The Tangled Ties That Bind

Kincaid Brides

by Mary Connealy

While running from an angry buffalo, two friends, who always wanted more, reunite. Connor has returned home determined to pursue the woman he never stopped caring about. But Maggie wants to be a city doctor, and he is a rancher through and through. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Novella, Historical Fiction, Westerns, Fiction, Short Stories

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 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

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by Mary Connealy before, and perhaps that was to my detriment with this novella. It's cute, don't get me wrong, but I felt like I was missing something for the first several chapters, like I should have known some of the people mentioned. It just took me a while to get settled into the story, but once I did, I ended up enjoying it. Connor Kincaid is not my "type" when it comes to male leads, as he's a bit too hard-headed. Maggie's circumstances are interesting in that she is training to be a doctor rather far from home. Things move kind of fast for them, and I didn't get a good enough feel for their past to really empathize as I'd have liked to. The ending seems a little bit contrived, but the romance is cute, and for a novella, adding another element to the plot would have made it go too long.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

When I return to the world of Mary Connealy it is like returning home. Over the years, she has fast become one of my favorite genre authors of Christian Historical Fiction. Being able to jump into her stories and hear a mention of characters that I read about nearly a decade ago is a wonderful feeling and I cannot wait to read more and catch up on the stories that I have missed more recently. This story is best appreciated when you know the family characters going in. 
This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

First sentence:
Rawhide, Colorado
June 20, 1883
Home. One more hour on the trail and Connor Kincaid would be home for the first time in five years.

Premise/plot: Connor and Maggie were best friends. But that was before--before he left for five whole years. In that time they've never been far from each other's thoughts. But he's never spoken--officially or unofficially--about what he's feeling and what his intentions are. Maggie has spent her time guessing and hoping. That is until she got tired of waiting. Why wait for a man who may or may not marry her if he ever comes around again? Better to spend her time getting an education--wouldn't it be something to train as a doctor?! Connor is shocked when he returns. Maggie is all grown-up and ready for marriage. But will she give up her education just because a man asks her to marry him? Will she put aside her dream of being a doctor and saving lives? NO! Will Connor be okay with the woman Maggie has become?

My thoughts: This one had potential certainly. But. It felt rushed and silly. The "rushed" feeling may come from this being part of a series. If Maggie and Connor have appeared in other books--either as major or minor characters--then that would explain a good deal of the disconnect. Readers are thrown into a story and perhaps expected to feel something towards the characters right away. You don't really get a sense of who they are as individuals before we're witness to a proposal. The "silly" feeling comes from how unrealistic it is overall. Connor follows her to the city where she's in school and an internship of sorts. He's hired by the doctor who's training or apprenticing her. And they seem to be doing the exact same tasks. Connor becomes an instant doctor with no training, no instruction, no schooling, no observing. How does a cowboy or ranch hand have this kind of practical working knowledge of medicine? The ending is both silly and rushed. Maggie's education is being paid for by a small town. They've drawn up a contract--they'll pay for her training and in return she'll practice medicine in their town for at least five years. Her fulfilling her contract would be mighty inconvenient...but how to get out of it?! The answer is stupid--in my opinion--but it does get her to the altar in time for her predictable happily ever after ending.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel with Mary Connealy in “The Tangled Ties that Bind” to Colorado and meet Connor Kincaid returning home to the Kincaid family ranch and ready to sweep Maggie off her feet and start a ranch of his own. Only to discover that Maggie has plans and dreams of her own.

Maggie is spunky and independent. She isn't the same young girl that Connor remembers from his youth. It was fun to watch these characters grow, not only in their faith, but also as individuals.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

This was a fun novella! I enjoy stories that include characters who have known each other since childhood and suddenly realize they are in love now that they are grown! It's a fun transition! This story also focuses on Maggie, the heroine, taking steps to become a woman doctor and that was enjoyable for me because I know that was hard to overcome the stereotypes in the old west. A really good book that I would recommend !

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars
yeaaaahhhh .. nope
I really didn't enjoy anything in this novella, from the stupid stuck up Conner up to that weird ending, nothing sat well with me and it was mostly boring and annoying

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy
April 30, 2020
5 stars
What I liked most about this book was Connor's willingness to support Maggie in her dreams, and when push came to shove, he was still by her side defending her, encouraging her, and loving her!

[Cinnabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story about two childhood friends trying to find their way back to love after a five-year separation, while struggling to determine how their future dreams can come into agreement.

I really enjoyed getting a look into Old West doctoring and all that was involved for someone, especially a woman, trying to become a doctor in that day. I felt the author did a wonderful job of bringing the reader into a busy hospital, showing examples of typical injuries and the medicines and treatments that were used to "doctor" a person.

This was a great, fast-paced and interesting read!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of main characters with a past! Connor and Maggie grew up together and cared for each other for years. However, Connor was gone for five long years and Maggie now had other plans that did not include marriage. I loved Connor’s dogged determination to be there for Maggie and convince her that they belonged together. Their relationship was so sweet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tangled Ties That Bind – A Kincaid Brides Novella by Mary Connealy
GOOD STORY
June 20, 1883 Rawhide Colorado
Connor Kincaid is heading home after 5 years away to finally be reunited with his family and Maggie, who he has loved and pined for while gone making his mark/becoming a man. The opening reunion of these two was fantastic. It involved an angry buffalo in the tree-filled Rockies.
Unbeknownst to Connor, Maggie is moving away, to his complete shock. She waited years for him to return, and when he didn’t she deiced to get busy living and go to Denver to go to school. After his ire subsides, he decides to follow her, and prove his love. Together they are a strong team and I really enjoyed what they learned. You can definitely see the impractical side of youth and snap decisions sometimes, particularly with Connor, but when push comes to shove he is a strong young man and quite smart as well. Maggie is rightfully cautious with her heart, but smart and determined in her own right. Good story.
Side note: Apparently (according to my files) I read book one in this series way back in 2014 when it was a free download. And the © date is actually 2011, so I find it interesting to be revisiting these characters all these years later.

Originally released in the book Hearts Entwined – A Historical Romance 4 Novella Collection © Jan. 2018 Bethany House. Individual eVersions will release May 1, 2018

Thanks to one of the authors, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publ. My opinion is my own.

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next story was the hilarious Mary Connealy's continuation of the "Kincaid Brides" series.

I freaked out just a little when I saw it was a continuation, not gonna lie to you. I SUPER enjoyed book 1 (really need to get to book 2 & 3), and was crazy excited to see some of the characters come back to life on paper.

I really enjoyed Maggie's character, she was a driven woman who wanted to make the world a better place.

Connor got a itty-bitty bit annoying, he seemed clueless in some areas. He came waltzing back home after 5 years and thought all would be exactly the same.
Thankfully he made a turnaround and in the end their romance was sweet and innocent.

I was pleased with how the story unfolded, then "tied" itself together again. I rated it a 4/5 stars.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Tangled Ties That Bind" by Mary Connealy, is a sweet story. Connor and Maggie grew up together in a tight knit family. Though they were considered cousins, Maggie was adopted, so they were not blood related. As they were in their teens, feelings grew. Connor left town at this time to grow up and learn about being a rancher. Maggie waited for him four years. Finally she knew she had to make her own plans. Both Maggie and Connor end up back home on a visit at the same time and their feelings were still there. Connor, not wanting to lose Maggie follows her to Denver, to see if they can build a life together. A sweet story.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Mary Connealy's stories. I've only read the first book in her Kincaid Brides series, but even though I haven't yet finished the series I was so excited that this novella is a companion to the Kincaid Brides series, it was so cool to catch up with characters I'd met before and read a story featuring their kids. I loved both Connor and Maggie, it was so great to watch their relationship develop as well as watching them both grow and develop as characters. This was a very exciting and adventure filled novella that I loved reading!

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The comical beginning hooks you from the get-go, but as you keep reading, the tenderness and strength of the characters will impress and make you fall in love with them.
The hero of this story has such a unique personality and the heroine was a perfect blend of tender and feisty. Ms. Connealy has a knack for making characters that have more than just your ordinary, typical everyday personalities.
p.s. If you're a fan of Ms. Connealy's "Kincaide" and "Boden" series', you're in luck! This novella ties into both and brings back/mentions some of your favorite characters!

[Rea K · Rating 2 out of 5]

*reminds self that self does not care for Mary Connealy's writing*
I felt that this one was beyond ridiculous, but considering that it is one of the Kincaid brides books, I'm not all that surprised. I still find it amusing that everyone dislikes Julia and her obsession with the caves and, like, dinosaurs. Apparently even after twenty years Julia is still a pill.

I didn't care for the characters or the story.

Read because my mama didn't raise no quitter, just a stubborn lady.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short story about Connor and Maggie. Connor is returning home after being gone about 5 years. As he gets close to home, he and Maggie have to outwit a bear. Maggie is preparing to leave to study to be a doctor. She had hoped Connor would ask to marry her, but since he didn't, she's going ahead with her plans. Now that he's finally returned, how will this budding romance progress? I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. Lots of excitement to keep you turning the pages.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable story! I cheered the whole time for Connor and Maggie! Maggie wants to be a doctor, Connor just wants to be with Maggie even if that means moving to the big city! Mary Connealy is Historical Christian Fiction at its best! She can take even a short 80 page novella and make it pure fun!

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a tangle!

Such a fun continuation story! These characters while seen previously as children were brought to life as adults ready to take on the world and each other. The give and take had classic Conneally style and wit. It also shows the compromises that two people will make when they're in love.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Connealy is one of my top ten favorite authors. I know what to expect in her books and novellas and this one did not disappoint. I love when she continues the story with past characters from her other series. I loved the entire Kincaid family with all there quirks and eccentricities. It was a fun story and I was glad that once again love wins in the end.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful addition to the series! I loved learning more about these characters. I really enjoyed the two main characters and their realistic thoughts and feelings. Mary amazes me, with her ability to tie her stories together so well! Part of me wishes I had not read any of them until they were all written. I think I should make a map and family tree for her books.

[Megan Schaulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who once had to wait an hour in Yellowstone National Park until a buffalo stopped napping on my tent, I great appreciated the opening of this story. I haven't read any of the Kincaid Brides books and I could tell there were references I didn't understand. Still, it was a fun tale of childhood friends to more.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the beginning. With a wild buffalo adding to a reunion whats not to love. This was well written and I loved the characters.

[Gladys Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book but, wish book was longer, so need 2nd book. A good read for short story.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute story but glad it was a quick read. The best part was the emergencies at the Doctors office.

[Katie Richtsmeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick novella I read in a few short sittings.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
cute fun novella in hearts entertwined compilation

[Tawana Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short.

I loved this book as I do all of Mary's books. I have just one complaint. It is too short. I want moor. Love how she weaves several series together!!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written and entertaining Christian romance novella with great characters. It was a sweet addition to the Kincaid Brides series. The only thing that bothered me about this story was that the protagonists were raised as cousins but fell in love and married. While I know that Maggie wasn't related to the Kincaids by blood, it was still an odd scenario to me. I still enjoyed seeing how the couple ended up overcoming the obstacles between them that Maggie's plans had created though.

[Linda R · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Connor started seeing Maggie as more than a childhood friend, he left home to avoid acting on those feelings until Maggie came of age. Maggie waited year and year for him to return but finally gave up hope and decided to move to the city to go to school and become a doctor. Five years later, Connor has returned, ready to start a ranch with Maggie.

Maggie, however, wants to finish her education and has already committed to becoming the doctor in a nearby city. Not wanting to be apart from Maggie, Connor takes a job at the doctor's office where Maggie is training until he can convince her to marry him.

This novella, one of the stories in the Hearts Entwined book, is part of the Kincaid Brides by Mary Connealy. Having not read the other books in the series, I found the storyline unrealistic and silly.

I won a copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.