When I pick up an Amanda Cabot book, I know exactly what I'm going to find- an interesting small town, a plucky heroine who wants a better life, a hero who needs to be a good man, and accurate historical depictions. In Out of the Embers, the setting is the Texas Hill Country. There is a little bit of a mystery in this one, which I greatly enjoyed. Cabot really knows how to tell a story and they are hard to put down.

Christian Historical. When Eveyln was younger her parents were killed, she was hiding under the bed while the killer was looking for her. She'd been sent to an orphanage and was always afraid to leave, feeling she was being watched whenever she went into town. When she and one of the girls were in town, the orphanage was burned down with everyone in it, so she fled with the girl. Circumstances brought her to a town where she felt at home, and people who were good to her. Changing her name, she started a new life, and came to care for the owner of a horse ranch and his family. Be sure to set aside time as you near the end as you won't want to put it down. The mystery takes a twist and it's fast paced. Excellent read. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#OutOfTheEmbers #NetGalley

A good read any time of the year but best during Lent and especially Easter with its messages of forgiveness, miraculous answers to prayers, and finding love, family, and community.

Probably one of the most faith-centered romance books I've read, Out of the Embers delivers a sweet, slow, and gentle build-up of the love between Evelyn and Wyatt. Both of them turned to prayers to seek guidance for their actions.

The book's setting also played an important part in their story. Evelyn, who was running for her life and that of her adopted sister Polly, immediately felt at home in Mesquite Springs and felt right setting roots there. Wyatt started wanting to leave his hometown to fill a hole in his heart but ended up staying, not only because of his love for Evelyn and Polly but also because of his desire to serve his community.

A couple of mysteries tantalized throughout the story and resolved satisfactorily near the very end.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Don't abandon your dreams. Life is too short to waste a single minute."

"Until I met you, I felt like a flower seed planted deep in the earth, waiting for rain before it began to sprout. You've been that rain. You've given me what I needed to grow."

"You've shown me that loving someone doesn't mean being burdened. It's a gift that opens our hearts to new possibilities."

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

It’s the 1850’s Texas and Evelyn Radcliffe needs to run some errands for turn orphanage she has lived in for the past 10 years. Wanting to go with her, she decides to take six year old Polly with her. They returned back to the an orphanage of ruins after a fire had swept through. Was this arson? Was Evelyn suppose to die in the fire like her parents did. Was someone after her? Find out when you read this historical fiction by Amanda Cabot.

This story starts out quite sad, with Evelyn and Polly loosing everything and everyone they had. There was a lot if deep dark emotions as they deal with their loss. I grew to love Evelyn and Polly, their characters developed well as they started a new life. I loved the small town of Mesquite Springs and it’s caring people. It seems the perfect place for Evelyn and Polly, and the nice family helping them became a big part if the story. There is a lot going on here in this book. And the plot is interesting enough that you will want to keep reading to know the ending of the story. If you enjoy a good clean historical fiction, this is one you will enjoy. It’s a nice start to a new series.

3.5 stars, rounded up

Overall I enjoyed the story. However, I had to continually attempt to start the book and finally made it past the first 50 pages on the third attempt. It could very well simply be my reading mood this month—slow and hiccuppy—and that everyone else will completely fall in love with the book. There wasn’t anything wrong with the writing; I simply didn’t get swept off my feet by it.

I really enjoyed the MC and her young companion, Polly. (I hope book 3 is about Polly.) I wasn’t as impressed with Wyatt...again, nothing really wrong—just nothing spectacular about him for me. The sisterly relationship between the two was really what made me enjoy the story most. Plus I loved the small-town vibes and the different local folks that helped make the restaurant a success.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

I've read and enjoyed all of Amanda Cabot's books over the years and am always excited to see when she has a new one publishing.
This is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series and it kept me turning pages so quickly.
Evelyn is a strong and faithful woman determined to make it in life despite so many things stacked against her in life.
She loses her parents to murder and then loses everything important to her again when the orphanage she works in is destroyed by fire when she's out running errands.
I loved seeing Evelyn's perseverance though in life, she could have just complained and given up, but she didn't .
Her strong faith kept her strong and kept her going.
The story flows smoothly and is realistic with a mix of self reliance,faith,perseverance,suspense and don't forget the romance. The romance is subtle though and we don't get overwhelmed by it.
Perfect example of though we may think we are in control it's really God who's the one in control.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Published March 3rd 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh how I love historical fiction! Throw in a little romance and a little mystery and it will be a book that I don't want to put down. That's exactly what I had with Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot. It is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series and I am already counting down the days until I can get the second book in my hands. Until then this one is going on my list of favorites and it is definitely one I will be reading again.

Although it is set in the fictional town of Mesquite Springs in Texas I found a bit of a connection there. My son and daughter in law live in Texas in the town of Mesquite so I thought that was pretty cool.

I loved the characters in this book. From the main characters on down, I felt like I was living in a small town getting to know all the townsfolk. I have a hunch I know who the second book will be about, but I'm also looking forward to seeing how some of the other characters are doing.

So let me tell you a little more about it! Evelyn Radcliffe has been an orphan ever since she witnessed the murder of her parents as a little girl. She's always had an eerie feeling that someone is watching her and when the orphanage that she lives in is burnt to the ground and the only survivors are herself and Polly, a little orphan girl, she knows she must flee for her life.

Evelyn finds herself in Mesquite Springs and finds refuge in the home of the Clark's. Wyatt Clark is a horse rancher who's plans do not include having a family of his own. As the days go by Wyatt and Evelyn continue to draw close to each other, but when danger finds Evelyn her life once again is in danger. Will Wyatt be able to protect her from the man who seeks her life?

Since most of us are social distancing and finding ourselves with more time on our hands, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath, fix a cup of coffee and get lost in a book. This is a great one to start with!

***Thanks to Revel Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is book one in the Mesquite Springs series, so what a great place to start. I loved the people in Mesquite Springs and look forward to reading more in this series. This book is full of mystery, suspense, friendship, romance and more.

Evelyn Radcliffe is beautiful inside and out. When she finds herself in need of protecting herself and Polly she is up for the task. Not sure exactly where to flee she finds herself in need of a rescue.

Wyatt Clark is ready for a change, but he is not expecting it to come in the form of Evelyn and Polly. When he helps them out, his life is in for more change than he expected.

This book has a heart-touching storyline with just a touch of suspense. Evelyn’s parents were murdered in their home, and she grows up in an orphanage. As Evelyn reaches adulthood, she finds herself homeless once more when the orphanage burns to the ground. She assumes the care of Polly, a six year old girl who survived the fire. Evelyn and Polly travel to Mesquite Springs and soon find themselves part of the community. Because Evelyn is concerned that someone could be following them, she tells everyone that Polly is her little sister. Both Evelyn and Polly have mysteries in their pasts that unknowingly place both of them at risk. As the people of Mesquite Springs become their family, Evelyn begins to hope that they have finally found a place of peace. But their past unexpectedly finds them, and it seems that they can no longer hide in Mesquite Springs. Evelyn must face her past to secure their future, and depend on those she has come to love to help protect them.

I loved the characters of Evelyn and Polly, and all through the book I was hoping for them to find the happiness and family that they both desperately wanted. Wyatt is the hero that Evelyn needs, and their story was a sweet one to follow. The author did a great job of taking three storylines and merging them together for an exciting and satisfying conclusion to the story. I Ike this author and this series, and will be watching for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Out of the Embers
by Amanda Cabot
Revell
Christian
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Out of the Embers through Revell and Netgalley:


Evelyn Radcliffe once again finds herself homeless ten years after her parents were killed. The Orphanage that had become her home and then her place of employment burned to the ground. She and a young Orphan girl were the only ones who had been able to escape. She is convinced the fire must be related to her parents murders and escapes with the other young girl who survived. Evelyn leaves with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher, who has no plans for a family of his own.



Wyatt Clark finds Evelyn a distraction at first but when it becomes clear that the trouble she was trying to escape followed her to Mesquite Springs she becomes a disruption. Will Wyatt be able to keep Evelyn safe from the man who is out to murder her? Will his own plans become collateral damage?



Out of the Embers is a sweet, Suspenseful, romantic tale set in the Texas Hills during the 1850's.


I give Out of the Embers five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Out of the Embers was an enjoyable clean Historical romance with a side of suspense
and Christian based.

Immediately, I felt for the main character, Evelyn. She's a likable young woman who'd been through a lot in her life. Her thoughts and fears felt real/believable. I liked the way she cared for and protected Polly, even when the child made it difficult.
Then we've got the love interest, Wyatt, filled with dreams of his own.
Neither of the characters were perfect, which I really liked!
I enjoyed watching the friendship form, and knew where things were going even before they realized it {lol}

I felt the story progressed at a good rate and all the loose ends wrapped up nicely.


This was the first book I'd read by Ms. Cabot, and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series, which features Wyatt's sister, Dorothy.

Oh, and honestly, I hope we see more of Caleb in the future books... it would be lovely to
see him get a happy ending.


I received this electronic book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity!

I received this as a arc on Net Galley. I have not read a book but Ms. Cabot for quite some time. I am very glad that I read this one. It kept my interest and I really liked the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

This book captured my attention from the cover art. Classic Amanda Cabot. I love her storytelling ability. The characters are so real. Her stories are always heartwarming. Give yourself the gift to savor this novel. You will not be disappointed. Five stars.

The first book in a new series from Amanda Cabot, Out of the Embers is a lovely introduction to Mesquite Springs, a town in the Texas hill country. The story enfolds with newcomers Eveyln Radner and her ‘sister’ Polly. They are the only survivors when they are spared from the devastating fire which claims the orphanage where they lived. On their travel west from the orphanage Evelyn and Polly are caught out in a bad thunderstorm and seek refuge under their wagon. This storm sets in motion their meeting with Wyatt Clark who has a horse ranch in the area. Wyatt takes them home to shelter with him and his mother and sister. The Wyatts help Evelyn get started with opening a restaurant and making sure Evelyn and Polly are welcomed into Mesquite Springs. As Evelyn builds a new life for her and Polly she encounters many challenges including two possible suitors in the form of Sam the local attorney and Caleb the blacksmith’s son who also helps Wyatt on his ranch. But Evelyn can’t help developing affects for Wyatt; first as a friend then hopefully something more. When danger comes to Mesquite Springs Evelyn must rely even more heavily on Wyatt’s help. The colorful characters created in this first book make me look forward to when I can return to Mesquite Springs to see what new adventure awaits.

(4.5 stars) - A mystery tangled in a mystery

Set in the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, Evelyn has long sensed that someone is watching her. Since her parents were murdered, she has every reason to believe it's someone with sinister intentions.  

Providentially, she's also quick thinking & resourceful. It saved her life before and saves it again when the orphanage she was living in gets burned down in a despicable act of arson, while she & Polly, the little girl who was with her, were on an errand in a neighboring town. The two quietly leave town in fear for their lives 

Wyatt comes upon them when they're in need & offers help. His mother & sister welcome the two with open arms. Things are looking up for them - except the person who tried to kill them is still out there 

The story is immediately engaging and suspenseful (though happily, not excessively so). The plot takes several surprising twists. 

Wyatt & Evelyn are reluctantly attracted to each other, and their relationship builds the more time they spend together. It's amusing seeing the change in what they want from life from the beginning of the book to the end. 

The conclusion is exciting, heartwarming & satisfying. I'm looking forward to Dorothy's story now!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, but organic to the story & handled with a light touch

I enjoyed seeing how Evelyn was able to take charge of her life and the life of another. She is resourceful and finds her way to Wyatt's ranch to take refuge. She has had some had times in her life and trouble is still following her. I liked how Wyatt was able to see past his first views and step up to help Evelyn in her time of need.
I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot is a book filled with a bit of suspense and unknown. This tale opens with Evelyn Radcliffe walking the streets of Gilmorton, Texas with Polly, a young girl from the orphanage where Evelyn works. She suddenly gets a sense that someone is watching her. She has given this man the name of The Watcher. She has often felt followed by this man and it frightens her. As Evelyn and Polly finally reach their home, they look up ahead to see the entire building on fire!

Evelyn instantly feels the need to run. She must find a safe place for herself and Polly. After several days of traveling, they finally end up in Mesquite Springs, Texas. When Wyatt Clark, a local horse rancher, rescues them in the midst of a storm, Evelyn gets a sense that this a place they can call home. Evelyn and Polly slowly begin to rebuild their lives. When Evelyn opens up a restaurant in town, she finally begins to feel a measure of peace!

One day as Evelyn is walking Polly to school, she yet again gets the the sense that someone is watching her. Panic sets in. What will she do? Has her friendship with Wyatt grown to the point that he will be able to help? Watch and see as the details begin to come out. There is much more to the story than Evelyn ever imagined!

I did not want to put this book down. I loved this historical fiction. I loved the romance and the bits of intrigue. I loved Evelyn, Polly Dorothy and Wyatt. This made me laugh and cry. I had to know if Someone was out to get Polly or Evelyn. I really enjoyed how strong Evelyn was even though she had lost her family a fairly young age. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

An amazing story! I feel in love with the characters instantly, they kept me swept up in the story. I was on the edge of my seat through this book, so much that could happen to Polly and Evelyn. My mind was racing trying to figure out the mystery behind the fire and the death of Evelyn’s parents. The author does an amazing job of bonding the reader with the characters. I felt as if I knew them personally and was overjoyed with their accomplishments, sad and even scared with them. This story points out how our dreams can change with life’s situations even dreams we may not know we had inside of us. This book offers hope, love, dreams and forgiveness. I felt every emotion coursing through me as I read this incredible story. Love comes in many forms and ways we least expect it, a endearing sweet clean romance that shows anything is possible. Readers will find this book will stay with them days after the story is over. Amanda Cabot is a master storyteller that leaves you definitely wanting more!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Out Of The Embers by Amanda Cabot is an inspirational historical romance. It is an intriguing mystery, skillfully woven into a sweet romance.
A decade after the brutal murder of her parents, Evelyn Radcliffe’s only refuge, the orphanage has burned to the ground. Only she and a young girl escape to safety. Fearing this to be related to her parents’ murders, Evelyn flees to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, with her young friend, taking refuge at the home of Wyatt Clark, a single, rugged horse rancher. Will he hold the key to her future—and her past?
With trouble blowing hard on her heels, Evelyn is at first a distraction, and later a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants to kill her? And will his own plans get in the way?
Suspenseful and romantic, Out of the Embers invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, in the wild West, filled with noble men and strong women.
Evelyn deals with the “Watcher” with fear, cautiousness and courage. The plot twist with the “Watcher” was so incredibly done. This is an excellent read. I recommend it highly.