When a dashing newspaper
man comes to Mesquite Springs, aspiring writer Dorothy Clark sees her
dreams coming true--until a man arrives with altogether different plans
for the town and its newspaper.
Though she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy
Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she
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 the disastrous effects of challenging others and 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.
MY REVIEW: "Dreams Rekindled", set in Texas a few years before the Civil War, is the second book in author Amanda Cabot's "Mesquite Springs Series". Dorothy Clark is a young woman who dreams of a writing career that will take her beyond the town limits of Mesquite Springs. When Brandon Holloway comes to town to set up a newspaper office, Dorothy hopes it will be her chance to do more than work in the family-run restaurant, "Polly's Place". Another newcomer to Mesquite Springs, Phil Blakeslee, works for the mysterious "Mr. K'. who does not want the newspaper office to begin printing. As Dorothy and Brandon get to know each other and work together, their friendship becomes something more. Can they resolve issues both past and present and let faith guide them to a bright and shining future? In "Dreams Rekindled" we revisit the community of Mesquite Springs, touch base with familiar faces, and meet new friends. The mid-to-late 1800's are my favorite era, and I am an old newspaper gal myself. I very much enjoyed "Dreams Rekindled", and I look forward to future entries in this series.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing
Out of the Embers
Ten years after her
parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The
orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the
ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced
this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl
to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the
home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a
family of his own.
At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when
it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she
becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man
who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?
Suspenseful
and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series
that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West
was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.
MY REVIEW: Noted historical romance author Amanda Cabot begins her "Mesquite Springs Series" with "Out of the Embers"--an involving and inspiring love story set in 1850's Texas Hill Country. With added elements of mystery and suspense, this intriguing tale features well-drawn characters and the timeless appeal of the rustic Old West era. For over a decade, Evelyn Radcliffe had been haunted by the murders of her parents when she was just thirteen years old. She had found refuge in an orphanage, and all these years later, it was still her home, and it was also her workplace. Whenever Evelyn would travel to obtain provisions and to sell the lace made by the children at the orphanage, she often felt an ominous, unseen presence whom she called "The Watcher". After one such trip, she returns to find an unspeakable tragedy: The orphanage had burned to the ground and the children and the staff had all perished in the fire. Only Evelyn and the young girl, Polly, who had traveled with her, were still alive. Evelyn knows she must find a safe haven for herself and Polly, and they head westward--away from sorrow, and hopefully toward a brighter future. Along the way, they are rescued from a raging storm by Wyatt Clark, who offers them shelter at the family ranch he shares with his mother and sister. Wyatt and his sister both have hopes of travel and life beyond the ranch. Evelyn and Polly are seeking a new start in the security of a settled home. The hand of Fate has brought them all together, and their lives--and dreams--will be forever changed. Has "The Watcher" given up on his prey, or will he follow Evelyn and Polly to Mesquite Springs? Will the attraction between Wyatt and Evelyn convince Wyatt that there is no place better than home on the ranch? I very much enjoyed "Out of the Embers", and I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing
REVIEWS
“Out of the Embers is part prairie romance, part romantic suspense. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book more. Amanda Cabot has written an intriguing, chilling mystery and she winds it through the pages of a sweet romance in a way that made me keep turning the pages fast to see what was going to happen next. An absolutely excellent read. And now I’m hungry for oatmeal pecan pie!”--Mary Connealy, author of Aiming for Love
"Cabot expertly combines suspense with a pleasant romance to create a moving and uplifting tale."--Booklist
"The series is off to a strong start."--Publishers Weekly
"Cabot is an engaging writer whose story lines are fresh and unfailingly satisfying. A sure bet author."
--Christian Fiction Advisor
"Welcome to Mesquite Springs, Texas - a hotbed of drama, danger, and
romance ... and heroine Evelyn Radcliffe lands right in the middle of it
thanks to a series of mishaps. Good thing hero Wyatt Clark looks out
for her. With characters that will steal your heart (especially little
orphan Polly), Out of the Embers is sure to earn a spot on your keeper shelf. A must read for historical romance fans."--
Michelle Griep, Christy award-winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series
No comments:
Post a Comment