Swept Away by Mary Connealy

Laughter, Romance, and Action Abound in This New Series from Mary Connealy.

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.

Goodreads Summary

Ruthy is a strong girl with strong opinions.  She has worked most of her life under the family who raised her in lieu of her own.  The family who raised her isn't all that kind, unfortunately.  When Ruthy and her step-family are separated during a river crossing, she isn't disappointed.  She was rescued by the kind and handsome Luke.  Luke has his own journey.  He is trying to reclaim the family farm from the men who killed his father.  Unfortunately, Luke's quest is neither easy nor simple. When it becomes clear that Luke will not easily win back the farm, he joins forces with his old friends...friends who take an interest in Ruthy.  Between Luke and Ruthy, there are constant adventures and rendezvous with death and injury.  The reader will be constantly entertained as the characters venture further into the twisting plot. 

Ruthy's character was a foil for Luke's.  They were both fun to read about and easy to like.  Feisty and fiery, these characters offer up a spicy combination. When the going gets rough and they must make tough decisions, they listen to their God.  The other characters were fun to read about, as well.   The evil men were truly evil and the good guys were portrayed as "truly" good.  Overall, this book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnse & Noble
The Book Despository


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.