Ruthy MacNeil is a feisty red-head with a mind of her own. Luke Stone is an independent cowpoke who wants what’s his. When these two cross paths, sparks will fly on the Texas range, and there ain’t no telling just how far their story will “sweep you away”.
In Swept Away, the first book in a new series entitled Trouble in Texas by Mary Connealy, trouble’s a brewing in the small town of Broken Wheel. When Ruthy MacNeil escapes a life of servitude due to an accident on a river, Luke Stone steps in to the save the day. Luke’s got problems of his own though, and the last thing he expects is for the sweet girl he picked up on the riverbank to play a part in his war games. But Ruthy’s not your typical kind of girl. She’s got a mind of her own, and once she’s set it on something there’s no turning back.
Can Luke honor God and still take his father’s ranch from the man who stole it? Will Ruthy be able to begin again in a town full of men? Oh, there’s Trouble in Texas alright, and it’s up to these two and their band of unlikely allies to set things right.
What I Liked…
I enjoyed how Mary’s historically accurate dialogue jumped into my head, so much so that I was actually hearing the character’s accents as I read. Her writing really puts you in another time and place. The easy and witty banter between Luke and Ruthy felt real to me and made me smile, since my husband and I like to banter (lovingly) back and forth in a similar fashion. Luke felt like a real cowboy to me, and I liked how Ruthy stood up for herself and what she wanted throughout the book, despite her past. She’s a hardworking woman and I think anyone who is a mom or housewife, such as myself, can relate to that.
Other story lines are set up throughout the book as well, bringing other characters center stage as the book comes to a close. This, of course, made me want to read book two in the series when it releases in the fall. I have always admired the way series authors can so effortlessly write a good ending, while still leaving you thirsting for just a tiny bit more. Props to Miss Connealy for her fine work in both satisfying my reader’s palette with an appetizer, while still leaving room for another course.
Recommendation…
Historical fiction is always fun, and lately it seems that the “Old West” is the main attraction in a lot of recent works. Swept Away is more humorous than other books of the same genre that I’ve read. It was a nice light read, while remaining interesting enough to keep me in the series. I recommend Swept Away as a good summer read. It’s enjoyable, funny, and easy to pick up anywhere at anytime.
About the Author…
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist. She lives on a ranch in Nebraska with her own romantic cowboy hero, Ivan. You can learn more about Mary Connealy by visiting her website at MaryConnealy.com or by connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter. Also be sure to watch out for book two in the Trouble in Texas series, Fired Up
, which releases September 2013.
Disclosure:
I received an ebook copy of Swept Away through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than a digital copy of Swept Away, which is mine to keep. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more, please see my full policy.
Copyright © 2013 SaraElla.com
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