A Stolen Heart is a book that reaffirms that good can come out of bad circumstances and that God can use all things for good.

Lydia Crawford is a teacher that is engaged. Her fiance has left New York and headed to a town in Texas to prepare for her arrival. When she arrives in Cimarron Creek, Texas, she finds her fiance is missing from the town but that he has married and going to be a father. Despite those circumstances, she decides to stay and make Cimarron Creek her new home. 

The sheriff sees the beautiful Lydia get off of the stagecoach and decides to befriend her and welcome her to his town. He arranges for her to stay with his lonely aunt. Once the single men get a look at Lydia, they all compete to try to get her to wed them. After being hurt, Lydia has no plans to marry but God just may have other plans for her. 

Lydia and the Sheriff's aunt develop a strong relationship and become partners in a confectionery store. Lydia finally feels like she has found a home, but a string of strange and illegal occurrences have her and the sheriff working together to try to find the culprit. 

A Stolen Heart is a book that features romance and mild suspense. I loved the town and the characters in it. It is a cute book with a great ending.

A Stolen Heart is a well written Christian historical romance with a touch of intrigue.  I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.  I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

A wonderful story set in 1880 Texas.  Lydia Crawford has to work to gain the trust and understanding of the town, she realizes that she has a long road ahead of her.  It takes a turn for the worse when she realizes that her fiance is missing and already married. 
    I liked the spunk of Lydia as she had to adapt to her surroundings and learned who she could trust.  This was a great book that I had to work hard to not skip to the end to confirm what happened.
     I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but the review is my own.

A Stolen Heart is both romance and mystery, with some Texas history on the side.
Lydia is an interesting character. In a time when women were expected to marry and raise a family, she has no intention of marrying. She is willing to put her previous life as a teacher behind her and start again in a new town. She knows her mind and goes after what she wants. Lydia is a refreshing change from usual damsels in distress in historical romance novels. And how she manages to make any kind of candy in the Texas heat pre-air conditioning is astounding to me.  I don’t even turn on my stove between May and September – let alone attempt to make candy.
Travis, as the local sheriff and lawyer, makes it a point to welcome Lydia to town. He is struggling to keep his town safe since becoming sheriff. A string of petty crimes, along with the disappearance of one of the town members, has really confounded Travis. But the one bright spot of his day is walking Lydia to and from her confectionery shop.
"I won’t make promises I can’t keep … I can’t promise we won’t have arguments or times of sorrow, but I can promise that I’ll never stop loving you, and I’ll do everything I can to make you happy.”
The secondary characters in A Stolen Heart make a real impression. Aunt Bertha was a hoot. The matriarch of the town, she is constantly match-making and causing mischief.
“He’s close to thirty, you know. A man ought to be settled down by that age.”
Travis’s father Abe is a cantankerous old man who blames any and every Northerner for the loss of his leg at Gettysburg. But Abe turns out to be a real softy by the end of the novel. I’m glad the he had a change of heart about Lydia.
The mystery aspect of A Stolen Heart is what drives the story for me. And there are so many mysteries. What happened to Edgar? What happened to Aunt Bertha’s daughter? Who is wreaking havoc in the town, stealing chickens, breaking windows, poisoning animals. All of the mysteries in town are solved by Travis and Lydia working together to catch the criminal. We still aren’t sure what happened to Aunt Bertha’s daughter. I’m hoping that the next book(s) in the series will provide some answers to this mystery.
The romance between Lydia and Travis is not necessarily the flowery, romantic type of love, but rather, the love that develops from friendship first. Neither character wants to marry. Lydia has trust issues. When she was a child, her father left her mother for another woman. And after traveling across the country, she finds her fiance married to another woman. Travis has seen few happily married couples in his life, especially not his parents. He doesn’t want to end up married and miserable. And he especially doesn’t want to see Lydia miserable.  Both characters develop as separate individuals in the novel, instead of just as a couple. As their love grows, they realize that love is true and strong enough to survive anything.

Ms. Cabot’s writing is exemplary. She smoothly intersperses history of the Texas Hill Country, the remaining animosity in a post-Civil War South, and the accurate descriptions of making candy, including how to test soft-ball stage of candy without a modern thermometer. I imagine there is some serious research behind this novel. I was, however, missing an emotional connection with the characters. I’m not necessarily talking about burning desire between the two main characters. I just didn’t click with Lydia and Travis. Aunt Bertha is the only character I really connected with. And I’m not sure what connecting with the town matriarch says about me, instead of the couple in love!

Come for the mystery, but stay for the characters. A Stolen Heart is worth reading.

I received this book as part of my participation in a blog tour with Lone Star Book Blog Tours. The gift of this book did not affect my review of it.

A Stolen Heart is the first book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy.  After reading this book I am looking forward to what Amanda Cabot writes next.  This book was set in the 1800s and I enjoyed visiting this small town from back then.  It was interesting seeing the tension between what people call the Northerners and everyone else.  This story follows Lydia and Travis as she accustoms to a new town with the help of the sheriff.

This trip has turned out way different than Lydia was planning.  Thinking she was going to finally marry her fiancé she is shocked to find out that not only is he already married, but also missing.  Determined to find out what happened Lydia isn't leaving no matter how she is treated.  Travis the town sheriff is also anxious to find out what happened to one of his residents.  Can they work together to solve the mystery?  Or will they only get in each other's way?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with just a little mystery mixed in.  I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to see them again in the next book.  I had fun trying to solve the mystery and was dying to see what was going to happen next.  I received a copy of this book from Revell publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a wonderful western historical romance.  I fell in love with Lydia, Travis and Aunt Bertha.  I loved how Lydia decides to open the candy shop.  All of that just sounded so delicious.  I did not want to put this book down.  I loved the romance and the slight tinge of suspense.  I am so looking forward to the second book in the series.  I received a copy of this book from Revell reads for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! I simply adored this book – I couldn’t put it down. I often read on the drive home (don’t worry, I mean when I’m at a red light) and this is a book that I had to keep out of reach because I wanted to read it while I was actually driving!
Set in the late 1800s, Lydia Crawford is a school teacher who leaves her home and job in Syracuse, NY to follow the man she loves, Edgar Ellis, to Cimarron, Texas. Upon her arrival, she discovers that he’s not only disappeared, but has left behind a pregnant wife. With nowhere else to turn, she decides to stay. The newly elected sheriff, recognizes that as a “Yankee,” she won’t be accepted well and takes her under his wing. Suddenly, there a bunch of petty crimes that begin to take place that have escalated to the point that some people feel that Travis shouldn’t be sheriff anymore. 
This book kept me constantly guessing and wondering! I HAD to know who was behind everything and had to know this instant! I’ve never ready Amanda Cabot before and while I do enjoy historical fiction, I had no clue I would enjoy this one as much as I did. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and had hit one of those stretches where I had to set aside the books by authors I haven’t read before because the last few had just been so hard to enjoy. I stepped back into the game with this one, and I couldn’t be happier. I CANNOT wait for the second book in this trilogy. This book made me yearn to step back into a time where things were so much simpler.  I could smell the candy cooking, I could feel the hot Texas sun, I could imagine exactly how Main and Pecan Street looked. I wanted to be there! I HIGHLY recommend picking up this book.

I have also posted this review on Amazon

A Stolen Heart is a story of prejudice. This is also a story of mysteries of fires, death of animals an people, missing people and misunderstandings and believe it or not even worse than that - if that is even possible.  Lydia faces a lot of North/South prejudice on her journey to Texas to her Aunt's.  She goes there to meet up with her fiancé but she gets there to find him gone and married already.  She meets the sherriff and good that she did - personally and well not so personally.  This book is brilliant, exciting, exhilarating, mysterious, grievous, infuriating, and flamboyant.  You go through so many emotions with this book and you definitely love this book when you are done.

A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot
Lydia Crawford is moving to Cimarron Creek to be with her fiancé Edgar. During her travels and as she arrives in town, although the Civil War has been over for years, she is dealt with racial stigmatism because she is from the North. When Lydia arrives in town she discovers her fiancé is missing. But she discovers a lot more than a missing fiancé.

Lydia meets up with Travis, the town sheriff, and Aunt Bertha. Both of them welcome Lydia with open arms. But Lydia is more reserved with Travis.

Cimarron Creek is full of secrets and mysteries that will keep you guessing about the townspeople. This novel is fast moving, it has some great people who have a heart in this small town – you just have to know who you can trust, the story is filled with forgiveness, and love. Amanda Cabot will not disappoint her readers or new readers with A Stolen Heart!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sheriff Travis Whitfield is waiting for the stage when Lydia Crawford arrives in Cimarron Creek, he is surprised to find that she is looking for Edgar Ellis, because he is looking for Edgar too. Edgar left without a trace, leaving behind his pregnant new wife. 

Travis takes Lydia to stay with his Aunt Bertha, who is excited to have company, and quickly take her under her wing. Travis' cousin Catherine, the school teacher comes to visit Aunt Bertha, and Lydia and Catherine become fast friends. 

Lydia is a hard worker and enjoys cooking up delicious confections, many of the townsmen come calling but she does what she can to discourage them. Travis enjoys Lydia's company and friendship, even though he can't offer her more than that. He admires how quickly she has fit into the community. 

Travis is a man of faith, and integrity. He doesn't believe in marriage after witnessing his parents contentious union. There is great dialog between Travis and Lydia as their friendship builds and they come to trust each other.

This is a great read, with many intriguing characters, mystery, and several surprises along the way. One of my favorite character was Catherine, and I'm excited to follow her story in the future!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This was an enjoyable story. The beginning of the story held much promise with several layers of tension in the story. It was a sweet story with interesting characters. It ended well but for me, it just wasn't a riveting read.

What a roller coaster of emotions here as we travel from Syracuse to Texas Hill Country and Lydia hits prejudice head on. These people were hurt in the War, and then the notorious carpetbaggers, so when she opens her mouth, they know she is from the North and instant dislike.
When Lydia arrives at her destination, Cimarron Creek Texas, she is surprised that her fiancé is not there to meet her but she is met by the sheriff, all innocent, but her betroth is married to another and is missing. Now what, well she is about to find out what a blessing it was that the sheriff was there, and thus begins her stay at Aunt Bertha’s and this part will warm your heart.
This story does have it all and will keep you page turning right to the last page, and what a story we have here. People are missing, or murdered, fires, animals dying, and worse, and all because of a misguided sense of injustice, and you are going to be surprised to what extent this person goes to, and most of all whom it is.
I for one cannot wait until the next book, which looks like it is Catherine’s story, and that is on my must read list.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is the first book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy.

Lydia has traveled all the way to Texas to meet up with her fiancé, Edgar.  Unfortunately, once she steps off the stagecoach, things go from bad to worse.  Edgar is missing, but not only that, he’s already married and has a baby on the way!  Lydia feels betrayed, but she’s determined to get answers about Edgar.

Travis doesn’t mind helping the beautiful stranger from the north, he’s vowed never to marry anyway, and she needs help.  Being a lawyer AND the sheriff keeps him busy, but when a bunch of petty crimes begin to escalate, he doubts his abilities.  Critical comments from his crotchety father don’t help either.

I really liked this book.  It was an easy read, with neat characters.  I liked Catherine, who will show up in the next book, and Aunt Bertha.  There’s joy and heartache in this book, but it’s got the happy ending and I was glad to read it.

The second book should be out next year and will tell the story of Catherine, who we meet in this book, and Austin, a new character.  I look forward to it!  While Catherine shows up in this book, I have a feeling these are going to be able to be read alone or out of order.  According to the note after the epilogue, the third book in the series will have Thea, from Paper Roses, in it.  Good Book!

*I received a copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Stolen Heart (Cimarron Creek Trilogy #1)
Reading this book was like enjoying a confectionery treat! I enjoyed it that much.
I experienced so many emotions while reading this.
Lydia travels from New York to Texas to become a bride. Ladies want to befriend her ion the stagecoach until they hear her Northern accent Upon arriving she learns the man she is to marry has disappeared. The town of Cimarron Creek is non trusting of her at first. Even though the war has been over for 15 years the townspeople don't trust northerners because they have been taken advantage of by carpetbaggers. The local lawman, Travis helps her and she is taken under the wing of his aunt.
There was definitely an air of mystery here and I had no idea who was causing all the havoc until the very end. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading the other books in the series!
Pub Date 14 Mar 2017 
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a review copy for my honest opinion!

I loved this book!  It was such an interesting mixture of sweet romance and dark intrigue, and I was hanging on every word.  The most fun part for me was that I read this during a very busy work week, which meant I had to read a little at a time each day.  I would highly recommend you do the same with this book, because it allowed me to experience it almost in real time with the characters.  I would stop reading around the time a day would end in the story and pick back up the next day.  It made the reading very enjoyable (and this is coming from someone who usually blows through a book in a day or two).
Lydia Crawford, a yankee from New York, has just arrived in Cimarron Creek, Texas to reunite with her fiancé, Edgar.  Although she expects a warm welcome, she is instead greeted with scowls, mutterings of “carpetbagger,” and her fiancé’s very pregnant wife.  Heartbroken and with nowhere else to go, she is taken in by the sheriff’s aunt, a kindly widow who has a house much too big for just her alone.  Lydia quickly settles in and begins a budding romance with the handsome sheriff, Travis Whitfield, but such a sweet little town holds a shocking amount of secrets.  Between the poisoning of a farmer’s goats and a dark past of violence, Cimarron Creek is plagued with a criminal.  Between Travis and Lydia, and with a lot of help from God, they must race to find the one responsible before they strike again.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters in this book!  Not only did I get swept off my feet by the charming sheriff, but I also fell in love with the gentle Aunt Bertha and the innocent Opal, Edgar’s wife.  At first I wasn’t sure I would like it – I was worried Lydia would be very hateful due to all she had gone through.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Lydia was funny, generous, and with a heart of gold, eager to help anyone who needed it.  Despite her reluctance to begin a relationship, she treated all the men vying for her attention with respect and kindness.  Travis was the perfect pairing for her, as he was just as friendly and unassuming.  While some might say they’re almost too perfect, it was refreshing to read about two people who have such great hearts.  
This book does have some darkness to it, with a hint of violence in the past of two women who were preyed upon by an evil man.  It’s not to be assumed that this book is all sunny days with no storms in sight.  It confronts life’s evils with grace and dignity, and I thought the author did a wonderful job bringing together Christian romance with crime-solving intrigue.  This is the second book I have read by this author (the first was Paper Roses), and I highly recommend you try it for yourself!  You’ll be glad you did.

Amanda Cabot has written a great, first book for her new series. "A Stolen Heart" (Cimarron Creek Trilogy) will keep you reading to see what happens next.  Lydia who comes to the small town in Texas to marry her fiancee soon learns of his disappearance and deceit and vows to never marry.  She meets several single men who are looking to court her.  She is challenged with oppositions, secrets, danger and romance as she decides to stay in Cimarron Creek.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series.  I received this book from NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

<b> 3.5 Stars </b>

Cabot writes a great "lazy day" read. Her books are always relaxing and easy to get into and read. 
<I> A Stolen Heart </I> is the beginning of a new series, but it does connect a little with her first series. It was nice to see previous characters. I am excited for Catherine's story in the next installment. 
There is a little mystery in this book, but I personally found it predictable and guessed the villain quickly.

I do not enjoy murder mysteries so by the time I realised that is what this book is, it was too late. Since it was from netgalley, I felt I had to finish it. The ending seemed very contrived and tje psycho hard to imagine but I guess insanity is like that. Why is murder such a popular mystery? Lots of things can be mysterious eg. from this story, why did Abe change his character suddenly, where was Joan? Her daughter? I would have been happier pursuing those mysteries. :(

What makes the book worthwhile?
The protagonists are very appealing in their reasonable commitment to never marry. Their behavior follows their separately stated intentions. However, it is common knowledge that the human heart has a mind of its own. The truths that become known come about very believably. 

I love the idea of what a stolen heart means. I'm not giving this away, but it's very sweet. 

This book is not all sweetness and light. Some very hard things happen--just as in life. But, good things can come out of pain and sorrow. This book illustrates this well. 

Cimarron Creek was a wonderful town to get to know. It is perfectly fashioned from its history to its charm and flaws. Even with the verbosity and thinly shrouded mystery I'll be happy to visit the upcoming books in the series.