Book Review | Out of Control by Mary Connealy

If this book were a movie I would have been on the edge of my seat the entire time. It jumps right into action in the first paragraph and keeps running until the end. It’s even a fast time period for the characters – just a week or two; a small portion of their lives. I’d like to hear more about the Kincaids.

I worked as a tour guide in a cave for 3 years and I understand the fascination as well as the fear of being deep in the earth. She is fascinated and he is fearful. They both need to compromise and work together. I love that they talk about how God is with them – even in the depths of the earth. It made me think of “Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” [Psalm 139:10] There’s not a lot of religious talk, but there are several times she talks about finding fish fossils in the mountain that is far from the sea.

It’s a great mix of characters – fiery, sweet, proud, angry, crazy, helpful, deceitful, evil, selfish, giving, and kind. It’s fast paced with a mystery and lots of drama.

Here is the backcover copy:

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father’s homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe–until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out.

Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family’s cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch–and Rafe’s controlling ways–as soon as they were able. He’s haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn’t expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels–or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he’s ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?

You can find more information at the author’s site. You can read the first chapter at Where the Story Begins. Published by Bethany House. This book was sent to me through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for the book tour. The words are fully my own and my affiliate link is in this post.