evoke strong liking or strong detestation, as appropriate; but even the unsympathetic characters are mostly drawn with a certain complexity, not just as cartoon villains. In keeping with this, she's aware that what makes a person heroic is more than what he or she can do physically --that it has more to do with the qualities of inner character. Clean romance forms a key part of the plot here, and the circumstances are unusual, but not impossible. But romance doesn't swallow up the entire book (and there's very little in the way of what romance-phobic readers might call "mushy" parts). Two interlocking plot strands, Beth's and older sister Mandy's, both character-driven, are woven skillfully together. Action elements don't dominate the book, but they're there. There are also some serious themes and issues brought out here, that continue to be relevant today. (The omnibus edition of the trilogy which Barb and I are reading includes 11 discussion questions for use by reading groups, which I think would be a helpful feature, though I didn't consider them in detail.)
There are a few nits that can be picked here. At one point, hero Alex has to remove a bullet from a wound --even though there's an exit wound. We have a couple of references to "President Arthur," but when this book is set, Rutherford B. Hayes was President. I'm not sure how solid Connealy's grasp is of the history of specific Indian vs. cavalry battles she refers to; and her prose sometimes can be repetitious, using words or names several times close together. But those are relatively trivial points. This was a first-class read for both Barb and I, and Connealy is an author whom I expect will become a favorite.
August 2, 2018
Excuse me while I go GOUGE MY EYEBALLS OUT.
Let's hear it for the logic of this book:
* Doctor * I have PTSD and severe emotional trauma.
* Beth * I want to be a doctor! Also, this man is so annoying!
* Random people * Help us doctor!
* Doctor * No can do without Beth.
* Beth's parents * We've both got a big day tomorrow - can't chaperone. Sorry, no Beth.
* Random Pastor * Why don't we just get the two of you hitched, then no chaperone issue!
* Doctor * Great plan.
* Beth * Why not?
What could go wrong.
This book tries to handle mental issues but just results in some seriously creepy and forced romance that made me want to gag. Severe emotional trauma does not go away, even momentarily, because a hot girl looks you in the eye. And even if it did, don't go dragging Jesus into this.
Also, side-plot about sister and her lying, abusive husband left me pissed off and not at all inclined to find the sequel. Gosh, imagine putting yourself through another book like this. No can do.
Why was this book on my to-read list in the first place?
Let's hear it for the logic of this book:
* Doctor * I have PTSD and severe emotional trauma.
* Beth * I want to be a doctor! Also, this man is so annoying!
* Random people * Help us doctor!
* Doctor * No can do without Beth.
* Beth's parents * We've both got a big day tomorrow - can't chaperone. Sorry, no Beth.
* Random Pastor * Why don't we just get the two of you hitched, then no chaperone issue!
* Doctor * Great plan.
* Beth * Why not?
What could go wrong.
This book tries to handle mental issues but just results in some seriously creepy and forced romance that made me want to gag. Severe emotional trauma does not go away, even momentarily, because a hot girl looks you in the eye. And even if it did, don't go dragging Jesus into this.
Also, side-plot about sister and her lying, abusive husband left me pissed off and not at all inclined to find the sequel. Gosh, imagine putting yourself through another book like this. No can do.
Why was this book on my to-read list in the first place?
July 30, 2010
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 cliff, but I sure felt it in this one! I could see the hair pin turns that the out of control stage was heading for and small Beth hauling back on the reins.
I loved the subplot of Mandy, Beth’s sister, and I can only hope I get to read more about her in the coming books! Will she get out from under the thumb of her tyrannical husband?
The only thing I didn’t really care for is that Beth runs rough shod over Alex for a good portion of the book. True he had his problems, but once I got to the end I was very pleased with how it was brought together; what a love story! I just prefer stronger hero’s in a novel. Which is my personal opinion.
All in all I loved the book and I seriously hope the wait for book two is not a long one!
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 cliff, but I sure felt it in this one! I could see the hair pin turns that the out of control stage was heading for and small Beth hauling back on the reins.
I loved the subplot of Mandy, Beth’s sister, and I can only hope I get to read more about her in the coming books! Will she get out from under the thumb of her tyrannical husband?
The only thing I didn’t really care for is that Beth runs rough shod over Alex for a good portion of the book. True he had his problems, but once I got to the end I was very pleased with how it was brought together; what a love story! I just prefer stronger hero’s in a novel. Which is my personal opinion.
All in all I loved the book and I seriously hope the wait for book two is not a long one!
November 21, 2014
Oh God
Implausible and even laughable. I tried to suspend judgement until I finished the book but I knew when the author had Sally breathing through her esophagus that it was going to be very hard. Maybe someone could tell her about the trachea and it's function?
Implausible and even laughable. I tried to suspend judgement until I finished the book but I knew when the author had Sally breathing through her esophagus that it was going to be very hard. Maybe someone could tell her about the trachea and it's function?
January 11, 2019
Okay, so in real life this book simply doesn’t happen well. Beth makes a hasty marriage to a PTSD-crazed doctor after a crazy sequence of events leaves them alone caring for folks one night. The rest of the book is them sorting out where their lives go from there. I added a star for pure entertainment value.
March 7, 2011
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 of an actual doctor.
I also found the book a bit 'goofy' through much of it. In some ways the tone just didn't ring quite true. The way the women were so ready to bash and crash and shoot better than any man sort of had me raising an eyebrow at the whole thing. It wasn't *bad*, but it did sort of lend a silly feel to things.
The hero of the story, Alec Buchanan, sort of struck me as a wimp. I mean, he was rather traumatized, but he didn't seem to have any real. . .pride or strength. He seemed a bit too dependant on Beth and without her in the story, he would have just slid into a useless puddle. None of the men seemed particularly strong, when it comes down to it. The father coming closest, but he was still out-gunned by the women who didn't seem to particularly need any help from anyone to look after themselves.
I don't know, it was an interesting read, and I would not mind getting my hands on the second book to find out what happened with the sister who moved away. . .but. . .well, yeah, just seemed kind of a goofy story to me. Not one to be taken seriously.
Nice, light read.
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 of an actual doctor.
I also found the book a bit 'goofy' through much of it. In some ways the tone just didn't ring quite true. The way the women were so ready to bash and crash and shoot better than any man sort of had me raising an eyebrow at the whole thing. It wasn't *bad*, but it did sort of lend a silly feel to things.
The hero of the story, Alec Buchanan, sort of struck me as a wimp. I mean, he was rather traumatized, but he didn't seem to have any real. . .pride or strength. He seemed a bit too dependant on Beth and without her in the story, he would have just slid into a useless puddle. None of the men seemed particularly strong, when it comes down to it. The father coming closest, but he was still out-gunned by the women who didn't seem to particularly need any help from anyone to look after themselves.
I don't know, it was an interesting read, and I would not mind getting my hands on the second book to find out what happened with the sister who moved away. . .but. . .well, yeah, just seemed kind of a goofy story to me. Not one to be taken seriously.
Nice, light read.
January 3, 2011
Wonderful book! One of Mary's best! I enjoyed it very much.
October 19, 2020
Enjoyed it more than I expected, and can't wait to read the next one!
May 22, 2021
Great read, I am loving everything I read by this author. Alex was an awesome character, likable from the beginning, and very likable at the end as he finally triumphed over his fears and nightmares
February 10, 2023
This is the continuation of Montana Brides by the same author.
I don’t know why I loved this book so much… from the beginning I couldn’t put it down, so many funny parts.. I loved the character of Alex Buchanan.. his severe PTSD brings to mind how many suffer from this after being in war.. Strong female characters but not overly so. Looking forward to the next book in the series
I don’t know why I loved this book so much… from the beginning I couldn’t put it down, so many funny parts.. I loved the character of Alex Buchanan.. his severe PTSD brings to mind how many suffer from this after being in war.. Strong female characters but not overly so. Looking forward to the next book in the series
August 18, 2010
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 other Christian Historical Fiction (CHF) writers?
4) Is God and faith an afterthought? Thrown in to make the book a Christian book or is it central to the plot and the characters?
5) Don't just repeat the summary plot and then add "I liked it. " There are huge differences in Christian Fiction and I don't want to waste my time on reading something that doesn't appeal to me. I want to zero in on writers who write the stuff that I like. Period. Based on this criteria, I like Mary Connealy's writing. She makes me laugh out loud and that instantly makes a book better for me. I was laughing right out of the gate with this book!
I have read all of the Montana Marriages series, as well as, the Lasso in Texas series. I feel that makes me a capable judge of this new series, Sophie's Daughters. We first meet Sophie's girls in "Petticoat Ranch" and again in "Calico Canyon." This book, the first in the series, mainly focuses on Beth with some of Mandy's problems thrown in. See my review of "Wrangler in Petticoats for more about Mandy and Sally's life.) You could read these books out of order and not miss too much but I wouldn't advise it. You need to know what the girls have been through in their lives to understand what makes them tick.
Most CHF and westerns, have strong, manly men and this one is no exception. The difference is he has moments of strength but is a man walking wounded. He has post traumatic stress disorder only they don't call it that in those days. He has overwhelming moments of weakness that render him incapable of functioning and he needs Beth in order to function. He doesn't "want" her. He "needs" her. So right off the bat, you have to wonder how this man is going to go from weak to strong and help Beth relinquish some of her strength to depend on him. It's a very interesting setup and you hope they will both make it out alive and together. You'll have to read the book to find out the rest.
Here are my ratings, from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest
Hotness Factor: 3 stars
I think Husband Tree by this author was hotter but this is good. The physical tension is there from the start and you don't have to wait until the end of the book for the romance to heat up and take off.
Series info: 4 stars
You don't have to read the other books in the series to understand this book but it is highly recommended that you do. In this series, "Doctors" is definitely the better book, so far. I personally liked the "Lassoed in Texas" series better but Husband Tree is still my favorite book by this author.
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Mary Connealy gives a good performance in these books. She is a good storyteller and includes passion and longing but not as much as other CHF authors like DeeAnne Gist and Julie Lessman. Her books just keep getting better and better.
Christianity: 4.5
In this book the main character struggles and pleads with God to help him overcome his trauma and learn to live and work again. God and prayer is a strong theme throughout the book.
Warning: Both of these characters are doctors and post traumatic stress is involved so if you don't like the thought of a lot of blood or reading about it makes you feel sick, you might want to skip this book. It was graphic because of their chosen professions but also because of the trauma he went through and was trying to overcome. Just thought I'd give fair warning!
Summary Plot:
Doctor Alex Buchanan is a wanted man--a deserter from the army stalked by a bounty hunter--but he'd rather be dead than inflict any more pain on his patients. Beth McClellan is idealistic, believing the nursing training she received will be enough to help her serve as doctor to her home town in West Texas. When Alex and Beth meet in a stagecoach accident, they find that they work well together. But are his demons and her dreams too deeply rooted for either of them to pay the price required for a future together?
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 other Christian Historical Fiction (CHF) writers?
4) Is God and faith an afterthought? Thrown in to make the book a Christian book or is it central to the plot and the characters?
5) Don't just repeat the summary plot and then add "I liked it. " There are huge differences in Christian Fiction and I don't want to waste my time on reading something that doesn't appeal to me. I want to zero in on writers who write the stuff that I like. Period. Based on this criteria, I like Mary Connealy's writing. She makes me laugh out loud and that instantly makes a book better for me. I was laughing right out of the gate with this book!
I have read all of the Montana Marriages series, as well as, the Lasso in Texas series. I feel that makes me a capable judge of this new series, Sophie's Daughters. We first meet Sophie's girls in "Petticoat Ranch" and again in "Calico Canyon." This book, the first in the series, mainly focuses on Beth with some of Mandy's problems thrown in. See my review of "Wrangler in Petticoats for more about Mandy and Sally's life.) You could read these books out of order and not miss too much but I wouldn't advise it. You need to know what the girls have been through in their lives to understand what makes them tick.
Most CHF and westerns, have strong, manly men and this one is no exception. The difference is he has moments of strength but is a man walking wounded. He has post traumatic stress disorder only they don't call it that in those days. He has overwhelming moments of weakness that render him incapable of functioning and he needs Beth in order to function. He doesn't "want" her. He "needs" her. So right off the bat, you have to wonder how this man is going to go from weak to strong and help Beth relinquish some of her strength to depend on him. It's a very interesting setup and you hope they will both make it out alive and together. You'll have to read the book to find out the rest.
Here are my ratings, from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest
Hotness Factor: 3 stars
I think Husband Tree by this author was hotter but this is good. The physical tension is there from the start and you don't have to wait until the end of the book for the romance to heat up and take off.
Series info: 4 stars
You don't have to read the other books in the series to understand this book but it is highly recommended that you do. In this series, "Doctors" is definitely the better book, so far. I personally liked the "Lassoed in Texas" series better but Husband Tree is still my favorite book by this author.
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Mary Connealy gives a good performance in these books. She is a good storyteller and includes passion and longing but not as much as other CHF authors like DeeAnne Gist and Julie Lessman. Her books just keep getting better and better.
Christianity: 4.5
In this book the main character struggles and pleads with God to help him overcome his trauma and learn to live and work again. God and prayer is a strong theme throughout the book.
Warning: Both of these characters are doctors and post traumatic stress is involved so if you don't like the thought of a lot of blood or reading about it makes you feel sick, you might want to skip this book. It was graphic because of their chosen professions but also because of the trauma he went through and was trying to overcome. Just thought I'd give fair warning!
Summary Plot:
Doctor Alex Buchanan is a wanted man--a deserter from the army stalked by a bounty hunter--but he'd rather be dead than inflict any more pain on his patients. Beth McClellan is idealistic, believing the nursing training she received will be enough to help her serve as doctor to her home town in West Texas. When Alex and Beth meet in a stagecoach accident, they find that they work well together. But are his demons and her dreams too deeply rooted for either of them to pay the price required for a future together?
September 21, 2010
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 generation (and only the second in my family) to graduate from college. My mother was a family pioneer of sorts-like Sophie McClellan and I, like her daughter, Beth, am a nurse who wants to take health care back home to give aid where needed. She finds herself giving aid to those around her, before she even gets home, at a stage coach accident. Who does she find to take care of but, Alex Buchanen, an army doctor who's deserted and has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)-well, that's what's called nowadays. It used to be called shell shocked in my parent's time and who knows if it even had a name in the 1880's? This book has lots of adventure, praying, and laughs, too. Could it get any better than that? Not if you want a light read that you just can't put down.
What kills me is that this book is the first of a series and the 3rd isn't out yet! I have to get this review done because I have Sophie's Daughter's waiting on me..... there's a gunfight, a broken leg to tend to and Mandy's due for her 3rd child any day! I've gotta go folks...
What kills me is that this book is the first of a series and the 3rd isn't out yet! I have to get this review done because I have Sophie's Daughter's waiting on me..... there's a gunfight, a broken leg to tend to and Mandy's due for her 3rd child any day! I've gotta go folks...
July 30, 2010
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 love how they work together. However even though this is their story, my favorite parts were the glimpses that we got of Beth's sister, Mandy and what seems to be the makings of a very interesting story. I'm a bit sad that we have to wait till Book 3, Sharpshooter in Petticoats for the full story but on the bright side we only have to wait until October to find out what happens to Beth's other sister, Sally in Book 2, Wrangler in Petticoats!
Doctor in Petticoats is definitely making my Top Books of 2010 list and has earned its spot on my keeper shelf along side the Lassoed In Texas series and Montana Marriages series. If you're looking for a quick pick me up read most any of Mary's books will do the trick. She's one author whose sense of humor really shines through in her work.
*I received my book through a contest at Petticoats and Pistols, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
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 love how they work together. However even though this is their story, my favorite parts were the glimpses that we got of Beth's sister, Mandy and what seems to be the makings of a very interesting story. I'm a bit sad that we have to wait till Book 3, Sharpshooter in Petticoats for the full story but on the bright side we only have to wait until October to find out what happens to Beth's other sister, Sally in Book 2, Wrangler in Petticoats!
Doctor in Petticoats is definitely making my Top Books of 2010 list and has earned its spot on my keeper shelf along side the Lassoed In Texas series and Montana Marriages series. If you're looking for a quick pick me up read most any of Mary's books will do the trick. She's one author whose sense of humor really shines through in her work.
*I received my book through a contest at Petticoats and Pistols, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
May 4, 2012
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 not be able to over come his past?
This book was amazing! I simply loved it!! I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I lost sleep reading this book I could just not put it down! Mary Connealy is an amazing writer. I was a little worried when I saw her writing about the main character of the 3rd book in the series in the first but she did it beautifully. I was so drawn into these characters I started looking at other books of the author and found Beth was the daughter of one of the characters from a earlier book. I know want to go back and read all about her and all the other books that came before this one. The characters come across as real with problems to over come but you just fall in love with them. As soon as I finished this book I started on the 2nd in the series and found myself running for the 3rd as soon as it was done. A must read if you enjoy a good western Christian romance!
This book was amazing! I simply loved it!! I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I lost sleep reading this book I could just not put it down! Mary Connealy is an amazing writer. I was a little worried when I saw her writing about the main character of the 3rd book in the series in the first but she did it beautifully. I was so drawn into these characters I started looking at other books of the author and found Beth was the daughter of one of the characters from a earlier book. I know want to go back and read all about her and all the other books that came before this one. The characters come across as real with problems to over come but you just fall in love with them. As soon as I finished this book I started on the 2nd in the series and found myself running for the 3rd as soon as it was done. A must read if you enjoy a good western Christian romance!
March 18, 2025
Texas and Montana were the settings for this
1879 Western romance. My efforts to complete
said book resulted in DNF.
The author introduceed us to Alex, a non-practicing
MD, who deserted his MD role in the Calvary-Indian
wars, which involved Calvary starving out (slaughtering
buffalo) & forcing the Indians onto reservations.
Heroine Beth recently completed 4 years of nursing
school in Boston & received personal mentoring from
a MD. She assisted in surgeries & considered herself
nearly a MD. Not! Beth made her way via train and
stagecoach to her folks in Texas. Beth and her birth
family described themselves as "God-fearing people."
Beth came across as abrasive, bossy, & she engaged
in named-calling IE accused H of being "a lunatic."
Her parents taught her to shoot & survive in the wild.
She had violent thoughts and made violent threats,
mostly w/o provocation. Early on she misunderstood
Alex's intent and she hog-tied him!!!! She seemed to
enjoy humiliating Alex?
Beth had little understanding that Alex had what we
now call PTSD IE nightmares, flashbacks. Was it WW1
when MDs started calling flashbacks of war 'battle
fatigue?'
To atone for her rotten attitude, Beth needed to sit
in the corner of her church & use her "inside voice,"
or better yet, stay silent & listen for a change. Her sister
Mandy wasn't the 'sharpest knife in the drawer' either.
Revised for clarity.
1879 Western romance. My efforts to complete
said book resulted in DNF.
The author introduceed us to Alex, a non-practicing
MD, who deserted his MD role in the Calvary-Indian
wars, which involved Calvary starving out (slaughtering
buffalo) & forcing the Indians onto reservations.
Heroine Beth recently completed 4 years of nursing
school in Boston & received personal mentoring from
a MD. She assisted in surgeries & considered herself
nearly a MD. Not! Beth made her way via train and
stagecoach to her folks in Texas. Beth and her birth
family described themselves as "God-fearing people."
Beth came across as abrasive, bossy, & she engaged
in named-calling IE accused H of being "a lunatic."
Her parents taught her to shoot & survive in the wild.
She had violent thoughts and made violent threats,
mostly w/o provocation. Early on she misunderstood
Alex's intent and she hog-tied him!!!! She seemed to
enjoy humiliating Alex?
Beth had little understanding that Alex had what we
now call PTSD IE nightmares, flashbacks. Was it WW1
when MDs started calling flashbacks of war 'battle
fatigue?'
To atone for her rotten attitude, Beth needed to sit
in the corner of her church & use her "inside voice,"
or better yet, stay silent & listen for a change. Her sister
Mandy wasn't the 'sharpest knife in the drawer' either.
Revised for clarity.
January 22, 2011
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 have something else in common besides not winning Sophie and Clay's approval.
During the course of the novel, each of them commits what amounts to a cardinal sin in the Old West...they cry. But that's where the similarities end. The author deftly turns one of these tortured souls into a beta hero, and the other into a slime ball.
Connealy plays to her strengths in this novel. Humor is her strong point followed closely by her action and adventure scenes. The romance is light and sweet and the story is definitely entertaining. Since this is the beginning of a new series, we are left with one unresolved storyline, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. Actually, I highly recommend it. If you've never read a Connealy novel, this would be the perfect place to begin.
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 have something else in common besides not winning Sophie and Clay's approval.
During the course of the novel, each of them commits what amounts to a cardinal sin in the Old West...they cry. But that's where the similarities end. The author deftly turns one of these tortured souls into a beta hero, and the other into a slime ball.
Connealy plays to her strengths in this novel. Humor is her strong point followed closely by her action and adventure scenes. The romance is light and sweet and the story is definitely entertaining. Since this is the beginning of a new series, we are left with one unresolved storyline, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. Actually, I highly recommend it. If you've never read a Connealy novel, this would be the perfect place to begin.
January 4, 2011
I simply love Mary Connealy books. She is an auto buy author for me and this book is no exception to the rule: fabulous, fun read.
If you've read her previous books, the heroine in this book - Beth - is the daughter of Sophie and Clay from Petticoat Ranch. In fact, the whole family is back and it was great to revisit with them. The story itself was solid and interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. Looking forward to reading more in this new series!
If you've read her previous books, the heroine in this book - Beth - is the daughter of Sophie and Clay from Petticoat Ranch. In fact, the whole family is back and it was great to revisit with them. The story itself was solid and interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. Looking forward to reading more in this new series!
January 19, 2015
Just finished reading "Doctor in Petticoats" with the boys. This one took us longer with missed reading nights during winter break and such. This is my second time reading it and it's been so much more fun reading the books without the long wait for the next one to come out. It's been easier to remember the story and keep everyone straight. This is the first of the Sophie's daughters series, being about Beth and Alex, both doctors. One willingly, the other not so much. We've also reconnected with Mandy who's gotten herself married and is in Montana now, connecting herself to Belle Tanner Harden and also a visit with Tom Linscott.
Good times ahead.
Good times ahead.
May 24, 2016
As with the other Mary Connealy books I've read, this was one that grabbed me from the get-go and wouldn't let go until the end. I wasn't quite sure what would end up happening with Alex and Beth, but I like that the author kept me guessing.
I also like that we saw into Mandy's life with Sidney, and how characters I knew from the "Montana Marriages" series also made an appearance. Definitely intrigued by what is going on with that part of the story.
I also like that we saw into Mandy's life with Sidney, and how characters I knew from the "Montana Marriages" series also made an appearance. Definitely intrigued by what is going on with that part of the story.
January 25, 2012
I really enjoyed this series (I read it somewhat backwards, but that's because I won the last book in the series, then the one before that, and then bought this one). There is quite a lot of humor and desperation and romance in this one, as I think there is in all of them. The characters are so human, but strong and loveable.
November 16, 2010
Oh.My.Gosh!!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It was so funny,and sweet, and sad....
I loved the last chapter!
I'm super excited to read the next two!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
It was so funny,and sweet, and sad....
I loved the last chapter!
I'm super excited to read the next two!!!
June 25, 2011
My favorite of all the books Mary has written. And that's saying something, because I LOVED Calico Canyon!
September 29, 2012
Funny and sweet. A must-read for all Western Romance lovers.
February 18, 2015
Christian Romance. Read earlier this year. Enjoyable read, not memorable.
February 13, 2015
Nope. Can't do it. This book is just too silly.
December 25, 2017
I have spent so much time in the lives of these characters that I'm starting to feel like we're all family. The McClellen's from the Lassoed in Texas series and the Hardin's surprise appearance from the Montana Marriages series made me feel right at home! Mary Connealy creates strong women. Strong in body, spirit, character, and faith!
Beth and Alex's story quite literally starts off with a bang! The stagecoach they're traveling in loses control and nearly collides with another stage that has already crashed along the trail. Beth has trained to be a doctor though not officially given a license and she's eager to help the accident victims. Alex is a licensed doctor.... and an Army deserter..... and plum loco! In today's world he would have been diagnosed with PTSD but back then he was considered a coward and crazy. He has a gift for healing but helping others causes flashbacks and panic attacks so he's not too interested in actually being of any help. Drawing strength from Beth, Alex gives doctoring another try and discovers he can do it! But only if she's right beside him! So begins a super sweet romance that quickly includes multiple medical emergencies, a vicious bounty hunter, a long, hard, spontaneous trip down a creek and toward a fort, a couple of gunfights, and a very surly commanding officer.
This story is also as much about Sophie's daughter Mandy as it is about her daughter Beth. Beth and Alex have a sweet love story despite all the insanity and I love how Clay and Sophie have such a strong presence in the story and in helping the young couple! But it's Mandy's story that kept me turning the pages!! Hers is a secondary story that continues into the next book before she finally gets her own full story in the last book in the series! Another winner for Mary Connealy!!
Note to First Time Readers:
This can be a stand-alone novel and you will genuinely enjoy it but it is so much more rich and full if you read Mary Connealy's Lassoed in Texas series (which introduces Sophie and her daughters) and the Montana Marriages series. You will get to know some wonderful characters from those stories!!
Beth and Alex's story quite literally starts off with a bang! The stagecoach they're traveling in loses control and nearly collides with another stage that has already crashed along the trail. Beth has trained to be a doctor though not officially given a license and she's eager to help the accident victims. Alex is a licensed doctor.... and an Army deserter..... and plum loco! In today's world he would have been diagnosed with PTSD but back then he was considered a coward and crazy. He has a gift for healing but helping others causes flashbacks and panic attacks so he's not too interested in actually being of any help. Drawing strength from Beth, Alex gives doctoring another try and discovers he can do it! But only if she's right beside him! So begins a super sweet romance that quickly includes multiple medical emergencies, a vicious bounty hunter, a long, hard, spontaneous trip down a creek and toward a fort, a couple of gunfights, and a very surly commanding officer.
This story is also as much about Sophie's daughter Mandy as it is about her daughter Beth. Beth and Alex have a sweet love story despite all the insanity and I love how Clay and Sophie have such a strong presence in the story and in helping the young couple! But it's Mandy's story that kept me turning the pages!! Hers is a secondary story that continues into the next book before she finally gets her own full story in the last book in the series! Another winner for Mary Connealy!!
Note to First Time Readers:
This can be a stand-alone novel and you will genuinely enjoy it but it is so much more rich and full if you read Mary Connealy's Lassoed in Texas series (which introduces Sophie and her daughters) and the Montana Marriages series. You will get to know some wonderful characters from those stories!!
April 19, 2021
Set just after the Civil War. Beth has gone to medical school and is headed back home to Texas for her sister's wedding. However, she does not make it there in time due to finding a stagecoach wreak. She must use her doctoring skills to help those in the wreak. She also get the help of Alex, another passenger, that is an army doctor. When they finally make it to her town a doctor is needed for several different emergencies. Alex seems to need Beth's support to stay focused. They must band together to take care of everyone. They quickly get married so she is legally allowed to practice medicine. Beth is shocked when they are then shot at and they find out that Alex is running from a bounty hunter. And then on the flip side there is a story about the sister Mandy, whose wedding she missed, and how they end up in Montana in search of gold.
(Note: Christian fiction)
#50/50BookQuest categories, Historical, Fiction, American, Wedding, and Series (book#1).
(Note: Christian fiction)
#50/50BookQuest categories, Historical, Fiction, American, Wedding, and Series (book#1).
April 25, 2024
Mary Connealy does it again. Every one of her western series has been a hit with me. Filled with humor, romance and a touch of adventure, Doctor in Petticoats is the story of Sophie and her family made up mainly of daughters. Beth and Mandy are featured in the first book of the series. Beth has been back east becoming a doctor. Now she has returned to Texas to fulfill her dream. Mandy has been a stay at home gun toting cowgirl who now thinks she has met the love of her life. Throw in two men who both are beset by past history and problems while each develops feelings for one of the two oldest girls, and you have a story that is typically Mary Connealy with love, laughter, disappointment, and adventure.
Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Can't wait to read the next in the series.
February 9, 2018
It's been a while since I've been so enamoured with a book that I not only found it tough to put down at night but also went to sleep dreaming about its characters. While I enjoyed the series before this (Lassoed in Texas) that introduced the main characters in this series, I fell in love with the tough Beth McClellen beating the lunatic doctor with his own Stetson. The author introduced tough topics, didn't shy away from inherent difficulties, yet also didn't lose the touch of humor that enjoy in her writing. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 22, 2022
Frankly, if I had known this was religious propaganda, I might not have read it.
And I would have denied myself a good reading experience.
It's not generally obnoxious propaganda, so it's bearable to even the most cynical; and the people are so interesting and even generally likable, it's definitely worth the little time it takes to read this action-packed and well-written novel.
Note that the title shows this is No. 1 of what is apparently going to be a series, and, curmudgeon that I am, I intend to follow the adventures of Sophie's Daughters.
And I would have denied myself a good reading experience.
It's not generally obnoxious propaganda, so it's bearable to even the most cynical; and the people are so interesting and even generally likable, it's definitely worth the little time it takes to read this action-packed and well-written novel.
Note that the title shows this is No. 1 of what is apparently going to be a series, and, curmudgeon that I am, I intend to follow the adventures of Sophie's Daughters.
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