Into the Starlight was a lovely way to end the Sweetwater Crossing series by Amanda Cabot. It has the elements I look for in a romance - compelling, rich characters, strong family dynamics, and a well-developed connection between h and H. I appreciated how the main characters got closure and were able to move forward.

The twist at the end strained credulity. But this is fiction, after all. So many deaths, though. It seems that everyone in the Vaughn family has been touched by untimely deaths.

Everything has changed so fast. How did that happen without her even knowing it. But she has accepted defeat in becoming a world renown pianist. Can she rebuild a happy life in her small town?
The doctor has decided to take a sabbatical. After his fiancé has accused, rightly, of not taking care of her mother, he decided to accompany his aunt to the quint town she almost moved to, to marry her first and only love.
This wa a continuation of the previous stories but could be read alone. Knowing what has happened in the past and how it has been acted out help but doesn’t hinder if you don’t know. I really enjoyed the soft ambiance of this novel but the surprise at the end was astonishing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

This was such a good story! The characters were well-written, and it was a joy to return to this family and town. While I did guess the twist, the way that it was brought to light was a bit unexpected and sad. Highly recommend!

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

Into the Starlight
by Amanda Cabot
Pub DateJul 16 2024
Revell
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Revell and Netgalley provided a copy of Into the Starlight for me to review:



After spending more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing with shattered dreams of becoming a concert pianist. A whirlwind courtship ended with her marrying her husband, whom she lost as well. On the journey back to Texas, her only comfort was the thought of her childhood home. Joanna, however, has changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
 

Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for change after his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for the death of a patient. A short trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. This is made more bearable by the beautiful and musical Joanna.


The attraction between the two cannot be denied as they work together to help Della. There is a chance at happily-ever-after, but ghosts from the past threaten to destroy it.


I give Into the Starlight five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Great blend of mystery and romance. Burke and Joanna come to Sweetwater Crossing the same day- Joanna after becoming a widow, and Burke bringing his aunt Della to find out details surrounding the death of his Uncle Clive years ago. Slowly the two begin to connect, but more questions and dead ends arise in the mystery of Clive.
I liked the topic of dreams, and how dreams for our lives can change.
This was the third book in the series, but the first I had read. I’m sure details would have been more meaningful if I had read the previous two books, but I still found it enjoyable and easy to read on its own.

Into the Starlight, Secrets of Sweatwater Crossing is the last book of the serie, each book is about one of these three sister Emily, Louisa and Joanna.

Each of them went through difficult times and they lost their father tragically. The last book is about Joanna she is back to Sweatwater Crossing after years in Europe studying music. She is a young widow recovering from pneumonia. The arrival of Della and Burke a doctor, embark them in a journey to find out what happen to Clive Finley the owner of the house where she grow up with her sisters and who passed away during the civil war and left it to her father.

I read the first book and really I liked Emily story I was glad to read Joanna’s story and found out what happen to Clive finley, I like the fact that there is some mystery to resolve and it is a very interesting serie.

I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.

"Into the Starlight" is a gently unfolding story about building relationships, and what you live along the way. We meet Joanna, who is mourning. And we meet Burke Finley, who is under a burden of guilt. They are working at moving forward.
Burke looks so much like his Uncle that it confuses people in town, who knew Clive Finley. Burke has traveled to Sweetwater Crossing to help his friend Della find out why Clive disappeared a long time ago. She was Clive's beloved fiancé, and he built an elaborate home for her.
Burke, Della, Joanna and her family are reasonable and responsible people. They do not get into anything too dramatic, but we can feel the struggles they have with emotions and choosing what paths to take.
Each character is lovingly portrayed in the narrative, even the ones who may have something to hide. I enjoyed this book, and read it slowly, which matched the characters thoughts about having patience and waiting for it all to work out well. It is the final book of this particular series by Amanda Cabot. It was the first I've read by her, I think her other books will be just as pleasing to read.

About this book:

“After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.”


Series: Book #3 in the “Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing” series. Book #1 Here and #2 Here! (Mentions the town from the author’s previous series, “Cimarron Creek”.)


Spiritual Content- A handful of Scriptures are mentioned & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, dreams, & answered prayers; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Burke doesn’t believe it to be true that everything is right with the world because God is in His heaven due to guilt of a past event, but starts to wonder if it could be true; Many mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, pastors/ministers, hymns, & liturgy/benedictions; Mentions of God, His will, plans/dreams, & gifts from Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of miracles; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of Jesus; A couple mentions of Catholic priests;
*Note: A mention of someone’s body being near another in death but not in their spirit; A mention of praying for someone who commit a crime to be at peace; A mention of Joanna’s sisters telling her to follow her heart; A mention of a place almost being like a shrine to someone.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dang’; Seeing two deaths/bodies (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Being held at gunpoint (barely-above-not-detailed); Pain, lingering effects from illnesses (scarlet fever and pneumonia), & doctor duties (up to semi-detailed); Grief (for parents and a husband, up to semi-detailed); Burke feels guilt over the death of a patient (*Spoiler* It was a morphine overdose and it seemed like he was responsible until the very end of the book when the truth comes out that it was not his fault *End of Spoiler*); *Spoiler* Joanna has a dream of her late husband saying farewell to her and she takes it as a sign to build a new life *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of murders, murderers, deaths of loved ones, & grief (including Joanna for her parents and husband & events in Book #1); Mentions of & hints about domestic violence & a husband abusing his wife (Book #1); Mentions of wars, deaths, fighting, & battles; Mentions of deaths (including from scarlet fever, pneumonia, dysentery, from spoiled food, and a morphine overdose), illnesses, doctor duties, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & broken bones (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires, someone burning to death, & *Spoiler* faking a death *End of Spoiler* (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of criminals, thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, breweries, & saloons; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of someone hanging for a crime; A few mentions of a murder that looked like a suicide (Book #1, borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of threats; A couple mentions of slaves; A couple mentions of a bar fight & death; A couple mentions of pipes/cigars & smoking; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of someone looking at another like they suggested “she take an axe and murder her whole family”; A mention of someone being in so much pain that she was begging to die; A mention of a woman hating her marriage; A mention of wringing chicken necks;
*Note: *Major Spoilers but Mental Illness Note* A woman who is not mentally well (said as having “madness” and “disease of the spirit”) after committing murder years before this book, having a stillbirth, and then murdering her current husband, tries to murder Joanna; *Big Spoiler* Her parents are heartbroken by the thought of her hanging for her actions or having to be put into an asylum so they suffocate her to save her from “an unthinkable future” (justice is not served in the conventional way, but that her parents will have to live with what happened; up to semi-detailed) *End of Spoilers*; A woman says that second marriages are also “disappointing”, but Joanna tells her that she is mistaken (this is commented on a couple more times); Mentions of a stillbirth (Book #2); Mentions of two women being “moody”, being depressed somedays, and later called “disease of the spirit” and “madness”; Mentions of asylums; Mentions of vaccines & creating a one for pneumonia (Burke has this interest & they discuss it and how different Joanna’s life would be if there was one); Mentions of men holding women in low regard & not wanting to go to a female doctor or believing women should be doctors; Mentions of authors & books (classics); A handful mentions of the sisters bickering and finding fault with each other when younger (including two of them saying that their sister doesn’t have the same mother when upset with her, which she hated hearing); A few mentions of a young girl who some would call “simple” & how she doesn’t look like everyone else and is slow to learn; A few mentions of absences of fathers and the effect of it on children; A few mentions of a father trying to control his daughter’s life; A mention of the “memory problems that sometimes plagued older people”; A mention of a teacher saying that boys aren’t supposed to cry because it’s “a sign of weakness”; A mention of hysteria.


Sexual Content- Two finger-to-lips touches, a cheek kiss, two semi-detailed kisses, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Shivers, Smelling, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Burke goes into Joanna’s bedroom despite if it was found out, there would be a scandal (not with sexual intention); *Spoiler* Towards the end, Joanna finds out that her late husband’s wife wasn’t dead like they thought and therefore because they were still married, Joanna and the man were not married; This makes their child she’s expecting illegitimate and Joanna is very concerned about others finding this out *End of Spoiler*; *Spoilers for Book #1* Emily’s late husband picked her as his wife so he would have blond children and when she didn’t get pregnant, he would beat her *End of Spoilers*; Many mentions of blushes, flirting, & infatuation; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of wedding nights & couples conceiving on their wedding night; A few mentions of siring a child; A mention of a chaperone; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a mother dying in childbirth; A mention of pain in childbirth; A mention of a nightgown for a wedding night.

-Joanna Richter
-Burke Finley
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1883 (Epilogue in 1884)
352 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre-Teens - One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars

Like the prior books in this trilogy, this book has a sweet romance within some tragic and trying times for our main characters.

They are pretty quickly attracted to the other but because of past experiences, they don’t act on those feelings and thus is felt almost like a slow-burn romance at times.

It recapped enough about the prior books which was helpful as it’s been some time since the prior books were released! I did get some side character in the town confused though.

I did like both of our main couple, but I didn’t care for a twist at the end of the book (a letter received). There was a bit of the message about following your heart, which I don’t like seeing in Christian Fiction, but there was some faith content to imply about God and praying over future paths and decisions.

I really didn’t like how the ending went. It reminded me way too much of another historical fiction book I read recently-ish. Down to some eerier similarities. I really disliked the ending, it was borderline sad.

The first two books in this trilogy had parts I liked and parts I didn’t love just like this final book, but I will say that these weren’t the normal Christian Fiction Historical book’s plots. There’s a lot of grief throughout them and yet slow and steady romances with some suspense of solving possible murders. Honestly, though, I am disappointed about this final book’s ending. It started out as a three star for my personal rating, but I had to drop it as the book continued.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

Star rating: 2.5

I was pretty disappointed in this read. I had read positive reviews prior to reading this book that had me hyped up for it. I've not read another Amanda Cabot book prior but everything I read said this could read as a stand-alone novel. I was not a fan of the writing style. It felt very clunky and not well thought out. Transitions between parts of the story in the same chapter were not smooth and were so sudden that I had to re-read paragraphs just to figure out what was going on/what happened.

This is a Christian Fiction book but I was sad to see some of the “follow your heart” montage in this. The ending was also a bit disturbing to me. There were some things done that were just left (as if they were ok) and as a Christian reading a Christian Fiction book, it didn't sit right with me. It didn't feel like it wrapped up well. I felt as if there was almost too much going on - too many plot twists.

Overall I would just say this book was not for me and that's ok - not every book will be my cup of tea. This is obviously others' cup of tea and I'm happy for them.

I was given a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#intothestarlight #netgalley A great story with just the right amount of mystery and love. Enjoyed the story as it unfolded along with the mystery that took a turn I didn’t see coming. Would recommend this book. Great read. I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley.

I was very intrigued by the fact that the protagonist in this book is a concert pianist, as I have been a pianist and music minister's wife for many years now. I decided to read this despite having not read the first two books in the series...Amanda Cabot did a great job of not making you feel like you were missing anything if you came in part way to the story. I definitely want to go back and read the first two eventually, but it is not a necessity to enjoy this book.

The book took an unexpected twist for me in deviating from the concert pianist part that I was expecting, and instead using her musical gifts to help her doctor sister and eventual beau (also a doctor), which I found intriguing. And there were other parts that I most definitely was NOT expecting...but I don't want to spoil anything. It's definitely got some plot twists in it!

A great ending to the Sweetwater Crossing series. It was nice to finally discover Joanna's story since she wasn't really in the other two books. I liked how she and Burke both had very real trials that they struggled with and how they helped and supported each other through them.

This story starts out rather slowly, but by the latter third the suspense intensifies and makes for an exciting read filled with twists and surprises. Music and medicine intertwine in this endearing tale. Past pain haunts the main characters but also draws them together. Whether you have read the others in this series or not, you will get caught up in the drama set in the late nineteenth century. The characterization of all the people on the pages hold the readers interest and lends credibility to the novel. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was gifted this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Summary:

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.

After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.

As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

My Take:

I cannot believe it is time to say good bye to this great cast of characters created by Amanda Cabot. I have enjoyed all three books in this series. This conclusion is filled with endearing characters who we have fallen in love with over time, but also introduces to us Burke and Della. What I have loved about this series is the craftsmanship Amanda has shown in blending secrets with intrigue, second chances for happiness, and the solving of a long-ago unexplained disappearance of a main character who we didn't meet while he was alive. This is a faith-based story, that isn't overpowering but provides the comfort that have a relationship with your God provides you. I'm wondering if there is an off chance that I could convince Amanda that there is a need for one more, after all, we need to watch that baby grow up!

About the Author:

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than forty novels. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

Having highly enjoyed the other two books in this series, I was eager to read Joanna's story. and see how some questions for the earlier book (especially what happened to Clive) would be answered. I liked both Joanna and her leading man, Burke--and it was fun to have a sweet side romance with Burke's "aunt" Della and the minister. I liked how Joanna and Burke were friends, working together to solve problems and answer questions, and that blossomed into love.
I thought the resolution of the book came a little too easily--there was some pretty gruesome stuff that happened and that they found out and they just seemed to move on from it really easily; things just wrapped up a little quickly for my liking.
Overall, I do recommend this for those whole like smart protagonists and a dash of mystery with their romance.

4 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book. It tied up all the loose ends in the series. It solved a few mysteries. It had some romance without it being the primary focus. It rounded out the story of the three sisters, telling Joanna’s story. There were some twists and unexpected occurrences. It was well written.

I love small town life. It’s interesting seeing how lives and stories interweave and fascinating as unknown twists change the direction. I loved seeing former characters playing prominent roles in this book. I really liked Della and Burke and Joanna. Burke and Joanna are both searching for purpose and direction and they find good counsel in each other.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Into the Starlight by author Amanda Cabot is a Christian historical romance novel. This three-hundred-and-forty-three-page paperback is the third book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. It concludes the series showcasing the three Vaughn sisters. At the beginning of the book is a map of the town to help readers.

This is a sweet family book with no vulgarity or profanity, but it does contain a mystery and some twists. There are many surprises hidden within the pages of this novel. This is the story of Joanne, the middle sister. She returns to Sweetwater Crossing from Europe a widow after having a serious illness. It is also the story of Doctor Burke Finley. He and Joanne are determined to solve the mystery of his uncle.

This novel took me to 1880’s small town Texas and gave me all of the feels. The characters were expertly crafted with a depth that made them believable. Through the author’s smooth writing, I felt at home in Sweetwater Crossing and found many friends. The story was fabulous. It tugged at my emotions and kept me invested. There were many twists and turns to keep me on my toes. A deeply buried secret had me turning pages into the wee hours of the night. This is an exciting story.

I appreciated the faith element and message. It was woven throughout the book. Scripture, prayers, sermons, and trust in God were all included. I did not like that they talked about praying for dead people or that when referring to God the pronouns were in lower case.

The writing is wonderful, the storyline is amazing, and the twists are surprising. There is so much to like in this excellent book. I highly recommend it. It receives a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.

Return to Sweetwater Crossing with the final installment of the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series by Amanda Cabot to finally learn what happened to Clive Finley and what will become of Joanna Vaughn. When the middle sister returns home from Europe, it is not as the accomplished concert pianist she hoped to become or as the wife she was for a short time, but as a widow whose struggle with pneumonia has robbed her of the stamina to pursue her high energy dreams. Furthermore, her joyful homecoming has been upended by changes that have come to Finley house in her absence and those that arrive on her heels in the form of Clive Finley’s former fiancée and his nephew, Burke. Of course, Sweetwater Crossing holds secrets only a Vaughn sister can bring to light, and working with Burke to unearth them gives him and Joanna an opportunity to find their own paths forward from a point of despair to a joyful future. Cabot reunites us with the Texas Hill County town and its citizens we know so well and introduces us to some vibrant new ones, rich with relatable dilemmas and a hope for what is yet to come. Into the Starlight could feasibly be read as a standalone, but I recommend enjoying the series in its entirety.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

I liked this story. I have enjoyed the other books in this series and thought this was a great conclusion to the series. I liked how it answered some questions from the earlier books and helped to wrap some things up. I also liked the romance between Joanna and Burke. I liked how they became such good friends so quickly and can be open with each other and talk about things that they wouldn’t with anyone else. I also liked how they solved the 20 year mystery and found peace for the town and others affected by it. I also liked how Burke and Joanna brought out the best in each other. I would recommend this series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I saw other reviewers praising this book and was excited that I got an advanced copy and the chance to read it. It is a Christian fiction romance, but I was in for a big surprise.
First off, this is book 3 of a series and I hadn't read any of the others. I also thought the pace was kind of slow. There were a lot people to keep track of and sometimes I felt overwhelmed by it. It might have been different had I read the other books in the series first.
Secondly, this is not your typical romance. This book dealt with a lot of emotional issues. I like that they were addressed from a Christian viewpoint, but I wasn't expecting all the deepness of this book delved into. Maybe someone who has experienced some of the issues brought up in the book would benefit from it, but I personally didn't find comfort while reading it. For example, several of the characters dealt with loss of spouses and remarriage after.
Thirdly, I never would have imagined the ending. I can't say much without giving it away, but there were several things about the story's resolution that I wouldn't have expected in this book and honestly left me shocked.
I like that this book wasn't scared to dive deep into various emotional and mental issues.
** Cautionary content: loss of family members, grief, mental health problems, coveting, murder,
*** Would recommend for adults only due to heavier themes throughout