Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs)

Title: Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs #2)
Author: Amanda Cabot
Pages: 352
Year: 2021
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Amanda Cabot is a new author for me, personally. I am thankful that I didn’t have to read book one to enjoy the second book in the current series. The first book of the series, Out of the Embers, tells the story of Evelyn Radcliff and Wyatt Clark. Dorothy Clark is Wyatt’s younger sister and has dreams of writing in an era where that was not the norm. However, Dorothy doesn’t much care and when a new person comes to the town where she lives to begin a newspaper, Dorothy is excited.
Brandon Holloway comes to town but for a fresh start not to stir things up. When Dorothy becomes interested in the newspaper and with her enthusiasm, she just might help Brandon overcome his fears. Another character is introduced to readers and the town, Phil Blakeslee, but he doesn’t have the same goal as either Dorothy or Brandon, and he sets out to wreak havoc. Can Phil keep the paper from influencing the townsfolk?
Amanda Cabot’s writing is not heavy and thought-provoking; it is lighthearted but with themes that do touch the heart. The setting is pre-civil war and in a small town where everybody pretty much is aware of all that is happening around them. The series is historical fiction, and I enjoyed seeing the novel’s plot progress and the characters interact in a way I see as predictable. Predictability is not necessarily a negative quality; I just prefer books that bring in a surprise now and again to keep me engaged.
Reading is a gift and a joy, so I appreciate authors who share their imaginative tales. Perhaps the next book in the series or another book by the author will draw me into the pages. Why not pick up a copy and read the book for yourself and let me know what you think?
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )