This is the third and final installment of this series. It doesn't disappoint! Everything came to a satisfactory conclusion but there were a lot of bump in the road on the way. The characters were really fun -- Penny, a spinstress who has been following her brother all over the West to Army outposts for several years and is very outdoor-savvy, and John McCall, a pinkerton agent who is very street and big city smart. John has come to the West in search of Penny's nephew, having been hired by his grandparents to find him. Penny is determined that her nephew will stay right where he is, away from those awful, grasping grandparents. John is determined to fulfill his task. But meantime, they are kidnapped together by the resident bad guys and after that ordeal are forced by the sheriff and his wife to marry (or they will hang John, who they suspect to be the kidnapper). Hilarity ensues as John and Penny go in search of the real kidnappers and Penny learns all of John's Pinkerton tricks of the trade such as disguises and ferreting out information. Mary Connealy is always one of my favorite authors because she always injects humor into the stories and I thrive on that kind of rhetoric.

I received a Kindle copy of this story through NetGalley for the purpose of making a review. I would have gotten ahold of it anyway, no matter what, because I haven't missed one of Mary C's books yet and I'm not going to start now.

Y’all! Let me tell you a little something about this book right here. It’s fantabulous. That’s right. Fantabulous. Mary Connealy has been on my auto read authors list for years now. And, I always get giddy like a school kid on the play ground when I get to read her novels. This upcoming addition to her High Sierra Sweethearts series was no exception.

From the start, we are taking to the heart of the plot line, and into the lives of John and Penny. Oh sweet Penny, how I loved her! I loved her strong willed ways. And John. Lord have mercy, did I ever love him! His character really came to life for me, and I pictured myself beside him, taking each new twist and turn of being kidnapped with Penny as if I was there.

I loved the way Connealy created her characters with her trademark charm and wit. I love to get lost between the covers of one of her amazing novels because they are lighthearted and keep me chuckling on a bad day. The wit and charm of Penny and John were definitely evident in this page turner!

If you ask me, and even if you don’t, I’m going to tell you that I highly recommend this book with hats-off, two thumbs, and highest of 5 stars. Inspiration, hope, mercy and love are all wrapped up into another incredible cowboy story from the talented Mary Connealy. So, grab ya a copy, kick your boots off, and get ready to get wrapped up in another impeccably done novel from Mrs. Connealy!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

What an excellent and satisfying end to the series and family group of the High Sierra Sweethearts. Each of the men and women we meet here, at least those on the good side, are brave, intelligent and self-motivated. External trouble comes in the form of a long-term pack of greedy murderers and their associates. It seems they will stop at nothing to eliminate these fine heroes. Internal struggles stem from abandonment, loneliness and the belief that others will leave or harm them. So, we meet John and Penny who are quite at odds over precious toddler Ronnie. John's hired by Ronnie's grandparents to return with him no matter what it costs. Penny will not give up without a large fight.

Stacked against them are the human jackals who have ambushed them since Trace Riley arrived alone in the area as a boy. They have plenty on the heaping plate without fighting each other. Will they learn to depend on and help each other or will their families fall apart?

Mary Connealy gives fans what they long for: strong and gritty characters working to survive and thrive in a wild, unforgiving land where not everyone is trustworthy. When those who deserve respect both give and receive it, great things occur that change the land and community dynamics.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

'Penny had little patience for a man who pouted.'

Pinkerton agent John McCall has been sent west by the Chiltons, who want him to find their long-lost grandson. The Chiltons are, however, a pair of lying, scheming, no accounts who only want the boy for his dead mother's inheritance money. When McCall gets west, after having to wait out a deadly winter, he meets up with Penny, part of a group of folks who have a claim in the mountains. They are guardians to the boy and have no intention of letting him go. But first Penny and John have to deal with a dead crook, then they are both kidnapped, escape, travel through the woods for days and then, well, things just escalate from there. Penny is a wildcat, not afraid of anything, can ride, rope, skin an elk, track, read signs, pretty much an all around do anything type of gal. McCall is astounded by her, but then he begins to realize her worth. Things are getting mighty odd around there.

Mary Connealy is back with her cowboy comedies and her trademark wit is in fine form here. She keeps the action moving throughout, the laughter spewing forth and tells a mighty fine tale at the same time. I am a forever fan of this woman and I can't wait to read what she has for us next. Bravo! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.