Rebecca Hoyt¿s one constant was her dedication to her beloved students. Now, a rebellious child could cost her the job she loves. Without her teaching position, what would she do?Detective Jesse Rand prides himself in protecting the people who ride the railroads. But, when his own sister and brother-in-law are killed by train robbers, the detective blames himself. Yet, another duty calls¿he … must venture to Riverton where his niece and nephews were left in the care of their beautiful and stubborn teacher, Rebecca Hoyt. They need to mourn and heal, but Jesse is determined to find his sister¿s killers. Rebecca is willing to help care for the children, but she also fears getting too close to them¿or their handsome uncle¿knowing the day will come when he¿ll take them back to Chicago.Will Jesse and Rebecca find a way to open their hearts and work together? Or will they, along with the children, lose out on love?
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I completely enjoyed this story of love, loss, infertility, and ultimate hope set in the early twentieth century. Honestly, I don’t have a real negative for you and, if you’ve read my reviews, you know that’s not typical. 🙂 Rebecca’s Song is sweet, well-written, and a satisfying ending to the series. I’m easily giving it five stars.
A song of healing
My rating is 4.5 stars
I enjoyed the way the song Rebecca hummed became a subtle theme throughout the story and the way it was used at the end in such a touching manner. I love when authors do this well, and Dawn Kinzer hit the nail on the head!
Having read the other two books in this series, I was already familiar with Rebecca. I actually didn’t like her much in the first book which is why it was such a pleasure to see how she had gotten away from her mother’s negative influence to become a woman with a tender heart who had repented of her earlier actions. The transformation that she made was realistic and very well developed.
Jesse was a new and a welcomed addition. His job as a detective on the railroad added quite an interest to the story. He was involved in the case of finding the men who were robbing trains and had killed his sister and her husband. I loved the way he cared so much for his orphaned nephews and niece and sought to do what was best for them, even when it brought him grief.
Rebecca’s pain throughout the story touched me deeply. Having been rejected by a fiancé when he learned that she wouldn’t be able to bear children, she assumed that no man would ever want her. And despite having poured her heart into the children of Riverton as their teacher, her very job was threatened and she began to question whether she had any value.
Jesse struggled with the concept of a loving God, or at least of a God who loved him. With all the tragedy he had experienced in his life and the things he had seen others suffer, he figured there was no way God cared. The author did a good job in showing why he would feel this way and in bringing him to a place where he could believe.
The orphaned children did well in enhancing the story without stealing the show. Though they were so cute and lovable, this was more about them dealing with their grief instead of the “oh, aren’t these the cutest children so won’t you love my story” tack that some authors seem to use. Don’t get me wrong – I love children. It’s just that some stories I’ve read with them make my eyes roll.
As with the other books in this series, some interesting historical developments were brought to light in this one. I won’t explain – while I did guess at one of them long before Rebecca suspected, I am afraid it would be a spoiler.
While a couple things felt formulaic or trite at the beginning, as I progressed those faded from my thoughts and I was able to get fully immersed in the story and let my heart fill with the hopes and pains of the characters and enjoy it immensely.
Reading the other two books in the Daughters of Riverton series is not necessary for understanding this one, however, I recommend you read this enjoyable series in sequence in order to absorb the magnitude of Rebecca’s transformation .
Readers of historical fiction will not want to pass this up!
Read my review of Rebecca’s Song by Dawn Kinzer at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
Rebecca’s Song by Dawn Kinzer
1905 This story in the Riverton saga follows Rebecca and she’s the school teacher.
She has some problem children but for the most part she can get through the day with prayer and patience.
The Graysons son is the culprit, the bully and he’s gone in front of the school board and wants her replaced with a man who can control the children.
Ten years she has taught and also taken care of her best friends children so the adults could spend time alone away from them.
Shocking news from the sheriff and the three children no longer have parents.
Uncle Jesse comes to the rescue after the death and she hopes he can ease the children’s pains.
He is angry with God for allowing his sister and her husband to die and leave 3 children as orphans.
Over time things change and a decision from Jesse. Rebecca has helped the family with them moving on…
So depressed, desperate as to what to do they find the answers in praying to God. Love how the book got it’s title and what it means.
Love hearing of the breakthroughs they are able to make with the children after the castrophe accident.
Hard book at times as we lost our older brother and he had three children that my parents were able to raise. We would help out when we could but it was a difficult time.
Jesse is not comfortable with his decision until he finishes his work first. Love all the action and adventure and mystery and learning new things to help others.
Q and a discussions questions at the end. Acknowledgements, meet the author, free offer of a ebook
Summary of the books in this series are included.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion