A Borrowed Dream

Author: Amanda Cabot
Genre: Historical Romance

There is no such thing as an impossible dream . . . 

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the local doctor's treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

---

Reviewer: Becky Hrivnak

A Borrowed Dream, written by Amanda Cabot, was an interesting read.

Catherine and Austin's story. My favorite character was Austin. What a man of integrity. That he would stand up for what was right all the way to having to find a new line of work was impressive.

If you love historicals, a bit of romancing, and characters that are given a second chance...you'll enjoy this book! I was given a copy of the paperback by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Book provided courtesy by Baker Publishing.

---

---

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Amanda Cabot that I have read and it was quite enjoyable. I did not read the first book in this series (A Stolen Heart) but that did not detract from enjoying this book. This definitely can be read as a stand-alone novel. The author combines good, easy-to-read writing with a fast-paced plot and great characters in a small Texas town of Cimarron Creek in 1881. Anyone who likes a well-written historical romance will love this book.

Catherine is a school teacher who is jaded in her view of love and marriage. Austin is a plastic surgeon from Philadelphia now turned rancher who comes to Cimarron Creek, hoping to outrun a thug who wants his professional services. Austin's young daughter and a teenaged neighbor add details and heart-warming scenes to the plot as hints of danger from the thug's minions who are looking for Austin play subtly in the background. A recurring theme of extending forgiveness and reconciliation is evident throughout the lives of the characters in the book. I also learned something new regarding plastic surgery as a medical subspecialty in the late 1800s. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

---

---

Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"There are many kinds of love . . . . Sometimes what we call first love is nothing more than infatuation . . . . . Last love is what endures."

Catherine Whitfield is certain that pursuing any sort of personal relationship with the handsome new widower in town is out of the question; after being jilted once before, she has no intention of being a second choice for any man. Comfortable in her occupation as Cimarron Creek's school teacher, she continues to grieve the recent passing of her dear mother, while avoiding the use of the town doctor to treat any of her sick students; after all, she is convinced that the man accelerated the death of her mother with his barbaric treatments.

Austin Goddard's transformation from renowned surgeon to Texas rancher was created out of desperation. He has moved his young daughter Hannah across the country to Cimarron Creek, in order to begin a new life, miles away from the criminal intentions of an East Coast thug. When he enrolls Hannah in Catherine Whitefield's classroom, her generous smile and capable spirit easily capture the attention of both father and daughter. However, as long as Austin is forced to remain in hiding, his secrets must remain intact.

As one begins this novel, any preconceived notions of predictability soon disappear, as the author skillfully injects surprising plot twists within her sweet story of "borrowed dreams". 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

---

---

Reviewer: Hanna Olsson

A Borrowed Dream is the first book I’ve read by Amanda Cabot, and even though it’s the second book in a series, it works just fine to read this one as a stand-alone (although you might want more from this universe once you are finished with it, I know I do)! 

We get to know the school teacher Catherine, who has recently lost her mother. Catherine is a warm and compassionate woman, who cares for her students in a way that goes beyond her duties as a teacher.

Then there’s Austin, a young and handsome widower and single father, who is on the run from a dangerous man. Austin also is someone who cares about others, and before long, I had taken an  interest in the character. 

It’s not hard to guess where they will end up once one crosses the other’s path…

The author has skillfully built up the plot, which is filled with suspense, romance and even some mystery and action! I was captivated by the characters and the story only a few chapters into the story.
 
It delivers great messages about forgiveness, putting others before oneself, and also about learning to trust, other people as well as God!
 
This read was a pleasant surprise as it went above my expectations! I do believe the story will stay with me for a while, and I will definitely remember this author! Five stars! 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing

---

---

Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

A keeper! Full of unexpected twists and turns, heart stopping plot, and a message on sweet love. Who wouldn't want to read about such? While negative synergy has a way of attracting other folks who are wallowing in evil and misery Catherine, Austin, little Seth and Grace resisted evil and eventually love overcame hatred. What would it look like if we all strived to resist evil and do the unthinkable? Forgive, murder people with kindness, be hospitable to strangers, praise everyone for their contributions and the list goes on. May take a little dreaming and encouragement.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

---