Swept Away by Mary Connealy ~ Litfuse Blog Tour with review

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209140
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209147

This book is also available as an e-book.

Publication Date: March 1, 2013 | Series: Trouble in Texas (Book 1)

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?

Purchase a copy here.

Follow along on the Litfuse Blog tour by clicking here.

My take on this book:

One thing I have come to look forward to in Mary Connealy's books is getting a good laugh, and she always delivers in spades. 

The year is 1868 and the setting is Texas! 

Luke Stone is tough. He grew up in west Texas, spent several years fighting in the War between the states and then spent more time living off the land. Now he is  headed back home to reclaim the S Bar S  family ranch that rightfully belongs to him. There is one obstacle in his way by the name of Flint  Greer, someone who claims that he bought the ranch from Luke's father. The story doesn't add up though because Luke actually has the deed to the ranch, and Luke believes that Greer probably  murdered his father. So he is headed home with several of his war buddies to set things to right. 

Seems all Ruthie MacNeil  ever gets done is work. Her family is headed to California by wagon train, and when she gets they get there they already have plans that she will marry her step brother Vernon. She knows it would be a miserable life and figures the only way to stop the marriage is to just disappear. So when she is swept away during a river crossing, and rescued by Luke Stone she doesn't care if she ever sees her family again. Luke doesn't want to get her involved in his problems, but can't very likely leave her behind. 

I loved the lead characters in this story. Luke and Ruthie (Rosie) were great. Luke was such an upstanding man, and Ruthie was a spitfire. I love that a female character during that time period can be tough but also have a softer side as well. I loved the romance, but also enjoyed the fact that Luke wanted to regain what was his, nothing like Texas justice. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and when it's blended with a sweet romance, wonderful endearing characters, a fast moving plot along with a few laughs along with a christian influence, there is no way the book isn't a winner for me. If you're a fan of historical fiction then this book is for you. If you have never read anything by Ms. Connealy then pick up this book you will be glad you did! 

"Swept Away" by Mary Connealy is the first book in her new series Trouble in Texas series, and if the rest of the series is as good as this one then it's gonna be a great series!

About the author:

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 athttp://maryconnealy.com/.

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)


• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!