The Accidental Guardian (#01 in High Sierra Sweethearts Series)

I was super excited to read this novel by Mary Connealy and it turned out to be a lovely read. The blurb and the cover hooked me right in as well!\\nI enjoyed the characters. I loved Trace, with all of his confidence, but also his shy awkward moments with Deborah. Although their romance progressed quite slowly, I enjoyed their interactions. \\nThe novel had action scenes as well as slow-paced moments, although some of the action scenes weren't as gripping as I'd hoped. \\nSome of the secondary characters were interesting and I can't wait to read Gwen's story. \\nOverall, I enjoyed this sweet read!

Young sisters Deb and Gwen, along with two small charges, wander in the wilderness as the only survivors after a wagon train attack. Mountain Man Trace takes pity on them since he was orphaned, and left to fend for himself as a teenager, after a similar attack. Because they are still in danger, he takes them to his ramshackle home to protect them. The reader will laugh at the uncomfortable situations Trace and his ranch hands face having women and children suddenly intrude into their lives. \\nTrace is also in the midst of a dangerous cat and mouse game with murderous desperadoes and a mysterious person called The Guardian. Some say he can appear and disappear at will, but he always swoops down and helps wagon trains in distress. \\nWith Deb's prickly distrust of men, a legendary hero, and killer thugs this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Add to the mix a sprinkle of romance and the Old West, and you have the formula for a clean 5-star read that I highly recommend. \\nBethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Accidental Guardian, for the purpose of review. \\n

Mary Connealy High Sierra Sweethearts #1\\r\\nThe Accidental Guardian\\r\\nTrace Riley finds the smoking ruins of a small wagon train and recognises the attack to be by the same group who him a sole survivor. He appointed himself the guardian of the trail and has carved out a life in the wilderness. \\r\\nDeborah has saved her sister and two toddlers during the attack. Trace offers them the only shelter for miles around. They'll continue their journey when the weather improves. \\r\\nTrace and Deborah also find themselves drawn to each other as the work to bring justice and help the group survive the winter in the mountains. \\r\\nA enjoyable, a little slow in places, but an overall heart touching story of protection and love.