Reviewer's Bookshelf: "The Reluctant Warrior" by Mary Connealy

Book summary (Goodreads): Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He's come to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead he finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he worries may be trying to keep the children.

When danger descends on the cabin where they're huddled, Cam is hurt trying to protect everyone and now finds Gwen caring for him too. He soon realizes why the kids love her so much and wonders if it might be best for him to move on without them. When she sees his broken heart, Gwen decides to help him win back their affection--and in the process he might just win her heart as well. 

My thoughts...I'm really enjoying this newest series (High Sierra Sweethearts) by Mary Connealy. This is the second book in the series, which could be read as a stand alone, but it picks up right after book one has ended. I would suggest starting with book one just because it's a great story and gives some background.

     Why is Mary Connealy one of my favorite Christian fiction authors? Several reasons, which also apply to this book. I love the humor she inserts in the dialogue and story line of her characters. A mix of sarcasm and wit makes for some fun and even laugh-out-loud moments. Strong male and female characters also draw me in. The men are manly, brave, strong, skilled at using guns and tracking (think wild west), but also have a desire to show sensitivity to their ladies and their children. Some of them are even skilled at sewing, like Cam was in this book. The strength that Connealy infuses into all of her female characters is fun to read. Some of them know how to track, handle a gun, build a house, and aren't afraid of much of anything. But there's an equal amount of strength shown by the women who protect their children, stand up to injustice, take care of the home, and are sensitive and feminine. Both the men and women have to work together to survive the wild land, especially when there's an evil, bloodthirsty villain trying to track them down. Connealy knows how to write some nasty baddies, and doesn't hold back in showing just how evil they can be. And let's not forget a little romance mixed in. Gotta love that ; ). All of these elements have come together in The Reluctant Warrior to make a great read. I would definitely recommend it...and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Personal takeaway...God can give you the strength to have courage, even in the most difficult of circumstances. 

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did. **