I will read just about any fiction book with journalism in it as a main focus, so was really excited when this book appeared on my radar. I've read a handful of Cabot's books before (though alas, not book 1 in this series--though this one caught me up nicely and didn't leave any gaps!); this absolutely lived up to my already high expectations. I'm looking forward to reading book 1, which should help tide me over nicely until book 3 comes out!

Brandon is a swoonworthy hero, and Dorothy just the type of heroine I love--her own woman, determined, bold, and with a passion for words and writing that I could relate to so very much. I also loved that even though the book was set in the late 1800s, it was still so relevant to today; little has changed aside from technology. It felt close to the contemporary setting I've been enjoying more recently.

An excellent read and one I'd happily revisit down the line.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It is always interesting to read about how life was in the past. Dorothy want to do more to get herself and her writing out there but due to the town she lives in that is just not possible. I like seeing how she was able to take advantage of an opportunity she was given and was able to come together with Brandon to make sure that both of their new opportunities were able to continue.

An enjoyable read that lets you think.

This was an absolutely lovely story of friendship, love, and following your dreams. The plot was well-paced and captivating to the very end. The characters were charming and authentic. I can't wait for more from Amanda Cabot. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Dorothy’s biggest dream is to be a writer and she has a heart to help others but she doesn’t want to marry. When Brandon arrives in Mesquite springs to start a newspaper, Dorothy has the opportunity to writes for “the Chronicle” she thrives on it and Brandon realized her talent.

However Phil who also recently moved to Mesquite springs is trying to sow discord among the townspeople and Brandon and Dorothy will have to fight to restore the truth.

I like Dorothy’s character especially her kindness and her passion for writing.

This book is a part of a serie. I have not read the first one but this one is very interesting, the story is well-written and captivating.

Dorothy Clark has dreams, dreams that seem so far out of reach she fears they may be impossible. However, in one day two men move to the town of Mesquite Springs and there are going to be some changes.

Brandon has come to town to open a newspaper. He is thankful for this fresh new start especially since he is trying to escape the memories of his last hometown. And when he meats Dorothy, the town is all the more intriguing. Little does he know that her dream is to be a writer. Her inspiration is Harriet Beecher Stowe. Unfortunately, that churns up a lot of bad memories for Brandon.

On the day that Brandon comes into town another man by the name of Phil, a gifted illustrator, also comes. His purposes are much more nefarious. Phil has also taken an instant dislike to Brandon, and he intends on finding out his secrets. All the while, I am asking what is Phil's secrets too.

Dorothy also had some secret fears and the author tackled a very important topic within this story. I call it depression and I really liked the heartfelt answers Dorothy gets when she seeks answers.

This was an enjoyable read of dreams being rekindled, as the title suggests, danger, mystery, true love, and a few unanswered questions left for the next book. I really liked how the author weaved her tale and brought everything together in a very exciting conclusion.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Beautiful story! Dorothy is a woman that loves her independence, and she promises she will never marry anyone. Her biggest wish is to become a writer, Brandon read a story written by someone in Mesquite Springs, so when his father dies due to some trouble in the town he lives, he decides to move to Mesquite Springs. He begins to meet the people there, and decides he really likes the town, and the girl that works in the cafe becomes a fast friend, and she helps him to start his newspaper. He later realizes that Dorothy is also the same writer that had written the story that drew him there. The community begins to get divided by rumors against the town pastor, and soon a new preacher comes to town, but he just doesn't seem trustworthy to Dorothy and Brandon, so they investigate. What they find is very disturbing, and they prepare an edition of the newspaper all about it. And that makes this story very exciting. Great, clean story I loved.

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot is the 2nd book in the Mesquite Springs series. Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Out of the Embers. I thought Dreams Rekindled was well-written with developed characters. Nutmeg, Dorothy’s rescue dog, was my favorite character. He is a clever and cute canine. I thought the author captured the time-period (button hooks, printing press, the printer’s type, a woman’s reticule, Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and the setting (especially the small-town feel). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Mesquite Springs and the surrounding countryside. Dorothy Clark and Brandon Holloway are attracted to each other from the beginning, but grief and past events prevent them from acting on their feelings. I liked that the characters are realistic with strengths and weaknesses. To counteract the good guys, we have a villain. Phil Blakeslee arrives in town the same day as Brandon. He is an artist who is town for nefarious purposes. He is working for the mysterious Mr. K who has his own agenda for Mesquite Springs. Phil has a troubled background that has influenced his opinion of newsman and ministers. I like how everything came together in this story. Faith is woven into the story. It added just the right note. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery. It added depth to the story. I quickly turned the pages eager to see how this story would turn out. There are some unanswered questions at the end of the book. We will have to wait for the next installment to get those answers. Dreams Rekindled is a complex novel with family, friends, faith, hope, foul play, and forgiveness.

Mesquite Springs, Texas, in the 1850s seems like a friendly town, with the restaurant Polly’s Place a central fixture. Dorothy Clark enjoys living in town above her sister-in-law’s restaurant, where she helps out, but her dream is to write. When Brandon Holloway comes to town to establish a newspaper, Dorothy hopes she can work with him. Who would have dreamed an intruder would arrive to stir things up and possibly ruin their lives? The characters seem so real and make you care about them, especially as they struggle to overcome the hurts of their pasts. The plot also feels authentic and intriguing as it touches the heart. This novel continues the story began in the first book of the series, Out of the Embers, but it offers a complete tale in itself and can stand alone. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #DreamsRekindled #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 3
Characters: 3
Enjoyability: 3
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

Dreams Rekindled opens in 1856 in Mesquite Springs, Texas. Dorothy Clark is not happy with her job of running her sister-in-law's restaurant until she comes back from her honeymoon. She has decided she will never marry as she can't take a chance on losing someone she loves. One thing is certain, she wants to be a writer. She wants her words to matter. She gets her chance to write when newspaper man Brandon Holloway moves to Mesquite Springs to start a newspaper. He is a man who once had dreams, but due to tragic circumstances he now lives with guilt. Dorothy helps Brandon with the newspaper and gradually a deeper relationship begins to develop. Can they put the past into the past despite the divisions that arise in the town they both call home?
The pace builds slowly. Negative rumors about Brandon begin to circulate. Someone wants him gone. But, why? And how far will someone go to accomplish this? The power of the story comes from the characters distinctive voices and what it is they want. The author has successfully brought to life a varied mixture of personalities whose stories are interwoven.
This is a story about courage, doing what is right, tragedy and triumph. Just as important, this is a love story. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What an exciting and enjoyable trip back to 1850s Mesquite Springs, Texas, reuniting with the fine folks of this small, prospering town and meeting newcomers who will have a huge impact on the town some for better, some for worse! With engaging characters; a smoothly flowing, suspenseful plot which leaves unanswered questions; sweet romance; and an inspiring faith element, Dreams Rekindled is a “couldn’t wait to finish it, but didn’t want it to be over” kind of read! Sufficient background information is given to make this book work well as a stand-alone; however, I suggest you read the first book of the series Out of the Embers to get the full effect of the story and just because it is so good! Ms. Cabot’s clear, concise prose; attention to detail; and excellent storytelling skills lead me to highly recommend this book and the series. I look forward to Book #3 in the Mesquite Springs series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dreams Rekindled is a very well written inspirational romance. Great plot and character dynamics. Good addition to the series.

This is the second book in the series and it was very enjoyable. I love Amanda Cabot books because they really keep you interested. I read the first book in this series which really gives you a feel of the characters and the town. The second book was enjoyable to see some of the characters in the first book and there new lives. This book was on Dorothy Clark a strong women who did not want to ever marry. She helped her sister-in-law in her restaurant called Polly's Place. Her dream was to become a writer. When Brandon moves to town to start a newspaper she starts up a friendship with him and starts to work for him. This book has romance and suspense. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Really enjoyed this second book in the mesquite springs series. I liked the characters had real problems and worked through them (rather than having them solved immediately). Although it is a series, I felt that it could be read as a standalone book and I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series.

I got this book free in exchange for an honest review. It is definitely something that I wouldn't mind spending my money on buying. I will be recommending it to others who like historical Christian Fiction.

This book will keep you up wanting to finish it. This has great romance and quite a bit of suspense. Some suspense is solved quickly but other suspense twists through the whole book. You might want to read the first book in the series to get an idea of the town and some of the characters plus it is also a wonderful story. I really like how strong Dorothy is and what a good man Brandon is. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Dreams Rekindled is the second book in the Mesquite Springs series.
I read the first in this series and I was highly anticipating this book and believe me it hasn't disappointed.
Dorothy Clark's story takes place in small town, Mesquite Springs, Texas.
She runs a restaurant, sure it fills people's stomach's but doesn't do anything to fill her mind with knowledge.
She's a smart woman who wants to stir things up, make a difference in other's lives.
She wants to make a difference in people's lives, be remembered like her heroine Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin has.
When handsome newspaper man Brandon Holloway comes into town opening his newspaper printing company she knows it's her perfect opportunity as a newspaper writer.
Even as Dorothy and Brandon strive to make the newspaper office viable some love it and want it to succeed and other's are determined to not only shut it down but to destroy Brandon's livelihood and run him out of town. Now to determine the who and the why.
A delightful historical with realistic and likable characters . Cabot can really bring a book alive with her descriptions and compassionate writing style.

Pub Date: 02 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishers.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Dreams Rekindled
by Amanda Cabot
Book 2 in the Mesquite Springs series
Rating: 4.5/5

Wow. I forgot how much I loved Amanda Cabot's stories. She knows how to weave a heartfelt romance with a dash of mystery and suspense and is not afraid to address psychological trauma from her characters' past. This is book two in the Mesquite Springs series, and I now must go back to book one to find out what happened (this book can be read as a standalone).

After Dorothy Clark read Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, she knew she wanted to write something like that. She wanted to make an impact and change the world with her written words. How would she ever get that opportunity in small town Mesquite Springs? When Brandon Holloway arrives in town to start a newspaper, she secretly hopes that the dashing young gentleman is willing to give her a chance to write. While both parties excel at the written word, the couple both struggle with their own past tragedies but are determined to discover who is stirring up trouble and spreading rumors. Can they expose the truth and find a way to save the town they both love before it's too late? Will the past repeat itself if they aren't too careful?

"With this second novel in the Mesquite Springs series, bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you to discover the healing power of truth." - Book description

I really enjoyed that this story was more than just a light rom-com read. It's so much more. Dealing with trauma from the past is not something every author can write about. Cabot addresses real issues that can haunt people but she also leaves room for healing and forgiveness that can only come from God. She weaves redemption into her stories, which is something I really appreciate as a Christian.

My favorite character is Nutmeg, Dorothy's dog, and I even loved her part in the story. Dogs can definitely be therapeutic for those with past trauma.

Highly recommend this Christian historical romance with a dash of mystery and suspense from Amanda Cabot. As a fan of her previous books, you will not be disappointed.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Dreams Rekindled is the second book in Amanda Cabot’s Mesquite Springs series. However, it can be read as a stand-alone, as it follows Dorothy, the sister to the hero of the prior book.

The premise is interesting, with Dorothy and Brandon meeting due to the latter’s work with a newspaper, which the former sees as an opportunity to make her voice heard and challenge complex thought and debate in her society. Her fiery approach contrasts perfectly with Brandon’s more cautious one, although he does end up taking her suggestions.

With the rabble-rousing periodical, there’s of course opposition, with antagonists determined to undermine the paper’s success. And the hints at the end of the book about the deeper intentions of one of the antagonists and the role they’ll play in a later book have me excited to see what’s in store next.

This is a wonderful historical with a dash of suspense, that will please readers looking for sweet/inspirational romance.

Dreams Rekindled… What comes to mind when you read those words?

For me it brought to mind dreams that had been pushed aside for duty or life getting in the way. Amanda Cabot used it to bring Dreams Rekindled to life in Dororthy and Brandon and their small West Texas town of Mesquite Springs. Both of whom needed a second opportunity in life to achieve their dreams. I loved the depth to Amanda Cabot’s characters, their strengths, weaknesses, and trials were all real and ones that you or I could experience in any given day. There were no flighty or fluff characters in this book, rather ones with depth and meaning to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the shy romance between Dorothy and Brandon, and I loved how there was just the right amount of fighting attraction woven into their story. Another interesting addition to the story was that of the villain a Philemon Blakeslee, I actually really enjoyed getting to see his point of view and it helped me better understand why he acted the way he did.

The overall themes of forgiveness for the past, overcoming your shadows, and giving second chances created a wonderful storyline that gave credence to the saying “It is never too late to forgive, or be forgiven.” All the characters displayed different aspects of the overarching theme and I enjoyed their growth through the book.

I really enjoyed Amanda Cabot’s attention to the historical detail and her vivid locational renditions that helped me see the town as she envisioned; there was even a map included on the front page of the book! I thought it was a nice touch, and I was able to follow along with the characters as they turned down different streets I could SEE where they were going! Such a neat touch to this book.

I really enjoyed this second book in Amanda Cabot’s Mesquite Springs series, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Now… When does the next book come out?

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot is an excellent historical fiction that is the second in the stunning series: Mesquite Springs.

This is such a wonderful series focussing around a small town, Mesquite Springs, Texas, in the 1850s. I love the author’s ability to describe the western, small town with its landscapes, close community, and all of the hard work that it takes to survive in the western US.

I loved the main characters featured in this book: Dorothy Clark and Brandon Holloway. Both have their own fears, haunted thoughts of a challenging past, and both have hopes and dreams for a future forged. Both have strong moral compasses, yet are imperfect, which makes both so realistic, likable, and endearing. I loved seeing their interactions and relationship blossom.

It was also fascinating to read about newspaper production and printing at this time. There was so much more then I could have imagined that took place to produce this much-needed means of communication.

This book is so much more then a romance. It has a strong narrative, historical elements interwoven, complex characters, mystery, suspense, obstacles (self-inflicted and external in the shape of town villains). The author just has a way to totally immerse the reader into another place and time. It is just stunning.

I am so glad I was able to visit Mesquite Springs again, and look forward to my next visit.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Revell Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts.