This is the first book in Amanda Cabot's Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. This first book is set in the late 1800’s in Texas.
First of all, I want to be clear about why I read and what I like to read. I read for the enjoyment of learning about the various customs and the culture of different times in history. I don’t read simply to stretch my thinking or expand my intellectual knowledge, or even to strengthen my faith. However; if a book does that for me it is definitely a bonus!
This book does some of each of those things so it earns 5 stars from me.
The dialog is easy to follow. The story line is very interesting and deals with not just the history of late 1800’s Texas but also deals with various social issues. The family in the story is a unique blended family with a variety of issues. This book is also about faith and being strong in what you believe. The characters are all very believable, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. There is also an element of what some might call prejudice but what probably was more lack of knowledge and understanding. And added to all the family issues, there is a mystery that keeps the reader very engaged.
This is from the publisher’s website:
“A brighter future awaits--if she can escape the shadows of the past
Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the handsome new schoolteacher, Craig Ferguson, and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.
Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. As they work to uncover the truth, they just may find the key to unlock a future neither could have imagined.”
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Go HERE to learn more about Amanda Cabot and her other books:
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.”
