Author: Rachel Fordham
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Alone in a strange town, can she find healing for her new home . . . and herself?
Ada, Mich.—Between 1854 and 1929, the orphan train movement relocated over 200,000 orphaned, abandoned, or homeless children from the eastern United States to rural areas throughout the country, focusing primarily in the Midwest. Since that time, this movement has captured the attention and curiosity of readers. In The Hope of Azure Springs, debut author Rachel Fordham masterfully blends history and romance in her well-crafted tale of a former “train rider.”
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is determined to solve the case and secure justice for Em. But what he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
Historical romance readers will be charmed by the town of Azure Springs as they journey with Em to face her past, embrace her future, and rescue what she’s lost.
Debut Author Deftly Combines Orphan Train Tale with Sweet Prairie Romance
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My Thoughts
Iowa, 1881
The description of The Hope of Azure Springs by debut author Rachel Fordham was appealing, so I decided to try it – and I’m so glad I did! The beginning pages quickly pulled me in, and I was immediately drawn to the heroine, Em. There’s some suspense, but this is primarily a character-driven story, my favorite style to read. This is a heartwarming story of loss, love and resilience of spirit.
I confess to expecting this to be a typical prairie romance, but was pleasantly surprised to find it much more complex. The story combines elements of the orphan trains, going back to Em’s experience seven years earlier, with life on the prairie. Although the orphan train project was well intentioned and hopefully had many successful placements of children, Em wasn't one of those successes. Em is a sympathetic character, realistically portrayed – resourceful and able to fend for herself; strong in one sense, yet vulnerable and caring.
Caleb, easily drawn by the outward beauty of ladies, wasn’t my favorite character at first, but that soon changed. The best stories are about transformation, and I enjoyed seeing Caleb and Em steadily grow. I also loved how their romance grew from the solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect, rather than being filled with tension and misunderstandings.
The Hope of Azure Springs is a feel-good story that delivers on the “hope” promised in the title. I look forward to more stories by Rachel Fordham.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours and Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The description of The Hope of Azure Springs by debut author Rachel Fordham was appealing, so I decided to try it – and I’m so glad I did! The beginning pages quickly pulled me in, and I was immediately drawn to the heroine, Em. There’s some suspense, but this is primarily a character-driven story, my favorite style to read. This is a heartwarming story of loss, love and resilience of spirit.
I confess to expecting this to be a typical prairie romance, but was pleasantly surprised to find it much more complex. The story combines elements of the orphan trains, going back to Em’s experience seven years earlier, with life on the prairie. Although the orphan train project was well intentioned and hopefully had many successful placements of children, Em wasn't one of those successes. Em is a sympathetic character, realistically portrayed – resourceful and able to fend for herself; strong in one sense, yet vulnerable and caring.
Caleb, easily drawn by the outward beauty of ladies, wasn’t my favorite character at first, but that soon changed. The best stories are about transformation, and I enjoyed seeing Caleb and Em steadily grow. I also loved how their romance grew from the solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect, rather than being filled with tension and misunderstandings.
The Hope of Azure Springs is a feel-good story that delivers on the “hope” promised in the title. I look forward to more stories by Rachel Fordham.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours and Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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| Credit: Kylee Ann Maughan |
Rachel Fordham started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She'd pull a book from the shelf, but they'd insist she make one up. Finally she put her love of good stories with her love of writing and she hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.
GIVEAWAY
The publisher has graciously offered (3) winners each a copy of The Hope of Azure Springs and special Revell swag!
GIVEAWAY
Giveaway will begin at midnight July 9, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!
TOUR SCHEDULE
For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.
(All stops expected to post by 11:00 AM EST)
Love the story line.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review on "The Hope of Azure Springs" by Rachel Fordham and for being part of the blog tour.
ReplyDeleteThis books sounds like a wonderful read and one that I would very much love the opportunity to explore.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Wow! I'd love to read this story too! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour!
ReplyDeletethis looks very interesting. Love historical fiction
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review! :)
ReplyDeleteCarole, thank you for the great review! I'm looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDelete