The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy is the second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series. You don't necessarily have to read the books in order, but it will definitely add to your reading experience and help you to get to know the characters in a deeper way.

The Reluctant Warrior focuses on Cam (Cameron Scott). He is seeking to find who killed his brother and sister in law. He has come to fetch his daughter and nephew, but now he is trapped by a blizzard. Gwen is caring for his children and she has become so attached and fears that Cam will take them and leave.

Cam is very rough around the edges and is used to barking orders and everyone obeying him. When both the male and female cabins they are staying in catch fire during a blizzard it quickly becomes apparent that someone is trying to take their whole camp out. Cam gets hurt and now Gwen is caring for him too. He soon learns why his kids love this woman. Gwen sees through Cam's rough exterior and decides to help him get through to the children who seem more afraid of him than anything. Slowly the walls start breaking down and a sweet relationship is forming, not only between Cam and the children, but between Gwen and Cam as well. But let's not forget that someone wants them all dead and their is a battle ahead.

I always enjoy Mary Connealy's books. She is so entertaining in her writing style and this book was no exception. I loved all the characters and loved the sweet romance between Gwen and Cam. I would highly recommend the whole series!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Love Mary's books, just don't have time to write a review. Love the relationship between the main characters, the clean romance, and the setting. It's what I look for in a book when I need to relax.

The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy takes place in the High Sierra Mountains during the late 1800. The former army officer, Cameron Scott, barks out orders to his family and friends, as if he were still in the army. With his own daughter frightened of him, as well as his nephew, he finds they always run to Gwen Harkness, a woman with a tender heart.

Life during pioneer days was hard and dangerous, and this story lines up in the telling of it. Overcoming danger, and the adventure of it, sums up this novel. Making the westward journey, men and women had to become more courageous, facing the adventure of tragedy along the way. With a touch of faith and romance, Cam and Gwen learn to get along, caring for the children, building trust along the way.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The frigid conditions and dangerous circumstances sent a chill to my bones as the adventure continues in this second installment of High Sierra Sweethearts. Winter weather and rugged terrain provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for this exciting, humor-filled romance.

Gwen and Cam could nearly qualify as a “beauty and the beast” pairing with her sweet compassion and his gruff thundering persona. Gwen is a natural homemaker, healer, and the kind of person who keeps things moving in the background. Cam is a former army officer who is having a hard time embracing the “former” bit of his reality.

I love that both characters, despite their differences, are willing to learn, grow, and change. This is an entertaining series and I definitely recommend it for readers who enjoy humor and adventurous romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

From the very first page, this book dives into action. It begins with an intense rescue scene, and the action continues all throughout the book. The characters of Gwen and Cam are both “reluctant warriors” who will do everything they can to protect their family and the people they love. Along the way, they have lessons to learn about putting their complete faith and trust in God.

Gwen is a strong woman who is fiercely loyal and will protect her own. Cam is a courageous and dedicated hero. This is a great addition to the series. Together they make a terrific couple. I love Mary Connealy’s stories. I’m already looking forward to the next one

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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This second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series continues the adventure in the wilds of Nevada. I love the absolute remoteness of the setting, and in winter it's especially isolated. Cam is stuck in the rut of his officer persona, and it's pretty humbling for him to realize that he has to change in order to win the affections of the children. Gwen is the mother figure in the lives of the children, and it's humbling for her to help a difficult man who will soon take them away from her. There is plenty of humor blended in the circumstances, though, and I chuckled every time Gwen literally smacked Cam upside the head to let him know he needed to chill. The danger and suspense continues with Raddo terrorizing the group in order to silence the witnesses to his crimes. I liked that he was a bit more complex and unpredictable in this book, and it was challenging for Trace, Cam, and the others to secure the homestead. The romance that develops between Cam and Gwen is hesitant and sweet, and it was nice to see them find a happy ending together.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The second book in Mary Coonnealy’s High Sierra Sweethearts trilogy finds much of the cast of book one, The Accidental Guardian, snowed in and fighting for their lives. When injuries sideline Cameron Scott, the father and uncle of the two children who survived a wagon train attack along with Gwen and Debra Harkness, Gwen is called on to tend to him and her heart finally begins to soften as she sees the pain his daughter’s rejection causes. And while chafing to be up and in charge of hunting down the last of the three men who killed his brother, it is also when he begins to learn how to function as something other than a Union Army officer.

While this is a romance, somewhat a blend of the enemies to (married) lovers and marriage of convenience tropes, it is also an adventure. And while I did enjoy the taming of Cam Scott into a gentler version, and the adorable bonding scenes with the children, it was the danger, excitement, and the growing confidence of Gwen as a frontier woman that kept me reading.

The Reluctant Warrior is very much an ensemble piece, with Debra, Trace, and Trace’s ranch hands in the thick of all the action, so reading this trilogy in order will definitely enhance the reader’s enjoyment. Cam’s slightly unconventional sister Penny plays a larger role, and her Pinkerton love interest for book three is introduced.

I feel like a broken record with Mary Connealy’s books, but it holds true: if you enjoy Western historicals with heroic cowboys, peppery women, romance, action, adventure, and an author who is a dab hand at mixing in faith and humor, I recommend you give her books a try – and the High Sierra Sweethearts trilogy is a fine place to start.

I was approved to read an advanced digital galley through NetGalley, then won a finished print copy from the publisher on GoodReads. This review refers to that finished paperback copy. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Reluctant Warrior is the second book in a series by Mary Connealy. I think you could read this book without reading the first one but at the same time, there are a lot of things that make more sense to me having read the first book which I much enjoyed. I found in this book, that there are many people who find themselves held up for the winter months on a man’s property and with that comes suspense, romance, danger, adventure, learning to communicate with those you are placed with, and vision to face head-on the struggle around them. I find all those items to be a great strategy for an entertaining fictional book. Another great one by this author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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Second in the High Sierra Sweethearts Series, The Reluctant Warrior, is a wonderful story of survival, forgiveness, and love. Cam Scott wakes up to smoke and finds him and his companions trapped in a snowbound cabin. He wakes them in time to rescue the two children and women in another cabin. They discover it was no accident. The same person who attacked the women and children on a Wagon Train has returned to finish the job.

Cam has returned after the war to reclaim his daughter and nephew but they want nothing to do with the loud stranger and prefer the comfort and love of Gwen Harkness who is like a mother to them.

Gwen and Cam dislike each other and barely tolerate each other but after Cam saves her from the burning cabin and then suffers being injured in a bear trap out on the trail they come to a sort of truce.

This is a series worth your reader shelf as most of Ms Connealy's stories are. I enjoyed following Cam and Gwen's story as they try to find their tormentor and as they begin to forge a life together. Five star read.Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this novel off of Netgalley.

I loved this book. this series does leave you hanging a bit with the end of each book, but sometimes I really enjoy that! I can't wait for the next book!
I received this book from netgalley for my honest opinion

Fantastic 4 star worthy novel! Loved this novel and it's author! From start to finish, Ms. Connealy had me hooked and I loved every second of this novel.

Very fast-paced! Just like the author's other story in this series. I'm not sure if I want to read the next one or not ... on one hand, it is an okay series; on the other, I'm not 100% into it.

Genre: Historical, Romance, Western, Christian Fiction.



My Rating: 4 stars.



My Recommendation: 15/16 up because of romance, violence, and the villain's POV.



My Favorite Character: Is Gwen, she's stubborn but sweet but spunky, kind but killer serious about protecting her family. She does anything to help "her" kids.



My verse for Gwen is Joshua 1:9



Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; benot afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (King James Version.)



My Thoughts: This was a good book, I read it before bed after working on writing (Rooftops is almost done!!!!) I have read many of Mary Connealy's books, and I love her The Cimarron Legacy series, they are one of my favorite western series ever but back to The Reluctant Warrior's review!

It was nice to read more about the characters I got to know in The Accidental Guardian, and I look forward to reading more by the author. The book lacked spiritual content at first but it did pick up in the end.

(I received this book in exchange for my honest review!)

Review to post on my blog on 1/8/19

Welcome back to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1868! I have been really looking forward to this book after finishing “The Accidental Guardian”! Mary Connealy never disappoints and I'm always ready for a new book written by her. Cowboy stories laced with wit & humor, adventure and a little bit of danger are what gets my heart racing! I loved getting to know Cam & Gwen in this second installment of the High Sierra Sweethearts series. Cam is used to giving orders having been in the Army and Gwen has a softer approach to life. When it comes to young Maddie Sue and Ronnie—Cam's daughter and nephew—he has to learn the hard way what it will take to win their hearts. When danger edges close to the Riley family where he's been staying and threatens them all, they must band together to thwart a killer.

You'll find plenty of action, many moments of laughter, knife-edge danger, two people trying to resist falling in love, and just an all around great story to immerse yourself in. I really enjoyed catching up with Trace, Deb, Cam's sister Penny, Utah, Adam and the two young children. I can't wait for the third book, because Penny is up next!

“Two reluctant warriors, glad to finally set aside the danger that had stalked them and to have found faith, home, family and love.”

This author is just wonderful!! I love her books because she knows how to add just the right amount of humor in her stories.
I've been a long time fan for this reason and when you open one of her books you're in for the ride of a life time!
This story also has the right amount of mystery and romance as well.
I recommend reading the first one before starting this one that way you'll get an idea of who is who. Now me, I always do this backwards. I end up getting in the middle of a series and I hate that.
The Characters are so delightful that you immediately make friends and are drawn into their lives and before you know it you're either arguing with them or shouting no no at them!!
I always love a good laugh.
Gwen is my favorite ( even though I don't like her name) she's strong, vivacious and loves children. She also knows how to keep things together.
Cam I didn't like at first but you always knew where you stood with him. I eventually grew to like him as well.
Utah is even more delightful.
Trace and Deb are awesome characters too.
I think what happened to Trace when he was young made him into a good man
.I strongly recommend this book if you want a good laugh or just want to read a fun and wholesome good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley

***Just Ok***
Sierra Nevada Mountains – Apr 1868
Cameron Scott has recently returned from the war but can’t seem to give up barking orders as if everyone is a soldier. Cam and his sister Penny have come to the home of Trace and Deb Riley to claim his daughter
Maddie Sue and nephew Ronnie. He had only planned to be gone from his new homestead a day or two. But, the weather takes a terrible turn and an interfering woman named Gwen Harkness seems determined to keep him from children. In addition to that, Raddo Landauer, the vile outlaw who led the massacre on the wagon train that killed everyone but Gwen, Deb and the children (book one) seems determined to leave no witness behind. Gwen is trying to figure out her place in a new world but has become bonded to the children she helped save and will do anything to protect them. Cam is not the only one with a claim on the children. Some not-so-nice grandparents also have an interest and hire a Pinkerton Agent to fetch him. This story is fast paced as pioneer life was hard and dangerous. I found some details overly long for inconsequential scenes. It was also a bit odd to have the story switch to the outlaw’s point of view, particularly when he is quite evil. It’s natural for people to become drawn together in snowed in with cramped quarters over a long winter and the romance was sweet as each person fumbled through the practicality of a future together. The book was not my favorite, and I certainly enjoyed the first one more. I would recommend it for someone wanting to know what happens next in the series.

Positive Faith Quote: "Think about it, Cam. Whatever happens, God promises to be with us. So, Be not afraid. He goes before us in this life and the next. I'd say that sounds exactly right."

Copy provided by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley with no other compensation. I am not required to provide a favorable review and my opinion is my own. Please read other reviews for a more well-rounded purchasing decision.

High Sierra Sweethearts Series:
1 – The Accidental Guardian – April 2018
2 – The Reluctant Warrior – October 2018
3 – The Unexpected Champion – coming in 2019

Officer Cameron Scott has come to Lake Tahoe to collect his daughter and nephew, but a blizzard leaves him snowed in at the Riley Ranch with two children who barely know him, as well as the beautiful Gwen Harkness, who has been caring for the children in his absence. The children are afraid of Cameron who is accustomed to barking orders, and prefer Gwen who makes them feel safe.



Gwen has been raising Maddie Sue and Ronnie, and she doesn't want Cameron to take them away with him. When strange things start happening at the ranch, Cam is determined to protect what is left of his family, and the spunky young woman who loves them.



Gwen loves the children, and she wants what is best for them, she makes a deal with Cameron that she will help him get to know them if he will work on not being so loud and bossy. This produces much humor, and touching moments.



I like Penny, Cameron's sister, she is a hardworking woman who prefers outdoors work, rather than housework, and finds wearing trousers to be more practical than skirts. She teaches Deb and Gwen how to shoot, and protect themselves against the mysterious person meaning them harm.



While Cameron is staying with them, Gwen and Cameron realize that there are things that they admire about each other and that they are on the same side, wanting the children to be happy. They share their faith, and Gwen face her fears about the future, by turning to Scriptures.



This book is full of action, with great characters, adorable children, and plenty of humor. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book as they all work together. There is also a developing story as Ronnie's maternal grandparents have hired a Pinkerton to find him. Cameron grows a lot over the course of the book, he is still a strong leader and man of faith, but he learns to be kinder and gentler, taking time to listen and show the children that he cares. Definitely recommend.



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."

This is book 2 in the High Sierra Sweethearts series. I love when you can pick up a series from anywhere and not feel lost. That's exactly what Mary Connealy is capable of. I have not read book 1, but I did not feel that book 2 was disjointed by my lack of knowledge of who everyone was. Connealy gives you enough information from book 1 to make you want to read it, all while drawing you into the story of Cam and Gwen.

The Reluctant Warrior begins by dropping you straight into the action. It is obvious from the start that this will be a battle all the way through, and Cam is more than willing to walk the battlefield once more. Cam is a born leader, used to barking out orders and having them obeyed thanks to his time spent in the war. Those traits do him little good when it comes to winning the hearts of his daughter and nephew. It takes a strong man to be willing to risk changing who he has always been, but Cam is willing to try if it means he might someday earn his family's trust.

The verse 'Do not be afraid' is paramount in The Reluctant Warrior, and both Cam and Gwen must take it to heart while struggling to come to grips with their feelings for one another while being hunted by the persistent Raddo. It is always a relief to read characters who are not afraid to admit to their fears. Admitting fear is the first step to overcoming that fear. Our trust in God does not mean that fear never slips into our thoughts, it only means that we know where to turn when fear rears its ugly head.

I have a great deal of respect for men and women who made the treacherous westward journey. Their strength and courage are what make stories like Cam and Gwen's worth reading. Women of the west had to become more; they had to be stronger, braver, and more courageous than ever before. The women of the High Sierra Sweethearts series are exactly that. They might have men to protect them, but they are capable of facing death and tragedy while protecting themselves and those that they love. The men of the series don't coddle the women. While they have a deep desire to protect them, they understand that the best protection is to teach them how to protect themselves.

When it was all said and done, after the final page was turned, I had to give a big sigh of regret that the book was over. Needless to say, I will be reading the rest of the books in the series...and you should too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The war is finally over and he's come to retrieve his daughter and nephew. He doesn't expect them to be afraid of him...

Bethany House and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can pick up a copy now.

Cameron doesn't like Gwen because the children love her. His daughter loves her and is scared of him. How's he going to fix that?

The man who, with his gang, wiped out the wagon train and killed his brother is still around and still trying to kill them. He wants no witnesses. When he burns down the cabin and tries to burn the bunkhouse, too, it's a good thing that Cam sleeps lightly. He saves them all.

Cam's sister is a tomboy and she's going to homestead her own land. Gwen works with Cam to calm the children down and teach him to speak more quietly. Suddenly, he's growing fonder of Gwen.

With a Pinkerton agent on their trail, a killer trying to end their lives, and a search for love, there's plenty of action. There's also a happy ending. What more could you want?

The Reluctant Warrior is the latest tale from Mary Connealy. You will meet Cameron Scott on the opening pages. He has come to the Sierra Nevada mountains to claim his young daughter and nephew. Cameron soon will find he has a fight on his hands. Gwen Harkness has been caring for these young lives and is not ready to give them up, very easily!

You will soon find both Gwen and Cameron fighting against the elements, in the dangerous world of the snowy west in the year 1868!

Hold on to see how God will bring Gwen and Cameron through, all of the circumstances they encounter along the way!