Mesquite Springs Book #1
Details
- Title: Out of the Embers
My Thoughts
A young woman with a tragic past has arrived in town . . . and trouble is following close behind.
Book Trailer
This book trailer introduces the story perfectly, so had to begin my review with it.
The setting for Out of the Embers, the first book in Cabot’s Mesquite Springs series, is Texas in the 1850s.
For the last few years, Evelyn Radcliffe has called an orphanage her home. Luckily, she escaped her parents’ fate 10 years ago when they were murdered. But since that time she has felt someone was watching her, so she has always felt uneasy.
Radcliffe, who is now 22, needs to leave the orphanage to handle some business for them. Polly, a six-year-old at the orphanage, wants to go too, so Evelyn ends up allowing Polly to accompany her. But when they return to the orphanage they are shocked to see only the burning embers of the place they once called their home. A home that has been totally destroyed by arson.
Evelyn and Polly set out to find a new start. But this could be quite difficult since they have no belongings or money. And a problem is apt to follow them. Was Evelyn meant to be one who died in the orphanage? Was whoever killed her parents trying to kill her too?
It doesn’t take too long before Evelyn and her six-year-old sidekick find a place to settle down. It’s an interesting town where Evelyn manages to catch the eye of several available bachelors, including the one that just might be Mr. Right. And she’s able to find work that is a perfect fit for her background.
But there are still some major decisions to be made, a heart to be won over, and a mystery to be solved.
What Concerned Me
I kept waiting for the story to pick up, but for me, it didn’t. It moved at a rather consistent rate.
I finally had to remind myself that I mostly read mysteries, and those stories by nature can move more quickly. I decided that I probably wasn’t being fair to this sweet, tale of two orphans. So I relaxed and allowed myself to be reeled in by an interesting, 1850s town and an engaging love story.
Another very small concern: I wish the characters would have had a little more to offer in the way of diverse personalities. Something that would have made me occasionally either cringe or smile when they spoke. It did happen occasionally, but not enough.
What I Liked Most
This is a sweet story that will most likely develop into a very interesting series. The town, as well as two key characters, are apt to capture your heart.
Is This For You?
I would highly recommend this new series for those who love a good clean historical romance. Though this is Christian fiction, it doesn’t feel overdone, or in any way distract from the story. As one reviewer said, the religious aspect was most notable by the characters’ choices.
My thanks to Revell for a copy of this beautiful book and the ability to post my opinion.
About the Author
I agree with Thomas Jefferson when he said, “I cannot live without books.” Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading books to me or — in the case of my father — telling stories he made up. And even when they weren’t reading to me, my parents could often be found, book in hand. Is it any wonder I decided to teach myself to read? Once I did learn, it was hard to find me without a book. My husband will tell you that that’s still the case.
Click for Amanda Cabot’s full bio
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review Out of the Embers. I appreciate it.