The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Officer Cameron Scott has come to Lake Tahoe to collect his daughter and nephew, but a blizzard leaves him snowed in at the Riley Ranch  with two children who barely know him, as well as the beautiful Gwen Harkness, who has been caring for the children in his absence. The children are afraid of Cameron who is accustomed to barking orders, and prefer Gwen who makes them feel safe.

Gwen has been raising Maddie Sue and Ronnie, and she doesn't want Cameron to take them away with him. When strange things start happening at the ranch, Cam is determined to protect what is left of his family, and the spunky young woman who loves them.

Gwen loves the children, and she wants what is best for them, she makes a deal with Cameron that she will help him get to know them if he will work on not being so loud and bossy. This produces much humor, and touching moments.

I like Penny, Cameron's sister, she is a hardworking woman who prefers outdoors work, rather than housework, and finds wearing trousers to be more practical than skirts. She teaches Deb and Gwen how to shoot, and protect themselves against the mysterious person meaning them harm.

While Cameron is staying with them, Gwen and Cameron realize that there are things that they admire about each other and that they are on the same side, wanting the children to be happy. They share their faith, and Gwen face her fears about the future, by turning to Scriptures.

This book is full of action, with great characters, adorable children, and plenty of humor. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book as they all work together. There is also a developing story as Ronnie's maternal grandparents have hired a Pinkerton to find him. Cameron grows a lot over the course of the book, he is still a strong leader and man of faith, but he learns to be kinder and gentler, taking time to listen and show the children that he cares. Definitely recommend.

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