The Accidental Guardian

I don’t read a lot of Christian romance anymore as I find it way too predictable.  A couple of people recommended this one to me so when it came up as a review with Nuts about Books I thought I’d give it a whirl.  A friend came over the other day after my son spent the day with hers, and I said “I have a book I think you’d like”….and so the circle of book recommenders continues. 🙂

So What do You get?

Mary Connealy has provided us with a faith-based romance covering the pioneering west and one of the threats that those traveling in wagon trains faced back in 1867.  Into this backdrop,  with a subtle humour and touch of faith, she weaves a story of hardship, determination and growth.

Trace, orphaned, finding himself in a place to call home, with a thirst for vengeance.  Deborah, on her way, along with her sister, looking for place to call their own.  A wagon train attack leaves Deborah, her sister and two toddlers in their care.  Paths cross. 

As the story unfolds we see Chase growing in his faith, learning to exchange vengeance for justice.  Deborah matures as a young lady, learning that perhaps her dreams aren’t really her own.  It was interesting watching their growth as people. 

My Thoughts:

I can see what people like this story.  The sense of humour, the growth in faith and understanding, it’s good you know?  It’s good to see love flourish and to see bad guys brought to justice with just enough threads left open to provide fuel for another story. Trace is a man’s man, growing up in a world where women are few and far between.  Deborah, growing up in a world where what men say goes, even if the work falls on her shoulders, wants things to be different.   Her work, her gain.   Watching their awkward steps toward each other, and the growth needed in both to allow a romance to flourish, is smile worthy.    I admittedly struggled with the almost instantaneous romance, do people really fall in love within a day of knowing each other?  Does marriage come with a week?   I struggle with it.  BUT I ignore it because the story itself was a decent one.  And that’s good eh? 

The Accidental Guardian
Mary Connealy
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts
Bethany House
296 pages, softcover,
romance, faith, wagon train
Reviewed for: Nuts about Books