Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot = a book review

 

This is the second book in the Mesquite Springs series.  I had read the first one but it was a while ago, so it took me a while before I realized how this one related to the first one.  (You can go HERE to read my review of Out of the Embers)

This story focuses on a young, unmarried woman named Dorothy in the middle of the nineteenth century, in Texas.  She takes over running her sister-in-law’s restaurant while she and her brother are on their honeymoon.  She has vowed never to get married when she sees how her father’s death sent her mother into a deep depression.  She doesn’t want to risk that happening to her.  So, when newcomer, Brandon, comes to town to open a newspaper office, she denies and fights her attraction to him.  He, also, has no plans for romance.  Dorothy has always wanted to be a writer, so when Brandon asks for her help at the newspaper, she jumps at the chance.  As they work closely together, they find it hard to resist the attraction. 

There is also a mystery involved that the reader might figure out early on but the characters take longer to solve it. 

There is also an adorable story line about a dog and her puppies!

The faith of the characters plays a major role in the story.  Forgiveness, grace and repentance are all major themes.

The publisher also includes a map of the town which I always find helpful.

This is from the publisher's website:

 

"He's bound and determined to find peace . . . but she's about to stir things up

Dorothy Clark dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers--until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.

Brandon Holloway has seen firsthand the disastrous effects of challenging others. He has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new--and completely uncontroversial--start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood."

Go HERE to read an excerpt

My only complaint about this book has nothing to do with the writing of the story but more about the printing.  The print is very light and while I suspect it’s made  that way to reduce eye strain, but for those of us with ‘older’ eyes, it makes it very hard to read.  I’ve noted this in other reviews so I’m fairly certain it is a common practice by publishers.

I really liked this story and, while it leaves many unanswered questions and open story lines, the author promises to resolve them in the next book.  She includes the first chapter as a special addition.

Read more about Amanda Cabot HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”