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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Aaahhh, big sigh. This book was just wonderful. I fell in love with everything about it–the setting, the characters, the messages, and more. Aggie is great–she’s sweet but also strong and has her feisty moments. James, with his love for Aggie and his confusion about why she left him, just made me smile. Other characters–from little Freddie to Tommy (who asks the most embarrassing questions) to Sam and more–all just stole my heart. They all seemed real. I love reading characters who seem like real people with real problems that they have to work through, and Rachel Fordham is terrific at writing that type of character. The storyline moved along well, with serious moments balanced with laugh-out-loud moments, and the messages–of hope, of God taking the bad and following it with something good, of learning to look at people for who they are–were definitely ones that spoke to my heart. They were woven into the story in a way that didn’t make them overbearing; they just felt right and good and uplifting. I seriously just loved everything about this book–including what is perhaps the best love letter I’ve ever read! This is easily one of my picks for the best books of 2020!
5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher.
“God has given us this second chance. Nothing will keep me from taking it. Not wealth or my family name. Nothing.” Six years ago Agnes learned a shocking secret that sent her running from Buffalo, New York to the Dakota Territories in the Black Hills there she became a school teacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up.
James Harris, a childhood friend, and former sweetheart accepts a position as town doctor in the same town as Aggie. Faced with finding out the truth and why she moved to Penance just might answer some questions James has had.
A historical romance where morals dictate social standing, a place in the 1880’s where disease can wipe out families at the blink of an eye. The author introduces us to character’s with flaws like we have. We are not perfect, sometimes we do not make the right choices, but God has plans for all of us just like He did with Aggie and James.
A story about belonging and being accepted regardless of our past. I love Rachel Fordham’s books because the character’s struggle with the same life issues we have. The author is a master storyteller, each book that I have read pulls me in from page one. I recommend all of Rachel’s books.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my opinion.
#A Life Once Dreamed ” by Rachel Fordham is an historical romance Christian book. Rachel Fordham has written two other historical fiction books. Her characters are very personal and make a difference in their world. The story takes place in the Dakota territory in Penance. Penance is a logging and mining town. The town is small and the people all know each other. Agnes Pratt is school teacher in Penance . She cares for each student in a personal and caring way. She is very devoted. to her students. The characters and setting are well described. People in the town of Penance take time for each other. The story takes place during the time of horrible scarlet fever pandemic era.. Agnes or Miss. Agnes takes a key part in helping the people through this difficult time. The story is beautiful, rich, and stands for good Christian principles and character. Thank you to the author, netgalley, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. I highly recommend this book. I hope it is a huge success.
Step onto the rugged streets of Penance in the Dakota Territory in the year 1880 and meet the diverse and entertaining citizens of this small mining and logging town. The story focuses on the town’s schoolteacher, the upstanding Miss Agnes Pratt, who came out six years ago from Buffalo, New York to teach the youngsters of Penance.
Life is good in Penance and relatively predictable for Agnes until the new doctor arrives in town. Dr. James Harris, a fine young doctor newly graduated, arrives in town from none other than Buffalo, New York. Six years after Agnes disappeared from his life, James is finally face to face with her again. As they struggle to keep their shared history a secret, they find that their unsettled past continues to haunt them. Agnes unexpectedly finds herself with an orphaned baby to raise and the challenges of the child’s background bring unexpected memories back to disrupt her life.
As Agnes and James are forced to confront their history, they must figure out what is really important in life. They each must learn that where we come from doesn’t dictate who we are nor does it change the person we are. As Agnes and James explore the seasons of their life, their growth as individuals helps them make the right choices bringing a beautiful ending to this story.
Begin the journey to Penance and read this engaging story interwoven with threads of friendship, family, faith, and community. Everyone loves a genuine “feel good” story that ends leaving us feeling all is right with the world at that moment. Great read for lovers of historical fiction, historical romance, and Christian fiction!
This ARC copy was received from Revell and Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
A Life Once Dreamed is a sweet western romance by Rachel Fordham. Watching Aggie and James’ story unfold kept my attention. I like how Aggie knew her mind and was willing to ‘roll with the punches’ as difficult circumstances came her way. The story moves fairly quickly and the secondary characters add so much interest to the book. With James being a doctor, there were several medical situations that the author added to the story. I always enjoy reading about how things were handled back in history when medical supplies, medicine, and knowledge were not as developed as they have become over the past century. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and Teri Clark Linden does a great job narrating Aggie’s story which made for an enjoyable experience. Readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss A Life Once Dreamed.
“A Life Once Dreamed” by Rachel Fordham is the perfectly designed novel, so full of warm, human feelings and family affections, that we can really identify with the perfectly believable, realistic characters, complete with human flaws, and endearing quirks. This award-winning, inspirational story, so perfectly portrayed in this lavishly detailed tale, set in the Wild West, will appeal to readers who love heartwarming novels that fill us with satisfaction. Rachel Fordham’s tender tale of compassion and grace revolves around the feelings of the human heart, perfectly depicting the real nature of love that tears at our heartstrings.
A beautiful second chance romance novel that readers of historical fiction will enjoy. Set in the Dakota Territory in the 1880s, this uplifting novel sets a slower pace and allows readers to take in the scenery of this frontier town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
This novel is a sweet and clean romantic tale, perfect for a relaxing summer evening. I thought the story started a bit slow, but I did like reading about the development of the characters and their relationship in the book. I also enjoy female leads that become stronger and more certain of their own faith and character before pursuing a man, and I thought the author did a good job of crafting a good female protagonist. I liked the secondary characters in the book and had fun getting to know the townspeople. I love second-chance-at-love stories, but I did find the plot a little too predictable in this particular book. Nonetheless, the novel overall is well written and enjoyable to read. I do recommend it to those who love historical Christian fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
From the start of A Life Once Dreamed, readers realize Aggie Pratt is a woman who knows her mind. And then her past meets her present and she’s not so sure of herself.
Aggie and James have a rich history between them as childhood best friends turned sweethearts and it enriches their reuniting. Add to that a town filled with people who have their strong opinions about everything from matchmaking to newcomers to what their schoolteacher should and shouldn’t do, and the book only gets richer and deeper.
This story reminded me a little of Persuasion (my favorite Jane Austen novel) but in a reverse as Aggie makes a decision to leave the man she loves because of family. Plus, those who’ve read Rachel Fordham’s other books will delight in the little mentions of them in this one.
I have just one thing to ask after reading this one: Can Sam please get his own book now?
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is such a lovely book and it definitely convinced me that Rachel Fordham is an author that I need to follow. A Life Once Dreamed is set in 1880 in the Dakota Territory and Fordham paints a vivid picture of the small mining town of Penance, with its one room schoolhouse and saloon, and the rugged men and strong women who live there. Agnes “Aggie” Pratt is a teacher who truly loves her students and she has made a huge difference in their lives but she’s resigned herself to always being their “spinster school teacher”. It is when the new doctor arrives that Aggie realizes that her future may be forever altered. James Harris is a man from her past who stirs up feelings that she had tried to bury and Aggie finds herself wondering “What if?” as her neat, tidy life is turned upside down!
I loved learning about the Aggie and James as they once were and I enjoyed seeing how they had changed over the six years they were apart. There are some other characters who add so much dimension to the story: the irrepressible student Tommy Smith, who can’t understand why Aggie is an old maid, Hannah and her daughter Ruby, and of course, baby Freddie. Not to mention Sam, who grabbed my heart and left me wanting another story just for him!
A Life Once Dreamed is a tale of sacrificial love, second chances, and a sweet romance that all of us would like to experience. There is also the mystery behind Aggie’s decision to leave her affluent life in Buffalo and an inspiring faith message that is woven throughout the story. If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance, you will want to read this book!
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
This was such a special book! There’s just something about Second Chance Romances that really make you root for the hero and heroine. But in this case, Aggie and James are both just wonderful, unselfish people caught up in a society that might not accept them as they are, and they completely deserve their happiness wherever they find it. Aggie has found that six years in the Black Hills, far away from her childhood sweetheart, just isn’t enough to outrun a secret she thinks is enough to keep them apart. James has spent those years becoming a doctor, and is still drawn inexplicably to Aggie and finds her in her new life in Penance. Together they weather fires, pandemics, separation, and more to finally let the truth set them free. I loved the secondary characters, including Sam, Hannah, Tommy, and baby Fred. I also love the shout out to Yours Truly, Thomas (did y’all catch that?) I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley, and was under no obligation to write a review.
“This was her life. Colorful and simple. Comfortable and predictable. She’d woven herself into the fabric of the town, serving and loving the townsfolk and making a life for herself in Penance.”
I really admired Aggie’s determination to make a new life for herself far away from her parents and all she ever knew in Boston to become a school teacher in the Dakota Territory. Her strength of character is what makes her the woman she is. Deeply investing in her students and the townspeople in whatever way she can, she finds contentment. That is until James Harris—her long ago fiancé and the only man she ever loved, shows up to answer the newspaper ad for a town doctor. Could the life she once dreamed become reality, or will the past hurts and secrets keep her heart locked up forever? As for James, he hasn’t lost the love he once had for Aggie—if anything—it has grown over the years. And he’s determined to find the answers as to why she left him six years ago, in hopes of convincing her to start over again. He’s an ever-patient gentleman, a compassionate doctor and a loyal friend.
Both James and Aggie had a lot of growing up to do in this story. I really like how the author stretched them in ways that molded the kind of people they eventually became. Watching them overcome their past to forge a new future was one I enjoyed. Second-chance love or reunion love is one of my favorite tropes in a book, so I was especially fond of this story. In my opinion, seeing characters work through what tore them apart only makes for a stronger relationship in the end. I also loved the townspeople, there were many who contributed their own personality to the mix & helped impact both James and Aggie. A well-rounded cast of characters is what makes a good story in my book!
Lastly, the spiritual nuggets throughout were fun to find & great reminders to myself as a Christian. Even if our long-ago dreams don’t ever become reality, God can still make beauty out of the ashes of the past. I really love the new life He forged for Aggie & James! When an author has a good faith thread in a story & it reflects in the characters, that’s my most favorite part. Not only am I reading for entertainment, but also to feed my soul! I recommend this to inspirational historical fiction lovers & those who enjoy second-chance love stories.
*I received a complimentary copy from Revell publishing and wasn’t obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
“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.”
This is my first book by Rachel Fordham and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read one of her books! What a sweet historical romance full of second chances and adventures in the untamed territory of the west. The author’s writing style is easy to follow and she will naturally lead you into the heart of Penance, Dakota Territory where you’ll root for the success of the town and the people who make up the growing town. If you enjoy historical romance set in the west, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Aggie is a spunky, independent, stubborn, compassionate schoolteacher who fled her wealthy lifestyle back East to devote herself to teaching the children out west. She has a secret and a great love from back home she’s fleeing from. James, her next-door neighbor from Buffalo and her almost-fiance, comes to Penance to reclaim their love while serving as a doctor in a community desperate for medical help. I enjoyed how Aggie and James both grew emotionally and spiritually during the book. Aggie learns to trust more in the sovereignty of God and James learns what true, sacrificial love means. My favorite character, though, was Sam – a lovable, down-to-earth, plain-spoken logger who is sweet, tender, thoughtful, and honest about his dreams and heartbreaks.
I received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group (Revell) and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I enjoyed the flow of the story. I found the h & H likeable and relatable. All the characters were well written and well rounded beyond card board cutouts. Hannah was a wonderful side character & support for the h. Also, added great food for thought & helped move the plot along. I would love to read more about Sam. A little bit of history of the way things were woven in & added to make for interesting read. Rachel Fordham did well in keeping me hooked with the tension & mystery behind the h. I did guess correctly at what it was but it wasn’t on the nose at all. My only caveat was sometimes the dialogue felt a little stiff or formal. Christian themes but not preachy.
A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is a sweet romance. If it was set in modern time, it would have definitely been labeled as a contemporary romance with the completely predictable ending and plot line. Even though, the story has been done a ton of times, the story mainly my attention until the end when Fordham gave the hero and the heroine the predictable ending. I, for once, would have loved to seen something else happen to the couples besides knowing they are the ones for each other and deciding to spend the rest of their lives together. Fordham does a wonderful job at crafting this story. I believe fans of westerns would enjoy this novel. Fans of Misty Beller, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jaguers might enjoy this novel too. Not that it was a bad book. Just a little dry for my personal taste.
I received a complimentary copy of A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
“This was her life. Colorful and simple. Comfortable and predictable.”
But did it always have to be that way? For, forever is an awfully long time.
Agnes Pratt left her former life behind, including all of its comforts, following a heartbreaking discovery and a long anticipated proposal. Now Aggie spends her days behind a desk in a one room schoolhouse, tucked away in the Dakota Territory mining town of Penance, where no one from Boston could possibly find her. Until he did.
Dr. James Harris could never figure out why his beloved ran away without a trace. Aggie had never even said good-bye. When he learns that the people in Penance desperately need a trained physician, James knows in his heart that he and Aggie have been given another opportunity. If only she believed the same.
This second-chance-at-love story includes numerous pit falls, for we all know that secrets distort the very truths they seek to hide. In spite of a good number of stops and starts, coupled with some fairly awkward conversations, the plot finally zeroes in on one critical truth; every life has significance, for “the least of these” should not be judged on their beginnings, but rather afforded every opportunity to be loved unconditionally until their end. Readers will appreciate this author’s ability to write a sweet, satisfying story.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishers through Interviews and Reviews.
Agnes “Aggie” Pratt had her life all planned out and would marry her best friend, James Harris. That is, until her parents told her something about her past that would not set well with the wealthy Harris family. High society in 1874 would also frown upon her predicament. She bolts from Buffalo NY and takes a teaching position in Penance in the Dakota territory, vowing never to marry, and to never tell James why she left.
I enjoyed the warmth of the story that Rachel Fordham tells. There are always trials and tragedies, but she just pours out a delightful tale. Her characters are well developed and easy to relate to. It was easy to connect with Aggie, and even though life was tough in the Dakota territory, it has made her stronger and surer of herself. The townspeople all really love her too, and she has made some wonderful friends. I usually like all of her characters, but James took a while for me to warm up to. He seemed a bit too sure of himself and his life of priviledge shows. He also assumes that Aggie would take him back in a heartbeat, but I think he’s got another thing coming!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and 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.”
The ups and downs of life in the Dakota hills during the 1880’s certainly made for good reading. Some of the difficulties they faced even mirror struggles in our world today. It was the story line that had me quickly turning pages. The town of Penance is full of unique, but realistic characters and the community sounded like it would be an interesting place to live. The rocky romance between the main characters was full of tension, but the outcome will have to be discovered by the reader. This story of second chances was an enjoyable read that I would recommend for young adults as well. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
3.5* Rachael Fordham has incorporated her unique experiences into this sweet story of love that knows no bounds. Knowing her life circumstances as a mother of a large family, into which she has welcomed foster children, made this a more personal and touching story. The narrative is a little rough, but full of heart. The characters are all easily loved and I am hoping for follow-up stories that tie up loose ends for some of them. I enjoyed this story overall.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.