Book Review: Accidental Guardian

The Accidental Guardian is a story of learning to forgive, let go and trust God when your life is turned upside down.

Deborah Harkness and her sister, Gwen, are accompanying a family on the wagon train west.  However, Deb, Gwen and the two children in their charge are the only survivors to a brutal massacre.  They are left among the debris wondering what to do next when Trace Riley arrived.

Trace has been living in the wilderness and has finally been able to build his own ranch and home.  He has become the self-appointed guardian of the trail and made it his mission to drive the dangerous men away.

Trace has no choice but to bring Deb, Gwen and the children home with him for the winter.  Then they can continue their journey in the spring.

The story keeps you wondering what will happen next as Trace and his charges return to the ranch and set up housekeeping.  Along the way Trace continues to search for the bandits who are responsible for the wagon train massacre.

The story is well told and moves at a steady pace.  You quickly learn to care for Trace and Deborah throughout their pursuits. There are many twist and turns leaving the reader to wonder what next.

However, the book is also full of history of the wagon trains and life in the west and full of beautiful imaginary of the sierra’s and the surrounding area.

This was the first book I’ve read by Mary Connealy, but it will not be the last.  My only complaint is I have to wait for the sequel to The Accidental Guardian.  I’m looking forward to the next chapter in Trace, Deb and Gwen’s lives and adventure.

Note: The sequel, The Reluctant Warrior, is scheduled to be released in October 2018.

**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.