Out of the Embers

Review of Advanced Reading Copy

Evelyn Radcliffe has lost her home twice. First, when she was thirteen and her parents were murdered; with no other family to care for her, the orphanage became her home. Now, ten years later, the orphanage where she once lived and then worked has burned to the ground, killing everyone except Evelyn and one young orphan girl.

Evelyn believes the fire, intentionally set, was in some way related to her parents’ murders. Fearing for her safety and the safety of the young child with her, she flees, ending up in a small town in the Hill Country of Texas.

Soon it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs. Will Evelyn find the answers to her parents’ murders? Will she escape her stalker? show more Can she keep Polly safe? Or will their new home bring only more sorrow?

Set in the 1855 and 1856, “Out of the Embers” is the first in a series of Mesquite Springs stories. The narrative benefits from a strong sense of place as well as relatable, well-developed characters, and an intriguing plot. Throughout the narrative there are multiple Biblical references, but they fit into the context of the story being told and the book is neither preachy nor overbearing. The multi-layered tale pulls readers in from the first page; the tension created by the suspense around Evelyn’s situation is almost palpable. And yet, there is a sweet romance. There is joy, love, and hope. A couple of unexpected twists keep readers engaged; readers will find it difficult to set this delightful story aside before tuning the final page.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program show less

This story is an intriguing read with a combination of mystery and romance. What it isn't is your typical boy meets girl, fall in love, and live happily ever after story. Set in the mid-1850's Texas, the setting was right up my alley not only as a location but as a timeframe. This historical period has always been a particular favorite in the genre.

The author has a unique writing style, where each chapter is almost left hanging with a question (whether real or implied) that draws the reader into the "just one more chapter" mantra. You keep thinking that if you just read a little more, you'll know the answer to the burning question(s) and can stop for a break. It never happens, though - the author keeps drawing you in until you have show more reached the end of the book. Then, you're left waiting for the next installment of life in Mesquite Springs. The story has a deep thread of biblical basis and references, but avoids being overly preachy in how it is delivered. I think we can all relate to how hard it is as humans to wait for God's way and timing no matter how much we know in our minds we should. We don't always have the patience to do so, but the rewards are grand when we do. show less

*I received a review copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*

Set in the Texas Hill Country in the mid-1850s, Out of the Embers is a lovely historical fiction novel that offers a little bit of everything. A brave, independent heroine, well-drawn characters, gentle romance, and mystery and suspense all come together to make this a page-turner.

Amanda Cabot writes both captivating characters and strong storylines. Evelyn Radcliffe is brave, loving, and independent with rather modern thoughts for a woman living in this period – her new friend Dorothy even more – and I’m here for it.

When I started the story, I thought it was a historical romance with a mystery, but it’s really equal mystery and romance. It’s also not just show more Evelyn’s story. Out of the Embers is also the story of Wyatt, a handsome horse rancher who is anxious to raise enough money for his sister and mother that he can leave Mesquite Springs and explore the country. Both Wyatt and Evelyn appear dead set against getting married, ever, so of course, it makes sense they would fall for each other.

The beginning chapters introduce the individual storylines that will intertwine. First, there is Evelyn and Polly’s quick escape from Logansville and the orphanage, looking for a place to stay. Next, we meet Wyatt, who is unfulfilled by horse ranching and has an itch to find something greater. Then we meet Rufus Bauman, clearly tortured by something in his past, but we don’t know who the “she” he and his wife are referring to. Equally curious is a mysterious and nasty cotton baron who is up to no good, but who is the “she” he had killed?
Intrigued yet?

The first two chapters initially felt a bit disjointed as so many characters and stories are introduced, but are seemingly unrelated. From there, the unfolds quickly. The tension in the story is palpable, adding to the page-turning quality. Cabot manages not to show her hand until the very end, keeping the tension high throughout.

Cabot does a lovely job of world-building, from the description of the new town to the fields of Texas bluebonnets. We get a solid feel for the way of life these Texas settlers lived – the town, its surroundings, the generosity of its people and the way they go about their day. Mesquite Springs is growing, leaving the door open for many future stories of the residents of this town.

Ultimately, this is a story about trust. Evelyn and Polly arrive in town pretending they are sisters. Evelyn assumes a different last name. She doesn’t even KNOW Polly’s last name. Evelyn and Wyatt learn to trust each other, and earn Polly’s trust in them.

Revell is known for its Christian fiction, and elements of the genre are expressed via biblical references. Thankfully, these fit the characters and context. It does not feel preachy, but instead, complement the storyline.

Readers who like their historical romances served up more than a dash of suspense will not be disappointed with Out of the Embers. show less

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot was my first novel by this author. While I admit it took me a few chapters to really engage with the story, I found the richness and mystery of the story to only deepen with each turn of the page.
The sweet romance between Wyatt and Evelyn was genuine and endearing. Despite coming from such different backgrounds, they were an easy match and one the reader will cheer for on multiple occasions. Evelyn is such a strong woman, and it is easy to befriend her gentle spirit.
Wyatt is a shoo-in for a typical hero--handsome, kind, and willing to sacrifice much for those he loves. I especially loved how he supported Evelyn while she began a new life. I also loved the Circle C Ranch and the Clark family. They made show more the story have a homey and charming feel.
There were several characters in this book--all memorable and unique. Having such a large and unique cast made the town of Mesquite Springs more real as well a place you wish you could visit--and eat a piece of pie!
This story has several moving plot lines, and at first, it may seem a bit confusing. But the author baits the reader with clues well spaced throughout the story until the entire puzzle is put together at the end. I enjoyed trying to guess the motives behind different characters and solve the puzzle before the characters revealed all, but I will admit I didn’t quite have all the pieces in the right place--the sure sign of a good mystery!
Overall, I enjoyed this first installment of the Mesquite Springs series. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series! I hope we see more of Caleb’s story! Anyone who enjoys Christian historical romance will enjoy this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

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 show more 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. show less

If you're looking for a beautifully written and clean historical romance set in the 1850s, this one is for you. The characters touched my heart and made me feel as if I was a part of their little town in Mesquite Springs. Evelyn is a strong character who relies on her strengths and independence to make it through the good and bad situations in her life. Wyatt amplifies her persona with his good nature, quick thinking and humble atmosphere. Together they captured everything beautiful about a natural growing connection. Little Polly melted my heart with her desire to find the perfect daddy and overcome the loss of her family at such a young age.

I was surprised to find myself sucked into the history of Evelyn and Polly. I wasn't expecting show more the mystery surrounding the orphans and the heart squeezing trials of forgiveness. I found comfort in their inner struggles as they grew together. This novel was surprisingly action packed and left me guessing who "The Watcher" was as the plot unfolded. An overall easy read encompassing the ideals of 1850 small town life and the growth of family and friends through love and understanding.

I received this novel from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are solely my own. I recommend this novel for those who enjoy Historical Romance. show less

This story quickly became a page turner, we are shown characters with so much hate, greed, and total disregard for human life. Also we are give a character, Evelyn Radcliff, who takes a little orphan girl under her wing, gives her love and makes her her own.
This is Evelyn's and Polly's journey, and we are enriched by some of the people put in their path, but we see a side of evil that is horrible.
The author gives us a little bit of sweet romance, people who open their homes to complete stranger, and others who are unable to control their tempers, or ever care about human life. There is also a man whose goal is to receive forgiveness, but when we find out what has happened, well, it is scary.
Now I'm looking forward to the second book in show more this series, and if it's as excellent as this one, I can't wait!

I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review. show less