Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs Book #2)

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot is the 2nd book in the Mesquite Springs series. Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Out of the Embers. I thought Dreams Rekindled was well-written with developed characters. Nutmeg, Dorothy’s rescue dog, was my favorite character. He is a clever and cute canine. I thought the author captured the time-period (button hooks, printing press, the printer’s type, a woman’s reticule, Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and the setting (especially the small-town feel). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Mesquite Springs and the surrounding countryside. Dorothy Clark and Brandon Holloway are attracted to each other from the beginning, but grief and past events prevent them from acting on their feelings. I liked that the characters are realistic with strengths and weaknesses. To counteract the good guys, we have a villain. Phil Blakeslee arrives in town the same day as Brandon. He is an artist who is town for nefarious purposes. He is working for the mysterious Mr. K who has his own agenda for Mesquite Springs. Phil has a troubled background that has influenced his opinion of newsman and ministers. I like how everything came together in this story. Faith is woven into the story. It added just the right note. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery. It added depth to the story. I quickly turned the pages eager to see how this story would turn out. There are some unanswered questions at the end of the book. We will have to wait for the next installment to get those answers. Dreams Rekindled is a complex novel with family, friends, faith, hope, foul play, and forgiveness.

I got to travel back to Mesquite Springs in book two of Amanda's newest series and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Dorothy and Brandon were both likable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. All of the characters, both new and returning characters were well rounded and relatable, each with their own stories to tell. The so-called "villain" of the story turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the story. Amanda did an excellent job of revealing pieces of the character's life and heart to show why he did everything that he did in a way I have never seen before. The story overall was wonderful! Uniquely giving insight into small town newspaper life with a bit of mystery and intrigue, I found myself turning page after page. The ending leaves the reader feeling like they are right at the doorway of book 3 without feeling like we are hanging at the edge of a cliff. While this story can be read separately, I encourage you to start with Out of the Embers. Amanda's seamless blending of stories will make you feel right at home in the hill country of Mesquite Springs, Texas. A thoroughly enjoyable story, Dreams Rekindled is another excellent addition to my personal bookshelves and I believe you will agree! ______________________________________ *My Rating* I give Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot... 5 stars! *I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

"Here I am, the woman who wanted to change the world with her words, but I rarely put my deepest feelings into words." "Those are the hardest words to express, because they are the most important." Dorothy Clark has always wanted to be a writer, but writing for a newspaper isn't what she had in mind. It may have been, however, the best decision that she's ever made because it allows her to become better acquainted with the owner, Brandon Holloway. Arriving in Mesquite Springs, hoping for a fresh start, Brandon soon encounters unsettling events that threaten him and the other residents of this small Texas town during the 1850s. I enjoyed seeing Dorothy and Brandon as they formed a friendship from their working relationship, and I longed for them to find a deeper connection. There are several other characters, and an adorable dog named Nutmeg, who add interest to the story, and a villain who evokes both anger and pity. The addition of danger, intrigue, and strong faith elements make this a book that you won't soon forget! Dreams Rekindled is a wonderful historical fiction novel that stresses forgiveness and second chances, and I look forward to seeing what is ahead for Mesquite Springs, Texas. I received a copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.