Oh my, what a wonderful story!
Mary Connealy has released the first book, Accidental Guardian, in her new High Sierra Sweethearts series.  I was immediately drawn into the story from the first page. The author weaves words together that bring both the characters and setting to life for me.  
Deb Harkness and her sister are traveling to Sacramento by wagon train accompanying Mr. & Mrs. Scott and caring for the children.  While stopped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains the wagon train is attacked leaving Deb, her sister and the children alone without not only protection, but also provisions.  Trace Riley is 20 miles from home when he happens upon the burned out wagon train.  Memories resurface from a similar scenario from 10 years ago in Trace's mind.  He spies 2 women running towards him with two children in tow and knows life as he has known it is about to end.  Utah Smith and Adam Thayne work for Trace and the only people he's really been around for years.  Trace's workers are waiting for him at his homestead, but to get the women and children there means traveling 20 more miles with only one horse and a few provisions. 
Deb is a take charge kind of person, but she has a soft heart and loads of hurt.  She saw the attackers which puts her in a dangerous position of being able to identify them, but she puts her own safety at risk to do the right thing.  Trace was just a young man when he and his father joined a wagon train headed west, but while away hunting his wagon train was also attacked leaving him virtually alone in the wilderness. Both are strong characters, but each have complex backgrounds which add to the person they are.  The plot flows effortlessly and immediately pulled me in.  It's full of twists and turns that kept me completely engaged.  This was a one setting read for me.  When I started it I just couldn't put it down.  
Yes, this is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves historical or just a clean romance.  This book has elements of suspense, history, romance, faith and trust. 
*I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Can I just say how much I love Mary Connealy’s stories? I listened to the audiobook for book number one in her new High Sierra Sweethearts series and probably looked a little crazy sitting at my desk at the office giggling and grinning at points.
Danger, a little intrigue, romance and hilarity all play their part in The Accidental Guardian. I mean, three bachelors who find their home invaded by two young women and two children (one still in diapers) provide plenty of snicker-worthy moments.
Despite is young age, Trace is a good man, a self-appointed guardian of travelers through his area of the Sierra Mountains. He’s intent on finding the men who attacked the wagon train Deb Harkness and her sister were traveling with, more so when he discovers Deb saw one of those men. And he’s adorably awkward when it comes to the ways of women…and romance.
Here’s hoping everyone in this fabulous read meets their match because I can’t get enough of Connealy’s books! And there is a hint of things to come at the end of The Accidental Guardian.
Also, for fellow audiobook fans, the narration for this one is spot on.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Accidental Guardian Is a Wow O Wow book what more can you expect in a book from Ms. Connealy. She writes books that keeps you in thralled from word one to the very last word. She gets you personally invested in the characters and at times protective - very protective. The book is suspenseful, survivalistic, protective, caring and Faith filled.  The imagery in this book is amazing because you feel as if you are right in the middle of the wagon train and every other serious situation - and there are many. You have that to read this for yourself.

This is book one in the High Sierra Sweethearts series, I look forward to reading more in this series. Mary Connealy has a fun writing style, I always enjoy reading her novels.

Deborah Harkness has been under the authority of Men all her life, she can't wait to start her own life, being her own boss. When she rescues her sister and two small children from a massacre, Deborah must trust Trace, to be a good honest man.

Trace Riley has been on his own for years, however when he rides upon two women and children he will do whatever he can to protect them, even if it turns his world upside down.

I love the awkwardness between Trace and Deborah and the sparks that fly between them as well.

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

Auf dem Weg in den Westen überleben Deborah Harkness und ihre jüngere Schwester Gwen haarscharf und nur zufällig den Überfall auf ihren Planwagenzug. Bei ihnen sind noch das Baby der Familie Scott und deren dreijährige Nichte. Die Scotts hatten sie angeheuert, um sich während der langen mühseligen Reise um die Kinder zu kümmern.

Unmittelbar nach dem grausamen Überfall kommt der Einsiedler Trace Riley des Weges. Er wurde vor zehn Jahren selbst ganz jung Opfer eines solchen Angriffs. Danach ist er in der Wildnis ganz alleine aufgewachsen und hat sich lange als heimlicher, unerkannter Rächer solcher Überfälle an diesem Trail betätigt. Nun sieht er sich plötzlich mit zwei Frauen und kleinen Kindern konfrontiert. Er ist ihre einzige Hoffnung die Situation zu überleben.

Trotz der schrecklichen Grausamkeiten am Überfallort untersuchen Deborah und er alles auf Überlebende, Wertgegenstände, Nahrungsmittel, Hinweise auf Familienangehörige und Habseligkeiten. Diese Bilder wird sie nie vergessen. Neben der unmittelbaren Not zu überleben, sinnen alle auf Rache, denn Deb hat die Verbrecher gesehen und Riley kann die Spuren lesen. Er vermutet, dass es dieselben Täter sind, die auch vor zehn Jahren für die Attacke verantwortlich waren. Aber zunächst müssen sie sich auf Rileys kleiner Farm vor dem plötzlich drohenden Wintereinbruch in Sicherheit bringen. Als Leser ist man gepackt und gleich in der Geschichte drin.

Die willensstarke Deb und der, im Umgang mit Frauen völlig unerfahrene, Riley haben in der Vergangenheit sehr schwierige Zeiten erlebt und finden aufgrund ihrer zunächst recht unterschiedlichen Einstellungen und Zukunftspläne nicht einfach zueinander. Das wurde von Mary Connealy in "The Accidental Guardian" sehr nachvollziehbar dargestellt. Der Leser kann das mitfühlen. Das Aufeinandertreffen der beiden und ihrer Welten hat teilweise sogar etwas Amüsantes. Das Buch ist leicht und flüssig zu lesen.

Die Geschichte überrascht nach ungefähr dreiviertel mit einem relativ schnellen Happy Ende. Also ganz anders als üblich nicht erst zum Ende des Buches. Riley und Deb sind beide noch herrlich jungfräulich und wissen wenig darüber, was eine Ehe bedeutet. Das macht sie zusätzlich sympathisch. Dann nimmt das Buch eine unglückliche dramatische Wendung. Es kommt zum Show Down. Aber eine weitere Überraschung gegen Ende sorgt für ein in gewissen Weise etwas übereiltes oder offenes Ende. 

Es wird klar, dass hier der Grundstein für die neue High Sierra Sweethearts Serie gesetzt wird. Eine ganze Reihe der freundlichen und unterschiedlichen Nebenfiguren, wie die Farmarbeiter, wären für weitere Geschichten geeignet. Man kann sehr gespannt sein, wie der harte Winter in den Sierra Mountains für die Einwohner von Rileys Farm wird. Dieser Roman entspricht ganz meinem Beuteschema. Schon jung habe ich gerne die spannenden Geschichten über die Wagon Trains in den Westen und ihre Teilnehmer gelesen.

Die Themen Gott und Religion sind sensibel eingearbeitet und können berühren. Ein Roman um die Themen Mut, Vertrauen, Glauben und Gerechtigkeit. Ich werde diese neue Serie definitiv weiter verfolgen, da mich der erste Teil, bis auf das etwas überhastete Ende, komplett überzeugen konnte. Trotz der Grausamkeit, Härte und Spannung war es für mich ein herzerwärmender Wohlfühlroman.

Fazit: Sehr unterhaltsamer und gefühlvoller Liebesroman zu Zeiten der großen Wagon Trains.

4,5 von 5 Punkten

This book has a lot of action and also romance .   A great combination.   Deb and her sister Gwen have joined a wagon train to head west for a new start.  They are helping care for 2 small children in return.   They leave the wagon to go and take one of the children to the rest room.  During this time a gang comes through and kills everybody.   They hide with the kids until it is safe to come out .  Trace notices the tragedy below and investigates when the women come out asking for help.  He takes them back to his home until he can get them where they need to be.  His farm hands help tremendously with a new shelter and much more .  Deb and Trace go and try to find out who is responsible for the killing of all the victims on the wagon train. Everyone is working together to reunite the children with family and get the girls where they need to be also.I don't want to give away to much more .   This book had me so involved it didn't take me 24 hours to read it.   Look forward to book 2 in this series.

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.

Another good book by Ms. Connealy.  Lighthearted humor with enough mystery to keep it interesting.  Deborah takes her responsibility of protecting her younger sister and the two young children in her care seriously.  She will do anything to keep them safe.  Trace is trying to find the men who murdered his pa and others along the wagon train trail.  He does what is necessary to keep them safe.    He comes upon Deborah and takes them to his ranch.  Then the fun begins. 

I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

When Trace Riley comes across a wagon train attacked by outlaws, it brings back his own memories of when his wagon train met the same fate and he was the only survivor. He offers help to the survivors, Deb and Gwen Harkness, as well as children Maddie Sue and Ronnie Scott, offering them shelter.



Deborah and her sister Gwen are travelling west with the Scott family, and helping to care for children Maddie Sue and Ronnie. When their wagon train is brutally attacked and burned, leaving no other survivors, they must trust the strong silent cowboy who comes to their rescue. 



Trace takes them back to his ranch, he and his hands make them welcome, moving into the barn, and working to build a better cabin so that they will all be safe in the winter. The men are very welcoming, and grateful when Deb and Gwen offer to start cooking meals, but they disappear when ever baby, Ronnie needs changing.



Trace isn't very good at talking to Deb, because he's never had much experience talking to women. But he does realize that if he wants to know her better he needs to be more willing to talk to her. He opens up a little about his past. Trace is a very brave and honorable man, he has been watching the pass for years, and doing is best to ward off the attacks. He wants to hunt down the outlaws once and for all, making the pass safe for travellers.



Deb is smart and determined, she is used to hard work, and is cool in a crisis. She is independent and likes to do things for herself. She admires Trace, for all the hardships, he's been through, his faith, and how hardworking he is. 



 Trace is my favorite, he has matured so much in his faith from reading the Bible over so many times, but he is still pretty clueless about women. He has the heart of a hero and is a great protector, with a good horse and loyal dog. 



Overall a fun read, with plenty of action and good interaction. It obviously has a tough start with te attacks, and once everything gets back on track it goes much smoother. Great humor, and surprises along the way. I'm excited to read the next books in the series. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Mary Connealy was the first Christian Romance author I enjoyed, and I’m lucky she’s still writing books for me to love!

The Accidental Guardian is a sweet Christian Romance with lots of historic suspense. I love that I always learn something from Ms Connealy’s books and The Accidental Guardian is no exception.

I’ve been getting headaches so it wad more difficult to read this than most, yet I found myself craving to know how they were faring.

The Accidental Guardian is one book I’ll be sharing with friends sms family!

Like a moth to the flame, I was drawn into this book from the cover. The adorable little girl, the rays of sunlight, and the cowboy, all work together along with the title to pull you and leave you wanting more. I had to know the story the lived within the pages of Mary Connealy’s latest novel!

Trace Riley has been guarding the wagon trail in the high Sierra’s for many years. He’s no stranger to the rugged wilderness. He knows what it takes to survive the harsh elements because he’s more than just survived, he’s flourished in these mountains.  If there was ever someone you wanted in your corner, it would be Trace Riley!

Deborah, her sister, and two toddlers are the only survivors of a vicious wagon train attack. Rescued and offered shelter for the winter, will they still wish to leave when spring arrives? Will the criminals from the attack continue on their rampage, or will they be caught in time to prevent others from being harmed?

I have long been a fan of Mary Connealy’s writing, and this newest story didn’t disappoint. The characters are realistic and engaging. You won’t want to put this story down once you start reading it!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

This book has all the things I love about a Mary Connealy western. Well, it may not have as much female sass that I love in some of her older books, but I am still in love with these new characters and storyline. But let me mention this cover. So different from Connealy's previous covers...and I love it! A great capture of this story and hopefully of what's to come. 
I'm going to get a little giddy for a moment. I basically read this book in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down! I have been reading this author's books for so long now, some of which I've reread because I loved them so much. Connealy knows how to amp up the romantic tension in a way that keeps it clean but fun. In The Accidental Guardian, the character I loved most was Trace. His vulnerability just leapt off the page, yet he had a complexity that gave him room to grow through the story. The story begins when Trace picked up Deb, her sister, and the children they were protecting and took them in after their wagon train was attacked. Deb was the heroine in this story, showing courage in the midst of hardship and heartache. She wasn't the gun slinging, sassy female that I tend to lean towards, but her perseverance, and quiet strength really complemented Trace's character. 

This novel is obviously the beginning of a new series, so don't be too disappointed if it leaves you wanting more at the end. I can't wait to read what is going to happen next! I would definitely recommend this book. 

Personal takeaway...God can redeem any person or situation. If we put it all in His hands, He is the true Guardian of our hearts and lives.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley so that I could share my personal opinions. I was not required to give a positive review.**

I should probably start this review with a disclaimer... I love everything I have read by Mary Connealy.  Accidental Guardian is one of those books.  It is a one of a kind story and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I easily fell in love with Trace, so I don’t blame Deb one bit.  Being a survivor of a wagon train massacre would be no easy trial.  It is one thing that both Trace and Deb have in common.  This book follows the pair as they seek to protect innocent wagon train travelers from cowards who strike when least expected.

When Trace arrives at the scene of the latest massacre, the last thing he expects to find is two women and two children who not only survived, but they might even be able to recognize the murderers if they saw them again.  Trace hasn’t been around women or children at all, but one thing he does know, is he needs to protect them.  Right now the only way he knows to do that is bring them home to his ranch.  Little does he know, his life will never be the same.  Can love be found amongst tragedy?

Trace didn’t have an easy life, and I loved him right away.  He was the sweetest and most respectful kind of man, and I loved him all the more for his lack of experience.  I am dying to read the next book in this series!  I already love all the characters and can’t wait to find out who we get to know even more next.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to escape on an adventure where you’ll both laugh, and bite your nails in nervousness.  I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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 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. *

Mary Connealy’s books always have many things in common:  An intriguing plot; a western setting; action and suspense; romance; great dialogue, and a strong theme of faith in God during difficult times.  This book has all of those things.  I loved the story of Trace and Deb.  Both are honorable people who have experienced tragedy, but find a way to do the right thing and help those around them.  This is a clean, sweet, Christian novel.  The action in this one begins on the first page and draws you immediately into the story.  Be aware that there’s a scene of a wagon train being brutally attacked.  It’s handled in a very appropriate way, but for that reason I’d recommend it for no younger than senior high age.  If you love western novels, you’ll love this story, too.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.

The Accidental Guardian is a perfect book with a complete package of cool pace, well-established characters and amazing narration. This is the first time I’m reading Mary Connealy’s book and I definitely became a fan. The periodical setup of the story taking place is well written. The details were fine. I could see the mountains, feel the weather and last but not the least, the characters came very close to my heart. The periodical set-up takes you back in time because of the writer’s fine detailing. Trace, the cowboy who had to grow up all alone didn’t give up, he is brave enough to survive the massacre and he built his own ranch out of nothing. I like brave Trace who chose to guard the trail for all those travelers. The title is just apt – ‘The Accidental Guardian’. He turned out into a well-mannered, caring young man all by himself just by reading the Bible and plenty of other books. It assures me of the fact that ‘Books truly are man’s best friends’. Deb is a strong character with plenty of courage and independent thoughts. I understood why it was hard for her to believe in the sensible angle of a man. Gwen, Adam and Utah are fine supporting characters. The animals Black and Wolf were no less than the prime characters of the story. I could not put the book down until the last page. My heart broke when Maddie Sue and Ronnie lost their family, I felt the chill of the winter in the high mountains, I was mad at the outlaws for what they did and I felt so happy when Trace and Deb got married in the small chapel. The whole story brings warmth to your heart. I would suggest you grab this awesome book, sit down in your balcony with a view and read it while sipping your coffee. You wouldn’t know how the time passed by!

#bethanyhouse #bakerpublishinggroup #bookreviewer #bookreview #cowboystory #maryconnealy #theaccidentalguardian #periodicromance

“You are a blessed miracle from God, you and your men. You saved us and now you care for us. It’s the Bible’s very definition of a Christian.” 
					--Deb Harkness

It is certainly no surprise that a woman who dedicates her book to her husband also known as her “very own romantic cowboy hero” writes about cowboys, ranching, and the west, three things she seems to know real well. This little western gem is set southwest of Lake Tahoe, Nevada in October of 1867.

The Harkness sisters, Deborah and Gwen, are on their way west through the Sierra Nevada Mountains when their wagon train is attacked. Fortunate enough to survive, the girls are left on their own with two small children until Trace Riley appears. 

Trace gathers up the women and children and heads for his desolate, rather run down ranch, tucked in a valley of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Being a single man living at the ranch with a couple of work hands, his priority to this point time has not been a house or housekeeping. The women have their work cut out for them. 

Two more awkward people have never inhabited the same space! In fact Trace and Deborah are so awkward they are endearing. A bit of romance runs through the novel as well as some intrigue! A great story that carries the themes of family, friendship, faith, and social responsibility! 

Readers of inspirational historical fiction and western fiction will like this novel. Read and enjoy! The Accidental Guardian is book one in the series and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on book two. 

This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

Mary Connealy. The Accidental Guardian. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2018.

Several months ago, I read Hearts Entwined, a collection of novellas by several esteemed Christian authors.  Within that book, I was first introduced to Mary Connealy’s work, which was humorous and a delight to read.

In The Accidental Guardian, Ms. Connealy begins her High Sierra Sweethearts series.  Deborah Harkness and her sister, Gwen, have travelled from the East to the area near Lake Tahoe under an agreement to serve as nannies for two children on their journey.  When their entire wagon train is killed, Deborah, Gwen, and their two charges are left alone in the wilderness.  Fortunately, Trace Riley stumbles upon them and brings them to his home for the winter.  Having made a home in the area after surviving a similar attack years ago, Trace has barely encountered women and children at any point in his life.  However, he soon finds himself drawn to Deborah while they both search for the men who killed the children’s family.  While he once thought to leave behind his self-appointed role as guardian of the trail, Trace will return once more to ensure that Deborah and those he has come to care about will remain safe.  

Ms. Connealy presents a fascinating story of survival and faith in The Accidental Guardian.  With a high-stakes storyline and a heartwarming cast of characters, this novel offers a compelling start to her High Sierra Sweethearts series.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Accidental Guardian.  While I’m not entirely familiar with all of Ms. Connealy’s other works, this novel shows enormous growth from her earliest books.  Her story retains some humorous moments and nice characters, but it has gained a tighter and more developed writing style that makes the entire novel an absolute delight to read!  I also enjoyed reading the characters’ own description of the Lake Tahoe landscape, as it offers a memorable setting for the events of the novel.  
The cast of characters and the back end of this story also present an interesting opportunity to build out the series further in a natural way.  Fortunately, readers will not have overly long to wait for the next book.  Ms. Connealy will be releasing The Reluctant Warrior, as the second book in the series, in October 2018!  

Fans of Ms. Connealy’s previous works will definitely enjoy reading The Accidental Guardian.  Additionally, readers who enjoy books set in the American West with an accessible style will definitely want to try this story.

Special thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of The Accidental Guardian!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.