 Author: Amanda Cabot Genre: Historical Romance Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3 Pages: 352 Release Date: July 16, 2024 Publisher: Revell Neither of their lives has turned out the way they planned--and they certainly never planned on each other After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that wasn't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas is the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, the place she once loved no longer feels like home. When personal and professional crises throw his entire future into question, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip to Sweetwater Crossing with his almost-aunt Della Samuels turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable. As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
 Reviewer: Diana Varela This is the last book in the Sweetwater Crossing series. I have not had the privilege of reading the previous two, but just by reading this one, I look forward to reading them. If you have not read the last two books, this can be read as a standalone. This book has romance and mystery. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes that sort of thing. Joanna has had it hard, but I am so glad that she met Burke. It is such a beautiful second-chance romance. This is a nice display that, no matter if things look hopeless, there is always hope. This is a clean book through a Christian worldview. There are prayers and churchgoing, but it is not overly emphasized, as I know some people do not like it. It is the perfect dose. I received a complimentary book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders This story is fantastic, but I have mixed emotions about it. Into the Starlight is the last book of a wonderful trilogy, so it means that I have to say goodbye to the Vaughan sisters of Sweetwater Crossing, Texas! Author Amanda Cabot concludes her saga with a captivating focus on the middle sister, Joanna Vaughan Richter. She’s returned home after a year of hopes awakened and dreams shattered, but will her homecoming bring her the comfort she longs for? There are so many elements that made this book special, and it’s now one of my favorite Amanda Cabot books! I appreciated the sisterly love and concern that Emma and Louisa had for Joanna, and I loved watching their lives continue to unfold. The dynamics between Joanna and a young doctor who arrived for a brief visit to this Texas Hill Country were exciting and heartwarming, but the author didn’t make this a typical cookie-cutter romance. Intrigue, secrets, and an inspiring message of faith were added, and the results were completely satisfying. Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing has been a lovely series, and this book is the perfect way to end it! I highly recommend Into the Starlight to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Conny Withay “You’d lose your chance to follow your dream, and I’d feel guilty about being the reason for that,” Joanna explains in Amanda Cabot’s novel, Into the Starlight. The third book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, this three-hundred-and-forty-three-page paperback, targets those interested in a historical romance involving family relationships in the Texas Hill Country. With no profanity, topics of illness, injuries, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. While the beginning has a map of the small town, the ending includes an author’s letter, a teaser for a book in another series by the writer, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this story, set in 1883 in a small Texan town, the middle of three sisters returns to Sweetwater Crossing from Europe after recovering from a serious illness and becoming a widow. While staying at the Finley House, she no longer feels it is a part of her new life, especially when she meets Doctor Burke Finley, who is related to the man who built her large childhood home. As the two try to uncover what happened to Burke’s uncle, they must learn that their plans do not always work out as they try to follow their dreams. Being the final story of the lives of the three Vaughn sisters, the story completes how each sister matures and finds what is important in each of their lives as they deal with their pasts and change the expectations of their dreams. I liked the interaction between Joanne and Burke and how they relied on and confided in each other. Adding the intrigue of Clive’s past was interesting and pivotal to the story. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not like the Bible verses, prayers, sermons, and reliance on the Almighty, but they were not overwhelming. Some may not care for Joanne’s indecisiveness in making decisions or the self-inflicted guilt of not forgiving oneself. I did not like the mention of praying for dead people. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. If you like a historical romance series that encompasses two people who are crushed by their past as they learn to alter their goals and dreams, this tale ties family bonds together with love and compassion for others as life’s plans change. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot is the final book in the Sweetwater Crossing series, and it provided answers I wasn't expecting. We finally get to meet Johanna Vaughn, who has been in Europe for a year, hoping to fulfill her dreams of being a concert pianist. But after her husband dies and her grandmother dies, she returns home. Sadly, for Johanna, the home she has dreamed of returning to is now filled with guest boarders, and she can't even stay in her old bedroom. Two of the guests, Della and Burke, are on a quest to find out what happened to Clive. He built Finley House for Della intending to marry her, but then one day he disappeared. In this book, we find out what happened to him. While this book took me a while to get into because it seemed very slow, the romances that develop in it, along with the mystery of how Clive died, make it a great finale to an awesome series. You can read this as a standalone if you haven't read the first two books. For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley. Reviewer: Marie Edwards When I read the first book in the series, After the Shadows, I didn’t expect so many turns and twists. The middle book, Against the Wind, had its share. But it suffered from the dreaded middle-book syndrome. Knowing this was going to be the last book of the series, with the mystery of Clive Finley being solved and Johanna’s return to Sweetwater Crossing, I had to read it. The twists and turns of the other two books paled in comparison to this one. Into the Starlight expertly exceeded expectations in that department. Most of the main characters from the previous two books return. Readers will need to read the previous books before picking this one up. Those storylines and absent characters are heavily referenced. While the main story arc surrounds Johanna’s homecoming, the residents get to meet the inspiration for Finley House, Della. Della was engaged to Clive at the time of his presumed death. She arrives with his doppelganger nephew, Burke. From the first book, most people were wondering what happened to Clive Finley. Cabot takes some wonderful twists with his storyline. It’s almost amusing that he, a presumably deceased character, has such a huge and convoluted backstory. Clive needs a prequel with everything that was referred to in this book. If Cabot writes that, I’ll absolutely read it. Given the era this book is set in, there are diagnoses that wouldn’t fit the timeline. Using modern terms, readers will (or should) recognize the element of dementia. There is also a reference to “disease” of the spirit (likely depression). Readers will also be surprised that there are three murders: one is in the past, another occurs in the book but is “off page," and another is on-page but discretely described. There were about three plot twists I didn’t see coming. It is difficult to describe them without giving away any spoilers. I will say that one involves an established character. I would never have guessed that arc. The pairing of Della and Harold gave me a few giggles. Not because of the story. It was sentimental. My grandmother had a sister named Della and a brother named Harold. It was amusing to see the names of my great-aunt and great-uncle married to each other. This acts as the perfect conclusion to the series. Cabot achieves this with stunning yet subtle suspense, beautiful second-chance romances, and fitting resolutions. Burke’s words adequately sum it up: “It’s over now. The last of the questions that brought Della and me to Sweetwater Crossing have been answered.” I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant
Into the Starlight, the third book in the wonderful Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, set in the 1880s, concludes the saga of the Vaughn sisters—Emily, Louisa, and Joanna. I was excited to return to Sweetwater Crossing, Texas, where I reconnected with the beloved sisters and other endearing members of this small Western community and met some very captivating newcomers. Joanna has returned home after suffering great loss and crumbled dreams. Burke Finley, a guilt-ridden doctor, comes to town, and they find themselves working together to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Burke’s uncle Clive some twenty years ago. The multi-layered, intriguing plot, beautifully crafted characters, sweet romance, and inspiring faith lessons kept me engaged from the beginning to the surprising, satisfying ending. I love this book and the series and give them both my highest recommendation. Note: This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in order for a richer reading experience. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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