Amanda CabotReseñas

I've loved this series, this is the third book, and this is sister Joanna's turn. This can be read alone, but all three of the books are page turners.

Joanna has returned from Europe, she is a gifted pianist, but has had a serious illness. There are a lot of other surprises this family is about to learn as they greet their returned family member. She isn't home long when more surprise guests arrives, and with them some answers to questions we have been looking for.

There is some sweet romance, along with some unresolved answers of where a missing person is?

The Answers do come, and then surprises abound, and we are gifted with an epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book is beautifully designed from the front cover, to the spine, back cover, and interior. The story was gripping but felt like it was missing something. The characters were described in a way that made them relatable but they still fell flat.
The plot was good for the most part, dragging only on occasion.
I really liked the storytelling of Aimee's character and search. It added a breath of fresh air to the novel and I found myself eager to see what would happen next within Aimee’s story.
This book can be read as a standalone.

Personal Rating: 4 Stars
Content Rating: 4 Stars

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Free Book Giveaway for an honest opinion. I tried several times to finish the book but honestly found it very difficult to understand the main characters. Louisa is so unsure and doesn't appear to have any natural inclination for medicine. I felt it was way out of her town but no true devotion. I wish Louisa would have been a bit more assertive or at least sure of her own skills and then showcased it in the town to sway others to see her as a future doctor.

First sentence: Everything looked the same. The live oaks in the park still shadowed this block of Main Street, providing a welcome respite from the early afternoon sun.

Premise/plot: Emily Leland, widow, is returning home to Sweetwater, Texas. It is not a joyous homecoming. Her mother has died without the two reconciling. Her father is hours away from his own death. (If the publisher description spoils it so why shouldn't I?) Her sister despises her--mostly. Emily's now-dead husband was super-controlling and abusive. Nobody knew. Well, not anybody in Sweetwater. She soon finds herself with an opportunity. It's not one she expected--to open up her house, almost like a boarding house. But there is a definite need. After several fires in town leave the new school teacher (a widower) with a young son AND an older widow woman [longstanding family friend] homeless, she opens up her home and makes a new start. Her sister [who will be the star of book two] leaves soon after. A third guest--a week day guest--a young girl with "special needs" is incoming.

Meanwhile while all these new beginnings are beginning to flourish, relationships being formed, much comfort and encouragement all around....Emily begins to investigate her father's death....and soon there's a WHOLE PILE of bodies stacking up to investigate.

My thoughts: After the Shadows is a slower-paced book. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it personally. Perhaps slower-paced isn't the right word. Right words can be hard to come by. I mean that there are so many sub-genres going on at the same time, that the story plot sometimes seems confused and hesitating. It has a cozy feel in the historical romance camp or genre. It happily could have lived there and pleased everyone. I also love the focus on friendships--strong friendships--between women. I loved the advocacy. One of the characters--one of the students--has Down's syndrome. (Not that it was called that in this book.) Emily is 1000% supportive and loving and kind. In a community where everyone is stand-offish and judgmental, Emily is a breath of fresh air to this little girl. The mystery comes and goes. There's always new dead bodies. So it's never far from your mind that something is FISHY about this community, but if the mystery element is what you're there for....then you'll be waiting forever and ever and ever. It isn't until the end of the novel when the book seems to remember that it is a mystery as well.

This is the second book in this series, and while I enjoyed the first one, this one moved much slower. This one is about the second sister, Louisa, and her return to Sweetwater Crossing. Although she left in a huff in the first book, she is convinced to return by Doc Sheridan's widow for his burial. She meets Josh on the road - thrown my his horse with a broken leg. When she decides to stay until he is healed, Widow Sheridan gives her Doc's practice, lock, stock and barrel. While Josh is stuck in a cast, he has time to figure out what he wants from life, and Louisa works to gain the townspeople's trust to let her work as their healer. The mystery comes in as someone actively works to keep Louisa from achieving her dreams. All in all, it was a nicely written story, just a little slow and repetitive until the end, when it moved very quickly.

Beautiful! I had to read this book when I saw the cover, it was just so pretty. I've heard of Mrs. Cabot, I've seen her books, and even started to read one once but for some reason I never finished it.


When I requested Out of the Embers I thought that it would be a sweet easy to read historical romance. I was wrong, weirdly I had an easy time getting interested in the book but as I hit the hundredth page I lost interest, I don't know why since up until then I had enjoyed every page. I especially liked Wyatt with Polly, so sweet! So, Out of the Embers got set aside for a little while but since it was a review book I had to pick it up again soon after and since we were taking a ride to get out of the house for a while (covid-19 sure has given more reading and driving time…) I grabbed two of my review books, one of which happened to be Out of the Embers, now I knew the ending since I had flipped through the last pages trying to find an interest in finishing the book. I picked up where I'd left off knowing the ending yet not knowing how the ending had come to be.


And I'm so glad I picked Out of the Embers up again! I loved it as I read the rest of the book, the characters were lovely, the plot well wrapped up, and Polly stayed as darling as ever.


My one and only problem was Wyatt, well, not Wyatt. But the fact that the empty feeling he struggled with was filled by Evelyn and Polly and not God, the faith elements in the whole book felt slightly superficial, almost like they were added as an after the fact.


Aside from the lack of faith that I feel Wyatt had, the rest of the book was well written, and I enjoyed the story.

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

Fantastic! More than 5 stars is deserved here! I literally couldn't put this book down! The story is engaging and original! The characters are fabulous! My favorite is Craig! He's a good man, compassionate and loving. He's also a great father! A definite must read!

Five stars! A great book with fantastic characters!

Historical Christmas stories

Set in 1883, this romantic and suspenseful story will take you on an amazing journey of trust and belonging.

After being away for seven months, Louisa was returning to Sweetwater Crossing. On the way to her hometown, she spotted an injured man on the side of the road. Josh's horse threw him and left with the saddlebags that contained recipes for the P&S business that he needed to win a challenge. While taking care of Josh's broken leg, Louisa was determined to gain the town's peoples trust to be their physician. It was always her dream to help people, to be a healer. People however believed that women shouldn't be doctors.

While staying in Sweetwater Crossing until his leg heals, Josh was working hard to win his grandfather's challenge that will give him control over the family business. The idea to expand his family business came unexpectedly and with full support from Louisa, he started to build a tearoom in this small town.

It was heartbreaking to experience all the hurdles that awaited Louisa on her way to become a doctor. People didn't believe in her talent, they blamed her for deaths that could not have been prevented. I loved Louisa for her bravery, courage, and determination. And there is much more I liked about this book: the small-town set up, the fascinating plot told in the perspectives of both Louisa and Josh, and the unique characters that made this story even more intriguing.

Nicely crafted historical fiction that contained drama, suspense, mystery, and romance. I liked this book as much as the first one and can't wait to read Joanna's story in the last book from this series.½

While this is the second book in a series, this historical novel can easily be read as a standalone as well. Louisa Vaughn had vowed never to return to Sweetwater Crossing but when her friend insists that she accompany her back to bury her husband she does. She reunites with her estranged sister and discovers she has been left a doctor's office. That comes as a major blessing because while away she had been studying to become a midwife and doctor. Sweetwater Crossing no longer has a doctor and she is ready to take the reigns if the townsfolk will trust a female doctor. The first big way to prove that she knows what she is doing is by setting the leg of a man who was thrown from his horse. Josh Porter is a big shot from New York who was just passing through, but since he broke his leg he will have to spend several months there while he heals. She finds her heart opening to him and another man who seems intent on pursuing her. Maybe returning to Sweetwater Crossing wasn't so bad after all? She'll have to navigate her heart and convince the town that she really is fit to be their doctor. A good clean Christian read.

I loved this fantastic historical romance. I loved both Louisa and Josh. I loved the emotions that both characters seemed to bring out in each other and how they seemed to inspire each other. I enjoyed learning about this town. I recommend reading this series in order to enjoy all of the characters more. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Louisa wants to be a doctor. The problem is that its 1883 in Texas and women are supposed to stay home and have babies and there is no way they are smart enough or strong enough to be a doctor. Maybe a midwife but never a doctor. Louisa won’t accept the negative comments by the people (both men and women) in Sweetwater Crossing and she stubbornly sticks to her plans for the future and hopefully change the negative minds in town.

Louisa is returning to town when she finds a man who has been thrown from his horse and has a badly broken leg. Josh is from New York city and has been traveling through the West to find recipes and create a new department in his grandfather's store in NY. His grandfather has decreed that the store will be left to him or his cousin depending on who has the best idea for the future of the store. Breaking his leg and the inability to travel is a definite roadblock for Josh and his plans for the future but the time he spends in Sweetwater and the more he gets to know Louisa his original plans for the future begin to change.

Someone in Sweetwater is totally opposed to Louisa's plan to be the town doctor and is creating situations that make her look bad so that the townspeople will turn against her. Will she, with Josh's help, be able to find out who is working against her so that she can become well regarded in town? If she is unsuccessful, she plans to leave town and move to somewhere that she will be accepted. Josh's plans are to move back to NY City. Is there any future for them when both of them have plans to move even further away from each other?

I really enjoyed this book. Amanda was a strong well written character who knew what she wanted out of life and worked hard to fulfill her dreams despite all of the people who stood in her way. She was not only a strong character but she was compassionate and loved to take care of people. Her romance with Josh was gentle and sweet and his feelings for her kind of snuck on him. The plot of the novel revealed some of the secrets in town but left a few things unanswered that I'm sure will be revealed in book 3 in the series.

Note: This is the second book in this series and even though it can be read as a standalone with minimal confusion, I recommend reading the books in order.

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot is the second book in her Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, and I was so delighted to return to this small Texas town! I enjoyed reading Emily's story in the first book, and I was curious as to how Louisa would be in this story.
It turns out, I love Louisa Vaughn! Her big heart, determination, honesty, and servant attitude really were an inspiration to me. I can't count the times she pulled her chin up and did what was right even if it was hard or painful. I just loved her integrity and wish I could have dinner with her as friends at Ma's!
Oh, and we cannot forget about Josh. A visionary. An ambitious businessman but also so down to earth. Always a gentleman, I loved how he championed Louisa's dreams and always treated her with the respect of an equal. The two of them together are one of my favorite couples I've read this year. They just had such great chemistry and respect for each other. It made the slow burn worth it!
Overall, I really enjoyed Louisa and Josh's story and all the twists and turns along the way. There are many secrets in Sweetwater Crossing, but you'll have to read them for yourself!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Cabot takes us back to Sweetwater Crossing and I couldn't be happier. Against the Wind is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series and it's an engaging story with wonderful characters, sweet romance, heart-rending emotions, and enough intrigue to keep me guessing. Women doctors were frowned upon in 1883 and there's someone who wants Louisa Vaughan to give up her desire to help and heal. Just how far will that person go to stop her from becoming a doctor?

I had some reservations about Louisa in the first book of this series, but I really liked her in this book. She's caring and determined, and she's also special enough to grab the attention of a very special Josh Porter.

This is an inspirational story of hope, redemption, and second chances and I highly recommend Against the Wind to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

I have been looking forward to this new book in the Sweetwater Crossing Series and I was not disappointed. Louisa, the baby of the Vaughn sisters, has returned to her home town for the funeral of Doc Sheridan accompanying His widow. She had left the town in quite a hissy fit vowing never to return again. I was pleasantly surprised that her time away studying under a doctor in Cimarron Creek smoothed the rough edges. Gone was the angry, fit-throwing girl and it her place was a mature gracious woman. She hadn’t lost her spunk and determination however. Though in a better attitude, she still did not plan to stay any longer than the widow needed.
Things didn’t quite work out that way though. Almost to their destination she comes upon Josh Porter, unconscious and with a broken leg from his horse throwing him. She brings him into town to care for him . . .taking longer than she had planned.
Doc’s widow surprises Louisa by turning his office over to take his medical practice. This would be great as it is her dream, but in the 1800’s women doctors were ostracized and rejected. In a small western town like Sweetwater Crossing, the opposition was even greater. Though not a doctor, she was a highly trained healer and midwife. The population was so prejudice they didn’t even care that they didn’t have a doctor now! I was so moved by Louisa’s humble spirit toward those that were unkind toward her. Plus her Christian grace to provide her skills for them in spite of their mistreatment of her.
Joshua’s plans were smitten derailed too. He was from a wealthy family and heir to their expensive, aristocratic store in New York. He intended to prove to his grandfather that was capable of running it. He had been traveling across the country collecting local recipes that would put their elegant tearoom on the map; surely this would impress his grandfather.
The couple is forced to put their dreams on hold and work with the hand they have been dealt. They begin to see their lives and priorities from a different perspective, questioning what they truly wanted
Sweetwater definitely part of the Old West; lawlessness and danger are always brewing. The suspense and mystery will keep you turning the page! Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

Wow! This book is a rollercoaster ride with swoony romance, mystery, messages of faith, and some heart wrenching situations. After meeting Louisa in After the Shadows, I wasn’t sure how the author would make her likable. With the power of great storytelling, Louisa gets her own redemption story and becomes an endearing character you want to see succeed. This slow burn historical romance is another exciting installment in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series

After the death of her father, Louisa Vaughn left Sweetwater Crossing determined never to return. She’s been working towards her dream of becoming a doctor. When she returns home to help a friend, she finds a wounded man on the side of the road. Her desire to heal overcomes her reluctance to stay, so while her patient recovers from a broken leg, she temporarily becomes Sweetwater Crossing’s doctor/midwife. But, a female doctor is not looked too kindly upon in this small Texas community and someone seems to have it out for Louisa. Will she and Josh be able to figure out who’s threatening her before it’s too late?

Josh Porter is traveling West to compete for control of his grandfather’s business. He’s got to prove he’s worthy not only to his grandfather, but to the woman he’s supposed to marry. His broken leg has put a wrench in his plans, but a new idea forms and with the help of Louisa, he turns lemons into lemonade or rather tea in this case. While he doesn’t believe in love, his ideas are soon to be challenged as Louisa gets under his skin. Will he thwart expectations for a chance at love?

I really enjoyed this book! The first half was a little more slow moving, but built to a nail biting conclusion. Louisa was awful in the first book but really redeems herself in this one. I loved how Louisa reconciled with her sister Emily. Both Louisa and Josh were faced with high expectations, Josh from his grandfather and Louisa of her own making. The prejudice against female doctors was high at that time and Louisa’s forced to prove her capabilities under difficult circumstances including untimely deaths, accidents, and stillbirth. Some of the realistic situations were heartbreaking and might be hard for some readers.

Loved the slow build, friends to more romance between Josh and Louisa. I loved watching him eat his words about love. They worked together so well in making Josh’s tearoom a reality.

The mystery started really picking up in the second half of the book. The threats against Louisa included all the things she’s afraid of like snakes and bees. They’re also endangering her patients. The villain was a bit of a surprise and a great twist in the story.

The title of this book is aptly named. All the circumstances in the book center around the idea that everyone at one time or another is fighting against the wind. How each person deals with their trials is explored throughout. I loved the idea that even the difficult trials are used by God to work together for our good.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and can’t wait to find out more about the third sister. I recommend reading this series in order. I think it’d be difficult to read this book as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Against the Wind, by Amanda Cabot, is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. Having not read the first one, I had a small issue with recognizing the characters and some conversations in the beginning. However, the author does a nice job of giving background information so I quickly caught on and enjoyed the story. The story is well written and has mostly nice caring characters. I enjoyed the closeness the Vaughn sisters have and how quick they are to forgive and help each other. I enjoyed the determination Louisa has for setting up her healing/midwife practice. I also enjoyed the strength Josh has to create his idea for his family’s business while being kept from traveling while recovering from a broken leg.

This story has so much written into it. It shows how grief from a loss can affect people in different ways. The story contains mystery and suspense as well as family relationships and romance. One of the main parts I especially enjoyed what when Josh remembered a conversation with his mother and realized marrying for love was more important than marry for financial gain.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, this is my honest review.

Staying the Course!

Louisa wants two things, to be a doctor, and to never return to her home town of Sweetwater Crossing. Sadly, she does have to go back, though she plans to stay just a few days. But then she finds a seriously injured man, Josh, lying in the road on the way into town. After setting his broken leg, she decides to remain until his cast comes off.

Josh is part of the family that owns a famous department store in New York City, and is competing with his cousin for the job of running the company. Whoever comes up with the best idea of a new addition to the store will win.

Unfortunately, the day his horse threw him and disappeared, all his plans vanished, too, since they were in the saddlebags.

While laid up, he is inspired to turn two buildings located in the small town into one. He intends to make them into a tearoom, and a gourmet gift shop. Among other things, it will sell items served in the tearoom. Louisa becomes a vital part of the plan by contributing lots of good ideas. Will this project win him the reins of the company?

Louisa is trying to get the town to accept a woman doctor in 1883 Texas. She faces many hurdles and dangers, including having her life threatened. At the same time, she is unjustly accused of things designed to keep patients away from her. Additionally, a man is pursuing her who wants to talk her out of being a doctor.

This is an exciting story that will keep you riveted to the pages. The character's faith adds a good element to this clean tale. The story and characters will stay with you long after finishing this five-star book. Fans of compelling, well-written tales will love this!

Thank you, Revell Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

I liked Louisa a lot in this novel. She is brave, determined, intelligent, and compassionate. It was interesting to read about a female doctor in the late nineteenth century, which was a rare thing! I also enjoyed the setting of the novel and thought the descriptions were well written such that I was able to picture the beautiful scenery. I liked the development of romance between Louisa and Josh. I thought it was realistic and natural and not forced. Rounding out this lovely novel were the integration of some great spiritual truths that were bold but not preachy. Perhaps a bit slow at first, nonetheless, I liked the surprising twist of mystery in the book as well! Overall, an enjoyable read, and one that I recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is the second book of this series. In a word: I loved it! It was sweet, had action and mystery and was just plain good reading! Louisa is a brave woman learning to be able to help the sick and injured as a doctor. Not an easy occupation for a woman in this historic time period. She is a great example of fortitude and bravery against all odds!
The romance that develops was well paced and their relationship came organically and believable. It was a very enjoyable book for me and I really want to read more from this talented author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Louisa Vaughn travels to Sweetwater Crossing for a funeral. She is originally from the small town. On the way to Sweetwater Crossing, she comes across Josh Porter. He was injured when he was thrown from his horse. Louisa is working her way to being a full doctor. Right now, she only have practice under a doctor and works as a midwife. She is given the keys to the doctor's quarters because the town needs a doctor. The wife of the former doctor signs everything over to Louisa stating she wants nothing to do with the infirmary nor Sweetwater Crossing. The town is not so accepting of her nor a female doctor. She says throughout the book that is the issue with treating people in the town you grew up in. They don't trust her and no matter how hard she works to earn it they don't give it. Louisa is able to eventually earn the trust of a enough people to feel comfortable practicing in Sweetwater Crossing. Louisa and Josh get close while she helps him heal. She also have the attention of Randall, a carpenter. She spends time with both and enjoys their company. Randall proposes first but Louisa turns him down because she is in love with Josh. Josh proposes and she accepts. Against the Wind was an enjoyable read and I enjoyed Amanda Cabot's writing style.
½

I just love this series! I really enjoyed the first novel and really looked forward to reading Louisa's story in this one. Louisa has been studying medicine and really enjoying no one knowing her or her family's past. A death in Sweetwater Crossing has her heading back to where she swore she'd never return to but it is the right thing to do concerning the situation. Before reaching Sweetwater a medical situation has Louisa putting the doctor cap back on and due to the severity of the injured, her time in Sweetwater appears to be more than she had been counting on. But as always, God has a plan and although Louisa feels she is being questioned and tested with everything she does, things work out for a reason and often the hardest struggle is accepting that. I really enjoyed Louisa and Josh's story and look forward to reading the next in this series.

I’ve been a fan of this author since I read Paper Roses and each series I’ve read is captivating. I love the Secrets Of Sweetwater Crossing series and this is book two so I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next installment as these Vaughn sisters are like family. I was so happy Louisa returned home and brought an injured man she found along the road. It was interesting to see Josh story unfold and what he brings to the story. It was a pleasure to watch Louisa grow and find confidence in herself to follow her heart to be a midwife and Dr. it is hard to break down barriers when you are a trailblazer especially when you face obstacles and even danger that you didn’t see lurking. I love how family, faith, romance, and intrigue culminate into a must read story that you definitely won’t want to put down. An enjoyable read that ticks all the right boxes for me. Be swept away to 1883 and immerse yourself in a story that captures your heart.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.