AUTHOR: Mary Connealy
DATE: 2016
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****
When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately.
Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike.
Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.
It’s not often that an author hooks me with a dedication. Mary Connealy did, though, with these words:
“No Way Up is about parents trying to make their children love each other, take pride in the family ranch, and be devoted to each other. Because of this, I dedicate this book to my mom, Dorothy.”
Yup, hooked. The story didn’t let me down, either, with adventure, danger, and just the right amount of romance zinging off the pages from the beginning. I especially enjoyed the sibling interactions, once they got past the fist-fights. Their banter, and Heath’s responses, made me smile and even chuckle.
I had to admire Sadie’s spunk and her love for her family. As the noose of danger tightens around them, she dares to face it with the strong men in her life. Heath is a worthy hero, too, and his character arc is a joy to follow.
The faith aspect in No Way Up is strong and clear. I appreciate that. Courage is shown to be a result of faith, and the Boden siblings require both.
I look forward to reading more from Mary Connealy and the Boden clan. No Way Up earns four stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.