What the Wilderness Reveals

Ambush of the Heart

Written by Mary Connealy

Series: Rocky Mountain Marshals, Book 1

Published by Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: 02.03.26

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

4 Stars!

Gunfire tears across the opening pages, yet what settled into me was something quieter and far more enduring: the discipline of trust inside a man steady in what he believes.

“Owen had a firm belief in not worrying. He felt like it was a waste of time and energy, and it didn’t sit right with his faith in God.” That line reveals more than temperament. It reveals formation. Owen’s confidence in God governs his inner world. Fear may circle. Danger may press in. His thoughts remain ordered by God-honoring conviction rather than panic.

Then comes the question that lingered long after the dust settled: “Did his trust stem from some deep place within him where God has written the truth?” That question carries the weight of Hebrews 8:10, the promise that God writes His law into minds and upon hearts. The wilderness journey becomes both survival and exposure. Rugged terrain drains strength. Wounds demand endurance. Relentless pursuit bears down with exhausting intensity until what has been planted deep within the soul can no longer remain hidden.

Delaney meets that strength with her own composed resilience. Her sacrificial care for the wounded, her unwavering steadiness beneath constant threat, and her quietly intensifying affection for Owen unfold with strength and grace. Mutual respect anchors their romance. Shared burdens and growing trust forge their bond. Their connection takes shape in the midst of fatigue, danger, and unanswered questions, giving their affection depth, weight, and enduring gravity.

I enjoyed the quiet thread of faith woven through this high-stakes journey. Trust in God surfaces in thoughtful decisions and in courage that chooses steady obedience over reckless impulse. What has been written on a redeemed heart reveals itself under strain. I found myself especially attentive to those moments, leaning in and listening closely, grateful for every glimpse of faith holding its ground.

This opening sets the tone for a series shaped by loyalty, endurance, and quiet tests of the heart. I am eager to continue the journey and watch that inscription of truth guide each step as the miles unfold.

This story will resonate with readers who appreciate frontier danger, resilient characters, and romance forged through shared hardship. Those curious to follow a new series by this gifted author will find a richly layered beginning here.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.