Tomorrow's Garden

I've had this on my shelf for a while so it was nice to finally find out what was inside! (Being laid up for a few weeks has a nice way of allowing a reader to whittle down that TBR pile!)

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

I have now read all of Amanda Cabot's books and overall I can honestly say, she is a very fine author. Her style is subdued, often very mild on the romance--and even sometimes a bit slow in the plot department for me--but there really is something to be said for a gentle, easy read and she really delivers there.

Tomorrow's Garden was a nice end to this series. I had really liked the Texas Ranger from Scattered Petals and I was really thrilled to see he was the hero of this book. Lawrence Wood was a very enjoyable hero, though a bit mild for my tastes--I tend to like a hero with more umph. (And by that I'm not honestly sure what I'm trying to say, but I think you might know what I mean, so I hope that's clear as mud for ya. *wink*)

The general story was not unlike many you have read in the past--young school teacher down on her luck and having to care for her younger siblings now that their parents are dead--but having enjoyed the first few books in this series it was fun to get to come back to this town and see everyone again. Do you like that about series books? I love it!

The heroine was kind of an ugly duckling-type--unaware of how attractive she actually was and not really sure why anyone would be interested in her. It took a while for the romance to heat up, and it never got Lessman-worthy, but it was sweet and rounded out the series very nicely.

I almost has more fun reading about the other characters (from previous books) than I did about these two, but that's just me.

If you are looking for something mild, easy on the nerves and a novel you can pick up and put down as needed, this is a great one.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

With Autumn's Return

It's hard to place a book below my two highest ratings, but sometimes it just has to be done. For the most part I'm a pretty big Amanda Cabot fan. Unfortunately, this novel couldn't keep me interested. Bummer.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

When it comes to series books, you like to see the last one go out with a bang, because--heck--its the last one and you expect it to be good, right? Well, for me, this one just didn't have what it takes to keep lil' Miss Amber gagging for more. The first two books in this series were nice--but this one reminds me more of book one (Summer of Promise) which was fairly mild romance-wise. I thought book two (Waiting for Spring) was more exciting in the "lovey dovey" department as well as the excitement/drama department. But you'll just have to read it yourself to make your own decision.

The heroine, Elizabeth Harding, is sweet enough. And the hero, Jason Nordling, is all right . . . but the romance (in my opinion) was flat and there wasn't much of interest to keep me wanting more as far as the plot was concerned. I didn't ever think, "I have to keep reading to know what happens next!"

Annnnnnnnnnd, that's when I start skimming.

Let's talk about skimming for a second. I think we all do it to some degree or another, and with some books it's more tempting to do than others. How often do you skim and are you a page by page skimmer or do you just do paragraphs? Frankly, if I am really bored I'll skip entire pages, scanning for words that seem interesting and if I don't find anything, I usually just skim to the end.

But . . . enough of that. Back to the book. Amanda Cabot typically has a much milder style in both her actual writing and in her plots and characters--and that's a good thing. We need different kinds of authors because there are all kinds of different readers, right? If you are looking for something real sweet, and something you can pick up and put down over time--because you have chores and screaming kids that need you, then this is it. *wink*

If you've read it--let me know what you think!!

~Thank you to Revell for my free copy in exchange for my honest review~

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

February's Author of the Month

Greetings to all my fun, and FABULOUS HCR friends! 
So, what makes February such a great month? Well, aside from the fact that I was born in it *teehee*, February is awesome because this month I get to feature a wonderful author--Amanda Cabot!
Her stories resonate with readers because her characters deal with real issues and the romances are so sweet, and develop in a natural pattern. LOVE IT! Her writing style is beautiful and very easy to read. I always savor her novels.

It's an honor to be able to share with you her answers to my questions.


Here you are ladies!!!:


Tell us about Amanda! *wink* Have you always wanted to be a writer?

For almost as long as I can remember, books have been a major part of my life.  I love the fact that in addition to teaching me things, they can transport me to a different time and place.  As a child, I decided that the most wonderful thing in the world would be to be a writer and give others the pleasure that I found in books.  Of course, even then I somehow knew that it would be a difficult way to earn a living, so I took a “real” job, and writing became my second job.  I used to describe it as a case of “for love or money.”  Writing was what I did for love; the day job helped pay the mortgage.  Now I’m fortunate enough to be a fulltime writer.


What's the scripture that gives you the most encouragement when you're writing?

My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”  I find comfort in knowing that God is with me wherever I go, and the fact that this is phrased as a command makes me determined to be strong and courageous, although I don’t always succeed.


Where do you get inspiration for the characters in your books?

Almost anywhere.  Do you think I’m kidding?  A snippet of music led to one book, a chance encounter with a carousel horse in – of all places – an interstate rest area led to six others.  Christmas Roses was inspired by a reader saying she wanted to read more about a minor character from Scattered Petals.  I didn’t actually use that character as my heroine, but the comment started the wheels turning.   When my editor asked for a trilogy set in Wyoming, I tried to imagine what kind of women would have come west at that time and decided to tell the story of three sisters.  Though they have very different personalities, they share a common background, which was fun to explore.


What is one fun fact about you that people might be surprised to know? *big grin*

I answered this in another interview and got so many responses that I thought I’d share it with your readers, too.  When I was a college student spending a semester in France, I was introduced to a lot of strange foods.  One day I was delighted because my French mother served what appeared to be hamburgers and fries.  At last, American food!  Imagine my reaction when I learned that the burgers were actually ground horsemeat.




Here's a fun little bio of Amanda as well:

From the time that she was seven, Amanda Cabot dreamed of becoming a published author, but it was only when she set herself the goal of selling a book by her thirtieth birthday that the dream came true.  A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages.  She’s delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian historical romances.  Her Texas Dreams trilogy received critical acclaim, and Waiting for Spring, the second in her Westward Winds series, was just released.


Pretty neat, huh, ladies?!  I love learning about these authors. I hope you found this interview entertaining--I know I did.
Now, for those of you interested in a giveaway, I will be doing one in honor of moi. *big cheesy grin* Since my birthday is this month I'll be doing a giveaway...maybe even more, so be sure to keep watching the site and my FB page for details!

Thank you again, Amanda! God bless you!

Happy Reading!

Waiting for Spring

Hi, Drama Queen here.
News Flash: I like gobs of drama in my stories!! Oh. You already knew that? What gave it away...?

Book Rating: Best of the Best

OK, so the more I read Cabot, the more I love her stories. They will surprise you with their simple, heart-warming romances and real-to-life experiences.

WAITING FOR SPRING is book two in Cabot's latest series, and I have to say I  L-O-V-E-ed this story.

Charlotte Crowley is one of the best leading ladies I've read about in a long time. She was SO real. Her genuine nature, her strivings to be more like Christ, her devotion to her son and the love she carries for the leading man were all fabulous. She is carrying a horrible burden/secret (No! Really?! teehee, I know it seems a bit over done, but I just love it, and apparently I'm not alone...Right?). When Barret Landry comes along, her life begins to change in more ways then she can ever imagine.

Barret is also totally wonderful. Throughout the story he deals with his own struggles as every character should, but what I cherished most about this story was the way their romance developed. Cabot usually keeps you hangin'...no kisses until the end, no real, deep passion between the characters for a while. In most cases I would say, snore. However, the way the relationship between Barret and Charlotte changes and deepens over time was SO real! I savored it! It was an enjoyable shift from the heavy drama that typically draws me like the pull of a sixty-ton magnet.

Should you read this book? Yes. Will you like it? I'm thinkin' you will. Do you need to read book one first? You don't need to but it might help, and if nothing else would be fun because that's a good book as well.

This book is available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Also, thank you to Revell for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review!


Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Scattered Petals

This ain't yer regular HCR.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I just finished Amanda Cabot's SCATTERED PETALS. Wow. It is very good. And at the same time, it's very deep and very sad. But, the message of faith, hope and strength through trials is wonderful.

Priscilla Morton is on her way to Texas when tragedy strikes. A wagon robbery leaves her reeling from scars that are both physical and emotional. She blames God for not intervening--for not saving her from such a nightmare.

Zachary Webster wishes he could go back and make up for his past mistakes, but he can't. Now, with Priscilla needing help, he wonders if this could be a way to make amends for what he's done.

This story is long, and even might drag at times, but don't give up. The overall message is powerful and the characters are real! I know the Cabot has said this is the most difficult novel she has ever written--but I'm so glad she kept going, because I know it's got to be a strength to many people.

The romance is very sweet, is in all Cabot's book, but I wouldn't call it the grab-at-your-heart kind of passion you would get from other authors/stories. But that wasn't the intent with this one...If you are looking for something light, that you can read in a few days, that's high on romance and low on drama--you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, I highly recommend this!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Christmas Roses

Prepare to get all choked up...

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

I'm starting on my Christmas book reviews now and I'm loving it! This adorable holiday story written by Amanda Cabot will have you sniffling your way through the end. 

As with many HCR's, I began this book prepared for a great romance, but in that respect it didn't deliver. However, the end was SO dang-flippin' cute it more than made up for the slow parts. (No kisses in this story...it's a very clean, very sweet book that--in my opinion--you could have your daughter read. Which in fact, I believe could be said for all Cabot books. I have only read one other by her--Summer of Promise, but it too was very clean. For me, her style borders on unexciting, but the messages and just plain lovable characters make her stories enjoyable.)

Celia Anderson is a widow caring for a young daughter while running a boarding house in a small Wyoming town.  When Mark--a traveling carpenter--comes to town looking for his long-lost father, he needs a place to stay for just one night. Little did they both know how their serendipitous meeting was actually God working in their lives.

I must admit, my favorite part of this book is when Mark comes to find Christ and connects with Joseph (as in Mary and Joseph) and what he might have experienced with being called to be the Savior's "earthly" father. Mark wants to be a father to Celia's daughter (as well as a husband to Celia, of course!) but he isn't sure he can do it...you'll have to read the rest to find out how he comes to terms with it.  I have always LOVED thinking about Joseph and what he experienced and felt through the whole miraculous story of Christ's birth, and I was just thrilled to see that Cabot included that in this book.

A side note here...have you noticed the trend toward many characters/stories with a Swiss, Dutch or "the like" background? Celia had that heritage as well and I found it fascinating that it seems to be so popular. Other books such as the Blue Willow series by Brendan and the book I just reviewed by Miller...and I know there are other books that have characters from Holland, Norway, Switzerland, etc. Have you noticed that too?

Anyway back to this book...

The end will melt your little 'ol heart. I was so touched and I know you won't be able to escape the sticky sweetness...have a tissue ready!! When you read this one let me know what you think about it!!

*Thank you to Revell for providing this review copy to me for free.*

Happy Reading!

Buy it!

Summer of Promise

I just got a hold of the new book by Amanda Cabot, SUMMER OF PROMISE  There are some excellent components in this story.  Then, there were other things that made me feel a bit like I missed out on something.

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

I loved the message of God’s love in this book!  I thought it was magnificent how the leading man gained a testimony of God and His love for him personally.  I was very grateful for that—it made me pause and think of the messages of love that God sends to me.

Right now, let me take a moment to say “YEE-HAW!!  FINALLY!!”  (I’m dancing a jig right now!) There is a character in this book with BROWN hair and BROWN eyes!  Man, I was beginning to give up hope.  If I had to read another story about blonde hair and blue eyes, I would have seriously thought there was some kind of conspiracy going on.  (Not really…just a little.)  And this lovely BROWN haired and BROWN eyed character will be the leading lady in next installment of the Westward Winds Series.  Yippee!

Alright, now back to this book.  Abigail Harding has a feeling that her sister, Charlotte needs her.  So, she heads out to Wyoming, thinking she will be there for only a few weeks.  But, her life changes in a way she could never have imagined, and she realizes it was all in God’s plan from the beginning.

Now, who doesn’t like a man in uniform?!  Super hot, right?!  Lieutenant Ethan Bowles is dashing, and quite the charmer.  He finds himself very intrigued with Abigail, but he isn’t the marrying kind.  He believes there isn’t any such thing as true love.  His assumptions about love and matrimony are soon put to the test as he realizes that Abigail is unlike any other girl he has ever known.

If you are looking for some really great, swoon-worthy romance, I hate to disappoint you.  This isn’t really it.  Was there even a kiss in this book?  Did I miss the kiss?  I felt kinda gypped in the romance department. I don’t think there was even a good embrace of any kind in this story.  Well, he did kinda rescue her once…and that might count.  But, overall it was cute, just a bit tepid for me. If you are looking for a romance your teenage daughter can read, than this is a great choice.

 I will definitely be reading more from Cabot in the future.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!