Historical Fiction Book Review: Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs #2) by Amanda Cabot

Book Description:
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 as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. 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 and 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, 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.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed returning to Mesquite Springs in Dreams Rekindled. Dorothy has determined she’ll never marry. If she doesn’t fall in love, life will be easier, less hurtful. And she’s determined to follow her dream of being a writer like Harriet Beecher Stowe. Brandon fears repeating the mistakes of his past, so he’s playing it safe as the new editor of the local newspaper. The two work together and fall into a comfortable rhythm until they see each other as more than friends. Dorothy’s character is strong, independent, and trusts God with her future. Brandon is humble, honest, and kind. I love the comradery they share working together and the story of their possible romance. The story also has plenty of excitement and action when deception and danger come to town. Cabot’s depiction of the era invites the reader to walk the streets of Mesquite Springs with the characters and maybe visit Polly’s Place. Cabot’s references to the folks from book #1 of the series was fun, as well. If you enjoy books set in small towns in the 1800s, you’ll love this series. Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all? I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book #1 Out of the Embers review.

Time-Slip Novel Review: Roots of Wood and Stone (Sedgwick County Chronicles) by Amanda Wen

Book Description:

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother's historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer's, he can't afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who's fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

My Thoughts:

Roots of Wood and Stone is a pleasure to read. Whether I was reading Sloane and Garrett’s story (modern day) or Annabelle’s (in the 1800s), the chapters are filled with beautiful words, descriptions you can sink into, and deep emotional insight. The rich history of the house and land drew me in as much as the people. Amanda Wen has taken two stories and intertwined them in unexpected ways. This a perfect winter read that will warm your heart. I love the faith thread that runs between the two eras. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: Thimbles and Threads: 4 Love Stories Are Quilted into Broken Lives by Mary Davis, Grace Hitchcock, Suzanne Norquist, Liz Tolsma

Book Description:

Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to love?

Bygones by Mary Davis Texas, 1884
Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? 

The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Charleston, South Carolina, June 1886
Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time.  Will the handsome groomsman be able to convince her to open her heart again and finish the quilt once intended for her father?

Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Rockledge, Colorado, 1884
Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?

Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
Regent, Wisconsin, 1865
Melissa Bainbridge is a quirky designer of rag dolls who raises raccoons and never really fit into the small farming town. When Lance Witherspoon arrives in town to thank her for the Sanitary Commission quilt she made that saved his life, she is shocked to learn Lance is a Confederate. Can she and Lance confront the town’s prejudices – along with their own?

My Review:
I enjoyed these gentle stories set in the late 1800s. I'm fascinated with the art of sewing, and love that the women in the stories own businesses. Each author writes a beautiful story, giving the heroin strong faith and determination. The novellas are threaded together by stitches, yet each one is unique. I especially enjoyed Binding Up Wounds. Liz Tolsma did a beautiful job writing about the prejudice that remained after the Civil War and the hurt caused by people who judge. If you enjoy historical fiction, pick up a copy of Thimbles and Threads. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.