Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.
When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, … town doctor, Aggie’s pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves–but he is the one person who can never know.
In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can’t seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?
Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you’re going.
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Travel back to the Dakota Territory in A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham. 1880 frontier life was not for the timid, but Agnes Pratt fought her way into the hearts and lives of Penance anyway, only to have her past catch up to her when the new doctor comes to town.
James Harris does not know why Agnes canceled their engagement and disappeared six years ago, but he hasn’t loved another woman since. When he finally learns where she ran away to and discovers an opening for a new doctor in her town, he knows God had provided a way for him to get his answers. However, Agnes doesn’t exactly see things that way.
Agnes has a secret, the reason she left James. Whether he can coax it from her seems unlikely. When a baby is orphaned and Agnes takes him in, the little boy may be the key to unlocking the past and the future.
I loved this book! Those who’ve followed my blog for long know I have a soft spot for historical fiction, but this book will wheedle its way into that tender spot, then threaten to take your heart with it. And it’s all because of Baby Freddie.
There was so much to love about the story. From James’ emotional ways to Agnes’ memories. From the mayor’s nosiness to the Hannah and Minnie’s love of their friend. And of course the old legend in town.
I haven’t read a book by Rachel Fordham until this one, but I know she has published two others. Those are both now on my TBR list. It’s always a delight to find a new author to enjoy and another story that touches the heart.
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I received this book free from Revell in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Title: A Life Once Dreamed
Author: Rachel Fordham
Pages: 336
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
If you haven’t yet become acquainted with Rachel Fordham novels, I hope you soon will because they are heart-warming stories. There are two previous works that came before this one titled: Yours Truly, Thomas, and The Hope of Azure Springs. Each book is a stand-alone and filled with wonderful characters who are seeking romance but face some challenges along the way.
In A Life Once Dreamed, Agnes Pratt is running to the west away from something, or is it, someone? Agnes comes to the town of Penance to become the schoolteacher to children who have endearing qualities and sometimes test Agnes along the path of learning. Agnes loves her students and their parents, and she has finally found a place to call home regardless of what the future holds.
The town finally acquires a doctor named James Harris. When he arrives in town, he upsets and surprises Agnes Pratt. Why? They have a shared history that just may rear its head and force Agnes to face what she has been running away from. These two individuals need to find a way to get along together and work together as well in order to save the town. Can Agnes finally let out into the open her long-held secret? Will James allow his past to determine if he has a future with Agnes or will he grab hold of a promising future with Agnes?
Just as with the other Rachel Fordham novels this one too touched my heart and has left me waiting for the next tale to come from this author’s pen. I enjoyed the tension between Agnes’s past and her possible future. I loved her boldness and her loving heart. James was a character that had to face the fact that what he believed was being challenged and his decisions would definitely affect more than just his happiness.
I hope readers will grab a copy and sit down to enjoy this tale that has all the elements to entertain for hours and a light-hearted ending readers won’t soon forget!
Every now and then, you need a sweet and tender read to settle soft on your heart. This is one of those reads.
My first Fordham novel, A Life Once Dreamed showcases the author’s ability to create memorable characters and real moments of grace and emotion. I found myself feeling the weight of angst and hope for so many–Agnes, James, little Freddie, Hannah, Sam . . .
In no time, it felt like more than a story. It felt like I was walking in Penance with James and Agnes, waving to friends in town and helping in times of crisis. This is a beautiful story–one that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.
I really enjoyed reading A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham. Set in the late 1800’s Agnes Pratt thinks life is about as great as it can get when she is shaken to her core to find out that not everything is as it seems. With her newfound knowledge she flees everything she knows and loves to start afresh in Penance. Imagine her surprise and shock, when six years later, her past comes to her town. Rachel Fordham has weaved a fantastic story that has twists and turns that leave you hoping and guessing at the same time!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
Rachel Fordham is an inspirational historical romance author who excels in captivating characterizations and compelling story lines. In “A Life Once Dreamed”, a young woman learns a life-changing secret and leaves behind her home, her family, and her love in Buffalo, New York to travel westward to a new life. The Dakota Territory of the late 1800’s is a far cry from the life Agnes Pratt is turning away from, but she has accepted a teaching post, and plans to go forth as “Miss Pratt”. After six years, she has become the well-regarded spinster schoolmarm, “Miss Aggie”. However, Fate will have its way, and Life is either less than we expected, or more than we hoped. When the new doctor arrives in Penance, the little town where Aggie settled, she is stunned to learn that the physician is James Harris, her next-door neighbor, friend, and sweetheart from Buffalo. James has never accepted the fact that Aggie left with no explanation, and now he wants answers to his questions. However, he must learn to adapt to life in a frontier town if wants a chance for a life with Aggie. As James and Aggie work together to resolve pressing issues in the town, they each grow as individuals as they grow closer together. Will Aggie finally come face-to-face with the secrets that caused her to flee? When Faith shines its cleansing light and all truths are revealed, will hearts heal and hopes be rekindled for a bright and happy future? “A Life Once Dreamed” is highly recommended for lovers of inspirational historical romance.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
What a beautiful story of sacrificial love, friendship, and promises kept. This story was well written with a diverse variety of characters that came to life on the pages. Each one added to the overall story, and showed the great value of community.
I loved watching Aggie and James as they overcame the hurts of their past, and found their way back to each other. Each of them grew in character as they faced the challenges of living in a frontier town.
Sam was one of my favorites, offering himself without expecting anything in return. I would love to see the author give him his own story.
I found this book to be a unique and exceptional example of writing a convincing historical romance that drew me in with the depth and feeling displayed in the characters. Well worth the read, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews and this is my honest opinion of this work.
Rachel Fordham has done it again – penned a delightful historical romance, filled with mystery and wonderful characters, that made me cry. This book follows Agnes (Aggie) Pratt who has left behind all that she knew, including the man she longed to marry, to take up a spinster teaching position out west in the Dakota territories. James can’t get past her leaving, so when he finds out 6 years later where she went, he follows her, taking the position of the town doctor in order to win her back and take her home. Aggie has forged friendships and a love of teaching and the children, and James’s sudden appearance throws her existence into chaos. In addition to the mystery of why Aggie fled, there are other issues that arise – the existence of an orphaned child who carries the stigma of being illegitimate, another potential suitor, town gossip, and a potential pandemic and town-wide quarantine (that one hit a bit close to home). Though I knew to an extent how the ending would be, I had no idea how they were going to get there, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
The faith thread was a bit more subtle in this book than it has been in the author’s prior books, but there is an abundant mention of prayer and so it’s definitely present. The characters showed growth and depth, and the kids were just adorable. I also appreciated seeing a mayor that cared more about his constituents than about power and money. This book had all the elements of a great story – fantastic characters (both major and minor), a romance that had some depth (they grew up together), a mystery, a conflict, and an adorable little baby that you couldn’t help but love. There was one secondary character whose story didn’t tie up as nicely in a bow, but I’ve heard rumors that he shows up in a future book and I hope he will get his happily ever after at that point. All in all, this was an excellent read with a satisfactory conclusion. I would strongly recommend to lovers of inspirational historical romance.
Special thanks to the author and Revell Publishers for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This was a beautiful blessing to read as it touched all those special spots in your heart that has you immersed in the story. It deals with the shame and disgrace of illegitimacy in the late 1800’s and it had tears running down my face on several occasions. Agnes is such a strong woman that loves so deeply she sacrifices her own happiness to not bring her stigma upon the man she loves. Is running away ever the answer? Can God bring healing and reunite the broken? Can being transparent bring restoration? You must read to find these answers and so you can meet these characters and not want the story to end. Ms. Fordham is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to heart touching, though provoking, and books filled with grace and forgiveness. This book goes deep into the strength of a mother’s love and how unfathomable it is whether by blood or not. I will put this on my keeper shelf of favorites for 2020.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Rachel Fordham’s third novel, A Life Once Dreamed, is another engaging read I couldn’t put down. With lively characters and great dialogue, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The hard situations faced by some of the characters are handled very skillfully. I have always loved prairie town settings and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this one to life.
How I felt about this book definitely changed as I read it. At first, I struggled to understand Aggie’s motivation and driving force. She was hiding something, and I could almost guess what it was. But to me, it seemed like she was being a martyr by stopping herself from being truly happy. Then I realized that I was looking at the character through my 2020 lens. Acceptable situations today were extreme problems back in the 1860’s. Once I came to realize my bias, I started to really like the character and the storyline.
Key theme: sacrificial love. Aggie fully acknowledges that is what love truly is – a willingness to give up what you want for the benefit of someone else.
Another emphasized trait: keeping promises.
Unexpected character I enjoyed: McHenry. While this Old Timer’s knowledge was perhaps outdated (at least when it came to doctoring), he was still valued for his wisdom.
Another minor character who stole the show: Tommy (watch for him! 🙂 )
Issues this book tackled: stereotypes. Being able to look at someone for who they really are and not to apply generalities as a rule. (Favorite quote: It’s only where you came from, it’s not where you’re going.”)
Friendships and community were important parts of this story. This would have been the reality back in Dakota Territory. I liked how the town looked out for each other. Characters were imperfect with flaws, but they did their best to support each other. One of the most important ones was of course James and Aggie who learned how to transform their childhood friendship into a grown up relationship. The gift of the quilt was a fun touch!
While I am not sure that a sequel is possible, I do hope one of the major characters has his story told.
Overall I really enjoyed this Dakota story, I definitely recommend it. Thank you to Revell and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy right before it was released. I wanted to review this book because I think those who enjoy Christian historical fiction should definitely read this book. All opinions are my own.
I just finished A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham – like her first two books it’s a beautiful story. She writes wonderful characters that are well developed. The story line flows, and although I guessed the ending it in no way detracted from my enjoyment. I recommend this book just as strongly as her first two.
This is the first book I have read by Rachel Fordham and now I want to read her other books. I loved how relatable the characters were. I loved how Aggie and James were able to work through the issues that had separated them years earlier. I loved how they came to love an illegitimate child. I loved how as James came to love the child he started to put aside views that he had grown up with and that helped Aggie to open up to him again. I loved that they found a place among good people and that the relationships they developed there created a good environment for raising Freddie. I really did love this book and it is one that made me shed a few tears but made me feel better by the end of it.
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 really enjoyed reading this. I’ve read all of Rachel Fordham books and I think this one may be my favorite. I loved the characters and I loved the town. I kept wondering who she was going to end up with…. sometimes I wanted James to win and sometimes I wanted Sam. This book was almost like watching a grown up version of Little House on the Prairie- lots of little side stories that kept me entertained. I loved the ending and I hope the author will keep writing about some of the side characters.
This is the book that I have followed Rachel since she posted of it being released. I am a fan of this book. Loved it. And I hope that I make justice to the story that was outstanding and beautifully formatted.
It’s the Frontier time of miners and lumberjacks set in the Dakota Territory by the beautiful Black Hills. Where this lovely story of Hope, Trust, Faith and Love come together to embrace you within the pages of this book. Entwined with pain, fear and wonderful main characters as well as all the other people in this story it will have you turning the pages faster to know what will happen next. You will laugh at the cute and witty conversations between Agnes and James. And you will cry at the hurt she carries within her heart.
Agnes is a young lady that growing up in Buffalo along side her best friend and sweetheart James they think of only being happy with each other. As James mentions marriage and she is as happy as can be she is thrown a detour to her future when she is revealed the truth about her life. Hurt and only wanting to save the reputation and love of the ones close to her she runs away to a place that will become her home and the place that will see her grow from a girl that kept herself reserved to a young woman that will receive the Respect and Love of everyone in the small town.
James is a well to do young man. With a family in high society he follows his father’s words, although not completely giving his heart to things he sees unfair. But when Agnes runs away without a word he makes a decision of finding her a returning her home. Now a Doctor and a letter from Agnes mother he has found the small town Penance that holds his heart as well as unanswered questions.
Rachel, has gathered so many details, of real life situations and blended them so nicely in this story.
There were so many lines in this story that I loved. As well as God’s love for us as a person, to see others for who they will become and achieve not the circumstances nor the way we came here by.
She made these people and town real to me, and I enjoyed every single character. Minnie the loud lady as I named her, Sam the sweet guy with such a big heart that would do anything to help even if it truly was his happiness, Hannah, sweet lady that had a hurt heart but within it shared wise words to Agnes, words that truly touched me as well. Baby Freddie that I got mad and hit my pillow when nobody was listening to Agnes when the saloon was burning, cried when he got scarlet fever and his body got weak. Tommy who’s 21 questions made me laugh hard.
This story holds so much Wonderful that is hard to summarize hoping you don’t ruin it.
It will take you to a beautiful place full of people with love, some hold issues on topics that we face now sadly but it makes it all the sweet when you let God’s love guide you and lead you through it all. You will fall in love with Agnes strong and determination and James, fun loving nature.
You will see how Faith and Hope bring out the best of everything despite the things some see different.
A line I loved from Hannah to Agnes: “Because I don’t know what’s ahead and neither do you. But when we get there, to whatever it is that is next, we have to be ready to welcome it, not scrambling to catch up.”
Agnes: “She wouldn’t lose faith-not now, not ever. Faith was the only way to make any sense of the pain. She clung to the unwavering belief that the good Lord had a plan so big and profound and beautiful that it could explain even the most exquisite pain. That his love could right any wrong.”
Agnes: “She’d do what she could to help God’s purposes along-be his instrument if he’d let her.”
Highly Highly recommended I was given a copy of the book from Revell for my Honest Personal Opinion.
“‘This hard life is rich and full.’”
An emotional, joyful story of love, faith, and acceptance from Rachel Fordham! A Life Once Dreamed takes readers on a journey that will make them laugh and cry, and will most definitely inspire them to be and do better.
Fordham offers an an insightful look at a judgmental world that we have mostly, and thankfully, moved past, but brings light to the fact that we must always love people no matter their beginnings or judge them for the mistakes of others. Each character grows so much as they encounter new situations and all different kinds of people, and are inspiring in their own way. The affection between James and Agnes, and Freddie, is beautifully tangible. Each side character adds something wonderful to the story, from devoted Sam to determined Hannah to inspiring McHenry. I especially loved reading parts from Sam’s point of view, and I desperately hope he gets his own story and happy ending.
What I loved best about James’ and Agnes’ relationship was that it was rooted in indubitable friendship. From childhood playmates to teenage lovers to an adult relationship, they were always friends first and foremost. The romance was obvious and sweet, and I absolutely loved the ending and James’ letter to Agnes, but their friendship was true and real. I love when an author seamlessly weaves in backstory that is important but does not directly take place, and Fordham excels in this with James’ journal entries and every little interaction or memory James and Agnes share.
This book is also a timely read, since there is a scarlet fever epidemic, but we can all learn from James’ and Agnes’ determination to fight in the best way possible, and to never give up.
This is the first book by Fordham I have read, and now I need to go devour her other books. I cannot say enough good things about A Life Once Dreamed, and it easily makes the list of my Top Reads of 2020. 5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a great story about second chances. I really loved James. I was so happy with the ending to their story! I also loved Sam and hope to read about him sometime. I liked the mention of her other two books. I recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Stunning, beautiful, and heartwarming, A Life Once Dreamed completely touched my heart and warmed my soul. This book was so heartfelt; there were so many golden nuggets in this book I don’t even know where to start in my review. The characters’ lives were so real and relatable even being historical fiction. I felt like their struggles and hopes and fears were a testament to the good in humanity and really enjoyed the insights this gave me for our time. I absolutely adored James and the way he loved and never gave up on Agnes. The book brought me close to tears a couple of times, but overall, it left me feeling uplifted and inspired. I highly recommend this beautifully written Christian historical romance and CANNOT WAIT to read what author Rachel Fordham writes next.
Beautiful, beautiful story! I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book, I could not put it down!
Aggie gives up the love of her life to protect him from her secret. I loved that he came to find her.
Their reunion did not go as I, or James, expected. Oh, I can’t say more about that without spoilers.
I loved the friendships and how the townspeople work together to survive living in the Black Hills of Dakota territory.
Have some tissues handy, there are parts that will tug at your heartstrings. There are also plenty of laughs, especially when Tommy, one of Miss Aggie’s students, is asking questions.
Life in Penance is not easy, it strengthens a person in body and soul.
This is one of my favorite books of the year.
*I preordered a copy of the audiobook.
*I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
I enjoyed this read, and it kept me up reading for answers.
There are surprise secrets that come to light here, and yes, I wasn’t expecting them, but loved how the author wove and meshed this story.
A young woman ends up in Penance ND, and begins teaching and making a life for herself, she has friends and her cat, and no plans to change her status and marry, there have been lots of proposals. Life is relatively good, and she is doing well, until, her next door neighbor from Buffalo NY arrives.
He is now a Doctor, and very much needed, but she wants nothing to do with him, her heart is trying to heal, and we watch how these two go about their lives in this rural area.
God seems to have a hand in bring these two together, if they follow his will, and also a young baby, I love how this is all woven together.
Archaic laws are presented, and wow, I am glad changes have been made, talk about discrimination.
Once you pick this one up you won’t be able to put it down.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
This charming wild west romance will have you believing in second chances and true love.
Heartbroken, Aggie leaves behind her fiancé James and travels to a frontier town in South Dakota to be a teacher. When James shows up in town six years later, she knows he is going to want know why she left but she can never tell him despite loving him as much as she did the day she left.
I enjoyed this book from first page to last. I loved James – he was steady as a rock in his love for Aggie despite being understandably hurt and frustrated. Aggie was more complex but I loved that she was willing to sacrifice her wants for those she loves. The unexpected addition of Freddie was so sweet and I loved Hannah and Minnie and Sam – they were great secondary characters that not only helped the main characters story progress, but had meaningful stories all their own. And the epilogue. Sigh. One of the best I have ever read.
This book kept me up reading until the early hours of the morning but I don’t regret it at all. Any book this beautiful and inspirational is certainly worth more than a few hours of lost sleep.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but my opinions are my own.