Against the Wind

While this is the second book in a series, this historical novel can easily be read as a standalone as well. Louisa Vaughn had vowed never to return to Sweetwater Crossing but when her friend insists that she accompany her back to bury her husband she does. She reunites with her estranged sister and discovers she has been left a doctor's office. That comes as a major blessing because while away she had been studying to become a midwife and doctor. Sweetwater Crossing no longer has a doctor and she is ready to take the reigns if the townsfolk will trust a female doctor. The first big way to prove that she knows what she is doing is by setting the leg of a man who was thrown from his horse. Josh Porter is a big shot from New York who was just passing through, but since he broke his leg he will have to spend several months there while he heals. She finds her heart opening to him and another man who seems intent on pursuing her. Maybe returning to Sweetwater Crossing wasn't so bad after all? She'll have to navigate her heart and convince the town that she really is fit to be their doctor. A good clean Christian read. 

After the Shadows

Heavy on the romance, light on the suspense and intrigue - this inspirational historical read will woo readers. When Emily Leland returns home she discovers not one, but both of her parents are dead. Emily had left the year before when she married George, a dashing man with a hot temper. When she failed to give him a child he quickly turned abusive and when he suddenly died she was not remotely sad. She was just ready to return to her parents home - but now with both parents dead and her sister furious at her; Emily doesn't know what to do. She decides to turn her childhood home into a boardinghouse so she can pay the taxes and soon she is introduced to the dashing new school teacher and his adorable son. He too is a widower and if they aren't careful they might start falling for each other. At the heart of the story is their romance, but in the background is a mystery - how did her father really die and will the new teacher help her get to the bottom of it? The first in a new series!

Dreams Rekindled

A wonderful follow up to the Christian historical romance, Out of the Embers, that helps round out the quiet, quaint, and quintessential Texas town of Mesquite Springs. Readers don't need to have read the first book as this novel follows an entirely different person, Wyatt's younger sister, Dorothy. While her brother and his new wife are out honeymooning, Dorothy has taken over running the town's only restaurant, Polly's Place. While there she meets Brandon, a newcomer to town determined to start a newspaper. Dorothy loves writing and soon she's won over Brandon and has become invaluable to the little newspaper. What they don't realize is that another newcomer to town is out to start trouble, and the newspaper and their budding relationship are in for a rude awakening. Filled with well rounded and vulnerable characters - Dreams Rekindled shows how forgiveness and taking chances ultimately pave the way toward unity and love. Another great inspirational read from Amanda Cabot. 

Out of the Embers

Charming, romantic, and light; Out of the Embers is the first in a new inspirational series, Mesquite Springs. Evelyn and six year old Polly are in town getting supplies when the orphanage they both live in burns down killing everyone inside. It's horrific and upsetting. Since her parents murder ten years ago, Evelyn is sure that someone is out to find her and finish the job. What will happen when they discover that she wasn't really in the orphanage when it burnt down? She takes Polly with her and convinces her that they need to pretend to be sisters and go far away. They ride for days and stumble upon a gorgeous little town by the name of Mesquite Springs. When Wyatt, a young horse rancher offers them shelter; they soon find out that they don't want their temporary stay to end. Evelyn and Polly adore Wyatt's mom and sister and they quickly become family to them. It doesn't help that Polly wants Wyatt as a daddy, and Evelyn gets butterflies when she talks to him. But what will happen if their trouble catches up to them? Are they really safe in Mesquite Springs? A quick breezy read that will have readers charmed. The suspense is light, the romance is slow burn, and the characters all are pretty likable (and have great luck!). Perfect for anyone looking for a nice inspirational read!

With Autumn's Return

It was nice to read a Christian historical fiction novel that didn't have a damsel in distress for once. Elizabeth Harding is a tough, no nonsense broad (okay, okay, she's a lady) that defies the sexist stereotypes of the day and becomes a doctor, which for taking place in 1887 AND being an "inspirational" read, is kind of a big deal.

The crux of the story is that a nice lady doctor moves to Cheyenne to open her own practice only to discover that, shocker, people don't think  women should be doctors; they don't have the brains plus they should be in the kitchen or poppin' out babies. Elizabeth is initially discouraged, especially after the smokin hot lawyer next door tells her her business is doomed. Slowly she starts building up clientele (hey treating whores will pay the bills!)  and she discovers that her lawyer neighbor is actually quite nice (and did I mention attractive?). The two start courting and everything seems peachy, until gossip and deceit amongst Cheyenne's wealthy threatens to tear apart everything Elizabeth has worked so hard to build!

This book is the third in the Westward Winds series, but honestly I didn't discover that in the end. It serves as a stand alone book quite well.

For fans of historical Christian Romance and take charge leading ladies.

I received this book free from Revell Publishing in return for my honest, unbiased review.