For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love."
Author: Rachel Fordham
Length: 336 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio
Never judge a book by its cover,
Or a person.
They might just surprise you!
I actually have the honor of knowing this author! We've had many a chat and she has become my favorite virtual partner in crime.
Yes that was a disclaimer! I will try to go into this review with little bias, but c'mon I highly doubt that's gonna happen. It hasn't with any of my other favorite authors. 🤷
The Hope of Azure Springs is what I call the "steak and potatoes" of books. It has its share of sad, depressing moments but OH the hope woven through that spreads like rays of sunshine.
If ANYTHING had been changed in this book it wouldn’t have been the meaty book it is. This book is a cold glass of water in the CF historical romance genre. One that will quench a soul deep thirst!
Em is not what we normally see in Christian fiction. She isn't drop dead gorgeous (though she does almost drop dead 🙊) nor is she curvy or perfect. She's plain and as thin as a twig.
Caleb IS what we see in CF. A tall, dark and handsome cowboy sheriff.
Do you see the conundrum?! Pretty unlikely pair.
The only reason they spent any time together was the threat of bad guys, and all those things...
Though they were shoved together in a very strained circumstance, they became fast friends. They became comfortable in each other's presence and then they started sharing the hurts (and joys) of their pasts.
I'm ALL for quicker romances, but every once in awhile you need a breather from the unrealistic and you need a book that will take you for the LONG haul. This book will do that for you. It will hit you with some serious truths about outward beauty and how to TRULY LIVE and not just survive. There were some mighty fine inspirational thoughts in this book, definitely a story that is sweet but you'll want to chew on it for a few days.
The character development and the change in, not only Caleb's, but the whole town's...and most importantly Em's perspective about beauty was, well...beautiful.
There were some great secondary characters that made the book fun! *cough cough, Margaret*
There were some witty moments, though not a book that is full of humor.
Em had been sheltered her whole life so she was a bit naive, which wore on me a touch...but nothing AWFUL.
Overall it was a sweet read, that was inspirational and so hopeful. It's not fluffy and it isn't perfect...but neither is life. I believe every woman, young or old, should read this book.
I rated it a 4/5 star.
Quotes:
"Looks are a funny thing, very peculiar. Never waste any time disliking the ones you have. The right person will think they are the very definition of beautiful."
"The secret is you have to find a way to enjoy life on the ordinary days. You have to enjoy the little things, like yellow houses with bright red doors."
"How will you ever truly live if you are too afraid to be where you need to be? Sometimes we have to risk the pain."
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to post a positive review**All opinions are my own*
Lovely review!
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