Book review: Swept Away Mary Connealy

From the back of the book:

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

My reflections:

Oh, the anticipation! Just as soon as I requested this book I was looking forward to reading it.

The title says it all; I was literally swept away by this book, once I started reading it I could not put it down even if I wanted to. The plot was intriguing and there wasn’t even a dull spot in the entire novel. The story builds onto itself and keeps on going until the very end.

Swept Away (Trouble in Texas) is the first book in Connealy’s new series, although it is a new story line, it contains threads of other of Connealy’s books – the main hero is the brother to the heroine in book #3 of the Kincaid Brides. Very clever indeed!

In this book the Trouble in Texas series we are introduced to 4 men that are forged together, from their experiences at war. These men are bound to each other through honor and duty, and let me tell you, they have their “brothers” back. Though this series touches on aspects from other book it is a great stand-alone book as well. Connealy did a wonderful job of tying in the storyline without having to read the other series. I would however urge you to read her other books, because she is one talented writer!

Ruthy aka: Rosy is a plucky, fun, and feisty, lead character who snatches your heart, right away and spurs you on. I loved this character and her can do attitude. She makes you feel like you too can do just about anything just by reading about her adventures and knowing her life history. This book is a Christian Historical Fiction, although it is not heavy on religious content, it does mention faith in broad terms, and the characters do hold true to their faith in God. I have to say this was a refreshing change for me, it was subtle and sweet, and you got the point. I know some readers may have an issue with this fact. That being said this book is my favorite this year, and that is saying a lot, since I read like a mad woman!

So seriously what are you waiting for go get this book….I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".