REVIEW: The Accidental Guardian

The Accidental Guardian
Author: Mary Connealy

Deborah Harkness and her younger sister, Gwen join a wagon train going west. They are caregivers for two small children whose family is travelling to California to join relatives. Unfortunately, the wagon train is attacked by ruthless criminals. Deborah, Gwen and the children are the only survivors. Rancher Trace Riley happens upon the burning wagons and takes the women and children to his ranch. He's determined to find the men who murdered all those people and protect the survivors. Little does he know that he will also find love along the way.

I love stories about the old west and those who braved the trail to head west, so I knew I would like this book. I don't usually read romance novels, but this story has more than enough action in it to make it more of an adventure than a romance story. Trace is conflicted. He has done some violent things to keep innocent travelers safe and is afraid that it makes him a bad man. Deborah knows that he saved their lives and many others....and does everything she can to make him realize that. The criminals who have been murdering many along the trail for years are dangerous, and Trace knows they have to be stopped. Plenty of action, suspense and danger along with love and faith in this story!

I enjoyed this story. The characters all grow and learn much about relationships, faith and love along the way. There is violence, but it's not graphic or overdone. This is Christian fiction...so there is no bad language or graphic sex. There are murders, violence and other criminal actions, but no graphic descriptions of bodies, gore, etc.  Some of the events central to the story would lead me to say this is a PG-13 sort of story -- multiple murders, dangerous criminals, etc....not really a story for kids under 13. Very enjoyable western without the racist, sexual or more gritty themes you might find in non-Christian stories. The Christian theme is not over-done.....the characters are Christian and there is talk about God, prayer and their beliefs, but it isn't so strong that it detracts from the main story.

This isn't the usual sort of western that I normally read. It's a bit more simple and light, given the fact that the violence and description are somewhat downplayed to fit the Christian theme. That was sort of a refreshing change. This book focuses on the characters and events, rather than the violent aspects of the "bad guys'' and the romance portion was not just centered on sex. Nice change from what I usually read. I enjoyed the story, and will definitely be reading more of the same from Bethany House. The front cover is perfect....adorable, and fits the story.

The Accidental Guardian is the first book in a series, High Sierra Sweethearts. A second book, The Reluctant Warrior, will be released in October 2018. I normally avoid romance stories, but the western background theme will be enough to keep me reading. Sometimes a break from the thrillers and more gritty stories I usually read is nice.....a bit of Christian romance as a palate cleanser. :) This story was well-written and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from Mary Connealy.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**