In Too Deep by mary Connealy - Reviewed

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Too Deep Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Mary Connealy



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.



The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.



The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.



Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.



The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.



She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.



Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!



What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?



If you would like to read the first chapter of In Too Deep, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

I am not going to miss a word of this story, and I’m not finished yet! So, I’ll tell you about what I’ve read so far.

Mary Connealy does a wonderful job developing characters that you care about deeply. She creates folks with flaws and struggles that everyone can identify with, and, if they are honest, recognize in themselves. At this point in my own life story, I identify strongly with Audra Gilliland – her desire to stand on her own two feet, her fear of committing her well-being to someone that cannot guarantee her physical or emotional safety – it’s not a fun place to be. Audra is going through a fiery trial in many areas of her life, and God is trying to teach her to trust Him with all of it! Have mercy! One of her children wanders into a cave and almost dies in the first few chapters of the story! She is facing uncertainty from every side!

Ethan Kinkaid is also facing uncertainties in his life, and when he finds himself in an arranged marriage of sorts with Audra, well…he isn't prepared for the emotional impact of her presence in his life. His heart is also quite tender from past hurts, and he has a hard time sharing himself with anyone.

Throughout the story conflict and uncertainty dog the steps of these beloved characters, and the reader is never certain at any point (at least as far as I have read) what will take place between the two of them!

Like I said, I’m not quite finished with this story, but it has been VERY satisfying with plot twists, some humor, and really great insight into the human heart. I’ve always been a fan of Mary’s work, and In Too Deep does NOT disappoint! It’s great!!

Watch the book trailer: