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Rocky Mountain Marshals #1
Ambush of the Heart
As Owen Riley and his fellow marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.
After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen to nurse him and a wounded marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous wilderness trek toward the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?
Mary Connealy begins this series with a wild adventure of love, faith, courage, and resilience in the rugged wilderness of 1870s Colorado.
After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen to nurse him and a wounded marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous wilderness trek toward the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?
Mary Connealy begins this series with a wild adventure of love, faith, courage, and resilience in the rugged wilderness of 1870s Colorado.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2026
23 people are currently reading
3981 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
113 books2,509 followersMary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 3, 2026
4.25 stars
This was an excellent action-adventure style story, with a dash of romance, and plenty of perilous moments along the way. I loved the camaraderie among the good guys and how they are all watching each other’s backs and helping each other along the way. The women are independent and the men protective anyway.
It was a fun plus to have Boone and Delaney’s parents be just as resourceful and independent as the younger generation, and to see them drop everything to come rescue their kids from whatever might have delayed them along the way. The scenes with Grizzly and Hester were a lot of fun.
I liked Delaney and Owen as a couple and appreciated that there wasn’t a lot of on-page mooning over each other/talking about looks/etc. It’s clear they’re attracted to each other and also respect each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
This was an excellent action-adventure style story, with a dash of romance, and plenty of perilous moments along the way. I loved the camaraderie among the good guys and how they are all watching each other’s backs and helping each other along the way. The women are independent and the men protective anyway.
It was a fun plus to have Boone and Delaney’s parents be just as resourceful and independent as the younger generation, and to see them drop everything to come rescue their kids from whatever might have delayed them along the way. The scenes with Grizzly and Hester were a lot of fun.
I liked Delaney and Owen as a couple and appreciated that there wasn’t a lot of on-page mooning over each other/talking about looks/etc. It’s clear they’re attracted to each other and also respect each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
January 16, 2026
This review by Librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Jan. 2026 issue of Library Journal.
Ambushed on page one of this book while trying to transport a prisoner to Cheyenne in the 1870s, Owen Riley and a group of United States Marshals will need all their survival skills to elude trigger-happy outlaws and find their way through barely charted mountainous terrain.
To top it off, Delaney and Boone Bridger are two civilians with them, on their way to join their notorious mountain man father at Fort Russell. Unforgiving terrain paired with unparalleled beauty and some strange Rocky Mountain characters await the group as they journey hundreds of miles on horseback.
Many obstacles threaten to delay justice and cause the marshals to wonder if they will survive the trip. The physical challenges are not the only snares though; the weathered marshals also find their hearts unexpectedly entangled with tough-as-nails mountain women.
VERDICT: A fast-paced start slows to unravel the characters' inner lives, although Connealy (Into the Sunset) sets it up nicely for a sequel. Lovers of Wild West romance should also check out Amanda Cabot's "Texas Dreams" series and Regina Scott's "American Wonders" books.
Ambushed on page one of this book while trying to transport a prisoner to Cheyenne in the 1870s, Owen Riley and a group of United States Marshals will need all their survival skills to elude trigger-happy outlaws and find their way through barely charted mountainous terrain.
To top it off, Delaney and Boone Bridger are two civilians with them, on their way to join their notorious mountain man father at Fort Russell. Unforgiving terrain paired with unparalleled beauty and some strange Rocky Mountain characters await the group as they journey hundreds of miles on horseback.
Many obstacles threaten to delay justice and cause the marshals to wonder if they will survive the trip. The physical challenges are not the only snares though; the weathered marshals also find their hearts unexpectedly entangled with tough-as-nails mountain women.
VERDICT: A fast-paced start slows to unravel the characters' inner lives, although Connealy (Into the Sunset) sets it up nicely for a sequel. Lovers of Wild West romance should also check out Amanda Cabot's "Texas Dreams" series and Regina Scott's "American Wonders" books.
February 3, 2026
“Another great read from Mary Connealy, a stalwart writer in Christian historical fiction.
This is one Mary Connealy’s novel that has more suspense than humour. The suspense is served right at this beginning in this novel and remains so until the end. It was meant to be a normal trip, five U.S. Marshals escorting three people, two siblings Delaney and Boone Birdger, and Clive Duncan, a prisoner to Fort Russell, Wyoming. An ambush from the Duncan gang will leave one dead and three injured. What happens next is a perilous journey of survival as this group traverse through the rugged mountains to reach their destination. Along the way, beliefs will be questioned, and romance will blossom.
Mary Connealy’s Ambush of the heart, set in 1872 can be seen as an “introductory” novel where the characters will eventually have their own separate story in this series. In this first book, Owen Riley, one of the five U.S. Marshall, is a drifter whose lifestyle is questioned by a growing attraction to Delaney. The romance between Owen and Delaney captured in this novel was quite brief, perhaps the subsequent books in this series will expound it further. This novel’s ending is a cliffhanger, and I am waiting expectantly to know what happens to the Duncan gang, Tex, Morgan, and Marley in the next book. The Christian message was succinct but deeply enlightening. Ambush of the heart is highly recommended for lovers of good Christian western novels. Enjoy another gem from Mary Connealy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.”
This is one Mary Connealy’s novel that has more suspense than humour. The suspense is served right at this beginning in this novel and remains so until the end. It was meant to be a normal trip, five U.S. Marshals escorting three people, two siblings Delaney and Boone Birdger, and Clive Duncan, a prisoner to Fort Russell, Wyoming. An ambush from the Duncan gang will leave one dead and three injured. What happens next is a perilous journey of survival as this group traverse through the rugged mountains to reach their destination. Along the way, beliefs will be questioned, and romance will blossom.
Mary Connealy’s Ambush of the heart, set in 1872 can be seen as an “introductory” novel where the characters will eventually have their own separate story in this series. In this first book, Owen Riley, one of the five U.S. Marshall, is a drifter whose lifestyle is questioned by a growing attraction to Delaney. The romance between Owen and Delaney captured in this novel was quite brief, perhaps the subsequent books in this series will expound it further. This novel’s ending is a cliffhanger, and I am waiting expectantly to know what happens to the Duncan gang, Tex, Morgan, and Marley in the next book. The Christian message was succinct but deeply enlightening. Ambush of the heart is highly recommended for lovers of good Christian western novels. Enjoy another gem from Mary Connealy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.”
February 5, 2026
Drama and daring among a stunning surroundings.
“It was a beautiful night. The stars were glowing all around the sky like they had been blasted up there with a shotgun loaded with diamonds.”
Delaney and Boone Bridger are accompanied by five U.S. Marshals to join their father Colonel Lionel Bridger at Ft. Russell, Wyoming. The Marshals are escorting a prisoner to Cheyenne for a trial. They are ambushed by the family of the outlaw. Trouble aplenty for the group as they escape in the rugged mountains.
A lot of danger from the outlaws not to mention the terrain with a real cliff hanger as Delaney and Owen pursue the outlaw Clive who has slipped their fingers. At the same time the pair has their faith tested in the unforgiving landscape.
With a full cast of characters and a distinctive plot, there is much fodder for additional books in the series as well as several romantic possibilities with seemingly opposites attract scenarios. You can count on Ms Connealy to provide a strong faith element, a clear gospel message and a lot of fun along the way. The Wild West is always a great treat to read from this outstanding author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
“It was a beautiful night. The stars were glowing all around the sky like they had been blasted up there with a shotgun loaded with diamonds.”
Delaney and Boone Bridger are accompanied by five U.S. Marshals to join their father Colonel Lionel Bridger at Ft. Russell, Wyoming. The Marshals are escorting a prisoner to Cheyenne for a trial. They are ambushed by the family of the outlaw. Trouble aplenty for the group as they escape in the rugged mountains.
A lot of danger from the outlaws not to mention the terrain with a real cliff hanger as Delaney and Owen pursue the outlaw Clive who has slipped their fingers. At the same time the pair has their faith tested in the unforgiving landscape.
With a full cast of characters and a distinctive plot, there is much fodder for additional books in the series as well as several romantic possibilities with seemingly opposites attract scenarios. You can count on Ms Connealy to provide a strong faith element, a clear gospel message and a lot of fun along the way. The Wild West is always a great treat to read from this outstanding author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
December 29, 2025
I’ve never had a poor book written by Mary Connealy. This is the first book of the series. This book definitely holds your attention and has plenty of action in it. There is a little romance. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. I received a complementary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.
February 4, 2026
“’You’d think of the three of them, the woman would be the easiest to corral,’ Owen muttered. He didn’t say it for anyone’s ears but Morgan’s because they had two feisty women with them, and he’d prefer it if they weren’t mad at him. Especially the one he’d kissed less than an hour ago.”
Filled with Mary Connealy’s signature wit and humor, her well-drawn and engaging characters, and her action-packed plots, Ambush of the Heart is a riveting and fun read. Set in the Colorado Rockies in 1872, this tale is full of suspense as Owen Riley and his fellow Marshalls escort a prisoner, along with Delaney and Boone Bridger, to Fort Russell. When they are ambushed, they are faced with a struggle for survival.
One of my favorite things about Connealy’s stories is her strong, competent, smart female characters. There were several of them in this tale, and I enjoyed their spunk and sass. Delaney Bridger is a perfect heroine for this story, and I liked seeing her and Owen as they got to know each other. I always enjoy the predicaments that this author throws her characters into and then somehow manages to get them out again.
There is a thread of the story that continues on to the next book, so be aware that you’ll want to read the whole series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Filled with Mary Connealy’s signature wit and humor, her well-drawn and engaging characters, and her action-packed plots, Ambush of the Heart is a riveting and fun read. Set in the Colorado Rockies in 1872, this tale is full of suspense as Owen Riley and his fellow Marshalls escort a prisoner, along with Delaney and Boone Bridger, to Fort Russell. When they are ambushed, they are faced with a struggle for survival.
One of my favorite things about Connealy’s stories is her strong, competent, smart female characters. There were several of them in this tale, and I enjoyed their spunk and sass. Delaney Bridger is a perfect heroine for this story, and I liked seeing her and Owen as they got to know each other. I always enjoy the predicaments that this author throws her characters into and then somehow manages to get them out again.
There is a thread of the story that continues on to the next book, so be aware that you’ll want to read the whole series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2025
I was so excited to see this novel grabbed it right away. I dug right in because I was excited lol.
Lots of wonderful characters to know along the way with Connealy's trademark humor. Its the reason I love her books.
I have a few favorite scenes and quotes from here like this one. It made me grin from ear to ear lol
"You're right. But you're not going. I can track a rattlesnake over solid rock, sneak up behind him and slap him on tue head, then get away before he so much as rattles." Lol!!
Delaney is one stubborn mule lol. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her brother. Morgan too.
I loved the storyline so much and felt like I was there with them.
I loved the scenery so much that it was breathtaking.
Forgiveness and truth is as much a part of this story as everything else is.
This is a great start to a new series!! I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book!
5 stars for a fast paced story and a job well done!
I loved this adventure and I am still thinking about these wonderful and some not so wonderful characters! I hope to see them in the next book!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Lots of wonderful characters to know along the way with Connealy's trademark humor. Its the reason I love her books.
I have a few favorite scenes and quotes from here like this one. It made me grin from ear to ear lol
"You're right. But you're not going. I can track a rattlesnake over solid rock, sneak up behind him and slap him on tue head, then get away before he so much as rattles." Lol!!
Delaney is one stubborn mule lol. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her brother. Morgan too.
I loved the storyline so much and felt like I was there with them.
I loved the scenery so much that it was breathtaking.
Forgiveness and truth is as much a part of this story as everything else is.
This is a great start to a new series!! I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book!
5 stars for a fast paced story and a job well done!
I loved this adventure and I am still thinking about these wonderful and some not so wonderful characters! I hope to see them in the next book!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review by Librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Jan. 2026 issue of Library Journal.
Ambushed on page one of this book while trying to transport a prisoner to Cheyenne in the 1870s, Owen Riley and a group of United States Marshals will need all their survival skills to elude trigger-happy outlaws and find their way through barely charted mountainous terrain.
To top it off, Delaney and Boone Bridger are two civilians with them, on their way to join their notorious mountain man father at Fort Russell. Unforgiving terrain paired with unparalleled beauty and some strange Rocky Mountain characters await the group as they journey hundreds of miles on horseback.
Many obstacles threaten to delay justice and cause the marshals to wonder if they will survive the trip. The physical challenges are not the only snares though; the weathered marshals also find their hearts unexpectedly entangled with tough-as-nails mountain women.
VERDICT: A fast-paced start slows to unravel the characters' inner lives, although Connealy (Into the Sunset) sets it up nicely for a sequel. Lovers of Wild West romance should also check out Amanda Cabot's "Texas Dreams" series and Regina Scott's "American Wonders" books.
Ambushed on page one of this book while trying to transport a prisoner to Cheyenne in the 1870s, Owen Riley and a group of United States Marshals will need all their survival skills to elude trigger-happy outlaws and find their way through barely charted mountainous terrain.
To top it off, Delaney and Boone Bridger are two civilians with them, on their way to join their notorious mountain man father at Fort Russell. Unforgiving terrain paired with unparalleled beauty and some strange Rocky Mountain characters await the group as they journey hundreds of miles on horseback.
Many obstacles threaten to delay justice and cause the marshals to wonder if they will survive the trip. The physical challenges are not the only snares though; the weathered marshals also find their hearts unexpectedly entangled with tough-as-nails mountain women.
VERDICT: A fast-paced start slows to unravel the characters' inner lives, although Connealy (Into the Sunset) sets it up nicely for a sequel. Lovers of Wild West romance should also check out Amanda Cabot's "Texas Dreams" series and Regina Scott's "American Wonders" books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
US Marshall Owen Riley is finds himself escorting Delaney Bridger and her brother, to their father in Fort Russell, with a prisoner in tow, while they try to stay one step ahead of the outlaws on their trail.
The first in a brand new series set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado territory. A full cast of characters, with three main plots that converge, and set up for the next book in the series. An engaging western read, full of action and faith. I liked that Delaney and Owen worked together to get their group safely to the fort, bonding over their shared faith. There is a lot going on, with the story being told from multiple viewpoints.
An action packed read that was hard to put down, as they travel across the mountains. I admired their determination and perseverance, pushing towards their destination against the odds. I'm excited to find out what happens next to Stella and Tex! Hard to put down, page turning adventure. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The first in a brand new series set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado territory. A full cast of characters, with three main plots that converge, and set up for the next book in the series. An engaging western read, full of action and faith. I liked that Delaney and Owen worked together to get their group safely to the fort, bonding over their shared faith. There is a lot going on, with the story being told from multiple viewpoints.
An action packed read that was hard to put down, as they travel across the mountains. I admired their determination and perseverance, pushing towards their destination against the odds. I'm excited to find out what happens next to Stella and Tex! Hard to put down, page turning adventure. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ambush of the Heart has all the elements that I've come to expect from a Mary Connealy novel: plenty of action, handsome tough heroes, feisty women, low down bad guys, faith, romance, and bits of humor. Delaney and her brother Boone Bridger are being escorted by several Marshals who are taking an escaped prisoner to Ft. Russell. The prisoner's family doesn't take kindly to this which causes much trouble and grief. Marshals Owen Riley, Morgan Sawyer, and Tex Mitchel have worked together on several missions. Joining them this time are Marshal Marley Tweedt and Deputy Marshal Stan Ross. One of them won't survive an ambush. What should have been a relatively quick trip ends up taking weeks full of peril. One caveat: this book doesn't completely wrap up the story so be prepared to be anxiously awaiting the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ambush of the Heart and recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ambush of the Heart is a suspenseful and dangerous novel set around Fort Collins, Colorado in the 1800s. A team of U.S. Marshall's are after a wanted gang and trail them through rugged country.
There are some intense danger scenes that had me holding my breath wondering how it would all turn out. Having the Bridger family of history be involved made it more interesting. The historical details were woven seamlessly.
The characters had plenty of layers, a sweet budding romance, and toughness beyond normal means. I felt like I was along for an amazing ride with lots of twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next one.
Even the woman in the story were tough, courageous, and confident.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
There are some intense danger scenes that had me holding my breath wondering how it would all turn out. Having the Bridger family of history be involved made it more interesting. The historical details were woven seamlessly.
The characters had plenty of layers, a sweet budding romance, and toughness beyond normal means. I felt like I was along for an amazing ride with lots of twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next one.
Even the woman in the story were tough, courageous, and confident.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fabulous beginning to a new series! The setting is almost impossible to believe, except for the fact that I have traveled some areas that would almost match what these marshals and their prisoners rode through. The courage and strength required to do such a job and survive is almost inconceivable in our life today.
Leaving Fort Collins, CO with a prisoner and two extra travelers, four U.S. Marshals find themselves in a whole world of trouble when they are ambushed. Will they even survive to get their prisoner to Fort Russell? A whole lot of ingenuity, faith and maybe a little love will get them to their destination, but certainly not without a great deal of excitement on the way.
An early copy of Rocky Mountain Marshals # 1 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Leaving Fort Collins, CO with a prisoner and two extra travelers, four U.S. Marshals find themselves in a whole world of trouble when they are ambushed. Will they even survive to get their prisoner to Fort Russell? A whole lot of ingenuity, faith and maybe a little love will get them to their destination, but certainly not without a great deal of excitement on the way.
An early copy of Rocky Mountain Marshals # 1 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
February 3, 2026
What a delightful read!! A wonderful start to what is coming next in this series.
Marshal Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals are escorting an escaped prisoner back to Fort Russell, along with Delaney Bridger and her brother Boone back as well. Unfortunately the Duncan’s the family of the escaped prisoner has other ideas. They turn a week’s journey into several weeks of fighting, perilous battles which test the party to their limits. Some make it, some are lost and others find love along the way!
Just when I think Mary can’t write a better story she does and this doesn’t let me down!!
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Bakers Publishing. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Marshal Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals are escorting an escaped prisoner back to Fort Russell, along with Delaney Bridger and her brother Boone back as well. Unfortunately the Duncan’s the family of the escaped prisoner has other ideas. They turn a week’s journey into several weeks of fighting, perilous battles which test the party to their limits. Some make it, some are lost and others find love along the way!
Just when I think Mary can’t write a better story she does and this doesn’t let me down!!
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Bakers Publishing. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ambush of the Heart is about 3 US Marshall's tasked with getting a prisoner to trial. They start the journey with Boone and Delaney Bridger riding with them to Fort Russell where their parents are. Along the way they get ambushed, flee from criminals, ride through the roughest country/mountains they've ever seen, pick up more people to add to their group, chase after escaped prisoners and lots of other escapades. All three of the Marshall's get their hearts "ambushed" in this first book. It's full of adventure, action, romance, humor, inspiration and fun. I love the characters and the descriptions of the country they are riding through. A wild western ride!
February 6, 2026
Girl Writes The Best Stories
Love this truly gifted author. Just read it only if you want to be educated, entertained and anxious for the next book in the series like I am! Such wonderful wit, strong manly H and feisty capable h.
The gift to move folks through tremendous romps over downward trails, chased by those you’re not sure to trust. And meet romance, fleeting forest trails and funny, quirky hermits along the way. It is adventure, suspense and romance with breathtaking vistas that put you smack in the middle. Clean, noble goodness and ornery baddies. Page turner! More please
Love this truly gifted author. Just read it only if you want to be educated, entertained and anxious for the next book in the series like I am! Such wonderful wit, strong manly H and feisty capable h.
The gift to move folks through tremendous romps over downward trails, chased by those you’re not sure to trust. And meet romance, fleeting forest trails and funny, quirky hermits along the way. It is adventure, suspense and romance with breathtaking vistas that put you smack in the middle. Clean, noble goodness and ornery baddies. Page turner! More please
February 8, 2026
I have been anticipating this book for months! Mainly because of the perfection that is that cover. It gives me all the Tom Selleck vibes. I am pleased to report the story, matches the cover! The premise is intriguing and I like how it sets up the subsequent books in this series. It’s got romance, comedy mystery, and danger which is the perfect recipe for a book I will love. This is going to be a fun series and a riproaring good time!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but also pre-ordered my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts on my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but also pre-ordered my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts on my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Why read boring books? Instead, invest your precious book time with authors like Mary Connealy who make full use of history, geography, time, space and all five senses. Her books are a sensory delight that have readers immersed in the landscape, dialogue and emotions of the tale. Ambush of the Heart is no exception. It's gritty and sweet, intense and working towards peace. The conclusion is satisfying, yet requires the need for the next edition.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mary Connealy is a masterful storyteller! This is a great adventure in the mountains of Colorado. US marshalls are taking a prisoner to jail. They are riding with siblings that are headed to see their parents at the same fort. The prisoner's family creates some major problems!
This is an exciting story, with lots of twists and turns - literally. I can't wait for the next installment! One of the US marshalls is missing...
I received an ARC from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is an exciting story, with lots of twists and turns - literally. I can't wait for the next installment! One of the US marshalls is missing...
I received an ARC from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2026
I liked this story. (not necessarily the wandering in the mountains with trails of animals and no contact with people. I'm like that with driving across Australia where no signs of people or animals. There are more grey nomads now travelling in retirement.)
Strong female characters: Ma, Delaney, Roz, Stella who want to survive their circumstances.
Male characters who have been to war and learning to follow/obey become law enforcers. To chase/confront criminals a different thinking of killing an enemy depending on the colours you support.
Strong female characters: Ma, Delaney, Roz, Stella who want to survive their circumstances.
Male characters who have been to war and learning to follow/obey become law enforcers. To chase/confront criminals a different thinking of killing an enemy depending on the colours you support.
February 6, 2026
Mary Connealy always has a way of drawing the reader into her stories, and Ambush of the Heart is no exception. Even when the story takes place along the trail, with bad guys on their tails, Mary tugs the reader along for the ride. It's always a joy to discover the characters that Mary comes up with and see where she takes them throughout her stories. I look forward to reading more books in this new series. I'm sure it won't disappoint.
~While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2026)
~While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2026)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy is the kickoff of her new series, Rocky Mountain Marshals. It was a constant roller coaster of action and suspense for this group of marshals as they struggle to bring prisoners to justice through the wilderness, with civilians tagging along, danger around every corner. I highly recommend this book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In true Mary Connealy style, this book grabbed my attention right from the beginning. There's the danger and adventure. Owen and Delaney are fighting for their lives with outlaws following them trying to kill them and of course romance blossoms between them. I'm looking for the next novel in this series.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Mary Connealy. Her books never disappoint.
The characters in her books are well researched and thought out. Its like you know them. The story also is so engaging. I was on the edge os my seat for awhile. I couldn't read fast enough. I cannot imagine what the rest of the books in the series will be like. But be assured, I will be first in line to buy them.
The characters in her books are well researched and thought out. Its like you know them. The story also is so engaging. I was on the edge os my seat for awhile. I couldn't read fast enough. I cannot imagine what the rest of the books in the series will be like. But be assured, I will be first in line to buy them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven’t read historical fiction in a while and really enjoyed this book. Adventure, suspense and romance. I met the author at a local coffee shop with her sisters and thought they might be meeting as a book club, and found out that Mary was actually an author! She gave me an extra book she had and I read it in less than 3 days!
February 4, 2026
Fantastic read!!!
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