The Accidental Guardian
- Author: Mary Connealy
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
- Print Length: 306 pages
- Release Date: April 3, 2018
- I Rate it:
- Genre: Christian
- Purchase on Amazon
Book Summary
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’d finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He’d
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together–yet every day approaches the moment she’ll leave forever.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy...with cowboys.
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series, Trouble in Texas Series, Wild at Heart Series, and Cimarron Legacy Series. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. And several novella collections including; Calico & Cowboy Romance Collection, Hearts Entwined, A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas and many more books. Mary is married to her very own romantic cowboy hero and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.
You can find Mary on:
Book Review by Bree Herron
Imagine a haze of smoke drifting through the breeze, the echos of cries from those lost and the pleads of those still living crossing your path. It is a breathtaking moment in this book, when Trace comes upon the wagon train remains. Knowing that his past is flying right into the mix of his future, Trace has to do what is right and what is true.
Characters
Compelling characters will lead a reader through emotions, experiences and faith. Trace truly stands out, when you meet him it is with a knowledge that you will learn more of this man with many layers. It is with an acceptance that he has a past that has molded his future. He can relate on a higher level to the young ladies and children he finds, knowing that the nightmares will return. Deborah is the woman that will match Trace for each move, she is strong and focused on keeping the light living in all their lives.
I really liked Trace, and I usually only like the male characters in passing. But Trace is different, he just speaks to a reader’s heart and calls them to be the leading lady in this book. I loved his appearance and heart in this book.
Enjoyable Moments
This book was the enjoyable moment (mike drop). From the beginning to the end a reader will be filled with a vast amount of feelings that only a truly great book can give.
Synoptic
Confession: I totally didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, I was really unsure how I would feel about a book with a western style hero. I was riveted, enthralled and captured by this book. I was there in the wagon train, racing to save the children with Deborah. I was riding along side of Trace coming upon a present moment that mirrored his past. And I was there when healing and love began to take place.
This book is one of those that no matter what words I choose to use to express the enjoyment they won’t be enough. It left me in a stupor of awe and wonder. I was taken to this book and placed into the pages, I became the characters and with that was able to feel more than just the pages between my fingers, I felt the story on my heart.
Needless to say I recommend this book to all readers, and their cats. Cats won’t even be able to judge this book poorly.
Have you ever been transported by a book to the setting it holds?
**DISCLAIMER: I was provided an opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in return for a fair and honest review.
- The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
- The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
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Mary Connealy can definitely capture the setting and draw you into her story. Her writing is delightful and sometimes funny. I always enjoy her work!
Excellent, enticing review! Yes, a good book will always “transport” me to make me feel like it’s real and I’m right in the midst of it! There are so many books I have read that the characters become my close friends, and I want to read & reread them. The recent book was Becky Wade’s Falling for You. I have one of Mary’s books, and her books are on my Must-Read list.
Thank you for the giveaway chance! ????
Lol! Glad we made a fan of Mary Connealy out of you! Lol! Thanks for joining the tour!
Hi Bree! Thanks for your wonderful review. This book has been on my radar for a while. Who can resist that adorable little girl, the mountains, the lake–oh, and the rugged cowboy! 😀 Sounds like a recipe for a great read.
Wow! I can’t believe this is your first! And I love Trace. He’s so awkwardly wonderful.
Wow! WOW! Loved your review which makes me want to read this book NOW. Thanks for being part of the book tour.
Don’t you just love the cover? I’ve wanted to read this book since I first say the cover.
You gotta read all her books they are amazing.
Mary Connealy’s books are so much fun! Thanks for hosting the tour!