There’s just something magnetic about a light romantic tale from the Old West. Add some mystery and suspense and you have the ingredients for a very enjoyable read by Amanda Cabot, Out of the Embers.
Evelyn Radcliffe and young Polly escape the orphanage fire that is deliberately set. How far must they run to find a new, secure life?
Evelyn is a very mature, loyal young woman who will do anything to protect those she loves. Her “adoption” of Polly proves how unselfish she is. I liked how her unselfish helping at the Circle C eventually leads to her dream future. But the path to get there is rocky.
Wyatt Clark is quickly interested in the young woman who comes to stay at the Circle C. However, the facts aren’t building a truthful foundation for a friendship, let alone anything more. Wyatt is a very responsible and caring individual who puts others above himself, as well. Which is why he is still present on the Circle C, a place he longs to leave. I love that Wyatt is not afraid to accept help and that he also listens to the voice of reason. These qualities go far in any relationship, be it friendship or love. Eventually, we see the far-reaching effects of lives lived for others.
I am not as impressed with Polly, the child in this novel. However, she does seem to act true to her identity.
Unless he shows up again in future books and bigger roles, I was unimpressed with the story thread of “the Watcher.” You’ll have to read the book to see if you agree. You may form a totally different opinion, which makes writing and reading these reviews fun. You get to read the actual text, write a review, then see what other readers think.
One thing I know. I got a sneak peek at a few pages of the next book, and I am anxious to read the next volume, Dorothy and Brandon’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. This did not influence my opinions, which are solely my own.

Out of the Embers was not what I was expecting at first. Honestly, I was straight up confused at the very beginning of the book. This book switches points of view between the characters. And it just so happened that I wouldn't always be paying attention and I wouldn't realize what was happening in the story. The very start of the book seems to imply that you should understand different things in the story, but you don't actually know what these are. I think that is what led to me being the most confused.

But once I got passed the first few chapters and about 15 percent into the book, I was finally drawn it. Evelyn is a very loveable character and you want the best for her as she flees a dangerous situation. And you'll laugh at all the remarks that Polly, the orphan girl that Evelyn takes in. You'll also admire Wyatt and the honorable man that he is, like the entirety of Mesquite Springs.

Be prepared for a drawn-out romance because these characters are very stubborn about their beliefs. Both of which seem to be very skewed by the hardships that they have had to deal with in their life. If you want a historical clean romance, with a dash of church thrown in, this book is for you!

This historical romance is a come-of-age story with a bit of a mystery woven through it. Set among the wild blue bonnet fields in 1850’s Texas hill country.

This story started out at bit of a slow burn and slow picked up pace as it went along. Sweet, caring, yet independent, Evelyn is an interesting character. It was a adventurous journey we go on as we follow her and the little orphan, Polly, she takes under her wing. Then there’s charming Wyatt, who cares for his sister and mother and quickly befriends Evelyn and Polly.

The charming cover and the title fit the story perfectly. This is a charming start to this new series.

Very refreshing book. Set in the 1850s in Texas. Evelyn's parents are dead and lived in a orphanage. After the orphanage is burnt to the grown with everyone inside, she and Polly, a six year old orphan, head off to find a new home. They meet up with Wyatt, a horse rancher.

I've enjoyed all of Amanda Cabot's novels.

Set in the Texas Hill Country in the mid-1850s, Out of the Embers is a lovely historical fiction novel that offers a little bit of everything. A brave, independent heroine, well-drawn characters, gentle romance, and mystery and suspense all come together to make this a page-turner.

Amanda Cabot writes both captivating characters and strong storylines. Evelyn Radcliffe is brave, loving, and independent with rather modern thoughts for a woman living in this period – her new friend Dorothy even more – and I’m here for it.

When I started the story, I thought it was a historical romance with a mystery, but it’s really equal mystery and romance. It’s also not just Evelyn’s story. Out of the Embers is also the story of Wyatt, a handsome horse rancher who is anxious to raise enough money for his sister and mother that he can leave Mesquite Springs and explore the country. Both Wyatt and Evelyn appear dead set against getting married, ever, so of course, it makes sense they would fall for each other.

The beginning chapters introduce the individual storylines that will intertwine. First, there is Evelyn and Polly’s quick escape from Logansville and the orphanage, looking for a place to stay. Next, we meet Wyatt, who is unfulfilled by horse ranching and has an itch to find something greater. Then we meet Rufus Bauman, clearly tortured by something in his past, but we don’t know who the “she” he and his wife are referring to. Equally curious is a mysterious and nasty cotton baron who is up to no good, but who is the “she” he had killed?
Intrigued yet?

The first two chapters initially felt a bit disjointed as so many characters and stories are introduced, but are seemingly unrelated. From there, the unfolds quickly. The tension in the story is palpable, adding to the page-turning quality. Cabot manages not to show her hand until the very end, keeping the tension high throughout.

Cabot does a lovely job of world-building, from the description of the new town to the fields of Texas bluebonnets. We get a solid feel for the way of life these Texas settlers lived – the town, its surroundings, the generosity of its people and the way they go about their day. Mesquite Springs is growing, leaving the door open for many future stories of the residents of this town.

Ultimately, this is a story about trust. Evelyn and Polly arrive in town pretending they are sisters. Evelyn assumes a different last name. She doesn’t even KNOW Polly’s last name. Evelyn and Wyatt learn to trust each other, and earn Polly’s trust in them.

Revell is known for its Christian fiction, and elements of the genre are expressed via biblical references. Thankfully, these fit the characters and context. It does not feel preachy, but instead, complement the storyline.

Readers who like their historical romances served up more than a dash of suspense will not be disappointed with Out of the Embers.

Texas. Evelyn is an orphan and shares her life with other 20 children in the orphanage near Gilmorton:
their stories are sad, they are alone without relatives and love.
Evelyn has also fear, someone watches her and she feels that.
Second time I read book of this author, I enjoyed read it: well written, curios/mistery/love story. Nice cover.

This first book in Cabot's debut series Mesquite Springs was enjoyable from start to finish. It is set in the Hill country of Texas on a horse ranch in the fictional town of Mesquite Springs. Evelyn Radcliffe started out life in an orphanage as both her parents were murdered while she was hiding under the bed. The killer was apprehended, but Evelyn always felt fearful. As she grew older, the cooking skills she had learned from her mother led her to become the cook for the orphanage. When she is sent to town with a new orphan "Polly," Evelyn and Polly return to find the orphanage burnt to the ground. That is when Evelyn and Polly head out on their own to find a safe place to live somewhere in Texas.

Evelyn was a wonderful female main character as she grew stronger with the help of Wyatt, his sister Dorothy, and their mother. She was courted by 3 different men and was very intent on finding a man that would love her the way she remembered her dad loved her mother. The way the past and the present were threaded together throughout the story helped reveal the perspectives of the 3 main characters. There was just enough mystery and intrigue to make it feel more like a cozy rather than a suspense story. I appreciated that the romance was in the background most of the time and the stories of Evelyn and Polly were the main focus.

I look forward to reading more about the town of Mesquite Springs and its citizens.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I was selected by Revell to read and review “Out of the Embers” by Amanda Cabot . I usually really enjoy reading Ms. Cabot’s books and this was no exception. I thought the characters were well thought out and the story itself was very believable. However, I was very disappointed when, after reading the whole story, there was no conclusion to the book. Every part of the story was left dangling. I know this tactic is used to lead us to read subsequent books in the series, but this is not acceptable. Hopefully, the rest of the series will lead to the conclusions that I was looking for.

When I started this book, I was quickly immersed in the characters, scenery, and even the mystery that is dangled in front of the reader with only tidbits revealed here and there to keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats.

There was so much to like about this book I don't know where to start! The setting is the Texas Hill Country which is beautiful today, I can only imagine what it was like when this book was set. Rolling hills painted with bluebonnets in the spring....sigh, a place I want to visit. The characters are diverse and complex and while we know some of the histories of the main characters, we don't know everything yet and it leaves much more to be discovered in future books in this series. But we do learn about their strengths, weaknesses, desires, and hopes for the future. There are even a few antagonists in this book that while they might have some redeeming qualities, are not portrayed in a positive light and it adds to the complexity of the story. Sam would be the biggest one in the book and I can only hope that a future book will focus on him and he is able to redeem himself.

I love the town of Mesquite Springs and especially the diner that Evelyn opens in town. The description reminds me so much of the restaurant in When Calls the Heart. I loved that they would sit single people wherever there was an open seat. What a great way to get to know someone new in town, whether just passing through or a resident. And that Oatmeal Pecan Pie? I don't like pecan pie but now I am intrigued.

Wyatt has so much going on in his life and I can feel his struggles with running the ranch and supporting his mom and sister. I don't think he gives them enough credit, but in his defense sometimes you can only go by past actions of people. I think a huge boost to his mom's wellbeing was bringing Evelyn and Polly to their ranch to dry out and stay for a few days. It gave her a purpose which is something she needed.

There are actually three different storylines and the author weaves a suspenseful tale that kept me wondering who these characters were, what they wanted, and what the end result would be with the culmination of the book. Part of the story I was able to figure out, but part of it was quite a surprise to me. I really liked the suspenseful part of wondering who these other characters were since their story didn't flow with Evelyn or Polly's story.

There are many faith-based parts in this book which include a character surviving a potentially fatal injury. I think that each verse or faith section only strengthens my belief that people are inherently good and will prove that in various situations. Or if they are evil that they will receive their just rewards.

Overall this was a fantastic book and there is probably so much more I could say but then you wouldn't have anything left to read. We give this 5 paws up.

Evelyn was confident someone was watching her. She lived her life in fear.

Wyatt wanted to escape. He was afraid of what would happen if he did.

GOD had a plan. He brought Evelyn to Mesquite Springs, Texas.

Family doesn't always mean Mom, Dad, sister and brother. Evelyn opened her heart to Polly. They became a family. Polly is an orphan who was in danger. Evelyn will protect her at all cost. Wyatt was there to protect them both.

This story shows the love between members of the community and what they would do for each other. Evelyn and Polly escaped from the embers and was saved by Wyatt and the citizens of Mesquite Springs.

I loved the story and the relationships that Evelyn developed with Wyatt and others.

I received this for free from Revell to review.

"You need to be strong to survive losing everything."

It is hard to imagine any book by Amanda Cabot not being a sure-fire winner. Out of the Embers is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series, and what a beginning!

Evelyn Radcliffe was orphaned ten years after her parents were brutally murdered, and she lives in constant fear that the killer will one day finish the job and kill her too. The orphanage near Gilmorton, Texas, has been her safe haven as an orphan and now an employee, but when twenty-three-year-old Evelyn returns from town, accompanied by another orphan, six-year-old Polly, they discover their home has gone up in smoke, with nothing left of the orphanage but embers, ashes, and fear. The fire was no accident. The girls are homeless and on the run from Polly's mysterious background and from a faceless stranger who has watched Evelyn from the shadows every time she returns to town. Where will they go? How will they survive? Will they ever feel safe again?

After traveling for miles, Evelyn and Polly, posing as sisters and with a new last name, are exhausted and suddenly at the mercy of a severe thunderstorm, but both their lives are about to take a sharp turn for the better. Enter Wyatt Clark.

Amanda Cabot delivers a lovely story about trust, honesty, friendship, and the realization that dreams really do come true, even the dreams you never knew you had. Evelyn is looking for a safe place to land for both herself and Polly. Wyatt wants to travel the world, but he needs to ensure the horse ranch he inherited from his father, who was killed by the Comanche, is solvent for his mother and sister. But when Wyatt and Evelyn meet during that fateful thunderstorm, their lives become forever changed and forever entwined.

Set in the Texas Hill Country, Out of the Embers is an engaging story about survival, miracles, and the unwavering trust in God’s plan. This first book in the Mesquite Springs series, however, is not all about love and romance and starting over in a new town. A couple of mysteries need to be solved, and a bit of rivalry for Evelyn's attention throws a little spice and even some danger into the mix.

Amanda Cabot's writing is always so smooth and captivating, and she builds characters, plots, and scenes with ease and with such tender care. The story is not too complicated, but it has quite a few twists and a few turns to keep the reader guessing. As an added bonus, it is wonderful when Evelyn opens a restaurant in Mesquite Springs and follows in her late parents’ footsteps of serving comfort food and scrumptious desserts to crowds of hungry people. I would love the recipe to Evelyn’s oatmeal pecan pie, but apparently it is a closely guarded family secret. Prepare to crave this pie throughout most of this delightful story.

Out of the Embers is the perfect book if you love a sweet Christian romance with just enough drama, mystery, and surprises to keep you on your toes. While you’re at it, take a look at the other series by Amanda Cabot. You’ll fall in love with those books, too.

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

I have enjoyed previous books by Amanda Cabot and this is no exception. Evelyn will do just about anything to keep the little girl she claims as her sister safe. When a fire at the orphanage kills everyone but her and Evelyn, she does the only thing she can think of to do. Run. They end up in Mesquite Springs during a terrible thunderstorm. Wyatt rescues them and takes them home with him so his ma and sister can take care of them.

The back of the book calls this suspenseful and sweetly romantic. There is a mystery but I would not call it suspenseful. It was romantic. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. A nice enjoyable read.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I was excited to have the opportunity to read Amanda Cabot the beginning of her Mesquite Springs series, Out of the Embers. I was not disappointed. My heart just ached for Evelyn and what she had endured through her life. I enjoyed Wyatt’s character, as well. The two find themselves in some danger.
I am giving Out of the Embers a very well deserved five plus stars. It is probably my favorite I have read by Amanda Cabot. I can not wait to read the next installment her Mesquite Springs series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

OUT OF THE EMBERS is book one of popular historical fiction author Amanda Cabot's new series. Evelyn feels someone watching and since her parents were murdered, she is certain that the murderer is after her. When the orphanage she lives at is burned down, Evelyn and one little girl are the sole survivors. Evelyn and Polly are forced to find a new home, one far from "The Watcher".

Polly holds secrets of her own--ones she can never tell.... So WHO is "The Watcher" watching?

Wyatt is a sweet kind hero, following his dad's dreams to take care of his mom and sister. His dreams are put on hold and threatened to derail when he meets Evelyn and Polly...

But "The Watcher" is still out there and someone's life is in danger? And why?

Read this sweet historical romance/mystery to find out. Slow and easy, this is a story to savor. Recommended.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Evelyn loses everything a second time, when her refuge and workplace is burned down. When she was young her parents were murdered. Afraid that someone is watching her, she flees with the only other survivor, a young girl named Polly, to Mesquite Texas.



Wyatt Clark is a horse trainer and rancher, who takes Evelyn and Polly under his wing, offering them sanctuary on his ranch, where he lives with his mother and sister.



Wyatt's family welcome Evelyn and Polly with open arms, making them feel right at home. Dorothy is a good friend with literary aspirations, proving to be a true friend to Evelyn.



Wyatt is a natural leader and protector, and I admired how he doesn't always choose the easy thing but the right thing to do.



Polly is a adorable child, very helpful, and not too shy about asking for what she wants. She isn't perfect and has her moments of not being the perfect child, which makes her even more cute.



Overall, an engaging western romance, filled with mystery, faith, great relationship building, and a strong heroine. Enjoyable read, and I'm excited to read Dorothy's story next!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Evelyn Radcliffe is an excellent protagonist as she protects a young orphan girl after they are the only survivors of a fire at the orphanage where they lived. Evelyn's parents were murdered ten years ago and she has felt someone watching her whenever she returns to the town where they lived. Evelyn feels she is the reason the orphanage was set on fire. You will admire Evelyn as she and Polly set out for a new town and a new life as sisters. Wyatt Clark wants to see the world but stays on the family horse ranch caring for his widowed mother and his younger sister. You will enjoy this intriguing story as Evelyn learns who murdered her parents and why Polly refuses to tell her real last name. I recommend Out of Embers by Amanda Cabot to others. I received an advance e-book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Having read one of Amanda Cabot’s books before (with another one buried in my TBR), I was excited to have the chance to review the first in her new series, Mesquite Springs, Out of the Embers, a title which caught my attention, especially once I saw its significance to one of the leads, Evelyn, and the orphan she takes under her wing, Molly, who are survivors of an orphanage fire.

There was also a compelling mystery surrounding Evelyn feeling she was being followed by what she refers to as a “Watcher,” and the suspense building up to the reveal was incredibly well done.

It was also cool how Wyatt running for mayor was incorporated into the story, especially at the end, when Cabot revealed her true intentions vs. what actually happened. By running for office, it demonstrates he’s planning to make Mesquite Springs a relatively permanent residence, whereas she initially planned something completely different. In that regard, it forms the perfect complement to Evelyn’s culinary business, and also shows an aspect of his character in the same way that does hers.

But I liked that the center of the story was about Evelyn and Molly establishing a new path as a family together, and the seamless way Wyatt came to fit in, both as a romantic interest for Evelyn and a father to Molly. The interactions between all of them are incredibly sweet and I finished the book feeling incredibly satisfied on that front.

This is a great book, and would make a great read for lovers of Christian historical romance.

Ever since her parents' murder, some ten years previously, Evelyn has felt someone watching her every time she visited her old hometown. Though she's been told that the murderer, who had come hunting for her after shooting her parents, has been executed, she's convinced that he is still alive and still out to get her. So, when the orphanage she's been living in since her parents' death burns to the ground and she discovers that the fire was deliberately lit, leaving her one of only two survivors, she takes young Polly with her and runs. After travelling for a couple of weeks, they reach Mesquite Springs, where a storm drives them to take shelter at the home of Wyatt Clark. She is convinced to stay in the town and open a restaurant, but the growing attachment between her and Wyatt seems doomed before it could even truly begin when she realises that he's preparing to leave the farm that he's felt tied to ever since his father's death, with the aim of travelling. Working together to arrange a sale of young horses brings his dream nearer, but also makes him begin to feel reluctant to leave. But danger threatens - are Evelyn's fears being realised at last? And will she ever be able to live free of fear?

I expect good writing from this author, and this didn't disappoint. The book drew me in from the start and kept me reading eagerly right through to the end. While some things with more minor threads were a little confusing initially, it all came together beautifully as the different threads of the story were drawn together. I have to admit though that the author has me curious about this oatmeal pecan pie that everyone was raving about - never even having tried a pecan pie, I can't picture what adding oatmeal would do! All in all, great writing, characters that I really cared about and would like to see more of (including supporting characters - do we get Sam's story sometime? and Dorothy's?), and an interesting setting. In fact, the biggest problem with the book was that it stopped! I wanted more of their story post-wedding, though it was still a satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Out of the Embers is set in 1855 Mesquite Springs, Texas, and is the story of two orphans, twenty-three- year-old Evelyn Radcliffe and six-year-old Polly whose last name is a guarded secret. Evelyn lost both of her parents to murder, and for much of the book the fate of Polly's parents is unknown. It would seem that the two are in danger, but the source of that danger is a mystery, a mystery that had my carrying around my Kindle, reading or listening at every opportunity. Amanda Cabot is a master at building and sustaining suspense. I cannot wait for book two in her Mesquite Springs series.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Amanda Cabot has a serious bent to her writing, her plots have a bit of intrigue, and her characters are rather solemn. Out of the Embers is one of her better writings. She seems to improve with every book she authors.

Evelyn Radcliffe grew up in an orphanage from the time she was ten years old, after her parents were killed. When a fire takes the orphanage, it also takes all of the children too, except for Evelyn and Polly. The two girls had been sent to get the food supplies for the orphanage and saw what the fire had done when they came back. They decided to keep on going, which is all well and good until they get to Mesquite Springs, Texas, when the horse, Reginald, throws a shoe.

Wyatt Clark finds them hunkered down under the wagon during a particularly vicious storm. Wyatt takes them back to his ranch house where his mother and sister take care of them, and they become almost like part of the family in a few short days.

Evelyn and Polly are both keeping secrets and look to Wyatt for their protection, but Evelyn wants to earn her own way as well. They look to the owner of what used to be the only restaurant in Mesquite Springs to make a deal with him to lease it and open a new one in its place. Evelyn's prowess in the kitchen becomes known all around the Springs and Evelyn begins to get regular customers.

A sale of horses at Wyatt's ranch brings a lot of the mysteries to a head. Amanda's talent for writing has shone throughout this book and brings the reader much satisfaction. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and an apple pie that will tease your taste buds unmercifully.

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.