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.