BOOK REVIEW: A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot (Historical Romance)

I slightly stepped out of my comfort zone when I decided to read this one, and while not the best way to go about choosing books to read and review, I was instantly charmed by this cover as well as the synopsis and had to know more! Now, having completed it, I can honestly say that I absolutely enjoyed every minute of my time in Cimarron Creek and I can’t wait to start reading the author’s other series as well!

Although this is the second installment in the trilogy, each book stands on its own and was so well written with intriguing and fully developed characters that I never felt as though anything was lacking. While there are quite a few characters to keep track of to include their individual paths throughout the course of the novel, in Cabot’s deft hand, none of that becomes overwhelming or confusing. She is able to effortlessly weave the plot and subplots together so that everything becomes integral to the story. Smooth transitions and steady pacing helped build these many interwoven relationships into a rich and multilayered story that kept me turning the pages! Don’t let the romance genre fool you! Cabot has crafted a believable love story that is filled with elements of suspense, mystery, and history with a gentle sprinkling of Christian messages to guide us along the way. It is always so refreshing to read about characters living beyond themselves and trying to make a difference in the community and world around them. Catherine and Austin truly embodied that spirit, and through them, Cabot took this light romance to an inspiring level.

Additionally, two children, Seth and Hannah, are prominently featured, and I was greatly impressed by Cabot’s ability to give each of them a voice within this story. They too face hardships and struggles that need addressing, and their characterization is just as well done as any of the adults if not better.

Overall, this was an incredibly heartwarming story that I do hope you will read! I’m looking forward to returning to Cimarron Creek in the next book, but for now, you can find me behind the pages of the first book, A Stolen Heart.