The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts Book #1)

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

I should probably start this review with a disclaimer... I love everything I have read by Mary Connealy. Accidental Guardian is one of those books. It is a one of a kind story and I enjoyed every minute of it. I easily fell in love with Trace, so I don’t blame Deb one bit. Being a survivor of a wagon train massacre would be no easy trial. It is one thing that both Trace and Deb have in common. This book follows the pair as they seek to protect innocent wagon train travelers from cowards who strike when least expected. When Trace arrives at the scene of the latest massacre, the last thing he expects to find is two women and two children who not only survived, but they might even be able to recognize the murderers if they saw them again. Trace hasn’t been around women or children at all, but one thing he does know, is he needs to protect them. Right now the only way he knows to do that is bring them home to his ranch. Little does he know, his life will never be the same. Can love be found amongst tragedy? Trace didn’t have an easy life, and I loved him right away. He was the sweetest and most respectful kind of man, and I loved him all the more for his lack of experience. I am dying to read the next book in this series! I already love all the characters and can’t wait to find out who we get to know even more next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to escape on an adventure where you’ll both laugh, and bite your nails in nervousness. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.