Discover more about
Mary Connealy
and her historical rom com
Stuck Together
Bethany House
********
A favourite childhood book?
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. The first time in my life I remember reading a book and wondering, “How did he do that? How did this author drag me inside his book?”
Do you remember the title of the first story you ever wrote? What was it about?
I wrote one when I was twelve and it’s long gone. A romance novel. The first one I wrote in my adult life was called (I had to look because I still have it) Rare Passion. Here’s the premise….What if Howard Hughes had a daughter? What if he died with all the security in place to keep her as ‘safe’ as she’d always been and an entire staff of people’s livelihood depended on keeping this girl away from the rest of the world? What if she escaped and they were all after her?
If you weren’t a writer, what career would you/did you/do you have pursued?
I’m a GED teacher in my regular life so let’s pick that.
Why do you write stories?
Honestly, I just can’t stop. I just love it. I’ve always got new ideas rattling around in my head. I think if people quit letting me write for pay, I’d just keep writing anyway.
Stuck Together
When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!
Now that she’s settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel’s saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.
Vince Yates earned the nickname “Invincible Vince” because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn’t know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince’s best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn’t approve of how he’s handling any of them.
With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he’s got one more surprise coming his way: Tina’s picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.
Describe your novel in 5 adjectives
Overwhelmed hero, feisty reformer heroine.
Please share a little about one of your main characters
Tina Cahill is comfortable with the trouble she stirs up. The righteous are always persecuted. Marching up and down the sidewalk in front of the saloon, with a placard that reads, “Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here,” is her mission field. A mission field that is 20 paces long. As a cook at the diner, the men appreciate her biscuits and seem to delight in getting a moment of her time when they go into the saloon, even if that moment is spent with her wagging a finger in their faces. Her protest march isn’t really at all effective. She’s too much for her brother to handle. She’s more than the hero, Invincible Vince Yates can control. And the saloon owner may be up to much more trouble than just selling cheap whiskey.
What spiritual theme or question does your story deal with?
Accepting life as God gives it to you. The troubles of today are sufficient; let tomorrow take care of itself.
Share a recent movie or TV show that you have loved, and why?
The last movie I actually saw in the theatre was Reacher, about 18 months ago. It was okay. I’m not much of a movie or TV watcher.
What novel are you working on now?
I have a new series beginning in September called Wild at Heart. Book #1 is Tried & True, and it’s all done and turned in. I’m doing revisions on book #2 right now. It’s called Now & Forever. I am loving it!
Thanks Mary!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Marcus Whitfield
Visit Mary’s website
Visit Bethany House’s fiction blog
Buy Stuck Together from Amazon or Koorong
May 16, 2014 at 1:31 pm
Thanks for featuring Stuck Together, Rel!
May 16, 2014 at 10:48 pm
Always a pleasure, Mary 🙂
May 16, 2014 at 1:39 pm
I think your favorite dramedy is Castle. My favorite is book is the last one I read.
May 16, 2014 at 10:48 pm
Castle is a lot of fun, I agree, Connie. I’m behind a season or two…must catch up soon!
May 16, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Connie, I do love Castle. I should have put that, but I was thinking of Movies and I watch some of those Lifetime movies some but I don’t really pay attention to titles.
May 16, 2014 at 1:40 pm
Loved the interview! Can’t wait to read Stuck Together.
May 16, 2014 at 10:49 pm
Glad you enjoyed it, Pam – Mary does a great job
May 16, 2014 at 11:13 pm
Pam there has been a BOOKSTORE SIGHTING! It is also possibly shipping from Amazon! IT IS AVAILABLE NOW!!! (even though the release date is June!!!)
May 16, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Don’t watch very much TV or movies but I am currently working my way through Murdoch Mysteries on Amazon Prime. Absolutely love it. Too many good books to choose a favorite.
May 16, 2014 at 10:50 pm
I agree that choosing a favourite book is an impossible task, Pam
May 16, 2014 at 1:45 pm
We’re thrilled that you love to write, Mary! How does one get to be a GED teacher? That would be a neat way to help people.
May 16, 2014 at 11:15 pm
MOM2ABCD I got the job in kind of a strange way. I had a friend teaching GED and she heard of an opening and suggested my name. So in a traditional way, I’ve got no idea. But it’s not that hard to find a classroom, google should help. Go there and ask them. My job is through the nearest Community College, though I live and hour away and never go there, but they’ve got classrooms scattered all over. Hunt one up.
May 16, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Thanks so much for the great interview. I didn’t know Mary is a teacher. That’s awesome! Looking forward to reading “Stuck Together”.
As for my favorite romantic comedy movie or book, there are so many great ones to choose from. One favorite that comes to mind is “While You Were Sleeping”. It is such a fun and sweet movie. =)
May 16, 2014 at 10:50 pm
It’s a favourite of mine, too, Jennifer!
May 16, 2014 at 11:16 pm
JENNIFER!!!! I love While You Were Sleeping. JUST LOVE IT! Every single minute of that movie is just pure fun, even little tiny moments are full of delight.
May 16, 2014 at 11:17 pm
PS I can multiply and divide fractions like nobody’s business
May 17, 2014 at 1:40 am
As a former math teacher, those words are music to my ears! =)
May 17, 2014 at 1:36 am
I completely agree Mary! I think I’ve watched it 50 times and it gets better every time. =)
May 17, 2014 at 2:11 am
I may have 50 but a dozen or two. It’s a CHRISTMAS movie so we watch it nearly every Christmas, plus occasionally at random times.
May 16, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Sweet Home Alabama
May 16, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Sweet!!!
May 17, 2014 at 12:08 am
Abbi I loved Sweet Home Alabama EXCEPT I really like the fiancé she jilted. I wished he’d have been a little more of a jerk. I hurt for him and that wasn’t funny.
May 16, 2014 at 2:48 pm
This was fun to read and I can’t wait to read Stuck Together!
Picking a favorite RomCom is really hard since that is one of my all-time favorite genres! Fav RomCom novel would probably be Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg and for movie the first ones that popped in my head were Sweet Home Alabama and 27 Dresses!
May 16, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Good choices all around, Abbi!
May 16, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Abbi I loved Sweet Home Alabama EXCEPT I really like the fiancé she jilted. I wished he’d have been a little more of a jerk. I hurt for him and that wasn’t funny.
May 17, 2014 at 12:09 am
I’m repeating myself. Now I’ll post THIS comment eight times! IT’S NOT MY FAULT! MY INTERNET IS SLUGGIST SO I CLICK SUBMIT OVER AND OVER.
May 17, 2014 at 5:35 am
I felt the same way!
May 16, 2014 at 7:10 pm
27 Dresses is one of my favorites…
May 16, 2014 at 10:52 pm
It’s a popular choice, Kate 🙂
May 16, 2014 at 11:10 pm
It’s a popular choice because so many of us have had to wear one or more of those dresses……
May 16, 2014 at 9:08 pm
I enjoy Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer! It is an amazing book!
May 16, 2014 at 10:52 pm
Thanks for sharing, Sierra – Karen’s books are great fun!
May 17, 2014 at 12:10 am
Sierra, Short Straw Bride was possibly my favorite book last year. I love Karen’s work, it’s just perfect, it’s all there, romance and comedy and action and sweetness, wonderful heroes, great heroines…just…everything you could want in a book in the perfect amount
May 16, 2014 at 11:00 pm
I don’t really watch movies so I can’t choose from that. I have many favorite books . I loved A Bride To Many and I just finished reading A Match Made In Texas and loved that. I love the books that have humor mixed in their characters and story lines. Thank you
May 16, 2014 at 11:21 pm
I read the first two books in this series and am anxiously waiting for this one. I would love to win a copy.
I have many favorite romantic comedies, but I guess the one that sticks out in my mind is It Happened One Night. A classic.
May 16, 2014 at 11:48 pm
I recently saw “Mom’s Night Out” and it was so hilarious! I have to watch it again because I was laughing so hard that I cried and missed some of it due to tear-filled eyes!
May 17, 2014 at 7:12 am
Sandy Mom’s Night Out was good? It sounds like it. I need to see it.
May 16, 2014 at 11:54 pm
I love historical romances like this.
May 16, 2014 at 11:55 pm
How can you pick just one favorite romantic comedy??? There are so many great ones. The first movie that comes to mind is How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days.
May 16, 2014 at 11:57 pm
It is REALLY difficult to pick just one Romantic Comedy, but I would probably say “Persuasion” is my favorite… both the book by Jane Austen and the 1995 BBC version with Amanda Root. The movie is so well done that you see/hear more of the book in the background each time you watch it!
May 17, 2014 at 12:09 am
Princess Bride is my all-time favorite! I also love Sweet Home Alabama. Mary, i just recently discovered your books. I am horrible about remembering titles, but the one about Stealing the Preacher was a fun read. Inenjoyed
May 17, 2014 at 12:11 am
Sorry. The comment posted before i was done. Crazy phone. 🙂
May 17, 2014 at 12:22 am
I love Princess Bride. Just love it. It’s one I watched many times with my girls (I’ve got four daughters) when they were younger.
So many classic moments.
“That’s inconceivable!”
“I do not believe that means what you think it means.”
My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die.”
He was only mostly dead.
Wuv, twu wuv
You fell victim to one of the classic blunders—the most famous of which is, “Never get involved in a land war in Asia”—
Rodents of unusual size.
May 17, 2014 at 12:27 am
♡♡♡
May 17, 2014 at 12:10 am
Princess Bride is my all-time favorite! I also love Sweet Home Alabama. Mary, i just recently discovered your books. I am horrible about remembering titles, but the one about Stealing the Preacher was a fun read. Ienjoyed the interview. Thanks!
May 17, 2014 at 12:13 am
Has anyone seen the original Father of the Bride with Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. Such a perfect movie. Elizabeth Taylor as the bride, probably a 20 year old. So so so beautiful it hurts to look at her. And Spencer Tracy the overwhelmed, befuddled Father of the Bride.
There are parts of that movie that made me laugh so hard I just about couldn’t breathe. It’s fantastic.
May 17, 2014 at 12:19 am
Yes, loved it.
May 17, 2014 at 12:14 am
Carrie, Stealing the Preacher is Karen Witemeyer….HOWEVER a sequel to Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer is in the novella collection A Match Made in Texas. Karen and I are both in that book along with Carol Cox and Regina Jennings. That released in January so maybe you’re thinking of that book. But getting mixed up with Karen…I take that as high praise. THANK YOU.
May 17, 2014 at 12:20 am
Lol. Sorry! I just realized my mistake. 🙂
May 17, 2014 at 12:15 am
I’ve got a second book releasing next month along with Stuck Together, another novella collection called Four Weddings and a Kiss. This one with Robin Lee Hatcher, Margaret Brownley and Debra Clopton. Lots of fun doing these collections and working with other authors!
May 17, 2014 at 12:17 am
Favorite romantic comedy “Leap Year” because it had beautiful views of Ireland and the love story made me heart stutter.
May 17, 2014 at 12:18 am
Oops! I just realized i had the wrong author! Yikes! Sorry. I have read way too many new to me authors lately. 🙂 I loved Out of Control and Over the Edge.
May 17, 2014 at 12:23 am
No problem, Carrie. We run in the same circles and write similar books.
May 17, 2014 at 12:21 am
I haven’t seen Moms Night Out yet but Im sure it will be my favorite comedy movie.
May 17, 2014 at 12:23 am
ANYONE INTERESTED … OUT OF CONTROL, BOOK #1 IN THE KINCAID BRIDES SERIES IS CURRENTLY FREE IN ALL EBOOK FORMATS. GO GRAB A COPY.
May 17, 2014 at 12:34 am
I like watching Castle & enjoy reading all your books, Mary! They are fun & my 16-year-old daughter loves them too!
May 17, 2014 at 7:25 am
Janelle there is almost nothing I love hearing more than a mom/daughter/grandma sharing my books. I just love thinking I’ve written something that can appeal across generations. thanks for telling me that.
May 17, 2014 at 12:44 am
My favorite romantic comedy movie has to be The Proposal. And my favorite romantic comedy books are the “Kincaid Brothers” series, and books by Karen Witemeyer.
May 17, 2014 at 7:28 am
Thanks, Haley. I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!!!
May 17, 2014 at 12:48 am
There are so many wonderful romantic movies and books that I love I don’t know that I could ever choose!
May 17, 2014 at 7:29 am
You know what’s a pretty good romantic comedy (you’re going to howl probably because it’s off the wall) Lethal Weapon III. Where Mel Gibson falls in love with Rene Russo. I LOVE THAT MOVIE.
May 17, 2014 at 12:54 am
The two romantic comedy movies I can watch over and over again are While You Were Sleeping and When Harry Met Sally. I can’t wait to see what Tina makes Vince go through! Thanks for the giveaway!
May 17, 2014 at 1:06 am
Super excited to read Stuck Together! 🙂
May 17, 2014 at 7:29 am
It’s been spotted in some bookstores, Morgan!!!!
May 17, 2014 at 1:08 am
My favorite romantic comedy is the Weddings by Bella series by Janice Thompson. (books)
May 17, 2014 at 7:30 am
Janice is great. She’s hilarious.
May 17, 2014 at 1:26 am
My favorite romantic comedy is The Money Pit. It’s an oldie but still one of my favorite movies, ever. Ü
May 17, 2014 at 7:31 am
How about Groundhog Day? That’s a great movie and very funny.
May 17, 2014 at 2:02 am
That’s hard to choose! I really like You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping! And I thoroughly enjoy Mary’s books… love her humor! Thanks for the giveaway!
May 17, 2014 at 2:03 am
Mary-
I LOVE your books! I picked up the Lassoed in Texas Trilogy at the Christian book store that I work at about two years ago because I needed something to read for a trip and we had it on sale. I fell in live with your writing and have been hooked ever since. Your books have just the right blend of suspence, romance and comedy. Can’t want to ready Stuck Together!!!!
May 17, 2014 at 7:32 am
Christy, I love that series! I’m writing a novella right now with some of the Lassoed in Texas Trilogy characters! Some of the secondary characters who have their own story.
May 17, 2014 at 2:47 am
There’s so many books I love, it would be hard to name just one. I’m not much on movies, but I’ve always loved Pretty Woman. I have watched it many times.
May 17, 2014 at 7:33 am
How about Working Girl. Remember that one? With Melanie Griffith pretending to be her boss, Signourney Weaver? And Harrison Ford as the love interest? Great movie.
May 17, 2014 at 3:07 am
Ok, my favorite romantic comedy movie is “While You Were Sleeping”. A close second is “Serendipity”.
May 17, 2014 at 7:35 am
Has anyone read Rene Gutteridge’s Boo series. That’s hilarious.
May 17, 2014 at 4:58 am
My favorite romantic comedy movie would have to be “While You Were Sleeping”! Love it!
May 17, 2014 at 7:42 am
My favorite, too, Jessica. Years ago it was Philadelphia Story but I haven’t seen it for so long it’s slipped away in my memory. I must find it!!!!
May 27, 2014 at 1:55 am
Ooh, Philadelphia Story is a fantastic one! While we’re talking oldies, I also love Arsenic & Old Lace and Move Over, Darling.
May 17, 2014 at 6:14 am
I absolutely love your books, Mary, they keep me entertained from beginning to end!
My favorite romance comedy, if I must choose only one would have to be Pretty Woman.
May 17, 2014 at 6:35 am
Wow, favorite romantic comedy…that’s hard. I have to say, Mary, that you’re one of my favorites as far as that blend goes. Even rereading your books I’m still laughing out loud (at inconvenient times 🙂 ) Jenny B. Jones’ books are also great. I’m not a huge chick-flick girl, but I love the blending of romance, hilarity, and classic, like “The Philadelphia Story” or “How to Steal a Million.”
Thanks for the post! I cannot wait to read “Stuck Together.”
May 17, 2014 at 7:10 am
My favorite romantic comedies are a series by Judith Lansdowne about Lord Nightingale (Lord Nightingale’s Debut, etc.).
May 17, 2014 at 7:37 am
Heidi, I don’t know those books. I’m going to look them up.
May 17, 2014 at 7:13 am
I love it. Mary’s novels are so much fun. My favorite aspect is her sense of humor.
I secretly hope I get to meet Mary some day and buy her a cup of coffee. I bet she’s a hoot in person.
May 17, 2014 at 7:36 am
Juju that would be fun. Except I’d just sit there guzzling free coffee and let you talk. Hopefully that would make you believe I am brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 17, 2014 at 7:42 am
Awww lol see? That reply shows, you’re are a hoot. 🙂
May 17, 2014 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite romantic comedy is Two Weeks Notice.
May 17, 2014 at 8:53 am
Hi Paula. I don’t think I’ve seen that one. I need to make a list!
May 17, 2014 at 9:08 am
I’ve read all three books in Mary’s Kincaid Brides series and LOVED them! I’d love a chance to win this newest release! Thanks so much!
May 17, 2014 at 9:16 am
My favorite romantic movie is not as clean as I would like but it is The Proposal. It was so funny and romantic. It showed that can put on an act to cover their vulnerability even if it made people dislike them. Looking forward to your new series especially since it ties I with your chapter by chapter prelude.
May 17, 2014 at 10:38 am
I’m not sure if Mary’s books would be classified as romantic comedies or not, but they do contain elements of both. I love Mary’s books; they are definitely favorites. I enjoyed the interview and found out something new about Mary (that The Black Stallion was her favorite childhood book). I loved the Walter Farley books as well. It was such fun reading the series again to my son when he was young.
May 17, 2014 at 12:35 pm
I have enjoyed the other books in this series so can’t wait to read this one 🙂 My favorite romantic movie is also an oldie – You Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
May 17, 2014 at 12:58 pm
When Harry Met Sally or You’ve Got Mail. I am also real fond of Castle.
May 17, 2014 at 1:41 pm
My favorite romantic comedy is a stretch in the romantic comedy genre. It’s Pitch Perfect. In the end, Becca gets the guy and there is a bunch of singing in the movie. This movie makes me crack up, so laughter + romance, it’s a win-win for me! xo
May 17, 2014 at 2:59 pm
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING has been a favorite and my daughter and I really like Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. Selecting a book is a bit harder. There are so many good authors with delightful senses of humor, yourself included. To me, humor is a very important element in any story.
May 18, 2014 at 9:22 am
My favorite romantic comedy would be My Best Friend’s Wedding. I can’t think of a specific book, but I have read a lot that I have enjoyed.
May 18, 2014 at 3:43 pm
My favorite romantic comedy is You’ve Got Mail. I have loved that movie for years.
May 19, 2014 at 2:52 pm
Hi Mary. I loved the original Father of the Bride. Elizabeth and Spencer were such great authors. I also loved the movie where Katherine Hepburn starred with John Wayne, but cannot remember the name at this moment. (a problem I have quite often) Bad, since John has always been my favorite actor. Even got to meet him while making “Hellfighters”. Even got to eat with them and visited several times. My mother was in the hospital at the time and he even signed a card for her, including a note to her. I would love to have this book of yours to go with the ones I have. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
May 21, 2014 at 8:25 am
I dont watch too many romantic comedy movies but I did see My Big Fat Greek Wedding and I liked it.
May 21, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Yours, Mine and Ours is my favorite romantic comedy. I first saw the original with Lucille Ball on an airplane when I was about 8. I didn’t get a lot of the jokes until I got older but I thought how wonderful such a big family would be. To have big brothers to help you, big sisters to brush your hair and they had a dog! When the next version came out with Steve Martin in a more modern setting, I’ve never laughed so hard!! My tummy hurt for a couple of days as I had used muscles I hadn’t used Ina while.
May 21, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Haven’t been to a movie in a long time. As for television, I love Castle. I know it’s a police drama, but there is a lot of comedy, also. Nathan Fillion is a terrific comedic actor.
May 21, 2014 at 4:39 pm
An author I know well. Love your books.
Favorite romantic comedy – You got Mail
May 21, 2014 at 11:36 pm
I loved the movie 27 dresses!
May 22, 2014 at 2:21 am
Sweet Home Alabama, Pretty Woman.
You got mail is my favorite.
May 22, 2014 at 3:24 am
Recently read one of your books as part of a collection. Enjoyed. Looking forward to devouring more.
May 22, 2014 at 11:45 am
My fav romantic movie would have to be Ever After with Drew Barrymore. I cant wait to read Stuck Together!!
May 22, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Hi, Mary! Just read your prequel. Amazing characters! Looking forward to your new release!
May 24, 2014 at 1:39 pm
My favorite romantic comedy movie is an oldie; Move Over Darling with Doris Day. 🙂