Out of Control: Book Review

Often, to escape the struggles life tosses into the ring, there is the desire to escape into another world, whether fictional, sports, or some other sort of addiction. For the avid reader, a good book is usually on the top of the list of avenues for getting away from reality for a time. Mary Connealy, author of several historical comedic fiction novels involving cowboys, has released her latest, Out of Control.

Having never read any of her work before, I thought this would be a fun diversion from the usual form of literature normally on my queue as of late.

This tale of a rancher who meets a young woman in a cave begins with a kiss and commences with a series of situations and conflicts the two need to resolve before the book’s end. While there were several instances in the dialogue that invites the head-shaking, giggle-inciting vision of two completely different personalities and educational backgrounds trying to understand one another; there also arise several serious issues that these characters must address. Balancing the opposing forces of serious--life-threatening--and light-hearted events is a difficult task for any writer.

There wasn’t the connection with either of the characters I’ve come to expect in a book, which saddened me, because I felt Rafe and Julia could have taken me into that place of adventure and discovery they obviously wanted to me go. I would have loved to explore their worlds a bit deeper, gone with them as they traversed the halls of their painful and lonely pasts into the corridors of wholeness. I wish they would have. Perhaps my closing the book would have felt more like saying goodbye to a dear friend or, in this case, "I'll be back for more" when book 2 is released.

This book may appeal to many readers. I have no doubt that Mary Connealy can tell a great story and I am grateful for the opportunity to read one of her books. For a light-hearted read, this is a great place to begin. However, at this stage of my life, I wish it held more depth in the characterization.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House book review bloggers program. 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.”

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Thanking God every day for you.

Anna K. Jeffrey
Writer/Editor

Sufficient Grace Writing & Editing Services
southpawscribbler@gmail.com