Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents’ murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a … talented horse rancher whose plans don’t include a family of his own.
At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?
Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.
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This book is from Revell Publishing and I expected it to be more of a Christian book. This is not to say that it was unChristian in any way, it just seemed that the characters did not rely on God and it was Christian because they attended church. I don’t want a preachy book, but when I read Christian books, I like it when the characters depend on God.
The book is historical fiction. It is listed as an adult book, but in my opinion, it seems more relative to young adults and teens. Towards the end of the book, it got a bit bogged down and I ended up skipping over small parts as they didn’t add to the story, just added words.
The main characters, Evelyn and Wyatt are quite well developed. The supporting characters are well done. This isn’t a deep book so the characters are not deeply developed but well enough to enjoy the story. The story flowed well but was not a page-turner. It is a light read and the plot was fairly predictable.
This is the first book by Amanda Cabot that I have read. I will read more in the future. I give this book a 3 out of 5-star rating. It is a good, enjoyable book, but not the best I’ve ever read.
I requested to read and review this book through Revell Reads Blogger Program. I am not required to give a positive review and this review is my own, honest opinion
I was excited to have the opportunity to read Amanda Cabot the beginning of her Mesquite Springs series, Out of the Embers. I was not disappointed. My heart just ached for Evelyn and what she had endured through her life. I enjoyed Wyatt’s character, as well. The two find themselves in some danger.
I am giving Out of the Embers a very well deserved five plus stars. It is probably my favorite I have read by Amanda Cabot. I can not wait to read the next installment her Mesquite Springs series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This was an enjoyable prairie type story with suspense on the side. I really fell in love with the characters, especially Polly. Evelyn is a wonderful heroine with flaws, but with a heart full of love.
It’s a wonderful plot line, though pretty predictable, the story is hard to put down. I enjoyed getting to know the main male character,Wyatt as well as a host of terrific secondary characters in the town.
This was another one with a nice faith theme woven through the story…a story of hope and forgiveness. The main characters had rough childhoods, but the circumstances were used to create strong and stubborn personalities. Ones that knew how to survive. People that knew their life stories were written by God.
I look forward to getting to know Mesquite Springs and it’s citizens better as the series progresses.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents’ murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don’t include a family of his own.
At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?
Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.
I have enjoyed previous books by Amanda Cabot and this is no exception. Evelyn will do just about anything to keep the little girl she claims as her sister safe. When a fire at the orphanage kills everyone but her and Evelyn, she does the only thing she can think of to do. Run. They end up in Mesquite Springs during a terrible thunderstorm. Wyatt rescues them and takes them home with him so his ma and sister can take care of them.
The back of the book calls this suspenseful and sweetly romantic. There is a mystery but I would not call it suspenseful. It was romantic. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. A nice enjoyable read.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Evelyn Radcliffe was sent to an orphanage when her parents were killed. Now the orphanage has been burned down and she is homeless once against n, but this time she is caring for a young orphan girl. Evelyn runs to Mesquite Springs in Texas. There she meets Wyatt Clark, rancher and horse breeder.
Evelyn and Wyatt soon form a bond, but it seems danger has followed her to town and it’s up to Wyatt to protect her.
Amanda Cabot has woven together an intriguing mystery with danger and a sweet romance. All the while, readers are soon endeared to this small Texas town. Recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Reads for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
“Oh God, what should I do?”
Devasted after finding the only home she has known for the past ten years reduced to ashes, Evelyn Radcliffe flees Logansville, Texas with a young orphaned girl who has become like a sister to her. Travelling with Polly for days on end with no particular destination in mind brings them to the outskirts of Mesquite Springs, where Evelyn finally feels a sense of peace, for she has spent the past ten years looking over her shoulder, sensing danger lurking just around the corner.
It’s in Mesquite Springs where she meets a horse rancher named Wyatt Clark, whose kind family offers Evelyn and Polly a warm welcome while Evelyn searches for a means of supporting herself. It seems like providence provides her with the perfect opportunity, doing what she knows and loves; managing a restaurant. But will what she holds dear, eventually put a killer back on her trail? And will Wyatt acknowledge how the lovely proprietor of “Polly’s Place” might change the course of his future?
Readers will be charmed with the “folksy” atmosphere in Mesquite Springs where kindness and solidarity abound. But like any small town, there are misfortunes, and those who refuse to be thwarted. Written with a pleasant cadence and portraying an innocent romance, “Out of the Embers” hides a slightly darker agenda which the author cleverly disguises until the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
An impressive start to a new series that will keep you up way to late as you won’t want to put it down. With just enough mystery and intrigue to pull you in and a well developed story you will soon find yourself immersed in these characters lives. I love orphan stories as my mom was raised in an orphanage therefore Evelyn and Polly had my empathy from the start. Throw in a horse rancher and you then have a sweet romance develop but with many bumps along the way. This book is a complete package and will leave you eagerly anticipating book two. It shows forgiveness, second chances, and sacrificial love. The descriptive words will have you envisioning bluebonnet season in Texas and the tantalizing food that Evelyn cooks up. I recommend making this your next must read, as it is a perfect example of God giving beauty for ashes.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
When I heard that Amanda Cabot had written a novel set in the Texas Hill Country, I was intrigued. We live close by and it’s a favorite vacation area. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and cracked it open. Sure enough, the setting is great–horses and bluebonnets!
Amanda Cabot is a new-to-me author, and I was glad to see that her prose is strong and clear. I found the pacing slow, but she incorporated a bit of mystery throughout, which kept my attention. If you enjoy clean western romance, this is for you.
OUT OF THE EMBERS…Amanda Cabot
Time of 1850 in Texas Hill Country, when life was tough for a young orphanage girl. To lose parents, and now her orphanage home, Evelyn finds refuge at a horse ranch. Thinking someone is always watching her, but why. Wyatt didn’t want or need woman on his ranch, there was always plenty of work. When she needs protection, he wants to protect her. Good beginning to a new series, showing how the west and times were back then. You will like the courage of Evelyn. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion from Net Halley and Revell.
This is a great start to a new series from Amanda Cabot. Her stories are always so interesting and this is no exception. Readers will easily find themselves pulling for Evelyn (and wanting the recipes for the food she makes in her restaurant!) to find refuge and love and for Wyatt to realize what will really make him happy. The romance is sweet, the suspense and plot are intriguing, and it’s easy to recommend this book to readers looking for high-quality writing.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Out of the Embers marks the beginning of a new series set in Mesquite Springs, Texas in 1855. The two main characters of this story are Wyatt Clark, the owner of a horse ranch, and Evelyn Radcliffe, a young woman on the run. There is an interesting supporting cast of characters, one of which will be the main characters in book two of the series.
Evelyn Radcliffe has been living at an orphanage for 10 years after her parents were murdered. She travels to a nearby town to sell lace that the orphan children make to help support themselves. Each time she is in town she feels as if someone is watching her, causing her to feel uncomfortable and fearful. She dubs this person as The Watcher. She dreads every trip. She fears the man who killed her parents is watching her just waiting for an opportunity to kill her. It is on one such trip that she and one of the other young orphans, Polly, return to the orphanage to find it burned to the ground with no survivors. Evelyn fears for her life and turns the wagon around, leaving for an unknown destination. On the road she encounters Wyatt Clark who offers them a place to stay for a little while.
Wyatt Clark has worked hard over the last 10 years to make his father’s dream a reality, building a successful horse ranch. Wyatt longs to leave the ranch and all its responsibilities to travel the country, but he wants to make sure there is enough money to take care of his mother and sister while he is gone. As he is traveling home from Mesquite Springs, he meets Evelyn and Polly. As they settle in to a routine at the ranch, it doesn’t take long for Evelyn and Polly to feel at home. Evelyn decides to stay in Mesquite Springs and open a restaurant. In the meantime, Wyatt has been asked to run for mayor. Should he give up is dream of traveling? Is Evelyn truly safe in Mesquite Springs?
There is a rivalry between to friends, a sister who longs to write as a profession, an unknown man longing for forgiveness, along with the main plot to keep the story moving along. The descriptions of the Hill Country of Texas sound beautiful, and the details of running a horse ranch and restaurant were interesting too. I look forward to book two in the series, which centers around a reporter coming to Mesquite Springs and deciding to start a newspaper as well as a couple of nefarious men looking to make Mesquite Springs a town they look to make part of their plans. Grab a copy of Out of the Embers and start a journey to Texas in the 1850s!
Noted historical romance author Amanda Cabot begins her “Mesquite Springs Series” with “Out of the Embers”–an involving and inspiring love story set in 1850’s Texas Hill Country. With added elements of mystery and suspense, this intriguing tale features well-drawn characters and the timeless appeal of the rustic Old West era. For over a decade, Evelyn Radcliffe had been haunted by the murders of her parents when she was just thirteen years old. She had found refuge in an orphanage, and all these years later, it was still her home, and it was also her workplace. Whenever Evelyn would travel to obtain provisions and to sell the lace made by the children at the orphanage, she often felt an ominous, unseen presence whom she called “The Watcher”. After one such trip, she returns to find an unspeakable tragedy: The orphanage had burned to the ground and the children and the staff had all perished in the fire. Only Evelyn and the young girl, Polly, who had traveled with her, were still alive. Evelyn knows she must find a safe haven for herself and Polly, and they head westward–away from sorrow, and hopefully toward a brighter future. Along the way, they are rescued from a raging storm by Wyatt Clark, who offers them shelter at the family ranch he shares with his mother and sister. Wyatt and his sister both have hopes of travel and life beyond the ranch. Evelyn and Polly are seeking a new start in the security of a settled home. The hand of Fate has brought them all together, and their lives–and dreams–will be forever changed. Has “The Watcher” given up on his prey, or will he follow Evelyn and Polly to Mesquite Springs? Will the attraction between Wyatt and Evelyn convince Wyatt that there is no place better than home on the ranch? I very much enjoyed “Out of the Embers”, and I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing
Can two orphans escape their troubled pasts and find a fulfilling life in safety? Evelyn’s parents died ten years earlier, then she moved to the orphanage. A month ago, a new young “sister” named Polly arrived, and the two have grown close. Another tragedy forces them to flee. What will their new lives hold in 1855 Texas? This historical suspense contains a compelling tale complete with intrigue and danger in addition to a sweet story thread and blossoming love. The author masterfully crafts her characters and slowly reveals clues to their pasts. I look forward to more in this new series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Mrs. Cabot is well educated and highly skilled in her ability to write books,
that was apparent as I read some of her mystery book, “Out of the Embers”. The reason I couldn’t read every page or finish it, was, it was too depressing and dark for me.
Some examples: ….mimicked a knife slicing across his throat, …as though she’d been bludgeoned,…..a shiver of dread,…storm…moments of terror….horrible….murders…terrified shriek,…dead…..
hatred….curses…..gouge…… No matter where I read, there was more of the same bleak and
dispiriting story line.
I know Amanda Cabot’s books are well received, since some of them were finalists for ACFW Carol Awards, and the HOLT Medallion, but this type of book is not for me.
Since I’ve read this one, to a point, I’m absolutely positive I won’t read any type of Christian mystery or suspense book again. Life is severe enough without me spending my leisure time reading a book that will make me feel rather hopeless.
I would like to say we need to be careful what we read, as Christians. The Christian fiction industry has lately been infused with books that don’t glorify God, and we need to speak out, be honest, and do what Jesus says to do in Philippians: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I received this book for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This sweet, easy to read historical romance is everything you’d expect from the genre — a bit of intrigue, some suspense, struggles from the time period, a slow sweet romance, and a devotion to and reverence for God. There were plenty of twists, romantic moments, and the absolutely necessary happily ever after.
If you enjoy books by authors like Mary Connealy and Lorna Seilstad, I think you’ll enjoy this first book in Amanda Cabot’s new series.
Rated PG for thematic elements.
Beginning a new series always evokes a special joy, and as nice as it is when all of the books have been published and can be read back-to-back, there is a certain thrill that comes with following each book as it first releases. This feeling is augmented when the author is new, either to the writing world itself or to the individual reader. Such proved to be the case with “Out of the Embers” by Amanda Cabot, whose work I have hitherto not had the opportunity to read. What immediately appealed to me, even before knowing any details about the synopsis, was the cover. The young woman (Evelyn) stands with her head to the left, facing a light breeze and gazing into the distance with both hope and a degree of wariness. Below a title banner made of a wooden plank, a dirt road stretches on through fields of bluebonnets. As I read, the significance and aptness became clear.
A captivating mixture of genres, “Out of the Embers” offers a tenderhearted, tragic, mysterious journey through the lives of Evelyn Radcliffe (later Radner when she changes her name) and Polly, the little girl she has vowed to keep safe. I did not read the plot summary prior to picking up this book, and this enhanced the reading experience for me because I did not expect the pivotal event at the beginning of the novel. Throughout the story, Cabot interjects a few chapters that interrupt the flow of the narrative; their significance does not become fully apparent until the final chapters, but they add to the aura of mystery. As for the romance, it is tender and gradual and does not overwhelm the other aspects of the story, which I appreciated, and the secondary characters are likewise well-developed. Dorothy and Isolde, in particular, blossomed in this book, and I am interested in seeing what the future has in store for Sam and especially for Caleb, the latter of whom seems to have faded into the background by the last third of the novel. I love Cabot’s resolution of Evelyn’s story, and I find it particularly fitting for Easter, although its significance never goes out of season.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review.
Out Of The Embers
Mesquite Springs Book One
By: Amanda Cabot
REVIEW
Out Of The Embers is the first of a new series, Mesquite Springs, by Amanda Cabot. This story is about a young woman, Evelyn, a little orphan girl, Polly, and a rancher, Wyatt, in Texas circa 1855. Evelyn and Polly flee from the remnants of their burned down orphanage home. As the only survivors, Evelyn feels like a target because her parents died suspiciously ten years ago. Is someone after her? The girls are rescued from the side of the road by Wyatt. He takes them to his ranch home in Mesquite Springs where they stay with his mother and sister. There are mishaps, bits of humor, touches of intrigue and drama as their backstories are revealed. Each character has a share of heartache and hope. All the while the question remains of Evelyn’s safety, also a budding relationship with Wyatt might change things. This historical fiction story is an excellent example of the time period, and the characters are admirable and hardy. If you like the small Texas town vibe with a hint of danger in your history, this is for you!
Texas. Evelyn is an orphan and shares her life with other 20 children in the orphanage near Gilmorton:
their stories are sad, they are alone without relatives and love.
Evelyn has also fear, someone watches her and she feels that.
Second time I read book of this author, I enjoyed read it: well written, curios/mistery/love story. Nice cover.
“You need to be strong to survive losing everything.”
It is hard to imagine any book by Amanda Cabot not being a sure-fire winner. Out of the Embers is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series, and what a beginning!
Evelyn Radcliffe was orphaned ten years after her parents were brutally murdered, and she lives in constant fear that the killer will one day finish the job and kill her too. The orphanage near Gilmorton, Texas, has been her safe haven as an orphan and now an employee, but when twenty-three-year-old Evelyn returns from town, accompanied by another orphan, six-year-old Polly, they discover their home has gone up in smoke, with nothing left of the orphanage but embers, ashes, and fear. The fire was no accident. The girls are homeless and on the run from Polly’s mysterious background and from a faceless stranger who has watched Evelyn from the shadows every time she returns to town. Where will they go? How will they survive? Will they ever feel safe again?
After traveling for miles, Evelyn and Polly, posing as sisters and with a new last name, are exhausted and suddenly at the mercy of a severe thunderstorm, but both their lives are about to take a sharp turn for the better. Enter Wyatt Clark.
Amanda Cabot delivers a lovely story about trust, honesty, friendship, and the realization that dreams really do come true, even the dreams you never knew you had. Evelyn is looking for a safe place to land for both herself and Polly. Wyatt wants to travel the world, but he needs to ensure the horse ranch he inherited from his father, who was killed by the Comanche, is solvent for his mother and sister. But when Wyatt and Evelyn meet during that fateful thunderstorm, their lives become forever changed and forever entwined.
Set in the Texas Hill Country, Out of the Embers is an engaging story about survival, miracles, and the unwavering trust in God’s plan. This first book in the Mesquite Springs series, however, is not all about love and romance and starting over in a new town. A couple of mysteries need to be solved, and a bit of rivalry for Evelyn’s attention throws a little spice and even some danger into the mix.
Amanda Cabot’s writing is always so smooth and captivating, and she builds characters, plots, and scenes with ease and with such tender care. The story is not too complicated, but it has quite a few twists and a few turns to keep the reader guessing. As an added bonus, it is wonderful when Evelyn opens a restaurant in Mesquite Springs and follows in her late parents’ footsteps of serving comfort food and scrumptious desserts to crowds of hungry people. I would love the recipe to Evelyn’s oatmeal pecan pie, but apparently it is a closely guarded family secret. Prepare to crave this pie throughout most of this delightful story.
Out of the Embers is the perfect book if you love a sweet Christian romance with just enough drama, mystery, and surprises to keep you on your toes. While you’re at it, take a look at the other series by Amanda Cabot. You’ll fall in love with those books, too.
Evelyn is on her way back to the orphanage with her charge, Polly, when a thrown shoe requires she return to the town she just left to get it replaced. Upon returning to the orphanage she realizes she needs to keep on moving. A few people are mentioned early in the book that are important to keep in mind to see which ones show up at a later time. She and Polly make is to Mesquite Springs and are taken in by Wyatt, Dorothy and Isolde. The story keeps moving at a steady pace while we meet some people of the town, and Evelyn and Wyatt make some decisions. Lovely characters, with a few strong supporting characters I’m hoping to see more of in future stories. Set in Texas, with some beautiful descriptions of some parts of the town.
A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell, via Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.