Long Time Gone - Book Review

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended 

with the death of a dangerous enemy, 

but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? 

Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. 

He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, 

but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, 

even a tough man faces doubts. 

And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, 

is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, 

and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. 

It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot 

that could date back to a decades-old secret. 

Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, 

or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

My Thoughts

Ah, the lovely and talented Mary Connealy!

She combines action, romance, humor, and a touch of suspense

to produce a book that will have you jumping up and down in excitement,

sighing with hearts in your eyes, laughing out loud and quite possibly snorting a time or two,

and sitting on the edge of your seat with your toes curled 

and your fingers tightly clutched around the pages.

Mary Connealy is a unique and talented author

who always writes a riveting and irresistible story.

Long Time Gone is the second book in The Cimarron Legacy series

and I would highly recommend reading the first one No Way Up

before reading Long Time Gone.

You can read my review for the first book by clicking here.

The second book picks up right where the first book left off

with the Boden clan doing all they can to save their beloved ranch and their lives.

While Angie and Justin are the two main characters

the reader will also get to catch up with Sadie and Heath

{the main characters from the first book}

as well as Chance and Veronica Boden

{the parents of Sadie, Justin, and Cole}.

As you open the book and turn the pages of Long Time Gone

it's like meeting up with longtime friends and family.

Angie was introduced in the first book No Way Up

where she practically fell from the train in exhaustion and near starvation

into the arms of Justin Boden.

My, what an introduction!

Angie is originally from the city 

and is considered "too fragile" for life in a ranching community.

But her life in the city was not easy with a controlling mother and husband.

As Angie regains her physical strength

she also regains her spiritual strength.

Through her darkest hours and days she leans on the Heavenly Father 

and finds the courage she needs to live her life for Him no matter what she's faced with.

Now I must add that while this book was simply delightful

and I would read it again in a heartbeat

I thought the romance between Angie and Justin was. . .okay.

There is a lot going on concerning the Bodens ranch

and throwing Angie and Justin's love story into the middle of it just didn't fit.

I felt like there wasn't enough connection or spark between the two characters.

The romance wasn't necessarily bad. . .

I just felt it was rushed and maybe a tad forced.

A four star read, my friends.
 I am looking forward to the third book in the series
as I have a "feeling" it will be a dandy!

** I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

All thoughts are my own. No other compensation was received. **

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" 

and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. 

She has over half a million books sold. 

She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, 

Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. 

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. 

Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

Stop by the blog tomorrow 

for a sweet little surprise :)