A sweet historical romance: "A Stolen Heart" by Amanda Cabot

about the book....

The future she dreamed of is gone. But perhaps a better one awaits . . . 

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners--like her. Lydia won't let that get her down, though. All will be well when she's reunited with her fiancé. 

But when she discovers he has disappeared--and that he left behind a pregnant wife--Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you into Texas's storied past to experience adventure, mystery--and love.

my review....

"A Stolen Heart" should truly come with a warning - if you are anything like me, by the time you are done this book you will have developed a deep craving for fudge and peanut brittle! I quite enjoyed meeting Lydia, especially as she turns her heart-ache into a determination to do something meaningful with her life, including opening a confectionery that offers sweet delights to the residents of Cimarron Creek, and in the process wins their hearts. But its not just the oft-mentioned delicious treats that are sweet. The romance that blossoms between Lydia and Sheriff Travis is just as sweet, and will no doubt delight those readers who especially enjoy historical romance. Add in some mystery that will keep readers guessing as to what is going on, and there is something here for everyone. Even though I had a hunch early on who was behind the crimes and attacks on the residents of Cimarron, I found that Cabot does a great job at keeping the pace of the story and leading readers to the big reveal at the end of the story. My one thought is that I would have liked a bit more of a transition between the last chapter and the epilogue that allowed me to work through the unveiling of the perpetrator and the happy ending that followed. But don't get me wrong - I love a happy ending as much as the next person, and this book will leave you with a smile on your face. And you will also find yourself blessed by the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation that are woven through the story. Lydia's actions towards the man she'd thought she was going to marry were particularly moving to observe.

And now for my confession - "A Stolen Heart" is the first book I have read by Amanda Cabot, which is surprising as she has many books under her belt. But this won't be my last, because I am looking forward to reconnecting with the citizens of Cimarron Creek in the next book in the series! I award this story a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

 about the author....

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of At Bluebonnet Lake, In Firefly Valley, and On Lone Star Trail, as well as the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

Buy now from Amazon.com:

http://amzn.to/2pw4fol