The Accidental Guardian

High Sierra Sweethearts #1

by Mary Connealy

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, Westerns, Christian, Historical Romance

293 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

Mary 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

Reviews

[Terrie's Just Another Book B*tch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Another Book Bitch's ALWAYS SPOILER FREE REVIEW

My first novel by this author and I found it to be a sweet and easy read. It carries an innocence about it that would make any grandmother smile. Not by first Christian romance. But it has been years since I’ve read one...

I found The Accidental Guardian to be a simple and uplifting read perfect if you're coming off of a heavy book and need some sweet simplicity in your life.

Trace is our brave western hero with morals and a gentleness about him that I think many should find appealing. Though he’s not used to being around women and I think he did come off a bit “oafish” but I suppose that’s what the author wanted you to see...

Deb (or spunky and independent heroine) survives a horrible ordeal and while very thankful for everything and everyone’s help she’s determined to stand on her own and not be a bother.. I did enjoy Deb’s character, however, I feel like for someone who was so independent she fell short and would appear to bend a bit too easily at times. I believe a little more inner turmoil would have strengthened my enjoyment of this book and her character.

It’s a solid three star from me. It’s the first book in this series and I have to say that if the next in the series deals with Cam and Gwen I wouldn’t mind continuing on with the High Sierra Sweethearts.

(Sorry for any typos. I’m writing this on my phone w/o my glasses)

Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a final copy/ARC and Mary Connealy for the opportunity to review.

Find/follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & My Blog Page

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best way to describe this novel: Whoa, that was fast!

I’m still not 100% sure about the rating, even now, but I think I’ve settled on 3/4 stars. I just had a lot of mixed feelings!

Here are my general thoughts:

FIRST:
Well, I don’t like to hear about married folks’ bedroom habits. Not a bit.

But if you make a point to say that both groom and bride are nervous about the wedding night and then just stop talking about it … you kinda make a reader curious?

Two problems with this.

Made me think about it more than I wanted to and search the text trying to figure it out.
DID THEY OR DIDN’T THEY IT’S DRIVING ME CRAZY BUT I FEEL TERRIBLE EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT HELP HELP!
SECOND:
WILL SOMEONE PLEASE SPANK THE SNOT OUT OF THOSE TWO KIDS?!? I know they’re only 2 and like eighteen months, but they are super badly behaved and no one is dealing with it.

There’s nothing more frustrated than an undisciplined child, especially if everyone keeps pretending they’re babies when they’re obviously not …

THIRD:
Things were not wrapped up. I’m sensing they will be in the next book(s) of the series, so that’s all right.

FOURTH:
The pacing – perhaps inspired by the brief writing style – was kinda hectic.

I mainly worried for one thing that the hero and heroine barely knew each other and their relationship moved too fast.

I mean, come on, they went from “absolute strangers” to “lovey dovey feelings” just like that! *snaps fingers*

On the other hand, I was super excited to see a romance without hate, lust, or unnecessary complications involved.

FIFTH:
I don’t believe that Trace would have survived for several years in the Sierra Nevadas by himself.

Sorry … I just don’t. 😝 Especially since he wasn’t used to the terrain or weather. Or the animals. Or anything about the area at all. Even the plants would have been different.

I might be able to do it … but Trace couldn’t have.

SIXTH:
It was pretty cute and it had some fun adventure, but it wasn’t super deep. I don’t know that the themes ever got fully resolved, but they were cool.

I’d recommend The Reluctant Guardian to anyone looking for a quick, easy read that doesn’t go beyond surface level and is conveniently easy in several places.

CONTENT
Language: n/a

Violence: nothing graphic

Sexual: it’s intimated that two married character had sex, but was so vague that it made be squint at it. Not bad content – just not clear at all what happened!

Other: n/a

3/5.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What on earth did I just read? Rtc

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
While this story is a bit different from a normal Mary Connealy book—less humor, more reflective hero—I really enjoyed it. Trace's hesitation with women was endearing and it was cute to see him decide pretty fast that being around Deb was something he needed to keep in his future. There are a number of threads left hanging for the next book in the series, so I'm now eagerly awaiting book two!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mary Connealy's writing style! I was immediately drawn into the story and it was nonstop from there. I loved the characters- strong Deb with her determination to take the burdens from others, motherly Gwen who nurtured everyone around her, Trace's protective nature and curiosity, and the cowhands at his ranch who would do anything for the ladies and children. The pace of the book was steady, with plenty of action and adventure as Trace and Deb race against a swiftly approaching winter to track down the killers while preparing the ranch before getting snowed in. I loved their sincerity and gratitude for each other, and the way they so perfectly brought light and joy to each other's life. Their innocence with romance was endearing and made their special moments together sweeter. I'm so excited for this new series from one of my favorite authors!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes nothing else will do but a Mary Connealy Western. Her subtle humour crops up in the most unexpected places and I love that! It can be in the midst of dangerous action or a quiet reflective moment or even a tender romantic one and suddenly I find myself laughing out loud. Makes reading a Connealy a real adventure...as if there isn't enough of that in her stories already!

From the heart-in-throat opening scene to the domestic chaos of the last chapter, The Accidental Guardian kept me turning pages faster than the quick draw of a wild west villain! And there are some bad 'uns in this story. And when they find out Deb is a witness to their dastardly deeds...shudder.

Luckily she has Trace on her side. The self-appointed guardian of the trail suddenly finds himself in charge of women and children -- both foreign entities to him! Love Trace -- a bear of a mountain man who is decent and kind and totally out of his element when it comes to interacting with his unexpected charges. The romance that develops is tender and sweet -- and totally awkward. I'm grinning just thinking about Trace and Deb.

The author has managed to leave some story threads dangling -- not enough to cause severe cliff-hanging reader anxiety but enough to make me anxious for the next book in the series which is coming out in October (and has the most awesome cover!)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, apparently.

I'm back-reviewing.

This book was pretty "meh" for me. I really thought about not finishing it, actually, but I was close enough to the end that I went ahead. The ending actually turned out to be the best part of the book, so that's what tacked on enough to make 2.5 and get it that third star ticked.

I just couldn't connect with these characters whatsoever! I just never learned much about them, I guess. I felt like Deb & Gwen's backstory just didn't really match up or "place" in the book. And Trace just...wasn't that interesting after the first couple chapters. The "romance" part felt stilted and forced, tbh, and I guess since I was reading it AS I was getting ready for my own wedding (y'all, I squeezed in the ending the day before I got married because it was a library book that I couldn't take with me), and was feeling all gushy and junk, it just was NOT doing it for me.

ANYWAY. I made up my mind after reading this one that I would start book 2 ('cause Gwen's story sounded more interesting), but wouldn't keep reading Connealy (and I've read nearly ALL of her books) if it read anything like this one.

So far, MC is back to her trademark suspense with a dash of humor and romance in book 2, so I guess we shall see!

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published November 2018

I didn’t know what to expect when reading Mary Connealy’s book The Accidental Guardian. I hadn’t read anything by her before, and my experience with a story set in the western frontier has been limited.

Smarts and going after what you want is what drew me to Deb’s character. She’s not a helpless young woman running into bad situations. Although being strong and able to take care of herself, she shows her limits. Early in the story, she accepts the help from Trace Riley, then later the other ranch hands, Utah Smith and Adam Thayne. Deb’s personality is a great blend of independence and dependence.

This story opens with Deb and Gwen Harkness traveling on a wagon train along with the Scott family and others braving the Sierra Nevada Mountains in October. The small wagon train is ambushed at night while everyone is a sleep. Deb and Gwen, who stepped away to care for the Scott children, were spared from the massacre. By moonlight, Deb crept back only to see one of the attackers and hear voices of the others which would be etched forever in her memory.

Stunned and staying hidden, Deb could only watch helplessly while the three gunmen pillage the belongings. Then set fire to what they could so the blame might be shifted to a tribe of Indians. Deb and Gwen, the little ones Maddie Sue and Ronnie, now find themselves alone in the middle of nowhere with winter ready to set in. They are soon discovered not by the marauders, but by Trace Riley.

Trace is empathic to this unfortunate group. He himself experienced the despair of being a sole survivor of a similar attack. His own trial prepared him with the skills to thrive in the harsh wilderness, but how will these travelers fair? With winter closing in, there is nothing else to be done but to take the Harkness women and the children back to his ranch.

What a thought, Trace and his ranch hands, two women, and two children. Do we have enough food reserves? Sleeping quarters will have to be adjusted. Will the stockpile of wood be enough to keep them all warm and fed? These overwhelming thoughts keep his mind distracted from the fury building inside to track down the killers and bring them to justice (or could it be considered revenge)? Reserve this title to find out for yourself.

Suspense, a sweet young romance, and the rally of endearing characters makes me look forward to the second book in the High Sierra Sweetheart series.

Visit any of our La Crosse County Library locations in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem, and check out our website at www.lacrossecountylibrary.org from the comfort of your own home to search our library catalog.

Find this book and other titles within our catalog.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a grand adventure! It was refreshing to see a man naïve in the ways of women. Even more refreshing to see a man wanting to protect a woman. I want more stories like that! This mountain adventure also featured a couple of survivors of a wagon train massacre. That was a pretty unique premise, really, and it was well written to boot. I absolutely loved that the leads opted to take care of children who weren’t their own. Those sorts of tales are completely up my alley.

Content: replacement expletives

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first novel in the beginning of a new series. The characters were likable and I appreciated their honesty toward each other. Deb and Trace opened up about themselves and their backgrounds as they got to know each other. I enjoyed their interactions and the sweet nature of their growing attraction and relationship.

This book very definitely sets the reader up to jump right into the next book in the series by the events that occur at the end of the book. It was not a cliffhanger. It simply made me look forward to seeing how future relationships could develop. I am definitely anticipating the next story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. It didn't have me giggling like some of her others. And I didn't quite connect with the characters the way that I did in some of her previous books, but I still enjoyed it. It was a pretty quick read overall.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters. The romance was underdeveloped. I skimmed the second half.

I hadn’t read a new-to-me Mary Connealy since I was in high school (10 years ago). A lot of that was because at a certain point her book covers were so gosh darn awful I was embarrassed to get them & they turned me off 🙈. This is her most gorgeous cover I’ve seen & it sparked my interest in reading her again. While I enjoy her super early books (mainly for nostalgia) I remembered that her writing can be pretty cheesy😆. But hey, if you’re wanting an easy Hallmark quality western she’s a good fit for you.

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Accidental Guardian” is the first book in Mary Connealy’s newest series, High Sierra Sweethearts. This was the first book I have read by this author so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. It sounded like a really good book though. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit! The romance moved a little faster then I would’ve thought, but it was still a good book. It was a sweet story and it also had some funny parts as well as some suspenseful parts. Everything wasn’t all wrapped up in the end of the story, but book 2 does come out this fall so the story will continue on and probably wrap up the loose ends from book 1.

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I found out this book was releasing this year I got so excited! I have enjoyed Mary's work for years and was anxiously waiting to get my hands on this. That being said this was not my favorite by her.

I loved the idea for this book. Wagon train attacks, cowboys on noble steeds, and ruthless outlaws. What could be better?!

Sadly the execution fell short for me. The story felt like it could've been a novella instead of full length. There was quite a bit of repetition and it all kind of felt unnecessary. The romance was not my favorite and it felt a touch strange to me. They ended up together out of pure loneliness than anything else.

Now don't get me wrong, Mary knows how to write diverse characters and they all have some unique trait that helps keep the back and forth easy.

Trace was not what one would consider book smart, but he was wilderness savvy. His reliance on God and the wilderness was what kept him strong through all the years of being alone. It helped him strive. I absolutely loved his connection with his horse Black and his dog Wolf, it was real and true!

Deb had a good head on her shoulders and was able to take charge in situations that most would shrink at. She had past hurts that kept her from seeing there were good men in the world, but every interaction with Trace slowly healed those wounds and tore down the walls.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Trace's men were great and I hope we might see more of them in the rest of the series.
I think Gwen was my favorite out the whole book and I'm excited to read her story next.

No this might not have been my favorite book, but I am curious and intrigued to read the rest of the series. If this had been a novella introducing me to the series I think I might have enjoyed it a touch more.

I rated this book a 3.25/5 stars. I will continue with the series and I will continue to pick up Mary's work.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Harkness and her younger sister, Gwen join a wagon train going west. They are caregivers for two small children whose family is travelling to California to join relatives. Unfortunately, the wagon train is attacked by ruthless criminals. Deborah, Gwen and the children are the only survivors. Rancher Trace Riley happens upon the burning wagons and takes the women and children to his ranch. He's determined to find the men who murdered all those people and protect the survivors. Little does he know that he will also find love along the way.

I love stories about the old west and those who braved the trail to head west, so I knew I would like this book. I don't usually read romance novels, but this story has more than enough action in it to make it more of an adventure than a romance story. Trace is conflicted. He has done some violent things to keep innocent travelers safe and is afraid that it makes him a bad man. Deborah knows that he saved their lives and many others....and does everything she can to make him realize that. The criminals who have been murdering many along the trail for years are dangerous, and Trace knows they have to be stopped. Plenty of action, suspense and danger along with love and faith in this story!

I enjoyed this story. The characters all grow and learn much about relationships, faith and love along the way. There is violence, but it's not graphic or overdone. This is Christian fiction...so there is no bad language or graphic sex. There are murders, violence and other criminal actions, but no graphic descriptions of bodies, gore, etc. Some of the events central to the story would lead me to say this is a PG-13 sort of story -- multiple murders, dangerous criminals, etc....not really a story for kids under 13. Very enjoyable western without the racist, sexual or more gritty themes you might find in non-Christian stories. The Christian theme is not over-done.....the characters are Christian and there is talk about God, prayer and their beliefs, but it isn't so strong that it detracts from the main story.

This isn't the usual sort of western that I normally read. It's a bit more simple and light, given the fact that the violence and description are somewhat downplayed to fit the Christian theme. That was sort of a refreshing change. This book focuses on the characters and events, rather than the violent aspects of the "bad guys'' and the romance portion was not just centered on sex. Nice change from what I usually read. I enjoyed the story, and will definitely be reading more of the same from Bethany House. The front cover is perfect....adorable, and fits the story.

The Accidental Guardian is the first book in a series, High Sierra Sweethearts. A second book, The Reluctant Warrior, will be released in October 2018. I normally avoid romance stories, but the western background theme will be enough to keep me reading. Sometimes a break from the thrillers and more gritty stories I usually read is nice.....a bit of Christian romance as a palate cleanser. :) This story was well-written and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from Mary Connealy.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, 1 heat

I could not resist the cover for The Accidental Guardian. It drew me right in and the story did just the same.

The Gist: Our hunky loner hero has suddenly found himself caring for two young women and two little kids after rescuing them from a wagon train ambush that killed the rest of their party. Now to get them safe and secure then hunt down the "men" responsible.

Trace and Deb were good people. He's spent most of his life alone in the woods fighting for survival after surviving a wagon ambush as a teenager. He's done some terrible things to protect others but he's one of the more innocent heroes I've ever read. Incredibly strong but awkward and innocent when it comes to women since he's literally never been around them before. Hardly been around anyone at all, period. You just wanna wrap him up and hug him. Deb is good people, too. She's an incredibly hard worker and for years ran her father's newspaper. She's a little prickly over that and how she was treated and ready to start out on her own. She has some struggles with what she thinks she wants and what she really wants. She's good, though. Caring and generous. Has a strong chin and doesn't shy away from hard things. Both very easy to like and respect.

Their romance was gentle. They're both incredibly inexperienced and life was hard. It was sweet seeing them slowly get to know each other as they settle into his ranch and start working to shore things up for a long winter ahead.

I enjoyed the story. The every day things of just surviving the harsh conditions of winter during those times. The added danger of the outlaws and making sure everyone was safe. Connealy did a great job of setting the time. The wildness and danger of both nature and people. It was a hard life for sure and one many would struggle with. Seeing these two and the few people with them coming together and creating a life was lovely.

I'm looking forward to book 2 and seeing what's to come for this group.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah saved her younger sister and two toddlers from an attack on their wagon train. Trace becomes their accidental guardian when he finds them and offers them shelter. He had a bachelor life and never expected women and children to be in it. Deborah and Trace grow closer as they try to bring justice to the men attacking wagon trains realizing that as it gets closer to spring when Deborah can leave.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I like about Mary Connealy is how easy her books are to read. The characters are very realistic and relatable. They feel authentic. That’s something I often struggle with in books. Sometimes I read and I think that the situation could never happen in real life. That doesn’t happen in The Accidental Guardian. Deborah and Trace feel like real people who I had the pleasure of being introduced to.

This book is humorous at times, sad at others. I feel like this author found the perfect balance between the character’s triumphs and losses. There were plenty of things to smile about but also times for fear or sadness. I suppose like the Bible says, there’s a time to cry and a time to dance…or something to that effect.

Readability aside, there were a few things I can’t help but mention. Once again I hit the snag of an insta-attraction situation—which surprisingly would have bothered me much less had there been less resistance from Deborah. I found her downright stubborn up until a certain point. Which is all good and fine until she goes from one extreme to the other. From much resistance to an instant willingness to accept a proposal felt very out of character. I mean, the author sold it. The characters still felt authentic, but I felt cheated of a knock-your-socks-off romance.

Let’s talk the next snag. Wedding night awkwardness. Vulgar? No. Inappropriate? No. Awkward? Yes. I mean, I get it. Two people with no idea what to do on their wedding night are going to be awkward. But, I’m not sure that it really lent anything to the story for me.

Overall, the characters are what sell this story to me. Trace is just perfect and swoonworthy. Deborah is, well, if I weren’t married, I would wish I were Deborah. Did I mention that Trace is perfect?

This book wasn’t perfect. It had a few flaws but honestly, I’m really interested to see where the story picks up at with The Reluctant Warrior. Perhaps it will continue with Deborah’s sister, Gwen? /crosses fingers

This book was provided to me by JustRead Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering remains of a small wagon train, he quickly recognizes the signs that show that the group responsible for the attack is the same group that left him the sole survivor of a similar attack years ago. Fueled by his anger towards the attackers and a strong desire to see them brought to justice, served as a self appointed guardian of the trail and thought that he had driven these dangerous men off. He’s lived off of the wilderness since then and has finally managed to create a home and started a herd of cattle. He’d hoped his days of guarding the trail and chasing down dangerous criminals was over but the attack on the wagon train shows that he was sadly mistaken. Deborah Harkness, her younger sister, and two small children managed to survive the attack and now find themselves at the mercy of their rescuer. Trace has the only shelter for miles and offers to take them in through the winter, until they can continue to their destination in spring. It’s obvious from his simple bachelor life and rustic homestead that he never anticipated women and small children being in the picture, but it doesn’t take long before he starts adjusting to having them around. As they work together to survive the winter and to find the men who attacked the wagon train so they can be brought to justice, Trace and Deb find themselves drawn to each other even as each day brings them closer to the day she leaves for good.

I really enjoyed reading this sweet story. I thought it was sweet the way Trace was so uncomfortable around Deb and her sister and the kids because he’d never really been around women or children but he was still so dedicated to making sure that they were completely comfortable. I liked that Deb and Trace weren’t instantly comfortable with each other because it’s more realistic. They actually had to put effort into getting to know each other and because they did were able to understand each other’s insecurities. In future books, I’d really like to get to know more of Utah’s and Adam’s backstories because they seemed to be interesting. I am looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing Gwen’s character be more developed as I genuinely liked her, she just wasn’t as well developed as Deb was since it wasn’t really her story. Mary Connealy really has a knack of playing out the story so well that you can picture the way things happen. I love when a book is descriptive enough that you can see it perfectly. And, this is definitely the case here. And I also enjoyed that the author took the time to research the area and time period she was writing about. All of this added together made an excellent beginning to the series.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

3.5

Mary Connealy’s new series, High Sierra Sweethearts, starts with a bang when Deborah Harkness, her sister, and two charges end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, the rest of their wagon train massacred and burned. Trace Riley comes to the rescue, thankfully, and the story that follows is full of entertaining, sweet, and dangerous moments as they all figure out what to do next.

From Trace and his men to Deb, Gwen, and the children, the main characters are all likeable (and the bad guys equally hateable). The more I discovered the struggles that Trace and Deb have, as well as their reliance on faith through it all, the more relatable they, especially, became. Though they do have a few conversations that feel repetitive and express a few worries that only get vague closure, I enjoyed reading through the ups and downs of their story.

The Accidental Guardian is a fun Western adventure and romance. Readers looking for an inspirational and entertaining read, add this book to your TBR list.

Thanks to JustRead Tours, I received a complimentary copy of The Accidental Guardian and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'When the good Lord put a burden on his heart, he listened.'

I have been a Mary Connealy fan for many years. Her cowboy comedies have had me rolling in laughter. This time, she still had her wit, but it's not a huge part of the book. The story is wonderful. I was invested since the first page, in fact.

Trace Riley has been the self appointed guardian of the trail in the High Sierras, watching out for families beset upon by dangerous sidewinders intent on stealing everything they brought east with them to build a new home with. Very early one morning he comes upon Deborah Harkness, her sister and two little ones. Their wagon train had been massacred by such evil men as Trace sought to protect folks from. No one survived except the four of them. Trace has the only shelter for many miles and they settle in to stay with him as he continues to try to bring the lawbreakers to justice.

I love disappearing into a Mary Connealy novel. She just plain knows how to tell a story and tell it well. Her characters are well thought out and good people. Well, except for the nasty sidewinders. Trace and Deb both have some hard things in their past, but they are beginning to learn that God has a plan for them. Here in the High Sierras. Don't miss this one.

*Thanks to the author for a copy of this book. My opinions stated here are entirely my own.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you have two children, two women, and three men? The Accidental Guaradian!

Deborah and her sister join a wagon train headed West, which experiences trouble and only four survive. Trace, headed home from a cattle drive on his favorite horse, comes along at the right time to help the two women and two children. The closest shelter is Trace's home, also known as a one room cabin, where two other men work alongside him.

How will Trace get them out of the cold and save them? Where will they all stay once he gets them to his home? Will he be able to catch the bad men and warn other wagon trains before it is too late?

Read the book "The Accidental Guardian" for a great story about Deborah and Trace. This is a really good story by Mary Connealy!

I received a complimentary review copy by the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the best I've read this year. I couldn't stop turning the pages. The book is set in 1867 in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Sister, Deborah & Gwen are taking care of two small children while traveling on a wagon train. When their train is attacked, they find themselves in perilous times.
Luckily, they are found by Trace, a local rancher but a loner that has never been around many people.

The storyline takes a lot of surprising turns and I enjoyed following the relationship between Trace and Deborah. There is a lot of suspense, adventure, and even humorous banter between them. Deborah keeps her faith, while Trace tries to come to grips with his. Carrying hurt from his past, can he learn to move on? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Can't wait for the next installment in the series. Highly recommended.

[Joelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I got a third of the way through this and was bored. The characters were not engaging at all. I caught myself in a few eye rolls at how lame their feelings were. I think with better writing it would have been more interesting, but as it is I skipped to the predictable end to satisfy my curiosity and decided it was a waste of time to continue.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevada

[Trixi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a man who survived to make his living on the Sierra Nevada range, two women & two small children who escaped a wagon train massacre, mix them up and you have an adventurous tale of epic proportions! Connealy’s imagination runs as wild as the mountainous terrain that Trace has made his home in this story.

“I’m going to change, Gwen. I am. The West is different than where we came from. It’s a land that demands strength of people. A land that tests courage.

One would think after the many years Trace lived here that he was a rugged, rough mountain man with ill manners, but just the opposite is true. Once he encounters Deb and her sister Gwen and the two children after the massacre, he sets out to do what’s right by them. Pushing for home and shelter, he’s made it a lifelong vow to bring the men responsible to justice. A true hero in every sense of the word. Protective, defender of the weak, tender when needed but just as tough when situation calls for it, and he don’t take no guff. Deb was one character that surprised me! She was tough and had what it takes to survive with plenty of backbone and hard-working attitude to get by; she bucked up and did what had doing. These two definitely had plenty of sparks and banter between them! Fun to watch from the sidelines.

“And…well, I can’t be kissing a man. That’s a good way to get tangled up….in forever.”

Deb: “But men and women not understanding each other is a mighty common thing I’d say.”
Trace: “It’s a wonder they don’t do a better job of avoiding each other.”

One word description: Un-putdownable (if only real life didn’t interrupt)! I can’t say I’ve never met a book I didn’t like, nor a hero I didn’t fall in love with written by this author. Western adventure stories are her specialty! I know I’ll find a laugh or three, strong characters, a little faith mixed in, and romance brewing. This one also had a few heart-in-my-throat scenes when danger edged a little too close for comfort, and plenty of action to keep it going. She had me wanting more; but that’s just a common thing with a Connealy tale! I’m already anticipating the next novel, it can't come soon enough for me.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is at her best in this series! There is some humor in the book but just at the right places!
I love reading about wagon trains and wishing that I could travel back in time to experience that.
When I took a trip out West, I stopped by the Kansas Historical museum and I spent hours there!
They had a covered wagon and I got to sit in it. They also had me start a fire with Flint but I couldn't get that right. The guide had to finish it for me lol! I wouldn't make a good pioneer
I enjoyed the trip West and I could actually imagine myself there bc I took that trip. The Rockies are just gorgeous! Isn't it weird how a family can come together in the weirdest places and time? God sure does have a way of working things out when we least expect it!
I love Mary's books!! I would recommend them to anyone!!
I received this complementary copy from Netgalley! Thank u! All opinions are my own

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laur · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was “ok”, but I found it somewhat repetitive and unrealistic for time period. That being said, the characters were likable, the plot sounded promising, and book’s cover is heartwarming, yet I felt cohesive and realistic execution development of the story was missing.

However, if a reader enjoys light, sweet, and a very easy read in the Christian romance genre, this one might be for you.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this includes a couple of intense and heart-breaking segments, overall it is a sweet read of two lonely people recognizing the value in each other. I enjoyed the cast of characters, particularly Wolf, and I look forward to spending more time with everyone in the second book in this series.