A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot transports readers to August 1881. Thea Michener is leaving Ladreville to become the new midwife in Cimarron Creek, Texas. Thea needs a change after the murder of her husband and giving birth to a stillborn boy. Her marriage was complicated near the end and she will be happy to shed her widow’s weeds. Aimee Jarre is going with Thea in the hopes of locating her birth mother. They arrive in Cimarron Creek to find Ranger Jackson Guthrie on the front porch of their new home with an infant in his arms. Ranger Guthrie was following Thea to Cimarron Creek when he came upon the baby alone near cacti. He has been on the trail of The Gang of Four (as they have been dubbed) since they injured his partner and killed his younger brother. Guthrie believed Thea was the female member of the gang until he sees her in person. As it turns out, Thea may hold the key to tracking down these ruthless bandits who manage to disappear after each robbery. Neither party may be looking for love, but God has other plans.

A Tender Hope is the final book in a Cimarron Creek Trilogy. A Tender Hope can be read alone, but, after reading it, you will want to go back and read the other two books in the series. The couples from the first two books are included in A Tender Hope. I thought A Tender Hope was well-written with gentle pacing. Amanda Cabot has a casual writing style that engages the reader and draws them into her tale. The Christian elements are nicely integrated into the story. I like that it was light but meaningful. Thea’s story was intriguing. New details are added as the story progresses, and I like how it all tied together. Guthrie and Thea’s romance plays out softly and sweetly. Aimee is seeking answers on her birth parents and she gets so much more (I do not want to give away any spoilers). Nate Kenton and Warner Gray provide humor to the story. Both men are seeking wives and women are scarce in their area. I liked that the author gave many of the females in the story occupations and strong voices. I was very happy that A Tender Hope was not a typical historical romance. There is mystery, suspense and action along with family, friendship, love, and faith. A Tender Hope has a satisfying conclusion that will leave readers smiling.