Thursday, January 23, 2020

"DREAMS REKINDLED" and "OUT OF THE EMBERS"--author AMANDA CABOT' S "MESQUITE SPRING SERIES"--suspenseful and sweetly romantic inspirational historical romance--discover the healing power of truth (see my reviews)

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Dreams Rekindled

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

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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  
   

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot 

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than thirty-five novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.

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