Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot ~ a book review

This is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing that I’ve had the pleasure to read.

Each book is a stand alone story that involves places and characters from the previous one, and the author does a great job of giving us the back stories.

These stories are about three sisters from a blended household. Their father was the pastor in Sweetwater Crossing.  The family essentially falls apart when he dies and the sisters go their own ways but still keep in touch. 

This story is set in the late 1880’s and is from the viewpoint of the youngest sister, Louisa.  Her dream is to become a doctor.  She has to fight the typical stereotype of what an acceptable profession is for a lady.  Being a midwife is acceptable, being a doctor is not.  She leaves Sweetwater Crossing after her father dies but comes back for what she expects will be a brief visit. On her way back, she encounters an injured man, Josh, and  has to stay until he is recovered. 

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?”

This story takes both Louisa, Josh and others, on a journey of following dreams, changing your dreams, forgiveness and learning to hear God’s voice and following His leading.

There are secrets to be discovered and mysteries to be solved.  The author leaves us wondering about one, but the excerpt of the next story in the back of the book, gives a hint of what it is.

This is not a story you can rush through. The reader needs to take their time to appreciate all the characters, dialog and descriptions of people and settings.

There is a map in the front of the book that is very helpful in understand the layout of the town.  

Go HERE to read an excerpt

Go HERE to learn more about Amanda Cabot and her other books 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot ~ a book review

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 read an excerpt:

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.”

 

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot ~ a book review

This book is another winner for this author!  This is the third book in the Mesquite Springs series.  Once you start to read this you won’t want to stop.  It is a stand alone story that will leave you wanting to read the first two books, if you haven’t already.

The characters are very believable and realistic.  Each have their faults and strengths.  The author brings in the various ‘levels’ of Christian faith of each of the individual characters.    Some are strong, some are growing and some are seeking. 

When Alexandra rejects a proposal of marriage, her suitor’s behavior is threatening and she flees and goes into hiding.  Along the way she meets Gabe.  Unknown to her, he has been duped into hunting her down.  Their relationship is threatened by the secrets they feel they must keep from each other.

The mystery and suspense woven throughout the story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“She's determined to start a new life in the West . . . if only the old one would leave her alone

When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be, as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.

But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe, an investigator, is searching for proof that her father is a swindler.

With so much to lose--and hide from one another--Alexandra and Gabe will have to come together if they are ever to discover whether the sparks they've felt from the beginning can kindle the fire of true love.”

I really enjoyed reading this and becoming reacquainted with many of the characters form the earlier books in the series.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

Learn 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.”

 

 

 

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.”