BOOK REVIEW: The Accidental Guardian
By Mary Connealy
This book was action-packed and a page turner - right from the first sentence to the last scene. This exciting adventure follows Deb and her sister Gwen, who are travelling with a family across the Sierra Mountains. Along the way they find themselves completely alone with two little children and they meet up with a man who has a dark secret but is the only one who can save them from starvation or any perils that might fall on them while on the wagon trail.
When the dark secret of their rescuer is finally revealed, you can’t really fault him for it. It’s good to see him work through his past and find hope and forgiveness in his present situation that will ultimately affect his future.
At first I thought there was going to be a stereo-typical attack on Deb and Gwen’s wagon train by Indians but FINALLY a different take on this cliché and I can say that even though the situation was awful for our heroine, it was refreshing to have a different light cast on the Native Indians – a positive point of view.
There is a bit of romance spread throughout the story and I love the awkward scenes between the lovers. It gave realness to the characters that is challenging to find in a lot of romance novels. I especially love the author’s description of realization hitting both the main characters at the same time of what was expected of them next in their relationship.
The supporting cast is loveable too. I’m curious to see how the lives of the ranch hands will play out in subsequent novels (I believe this is the first novel of a new series…), and if there is romance brewing for our heroine’s sister Gwen. The reader is left wondering about the sudden return of the children’s father/uncle and aunt, and how everything is going to work out. Will they leave with the children that Deb and Gwen have been looking after? Will they stay? What is the rest of the story with the criminals that caused problems for Deb and Gwen in the first place?
The descriptions of the locations are so inviting. Makes me want to go to Lake Tahoe and see the Sierra Mountain range.
I can’t wait for the next novel to be released in this series.
I received an ebook review advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Another great story by Mary Connealy. Deborah Harkness is on a wagon train when it is attacked. She, her sister, and two little ones are the only survivors. But when the attackers realize she can identify them will she ever feel safe again?

Trace Riley comes across the massacre and takes in Deborah and the other survivors. Trace will have to keep Deb safe as they track the attackers. Will they find love along the way? Or will Deborah leave as she's planned all along, taking his heart with her?

My favorite scene in this story was of the salvaged Bible. Connealy does a great job with her characters. I could feel Trace's aloneness. The setting descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the story. And the connection between Deb and Trace kept me turning the pages to see how their story would end.

If you love inspirational western romances with a touch of humor, you will love Mary Connealy's books. The Accidental Guardian is no exception. And it's the start of a series, so there are more stories to come!

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mary Connealy begins her High Sierra Sweethearts Series with The Accidental Guardian. The story begins in a rather brutal, but realistic fashion. The author really uses her characters' experiences to help them grow and learn. She manages to make things interesting while teaching life lessons.

The first part of the novel is the funniest part as Trace learns how to speak to women. After this part of the story is resolved, the book takes on a more serious tone. Characters deal with difficult situations and have to make choices about how to improve themselves and become better people. Religion and God are often parts of these decisions.

Readers will find historical information, romance, and danger upon these pages. The most disappointing thing is the ending, because it left a lot of unanswered questions and uncertainty about whether or not these questions would be covered in subsequent installments of the series. If the author follows the stories of the other characters in the next book in the series, then all will be forgiven.

Mary outdoes herself with this one. Wonderful story fro the first page to the last.

Mary Connealy has become one of my favorite authors!  I just love the stories and characters.  I really don’t want to give too much away but the level of the unknown when the wagon train is attacked as Deb and Gwen are away from the wagons with the kids… I could just put myself there and then when Trace comes along and all that unfolds after that.  I loved the strength that Deb showed and the relationships that developed.  I don’t want to wait for the next book.  I also love that it is set near Lake Tahoe! I was just on a trail this past summer and we came across a momma bear and her two cubs. We also had a crazy snow storm! I could just picture Deb and Trace gasping as they looked out across the Lake!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review

Deb and her sister Gwen are heading to California to start fresh when their wagon train is attacked. The sisters, along with two young children, are the only survivors. When Trace Riley comes across the scene, he realizes that the attackers, who have now fled, are the same ones who killed his father and the rest of his wagon train years before. While he has honed his skills as a tracker and knows he could find and bring to justice their murderers, first he must get Deb and her little group to safety. Having not been around many women in his life, Trace isn't sure at first how to even talk to one--but he quickly finds that he likes having Deb around and would like it if she'd stay. But Deb, having grown up a with a lazy father who never appreciated the work she did, is set on starting a newspaper in California--and never being subjected to working for a man again.

This is an enjoyable historical romance. I liked Trace, who is a rough-around-the-edges mountain man with a tender heart, and Deb, with her fiery personality. I also thought the plot was interesting, with Trace and Deb trying to find the men who attacked the wagon train and keep other travelers safe.

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Trace Riley has taken on the responsibility of guarding a wagon train trail. He has a personal interest in this job. He basically raised himself and learned to live off the land. When he comes upon 2 women and children, he doesn't quite know what to do.



Deborah Harkness and her younger sister along with 2 small children survive a wagon train attack. They find themselves at the mercy of Trace. They are the only females for miles, and although they are more than thankful for the help they have been a little burned by men in the past - their father.

This is their story. It is very good! READ THIS BOOK!


I was given this book and was under no obligation to post a review.

While I enjoy the premise of this novel, I didn't particularly enjoy it's execution. At times the story seemed to drag, while the last few chapters felt rushed. Many new elements were introduced right at the end that I felt could've been saved for a sequel, while many chapters in the middle had little to nothing new at all. Additionally, though the semi-awkwardness of the romance was fitting to the characters, it wasn't all that enjoyable to read. Furthermore, I didn't feel that their relative impulsivity fit in with the story or their characters, though it was a nice deviation from normal. I did, however, feel a connection to the lovable characters, and would probably read a sequel in hopes of enjoying their continuing story.