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The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch: Four Generations of Love, Loss, and Grace
Six Decades of History Unfurls on a Wyoming Ranch Journey to untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, relationships with natives, and through it all, family bonds. Eleanor by Mary Connealy 1850 – Wagon train guide, Ray “Wild Cat” Manning, can’t ignore the abandoned wagon stricken with smallpox. Eleanor Yates, now widowed with an ailing daughter, says yes to Wild Cat’s marriage of convenience. It is her only choice—but far from her romantic dreams. Grace by D. J. Gudger 1867 – Grace Manning abandons her journey east at Fort Laramie. The ranch is where she belongs. Unable to reach her father, Grace scrambles to find a way home. Captain Winfield Cooper is mustering out in a few short days. The gold fields at South Pass City are calling but a lonely laundress pleads to tag along with him and his motley men. Will this woman who refuses to unveil her face derail his dreams? Caroline by Becca Whitham 1886 – Ray Cooper escaped reservation life by pursuing a degree from Harvard, but it hasn’t granted him the respect he craves in Washington, DC. Caroline Forrester longs to be more than a society hostess for her father. As the two fight against the Dawes Act, they also fight their growing attraction. Penelope by Kimberley Woodhouse 1910 - Penelope Cooper finally receives an offer to become a published author after pursuing her dream in New York City. But when she returns home, her family’s stories, the land of her heart, and photographer Jason Miller, cast doubt on her decision. Will rediscovering her past make Penelope reconsider her future?
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
34 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
113 books2,529 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 81 reviews
February 7, 2024
I love this time period and Mary Connealy , one of my favorite authors.
Following the steps of Eleanor and her husband as they are part of a wagon train heading to the unsettled Wild West, to her great granddaughter Penelope. Each novella focuses on the main female character. The trials each faced through others prejudices, ignorance and plain meanness on the part of some.
This is a 4 part collection , each part a novella written by a different author. I liked 2 of them much more than the others , but my personal preference. Each book was very detailed and really let you feel the emotions and livelihood of each generation. Although all tied to the same Rocking K Ranch. It was good to follow the same family throughout. If you didn’t know they were written by different authors, I don’t think most readers would realize it.
I received an ARC from Barbour through NetGalley but that did not affect my personal review of this book.
Following the steps of Eleanor and her husband as they are part of a wagon train heading to the unsettled Wild West, to her great granddaughter Penelope. Each novella focuses on the main female character. The trials each faced through others prejudices, ignorance and plain meanness on the part of some.
This is a 4 part collection , each part a novella written by a different author. I liked 2 of them much more than the others , but my personal preference. Each book was very detailed and really let you feel the emotions and livelihood of each generation. Although all tied to the same Rocking K Ranch. It was good to follow the same family throughout. If you didn’t know they were written by different authors, I don’t think most readers would realize it.
I received an ARC from Barbour through NetGalley but that did not affect my personal review of this book.
May 7, 2024
Four novellas by four super talented authors meld beautifully and seamlessly into one gripping saga of courage and love featuring four generations of Wyoming’s Rocking K Ranch family. Spanning the years 1850-1920, this faith-filled book captured me with the introduction to Penelope’s story, held me fast through all the joys and trials of each generation, and left me with a satisfying, inspiring conclusion. I fell in love with this family and how they leaned on their strong faith and family ties to see them through. The characters are richly crafted and easy to love and root for. I love how the four couples—Eleanor and Wildcat, Grace and Winfield, Caroline and Raymond, Penelope and Nicholas—overcome prejudice and injustice to forge a legacy of faith and love. A memorably sketched western setting and historical detail enhance the stories. This is one of the best Western compilations I have read, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2023
A terrific read from start to finish, with adventure, romance, and faith! All tied together with a family's history, it has the feel of one complete novel. One of the best novella collections I have ever read.
Beginning and ending with Penelope's story in 1910, the authors fill in the family history going back to 1850, to make a complete picture of how they arrived and thrived in Wyoming. Full of stellar heroes and courageous women, their history crosses cultural barriers and incorporates their struggles, which parallel with real places and events. Prejudice is a main theme, as the issues surrounding Native Americans come into play in each tale.
I liked all of the stories, but Eleanor's was my favorite. 'Wild Cat' Manning was such an outstanding guy! A hard act to follow.
Recommend for readers who enjoy historical adventures with romance and faith. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Beginning and ending with Penelope's story in 1910, the authors fill in the family history going back to 1850, to make a complete picture of how they arrived and thrived in Wyoming. Full of stellar heroes and courageous women, their history crosses cultural barriers and incorporates their struggles, which parallel with real places and events. Prejudice is a main theme, as the issues surrounding Native Americans come into play in each tale.
I liked all of the stories, but Eleanor's was my favorite. 'Wild Cat' Manning was such an outstanding guy! A hard act to follow.
Recommend for readers who enjoy historical adventures with romance and faith. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
January 28, 2024
A set of novellas centered around the Rocking K Ranch in Wyoming and chronicling the generations of Penelope Cooper.
Artfully written by four different authors, showing the faith and fortitude of Eleanor, Grace, Caroline, and Penelope.
Each story pulled me in and took me to the beautiful west. A theme I gleaned was: no matter your circumstances, or how far off track your life seems, God is faithful to lead you if you listen to Him.
This was an entertaining story written seamlessly by two of my favorite authors, and I discovered two new, accomplished authors.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Barbour through NetGalley.* All opinions are mine alone.*
Artfully written by four different authors, showing the faith and fortitude of Eleanor, Grace, Caroline, and Penelope.
Each story pulled me in and took me to the beautiful west. A theme I gleaned was: no matter your circumstances, or how far off track your life seems, God is faithful to lead you if you listen to Him.
This was an entertaining story written seamlessly by two of my favorite authors, and I discovered two new, accomplished authors.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Barbour through NetGalley.* All opinions are mine alone.*
December 24, 2023
I enjoyed watching each generation find love and how important that legacy was for them. The importance of faith in each generation was wonderful to read. I loved the sharing of how their faith would be the foundation and what would get them through the hard times. Well written ladies.
December 28, 2023
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch is a beautiful collection of novellas by 4 talented authors. I loved each story, which follow 4 generations of one family. The themes of love, family, forgiveness; trusting in God’s will, direction and faithfulness were so powerful, pulling at the heartstrings. If you love tales of 1800s America, these stories will endear themselves to you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
November 24, 2023
“The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch- Four generations of love, loss and grace” is a wonderful book of 4 related novellas, written by 4 talented authors. The stories by Mary Connealy, D.J. Gudger, Becca Whitham, and Kimberly Woodhouse, are absolutely lovely depictions of a strong, God-loving family in Wyoming Territory and then the State, from 1850-1920. There are 4 separate novellas, and they each flow very well together.
The stories are exciting, beginning with life in a wagon train, and building a cabin on a lonely mountain. People who settled in Wyoming had to be strong, fearless and dedicated individuals. Each generation had a specific challenge- Eleanor had a tragedy, Grace had an illness, Raymond lived in two worlds, and Penelope had a special talent. Each novella also highlighted the mistakes that were made with the indigenous people in the West. I was really impressed with the attention to the history of the times, the vivid descriptions of scenery and the characters, and how engaging each novella was. Each generation loved their family, worked hard, followed their faith, and had fun together.
But what I really cherished was that each generation loved God and depended on God. The Bible was their guide. Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
The stories are exciting, beginning with life in a wagon train, and building a cabin on a lonely mountain. People who settled in Wyoming had to be strong, fearless and dedicated individuals. Each generation had a specific challenge- Eleanor had a tragedy, Grace had an illness, Raymond lived in two worlds, and Penelope had a special talent. Each novella also highlighted the mistakes that were made with the indigenous people in the West. I was really impressed with the attention to the history of the times, the vivid descriptions of scenery and the characters, and how engaging each novella was. Each generation loved their family, worked hard, followed their faith, and had fun together.
But what I really cherished was that each generation loved God and depended on God. The Bible was their guide. Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
January 13, 2026
BOOK: THE LEGACY OF ROCKING K RANCH
PUB DATE: 01 JANUARY 2023
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
ELEANOR BY MARY CONNEALY
Marriage of Convenience; Opposite Attract; Widowed FMC; Half Indian MMC. Forced Proximity. Closed Door. Wagon Trains
It was a nice and easy read. I loved the characters and how they found strength with each other. The book was short, but I was still able to fully know and understand the characters. The book was very good and I'd recommend it.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
GRACE BY D.J GUDGER
Closed Door Romance, Scarred FMC; Soldier MMC; Marriage of Convenience; Found a Native American orphan
I was eager to read Grace's story after finishing Eleanor’s because of her complications from the small pox. The book was good, going difficult topics such as racism and non-acceptance of Grace because of her scars. Captain Winfield was a good character, but I was annoyed at his discrimination against the Native Americans, I get that they killed his soldiers, but the American soldiers also killed the NAs. But, I'm glad he got over his fear and discrimination of Indians. Grace grew up well, I admire her guardianship of Little Raymond. Very good. I enjoyed reading her story
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
CAROLINE BY BECCA WHITHAM
Cross Class Lovers, forced Proximity, the Dawes Act, Forbidden Romance
This was my favorite, I loved the Forbidden Romance trope and the precarious political situation. I loved Caroline had people in her life to give her realistic advices as to how it would be like marrying a Native American man during those time. I also liked and understood Raymond. He had a lot of anger, understandably, considering what he had gone through. All in all, it was a wonderful book
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
PENELOPE BY KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE
Writer fmc, Photographer mmc, Forced Proximity.
A perfect conclusion to the stories of the women of Rocking K Ranch. I liked this just as I liked the previous ones. I loved reading about the previous characters and how well they've adapted to their lives in Wyoming. I liked Penelope and Jason's relationship. Jason's love for Wyoming. It was very good.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
PUB DATE: 01 JANUARY 2023
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
ELEANOR BY MARY CONNEALY
Marriage of Convenience; Opposite Attract; Widowed FMC; Half Indian MMC. Forced Proximity. Closed Door. Wagon Trains
It was a nice and easy read. I loved the characters and how they found strength with each other. The book was short, but I was still able to fully know and understand the characters. The book was very good and I'd recommend it.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
GRACE BY D.J GUDGER
Closed Door Romance, Scarred FMC; Soldier MMC; Marriage of Convenience; Found a Native American orphan
I was eager to read Grace's story after finishing Eleanor’s because of her complications from the small pox. The book was good, going difficult topics such as racism and non-acceptance of Grace because of her scars. Captain Winfield was a good character, but I was annoyed at his discrimination against the Native Americans, I get that they killed his soldiers, but the American soldiers also killed the NAs. But, I'm glad he got over his fear and discrimination of Indians. Grace grew up well, I admire her guardianship of Little Raymond. Very good. I enjoyed reading her story
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
CAROLINE BY BECCA WHITHAM
Cross Class Lovers, forced Proximity, the Dawes Act, Forbidden Romance
This was my favorite, I loved the Forbidden Romance trope and the precarious political situation. I loved Caroline had people in her life to give her realistic advices as to how it would be like marrying a Native American man during those time. I also liked and understood Raymond. He had a lot of anger, understandably, considering what he had gone through. All in all, it was a wonderful book
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
PENELOPE BY KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE
Writer fmc, Photographer mmc, Forced Proximity.
A perfect conclusion to the stories of the women of Rocking K Ranch. I liked this just as I liked the previous ones. I loved reading about the previous characters and how well they've adapted to their lives in Wyoming. I liked Penelope and Jason's relationship. Jason's love for Wyoming. It was very good.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦
January 22, 2024
4.75 stars overall!
Number 1 is by Mary Connealy
I really enjoyed this story! Wild Cat stays behind with Eleanor, her husband and her daughter Grace when Eleanor’s husband gets smallpox. Wild Cat and Eleanor have had it before but Grace hasn’t. Eleanor’s husband doesn’t make it and they need to get Grace to Wild Cat’s land before she gets too sick. Grace survives and Wildcat and Eleanor do a marriage of convenience that turns into more. Great story! I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Number 2 by DJ Gudger
First book I’ve read by this author. Really loved this story as well. Grace is scared by having small pox as a child and gets mistreated and made fun of. Captain Cooper marries her to help her get home safely. Along the way they get custody of a Native American child. And Captain Cooper learns to not his hate for what the Natives did to Custer cloud his judgment. Very good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Number 3 by Becca Whitham
Another great story by another new to me author! Full blooded Native American, Ray, and Caroline’s love story is so cute. I love how she chases him.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Number 4 by Kimberley Woodhouse
Penelope is a writer and wants to be an author. Jason is a photographer that works for Penelope’s new fiancé. This was a quick cute story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Number 1 is by Mary Connealy
I really enjoyed this story! Wild Cat stays behind with Eleanor, her husband and her daughter Grace when Eleanor’s husband gets smallpox. Wild Cat and Eleanor have had it before but Grace hasn’t. Eleanor’s husband doesn’t make it and they need to get Grace to Wild Cat’s land before she gets too sick. Grace survives and Wildcat and Eleanor do a marriage of convenience that turns into more. Great story! I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Number 2 by DJ Gudger
First book I’ve read by this author. Really loved this story as well. Grace is scared by having small pox as a child and gets mistreated and made fun of. Captain Cooper marries her to help her get home safely. Along the way they get custody of a Native American child. And Captain Cooper learns to not his hate for what the Natives did to Custer cloud his judgment. Very good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Number 3 by Becca Whitham
Another great story by another new to me author! Full blooded Native American, Ray, and Caroline’s love story is so cute. I love how she chases him.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Number 4 by Kimberley Woodhouse
Penelope is a writer and wants to be an author. Jason is a photographer that works for Penelope’s new fiancé. This was a quick cute story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 4, 2023
Such strong female characters in this collection of generational novellas collaborated by Mary Connealy, Becca Whitman, Kimberley Woodhouse, and new to me author D.J. Gudger. From the early push of settlers to move West on the wagon trains, to the conflicts with the Native Americans and broken treaties, to the challenge of women to become published authors, this collection has four strong women beginning with Ellie to her daughter Grace to the great granddaughter in law Caroline to the fourth-generation great-granddaughter Penelope.
When I saw the collaborating authors, I knew this was a book I would enjoy. So glad I was given the opportunity to read the ARC by NetGalley. Releases Jan. 1, 2024.
When I saw the collaborating authors, I knew this was a book I would enjoy. So glad I was given the opportunity to read the ARC by NetGalley. Releases Jan. 1, 2024.
December 30, 2024
Sweet stories woven together to make one incredible book. It should not have taken me so long to read this. It probably won't be, but I would love a sequel or a series out of this. Loads of references to Wyoming and the West, definitely my favorite part of the US. I definitely recommend this for easy historical fiction reading.
November 24, 2023
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch is a collection of four short stories. Mary Connealy is one of my favorite Christian Western Authors but the other authors were new to me.
Mary Connealy wrote the first story which I hope she expands upon sometime in the future. I want to hear more of Eleanor and Wild Cat's history. A classic tale that had me hooked from the first page.
The second story was by D.J. Gudger and it was beyond tragic however all of these volumes ended with HEAs. I had a hard time getting through Grace's never-ending saga of injustices and sorrow. I'm not sure I would've had the strength to ever leave the ranch but her fortitude led to great rewards. I would've liked to read more of the well deserved rewards
Next was Caroline;s Washington DC story, written by Becca Whitham. She and Ray rose above the DC swamp and eventually found where they belonged. A power couple in the making!
Lastly, Kimberly Woodhouse tied everything together in a neat bow. Penelope learned from her mother, grandmother and great grandmother and came out a strong, resourceful women. Wise beyond her years and time period.
A clever novel! Perhaps a sequel could cover another 100 years.
Mary Connealy wrote the first story which I hope she expands upon sometime in the future. I want to hear more of Eleanor and Wild Cat's history. A classic tale that had me hooked from the first page.
The second story was by D.J. Gudger and it was beyond tragic however all of these volumes ended with HEAs. I had a hard time getting through Grace's never-ending saga of injustices and sorrow. I'm not sure I would've had the strength to ever leave the ranch but her fortitude led to great rewards. I would've liked to read more of the well deserved rewards
Next was Caroline;s Washington DC story, written by Becca Whitham. She and Ray rose above the DC swamp and eventually found where they belonged. A power couple in the making!
Lastly, Kimberly Woodhouse tied everything together in a neat bow. Penelope learned from her mother, grandmother and great grandmother and came out a strong, resourceful women. Wise beyond her years and time period.
A clever novel! Perhaps a sequel could cover another 100 years.
August 1, 2024
Fun collection of stories from one family over 4 generations. Enjoyed this one.
November 13, 2023
It was an amazing set of 4 novellas to read. Covering 4 generation during the 19 and 20 generation. A story that shows it is still a man's world, where on a ranch men jokes with one another, but a woman couldn't..It was a man's world as she once again was rejected on being a writer. Till one knew of her family background and the stories she could write about,,under a man's name. Ot a marriage of connivence, she would have her married name on the book, he is saying.
A time of hardships , losing loved ones, illness, the women's faith carried them thru. A woman toiled along with her husband and all the work on a ranch.
Would there be a place for the writing, her dream's to continue.
It was a good blend giving one a glimpse of that era in time that was well done and blended together
Given arc by Net Galley and Barbour for my voluntary review
Releases Jan 1, 2024
A time of hardships , losing loved ones, illness, the women's faith carried them thru. A woman toiled along with her husband and all the work on a ranch.
Would there be a place for the writing, her dream's to continue.
It was a good blend giving one a glimpse of that era in time that was well done and blended together
Given arc by Net Galley and Barbour for my voluntary review
Releases Jan 1, 2024
January 9, 2024
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch by Mary Connealy; D.J. Gudger; Becca Whitham; Kimberley Woodhouse
Six Decades of History Unfurls on a Wyoming Ranch.
Journey to untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, relationships with natives, and through it all, family bonds.
Eleanor by Mary Connealy
1850 – Wagon train guide, Ray “Wild Cat” Manning, can’t ignore the abandoned wagon stricken with smallpox. Eleanor Yates, now widowed with an ailing daughter, says yes to Wild Cat’s marriage of convenience. It is her only choice—but far from her romantic dreams.
This is Eleanor Yates,daughter and Ray “Wild Cat” Manning's story.
Grace by D. J. Gudger
1867 – Grace Manning abandons her journey east at Fort Laramie. The ranch is where she belongs. Unable to reach her father, Grace scrambles to find a way home. Captain Winfield Cooper is mustering out in a few short days. The gold fields at South Pass City are calling but a lonely laundress pleads to tag along with him and his motley men. Will this woman who refuses to unveil her face derail his dreams?
This is Grace Manning and Captain Winfield Cooper's story.
Caroline by Becca Whitham
1886 – Ray Cooper escaped reservation life by pursuing a degree from Harvard, but it hasn’t granted him the respect he craves in Washington, DC. Caroline Forrester longs to be more than a society hostess for her father. As the two fight against the Dawes Act, they also fight their growing attraction.
This is Caroline Forrester and Ray Cooper's story.
Penelope by Kimberley Woodhouse
1910 - Penelope Cooper finally receives an offer to become a published author after pursuing her dream in New York City. But when she returns home, her family’s stories, the land of her heart, and photographer Jason Miller, cast doubt on her decision. Will rediscovering her past make Penelope reconsider her future?
This is Penelope Cooper and Jason Miller's story.
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch is a collection of four short stories.
I recommend this book.
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch by Mary Connealy; D.J. Gudger; Becca Whitham; Kimberley Woodhouse is a
5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you enjoy historical books with romance and faith you will like these stories.
Six Decades of History Unfurls on a Wyoming Ranch.
Journey to untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, relationships with natives, and through it all, family bonds.
Eleanor by Mary Connealy
1850 – Wagon train guide, Ray “Wild Cat” Manning, can’t ignore the abandoned wagon stricken with smallpox. Eleanor Yates, now widowed with an ailing daughter, says yes to Wild Cat’s marriage of convenience. It is her only choice—but far from her romantic dreams.
This is Eleanor Yates,daughter and Ray “Wild Cat” Manning's story.
Grace by D. J. Gudger
1867 – Grace Manning abandons her journey east at Fort Laramie. The ranch is where she belongs. Unable to reach her father, Grace scrambles to find a way home. Captain Winfield Cooper is mustering out in a few short days. The gold fields at South Pass City are calling but a lonely laundress pleads to tag along with him and his motley men. Will this woman who refuses to unveil her face derail his dreams?
This is Grace Manning and Captain Winfield Cooper's story.
Caroline by Becca Whitham
1886 – Ray Cooper escaped reservation life by pursuing a degree from Harvard, but it hasn’t granted him the respect he craves in Washington, DC. Caroline Forrester longs to be more than a society hostess for her father. As the two fight against the Dawes Act, they also fight their growing attraction.
This is Caroline Forrester and Ray Cooper's story.
Penelope by Kimberley Woodhouse
1910 - Penelope Cooper finally receives an offer to become a published author after pursuing her dream in New York City. But when she returns home, her family’s stories, the land of her heart, and photographer Jason Miller, cast doubt on her decision. Will rediscovering her past make Penelope reconsider her future?
This is Penelope Cooper and Jason Miller's story.
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch is a collection of four short stories.
I recommend this book.
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch by Mary Connealy; D.J. Gudger; Becca Whitham; Kimberley Woodhouse is a
5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you enjoy historical books with romance and faith you will like these stories.
April 5, 2024
The Legacy Of The Rocking K Ranch consists of four stories by four authors about four generations. The idea for the collection was a great one. I only wish more of the setting had taken place at the ranch. Mary Connealy is the only author of the four I have read previously, and I would love to see her expand these novellas into a series.
Eleanor (1850) by Mary Connealy. When Eleanor Yates' husband dies of smallpox on their journey west, the remainder of the wagon party leaves without her and her ten-year-old daughter, Grace. Wagon guide Ray "Wildcat" Manning cannot abandon them. While they wait to see if Grace will become sick, he takes them to his mountain home in Wyoming. With winter approaching, to keep things proper, Ray marries Eleanor.
Grace (1867) by D. J. Gudger. The smallpox Grace Manning contracted as a child left her scarred, so she isolated herself at the family ranch. Her parents want more for her and send her east to her grandparents. She only makes it as far as Fort Laramie before wishing to return home; however, attempts to reach her father have failed. Captain Winfield Cooper is leaving the Army, headed to the mountains to mine for gold. Grace offers to introduce him to her father, who knows the area, in exchange for letting her travel with him. To avoid scandal, Winfield tells Grace they must marry.
Caroline (1886) by Becca Whitham. Raymond Cooper, the three-year-old Indian boy rescued/adopted by Grace and Winfield, is a legislative aide for Senator Forrester in Washington, DC. Caroline has been her father's political hostess for six years. During their time together, trying to gain support for an act her father is hoping to get passed, they develop feelings for each other. Before they can wed, however, Raymond tells Caroline she must live in Wyoming for a year to see if she can be happy with a life outside of society.
Penelope (1910) by Kimberley Woodhouse. After three weeks in New York trying to get her short stories about the West published, Penelope Cooper finally finds a publisher. When they learn about her heritage, they offer her a contract to write the true story of her family. Penelope realizes she needs to return home to hear all the details firsthand from her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. They agree and want to send a photographer, Jason Miller, with her to capture images.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Eleanor (1850) by Mary Connealy. When Eleanor Yates' husband dies of smallpox on their journey west, the remainder of the wagon party leaves without her and her ten-year-old daughter, Grace. Wagon guide Ray "Wildcat" Manning cannot abandon them. While they wait to see if Grace will become sick, he takes them to his mountain home in Wyoming. With winter approaching, to keep things proper, Ray marries Eleanor.
Grace (1867) by D. J. Gudger. The smallpox Grace Manning contracted as a child left her scarred, so she isolated herself at the family ranch. Her parents want more for her and send her east to her grandparents. She only makes it as far as Fort Laramie before wishing to return home; however, attempts to reach her father have failed. Captain Winfield Cooper is leaving the Army, headed to the mountains to mine for gold. Grace offers to introduce him to her father, who knows the area, in exchange for letting her travel with him. To avoid scandal, Winfield tells Grace they must marry.
Caroline (1886) by Becca Whitham. Raymond Cooper, the three-year-old Indian boy rescued/adopted by Grace and Winfield, is a legislative aide for Senator Forrester in Washington, DC. Caroline has been her father's political hostess for six years. During their time together, trying to gain support for an act her father is hoping to get passed, they develop feelings for each other. Before they can wed, however, Raymond tells Caroline she must live in Wyoming for a year to see if she can be happy with a life outside of society.
Penelope (1910) by Kimberley Woodhouse. After three weeks in New York trying to get her short stories about the West published, Penelope Cooper finally finds a publisher. When they learn about her heritage, they offer her a contract to write the true story of her family. Penelope realizes she needs to return home to hear all the details firsthand from her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. They agree and want to send a photographer, Jason Miller, with her to capture images.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
November 17, 2024
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch
Four Generations of Love, Loss, and Grace
by Mary Connealy; D.J. Gudger; Becca Whitham; Kimberley Woodhouse
Pub DateJan 01 2024
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance
Barbour Publishing/Barbour Fiction and Netgalley provided me with a copy of The Legacy of The Rocking K Ranch for review:
On a Wyoming ranch, six decades of history unfold!
A journey through untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, and relationships with natives.
Eleanor by Mary Connealy
It's 1850, and wagon train guide Ray "Wild Cat" Manning can't ignore an abandoned wagon with smallpox. With an ailing daughter, Eleanor Yates agrees to Wild Cat's marriage of convenience. It is her only choice—but far from her romantic dreams.
Grace by D. J. Gudger
Grace Manning abandons her journey east at Fort Laramie in 1867. She belongs on the ranch. Grace scrambles to find a way home after being unable to reach her father. It is only a few short days until Captain Winfield Cooper musters out. There are gold fields at South Pass City calling, but a lonely laundress pleads to come along with him. Are his dreams set to be shattered by this woman who won't reveal her face?
Caroline by Becca Whitham
1886-Ray Cooper escaped reservation life by attending Harvard, but it did not earn him the respect he craves in Washington, DC. Caroline Forrester aspires to be more than a society hostess for her father. While they fight against the Dawes Act, they also fight their growing attraction.
Penelope by Kimberley Woodhouse
In 1910, Penelope Cooper receives a publishing offer after pursuing her dream in New York City. However, when she returns home, her family's stories, the land of her heart, and photographer Jason Miller cast doubt on her decision. Can Penelope's rediscovery of her past make her rethink her future?
I give The Legacy of Rocking K Ranch five out of of five stars!!!
Happy Reading!!!
January 8, 2024
This is my first read of 2024. What a read it was! I must admit to liking the first 2 stories best but the whole thing was excellent. I love stories of strong families and boy was this what I like. I loved Ellie & Wildcat's story. At first I wasn't too sure about Wildcat, but he was such a gentle giant in many ways. He was so loving and caring. They really went through a lot together, even before they got married. The other stories were of other family members. Each different but obviously the family connection was there for each. There was also a strong faith element, which I think is paramount in Christian Fiction novels. I like to learn something from the books I read. How God can lead, guide us. Also books that remind us to keep trusting God with our futures etc.
I was dithering between 4.5 or 5 stars, as I did get confused at the start of the last 2 stories, but I soon picked it up again. This book kept me reading to see what happened. A lovely ending. I do feel like it could have just gone on and on, adding family members! I think the different Authors did a good job. I don't usually like anthologies to be honest, but thought I'd try this as I had a copy from netgalley. I was pleasantly surprised how much I did enjoy this. Cowboy stories are usually not my thing. This review is all my own thoughts.
I was dithering between 4.5 or 5 stars, as I did get confused at the start of the last 2 stories, but I soon picked it up again. This book kept me reading to see what happened. A lovely ending. I do feel like it could have just gone on and on, adding family members! I think the different Authors did a good job. I don't usually like anthologies to be honest, but thought I'd try this as I had a copy from netgalley. I was pleasantly surprised how much I did enjoy this. Cowboy stories are usually not my thing. This review is all my own thoughts.
January 14, 2024
Novella compilations as a rule are great opportunities to get to know new authors, relatively fast to finish and generally light-hearted, I absolutely loved this little collection because unlike many collections which follow a theme or sometimes an object as it passes along from story to story, this one is based on generations of women who all find themselves settling at Rocking K Ranch. The story begins with the great-granddaughter of the Rocking K Ranch's founder coming home to document the life stories of her female ancestors as she is looking to publish stories about the American West. Each new author takes a generation of the women for her own story and takes the reader on a unique experience through time leading up to the final story--which is about the author.
Filled with sweet romantic tropes and likeably flawed women who eventually find her own strength, this is a great collection to add to your 'to be read' pile.
Filled with sweet romantic tropes and likeably flawed women who eventually find her own strength, this is a great collection to add to your 'to be read' pile.
Want to read
February 3, 2024A truly outstanding family Legacy series! Where to begin? We have four love stories and four different Generations that tied together the Lord's Grace and everything He embraces. Nothing beats reading the other story after the first one knowing that everything ties in together all four couples were absolutely filled with the determination and honey from Heaven's skies!!
Each of the authors did Fabulous bringing together a menagerie historical accurate detail and always letting us know that Jesus was present. My art collage senses were tingling the moment I read the first sentence of each story. I feel very lucky to have been blessed with an early copy of this book. The Lord's Grace truly does come in all forms and it came in the form of this book!
Each couple had its own special shine. As bright as the sun as calm as a river as happy as a bird and as determined as anyone in the truest of Love would be.
Each of the authors did Fabulous bringing together a menagerie historical accurate detail and always letting us know that Jesus was present. My art collage senses were tingling the moment I read the first sentence of each story. I feel very lucky to have been blessed with an early copy of this book. The Lord's Grace truly does come in all forms and it came in the form of this book!
Each couple had its own special shine. As bright as the sun as calm as a river as happy as a bird and as determined as anyone in the truest of Love would be.
February 11, 2024
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch: Four Generations of Love, Loss, and Grace is a compilation of four novellas. The authors of these Christian, western, historical romance tales are Mary Connealy, D.J. Gudger, Becca Whitham, and Kimberly Woodhouse. Set in Wyoming from 1850 - 1920 these tell the story of a faithful family and blend together.
There is so much to love here. I was able to read s a couple of my favorite authors while sampling work from a couple that were new to me. Each novella was engaging and delightful. It is refreshing to read about couples and families that loved God and really depended on Him. That is very inspiring. The characters are realistic and details seemed authentic. The writing was nice and kept me flipping pages.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by the publisher and NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
#LegacyoftheRockingKRanch #NetGalley
There is so much to love here. I was able to read s a couple of my favorite authors while sampling work from a couple that were new to me. Each novella was engaging and delightful. It is refreshing to read about couples and families that loved God and really depended on Him. That is very inspiring. The characters are realistic and details seemed authentic. The writing was nice and kept me flipping pages.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by the publisher and NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
#LegacyoftheRockingKRanch #NetGalley
March 13, 2024
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch is a historical novella collection by Mary Connealy, D.J. Gudger, Becca Whitham, and Kimberley Woodhouse.
This was such a unique collection. I loved how it began and then went back to tell the stories of the women who made up the legacy of the ranch. Their stories were so interesting, and the women so strong. The heroes were wonderful partners to them, too.
I also appreciated the way the authors addressed difficult aspects of the development of the west, especially some of the policies that harmed Native Americans. It brought that challenging time in history to life, adding dimension to the story and to history.
If you enjoy novellas, this is a great collection to add to your reading list!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
This was such a unique collection. I loved how it began and then went back to tell the stories of the women who made up the legacy of the ranch. Their stories were so interesting, and the women so strong. The heroes were wonderful partners to them, too.
I also appreciated the way the authors addressed difficult aspects of the development of the west, especially some of the policies that harmed Native Americans. It brought that challenging time in history to life, adding dimension to the story and to history.
If you enjoy novellas, this is a great collection to add to your reading list!
---
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
January 11, 2024
I loved reading this book! Having said that, this book with it's four stories that intertwined with each other was so captivating from the start and was a real page turner for me. I enjoyed how each of the authors were able to write their stories and were capable of combining them together to make all four of them engrossing to read. The journey out west that these characters experienced on and off the wagon train is an inspiration to us all. This book is an eye-opener to some of the things that the pioneers and the Native Americans must have endured during that time period. If you enjoy reading stories that are full of love and the bonding between families from different generations, then you will also take delight in this book!
*Thank you to NetGalley & Barbour Publishing for an eBook copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/review of this book!
*Thank you to NetGalley & Barbour Publishing for an eBook copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/review of this book!
February 20, 2024
I was hooked from the Prologue, which was written by Kimberley Woodhouse, one of my favorite authors! In the Prologue we gather that the stories that follow will be those penned by Penelope, the youngest of four generations of strong women who helped shape the Rocking K Ranch legacy. In 1910, Penelope was a wannabe writer whose stories were rejected by publisher after publisher due to gender prejudices held by those in power. Prejudice emerges as a recurring theme in the stories that follow. Finally, through unexpected circumstances, it appears that Penelope will be given a chance at publication, with the collection of novellas as the result. Though I enjoyed meeting each of the women in the book, I was most eager to get to Penelope's story, the last in the collection, as I wanted to hear the "story" behind the stories!
I received an ARC through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
I received an ARC through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
December 22, 2023
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion for Net Galley
I'm not sure this one was for me after all. I'm usually a big fan of Mary Connealy- so that was a huge draw for me, and then the idea of different generations telling their story, should all be right up my alley. It just fell short for me this time. The only series of Mary's I haven't liked was the Petticoats series. ( I wanted to like Petticoats I really did. ) Elenore's story felt like that series, then the next story was so rough to get through and I was already eye rolling about author and the publisher falling in love at the beginning of the book falling love. I just don't think it was for me after all.
I'm not sure this one was for me after all. I'm usually a big fan of Mary Connealy- so that was a huge draw for me, and then the idea of different generations telling their story, should all be right up my alley. It just fell short for me this time. The only series of Mary's I haven't liked was the Petticoats series. ( I wanted to like Petticoats I really did. ) Elenore's story felt like that series, then the next story was so rough to get through and I was already eye rolling about author and the publisher falling in love at the beginning of the book falling love. I just don't think it was for me after all.
December 27, 2023
Sometimes when you read an anthology you find that not all of the stories in them are ones you liked. But, I loved every one of them and the authors did a fabulous job of making each story connect to the other. I felt that one story flowed into the next and the last story of Penelope brought the stories full circle.
Each story had courageous women and men who persevered in the face of adversity. They did that by trusting God and seeing beyond the outward appearance of people regardless of deformities or skin color. The love stories were well ones that I would reread. I heartily recommend readers to choose this book for your reading pleasure.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Each story had courageous women and men who persevered in the face of adversity. They did that by trusting God and seeing beyond the outward appearance of people regardless of deformities or skin color. The love stories were well ones that I would reread. I heartily recommend readers to choose this book for your reading pleasure.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2024
A series of four novellas that tell of Penelope Cooper's family. It truly is a legacy of love, loss, and grace. My favorite story is Eleanor's with Ray "Wildcat" Manning but all of them have wonderful characters and the stories are told very well. The book starts in 1910 with Penelope wanting to get her western stories published but no one wants to publish a female author. It then goes back to 1850 telling the story of her great-grandma and then proceeds through the generations with her grandma and her mom's stories and then ends with hers. My favorite part was in Penelope's story where she meets with all three women so they can pray over her situation. i loved that message of faith and family, what a legacy.
January 23, 2024
This is the story of the four women of the Rocking K Ranch from 1850 to 1910. Eleanor and her family are abandoned by the wagon train when her family is stricken with smallpox. Grace is Eleanor's daughter who also had smallpox. Her face he horribly scared and she keeps it covered. Caroline is meets Ray Cooper, Grace's son. Ray is an Indian who has a law degree from Harvard. Then there's Penelope. She is Ray and Caroline's daughter. She is an author who is trying to get published. I enjoyed reading all these stories about these women who survived the trials of the west.
I was given this book by Barbour Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
I was given this book by Barbour Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
February 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this collection of novellas. The Legacy of Rocking K Ranch follows a family in Wyoming over four generations and 6 decades as they deal with hardship, love, loss, judgement and discrimination.
I enjoyed the historical plot points, and the way the novellas were written independently but were linked thematically and by their characters. It was fun to see characters from early generations emerge in each novella. I loved the way the authors wove together the historical insights and the romance in each story. I found this to be a really well paced and easy read.
Thank you Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed the historical plot points, and the way the novellas were written independently but were linked thematically and by their characters. It was fun to see characters from early generations emerge in each novella. I loved the way the authors wove together the historical insights and the romance in each story. I found this to be a really well paced and easy read.
Thank you Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
January 2, 2024
I always enjoy reading these books with 3 or 4 short stories. This one is set in Wyoming. The stories are written by different authors and take place in different years. I like that each stories title is the name of the main character. The stories themselves are easy to read. They may be shorter than a typical book, but the characters were all well developed and the stories well written. I usually can pick a favorite, but I enjoyed each of these equally. Good read if you enjoy Christian western fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
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