THE ACCIDENTAL GUARDIAN by MARY CONNEALY is best described as a cowboy romance story with a fair share of suspense and a really good Christian message. 
Cowboy Trace Riley comes across Deb and Gwen Harkness and two small children, Ronnie & Maddie Sue Scott, literally in the wilderness after the wagon train they were on was attacked and burnt. Trace, whose father was killed in a similar manner, makes it his business to guard the trails and keep a look out for trouble. He has become almost a mythical figure, the guardian of the trails.
For years he lived alone with only his stallion, Black, and his dog, Wolf, for company. Adam and Utah who work with him now are most surprised when he comes home with the women and children. I love the way these rough men adapt to the situation, although they are not at all used to having women and children around.
It is a delightful book and I really enjoyed it for the great story and biblical truth running through it.

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This book reminded me a little bit more of some of Connealy's older books as far as the storyline went but it also was very fresh and I loved it. 

One thing I've always loved about Connealy's books - and this one in particular - is that she doesn't waste any time getting into her story. I loved the action just a few pages in and even more that the action didn't stop! It didn't take me long to admire both Deb and Gwen. I found myself relating to Gwen as it came to the children in the book, but more to Deb's stubborn nature. I loved their relationship. It was nice to see sisters complement each other rather than bicker as is found in some novels. I also loved Trace! He is an excellent and swoon-worthy hero. I was quite impressed with him from his first scene because he showed a kind-hearted and empathetic side and wasn't embarrassed by it. But I also loved his strength and protective side and especially his skills in almost everything.

Deb spent most of this book with a chip on her shoulder from her growing up years. It was really neat to see that chip wear off throughout the book as she realized that her adult life didn't have to mirror her childhood and youth. Trace had his own faults too and it was amazing to see him work through some of his intrinsic nature to become an even better man. I especially loved that Trace was willing to admit his faults and also how many times he'd read the Bible.

I loved the setting for this story. I don't recall having ever read a western novel set near Lake Tahoe and it was a lovely change of pace. I also loved reading descriptions of the Grand Canyon. These days we can google both and see quality pictures and it was neat to have them described the way ranchers and settlers would.

I'm always amazed by the work ethic of the cowboys and farmers that settled the west. And for that matter also the women, because they worked just as hard but in different ways. I loved reading about characters who found value in the work they did and were happy to do it.

I'm very excited to continue this new series from Connealy!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

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.

I love this genre and especially wagon train stories, so I was very excited to be able to review this book. The characters were interesting and the story started out with a bang, but I honestly had a hard time finishing it. It was rather predictable and seemed rushed toward the end. I will still continue to read Ms. Connealy's books.

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.

What a perfect, cozy, sweet romance. Anyone who has followed these reviews for any amount of time knows I am a sucker for Hallmark Channel style Western Romances. I can't help myself. They're clean, they're sweet, and they're full of ruggedly handsome, morally sound cowboys. As a Wyoming girl, what more is there to love?

Accidental Guardian is actually apart of the Hig Sierra Sweethearts series, and Mary Connealy has done great justice to the sweet romance. Though the romance itself moves quickly, this one was packed with action. Two broken people--one from a neglectful upbringing and one an orphan from a horrendous wagon train attack--meet under terrible circumstances and somehow survive. But it is in each other that they find happiness and peace once again. 

There were points where I was smirking--especially the men's fear of a diaper changing. And other points where I truly hurt for the characters and I read it in two sittings.

If you're looking for a sweet, quick romance with a dash of Christianity you've found the perfect recipe in Accidental Guardian.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bethany House, and Mary Connealy for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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The Accidental Guardian- book review
Posted by GROWUPHILL on MARCH 13, 2018
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The Accidental Guardian

By Mary Connealy51skgx2btntl

Deb and her sister Gwen are on a wagon train headed to California when a horrible attack on the wagon train leaves them, and the two children in their care, the only survivors. With winter on the way the lone rider who comes upon them is an answer to prayers.

Tracy has been living in these tough Serra Nevada mountains for 10 years and is shocked to find these women and children. Knowing he needs to get them to his ranch for safety he takes them there but he plans to drop them off and leave in order to track the outlaws.  Deb and Tracy have a spark but can they make it work with dangerous men on the lose?

This is my favorite Mary Connealy book yet! Deb and Tracy have great chemistry and the story line and setting is perfect. I love the characters and the way their romance unfolds. The story grabs you right from the beginning and you have to keep reading. It seems to slow down in the middle a little bit, just enough to take a deep breath and enjoy the story, and then the pace picks right back up for the ending.  It s a perfect quick weekend read. I cannot wait for the second book! 5 stars for a great plot, and well written characters that I want to read about!

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.

There is nothing better than picking up a book, turning to the first page, and being dropped right, smackdab in the middle of the Wild West!  I love it.  I have read quite of few Mary Connealy books before, so I was hoping her newest one would be the same.  Guess what?  It is not disappoint.  It was awesome. 
   The Accidental Guardian was everything a western should be.  It is the story of two sisters and two toddlers who are the only survivors of brutal attack on their wagon train.  Bring into the life a tall riding, fearless, justice seeking loner named Trace Riley, and you have the makings of a great adventure. 
   I will not give the story away, but let's just say that this book is a page turner from beginning to end.  Action, adventure, redemption, and finding out the true meaning of life are just some of the ingredients that make up The Accidental Guardian.   I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever picked up a Louis L'Amour because I guarantee you will love it.  I have often told my wife that Mary Connealy is the Louis L'Amour of Christian fiction.  With this latest book, I believe it.

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.

I truly admire the steadfast determination and strength of the people who settled the Old West. This story highlighted some of the many dangers travelers faced while also showcasing the bravery and courage many displayed. This bravery was evident in Trace's commitment to keep the trail and Deb and her family safe. However, there were unresolved issues left in the plot that bothered me. For example, even though Trace saw himself as saving lives on the trail, it did not seem that he ever reconciled his hatred toward the outlaws' attack on his own wagon train. Also, I felt the story was rushed and unfinished at the end. The reader tagged along throughout the hunt for the outlaws, and even though one can guess the end result for two of the outlaws, the ringleader's fate is completely dismissed and dropped! In addition, two new characters were haphazardly introduced into the story at the end but the introduction was basically all that occurred with these two new additions to the story even though the children's fates would be profoundly affected by their presence. It seems like the story should have continued but was just cut off. Lastly, even though Trace and Deb's romance was sweet enough, it was disappointing. It seemed very rushed and immature. I honestly felt like their characters seemed more like two people with high school crushes than two people thinking about life-long commitments. The entire story had more of a "young adult" feel to it and did not quite meet my expectations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work.