OK, so I wasn't sure I was going to like this book at first, I mean it looked and sounded like a light historical book without much substance. Well, I was definitely WRONG about that!

What I thought I was getting: Fluffy historical romance.

What I actually got: A wonderful western!

I will step on some toes and irritate a few people here, but I feel that generally speaking women can't write westerns very well. And so often Christian authors miss the boat, eerrr wagon, on writing good western stories, tending to tame down the bad guys and leave out the shoot-outs. OK, OK, maybe I have watched too many John Wayne movies, but.... Mary Connealy was right on the money with Swept Away! This book had all the grit and tumbleweeds of a good western without the lack of morals.

The main characters were Christians but didn't shy away from defending others with various means of force. Yes, they tried to do everything within the bounds of the law but they also did what it took to get the job done.

So, we have good characters but what else? In my opinion, excellent descriptions of the scenery, but not overdone. The action sequences were fast paced and well placed, kept me turning the next page. I felt the story was believable, emotions, actions, plot, all good. There are some difficult issues in this story, specifically physical and verbal abuse, I felt the author handled this very well, contrasting the harshness of it with the gentle love of a mother for her children and the kindness of strangers.

This book most definitely has the 4-E's. Engaging, Engrossing, Entertaining, Enjoyable.

This is the first Mary Connealy book I have read but it will not be my last and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2nd book in this series.

This book was a great adventure. There was action all the way through. I loved the character of Ruthy. I think she is just what the women of this time period in Texas had to be. She was tough because there was no other way to survive. I would recommend this book.

Ruthy MacNeil is separated from her family during an unsuccessful river crossing en-route to California. No harm done, as the family isn't really her own, but a family that took her in when her parents died. Working her day in and day out for years, she feels no obligation to look for them. Finally free of such an abusive family, she is relieved because they were planning on marrying her off to their less than honorable son. Disoriented, confused, and miles away from the scene of the accident, she wakes up in a man's arms.

But then Luke Stone carts her off on his horse, having no time to stop and see what became of her "family". Which suits Ruthy just fine. Until she finds out that he's headed straight for his ranch in a podunk town in the middle of nowhere (Texas), that is currently in the hands of one Flint Greer. And Luke has no intention of backing down until he reclaims what was stolen from his father. The problem lies in the exact details of securing the ranch. While Luke has the deed to the land, Greer has enough goons to discourage any kind of takeover. Luke has friends from his Regulator days, but will it be enough to take back his ranch? And what exactly is he to do with Ruthy, who has quickly laid claim to his affections and heart?

First things first. Luke and his friends are absolutely amazing. I'm not the kind of girl to fall for a bunch of fictional characters, but these guys are just awesome! I almost wish they were my brothers or at least real people. But on a more serious note, Connealy brings, yet again, another spectacular novel to the line-up, a solid winner. Her writing makes me reconsider my dislike of cowboys and ranchers, and makes me wish I could travel in the past for a chance to see the lives of the people contained in these pages. You will enjoy this romantic comedy no matter who you are; and the characters will quickly find a place in your heart.

Swept Away

By: Mary Connealy

Wasn't sure about if I would like this book or not. I am not a big western type reader. Wow Mary Connealy changed my mind. I think of westerns I think of cussing , romances that go to far. I love the clean view that Mary did.

Adventure throughout the book. It will keep you wanting to read so have plenty of time when you start. Starts off with Ruthy MacNeil getting separated from her family. Well people who took her n when her parents had died. I would say it was a blessing she was seeing their plans was to have her married to their son. She is found by Luke Stone who takes her with him. Luke has things going on in his life needs to get the land that is his back. Will Ruthy find true love and happiness? Will Luke get back what is his. Get this 5 star book and find out.

Ruthy MacNeil is separated from her family during an unsuccessful river crossing en-route to California. No harm done, as the family isn't really her own, but a family that took her in when her parents died. Working her day in and day out for years, she feels no obligation to look for them. Relieved to be free of such an abusive family, she is also relieved because they were planning on marrying her off to their less than honorable son. Disoriented, confused, and miles away from the scene of the accident, she wakes up in a man's arms.

But then Luke Stone carts her off on his horse, having no time to stop and see what became of her "family". Which suits Ruthy just fine. Until she finds out that he's headed straight for his ranch in a podunk town in the middle of nowhere (Texas), that is currently in the hands of one Flint Greer. And Luke has no intention of backing down until he reclaims what was stolen from his father. The problem lies in the exact details of securing the ranch. While Luke has the deed to the land, Greer has enough goons to discourage any kind of takeover. Luke has friends from his Regulator days, but will it be enough to take back his ranch? And what exactly is he to do with Ruthy, who has quickly laid claim to his affections and heart?

First things first. Luke and his friends are absolutely amazing. I'm not the kind of girl to fall for a bunch of fictional characters, but these guys are just awesome! I almost wish they were my brothers or at least real people. But on a more serious note, Connealy brings, yet again, another spectacular novel to the line-up, a solid winner. Her writing makes me reconsider my dislike of cowboys and ranchers, and makes me wish I could travel in the past for a chance to see the lives of the people contained in these pages. You will enjoy this romantic comedy no matter who you are; and the characters will quickly find a place in your heart.