Tried and True: (An Inspirational Historical Western Homestead Romance set in the post-Civil War era) (Wild at Heart) Paperback – September 2, 2014

Though her sisters haven't minded dressing as men to be Union soldiers and now homesteaders, Kylie has hated it; she's not sorry when land agent Aaron learns she's a woman, and though they both hate the trouble it brings her, they team up to make the best of it.Notes from September 2017:Plot and Setting: 4.4 -- This is a very creative, unusual situation, with plenty of humor, romance, and danger. They go from meeting to marriage quite quickly, but it suits the situation and the characters somehow. Danger comes in several forms, and there's a nice dose of suspense and drama. It all blends into a varied, entertaining tale.Characters: 4.3 -- I enjoyed how Kylie is the family 'rebel' who wants to dress and act like a woman. She has spunk and wisdom, and a relatable feeling of not quite belonging or being valued in her family. So Aaron's reactions to her are especially great. They're a good combination, and I love how they help each other by sharing their horrible experiences in the war. Many minor characters have definite personalities and stories.Mechanics and Writing: 4.5 -- Skillful writing. A handful of errors, including: compound word confusion (consistent use of paper work instead of paperwork), at least one sentence where the pronouns seemed to be swapped, and a few places with awkward or redundant wording. POV mostly alternates between Kylie and Aaron, with a few scenes from Myra and one from Matt Tucker.Redeeming Value: 4.8 -- Though only kisses happen 'on screen,' it's clear that sex is enjoyed as one of the benefits of marriage. Lots of memories of the horrors of the Civil War, and different characters handle those memories in very different ways. Leaning on God for peace and forgiveness, and sharing the pain with loved ones, are shown as positive ways to handle the memories. Also a strong theme of being honest about who you are rather than trying to maintain a false front to keep from being hurt.Personal Enjoyment: 5

Love everything Mary writes! This book was fast moving with twist and turns. You could feel each character. Ready for the next one

Every character is well drawn and the plot is very well crafted. The concept of love and kindness reaching through pain is a good one.

I have been looking at this series for awhile but didn't want to pay so much for a book. (I read one after another after another, gets expensive!) Made the mistake of "trying" volume 1 of the "Wild at Heart" series... Oh, boy! I read "Tried & True" and couldn't WAIT to get the other two! After devouring all three, I put them back to the beginning and will do it again as soon as I complete the review!Three Wild sisters, with masculine names, and dressed as men,used their "veteran" status to homestead land in Montana. Kylie preferred being a girl and wore dresses (and kept her hair long) when she was alone. Shannon raised sheep...for the wool only! Bailey was a rancher extraordinaire increasing her herd of cattle. The girls are found out, one by one, and each book has at least two possible villains who are trying to steal their homesteads. They get shot at with flaming arrows, go over waterfalls escaping grizzlies, and blow up a mountain to blaze a trail...always with their hero trying to keep up! Aaron, Tucker, and Gage are the kind of men every girl dreams about, but these ladies are just as strong as the men! It is hilarious to watch the men tell the women what to do and get their orders fed back to them!I have many Mary Connealy books, but these three; "Tried & True", "Now & Forever", and "Fire & Ice" are absolutely wonderful and well worth the price! I have never read a book series that was good enough to read through once, and then turn around and read it again until now! LOVED them!!!

What a wonderful job the author did in bringing to realization that God is in control of all aspects of a person's life, the good and the bad. Am looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens.

I was not disappointed in this story, even though I had to wait 3 months before I could read it. Finished it in one sitting... couldn't put it down. I love how Aaron and Kylie interacted, and they were so sweet together. Aaron was like a knight in shining armor from the beginning when he saved Kylie from a fall from her cabin's roof (catching her in his arms), to the end when he saved both Kylie and her sister Shannon from a bad situation. It was a very loving, romantic story that moved along at a nice pace. I enjoyed the laugh aloud moments, in particular the scene where Aaron locks Kylie in a jail cell for her protection, and she gets so mad that he expects to see steam come out of her ears, and she throws an empty tin cup at his head. Then he locks her sister Bailey in the cell with her, when Bailey comes to see her, claiming it's for her own good as well. I can't wait for the next story, which is about Shannon and Tucker!

4 1/2 Stars. I would recommend this book. You are always on for a treat with this author. HAPPY reading

Love to read Mary Connealy books...mystery, romance, comic moments and just a great fun way to spend time reading a good book, without worry of too much or graphic intimacy moments. Can't wait till the next book in the series comes out. In this one, you learn of the three Wilde sisters that disguised themselves and went to Civil War disguised as young men. Now they are qualified to be homesteaders. They are able to have compensation for being in the War. But the youngest Wilde girl, does NOT want to be a man anymore. She is doing all for her family. The new land agent, has seen through her disguise, and everything planned, now comes to a fork in the road. What will happen to the three Wilde girls and their homesteads? At the same time, a mysterious person is causing what could be not only dangerous by fatal., consequences to the Wilde girls. It is a great story, and kept my interest from the beginning.