Thursday, November 7, 2024

INTO THE SUNSET by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

A WESTERN LIGHT #3
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Mary Connealy’s books are always loads of fun, and this one showcases her signature humor and wit. Into the Sunset is the last book in her A Western Light series and wraps up the threads of the series. Set in Idaho and Wyoming in the 1870s, it brings Ginny face-to-face with her abusive husband. With the help of her friends, she sets out on a journey to prove her sanity.

“You did a terrible job picking a husband, Ginny.”

Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan are also deeply involved in this book, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and evolve. It was such a treat to spend some time with the characters from the first two books. I suppose you could read this book on its own, but I would recommend reading the first two books first to get all the background story.

Connealy’s a master at creating quirky, engaging characters and plopping them down in creative, intriguing plots. She then begins to extricate them from their problems and circumstances in amusing and unexpected ways. I always enjoy her books and heartily recommend them to those who like clean and wholesome historical fiction.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"  . . . she thought of something her ma used to say: 'A woman's work is never done.'"


The time had come. Ginny Rutledge was leaving her secluded Hidden Canyon home to pursue being declared legally sane in order to escape the perpetual threat of being sent back to the Horecroft Insane Asylum by her tyrannical husband. Thaddeus Rutledge's influence had a long reach and his financial decline made his wife's wealth a valuable asset, prompting Ginny's family and friends to accompany her for the purpose of moral support and protection while they waited for her case to be heard.

Joining the group was Dakota Harlan, former wagon train master, and Mauve O'Toole . . . who was not only anxious to leave home for awhile, but whose prowess with young children would benefit Ginny's young grandchildren  . . . Dakota and Mauve had always been like "fire and ice", but could this joint endeavor produce a gentle thawing? Dakota had long ignored his attraction to the feisty redhead, knowing that his own secrets could bring danger to her front door . . . but not on this trip, right?

Readers will no doubt enjoy the core elements of this story; Ginny seeking freedom from her past, Mauve being forced to examine her feelings for Dakota during their close proximity, while Dakota comes face to face with his worst nightmare. However, the character list is extensive, the scenes changes are fairly abrupt and cameo appearances from previous novels take a minute or two or three to sink in . . . but you know what? It all comes together in the end.

"They'd traveled and they'd settled . . . And now, finally, they'd all followed the western light into the sunset."
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Will the sun set on their chance at happiness before they can seize it?

To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O'Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny's sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places.

Maeve grapples with her mother's impending remarriage and seizes a rare chance to escape her homestead--but that means reuniting with Dakota, the man she holds responsible for her father's death, who is caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful family. As the two of them navigate their shared history and a dangerous mission, Dakota is forced to confront his deepest fears and fight for the woman who has unwittingly captured his heart.

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook
 
 


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