ABOUT THE BOOK:
A brighter future awaits--if she can
escape the shadows of the past
Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight,
but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome
and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under
mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the handsome new schoolteacher,
Craig Ferguson, and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless.
When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is
so incensed that she leaves town.
Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to
solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig, despite her fears of
men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative
teacher, and an unexpected ally. As they work to uncover the truth, they just
may find the key to unlock a future neither could have imagined.
"If you love stories with interesting historical backgrounds, convincing
characters, and compelling plots, Amanda Cabot's After the Shadows is a book
you won't want to miss."--Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of When the
Meadow Blooms
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of After the Shadows, as well as several historical and contemporary romance series, including Mesquite Springs, Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.
EXCERPT:
LINK TO EXCERPT COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER
TRAILER:
LINK TO TRAILER COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER
REVIEW:
A touching story filled with faith, family, healing, and an unsolved mystery . . .
I have had the pleasure of reading several of this author's previous historical romances, and this story is a strong kick-off to her Sweetwater Crossing series. Set in 1882 Texas, the story takes place in a small town named Sweetwater Crossing where things are not always as they appear.
The lead female character, Emily Leland, has returned to her family's home after a year away. Tragedy strikes the small family again, and Emily's life is sent into yet another tailspin for the third time in a short time. When she learns that her family's home--Finley House--is in dire financial straits, she immediately springs into action to resolve the issue.
The new schoolmaster, Craig Ferguson, and his two-and-a-half year old son, Noah, arrive in town at the worst possible time. They are both grieving and want to begin a new life. Mr. Ferguson's teaching skills are effective, but his disciplinary methods are questioned by many of the town's leaders and citizens. Noah is a lively addition to the story as his antics bring humor to the story at much needed points in the story.
One aspect of this story I found unique and which I greatly appreciated was the inclusion of a developmentally delayed twelve-year-old girl, Beulah, in the plot. Beulah was a delightful girl who wanted to attend school. Because of the interference of some of the town's adults and one classmate in particular, things did not always go smoothly for this sweet girl.
The mystery which unfolds in the story was heart-wrenching for Emily and many others in the town. Craig and Emily work together to solve the mystery so that the perpetrator can be stopped. In the meantime, the pair forms an undeniable bond.
The faith thread is strong and runs through the entire story. This book is completely clean in language and content. Fans of historical fiction and historical romance will appreciate this author's skill at immersing her readers in the time period and setting for her story.
A lovely review...and I'm adding it to my TBR list
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