A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham ~ a book review

 

As I was reading this book, I was reminded how, throughout history, our response to various circumstances can vary, and how sometimes, they haven’t really changed.

An important occurance in the story is a scarlet fever outbreak.  This book was written well before our current COVID outbreak and ironically, it was handled very similarly to how the current pandemic is being handled.  What struck me was how the small town, with all kinds of personalities, came together to get through it.

This is a story of courage and sacrificial love.  Aggie has come to a small, rugged town in the North Dakota territory in the late 1800’s and has learned to become an independent woman living on her own.  She has left an affluent family and beau behind to teach school.  We learn early on, that she has a secret that prompted her decision.  She is shocked to learn that one of the main reasons she left home, her former beau, James, has followed her there, and is now the town’s new doctor.

They have to put aside their hurt and work together to help the town survive the epidemic.  I’m not going to give the rest of the story away, but as God often does, He makes something beautiful out of the ashes of our disappointments.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Where you come from matters far less than where you're going

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory. In the shadow of the Black Hills, she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid--despite being only twenty-four. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is precisely the one person who can never know.

Can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?”

It is apparent that the characters have a deep faith in God, it is more of an underlying thought rather than the main theme. I would call this a clean, sweet and wholesome historical romance with a subtle underlying faith theme.

This story highlights the impact of stigmas, secrets and prejudices.

This is a delightful and touching story that will leave you with a refreshing, feel-good feeling!

Go here to read an excerpt >>>> 

Learn more about Rachel Fordham 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.”

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

It was with a bit of skepticism that I began reading this book. It is this author’s first published novel and I didn’t know what to expect. I was happily surprised.  She tells a heartwarming, tender story of a young girl who despite living in dire circumstances, always has hope for the future.  The story opens with Em witnessing a murder and her being seriously injured in the same attack. Em had been separated years before, from her younger sister.  They had been placed on an orphan train after their parents’ deaths. She had never given up the hope of finding her again.

The local sheriff, Caleb, doesn’t like to leave a case unsolved and he takes a particular interest in this one. Em is in danger because she has seen the murderers and needs protection.  Caleb enlists the help of a local family to care for her.  There she finds tenderness and acceptance.  Em loves to tell fairy tales to the young daughters of the family.  This story resembles a fairy tale with the dashingly handsome     and brave Prince, Caleb, and the poor, mistreated but loving and kind heroine, Em.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Alone in a strange town, can she find healing for her new home . . . and herself?

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
Welcome to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.”

This is a refreshingly heartwarming and tender story with a touch of danger and mystery. It is a very clean, easy to read novel.  I can’t call it a Christian novel because there isn’t much mention of God or the Bible but it is full of morality, forgiveness, hope, and integrity.  

Go Here to read an excerpt.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

Go Here  to learn more about the author

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.”