The Hope of Azure Springs

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham takes us back to 1881. Em Cooper has been shot and left for dead. She was lucky to be found and transported to Azure Springs, Iowa where the Howell family has taken her into their home. Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is responsible for keeping the law in Azure Springs and the surrounding area. He wants to catch whomever harmed Em and her guardian George. Em was taken in by George seven years prior when the orphan train came through the area. She has been living in a dilapidated barn and scrounging for food since then. Three men came to the farm and proceeded to tear it apart looking for something. When they did not find it, they shot George and Em. She can provide Caleb with a description and it matches that of men who recently robbed a stagecoach. While Caleb works the case, he finds himself drawn to Em with her kind nature and generous heart. Em is eager for the bandits to be captured so she can begin her search for her sister, Lucy. They became separated when Lucy was adopted, and Em has worried about her ever since. Em is grateful her prayers were answered, and she was freed from George, but she has yet to realize that she is the answer to others prayers. The Hope of Azure Springs is well-written story with a gentle pace and a beautiful cover. I liked the main characters of Em and Caleb. The supporting characters of the Howell family and Margaret Anders (I like her attitude) helped enhance the story. Em has had a difficult life, but she does not let it get her down. She has a positive attitude and a grateful heart. Em has a different way of looking at things and she helps others with their grief. The romance was sweet, and it focused on the individual’s character (what is inside the person) instead of their physical appearance (though Caleb is handsome). I like the Christian elements present throughout the story. The presence of God in our lives, having faith in God, God’s grace and prayer. Other themes are hope, self-reliance but also knowing when to accept help from others, friendship, enduring love, and the value of self-worth. The road to a happy future is a bumpy one, and Em’s journey will be an emotional one. I like how the story goes full circle. My rating for The Hope of Azure Springs is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I hope the author gives Eliza and Margaret their own books. I would like to see their stories play out. Readers who enjoy clean western romance novels will be delighted with The Hope of Azure Springs.

Rachel Fordham takes us back in history to Azure Springs, a small town in Iowa. The Sheriff Caleb Reynolds has Hollywood good looks without the pride or attitude. Em our leading lady, seven years ago came across on an orphan train from New York. Like many siblings on the trains, she and her sister were separated. Finding Lucy again and reuniting with her is the one thing that keeps Em going. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em thinks this will be her opportunity to pursue finding Lucy. She is finally free. I think I am a lot like the twin seven year old's, Mae and Millie. They enjoyed most the “And They Lived Happily Ever After” at the end of the fairy tails, told to them by Em. That's my favorite kind of story too. Rachel Fordham will take you on an unforgettable journey. Congratulations Rachel on your debut novel, I truly enjoyed it. I received this ARC book from Revell Publishing through Net Galleys. The Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Hope of Azure Springs By Rachel Fordham When a young woman is found alone and shot she is brought to Azure Springs, Iowa. Her identity is unknown and why she was attacked is of utmost concern to Sheriff Caleb Reynolds. When Em wakes up Caleb is even more concerned to learn that Em wasn't the only victim of these men. And Caleb is sure that if these killers learn that Em survived they will come looking for her. For the last seven years, Em has had to survive without the love and care of family, living with a guardian who seemed to care little for her day-to-day needs. The care that those in Azure Springs offer her is something she never expected. But Em has a sister she needs to find - one that she was separated from seven years ago. She promised herself that she would go back for Lucy and her chance has finally come. The Hope of Azure Springs is a story that offers the hope of healing after heartbreak. Healing comes not in hiding and burying the hurt but rather in remembering the joy that came before. And when we see beyond our own pain to reach out to others we allow ourselves a chance to offer comfort and to be healed. There are definitely moments when you'll want to have a tissue or two on hand while reading but it will be worth it. Fans of Janette Oke's books will enjoy this book - Em reminds me a little of Damaris (A Woman Named Damaris) with her struggles and her efforts to overcome. Those who enjoy historical fiction that deals with the different aspects of the Orphan Trains will want to add this to their to-be-read list. Rachel Fordham has created both likable and unlikable characters who don't always do what you expect them to do. The writing style keeps the story moving even when the action slows down and the characters have moments of contemplation. I recommend this to anyone who desires a well brought together story and this would be an excellent book club choice. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.