Amanda Cabot’s Dreams Rekindled is what I’m reading this week, and I have to tell you, I really enjoyed the story. It’s book 2 in the Mesquite Springs series and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
But first, the photo which you’ve seen before. I’ve probably used the scripture verse too, but today Psalm 62:1-2 really spoke to me as I face another deadline July 1. Especially after I realized my heroine was an FBI agent when she should be a park ranger! Oi vey!
An update on my daughter–she is out of the hospital and recovering from Covid pneumonia although she will have to have a procedure on her lung Monday. The doctor is very optimistic all will be well…eventually.
Now onto Amanda Cabot’s Dreams Rekindled
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 the way Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin has. 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. He 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. And 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.
With this second novel in the Mesquite Springs series, bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you to discover the healing power of truth.
My take:
I waited eagerly for Dreams Rekindled to release after I finished Out of the Embers, and it did not disappoint. Dorothy was determined to become a writer. When the newspaper comes to town, she sees her opportunity. The problem is, she is attracted to the publisher, Brandon. The reason that’s a problem is Dorothy saw her mother descend into a deep depression after their father died. She would not put a child through that and determined to never marry.
Brandon brings his own problems to Mesquite Springs, and of course, he’ll have to confront them. Helping him to do that is a great antagonist in Phil Blakeslee. Cabot did a great job with him making him both sympathetic and flawed.
I enjoyed watching their romance play out and also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes story of publishing a paper in the mid-1800s.
This is a great story of redemption, it and has a little mystery to it. I love the addition of the dog, Nutmeg. I also love the setting and would love to live in Mesquite, Texas!
There’s another book in the series and I can’t wait to read it!
In the story, Dorothy’s life was impacted by a book–Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Have you ever had a book (other than the Bible–that’s a given) to impact your life or change the way you look at something? Leave your comments and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a book from my library.
You can find purchase links for Dreams Rekindled here.
I was privileged to receive a copy of Dreams Rekindled from Amanda Cabot, and I will pass it along to someone who leaves a comment this week.
Oh, I also forgot to draw a winner for Nancy Mehl’s book, Night Fall. And the winner is…Mj Christopher.
This week I'm reviewing Amanda Cabot's Dreams Rekindled. Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for the book! #bookgiveaway #amreading Share on X
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Comments 26
Years ago, How Green Was My Valley impacted me. That and several other great books persuaded me to become a teacher of English and other subjects and a writer. I’m happy with the results.
Author
I remember that movie, not sure I ever read the book. Greer Garson starred in it. So glad you stopped by.
Photos and Scripture go together so well, and reviewing them reinforces their meaning and impact. Thanks, Pat.
I’ve read a number of biographies that have had an impact on my life. Reading about how people met their challenges, and moved on to success in their lives and fields of work has inspired me.
Author
Tim, when I was probably in the 3rd or 4th grade, I read a biography of Will Rogers and went around whistling for days…and trying to twirl a lasso. lol But it inspired me to be better. I still remember that. Thanks for stopping by!
I listened to Out of the Embers as an audio book but have not read Dreams Rekindled. I would love to read it.
Author
Hi Suzanne. I was with an online book club last night and they are discussing Out of the Embers May 27 if you’re interested in attending. It’s audio and you attend on your tablet or phone.
I can get anyone who is interested an invite to the club that meets twice a month to discuss a book with its author.
My husband used to work in Mesquite TX. It’s a nice place for sure. The rodeo that is there is awesome as well. Might have to grab this book just because of that. Will be praying for your daughter’s procedure and recovery.
Author
Thank you Toni! She is feeling much better. I think you’d really enjoy this book! Good to see you here.
I am happy to hear that your daughter is on the road to recovery. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is a book that really touched me years ago.
Author
Good book, Gloria! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I really enjoy reading Amanda’s books. They are always so enjoyable and fun to read. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Author
Faith, Amanda’s books are awesome! I can’t wait for the next one to release. Thanks for stopping by.
sounds like a great book !
Author
Hi Shelia! So good to ‘see’ you here. Thanks for stopping by.
I think just about every one of Becky Wade’s books have made a huge impact in my life. Her faith themes in the books are powerful & always speak to me in some way. I also just read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sisters series that was pretty powerful too. Both authors helped remind me of God’s truths in my own life. I LOVE when a writer allows God to speak to a reader through their words.
I have “Out of the Embers” so I would definitely want to add “Dreams Rekindled”. Thanks for the chance to win a copy, Patricia!
Author
Hi Trixi! I have two of Suzanne’s Three Sisters series. When I get the 3rd one, I may give them away as a set! Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the recommendation. Also praying for your daughter’s complete recovery.
Author
Thank you, Kay. She is getting better every day. So glad you stopped by!
Having read a few thousand books over the years, I don’t think I can choose one specific book that had more impact than any others. For me, the impact would be from the sum total of all the reading I have done, especially the ones that have dealt with walking the Christian life on a daily basis. At different points in my life, different books have spoken to me more powerfully than others.
I enjoyed seeing this picture again. Thanks for sharing it.
Author
I know exactly what you mean, Edward. I wonder how many books I’ve read over the years? Glad you like the reposted photo! I took a sunset tonight that will show up Tuesday. 🙂 So glad you stopped by.
Beautiful photo. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear that your daughter is recovering and hope that she feels better soon.
Author
Diana, she’s feeling better each day, PTL! Even driving now. I think she’ll be back in her own apartment soon. Thanks for thinking of her. And Amanda Cabot’s book is excellent!
Love the scripture and photo, Pat! Thank you for sharing Dreams Rekindled.
Enjoy your weekend.
Author
Thanks, Caryl! Hope you have a great weekend, too.
I think that books like the Little House and the Nancy Drew series formed my love of fiction, but I don’t think I would call it life changing. I always enjoy your photos and scripture verses. I’m glad to hear that your daughter is doing better. I know from other friends that recovery from Covid pneumonia can be a long road.
Author
Perrianne, it has been a long road for her, with miles still to go. Thanks for thinking of her. I’m so glad you enjoy the photos and scripture verses! Thanks so much for stopping by.