After a rough winter spent alone, Ursula Nordegren realizes she must overcome her fears of the outside world and begins a trek down Hope Mountain. Along the way she finds a badly wounded stranger and realizes God may have used her decision to leave as a way of saving the man.
Wax Mosby was climbing Hope Mountain in part to atone for his terrible choices. He was hired to drive out the Warden family and now knows he was duped. But when he's wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.
As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of living new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they're joined by Ursula's sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the family ranch looms with the coming of spring.
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.
What a slam-bang finish! This whole trilogy was great, but Her Secret Song is definitely my favorite. I love that Mrs. Connealy saved the best for last.
One disappointment was that the hatchet angle was super anticlimactic. The setup with beautiful. Ursula taught herself to be a crack shot with her weapon of choice in the early scenes. But she never got to use the skills she gained. Not once! I had looked forward to seeing her take out a bear or an elk or even a villain or two with her talent, but that never came to pass.
I was thrilled when I realized Wax Mosby would be the leading fella in this book. I had a love-hate relationship with him through the first two stories, but I love the journey toward redemption he tread in this one. I especially enjoyed the fabulous description from his POV when he had a bad concussion. Disorientation, double- and triple-vision, discombobulated thinking… Mrs. Connealy threw in the works!
Maybe I misremembered this, but I thought Ilsa was said in book two to have “dark-blonde hair.” In this one, she is called a “dark-haired woman” and a “brunette.” Those are vastly different than being “dark-blonde.” I’m not sure which picture I’m supposed to believe, because they’re completely different mental images. Considering she’s Scandinavian, my gut says she’s of a paler-haired variety… but then Alicia Vikander (actress) is also Scandinavian, and she’s dark-skinned and dark-haired. So I’m still at a loss. I guess I’ll see if I get a clearer picture of Ilsa’s locks on my second read of this beautiful and fun trilogy.
The misguided faith (believing that Aesop’s Fables is a “second Bible”) was brought to light in an interesting way in this story. I enjoyed seeing various characters’ reactions to it and how they spoke truth to Ursula in their own ways, trying to help her see the fact that there is only one Holy Bible. Some showed frustration, others patience, others love; all showed a firm belief in the truth and a hope that Ursula would join their belief.
This book had a fantastic finale and was, itself, a wonderful finale to the series. I wish there were more books! I could totally see a spin-off series featuring the little ones these girls may or may not have had… Please, Mrs. Connealy???
Content: swearing by “all the saints” (once), one replacement expletive
It was easy to be frustrated with Ursula in the first two books with her resistance to her sisters' new friends and choices, so I was looking forward to reading from her perspective. I appreciated the way she eventually overcame her fears and made the choice to connect with people rather than isolate. Her singing to herself was an interesting mannerism and one that instantly connects her to Wax when she rescues him. Wax is another character going through an important transition as he abandons his employer and gun-for-hire lifestyle and seeks to redeem himself. He's an important asset to the Warden's as they battle the criminal-on-the-run reinvented as a cattle baron who is taking over the land through violent force. An entertaining blend of adventure, suspense, romance, and faith.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Mary Connealy ends her Brides of Hope Mountain series with eldest sister Ursula's story. Ursula is the one who has stubbornly refused to ever go down the mountain to the lowlands, something her grandmother always warned her against. Then one day she decides to conquer her fears and go part way down. She finds a desperately wounded man on the trail and heads back up the mountain to tend him. Life changes for her right then and there as she fights to save Wax Mosby's life. Could Ursula possibly be happy not on the mountain? Grab this latest book and find out. Mary Connealy is a favorite of mine and I never miss her books.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
This is the third book in The Brides of Hope Mountain series, Ursula’s story. With her sisters married and down in civilization, Ursula is the lone hold out in isolation on the mountain. She has her skills and hones a new one- ax throwing. She has her Bibles and has set scripture to song. As spring comes, Ursula decides to do a brave thing and climb down the mountain as God leads. She comes upon an injured Wax Mosley and helps him back up the mountain and nurses him back to health. *Beneath all the misery was a song. A private song for him alone, almost like the angel had followed him into hell. That single secret song kept him from dropping so far down into the hot black misery he would never be able to get back up.* Her Secret Song wraps up the story of the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family to a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Connealy describes the terrain beautifully. There are funny moments and exciting chases, stalking and captures. Wax Mosley saw Ursula as an angel come to his rescue. He re-evaluated his life and came to know God in a more personal way that changed his behavior. We can learn from Ursula in her isolation. She relied on God and always had a song in her heart even amongst difficulties. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The satisfying conclusion to The Brides of Hope Mountain.
Ursula Nordegren is the eldest of the sisters, she has chosen to live alone deep in the mountains over the winter, which has given her the time to hone her skills and realize that she can't hide from the outside world forever.
Wax Mosby regrets his mistakes of becoming a hired gun for a less than honest man. On his way to warn the Warden family he finds himself injured and is rescued by a beautiful woman with a golden voice.
An engaging read, with Mary Connealy's trademark humor and fast paced adventure. I loved revisiting Hope Mountain and all the sisters, and their spouses. This was a satisfying conclusion to the series, and I would definitely recommend reading the books in order to get the most out of it.
Ursula is a capable young woman, the oldest of the sisters, she was also the most influenced by her grandmother's fears. I loved how Wax isn't quick to judge Ursula, and comes to admired her strength and abilities.
Overall, a fun read, with some humorous misunderstandings and memorable characters. I liked the strong themes of second chances, facing fears, and standing up for what is right. A must read, if you enjoyed the previous books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I just finished reading Ursula's story in Her Secret Song. Life and a toddler delayed me, but it was almost perfect timing, because as she was able to mentally leave her mountain and reach out to other people nearby, but not around her yet... so was I. As you may have seen when I was talking about, Help, I'm Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope, it was the combination of those self told stories and this fiction that pushed me to come out of my cocoon, as well. Like her sisters Jo and Ilsa, Ursula had never left Hope Mountain. She knew of no one except a faint memory of her mother and father, and her paternal grandparents, and her little sisters which she practically raised. She raised them in the rural Colorado mountains, alone. Full of fear that was instilled by her grandparents and the mystery of the unknown.
I went up to Hope Mountain in reading the story of Jo when I needed a reprieve from every day life. I was pulled onto a train with Ilsa when I wasn't ready to leave my post pandemic lifestyle. I have found a new church home, new groups of friends, and more people to love and cherish with similar veins of thought during Ursula's push to remove herself from some severe agoraphobia. I love reading Mary Connealy's stories. They always seem to hit my life at just the right moment and I often wonder if she could possibly be writing any of these stories for me. A great escapism from my everyday and worth every page.
I started with a Netgalley eARC, continued with a copy thanks to Bethany House Publishers, and finished today while cross stitching a new adventure listening to an audiobook on Hoopla Digital.
This final book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series is like icing on a cake. The other two books were wonderful stories but Her Secret Song wraps up the saga of the Nordegren sisters in a totally satisfying way! I enjoyed getting to know Ilsa and Jo but author Mary Connealy truly saved the best sister for last. Ursula is the oldest and stubbornest Nordegren but she is also the loneliest. Will she remain on Hope Mountain or will she decide that she needs something more? Is Ursula destined to live a life of solitude or is there someone waiting to share it with her?
Her Secret Song is a thrilling adventure set in 1874 Colorado and Connealy perfectly captures the beauty of this dangerous and isolated terrain. Ursula's desire to remain on Hope Mountain is understandable and her reliance on God is very admirable, and it is this love for God and nature that helps Wax Mosely to find his own faith-walk. And finally, Ursula is given a glimpse of romantic love.
Her Secret Song has laugh-out-loud moments, thrilling adventure, and a wonderful faith message. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is definitely my favorite book in the series! I loved it! I love Mary Connealy’s sense of humor. I also enjoyed Ursula facing her fears and branching out to try new things. I enjoyed getting to know Wax better and his redemption. I really liked the way this series wrapped up and ended. This is a series that I could see myself reading again!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
What a perfect finale! This is easily my favorite of the series. Watching Wax finally find a happy ending after all the heartache he went through was awesome and Ursula was the perfect match for him. The story kept me so engrossed I had trouble putting it down. I really really enjoyed this book.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
(4.5 stars) - "Durnedest gunfight I’ve ever been in.”
Book 3 of the Hope Mountain series brings us to Ursula's long-awaited redemption. Her fear led her to hide away from her sisters & the Warden family, but being alone all winter has driven her to attempt to climb down the cliff side of the mountain. Maybe. She's still wrestling with her fear & doubts when she comes across a very injured Wax Mosby.
Wax thinks she's an angel come to take him to heaven. And in a way she is, as Ursula realizes that God has brought her to this man to help save him, & so she does. The two of them find they have much that draws them together both mentally & spiritually.
With the spring thaw opening the mountain pass, the final battle with Pike is at hand at last. While the gunfight has all the dramatic tension one would expect, it's also an unusual & rather entertaining one.
The epilogue of the story & series wraps up all the loose ends, & though the timing of 2 things is overly pat, it's thoroughly satisfying. This is absolutely the best series Connealy has done yet, and one of my most favorite!
Woohoo! This is some grand finale to Connealy's Brides of Hope Mountain series!!!
While there is an over-arcing villainous plot looming from the first two books, the author has written this final episode in such a way that it could be read as a standalone. BUT, having said that, it would read even better if you're up-to-date with the series and that's because you'll get the inside jokes (the second bible -- snort!) and the over all Warden/Nordegren shenanigans much better. Plus, each book is sheer comedic poetry and so much fun to read! It's well worth savoring each unique story.
So, there's plenty of action -- this author is particularly brutal to her heroes. Poor Wax! Ouch! Luckily he has Ursula to nurse him back to health and then it's pretty much bedlam and chaos to the nail-biting, stand-up-and-cheer-those-Nordegren-sisters-on blockbuster ending! Yeehaw!!!!
I listened to the audible edition of Her Secret Song narrated by Barbara McCulloh. Her voice is particularly suited for these characters and her dialogue delivery and 'inner thought voices' are spot on.
The Brides of Hope Mountain series has featured three interesting sisters, this book being about Ursula, the oldest of the trio. Each sister has unique survival talents, Ursula's being the ability to throw a small axe. I am a big fan of Mary Connealy's female characters, most of which show a lot of grit and sass. I loved that the three Nordegren sisters not only had strengths, but weaknesses, which gave room for their characters to grow. At the beginning of the novel, Ursula was stricken with fear concerning the dangers of life beyond Hope Mountain. The mountain represented safety most of her life, but with the arrival of the Wardens, she had to face her fears...which led to guilt and shame when she faltered. Then the grit kicked in...and she rescues a stranger. The beginning of this novel was probably my favorite part. When Ursula meets Wax, she transforms. She finally meets a man that she has no choice but to connect with, and the romantic tension escalated. I never get tired of the rescue then nurse someone to health storyline. As the novel continues, the middle section dipped a little for me as far as tension goes, but picked back up, with an action packed ending. The characters' personalities really came out with an added punch of that grit, sass, and humor I really enjoy. While this could be read as a stand-alone novel, I would definitely recommend starting with the first book in the series, "Aiming for Love," and read them in order. If you're a fan of western Christian romance, you won't be disappointed!
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**
I think this was my favorite book of the series--Ursula came off the least likeable of the sisters in the first two books, but here we get to see her wrestle with her fears, her regrets, and her path forward. It humanizes her, and we see what a sympathetic character she really is. Wax is the perfect hero for her--respectful for her need of solitude and full of encouragement, recognizing her strengths that others have overlooked.
I laughed over an over after that sermon about worrying, when the characters mentally assent to what terrible sinners they are each time they find themselves worrying. It's written quite humorously, but I could easily be in Ursula or Wax's position .The showdown has all the girls at their best for a bang-up finish. I was glad for the epilogue, which ties up old loose ends that I hadn't actually expected to resolved.
Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
It's a nice conclusion to a memorable series about three sisters growing up isolated in the mountains of 1874 Colorado with only their grandparents. The series should definitely be read in order because so many things happen in the first two books that lay the foundation for the subplots that get resolved in this book. I enjoyed following Jo, the middle sister, and Ilsa, the youngest, and their respective husbands as they gather forces to deal with evil schemers out to hurt their entire family. Getting to know Ursula was fun and seeing Wax/Jake Mosby with Ursula was a surprising turn of events, given what he was hired to do and who had hired him. Second chances, forgiveness, and conquering fear are themes that bind Ursula and Jake and there is plenty of humor peppered throughout the book to make you laugh out loud. Quite enjoyable historical fiction.
I received the book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
I enjoyed Ursula's story. She was most opposed to people from the outside world probably because she'd been in charge of keeping her sisters safe for so long. it was fun to see her stretched outside of her comfort zone. I loved the interactions between her and Wax. He understands her and appreciates her for the strong woman she is.
My favorite part was the fight at the end. I loved seeing the sisters take center stage and using their unusual skills. Mitch seems to get it best. "My wife is an uncommonly dangerous woman" (location 2269). It was delightful and entertaining. I'd highly recommend it.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This takes place just after the previous book ends. The main characters are looking for redemption and healing. The sisters come together with their husbands and soon-to-be husband to right a wrong and make things right again. It was interesting to see how far all of these characters have come. I like that faith is a big part of these books.
Somehow I skipped #2, but I really enjoyed this one about Ursula. What a life in the mountains! I don't think I could have done it. This is action packed and full of surprises and humor. Now, I will backtrack to the second one.
Today, on Facebook in a group I belong to, someone asked for people to post the location of the last book you read to see if people could guess the book. It's not hard to miss Bucksnort, Colorado, for a location. If anyone has read any part of the series Brides of Hope Mountain by Mary Connealy, that person will know about Bucksnort. Her Secret Song is the final book in this series, and the story of Ursula's finding a husband. Ursula, Jo, and Ilsa all have their back-woods talents: Ursula is deadly with an axe, Jo can shoot with her bow and arrow with uncanny accuracy, and Ilsa is more than proficient with a knife. All three of them can walk through the woods in utter silence and notice things before most other people could. The three girls have lived all of their lives on Hope Mountain, never going down the mountain into town because of the fear their grandmother held about the diseases others would bring to their mountain. Ursula is the last to overcome her fear and after a winter alone decides to go down the mountain only to have her trek interrupted by finding the wounded body of Wax Mosby. She carries him back to her cabin to nurse his wounds.
This is the book that pulls all the loose threads in the other two and binds them up in a nice, neat package. It was such a satisfying conclusion to the series. In many ways, this book reminded me of the movie, "The Cowboys," with John Wayne. In the movie, the boys set out to take the cattle back from the rustlers who killed their leader. They use sneakiness and ingenuity to overcome their enemies. The girls and their husbands, or boyfriend in Ursula's case, work together to overcome a common enemy and his minions and to restore the Circle Dash Ranch back to the Wardens. All of the minions of Canton, the land-grabber, are wanted men and have prices on their heads. That makes the mission of capturing them all the more important. Definitely a Five Star Book, with two thumbs up, and a reclaimed ranch.
Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I could not wait to get my hands on this book! Her Secret Song was long anticipated and Mary Connealy didn’t let me down. After reading the first book in this series, “Aiming for Love”I fell in love with the world that Connealy created. The Nordegren sisters were so unlike any characters I had met before. Living their whole lives on a mountain and afraid of what might lie below, they lived sheltered lives and only relied on each other. But when strangers invade their little world, they have no choice but to adapt. In this novel we focus on the eldest sister, Ursula. Deathly afraid of disease and the bad things the world below brings, she finds herself isolated in her own little house of stone. Being trapped alone all winter might drive anyone crazy, and most would say Ursula was there to begin with. I loved watching her fight to grow and go beyond what she ever thought possible. When she runs across an injured Wax, their whole interaction is one of a kind. I loved watching them get to know each other, and learn even more about themselves along the way. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, and hope to visit Hope Mountain again someday.
This book kept me turning pages way too late into the night. I loved everything about the interactions between the sisters and their respective husbands. I was so excited to see how Ursula would turn out. The battle over the Warden Ranch was a fun one to watch. Each family member is so unique and I can’t imagine how Connealy came up with so much details. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book unlike any other. I couldn’t guess what could possibly happen next, and enjoyed every moment of it. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I totally recommend you read all three. I have a feeling you will love the sisters just as I do, and you’ll want to know them as much as possible. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mary Connealy’s 3rd and concluding novel in the Brides of Hope Mountain series: Her Secret Song is Ursula Nordegren’s story. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this final installment of this story since March and so excited to finally write this review!
Book 3 picks up right where book 2 ended with the characters Wax Mosby and Ursula Nordegren on the verge of meeting. To be honest, these two seem to be the most unlikely of pairings of the series. Ursula is the oldest of the sisters but in many ways the timidest (or at least the most fearful) as she has been sheltered from the outside world and taught to fear it by their now deceased grandmother. Mosby, on the other hand, has a reputation of being a gun-for-hire without respect for persons.
But Providence works in the lives of these characters and brings these two together to find their happily ever after. Mrs. Connealy does what she does best in writing romantic stories with cowboys. And by the end, you care for these characters and want to see them together, happy and safe. While these two are in the midst of falling in love, though, there is a whole mess of trouble to deal with and a huge gunfight during the last few chapters of the book. Lots of excitement!
This is a continuity series meaning that the main characters change with each book as it continues forward in time. However, there are a couple over-arching storylines that will finally be answered by the end of this book, bringing the series to a satisfactory conclusion. I would recommend reading this series in order.
The best part of Her Secret Song is the bringing together of a family. These three single, naïve girls are alone and by the end they are a part of a big, loving family. Hope Mountain at the beginning of book 1 really lacked hope in a future for these girls. And by the conclusion of book 3, it is filled with hope and the creation of a new generation living on top of Hope Mountain. Read the whole series. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
First sentence: Wax Mosby was living a life that was going to kill him. Probably shot in the back by one of the men he worked with. If he wanted to live, he had to get away from here, and his time was running out. But before he could leave, he had to go up. His honor demanded he face the Wardens. And his gut told him they were at the top of the mountain.
Premise/plot: Jake "Wax" Mosby, used to be a gun for hire, but lately he's had a change of heart. Still he isn't quite sure how to go about living a reformed and transformed life. But he knows he owes amends to a few people--particularly the Wardens. Which is why he's heading up a dangerous mountain. Fortunately/unfortunately, life gets messy on the way up!
Ursula Nordegren is a recluse living by herself on a mountain top. Her two younger sisters have married--leaving her alone--and now she's being driven a bit nuts with the isolation and loneliness. She has been planning to go down the mountain for a while, but, fear has almost always held her back...until one day.
On her way down she stumbles across a near-dead man. It will take all the strength she has to help him...but in her caring of him she may just find some healing herself.
Plenty of action and adventure in this one.
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one! I have not read the other books in the series. But this one was able to stand alone. I imagine the other two stories are the love stories of her two sisters...which we do see plenty of in this one!
3.5 stars "Ursula felt a song rise to her lips . . . "
Ursula Nordegren had always used her gift of song to communicate .. . . mostly to herself as of late; she had been confined to a cozy, but cave-like existence high upon Hope Mountain all winter long. Snowed in, she hadn't seen another human being in months, but spring was coming and Ursula was weary of her low country fears. Summoning up her courage and singing through her doubts, she began her slow descent, only to stumble onto something that she never expected; a man.
She was an angel, thought Wax Mosby in his injured state; . . . "he'd died, and he realized with a lifted heart that she had come to take him to heaven. Surely God didn't send angels when a man wasn't going to be taken through the pearly gates". . . . "except did angels wear britches?".
Struggling mightily to get the gargantuan man with the multiple injuries to shelter, Ursula begins to realize that God had his own reasons for sending her down the mountain that day, and so he must have a plan for the black, blue, purple, and yellow bruised up man as well, so she better do her best to keep him alive. Only how was she supposed to know that Wax Mosby was considered by many as a mighty dangerous man.
Readers will enjoy this witty conglomeration of initial misunderstandings, as Mary Connealy charms her audience with the Nordegren sisters, and the men who dared to love them.
With Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy had tied some of the stories loose ends. While the romance and the budding relationship between the sisters advanced and moved forward, Connealy did not forget some of the elements that made this story different from other stories. I like how Ursula did not want to come down off Hope Mountain, even so far, as to be scared of the choices her sisters were making, but she overcame those and learned to live again. I liked how the plot kept moving forward. The parents were explained, and readers will learn more about the grandparents who taught the young girls to be afraid of the outside world. While the story does not have the non-stop action that I enjoy in my stories, the story was unique and definitely captured my attention. I liked how the heroines in this series were brave, yet a little timid. Different than what I have previously read. Overall, Brides of Hope Mountain was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad that I came back to reading all three of them.
I received a complimentary copy of Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Book 2 in the Brides of Hope Mountain ended with the oldest sister of the Nordegren girls, Ursula, remaining in an isolated, snowed-in cabin atop the mountain. Her fears of the world and of people overwhelming her.
As book 3 opens Ursula has lasted the winter in her self-imposed isolation and has a song in her heart. Music fills her being. But she senses a need to go down the mountain to where her sisters and a world of people abide.
Meeting an injured man, she reaches out to help him seek safety and cares for his many injuries. The story then brings Ursula and her sisters back together and their journey down the mountain begins.
Packed with welcome and awesomely witty storytelling, Her Secret Song brings a conclusion to this highly enjoyable, relaxing, and fun read. Author Mary Connealy coaxes out the funny and the impossible, the exciting and the mundane to bring a reader moments of totally enjoyable reading.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Ursula Nordegren is a woman who can stand on her own. Cabin fever begins to gnaw inside, so she begins to seek comfort in the small town of Bucksnort down from her mountain home. On the way down the mountain trail, Ursula meets a stumbling block in the way of her brave trek, Wax Mosby.
Wax carries his own secrets and wouldn't like them spilled. What ensues is a rollicking reading ride in the pages of this third novel in the Brides of Hope Mountain series.
It can be read as a stand-alone, but treat yourself.
Find that hidden bit of chocolate in the pantry, we all have those, the ones the kids or hubby can't partake in and read this book. Then, read the other stories about her younger sisters, Ilsa and Jo. They are full of love and adventure as well.
I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.
The Brides of Hope Mountain series by Mary Connealy comes to a close with Ursala’s romance in Her Secret Song.
The eldest Nordegren sister is the one most resistant to experience the world outside of her mountain, but a long, lonely winter leads her to face her fears. On her way to find her sisters, she finds an injured Wax Mosby.
He hasn’t led a blameless life, but his intention of making amends with the Warden family is admirable. He also understands Ursula in a way no one else does.
Connealy brings her usual humor to this story with misunderstandings, mix-ups, and headstrong, capable women to this book. And for those of us who have followed this series, catching up with Jo and Ilsa is icing on the cake.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Whenever you open a Mary Connealy book, you should know to expect adventure, a few laughs, a little chaos, and ultimately two people who find out that they complete each other, even though the path might not be easy.
Her Secret Song is the final book in The Brides of Hope Mountain series. The series begins with three sisters who live completely cut off from the world on their mountain home- never having seen any other people besides their grandparents. But they’ve been invaded by the Warden family and the trouble that follows them. Both of Ursula’s sisters have gone and married the two Warden brothers, and as the most fearful of the outside world, she’s isolated herself on the far side of the mountain to be alone, trying to recapture life as it was. But she didn’t count on the snow cutting her off from them completely for the entire winter or the heavy weight of loneliness she couldn’t have anticipated. Fearful she’s about to lose her mind, Ursula finally talks herself into finding a way down the mountain since the pass to where her sisters are is still closed. Not too far down, she’s shocked to find a severely injured man, and realizes his only hope for survival is if she can bring him back up with her.
Jacob “Wax” Mosby has been a gun for hire since he was a teenager. But his last employer has turned him off to the business for good, ordering the shooting of the older Mr Warden and trying to steal the property that rightfully belongs to the Wardens. Wax is a changed man, having returned to the faith of his youth through the ordeal. Not the one to take the shot, but having been there, Wax feels the need to find forgiveness with the Wardens and to help make things right if he can. He didn’t count on being shot and rolling a good ways down the mountain in his way! He’s pretty sure he’s in Heaven when a beautiful angel with a beautiful singing voice finds him... but Heaven isn’t supposed to hurt so bad.
No longer alone, Ursula talks herself out of her hermit lifestyle long before her sisters make it through the pass. Their surprise is complete when they discover she’s not alone and harboring a man they all thought was the enemy. But Jake doesn’t want to be the enemy. He wants to be a new man. A new man in the process of falling in love with the angel of Hope Mountain.
When I heard that Wax Mosby was going to be the hero in this story I was super skeptical. I mean, he’s been the face of the enemy since we know far more about him than his boss. But Connealy teaches us not to judge a book by its cover! Gaining backstory and perspective from the man Jake, instead of the gunman Wax, it’s not long before we start rooting for him and Ursula’s relationship. He doesn’t see her as fragile as her family does- she hauled him up a mountain and saved his life! She sees his true character because she got to know him before knowing his past. And together they’re brave.
I know others have said this can be read as a stand alone, but I honestly recommend reading this series in order. There’s so much that won’t make sense if you pick up book three on its own. Almost everything needs the context of the other books to be fully appreciated. In that respect, this is a wonderful conclusion. All the loose ends from the other two are tied up and the epilogue is especially rewarding.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and my opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Mary Connealy for years. Her most recent series, The Brides of Hope Mountain, has reminded me why I love this author so much. This is definitely my favorite series to date of hers. It reminded me of The Kincaid Brides series which happened to be the first books I read of Mary's and what started me out as a fan.
Her Secret Song is the final installment of The Brides of Hope Mountain. I have eagerly awaited to get my hands on each of the three books. This third story is Ursula's.
Ursula has been living deep in the mountains, alone and bitter. Her sisters may be embracing a new life but she refuses to let go of the fears and teachings that her grandmother instilled. After a harsh winter Ursula cannot take being alone any longer. She decides to risk it all and overcome her fears. She realizes it's time to go down the mountain. What she doesn't expect to find is a severely wounded man.
Wax Mosby is climbing Hope Mountain in hopes of making restitution. He was hired to drive the Warden family off their land and was even present when Quill Warden was shot. He gets wounded during the climb and is pretty sure he has passed on when he sees a beautiful woman helping him. She sings with the voice of an Angel.
Ursula manages to get Wax to her mountain shelter and the two bond during his recovery. When Ilsa, Jo and their husbands come to check on Ursula they are shocked to see the man who, in their mind, is responsible for running them off their land and shooting their father. They all come together in a final show down over the family ranch.
This has been such a fun series to read. I would definitely recommend reading all three books even though the author writes in such a way they could be stand alone books. But trust me...it's so much more enjoyable to read the whole story. I was laughing out loud throughout and loved seeing the transformation of the three sisters. Especially Ursula since she was a bit more set in her ways being the oldest of the three.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I had read the first two books in this series and I really wanted to read this book. I knew that Ursula deserved her own book. I was super excited to find I liked it as much as I had hoped. Her Secret Song is the third book in Mary Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain. This series features three sisters who have lived isolated from people on top of a mountain all of their lives. Her Secret Song is about Ursula, the oldest sister and Wax, Jake, Mosby. Ursula had lived in fear her whole life. But one day she decides to venture down the mountain and there she finds Wax Mosby, a man who has caused her family much harm. However she does not know who this man is or what he has done. She cares for him and as she tends his wounds, she finds the one thing she had been looking for the past winter. She never realized how much she had isolated herself until she started to care for Jake. I really wanted to read about Ursula because I felt like there was more to her then just portrayed in the first two books. She was scared of the outside world, but she was also kind and she truly loved her sisters. I loved reading about her relationship with Jake, they were sweet. Ursula found courage while caring for Jake. I really liked Jake. He had hardened himself to the world but he knew that he needed to do something different with his life, helping people instead of hurting them. He was so cute with Ursula, he wanted her to see the best side of him. This book was really good and I loved the way everything wrapped up. I couldn’t put it down and it held my interest the whole time. I felt like it had a good pace and I would definitely recommend it. I think that Her Secret Song was my favorite book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Net Galley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.