The stunning cover caught my attention and since I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s books before, I decided to try this series starter set in 1880’s Texas.

Emily, a recent widow, has returned home after her husband’s untimely death. She returns to the news that her mother has recently passed as well. There are a few more deaths in this story and by the 3rd one, I had figured out the reason. This story is part mystery, part family drama and part romance. I enjoyed the characters and the writing style. The children in the story are (mostly) charming as well. There are some sensitive topics addressed including abuse (not on page) and suicide. Overall it’s a great story and I look forward to reading future books in the series.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

The beginning of a wonderful series that I can’t wait to read. Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series has started off so great with Emily Leland story and running a boarding house that brings Craig Ferguson into her life along with mystery and romance.

I can’t wait to read more of the secrets as Amanda Cabot unveils the rest of the story.

Summary from @NetGalley

A brighter future awaits--if she can escape the shadows of the past

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.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.


Thank you @RevellFiction and @Netgalley for the opportunity!
#AftertheShadows #revellfiction #AmandaCabot

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An abusive marriage left Emily relieved at her husband's death and with no intention of ever remarrying, however much she's always dreamed of a husband and children. But her return home is far from happy: her mother recently died and her father commits suicide the very day she returns, without ever knowing of her return. On learning more about his death, though, Emily is convinced it can't have been suicide - which means there's a murderer on the loose. Craig has come to Sweetwater Crossing with his young son hoping for a new start following his wife's tragic death, but a fire the day they arrive leaves them homeless.

Poor Emily has had a hard time, and things aren't much easier when she gets back home, but it was heart-warming to watch her gradually recover and get to the point where she could open her heart again. Craig's son Noah was a delightful addition to the cast, not to mention his student Beulah (lovely to see people supporting her, though the antipathy of others was hard to watch). And Craig himself was great to get to know. The mystery was largely in the background of the story rather than the focus, but it was done well, adding to the story and the character development rather than taking over. All in all, a really good read, and I'm eager to see Emily's sisters get their own stories! 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.

Oh, how I loved this story! Emily has been emotionally, and physically, wounded by her husband, which makes her leery of all men. But she is also a strong woman and forces herself to face her fears. So when Craig and his son begin boarding at Emily’s mansion, even though she doesn’t trust men, she does give Craig the benefit of the doubt. After she gets to know the widowed schoolmaster and sees how the man treats his son as well as helps her with drying the dishes every evening, she softens to the man. This was such a solid romance beginning with two people who didn’t want anything to do with each other to falling madly in love. The subplots—Emily’s father’s death, Emily’s siblings, Beulah’s schooling—were woven tightly around the main plot. Loved this book!

After the Shadows was about healing, searching for truth, acceptance, and provision. It was believing in someone when others refused, and putting others first. I enjoyed the characters in this story, especially Emily, Craig, and Mrs. Carmichael. They were a power team, brought together by unfortunate circumstances. I loved how they stood out from the rest of the townspeople, standing firm in their faith despite what others threw at them.

I also appreciated how Amanda Cabot did not shy away from using God in this story. God created each person, and only He knows why some people are born a certain way, or why certain things happen. He also has a plan for our lives, and He does answer prayers. There were so many Biblical truths in this story. I could easily go back through the story and pick out different aspects of God and delve deeper into those truths.

One thing I do have to mention is that I struggled a bit reading this novel. I felt that the story could have been tightened up a bit more, and the writing cleaned up a bit. Sometimes it seemed as though certain events were thrown in there haphazardly, and it was missing a bit of character development.

Despite that hiccup, I did like this story and would recommend it to those looking for a clean Texan romance with a bit of mystery.

Wonderful book! What a great story. I absolutely loved it. The characters were very well developed and I can not wait until the next in the series.

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.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.


I just reviewed After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot. #AftertheShadows #NetGalley

I requested and was given a copy of this book through the Revell Reads program. My review is my own and freely given.

I have always enjoyed Amanda Cabot's books, and this is no different. Ms. Cabot did a very good job in writing this book. The characters were well-developed. You felt like you might know these people or people similar to them.

The story flowed well. It had an interesting twist at the end. It mainly was a love story with a bit of mystery thrown in. It kept my interest throughout.

My only complaint is that I felt too much was left unanswered. I realize that this is the first book in a series but it would have been nice to have some of the questions answered as there is still plenty of story left for the upcoming books.

I give this a 3 out of 5 rating, and I would recommend it to my friends. I look forward to reading the next book as I hope it answers some of my questions.

Emily returned home with a secret. She wanted no one to know what a mess she made. She discovered when she came home it was too late.

Emily was determined to find out what happened to her father. During her search, Emily discovered that a family is not just parents or siblings. Her family was her close friends and associates.

Craig tried to run from his past. But he found his future at Finley House.

I enjoyed the book. Fortunately, there will be a sequel.

Emily returns to her hometown to find that her father has passed, a string of mysterious events has Emily and the new school teacher asking questions.

An engaging read with a full cast of characters in a small town shrouded in secrets, with a mystery that kept me guessing. Well written with wonderful well developed characters. Emily is a courageous woman, willing to stand up for truth and ask the hard questions. I loved her friendship with little Noah, who is the most adorable little boy!

There is a lot going on in this small Texas town, and I liked the multiple intertwining story threads, as well as the growing friendship between Emily and Craig.

Overall, an entertaining novel, and great start to a new series, with a heroine that I could cheer for all the way through. Definitely great for fans of Western romance, with a streak of mystery!

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

After the Shadows is the first book in Amanda Cabot's latest series, Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing. Emily Leland is back home in Sweetwater, Texas and dealing with the deaths of her parents and husband. In an attempt to keep her family home she opens it up for boarders and ends up with the new school teacher and widow, Craig Ferguson and his little boy Noah along with a few others. There is long, slow romance as Craig tries to prove to Emily that he is there for her and different from her first husband. He believes her when she says she doesn't think her father killed himself and they go about trying to solve the mystery. Clean Christian Historical Fiction that was a nice easy read.

Next book up is Against the Wind which is Emily's sister Louisa's story.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 21 March 2023.

4 1/2 stars

Wow! This is my first book by Amanda Cabot and definitely won’t be my last. After the Shadows had everything I enjoy in a historical fiction: mystery, romance, and interesting main characters as well as side characters with an inspirational message woven throughout. From the first, I was drawn into the story and had a hard time putting it down. Just when you think things can’t get more complicated, a new wrinkle is introduced. It’s a great start to a new series and I’m already looking forward to the next book.

Emily Leland is still reeling from her abusive husband’s death when she learns of her mother’s death. Returning home though doesn’t provide the welcoming reunion she was hoping for. Not only is her sister rude and angry, but her father is nowhere to be found. When she later finds him dead in the barn apparently by his own hand, her grief compounds. Emily doesn’t believe her father killed himself and is determined to find the truth. Left virtually penniless, she must turn the family home into a boarding house to make ends meet, but without her sister’s help.

After losing his beloved wife, Craig Ferguson is looking for a new start. He and his young son journey to Sweetwater Crossing, Texas where he’s been accepted as the new school teacher. When he arrives, the house where he was supposed to live has burned down. With nowhere to go, he and his son stay at Emily’s newly turned boarding house.

Despite her fear of men, Emily grows closer to Craig and his little son Noah. Her boarding house becomes a delightful place where new boarders and friends come to visit. Both Emily and Craig have a lot to overcome. Both can commiserate with their shared grief. Neither one wants to marry again, but as they spend more time together, Emily sees the kind, loving father and teacher Craig is and her fears begin to subside. Craig sees Emily’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to stand up for the less fortunate. He loves the way she cares for Noah as well. As more deaths occur, Emily and Craig work together to solve the mystery of her father’s death. It’s an enjoyable story of second chances, hope, and faith, with an interesting mystery

Definitely a page turner! There’s so much involved in the story and I loved all the side characters. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of a special needs character. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I received as advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Content: suicide, mentions of abuse, mild romance with kissing only

This was an interesting historical novel.
The heroine has come home due to her husband’s death, which has left her homeless and penniless. Her mother recently died, so she hopes to comfort her sister only to discover her father dies too. But those aren’t the only deaths that happen for the duration of the story. Several deaths occur, leaving the reader wondering why the author keeps killing off secondary characters without an explanation – until we get about two-thirds the way through.
The hero of the story is likeable and gentle with the heroine. Though, he seems slightly too perfect, his role works well for the story.
There are characters to love and characters that you wish didn’t make it on the page. The descriptions of the town and homes where people live are vivid, giving readers a clear picture of the setting.
There are some disturbing topics tackled – abuse, murder, and the treatment of one character with Down Syndrome, but each one is handled with sensitivity and the utmost care.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the start of a brand new series by Amanda Cabot. When Emily Leland returns to Sweetwater Crossing, she finds that her father has died under mysterious circumstances. With the help of the new school teacher, Craig Ferguson, she has to figure out what happened to her father. This is a good mystery as well as I good love story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

This read really picked up about halfway through the book for me. The story started off with a bang (or should I say death?)--a seeming suicide within the first chapter or two--and it had me worried what I'd signed up for, as I started reading it right before bed! Heh. From there, though, the plot slowed down quite a bit and it turned very character driven. Fine--especially since the plot did pick up as I went along.

I prefer Cabot's Mesquite Springs trilogy over this one, but I'll still probably pick up book 2 when it releases.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow! What a moving tale After the Shadows is! It brought tears to my eyes quite a few times. Definitely not a boring read with a great storyline and ending. I absolutely recommend this excellent book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed reading After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot. Emily is a strong woman who has been through a terrible marriage and is now widowed. Craig is a kind-hearted widower with a young son. He arrives in town the same day Emily returns home to tragedy. I love the way Cabot weaves a faith thread through her stories and how she uses her secondary characters to bring more depth. If you enjoy stories set in the days of the settlers, you'll want to read Cabot's books. I received a copy for free. Opinions are my own.

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot had me a little confused when I started reading. With a town named Sweetwater Crossing and the main characters are daughters of a preacher I thought this was going to be a sweet romance with a little mystery. Not quite! There is a sweet romance but it certainly isn't the main focus of the story. Cabot weaves romance with murder, domestic violence, a special needs child and tops it off with a serial killer! The only thing that prevented a five star review is the lack of urgency in solving the mystery. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

My first Amanda Cabot novel and it was set in the western era of America (a favourite of mine). I enjoyed the sweet pacing of this novel, as well as the faith aspect. I did find the story a little predictable and would have enjoyed more emphasis on the mystery (it felt secondary to the gentle & clean, love story).
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

This is book one in a new series. It’s Emily’s story and her return to Sweetwater Crossing. It has a bit of a mystery surrounding her father’s unexpected death. There’s some romance. It’s a pretty good story. I liked Emily, even after everything that had happened to her she’s still a strong woman. Looking forward to the next one
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I enjoyed getting to know the people and the town presented to us in this first book of this trilogy. This was the first time I’ve read a book my Amanda Cabot and I look forward to reading others. I felt the story was thorough and came full circle but I wished there had been more character development. I wanted to feel more from the characters about how the circumstances affected them, have a more emotional connection with them. There was so much death in this story and yet there wasn’t much reflection within the characters to see how they processed it all. I felt that missing connecting to the characters. I will be reading the rest of the series because the story and characters were interesting enough for me to invest my time getting to know them better.

*I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.