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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
Fun read, the definition of a historical romantic comedy, which I didn't know was really possible. The romance part was unconventional but hilarious, though some might not like it. :)
jfraser82's review against another edition
1.0
This was (unfortunately) such a struggle to read. Perhaps I wanted more chick-lit romance than a million characters trying to save a home.... But I found Ruthie a bit flat as a character and I didn't care for Luke at all. I just skimmed the last 50 or so pages to call it a day.
misspippireads's review against another edition
4.0
Time Period: Post Civil War
Location: Texas
Reviewed from a personal copy.
sparksofember's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve read a lot of inspirational historical romances over the years. I started with Janette Oke’s books when I was in my early teens and have read most other popular authors since then. I’d guess it’s a typical rite of passage for teens raised in conservative Christian families. They’re mostly the same and I’ve enjoyed them for the most part, as a pleasant way to pass the time, if nothing epic. So I really wasn’t expecting much different when I picked up Swept Away by Mary Connealy. But I am pleased to report I was pleasantly surprised!
Swept Away is cute, funny, witty, nail-biting – and full of references to an aspect of the civil war that I knew little about. I was impressed because the entire book felt essential – no silly extra scenes, no time wasted – it was constant movement. And they kissed – a lot! And implied more! O_O the scandal!! (But not too detailed or excessive and the later was within the bounds of marriage – it is clean inspirational romance after all.) And Mary Connealy’s women have spunk! Something I have a complete abhorrence for, and the reason I no longer read certain authors, is spunkless women. Also, the story quickly becomes about much more than merely getting Luke’s ranch back – it added the tricky dynamic of saving a woman and her children from an abusive situation. I liked that the reasons for the conflict of the story became more external and less selfishly motivated.
I had to research Camp Andersonville afterwards and found it simultaneously fascinating & horrifying. I’m sad Andersonville was halfway between where I attended college and my home as a teen and yet I never knew to stop by there on the commute. While Swept Away is the first in a series, it is a spin-off from a previous series. I’m excited to read more and see what happens with side-characters that I enjoyed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Swept Away is cute, funny, witty, nail-biting – and full of references to an aspect of the civil war that I knew little about. I was impressed because the entire book felt essential – no silly extra scenes, no time wasted – it was constant movement. And they kissed – a lot! And implied more! O_O the scandal!! (But not too detailed or excessive and the later was within the bounds of marriage – it is clean inspirational romance after all.) And Mary Connealy’s women have spunk! Something I have a complete abhorrence for, and the reason I no longer read certain authors, is spunkless women. Also, the story quickly becomes about much more than merely getting Luke’s ranch back – it added the tricky dynamic of saving a woman and her children from an abusive situation. I liked that the reasons for the conflict of the story became more external and less selfishly motivated.
I had to research Camp Andersonville afterwards and found it simultaneously fascinating & horrifying. I’m sad Andersonville was halfway between where I attended college and my home as a teen and yet I never knew to stop by there on the commute. While Swept Away is the first in a series, it is a spin-off from a previous series. I’m excited to read more and see what happens with side-characters that I enjoyed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
5.0
Love love love! when I started this book I had NO IDEA that it was a second series--that carried over form another series I loved! This book is book #1 in the Trouble in Texas series. The lead character Luke Stone is the brother of Callie Stone--last seen in the series The Kincade Brides. Callie was in books #2 and #3 of that series...and book #3 ended with her brother visiting her and telling her he was heading home to their ranch in Texas...
And viola---here her brother is heading to Texas! This story follows his journey there and sets up for a series quite nicely. There are 4 leading men--all best friends--living in a town called Broken Wheel. I imagine each book in the series will follow one of the men.
If you have read any of the "Kincade Bride" series which follows the three brothers Kincade, then I know you will love Mary Connealy's first book of this new series! Actually if you love her books in general you will. I have read all her series and I just really go for her way of writing.
And viola---here her brother is heading to Texas! This story follows his journey there and sets up for a series quite nicely. There are 4 leading men--all best friends--living in a town called Broken Wheel. I imagine each book in the series will follow one of the men.
If you have read any of the "Kincade Bride" series which follows the three brothers Kincade, then I know you will love Mary Connealy's first book of this new series! Actually if you love her books in general you will. I have read all her series and I just really go for her way of writing.
caslater83's review against another edition
3.0
I considered this a fair read. I've read Mary Connealy's work before so I had some expectations. While the characters are pretty well built up, I just found the story itself weak at various points. I'm not sure I would have matched Ruthie up with Luke in the story line, but whatever. Not really sure if I'll even keep this one on my Kindle.
kittlyn's review against another edition
3.0
This book, in my opinion, was not the best Mary Connealy book. I found myself skimming at times. This may be because of the cover.
I don't really like the cover. The girl who is supposed to be Ruthy looks like she's TRYING to be sassy, and he . . . well, I don't really like the way he looks. Faces on covers really affect the way I look at the story. And these faces didn't help.
The story, overall, was lovely. As they always are. I was hoping for something more, though. I'm not sure what. It's just that every one of her books are like this. If you've read one, you've read them all. I don't know what I was hoping for, but I didn't get it.
We have our tough heroine. Our charming hero. Great side characters. The whole thing. But, in my opinion, it was lacking humor. All of her other books have lines that make me laugh out loud all throughout it. With this one, I don't recall laughing once.
I'm not saying it was bad, I'm just saying it's not as great as her other ones.
I don't really like the cover. The girl who is supposed to be Ruthy looks like she's TRYING to be sassy, and he . . . well, I don't really like the way he looks. Faces on covers really affect the way I look at the story. And these faces didn't help.
The story, overall, was lovely. As they always are. I was hoping for something more, though. I'm not sure what. It's just that every one of her books are like this. If you've read one, you've read them all. I don't know what I was hoping for, but I didn't get it.
We have our tough heroine. Our charming hero. Great side characters. The whole thing. But, in my opinion, it was lacking humor. All of her other books have lines that make me laugh out loud all throughout it. With this one, I don't recall laughing once.
I'm not saying it was bad, I'm just saying it's not as great as her other ones.
emlickliter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
Swept Away (Trouble in Texas #1) by Mary Connealy – This is on kindle unlimited. Luke Stone is coming home to reclaim his father’s ranch from Flint Greer. He didn’t count on saving the life of a lady who was half drowned in the river, but he is going to need all the help he can get reclaiming his home with his friends from the war. Ruthie and Luke are just tough enough to suit the land they are fighting for. Enjoy these cuties! Happy Reading!
lachelle45's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
This story has been just as enjoyable as the first time around! I love Connealy's feisty heroines and witty heroes. I'm so glad I took the time to reread this favorite. I highly recommend this book!