6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Like an old John Wayne movie - that good, April 7 2011
By B Anderson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tomorrow's Garden: A Novel (Paperback)
This western romance reminded me of the old John Wayne westerns. It has everything a western and everything a romance should: a handsome hero, a beautiful heroine and many interesting support cast members. it has heart-rending problems and dangers gallore which the chaaracters encounter and overcome. And, of course, it includes the courting, with the excitement and the heartbreak of falling in love.
This was the third in a trilogy. I had read the first in the series, but wish I had read the second before this one as I love the backstory -- however, not my curiosity is heightened and I will be reading the second in the series soon. The book will stand on its own.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love Blooms in Tomorrow's Garden, April 17 2011
By Renee Chaw "Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tomorrow's Garden: A Novel (Paperback)
Harriet Kirk had the spark taken out of her soul by the tragic fire that took the lives of her parents. On her own, with her younger siblings to care for she decides it's time to move on. When given the opportunity she moves to Ladreville, Texas, with hopes of starting anew and leaving the past behind. What ensues is nothing short of a miracle. With God's help a handsome Texas Ranger turned mayor changes her life for the better.
In between the beautiful cover, which in my opinion is just perfect for this books Spring release, is a wonderful story of our heroine not only finding happiness but her family learning to open themselves up to the possibility of love without fear of loss. I enjoyed every bit of this book from Harriet learning to not only care for her family but herself with a pretty new dress (much to Lawrence's pleasure) to Ruth, her little sister, overcoming her shyness to find true love. Even Jake, Harriet's little brother learns that actions have consequences and grows up throughout this book. Each character just seemed to blossom under the love and care of the Ladreville townsfolk. It really goes to show how important good friendships can be in life.
I enjoyed Tomorrow's Garden. It's a good conclusion to the Texas Dreams series and very much makes me look forward to more from author Amanda Cabot.
*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest review.*
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic historical fiction a satisfying read, May 30 2011
By Mary Hake - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tomorrow's Garden: A Novel (Paperback)
Harriet Kirk, a young teacher, strives to care for her five orphaned siblings. She faces numerous challenges--physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual--as she tries to establish a new life for her family in Ladreville, Texas, in 1857. She wants to escape a painful past and longs for a new start in this troubled town. Add in life-threatening excitement and inexcusable crimes and the tension accelerates.
Amanda Cabot's realistic historical fiction brings to life the time period and the personal experiences of the characters, keeping the reader anticipating and longing for a positive outcome. Harriet uses a garden to help teach her students patience and hope, a lesson readers also glean. Thus the title, Tomorrow's Garden.
Will Harriet be able to help her rebellious teen brother? Will she find true love and acceptance for herself? A sober German farmer courts her like he's making a purchase to improve his life. The local sheriff/mayor evokes longings and anger in this strict teacher. Could they ever forge a life together? Added to personal conflicts are the town's struggles between French and German settlers and between the old country and the new.
This novel is the third in the Texas Dreams series, but stands on its own as a powerful tale. Some of the characters continue from the first two novels, and I encourage readers to read them all.