Petticoat Ranch is a historical novel by Mary Connealy, whose main characters deal with their desire to exact retribution on the men who have killed their loved ones. The message, summed up by Parson Roscoe, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves. Leave room for Gods wrath. For it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
The time is 1867. The place is Mosqueros, Texas. Determination and strength exude from the pores of young mother, Sophie Edwards. Sophie is positive God has given her the strength to keep herself and family alive in the harsh environment of the West. She is also confident that He has given her the determination to find and kill the man who has murdered her husband Cliff.
Enter Clay McClellen. Clay has come in search of his long-lost twin brother, Cliff. Instead of his brother, Clay discovers a sister-in-law and four nieces. Knowing his Christian duty, he marries Sophie, buys the familys ranch and becomes Pa to four little girls, ages two to ten. His early life as a cowhand, a soldier, and a Texas Ranger have prepared him to tackle the ranch, protect his new family, and search for the vigilantes that are terrorizing the area. But those experiences have not prepared him for life with five females.
Petticoat Ranch is a well-written, humorous romance story. Connealys characters are true to life. Several times I chuckled as I pictured the scenes that she painted: the squabbles and whines of little girls trying to get their way; the beleaguered, confused expressions of Clay as he attempts to convince his new wife to stay in the house and do womens work; and the often frustrated antics of Sophie as she tries to protect her family.
Although preaching is done by Parson Roscoe, the book does not come across as preachy. Biblical truths are gently sprinkled through the book. Whether you are young or old, sit down, prop your feet up, and get to know the McClellen family. I am sure you will enjoy it. Victoria H. Borgman, Christian Book Previews.com