Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor's excessive bleeding treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.
Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.
With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.
With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
I have read all of Amanda Cabot's historical fiction books and still get excited when I see a new one! A Borrowed Dream is the second book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and it was every bit as great as I knew it would be! Austin Goddard was a Plastic Surgeon in this book but buys a ranch as a newcomer in Cimarron Creek and is now a rancher to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. Now given the time this historical book takes place in you're probably thinking to yourself, as I was, Plastic Surgeon? Yes, they were already established back then and called that as well. Now I love reading author's notes on research they have done. You really do learn so much and so much in fictional books are based on facts. Catherine Whitfield, schoolteacher in Cimarron Creek will never trust another medical professional especially after the doctor in town's bleeding "cure" leads to her mother's premature death. She wants to be his first love but Austin is a widower with a small child. Her friend tells her that it's better to be his last love and have lasting love. Is she ready to let her heart have a second chance romance since her first romance didn't work out as she had hoped. My heart went out to the two children in the story, Hannah and Seth. They really made the story for me. How will Catherine's heart handle that she has fallen in love with a doctor, can it be worked out? Filled with dreams,hopes,redemption,danger and full of surprises you'll definiely want to read this one! Pub Date 20 Mar 2018 I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a wonderful combination of historical fiction, suspense, and romance. Catherine Whitfield is a spinster schoolteacher who has just lost her mother. The death was horrible due to a doctor who was still using old fashioned healing. So she now hates all doctors. Austin Goddard is a widower with a young daughter who is running from danger to both he and his daughter. Once a plastic surgeon (and yes there were plastic surgeons in the 1880's), he is now hiding as a rancher. Hannah and Seth are both adorable children struggling with problems. Hannah has retreated into silence and not eating since her mother died. Seth is beset by an abusive father. Each of these characters adds a special touch to this endearing story. Each of them with the help of the other three finds a way back to happiness and normalcy. Cabot entwines a well written spiritual thread throughout the story line that also enhances this story.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot is the second novel in Cimarron Creek Trilogy. Catherine Whitfield is the schoolteacher in Cimarron Creek and lives alone since her mother passed away. Catherine has a strong dislike of physician’s courtesy of the local doctors archaic practice of bleeding, purging and blistering which hastened her mother’s demise. Catherine has a chance to marry, but she does not want to be a person’s second choice. Austin Goodard is the new widower in town with a young daughter, Hannah. He has traveled across the country to hide from Sherman Enright. Sherman is a dangerous criminal who wants Austin to use his surgical skills in a way that goes against Austin’s values. Unfortunately, Sherman is not one to take no for an answer. Austin has bought a ranch and is keeping his medical background under wraps. Catherine and Austin are brought together in their desire to help Hannah, who has become withdrawn and quiet, and assist Seth Dalton. Seth has an abusive, slave driver for a father and natural artistic skill. Austin is falling for the schoolteacher, but she is unaware of his secret. In order for Austin to have the future he envisions with Catherine, he will have to deal with Sherman Enright.
A Borrowed Dream is well-written, has a steady pace and delightful characters. The characters are well-developed and, most of them, are warm caring people that you would want as friends. Sherman Enright and his minions along with Seth’s father provide a counterpoint to Austin and Catherine. There are smooth transitions as the story goes from one scene to the next. Amanda Cabot has a fluid writing style that gives readers an engaging novel. It is a multi-layered story (which I loved) filled with suspense, mystery, history and romance. I had no idea there were plastic surgeons that far back in history. The author included some research information at the end of the book that propelled me into finding out more about the profession (it is fascinating). The Christian element is present and is gently woven into the story (forgiveness, prayer, having faith, trust, helping others and letting God show you the way). It is done with a light touch. A Borrowed Dream can be read alone. The characters from A Stolen Heart are in A Borrowed Dream, and it is nice to catch up with them. Grace Sims is a character introduced in the story (Catherine takes her in), and I hope we get to find out more about Grace in the next book in the trilogy. A Borrowed Dream is a heartwarming and charming story that will delight those who read it.
Ah! After finishing Amanda Cabot’s book, The Borrowed Dream, I just want to bask in the glow of a clean, romantic western that touched all the right places of my heart. There is just the right amount of mystery with the disappearance years ago of the daughter of one of the founding families. There is suspense as rancher Austin Goddard tries to hide his true identity, yet still help people. There is romance as two people with very giving hearts are drawn together. Faith plays an important role, as well. How will God lead Catherine Whitfield and Austin to conquer fears and overcome evil in order to enjoy the life they believe God has for them?
Amanda Cabot somehow has masterfully mixed all these ingredients into a tale that has the feel of “Little House on the Prairie,” yet with faith and more suspense intertwined. The two children in this novel, Seth and Hannah, are delightful and major players in the drama. While The Borrowed Dream is book two of the series, it stands alone quite well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influences my opinions, freely given, for which I am solely responsible.
Engaging series set in Texas. A Borrowed Dream takes place in 1881 with a returning character from the first in the series: Catherine. Catherine has dreams of visiting Paris and dreams of being the first and only love of her future husband.
Austin Goddard is a single father that is on the run to protect his six year old daughter.
There is plenty in the novel to keep the pages turning. I look forward to the conclusion of the Cimarron Creek Trilogy.
A Borrowed Dream is such a wonderful combination of sweet, small town romance, historical fiction, and a suspense drama. I loved how perfect Catherine and Austin are for each other and how they are stronger in all aspects of their lives together. There was so much action towards the end that I absolutely couldn’t put the book down. The town of Cimmaron Creek is such a sweet little town and I love most of the residents and how most of them just want to help each other. There were so many surprises throughout the story. This series have been the first books I’ve ever read by Amanda Cabot but I absolutely love her writing style.
This is the second book in Cabot's Cimarron Creek series, set in Victorian-era Texas. The first book, A Stolen Heart, featured Catherine quite a bit as she befriended the new-in-town Lydia Crawford, the heroine of book one. From that book we saw her lose her mother and lose her trust in a man she had loved.
This story picks up with Catherine still teaching at the local school as she was in the first book. She is living alone and trying not to be lonely, so when an abused boy catches her eye it's easy for her to dream of rescuing him and taking him in. But his abuser is his drunken father, who's not about to give up his boy, and her efforts to convince the man that the boy is worth sending to school are sure to meet with some decided resistance.
Austin, the hero, is new in town. He has more secrets than any man ought to have, and a little girl who's sure to steal everyone's heart. He seems to know quite a bit about health and wounds for a normal rancher, but he brushes it off and goes on with hardly an explanation, which of course makes the heroine and the readers instantly wonder what he means by the knowledge and how he came to know it.
Before long Catherine finds herself acting mother to both the abused boy and to Austin's lonely little girl, and these are some of my favorite parts from the story. I really, really enjoy such stories! And then we also have more of the continued mystery from the first book, which I won't specify because of spoilers, other than to say how much I enjoyed getting to know Grace through this story.
We just get comfortable with the town and characters, though, when danger arrives in town, and it's time to keep those pages flying to the very end. Wow...I didn't see some of the stuff at the ending coming!
In all, an enjoyable and suspenseful read!
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
"There are many kinds of love . . . . Sometimes what we call first love is nothing more than infatuation . . . . . Last love is what endures."
Catherine Whitfield is certain that pursuing any sort of personal relationship with the handsome new widower in town is out of the question; after being jilted once before, she has no intention of being a second choice for any man. Comfortable in her occupation as Cimarron Creek's school teacher, she continues to grieve the recent passing of her dear mother, while avoiding the use of the town doctor to treat any of her sick students; after all, she is convinced that the man accelerated the death of her mother with his barbaric treatments.
Austin Goddard's transformation from renowned surgeon to Texas rancher was created out of desperation. He has moved his young daughter Hannah across the country to Cimarron Creek, in order to begin a new life, miles away from the criminal intentions of an East Coast thug. When he enrolls Hannah in Catherine Whitefield's classroom, her generous smile and capable spirit easily capture the attention of both father and daughter. However, as long as Austin is forced to remain in hiding, his secrets must remain intact.
As one begins this novel, any preconceived notions of predictability soon disappear, as the author skillfully injects surprising plot twists within her sweet story of "borrowed dreams".
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing through the Interviews and Reviews book review program. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
This is book 2 in the Cimarron Creek trilogy. The book picks up right where book 1 ends, so I wouldn't recommend reading it first. This book follows Catherine Whitfield, a teacher in Cimmaron Creek who just lost her mother to the "butcher" of a local doctor. It has soured her view on doctors forever and she will do whatever it takes to keep the people she loves out of his hands.
Austin Goddard is a plastic surgeon on the run from a criminal mastermind bent on revenge. He arrives in town with his 6 year old daughter determined to start a new life as a rancher keeping everything about his former life secret for the protection of his daughter.
I enjoyed this story of Catherine and Austin, as well as the continued arrivals of the previous stories characters. I totally called the identity of the "visitor" and suspected the man who led to her original departure. I wasn't sure about the part of Austin being a plastic surgeon during the late 1800's, but I appreciated the authors note at the end about it and how it really was possible.
I have a feeling I know how the third book may play out in regards to one of the subplots, but we shall see. I am also looking forward to meeting Thea. I haven't seen her since I first read the author's Paper Roses a couple years ago. I might need to go re-read that book to remember Thea's back story before book #3 comes out.
This is a good new series. NOthing that you have to think too hard about. And you get the closure you are wanting.
A Borrowed Dream is Ms. Cabot's newest historical romance and fans of her Cimarron Creek series will not want to miss it. We get to visit with previous couples in the series, catch up on their lives, but if you haven't read the other books in the series, no worries because this easily stands alone.
There is a measure of suspense in the book as Austin is running from someone in order to live, but it is not edge-of-the-seat suspense, it's more of a slow and easy type that won't scare you but will keep you reading.
Catherine has no respect for doctor's due to the outdated practices of the town's sole physician who follows ancient medical traditions such as bleeding. This killed her mother, so even when her students need medical attention she takes them home and feeds them chicken soup. Sparks fly when she learns that Austin is actually a doctor!
If you like historical romance, Amanda Cabot is one of the best.
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Great book.
I got a copy free and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This was the 2nd book in the series and even though I hadn’t read the first book, it was still easy to understand. I think reading them in order would be better though. School teacher Catherine, is in mourning for her mother and doesn’t trust any doctors after what the doctor had done to her mother. Austin is a doctor pretending to be a rancher to save his 6 year old daughter from a dangerous criminal. Catherine and Austin fall in love and he wonders how long he can keep his secret.
When I left Cimarron Creek last year, I had some concerns that the story may fade into memory due to the strength of its main duo. So, I'm thrilled to report that book 2 addressed almost all of my concerns providing satisfying characters, an intriguing plot, and more insight into the little Texas town.
For all my concerns about Lydia carrying a book, Catherine steps into a lead role with ease. Cabot wastes no time establishing Catherine as a relatable lead. I appreciated the depth of her struggles wrestling with both her future and her grief over the events in book 1, not to mention the wonderful connections this made between the book. Lydia flourishes in the role of best friend and I feel Cabot used Catherine's leading role to draw more depth out of her secondary characters giving the whole cast a deeper feel.
Catherine's wrestling to find healing from the emotional injuries of book 1 make for a wonderful plot line that is sure to draw readers in. Again, I appreciated the continuity as it not only provides a strong plot but actually strengthens book 1 through its efforts. Cabot also manages to provide a nice balance of life growth elements through Catherine's journey, adventure through Austin Goddard's past, and emotional drama through the struggles of the children Seth and Hannah. There really was something for everyone. Personally, I was excited to see that the story of Joan (my favourite character Aunt Bertha's daughter) was, indeed, continued in a satisfying manner, showing that Cabot truly does have the ability to plan out a overarching plot and nail down her elements throughout the story. I'm excited to see where Joan's story leads in book 3 A Tender Hope at its release next year.
My only downside to the story was the use of dreams to drive the plot along. Catherine, Grace, and Austin all had pivotal moments resolved by the content of someone's dreams. This element felt a bit too contrived (perhaps since it's not in my experience?) and tended to throw me out of the story momentarily due to incredulity.
That said, A Borrowed Dream is a strong addition to the Cimarron Creek series and provides the memorable punch to bring readers back. 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book as part of the Revell Reads book tour in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the first Amanda Cabot book that I have read, I'm glad that I found this "new to me" author. It looks like she has many books that I can dive into.
I enjoyed my time with A Borrowed Dream. The significance of the title is explained in the story, it is a perfect match for this book.
Catherine and Austin are both holding part of themselves back. They are reluctant to open their heart to someone, for very different reasons. I loved their learning curves as they struggled to understand the importance of each other and that it is a good thing to let another into your life.
Austin has an adorable daughter. Hannah was a large part of bringing them together. She also has struggles and the love that they both had for her carried the story in some places. I found this story to be paced well, but it lagged for me a little in the middle. I knew that there were unresolved issues that needed to be addressed, but I was ready for the happy ever after part.I was skeptical about the idea of a "plastic surgeon" in the late 1800's. It looks like the author did her research and it was really something available. I always like when I learn something new from my love of fiction reading.
This is the second book in a series. I have not read the first, but I do not feel like it impeded my understanding or enjoyment of the book. The first book is now on my TBR list and I would love to pick up the third when it is released.
The book does contain kissing and non-graphic violence. It is a Christian romance.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed the way the author is able to weave plot and subplots together so that they're all integral to the story. I greatly appreciated the maturity the characters display; the author does a good job of paving the way for them to accept hard truths with grace. For example, in the inevitable revelation of Austin's true profession, Catherine doesn't run in fear and loathing, but has already started accepting that there may be other doctors more respectable and competent than the local leech--they can't all be bad. It is far from the only example of characters slowly growing over the course of the story so that when confronted with something that could have been crippling at the beginning of the story, they can deal with it because God has been working in them to get them through.
It's fun learning something new in anything I read, and this time it was the ancientness of plastic surgery--even the name for it is much older than I would have expected. Knowing the author to be good about ensuring her historical details are authentic, I suspected it must be the case when the term and practice came up in the story, but her author's note at the end confirmed it, with even more detail. Who'd have thought? I loved the role it played in the story, both its use for good, and the enterprising criminal who sought to take advantage of it.
Another sweet love story!
Thank you Revell and NetGalley for a free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
Amanda has written another wonderful book! I love all of her stories but I think this one is her best so far!! I really do enjoy a sweet, lovable, and clean read and did I say I love twists and turns too? This book has all of that and many more too! I love Amanda's books because she takes time to research and leaves notes at the end of her story I studied about medicine in collage but I had no idea that the term "plastic surgery" was used back in biblical times. ( They didn't teach us that in school where it originates from I mean) I feel like I learn new things by reading the authors notes at the end of the story. There wasn't really anything that I didn't like because it was all very wonderful. I especially liked that Amanda brought Lydia and Travis back into the book. They're two of my favorites although you couldn't help falling in love with Austin too! His daughter is just as adorable. While at the same time I wanted to call Bone Dalton dumkoff. I really wanted to "murder" him myself at times. This book will make your mouth fall open throughout the book and you will burn some midnight oil. Amanda is one of my favorites authors. I can't wait to reveal yet another mystery!! I received this book for free. All opinions are my own!
A classic style historical romance. Amanda Cabot again delivers a heartwarming read. She’s not afraid to tackle some real subjects while also doing so in a broad sweep so as not to lose the endearing elements a true historical romance reader loves. It was really interesting to learn the history plastic surgery has even in historical times. Who knew? Looking forward to book 3 of the Cimarron Creek Trilogy!
Grace Whitfield is the schoolmarm in Cimarron Creek, Texas. She’s grieving the loss of her mother due to the town’s inept physician, even though the youngsters she teaches bring joy to her aching heart. When Austin Goddard, a handsome outsider, buys ranch property in the area and brings his young daughter to the school, Grace senses a man hiding a secret. Grace and her mother had planned a trip to Paris and now Grace grieves the loss of that dream as well. However, the idea is never far from her thoughts or her dreams. A Borrowed Dream contains a cast of fully developed characters, from her friend who owns a candy store, to an abusive parent of one of the children in the school. I really enjoyed this book! With themes of secrets held, big-city gangsters, and a returning prodigal, A Borrowed Dream kept me reading in every spare moment. Cabot tells her stories with her heart on every page. Although this is the second book in a series, the storyline kept me informed at each turn of the plot. A map and a genealogical chart at the front of the book also helps readers to track the action. My thanks to the author and Baker Publishing Group for my review copy.
A Borrowed Dream takes us back to the town of Cimarron Creek and this time we get to watch Catherine Whitfield fall in love. Catherine is determined not to be second choice especially after the man she thought she loved and loved her tried to woo newcomer Lydia from the previous book. Dealing with the loneliness after her mother’s death at what she believes to be the town doctor’s ineptness and old views, Lydia takes her teaching position much more seriously.
Enter Austin Goddard and he is running. He is a widower with a young daughter whom he is trying to protect from a very evil man. He has come to Texas to be a rancher, even though he was a very successful plastic surgeon. All of this, he keeps hidden so that he and his daughter may live in relative safety.
I liked watching these two fall in love with each other. I was glad that Catherine was getting someone who truly loved her. Catherine is a very special woman; she had some interesting dreams that added mysteriousness to the story. There is also the mystery thread that continues from the first book, along with the danger that is stalking Austin and his daughter and all those he cares about. I liked how both Catherine and Austen cared about a boy named Seth, and tried to protect him from the abuse of his father. Catherine’s abhorrence to the doctor was understandable, but I cringed many times when she played doctor herself. I was glad Austen stepped in to make sure she did no real damage. I look forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
What a great historical Christian romance. It is full of deception, redemption, suspense and sweet love. I so enjoy reading a love story that slowly and believably builds as the plot goes along. Amanda Cabot's characters are well developed. Catherine a young school teacher was someone I would want as a best friend. If I were school age, I also would have really enjoyed having her as a teacher. She was always encouraging to her students and friends. Catherine put others first, never thinking of herself. Austin a doctor turned rancher was new in town. He was a man with secrets and a past. Throw in a couple of delightful kids and it makes for a perfect story. The plot has it's bad guys. You need a couple of characters you just love to hate, to complete the novel. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, along came more twist and turns. I enjoy Amanda Cabot's writing and would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley, Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is something about this little Texas town called Cimarron Creek. It is a quaint western town with citizens that mostly help and support one another. I think life was a bit simpler back then too.
This installment focuses on the schoolmarm, Catherine. We met her in A Stolen Heart (book 1) and while I thought I might know who was going to be her love match in that first book, I couldn't have been more wrong.
While this is an enjoyable story with plots twists and turns, it is also educational. When I first read that Austin was a plastic surgeon I thought this could not be possible. However, the author's notes at the end of the story gave me the history of this profession and that there were doctors going back to Egyptian times that performed procedures similar to microdermabrasion.
The story is also full of conflict - from past wrongs to one father beating his son just because he likes to draw. And of course the conflict between Austin and Sherman, the mafia boss type. However, the story does have a happy ending but leaves lots of openings for future stories about this little town called Cimarron Creek.
Catherine is the schoolmarm in Cimarron Creek and is still in mourning for her mother who passed away less than a year ago. She has a great distrust for doctors as the town's doctor still practiced things such as bleeding and leeching. Catherine believes these practices killed her mother. She meets Austin, the new rancher in town, when he brings his young daughter, Hannah, to her school. Hannah was very withdrawn, breaking Catherine's heart to see a child this way. With love and patience, Hannah eventually became as the other children and Catherine began to have feelings for her father, Austin. She did not know he was a doctor hiding from a gangster who wanted him and his daughter dead. While the story was predictable in many areas, I still found it to be a good story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
"A Borrowed Dream" is the second book in the Cimarron Creek Triology. Catherine Whitfield, teacher of Cimarron Creak has lost her mother and doesn't have faith in the medical community, including the new doctor who has come into town, Austin Goddard. Between the historical ground work that Cabot weaves into the story, the relationships between the characters in the story and the plot, this book makes a great book. The reader gets a great mix between drama, romance and even medicine. I found interesting to read about plastic surgery during this time period. This book reads as a stand alone and doesn't require you to read the entire series, but it helpful if you want to read the series. This book tells a great message of serving others, trust and even forgiveness. I was surprised by this book. I give this book 4/5 stars. A favorable review was not required and complimentary copy was provided for review. "A Borrowed Dream" is the second book in the Cimarron Creek Triology. Catherine Whitfield, teacher of Cimarron Creak has lost her mother and doesn't have faith in the medical community, including the new doctor who has come into town, Austin Goddard. Between the historical ground work that Cabot weaves into the story, the relationships between the characters in the story and the plot, this book makes a great book. The reader gets a great mix between drama, romance and even medicine. I found interesting to read about plastic surgery during this time period. This book reads as a stand alone and doesn't require you to read the entire series, but it helpful if you want to read the series. This book tells a great message of serving others, trust and even forgiveness. I was surprised by this book. I give this book 4/5 stars. A favorable review was not required and complimentary copy was provided for review.
A Borrowed Dream, written by Amanda Cabot, was an interesting read. Catherine and Austin's story. My favorite character was Austin. What a man of integrity. That he would stand up for what was right all the way to having to find a new line of work was impressive. If you love historicals, a bit of romancing, and characters that are given a second chance...you'll enjoy this book! I was given a copy of the paperback by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Though this is the second book in Amanda Cabots Cimarron Creek trilogy, it stands on its own. In fact, it’s the first book I’ve read by the author and I followed the story just fine. In this small Texas hill country town, gossip is a favorite pastime, followed closely by match making, and the citizens have their eyes and ears open for the next scandal—especially if it involves any member of the town’s founding families. There’s a lot happening in this one. From Catherine’s students and her extreme dislike and distrust of doctors to the man posing as a rancher who has captured Catherine’s attention to the question behind a long lost relative, this book rarely hits a lull. Catherine is kind, intelligent, and loves the Lord despite her prejudice toward those in the medical profession. I loved that she and Austin form a friendship before more grows between them. And Austin’s daughter is precious. Cabot even managed to throw in a little shocker of a scene in this book (and I’d been warned that there was in there yet I still didn’t see it coming). There’s a little something in this one for everyone—history, romance, suspense, adventure, mystery, and more. Sit back and visit Cimarron Creek, but be sure and have a little chocolate handy because the goodies shared are sure to leave you a little hungry.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't something I would usually read (so that in itself was refreshing). There were plenty of interesting interwoven subplots and relationships, but not so much that the story became confusing. It did keep me turning the pages and I would read more by this author. I won an advanced reading copy of this book on Librarything.com
I’m never quite sure what I’m going to get with a middle book. Sometimes, you get a story with no connection to the one before it. Sometimes, you get a read that feels like filler. With A Borrowed Dream, you get a self-contained story that continues on from book one of Amanda Cabot’s Cimarron Creek series. Catherine Whitfield was introduced in A Stolen Heart but now has her chance to shine.
For the most part, this is an enjoyable read with one or two events seeming slightly improbable. It meanders for the majority of the tale as Catherine gets to know new student Hannah, takes poor student Seth under her wing, and takes in a new boarder who somehow seems familiar. It gets tense towards the end, as Austin’s past catches up with him, but there are a couple of shocking scenes of violence interspersed through the narrative so be warned.
I initially thought the series would be about three young women who initially have no connection to each other. But it appears Cabot has added a twist, and I should learn that not everything is as it seems. What makes me say this? A Borrowed Dream solves a mystery first encountered in A Stolen Heart. Judging from the excerpt of the final book, which is included at the end, it looks as though questions from that resolution will be answered in the next novel. And that’s a reason to read A Borrowed Dream as part of a series rather than on its own.
Thank you to Revell for my complimentary copy of A Borrowed Dream.
This is the first book by Amanda Cabot that I have read and it was quite enjoyable. I did not read the first book in this series (A Stolen Heart) but that did not detract from enjoying this book. This definitely can be read as a stand-alone novel. The author combines good, easy-to-read writing with a fast-paced plot and great characters in a small Texas town of Cimarron Creek in 1881. Anyone who likes a well-written historical romance will love this book.
Catherine is a school teacher who is jaded in her view of love and marriage. Austin is a plastic surgeon from Philadelphia now turned rancher who comes to Cimarron Creek, hoping to outrun a thug who wants his professional services. Austin's young daughter and a teenaged neighbor add details and heart-warming scenes to the plot as hints of danger from the thug's minions who are looking for Austin play subtly in the background. A recurring theme of extending forgiveness and reconciliation is evident throughout the lives of the characters in the book. I also learned something new regarding plastic surgery as a medical subspecialty in the late 1800s.
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through the Interviews & Reviews book review program via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This is a sweet historical romance. It's the second story in the series, but does stand alone, as well. There is a bit of mystery involved. A story line continuing from the first book, brings us a bit nearer to finding answers to previously unanswered questions. Catherine, the schoolmarm, is all you'd expect from a gal in her situation.Austin is new in town. He and his daughter are in need of her assistance. I liked the small town setting, the kind that is found in those wild west days. The story was just a bit predictable. But I did like the characters. Somehow, Catherine and Austin felt an immediate attraction...well, you just have to read the book to find out how they arrive at their happily ever after. Overall, the story works well. It's an easy read. I enjoyed learning more about those days.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is the second book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, and now I cannot wait until next year for the third. We are back in Cimarron Creek, Texas, and with the folks we have already came to love, and boy are we updated as we again spend our time with them. This story does not disappoint, and even when I thought I knew answers, I was wrong, and then things changed again. We received answers to some questions that were asked in the first book, but as we leave this read we are on an adventure to learn more and start a new phase of life in this small community. Come and welcome the new residents here, and see if they will be able to stay, and find out the secrets that abound here, and see how God touches their hearts.
I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.