The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts Book #1)

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 one of my top five favorite writers. Her books are always exciting, full of adventure, action and faith based. Mary is a master at developing characters. They draw you right in and keep a hold of you until the last page. Even then it leaves you wanting more. Trace Riley our hero, has a heart of gold and he will melt yours. Deborah Harkness is a strong woman ,who has survived along with her sister and two toddlers, an attack on their wagon train. Trace sees the smoke and follows it to a smoldering small wagon train. He reads the signs and knows it was the same group that attacked his wagon train when he was a young boy. Mary has a special way of bringing hope into the darkness. What a beautiful different way she uses words. I loved reading this book and would recommend it.

GRAB THE TISSUES! I really enjoyed The Accidental Guardian – High Sierra Sweethearts Book 1 - by Mary Connealy SW of Lake Tahoe, NV – Oct. 1867 Sisters, Deborah and Gwen Harkness have agreed to watch three-year-old Maddie Sue Scott and toddler cousin Ronnie in exchange for joining a small wagon train heading west so they can start a newspaper of their own. When an unthinkable tragedy occurs, they find themselves stranded with no idea how to get help. Trace Riley (I love that name!) is headed to his home in the High Sierra’s on his horse Black with his dog Wolf when he happens upon the odd group. The ladies are certain God brought him to them and he agrees they certainly need help if they are to survive. Trace is a Bible-believing wilderness man in his prime who has no real experience with ladies or family other than the early years spent with his Pa, but he can track like nobody’s business and when danger returns to his mountains he is determined to guard all who need safe passage. I quite enjoyed this story where carving out a life is hard, but joyful in the camaraderie and pride of helping others and honest work. Copy provided by Bethany House Publishing with no other compensation. I am not required to provide a favorable review and my opinion is my own. High Sierra Sweethearts 1 – The Accidental Guardian – April 2018 2 – The Reluctant Warrior – October 2018 3 – The Unexpected Champion – coming in 2019