I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts #1
Published by Baker Books on April 3, 2018
Source: JustRead Publicity
Genres: Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Western
Pages: 304
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.
Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
The thing I like about Mary Connealy’s books is how easy they 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 swoon worthy. 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
The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR will be released later this year in October, 2018!
GIVEAWAY
(1) Winner will win:
- The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
- The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form.
To Enter, use the Rafflecopter giveaway below (or click on the Giveaway banner above). Be sure to stop at every post on the tour for additional entries!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For the full tour schedule for more giveaway entries, head to JustRead’s Launch Page HERE (or click on the Tour Banner below).
You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
About Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
Not only do I enjoy Mary’s book but also her facebook page when it’s calfing season.
Thank you for your review on “The Accidental Guardian” by Mary Connealy and for being part of the blog tour.
I’d love the opportunity to read this book. Adore the cover!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thank you for participating in the tour!
I will have to check it out! :-)
Thank you for having me! You rock <3