Friday, June 22, 2018

Review: The Accidental Guardian

The Accidental Guardian

"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."


Author: Mary Connealy
Length: 304 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audiobook



One lone witness.
One lonely cowboy.
Can tragedy turn to triumph? 


When I found out this book was releasing this year I got so excited! I have enjoyed Mary's work for years and was anxiously waiting to get my hands on this. That being said this was not my favorite by her. 

I loved the idea for this book. Wagon train attacks, cowboys on noble steeds, and ruthless outlaws. What could be better?! 

Sadly the execution fell short for me. The story felt like it could've been a novella instead of full length. There was quite a bit of repetition and it all kind of felt unnecessary. The romance was not my favorite and it felt a touch strange to me. They ended up together out of pure loneliness than anything else.

Now don't get me wrong, Mary knows how to write diverse characters and they all have some unique trait that helps keep the back and forth easy.

Trace was not what one would consider book smart, but he was wilderness savvy. His reliance on God and the wilderness was what kept him strong through all the years of being alone. It helped him strive. I absolutely loved his connection with his horse Black and his dog Wolf, it was real and true! 

Deb had a good head on her shoulders and was able to take charge in situations that most would shrink at. She had past hurts that kept her from seeing there were good men in the world, but every interaction with Trace slowly healed those wounds and tore down the walls.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Trace's men were great and I hope we might see more of them in the rest of the series.
I think Gwen was my favorite out the whole book and I'm excited to read her story next.

No this might not have been my favorite book, but I am curious and intrigued to read the rest of the series. If this had been a novella introducing me to the series I think I might have enjoyed it a touch more.

I rated this book a 3.25/5 stars. I will continue with the series and I will continue to pick up Mary's work.


Quotes: 

"Pushing hard to get the new cabin and the bunkhouse up is the best thing about you coming. I built that old cabin alone and I've kept it standing more with prayer than with any building skills. And so far my prayers haven't stopped the cold wind from blowing through the cracks."

"Trace and I got married. We just told Gwen, and she's happy for us."
Utah arched a brow. "That big old knife doesn't say happy, not to me."

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*

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