The Husband Tree

Mary Connealy

The Husband Tree, Montana Marriages Series #2 By Mary Connealy / Barbour Publishing Belle Tanner just buried her third worthless husband under a sprawling tree. Now she needs to move her cattle to market before winter sets in. But is the aimless cowpuncher Silas Harden worth hiring on? Silas just escaped the matrimonial noose-only to lose his ranch in the process. Although he's glad for the job, he doubts five females can survive a treacherous cattle drive across the Rockies. With both Belle and Silas determined never to get tangled up with marriage again, love seems bound to lasso them in. Will they survive the drive and make it into the winter unhitched?

CRM RATING: M
Explain: N/A

SPIRITUAL RATING: 3-4
Explain: N/A

CRM REVIEW:

Belle Tanner has had her share of men – lazy bunch. William was stupid. Gerald was abusive. The most recent, Anthony, likes to frequent the bar and their services rather than help her on the ranch. Her four daughters are the only good things that have come out of marriage. She has instilled the worthless men opinion in her daughters. They’ve made her promise - no more husbands.

Silas Harden has had his share of women – crazy group. The first one broke his heart. Lulubelle had him at the alter for a shot gun wedding, but he skedaddled out of that mess pretty quick. He hires on as a cowpoke for Belle; never realizing he’ll be traveling on a long cattle drive…with Belle and her young girls. They’ll learn a lot more than just cow punching along the trail…

Sassy! Sweet! The title won’t be the only thing that captures your attention. The Husband Tree is such a treat.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE:

Mild Language – No

Sex between characters – Yes

Romance between underage characters – Yes

Romance between a man and woman - Yes

Fondling - No

Sex described but subtle – Yes

Felt arousal when reading certain scenes – No

Felt this book properly represented a Biblical world view – Yes

I would recommend this book to a Christian audience – Yes

Other things of special note: SPOILERS: Silas and Belle pretend that they are a married to protect the girls. Silas and Belle kiss excessively, but then explain to the girls and promise not to do so again. Belle is anything but trusting and submissive. Belle and Silas do consummate the marriage, but it’s not an explicit scene. Belle’s fifteen year-old daughter marries a boy her age after knowing him for only three days; though not surprising for Connealy’s fast paced style.