Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, and it was an engaging tale from start to finish.

While it can be read as a standalone, I believe the reader would be wise to read the first book as well. In the second book, we find out what happened to Louisa, who left in a fit of anger at the changes her sister Emily made to their home after their father died. In Against the Wind, we see a calmer, more reasonable, and more determined Louisa who is returning to Sweetwater Crossing to help a friend. What she doesn't expect is to find a barely conscious man in the middle of the desert with a broken leg.

While Louisa nurses Josh back to health, we begin to learn a bit more about the two. Josh, like Louisa, was only intending to pass through Sweetwater Crossing. But as the two spend more time together, you can't help but root for them, despite all the obstacles in their way.

I loved the excitement in this book. I had a hard time putting it down. The mystery was also intriguing and surprised me more than I can say when I found out the culprit! I wasn't expecting that.

I also loved how strong and determined Louisa was to offer her services as a doctor in training and midwife to the people of her hometown. Even though most of the people in the town turned their backs on her, she still turned the other cheek and offered to help them. Both she and Josh helped each other grow as they dealt with various obstacles that stood in the way of their dreams.

I was really sorry to get to the last page of this book. I wish there had been an epilogue, as I feel it ended too abruptly. Despite that, if you enjoy a good romance with a mystery, you will love Against the Wind.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Netgalley for my honest opinion.

This is sister Louisa's compelling story, of returning home and her determination to practice medicine in spite of the prejudice against women to do so. This is the second book, I recommend you read the first one, but this can be read alone.

“People have to form their own opinions. We can’t stop them if they choose to rely on the wrong people.”

Louisa returns to her hometown she has absolutely no plan to remain. But fate had different ideas when she found an injured stranger on the side of the road. Louisa couldn't abandon him, so she decided to assist him. Consequently, she had to stay in Sweetwater Crossing until he was able to recover. Josh Porter, a young entrepreneur has other plans than staying stranded in a small Midwest town. But with a broken leg, he has to adapt his plans.

This is a captivating Historical Romance novel that has a hint of mystery. The characters were very likable, and their sweet romance was heartwarming. What I appreciated most was the valuable faith message about how God works in all things for good. The plot flowed smoothly, and the natural development of Josh and Louisa's relationship was lovely. They were truly meant to be together. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out so I can learn more about the third sister.

Just wanted to share my thoughts on "Against the Wind" by Revell, which I received as an eARC from NetGalley. I want to make it clear that I'm not obligated to write a positive review nor am I being compensated for doing so. With that said, I have to say that this novel is truly wonderful. It's my honest assessment and reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

Against the Wind
by Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell
Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing, Book 2
Rated: 3-4
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.
Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.
If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?”

Impressions: Sweetwater is a good name for how I feel about this series. It is full of sweet heroines. This book focuses on Louisa. Helping a friend Louisa agrees to a “quick” return to Sweetwater Crossing. Along the way she contemplates the many people and circumstances that have led her to returning “home.” I had questions about her leaving the first book, so I appreciated this book as Louisa shares her journey. Louisa navigates through a myriad of challenges and shows her true character as she perseveres towards what she believes is right. In doing so she finds love and danger where she least expects. I believe I enjoyed this book more than the first. I look forward to the third book in this series.

Quotes: “The only way to know whether your fears are real or not is to confront them.”

“Love is real. It’s the source of everything good in a marriage. It’s what makes an ordinary day special. It’s what ties people together and gives them the strength to endure tragedy. A marriage without love is nothing.”

“Josh smiled at the realization that while he’d been focused on things, Louisa was concentrating on people.”

“People have to form their own opinions. We can’t stop them if they choose to rely on the wrong people.”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot, the second book in the Sweetwater Crossing series, is a captivating historical romance novel set in 1883 Texas Hill Country. The story revolves around Louisa Vaughn, a determined doctor-in-training, and Josh Porter, a supportive and charming character who values Louisa's professional aspirations. The novel seamlessly weaves faith, resilience, and friendship into its narrative, delivering a heartfelt message of God working all things for good.

With its beautifully crafted characters, unexpected twists, and a touch of mystery, this book offers an emotionally charged and uplifting reading experience. Amanda Cabot's ability to transport readers to the late 1800s with realistic storytelling and strong, independent characters makes Against the Wind a must-read for fans of historical, women's, and Christian fiction. Whether you're new to the series or a returning reader, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Against the Wind is the 2nd book in the Sweetwater Crossing series by Amanda Cabot. This book follows the youngest Vaughn sister who is a midwife and hopes to be a doctor. Louisa comes back to Sweetwater Crossing to bring the widow of the disgraced Dr. Sheridan back to close up shop when they come upon a stranger that has been thrown from his horse and has a broken leg. Louisa is able to set Josh’s leg but is unable to leave her patient for several weeks so Dr. Sheridan’s widow leaves his office to her. It is Louisa’s God given dream to be a healer. She goes through many trials to try to gain the trust of the town especially since this book is set in the late 1800’s when men think women are incapable of doing more than getting married and having babies. Louisa and Josh do eventually fall in love and get married.
I really enjoyed this book and some of the unexpected twists and turns. I’d recommend it for anyone who read and liked the first Sweetwater Crossing book, After the Shadows or likes a sweet, clean romance with a happy ending that reminded me of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Against the Wind, by Amanda Cabot, tells the tale of Louisa Vaughn. Louisa had left Sweetwater Crossing to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Now she is returning to her hometown, as an escort to the town’s doctor’s widow to attend his funeral. However, when she passes an injured man on her way into town, Louisa knows this will not be a quick visit!

As Joshua Porter is traveling cross country, his horse suddenly flings him off. He lands on the hard ground and ends up with a lump on his head and a broken leg. When Louisa comes upon him, she knows she must transport him to Sweetwater Crossing and set his leg. Josh is disappointed because the situation will cause a delay in his plan to try to inherit his family’s business!

After Louisa moves Josh into Finley House, her family home, to recuperate, she realizes much has changed since her departure. When the doctor’s widow gives her his old office in town, Louisa must rethink her desire to leave!

Watch as Louisa try’s to find a place for herself in her hometown and you wonder if there will also be a spot for Josh!

Amanda Cabot is an Author of Historical Romance Fiction and she is my favorite author in this genre. I love her writing style and her ability to take me back to the late 1800s. With every book of her’s that I’ve had the privilege to read, Amanda never fails to capture my attention completely. It’s as though I was able to take a vacation back in time. Her stories are all realistic and original. Her characters are strong and independent. The book is inspirational though not preachy. The ending was happy and uplifting with a sneak preview chapter for book three tucked in on the last pages. Five stars for this well written book.

In against the Wind readers get to touch base again with all the characters they met in the first book of the series, After the Shadows. In this second book we focus on Louisa Vaughn, the main character of the story. A new character is introduced to us when Louisa and Mrs Sheridan stop to give aid to a wounded man on the side of the road. Josh Porter isn’t just any guy as readers will soon find out but he needs a doctor and Louisa is there to help him.

Though Sweetwater Crossing is in need of a Doctor they are not ready to fill that position with a female physician. Louisa ,who is in town for a funeral wants to treat patients until Josh recovers or the town finds a Doctor but she isn’t well received by the community. As time moves on she is highly criticized for her resolve to get the town to except her. Two men want to spend time with her and one would like to make Louisa forget about practicing medicine. There’s also a bit of a mystery in this book as someone sends her threatening notes and breaks into her office . Who’s behind all these attacks on Louisa and why is this person so intent on discouraging her from seeing patients in Sweetwater Crossing?

I recommend this book to readers of Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Christian Fiction. This book is part of a series but I feel it can be read as a stand alone. Against the Wind is scheduled to be released on 10/3/23.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

#AgainsttheWind #NetGalley

Against the Wind is a fabulous historical tale of the struggles that those gone before us fought. Louisa’s attempts to gain respect and trust as a female doctor and Josh’s battles to bring modernization to the frontier was both captivating and inspiring. They faced so much and didn’t give into the pressure, but stood strong Against the Wind. This book features clean romance and a hint of suspense toward the end. I absolutely recommend this book.

It was a delight to receive an ARC of this book and to share my honest opinion with other clean romance enthusiasts.

I did not read the first book in the series but was able to jump right into the story. I really liked the character of Louisa. Louisa was humble, gentle and respectful even when those around her didn't treat her well. Josh was such a great character as well and didn't let wealth and privilege change him.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Against the Wind, the second book in the wonderful Sweetwater Crossing series, continues the saga of the Vaughn sisters—Emily, Louisa, and Joanna. Set in 1883 Texas Hill Country, this is Louisa’s compelling story. The fast moving plot with some major and unexpected twists kept me engaged for the entirety of the read. The wonderfully-crafted, realistic characters touched my heart. Louisa and Josh are a perfect match! I love Louisa’s determination to practice medicine in spite of the prejudice against women to do so and how Josh values her opinion and supports her professional desire. I greatly appreciate the valuable faith message of how God works all things for good. The sneak preview of the next book in the series is a sweet bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written, emotionally charged story and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters in this book. There was a lot of moving parts and different relationships being talked about, which bounced back and forth fairly often. The story flowed nicely though and the relationship between Josh and Louisa developed naturally and they were a perfect match for one another. I’m looking forward to meeting the third sister in the next book.

"Against the Wind" is a Christian romance set in 1882 in Texas. It's the 2nd novel in a series but can work as a standalone. Louisa feels that God has given her the desire and ability to heal and so is determined to be both a midwife and a doctor. She doesn't let other's opinions that women shouldn't be doctors stop her, but it becomes quite the struggle to convince her hometown to accept her skills even though there's no other doctor. In fact, someone's trying to scare her into giving up both professions.

Josh respected her medical skill and consulted her knowledge of the town to help create a tea room that would appeal to them. He's driven by a promise to his father to try to win leadership of his family's business, and the success of the tea room could prove his worth. Both Josh and Louisa built each other up and showed how they valued the other through their actions. They became close friends as they spent time together. Josh had to reconsider if his priorities really would bring him happiness.

The Christian element was mostly how Louisa treated other people as valuable even when they didn't treat her kindly. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.

I have some mixed feelings about "Against the Wind". It was an enjoyable book, but there were a few things that I believe could have been improved.

Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has left Sweetwater Crossing a year ago, and although she agreed to come back for a few days to help out a friend, she has absolutely no plan to remain. However, when she finds an injured stranger on the side of the road, she has to help him—which means staying at Sweetwater Crossing until he heals, as there is no doctor in town. The stranger, Josh Porter, has other plans than staying stranded in a small Midwest town. But with a broken leg, he has to adapt his plans—and his plans never included falling in love...

I really liked the main protagonists and their friends. They are well crafted characters, with interesting lives and attaching personalities. There are also quite a few secondary characters who are pretty mean. It's normal in a small town, but I wish some characters were not so unidimensional and had more depth. Take Raymond—although the author said she tried to make him a nicer character than she had first planned, I found him obnoxious and condescending. I really don't get what Louisa found in him, and I also thought he could have contributed more to the plot.

The end was also a bit of a let-down, not only with the "last problem's" simplistic resolution, but also the last chapter was precisely as I expected would happen so I feel like it might have been left out, left to the imagination of the reader. Or alternatively, it might have been fleshed out a bit more to give us an even sweeter ending or something... although I have to say I already found the book too long as it was! Maybe there was just too much, too many sub-plots going on. Around the 60% mark, I thought the end of the book was coming, but when I checked my progress, I saw that I still had about 40% of the book left! The plot should perhaps have been a little different, to avoid a near-resolution happening halfway through and misleading the reader.

It was however a sweet romance, without love being the sole focus. There are also themes of finding one's way, overcoming challenges, gaining trust, build family ties, etc. Readers might enjoy the light Christian aspect of the story, without it being a main theme either. And I absolutely loved the inclusion of disabled characters.

"Against the Wind" is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. While it can be read as a standalone, I struggled a little in the first chapters with remembering the names of all the characters and I felt like I was missing a little bit of context. Despite my mixed feelings about the book, the first chapter of the third book (which was included as a teaser) made me want to read the rest of the series.

Overall, I pretty good read, but a little too long.

*I received a free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion*

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot
Book #2 of Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series
Publication Date: October 3, 2023, by Revell
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
5 Stars!

If you are an enthusiast of Christian fiction, romance, or historical fiction, you must read Against the Wind. Let the pages of this five-star treasure be your guide to discovering a story of strength, resilience, determination, and so much more!

I quickly found myself thoroughly absorbed in the excellent storyline and the endearing characters. Louisa and Josh, the main characters, are superbly crafted, evoking empathy and affection.

Amanda Cabot is a bestselling author and finalist for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards. Cabot gracefully envelops us in a narrative that perfectly melds the captivating elements of faith, depths of family dynamics, the beauty of friendships, unwavering inspirational courage, and sweet, heartfelt romance!

I wish I could clearly and eloquently express how very much I enjoyed reading Against the Wind.
I was genuinely moved by the quiet introspection, depth of emotions, and beautifully written scenes in this book, and it is safe to say that it has secured an incredibly special place in my heart. This book stirred my heart and fortified my faith in God.

I received an eARC of Against the Wind from NetGalley and Revell. I am neither obligated to write a positive review nor compensated for doing so. What you have just read reflects my genuine assessment and authentic sentiments of this delightful novel.

I would give this sweet small town romance 3.5 stars but rounded up. This is the second book in a series set in the same small town, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Louisa returns to her hometown intending to only stay for a few days, but finding an injured Josh by the road alters her plans. Louisa and Josh both have to navigate family expectations, past pains, and tenuous goals to find their chance at happiness. It’s a sweet romance with likeable characters. Some of the dialogue felt slightly stilted to me at times, but fans of small town stories will find much to enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

An encouraging story that will inspire many to follow the dreams God has placed in their hearts. It is a reminder to seek God in all circumstances and to listen to the prompting of his voice.

This is the second entry in the 'Secrets of Sweetwater crossing' series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book as it adds to context to the characters surrounding Louisa.

This series has been a great read - I can't wait for the third book in the series. I liked the way the book demonstrated the trait of mercy for those who did wrong and I also like the book ended. The book has good messages and well written characters who develop over the course of the book

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Against the Wind is the second book in Amanda Cabot’s Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. Louisa’s story is one of strength, courage, and determination. She longs to be a healer and midwife in late 19th century Texas. She knows it will be a challenge but does not realize how difficult it will be to sway the minds of the townspeople proving a woman can be an excellent doctor in what had always been a man’s profession. I love the characters’ development throughout the story, especially the strength and resilience of the women. I recommend this book along with the first in the series. I look forward to Joanna’s story in the third book while catching up with old friends from the first two books.

This is a story! I loved every second and didn’t put it down until I finished. I also made myself slow my pace and savor every word!

This is a great series and I highly recommend reading he first book before this one.

Amanda Cabot does a wonder job weaving together a story and I can not wait until the third in the series.

I just reviewed Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot. #AgainsttheWind #NetGalley

Let me tell you first of all I can't wait for the third book! I say this because I'm enjoying this series so much that I wished it wouldn't end lol. I've made so many new book friends that I feel like they're my real family!
Cabot writes the best adventures! It's why I get excited whenever I see one of her novels coming out. She never disappoints!
I knew in this book we'd get to find out Louisa's gruffness towards Emily and the other folks. I felt her pain because women find it that much harder than men. Especially for her choice of a career.
Cabot also kept me guessing all the way through but by the middle I had a pretty good idea who was trying to sabotage Louisa and I didn't like it one little bit.
The culprit knew what she was doing. It's called jealousy. That little green eyed monster does manage to make mischief at times.
I feel sorry for sad embittered people who don't get their way and don't believe in love. So sad.
Josh is a good man and I admired that followed his own dreams instead of someone else's. I loved watching him grow to be the person he's supposed to be!
And let me end by saying I was proud of Louisa. Her faith was unshakable and I appreciated how she showed forgiveness to people who didn't deserve it.
This story will definitely leave your heart feeling full and satisfied.
5 stars for an awesome adventure through Louisa and Josh!
My thanks goes to Netgalley and Revell publishing. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.