After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot is the first book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. I have enjoyed this author’s previous books, but I think this series is going to be my favorite. I enjoyed the small-town, southern historical feel of the story, where everyone knows everyone and their business. The story’s cast of characters was original and entertaining. You really get the feel of daily life in Sweetwater Crossing!
Emily and Craig’s story is punctuated by repeated sorrow. But I admired their conviction to turn to their faith and trust God through adversity. They are both inspirational in their daily walk with the Lord, especially Emily’s generous, servant’s heart. I fell in love with her character immediately and cheered for her happiness throughout the story.
This story has a slow-burn, sweet romance that is well worth the wait. But alongside blossoming love is also sorrow and mystery. I enjoyed the underlying mystery in this book and following alongside Emily and Craig as they pursued clue after clue. Watching them work together on the problem only strengthened their relationship on the page. They are so sweet together!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed After the Shadows. Despite the far-reaching grief in the story, it is still one of hope and love. Fans of historical romance, especially those set in the West, will enjoy this book.
I was given a copy of this
book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful book! Following the death of her abusive husband, Emily returns to her hometown to discover more deaths in the family - including her father's alleged suicide. She attempts to move forward, utilizing her childhood home as a boarding house for those in need. A new, widower, school teacher (with his toddler son in tow) soon arrives and both he and Emily's hearts slowly awaken to the possibility of love again. While their romance (very slowly) blossoms, several elderly members of town begin passing away unexpectedly. Determined to prove her father would never have taken his own life, the two pair together to uncover the mystery of all the deaths in town.

This was the first book I've read from this author and I was genuinely impressed. The ability to flawlessly weave together a murder mystery + healing from an abusive relationship + a love story and have it actually work is proof of how skilled a writer this is.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

The town of Sweetwater Crossing has some secrets, y’all. (Hence, the name of the series.) And while we discover some of them in After the Shadows, there are definitely hints that more will be revealed in future books. One in particular that I have my suspicions about and I’m dying to know if I’m right. Oops. Bad pun. Because, you see, one of the biggest secrets in Sweetwater Crossing involves several unexplained deaths.

Emily Vaughn Leland returns home to Finley House after the death of her abusive husband George, but she certainly doesn’t receive a welcome. Not only does Emily have to cope with the loss of her mother in her absence, she finds her minister father dead in the barn of a suspected suicide (which she doesn’t believe) the day she arrives. Her middle sister is away in Europe and their youngest sister Louisa is furious at Emily as a result of George’s isolating manipulations. I felt the tension palpably emanating off the pages as Emily is dealt one blow after another, including the need to open their home to boarders or risk losing it. My heart really went out to her, and the more time I spent with her character the more I loved her, her quiet strength, and her compassionate spirit. She may be gifted as a cook, but she’s also gifted at loving people well and making them feel at home.

One of those people is new schoolmaster Craig Ferguson, a widower with the most adorable toddler son – Noah. I loved his approach as a teacher, especially when that was not the norm for the time period, and the fact that he would not be swayed by voices of dissent when he knew something was the right thing to do. In this way, he and Emily are very much alike and clearly the perfect match for one another. Their easy friendship and mutual support of each other made me love both of them even more, and I appreciated how Cabot layers their growing feelings for one another with their understandable caution in starting a new relationship. The moment when Craig realizes he’s in love with Emily, though, is the moment I fell for him as a hero, and it made me grin like a besotted fool at his befuddlement.

Craig and Noah aren’t the only boarders at Emily’s home, and I adored Beulah and Mrs. Carmichael. The latter is a voice of wisdom and friendship for Emily and Craig both, as well as a surrogate grandmother for little Noah, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. Beulah is a young girl with what we now call Down’s Syndrome, a character that we don’t see often in historical romance but one that I can’t imagine After the Shadows without. She was a delightful addition to Finley House and to this story. The less said about some other boarders, the better – but I’m pretty sure that’s exactly how the author intended me to feel.

Bottom Line: After the Shadows is a multifaceted story with a sweet historical romance and a murder mystery undercurrent. It also tugs on the heartstrings and reminds us that beauty will rise out of the painful times in our lives. Sweetwater Crossing isn’t giving up its secrets without a fight though, and in this case it’s a matter of life and death. Emily and Craig are compelling and delightful characters that are easy to love, and their gently swoony romance grows from the warm friendship that first develops between them. It was nice to see references to the author’s previous series, too, and the theme of loving each other as Jesus commanded is timely and meaningful without being preachy. Looking forward to discovering the other secrets that Sweetwater Crossing is keeping!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Thanks to netgalley for providing an advanced copy for the purpose of review

This was a slow gentle read with a bit of a mystery thrown in.it was an easy read although it was a little slow paced.

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot is set in the 1800’s in Sweetwater Crossing, Texas. Emily comes back home after her abusive husband’s untimely death to find that her mother had died and discovered her father dead in the barn from assumed suicide. She immediately takes charge and turns her home into a boarding house to help out a widowed neighbor whose house caught on fire and the new widower schoolmaster and his toddler.
Emily isn’t convinced that her pastor father committed suicide so she goes about trying to clear his name with the help of her new boarder, Craig.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more stories in this series.

This book turned out quite different than I originally thought it would. From the look of the cover I thought it would be more of a British countryside Regency romance type. Nope! It's set in 1882 Sweetwater Crossing, Texas.

The story is one of tragedy and redemption. Emily Leland is the main character and we meet her as she is arriving at her family home. She's journeyed there to start over after becoming a recent widow. The homecoming she expected is far from the reality that greets her.

One of the main things that I liked about Emily is that she is determined to not only survive but thrive. And she has the wherewithal to pull others along with her. There are seemingly insurmountable odds but she continues to persevere.

There are two other sisters in this story that we get a bit of background on. I am assuming that they will be featured in the next couple of books in this series. I can't wait to find out the rest of Emily's story (surely it will be included in the next books) and also get to know her sisters better.

While this is considered an Historical Romance it also has an element of mystery to it. I enjoyed trying to figure out the who, what, when and why of what happened. It was a very surprising ending. If this first book of the series is any indication of what's to come . . . we're in for a real treat!

After the Shadows is a nice book when you're in the mood for a slow, fluffy read. While there is definitely a measure of suspense, the overall feel of the book is more pleasant than suspenseful. Most importantly, the ending was very satisfying!

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

When Emily Leland's abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, she didn't shed a tear. Learning that he left his ranch and all his worldly goods to a cousin instead of his wife didn't even come as a surprise. She at least expects a sweet welcome home when she returns to Sweetwater Crossing with what little she has that is hers. What she gets instead is an angry younger sister who can't forgive her absence when their mother died. Finding her father, dead by apparent suicide, is the blow that breaks her already shattered heart. She's positive that the man she knew would never have killed himself, no matter how much pain he was enduring at the time, but can she find a way to prove it?

Left destitute by both her husband's mean-spirited actions and her father's death, Emily feels her only recourse is to open her home to boarders. Her first guests are the new schoolmaster, Craig Ferguson, and his young son, Noah. Craig is a widower, moving from the memories of his wife's accidental death and from the matchmakers determined to see that he remarries. As he gets to know Emily, and sees her heart for others, he begins to see that his heart isn't as locked away as he thought it was.

When friends of Emily's other boarder, Mrs. Cartwright, die from seemingly common ailments, sadness once again reigns in "Finley House." But, is something more sinister happening? As Craig and Emily work together to piece together what is happening in their town, will they give love a chance, when both have been hurt so badly before?

I enjoyed Emily and Craig's story. Both were left broken-hearted by their first marriages, but for far different reasons. I loved how they were friends first, then slipped gently into loving each other. I also enjoyed the mystery that filtered throughout. I was very surprised by the perpetrator, and that's ALL I'm going to say about that.

Readers who enjoy historical romance with a side of mystery, will definitely enjoy Cabot's After the Shadows. I look forward to Emily's sister, Louisa's story, although, I didn't like her very much in this first book of the series! Hopefully she grows up and makes some changes in Against the Wind!

This book was difficult to get through. Let me just state that right up front.

Sometimes crazy extenuating circumstances happen in real life that you look back on and see how it was all part of a bigger plan. However, the events of this book seemed a little too far-fetched to make things work out "just right". I know it's fiction, but I can't suspend belief for so long. I don't know if a single woman would be allowed to host a single man in her home, even with another older woman present.

The developing 'romance' between Craig and Emily seemed more like Emily just desiring to be a mother. There weren't sparks between them like you would expect. It was more of a mutual respect, which is very important, but not enough to make me believe they would be happy together long-term.

The replacement family who came in to lead the church and were so horrible was just a distraction. I don't know what purpose they served other than to make the book longer. They didn't add to the plot line and they were super annoying. I must admit I did skim through some of the middle as the book is slow to move along.

While I ultimately enjoyed the book, I don't know that it was compelling enough to read the continuing series.

I received an eARC from NetGalley for review.

This was an intriguing storyline set in the 1880s Texas Hill Country about Emily Leland, a widow of an abusive husband, struggling to navigate the devastating news she receives after returning to her hometown following her husbands death.

This was close to a DNF for me but I’m glad I pushed through and finished it. I struggled at the beginning of the book with the way the author depicted the toddler of the book speaking in a way that would not be typical of a child that age, well loved and cared for, who is the son of a well-educated teacher. It was almost caveman-esque.

Aside from that, the tone of book surrounding the subject of abuse was confusing. For the time period it was set, it would make sense that there might be some shame surrounding the abuse and therefore a desire to conceal it. However the empowerment development surrounding her being a very strong, no-nonsense character, that stands up for the underdog did not seem to be describing the same person. It was difficult to piece together her character development and reconcile this being the same person. It also felt like the book ended too abruptly- with some resolution for sure but not finishing out the story line in all of its complexity.

Overall, I appreciated the mystery and twisty development but it was predictable in some ways (not all). I’ll probably skip the next books.

Emily Leland went back her hometown Sweetwater Crossing after her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight. after her arrived home she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death with the help from the widowed schoolmaster. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.
As a Christian historical romance mystery book. (yes the genre has to be this order) the Christian is the strongest part. Noah and Beulah were sweet kids. they lighting up the book. The love interest was a little bit weak. and the mystery is too simple. The story has a strong start, then it went slow till 50%, It wasn't a disappointing read, but it was great eighter.
3 stars

This book had surprises in it that I did not see coming and other that I totally did. So many other questions left unanswered. Like where are the letters going? Guess I will have to read the next book to find out.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

A slow book about a young widow returning home to face some turmoil in her own life as well as her community. Not sure how this pragmatic woman ended up in an abusive marriage. The book has many questionable deaths in a short span . The mystery of the deaths is discovered towards the end but it took a long time to get there.

An excellent start to Amanda’s new series. I enjoyed the mysteries of this story; it was fun trying to figure out how the threads fit. Craig and Noah were adorable, and I loved how the relationship between Emily and Craig was a very natural progression. The rest of this series promises to be super fun and I am looking forward to the upcoming stories in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.

After the Shadows is an excellent book! Everything this author writes is a sold story and really draws me in. I have been reading this authors' books since she has started writing and have enjoyed them all. I wouldn't miss anything she writes.
After The Shadows is the first book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.
Emily Leland married too quickly after meeting her husband, not really knowing him and how she would be treated, when he is killed in a bar fight it's no loss to her. Her marriage has produced no children and she now returns home to Sweetwater Crossing only to find her father dead under suspicious circumstances. Determined to get to the bottom of it she is not one to give up as she explores all possibilities of his death.
Everyone thinks he killed himself, but Emily is out to prove otherwise.
Schoolteacher, recently widowed Craig Ferguson moves into town at the same time Emily does with his adorable young son, Noah. I enjoyed seeing the interactions between Emily and Noah, they had quite a bond. When other non sick elderly residents of Sweetwater start dying Emily and Craig are determined to put a stop to it and catch whoever is responsible.
I went right to the very end before solving this suspense. Excellent reading. I love everything this author puts out and recommend this. Looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series.

Pub Date: 21 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

My review: The beginning of the book was a little slow. After I got into it, I enjoyed it. Emily has an uphill battle with proving her father didn't commit suicide. Her sister is fighting her every step of the way. This is not an edge of your seat mystery. But a good mystery that keeps you guessing. I am looking forward to reading Emily's story in the next installment.

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

Amanda Cabot is becoming a favorite author! This is a wonderful beginning to a new series. Sweetwater crossing is a charming, small town with interesting and lovable characters. This book had an interesting mystery with a sweet romance and I enjoyed getting to know Emily and Craig. I also loved the mention of Cimarron Creek, which is one of my favorite series. Overall a wonderful book!

* I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

After the Shadows is a wonderful blend of friendship, love, and mystery. This book is set in 1882 in the small town of Sweetwater Crossing. Emily Leland has returned home, from an abusive marriage after the death of her husband, only to discover her father’s death. She is convinced that her father was murdered and will do everything she can to prove it. The same day she arrives home, a new school teacher, Craig Ferguson who is recently widowed, moves into town with his young son and needs a place to stay due to his original lodging burning down. Emily invites Craig and his son, as well as others, to stay in her family’s home. Then numerous older people in town start dying when they seemingly didn’t have life threatening ailments. Emily and Craig are determined to figure out who is behind the deaths.

This book is a great start to a new series. It is full of real characters, mysterious deaths, sweet romance, and second chances. I would definitely recommend this book.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Amanda Cabot's stories are so sweet, comforting and easy to read and After the Shadows was no exception. I loved her characters and seeing their character and faith grow through difficult trials. The romance between Emily and Craig was endearing and Noah and Beulah were adorable. The pace was a bit slow at first but once it picked up and really started rolling the story became so enjoyable. All round another great story from Amanda Cabot! Can't wait for the sequel!

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I'm a day late to this review, but here it is nonetheless. This book is the absolute sweetest, heartwrenching, page turning book I've read in quite some time. The way Amanda brought these characters and their lives to life. With real life problems rhat make it easy to relate to them but also in a way that makes you keep reading from page one. The slow burn romance was and is always so, so amazing and just made me swoon. 😍😭 I loved the characters personal development within themselves but also with other people. The faith content is this book is so real and true. The way the author captured God and incorporated it into her characters is surreal. This is just such a sweet and amazing book!!
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* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
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