This photo was taken as we flew to Barcelona on our trip to Israel. A once in a lifetime photo. I’d been awake all night and happened to look out the window just as the sun peeked over the horizon. And now onto our book for this week.
Have you ever read a book that weeks later, you’re still thinking about? Well, that’s the way I feel about Amanda Cabot’s Out of the Embers. 
Here’s the back cover copy:
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 Take:
Cabot does such a good job of setting you in the Hill Country of Texas. I really want to travel there one day when the bluebonnets are blooming like the way they were in the story! And her characters. Wyatt Clark is the kind of man that is every woman’s secret wish! Strong, rugged-looking, honest, and vulnerable. And that he works with horses is just icing on the cake.
And everything Evelyn has been through has made her a strong woman. It took a lot of courage for her to strike out across Texas with a six-year-old after the orphanage where Evelyn had grown up in and now worked burned to the ground. I loved the way Cabot worked in the intricate details of two crimes that followed Evelyn and Polly
I loved watching not only the romance develop between Wyatt and Evelyn, but Wyatt as he struggled with what he wanted to do. Evelyn always knew what she wanted, and she knew what Wyatt needed. And the cast of secondary characters is so good. I was sorry when the book ended…but then I realized there would be more! And the next one is about Wyatt’s sister, Dorothy.
I read and recommend a lot of books, but Out of the Embers is one story you do not want to miss.
Leave a comment, and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a book from my library (includes Out of the Embers). I’m going to assume everyone reads historical fiction one time or another, so tell me why you do.
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Comments 51
This book looks incredible!! I love reading historical fiction, as it is a relaxing (or suspenseful!) way to learn about history, and gives a better perspective about people’s real experiences, rather than just the dry facts that you read in most history books. I really enjoyed the World History study I recently finished, but that was at least partly due to my previous historical reading. I could actually put characters into the timeline!!
Author
That is so interesting, Monique. I love it when I can do that with a book! Thanks for stopping in today!
I’m not sure why, but, I have always loved history. That’s probably one reason why I love historical fiction, and I have been reading Amanda Cabot books for years. I can’t wait to read Out of the Embers, and your description of the book has made me even more excited.
Author
I love history, too, Phyllis, but I’m not real big on reading historical fiction. Not sure why…maybe that’s changing though, partly because of books like Amanda Cabot’s. Thanks for dropping by!
I once lived in Texas for 2 years and loved it, love bluebonnets, and teach history, which makes reading it a delight. I also like this story premise. I don’t believe in once-in-a-lifetime trips. Good things bear repeating.
Author
I agree, Delores! I think you would love Out of the Embers! So glad you stopped by!
I have always loved history. Every summer when we visited my father’s parents in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, my mother would plan day trips to historical places such as Gettysburg, D.C. , Philadelphia. She was a self taught authority and was eventually an Antique Dealer. And it all started when she discovered neat things in Grandma’s attic. Later, I started reading Eugenia Price. I was hooked on historical fiction.
Author
Oh, Paula! I had totally forgotten about Eugenia Price! I loved her books…don’t know why I moved away from historicals. Maybe because I got caught up in romantic suspense. 🙂 I will have to go back and re-read her books. Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful photo and verse, Pat. I can visualize the castles in the sky.
I am not a fan of reading historical fiction. I’m not sure why. When it’s in a movie I like it. Probably just the way my brain works. Occasionally though, one of those books finds me, and I’m hooked. I can still remember a book I read while in middle school that a friend recommended, about a young French boy who experienced the Normandy invasion on D-Day. I really enjoyed it. The author put me right there. Maybe that’s what it takes for me.
Author
I know exactly what you mean, Tim. But as I read books like Out of the Embers I realize I may be missing out on a lot of good books. Now I can’t wait for Amanda’s next book to come out. And I’m glad you liked the photo and verse. Good to ‘see’ you!
I loved Eugenia Price’s books! Guess I slid into more romantic books ’cause I have never read Amanda’s books. I can’t wait to try them though, after your review! Have a blessed weekend!
Author
Thanks, Jackie! And I didn’t know the Out of the Embers ebook would be on sale when I posted the review! Hope you have a blessed weekend, too.
Patricia, come on down! Texas is a lovely state. We have everything from beaches to deserts to bluebonnets! This spring, when the world was shut down, the bluebonnets grew everywhere…along the curb…in the interstate medians…in full fields. Across from our church, there is an empty lot. Amid lots and lots of weeds, there was a smattering of blue. Such a beautiful reminder of God’s beauty…even amidst the trying times of quarantine.
Author
I’d love to see the bluebonnets, Heather! My neighbors across the street from me grew up in Texas and they’re always talking about the flowers. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t normally read historical fiction. I’ve always migrated to romantic suspense or mysteries. Not sure why because as I’ve gotten older I find myself much more interested in our history of the United States. I’ll have to check her book out.
Author
You’ll be glad you did, Nicole. I love Amanda’s books.
Patricia — Needless to say, I’m thrilled that you’re still thinking about Out of the Embers. What a compliment! And today’s the perfect day to share your thoughts with others, because the ebook version of Out of the Embers is on sale for $1.99. As for historical fiction, I love being immersed in a different time period, but I also love reading contemporary books, with yours high on my list of “not to be missed” stories.
Author
Thanks for dropping by, Amanda. Looking forward to the next book!
I really liked Out of the Embers too. You are right, Patricia, it is one that sticks in your mind. Now I’m halfway through reading Standoff and enjoying that too. So happy for the privilege of being a Revell reviewer!
Author
Thank you, Pearl! So glad you’re enjoying Standoff! And thanks for stopping by today.
I just like to read about their behaviors back then and the way they dressed and had relationships.
Author
Those are excellent reasons, Lynn. It’s much more interesting to read about those things in a novel than an article. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
I love the photo and scripture verse. Thank you for sharing. I agree with you on Out of the Embers as I enjoyed it tremendously. I read historical fiction because I can learn something new most of the time. Have a blessed weekend.
Author
Thanks, Lucy. I think learning something new is one reason I’m beginning to like historicals more. Thanks for dropping by!
I love historical fiction – I have learned so much history through those well researched books. The verse is very meaningful at this time and the picture is gorgeous – Thanks 🙂
Author
Betti, a lot of research does go into historicals…even more than romantic suspense. At least I don’t have to be careful of how my hero might phrase something! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I love historical fiction because the people back then were so tough and paved the way for all of us today. Its fascinating to read about the different settings, how they lived and what they went through. It can make our lives seem so much easier in comparison sometimes.
Author
People had to be tough back then, Megan, and they had different stresses than we do–like the lack of modern-day antibiotics and treatments. I shudder to think of me living in some of the times! Thanks for stopping by.
Historical fiction is fun because you get to disappear into a different time period and experience totally different things. In some ways things were simpler than, but in other ways they were so much harder than we have it now.
Author
That’s what I’m discovering, Megan–the disappearing into a different time peroid.
I have read books by Amanda Cabot before and know that she is a gifted story teller who draws you right into the pages. I am in Ontario, Canada.
Author
Yes, Amanda’s books draw the reader right in, Susan! So glad you stopped by!
Love the picture and Scripture! Your pictures have made me want to hit the road again to see some new sights and look for opportunities for some great pictures. I enjoy historical fiction, particularly with an Old West setting. Some of my earliest books were about cowboys. Then I started reading biographies, like Davy Crockett, Kit Carson, Daniel Boone, and so on. I believe I would enjoy this book. When our library reopens, I’ll have to look for some books by Amanda Cabot.
Author
I read those same biographies, Edward! The first biography I remember reading had to be checked out on my Mom’s card. It was about Will Rogers, and I’ve never forgotten it. Thanks for stopping by!
I really like clean historical novels, and this one sounds like a gem! Thanks for an opportunity to win!
Author
I agree, MS Barb about clean historicals. I think you hit the nail on the head as to why I’m not as fond of historicals as other genres–I used to read the general market Regency romances! Thank goodness for authors like Amanda Cabot! Thanks so much for stopping by.
I’ve been wanting to read OUT OF THE EMBERS. Thank you for the recommendation. Historical fiction is my favorite genre after mystery/suspense.
Enjoy your weekend!
Author
You will enjoy it, Caryl! I’m getting there on the historical genre! Thanks for stopping by.
I grew up reading historicals and biographies, as mentioned. I love Eugenia Price’s books. I mostly read suspense and mysteries but have recently read some Christian Regencies and am reminded why I used to enjoy them…like Victoria Holt.
Author
I remember reading Victoria Holt, Gloria! It’s been a minute, though. I’ll have to look them up. Thanks so much for stopping by. I think you would enjoy Out of the Embers.
I am a history buff!So I love to read books in historical places
Author
That’s great, Shelia! I think you will really enjoy Out of the Embers! Thanks for stopping by.
Author
Hi, Shelia! So good to ‘see’ you here! I’m a history buff so I find it odd that I’m not a big historical reader. Maybe I’m turning a corner. 🙂
I’m haven’t read much historical fiction, but this book sounds very interesting. I liked the review. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is very interesting, Diana! So glad you stopped by!
LOVED the photo!!!
Author
Glad you liked it, Deb. Thanks for stopping by!
I like learning about history much better through fiction that I did in History class! I would say it takes you back to a simpler time but I’m not sure it really does. Slower paced in some ways but they had SO much work to do!
Author
Absolutely, Joan about learning history through fiction! Although I did like history, except for learning dates. lol And it was slower paced–a lot of people are learning that now, don’t you think. Not everyone, but some. (My life has not slowed one bit! lol)
I love Amanda Cabot! This new book is definitely on my want-to-read list.
I love reading historical because I get to learn history through the pages of a book. I always said if my high school history teachers taught like the author writes and made it as interesting, I would have learned so much more…lol! It was not my favorite subject in school, but I love books where the author just brings whatever era to life for me!
Author
I so agree, Trixi! Some teachers made history so dry, but others made it entertaining. They could all take a page from authors. lol