Blog Tour: Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy w/ Excerpt (JustRead Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Toward the Dawn 

Series: A Western Light #2 

Author: Mary Connealy 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. 

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

Excerpt

“I wonder if Thaddeus survived those stab wounds last fall?”

“How could we ever know when we’re trapped in this stupid canyon?” Seb turned to the mountain of snow and punched it right in its snowy face.

Kat came and studied the fist marks, three of them now, side by side. “I think we can get out. We have a shovel in our cabin.”

Seb’s head snapped around. “Again with ‘we,’ like ‘us’? Admit it, you want out as badly as I do.”

“At least as badly.”

He moved up close enough that his nose almost touched hers. He wasn’t an overly tall man, five- foot-nine . . . and a half with his boots on. Yet she was a little thing and made him feel tall. He did his best to loom over her.

Then his blue eyes met hers and held.

She was a pretty woman, no doubt about it. He’d noticed that before. But only a fool tried to court a woman with no preacher in sight and a group of men who’d shoot him for anything less honorable than a true courtship.

Her eyes held the same as his. Speaking just above a whisper, he said, “You’ve never talked about yourself or your past, Kat. But I’d’ve said I know you because I’ve seen you work. I’ve seen you do what’s necessary to survive out here and do it with wisdom and patience. Right this minute, I’ve learned I don’t know you at all and that’s because you treat life like it started on that wagon train. And I’ve never even noticed. But what I do know is you’re as sensible and sane as any woman—any person—alive. Who locked you up? Who’s this uncle that wanted you out of the way so he could take your money? Who is he, and where is he? I’ve a mind to go have a short, hard talk with him.”

“No. You don’t dare.” Her hand snaked out and caught the hand he’d just poked her with.

Well, not just. It’d been a few minutes. He’d stopped poking and ranting when he realized what a terrible thing it was for her to be declared anything but the most rational of women.

They stood, locked in combat, her eyes urgent. Her grip was like iron . . . well, very soft, warm iron that he could have freed himself from instantly, except he didn’t want to.

© 2024 by Mary Connealy

Published by Bethany House Publishers

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series

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About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron's Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Connect with Mary by visiting MaryConnealy.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Toward the Dawn and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 3, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!