This book was immediately a gem! I do wish I had read the book before this one about her sister! I think it would have made following the story easier! All in all, I really enjoyed the characters and the historical accuracy! I thought this was a lovely book of the old west with a nice view of the East coast! Loved it all!

Thanks to NetGalley for this story! All opinions are my own!

Against the Wind
by Amanda Cabot
Pub Date 03 Oct 2023
Revell
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Revell and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Against the Wind for review:


The doctor-in-training has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's only there for a few days to help a friend. However, she cannot abandon the injured man she finds by the side of the road. She will serve as the town's doctor and midwife while his leg heals. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.Even though she isn't fully qualified yet, she is certainly better than nothing.


His grandfather's challenge to Josh Porter to achieve full control of the family business and fulfill his father's last wish hit a roadblock when Josh broke his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.However, his forced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about expanding the company into new territories, ideas Louisa might be able to help him realize.


It would be wonderful if the town was more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to give up her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her find out who is behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?When neither of them plans to stay together, is there any future for them together?


I give Against the Wind five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot.

The main character Louisa Vaughn,who is a Doctor-in-training stays in Sweetwater Crossing for a few days to help out a friend. But due to events beyond her control she stays in the town to serve as the doctor and midwife. There are a few people in town trying to get rid of her. She starts receiving threatening notes and a break in at her office.

This is a historical romance with a bit of mystery.

Against the Wind is the second installment from the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series from Amanda Cabot. I loved the first book from the series, After the Shadows, and loved this one even more. It was a pleasure to read Louisa and Josh’s story. I adored her courage and determination. There is some mystery and suspense within the plot that had me wanting to continue to read until the very end.

Against the Wind will be getting five stars from me. Readers who love to read clean historical fiction will want to get a copy of it for themselves. I believe they would love it as much as me. I am curious to find out if there will be another addition to the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.

I received a paperback copy of Amanda Cabot’s Against the Wind from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

It's good. It's clean. There is a gentle mystery (or secret based on the series title). The romance is sweet. I enjoy this author's writing style and look forward to the series conclusion.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher.*

I enjoyed reading this installment of the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossings series, this time about Louisa, Emily's younger half-sister. Characters from the previous book returned in this one, which I always like since I get attached.

Based on my impression of Louisa from the first book, I wasn't sure how much I would like her; however, I am pleased to say that she proved herself to be a determined, caring, intelligent woman. But I'm not convinced that seven months of learning from a doctor and a midwife in another town would really be sufficient for her to stand on her own as a medical provider. Perhaps I'm basing my opinion on current medical standards, however. I liked Josh Porter, as well, and can't think of a character that would have been a better match for Louisa. He was supportive, thoughtful, and visionary. He also had a sad opinion of love (just a fairy tale) and marriage (important for securing business connections) when he arrived in Sweetwater Crossing, thanks to his grandfather's upbringing. Both characters underwent noticeable growth and a deeper understanding of what was important to them throughout the book.

Even though the writing in both Sweetwater Crossing books thus far reminds me a little of a Hallmark movie, it hasn't impeded my enjoyment while reading them. I look forward to reading the final book when it comes out. They're easy to read and leave you feeling warm and content once you've finished.

Note: Nothing bad.

My thoughts: Ms Cabot is one of the few historical romance writers I seek out, and I love her books. This one is about a female doctor, rare in that time period, who returns home to her hometown but finds distrust, hatred, and enemies No one wants a female doctor! But Emily is made of sterner stuff and despite attempts on her life she is determined to stick it out. Josh is one of her first patients and everyone called him brave for trusting his badly broken leg to Emily. But she saved his life. And even though he was promised to another, he and Emily became close friends and they helped each other out of different situationss. I loved this book. Best book by Ms. Cabot so far and I've loved all of them Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opiniins are my own.

It was fun to come back to Sweetwater Crossing, Texas, with Louisa Vaughn! On her way back to Sweetwater Crossing for a short visit, Louisa who has been apprenticing with a doctor, comes across Josh Porter who has been thrown and abandoned by his horse! With no other medical help around, Louisa sets Josh's broken leg. I loved how the late doctor's widow gives the medical practice to Louisa and she decides to stay in Sweetwater Crossing. Of course, the townspeople don't think a young woman should be a doctor and give her all kinds of problems! Meanwhile wealthy Josh's leg is healing and his fascination with the young doctor is growing. You will wonder if the community will ever accept Louisa's medical help and if Josh will return to his grandfather's business in New York. I recommend Against the Wind to others. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I received a complimentary e-book through Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

This was a great book - it was not the first in the series but with the information provided by the author the reader does not get lost in the story. I have not read the first book in the series but was able to follow the storyline. The characters were very easy to like and I wanted Louisa, a female physician, to be able to fill the role of the town doctor even though the town is not very welcoming. I enjoyed the way Cabot brought Josh into the story as a wounded man needing a Dr. and that there was more to the man than first thought. This was also a hint of mystery as threatening notes are being sent as well as office break-ins. I really enjoyed this book and think it is one of Amanda Cabot's better books.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a part of Amanda Cabots Secrets of Sweet Water crossing series. This is Louisa Vaughn story as she returns home after training to be a midwife and doctor. Louisa is returning for just a few days but finds a injured man and her plans change. I loved this book. Loed the historical romance book with some mystery.

This was an excellent "brain candy" book. I was able to escape into the story and enjoy it. My brain didn't have to work hard. The romance was clean and the little town had some good world-building behind it. This is a perfect book when you need a non-stressful book to escape reality for a bit.

Spice rating: 1 pepper

This was a great addition to the Sweetwater Crossing series. I loved seeing Louisa's character development as she came back home and mended her relationship with Emily and became more confident in her ability to help people. I also loved Josh and how supportive he was of Louisa and her dreams. I can't wait to read the next one!

After enjoying the first book in the series, I’ve been looking forward to Louisa’s story. I enjoyed this one as well. It was interesting to see a woman trying to give her hometown medical services and prove they could trust her even though she’s a woman. Josh was a fun character and good for the town and Louisa. I also enjoyed catching up with Emily, Craig, Noah and other characters from the first book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the third book! The teaser chapter for book 3 has me all kinds of intrigued!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

So let me start by saying that I had the first book of this series for weeks and never picked it up. I just couldn't get into it. So when I was given this second book to review, I worried that it would be super connected to book 1.

It is...but it isn't.

While there were moments when I felt like I should know what's going on--it didn't take away from the whole of the book. The books focus is book 1's Emily's sister Louisa and Josh Porter. Louisa is home in Sweetwater in order to bring her friend Phoebe's mom home to bury her husband...but she has to stay for longer than planned because outside of town, she found nearly dead Joshua Porter who had a broken leg. Well Louisa is a midwife and doctor in skill only so she knew she was the only one who could help him now that the other town doctor has died.

So Louisa is "stuck" in the town she dreaded coming home to...but discovers it's not what she remembers. Through the course of the book Louisa grows and learns to rely on God's timing not her own. She also heals the breech with her sister Emily and falls in love.

But she has to battle a town insistent on NO FEMALE DOCTORS who barely want her to be their midwife. Then when an accident happens that she had nothing to do with--some townspeople turn on her viciously. NOw there are snakes, nasty notes, no patients...but through it all she has Josh by her side who supports her every step of the way.

The book was fairly predictable with a couple twists and turns. It deals with grief after death, infertility, loss of child...things that are lifechanging and can lead to many questions to God.

This book had a low key faith element---it definitely wasn't front and center. But both characters demonstrated their commitment to obeying God.

4 stars. It was a good story and I will go back and read book 1.

**I received a copy of this ARC from the publishers and NetGalley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

I loved this fantastic historical romance. I loved both Louisa and Josh. I loved the emotions that both characters seemed to bring out in each other and how they seemed to inspire each other. I enjoyed learning about this town. I recommend reading this series in order to enjoy all of the characters more. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Normally, I start with my own description but in this case, with such a rich story, there is no way I could write a succinct description. The first two paragraphs of the book’s description should tantalize you:

"Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She’s just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can’t abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she’ll serve as the town’s doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she’s better than nothing.

"Josh Porter’s plans to win his grandfather’s challenge and fulfill his father’s final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory–ideas Louisa could help turn into reality."

My review …
What a story. I was engaged from the very first and never waivered. The book has lots of characters but these are not dumped on the reader but are introduced throughout the book. “Against the Wind” is the second in the series, Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing; I had not read book one but now it’s on my “to read” list.

When you first read what John Porter considers invaluable, you might not believe it — but it is key to a long-set and important goal.

The story takes place in 1883 in Texas Hill Country. “The Edwards Plateau region comprises an area of central Texas commonly known as the Texas Hill Country. It is a land of many springs, stony hills, and steep canyons. The region is home to a whole host of rare plants and animals found nowhere else on earth.” ~ Source: Wikipedia. I wish I had viewed this site (Hill Country on Travel Texas) before reading the book.

Remember that at the time this book was set a doctor became one after working and studying with another doctor. Louisa did not feel she had completed her “training” but she was skilled in much of what a ‘country’ doctor did. Of course, no one wanted her to touch them any more than those who needed Dr. Quinn. Her father had been a doctor in Sweetwater and had died, but his reputation as a doctor was not a glowing one.

This is a book rich in characters and plot and the pacing is spot on — at least for this reviewer. If you enjoy old-west stories with a touch of romance, and strong women (and yes, there is more than just Louisa) that have a medical bend to them — “Against the Wind” is for you. I absolutely LOVED this book and highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of "Against the Wind" via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Perfect cover. You’ll find out why the title & cover are exactly right when you read the book.
Pages: 352
Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing, book #2
Publish Date: 3 Oct 2023
#AgainsttheWind #NetGalley #AmandaCabot

Two unlikely characters are thrown together: a woman who longs to become a doctor and an heir of a popular New York store who is far from home and injured. The two help each other as they seek to follow their dreams. This endearing historical drama offers readers a front-row seat to the times and the troubles the characters face. I have not read the first book in the series, but that didn’t inhibit my enjoyment of this story, and this novel can stand on its own. The authors shares needed details as the tale progresses. The themes of overcoming obstacles and being true to yourself shine clearly. I recommend it to any who enjoy authentic historicals rich with character. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #AgainsttheWind #NetGalley

Although this works as a ‘stand-alone’ book, I hadn’t realised it was part of a series & will certainly be catching up with the rest of the stories. I always like a book where I am learning something, & in this case it was about the attitudes – even of other women! - towards a female who aspired to be a medic (back in the 1880s.) As in real life, surprises in the storylines mean things might not happen quite as you expect. Likeable main characters make this is an enjoyable read.

The story opens in the late 1880's. Louisa Vaughn is making a trip she never thought she would take. She didn't want to return to her hometown of Sweetwater Crossing in the Hill Country of Texas, but her friend needed her help getting there and Louisa could not refuse her. She had not left on good terms with her sister, and she had no idea how she would receive Louisa. All Louisa wants is to get back to her medical studies. Her dream is to become a doctor. While on the road Louisa finds Josh Porter on the side of the road and his leg is broken. Upon returning to Sweetwater Crossing, using the training she has received she sets his leg. He will have to remain in Sweetwater Crossing for six weeks. Six weeks that will change the course of their lives.
The author has created compelling characters. Louisa is worried the townspeople will never accept her as a doctor. Josh, too, is trying to prove himself worthy of recognition. While they see the best in each other, they struggle with their own self confidence. Even though Josh is engaged, an attraction between them develops. Where is this relationship going?
In this beautifully told story, the author brings to readers themes of family, community and faith. Added to the mix is unexpected romance and the power of acceptance. It all comes together to give readers a story well worth reading. Highly recommended.

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

Learning about pioneers, like Louisa, who refused to give up on helping people despite their constant attempts to get her to leave the medical field was inspiring. The community felt that Louisa ought to get hitched, settle down, and raise a family. That was a woman’s role.

Louisa Vaughn was a remarkable woman who, with the support of her sister Josh and prayers, courageously faced the townspeople head-on. Josh Porter is a worthy hero. He enjoys Louisa's lack of concern for his family's financial situation. Finding out who he was and why he came to Texas intrigued me. It's also admirable that he let a female doctor repair his broken leg while other people wouldn't even let her help with small cuts. I liked how Josh and Louisa met, got to know each other, and ultimately fell in love. I appreciated the natural spiritual thread throughout the story. Threads like God works all things for our good, therefore our battle against the wind ultimately gives us the strength to soar.

This is a fun escape and one that would work for your next book club pick.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/