Book Review ~ Swept Away by Mary Connealy ~ Link to Vacation Giveaway!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review 

as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "Swept Away "
Series:  Trouble in Texas Book #1

Author:  Mary Connealy
Publisher:  Bethany House
Publication Date:  3/1/13

Pages:  352

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

Meet Mary:  

  

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I was really looking forward to reading this book.  I love series and especially the first book of a new series.

It started off great!  Very fast paced and moving right along.  Then it slowed down considerably.  There was a lot of introduction to new characters that I felt could have come along more organically through the book.  I realize that these characters are probably being set up for the next books in the series but it really put a drag on action.

It did pick back up and was enjoyable even  though a bit predictable.

A Brief Excerpt:

A small shudder was uncontrollable.  " I had plans to leave my family when the opportunity arose.  They aren't my family, more like I...I worked for them.  It's a shame they probably all drowned, but I won't miss having them around."

 Page 25

The Cover:

I really like the fact that the Luke and Ruthy are clearly depicted.  I liked having a face to put with the characters as I read.

Other Notes:

~If you've read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rating

4/5

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On to the next book,