Swept Away by Mary Connealy, ©2013, Trouble in Texas * Book 1

Laughter, Romance, and Action Abound in Swept Away, book one in the Trouble in Texas Series.

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.

His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.

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I have been following Mary's account of My Cowboy (Mary's husband Ivan) and his brother these past few days.... It is calving time on their eastern Nebraska ranch. Yesterday the vet made a trip out and then, Ivan found yet another cow in difficulty having her calf. Through whiteout conditions, he takes her to the vet. This is real life.

BLIZZARD DRAMA--My Cowboy just came in from spending one hour trying to deliver a calf. Now he's loading her up to take her to the vet. 20 mile drive. 8 inches of snow, blowing hard and still coming down.

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Swept Away. It is in the Fall of the year of 1868. The Regulators have come to Broken Wheel, Texas. One at a time. During the war between the North and the South, these men kept law and order, and watched their backs. Law-abiding citizens need viable occupations like a practicing doctor, lawyer, and preacher.
They have arrived.

They separately come into town before Luke Stone to be in place when he comes. Luke has all the rights to his family ranch ~ but this part of Texas doesn't have a lawman on every corner. They must wait for the Texas Ranger to come to complete their mission.

As Dr. Riker is called out to the Stone ranch ~ now known as Flint Greer's place ~ he is being passed through by the guards. Greer's foreman brings his expectant wife in for doctoring. He is learning the lay of the land, and dependence on him. The parson is making calls, and the law office is in place to back Luke with his legal rights.

You may have heard of Luke's sister, Callie, Seth Kincaid's wife? So you know then these Stone siblings go for their rights. Flint Greer has had their pa killed and snatched his land. By the time the country develops, he plans to be known as a cattle baron. He has big plans and will stop at nothing to have his way. Luke is coming to take what is rightfully his. On his way, he comes across Ruthy MacNeil who was swept down river during a wagon train crossing. He has no choice but to bring her along, because he is a decent guy.

I like the banter between them and the bond they have together. "Rosie" as Luke calls red-headed, sunburned Ruthy, is a sweet addition as well as a good tracker herself! Jump into Swept Away; you will be glad you did. A wholesome story for all ages.

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful The Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

***Thank you to Litfuse Blog Tour for inviting me to be a part of previewing Mary Connealy's first book in her new series! I was sent a copy of this historical western to review in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Blog
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