A Borrowed Dream (Cimarron Creek Trilogy Book #2)

Amanda Cabot

Mar 2018 · Cimarron Creek Trilogy Book 2 · Baker Books

About this ebook

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor's excessive bleeding 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 without love or family, 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.

Ratings and reviews

A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot is the second novel in Cimarron Creek Trilogy. Catherine Whitfield is the schoolteacher in Cimarron Creek and lives alone since her mother passed away. Catherine has a strong dislike of physician’s courtesy of the local doctors archaic practice of bleeding, purging and blistering which hastened her mother’s demise. Catherine has a chance to marry, but she does not want to be a person’s second choice. Austin Goodard is the new widower in town with a young daughter, Hannah. He has traveled across the country to hide from Sherman Enright. Sherman is a dangerous criminal who wants Austin to use his surgical skills in a way that goes against Austin’s values. Unfortunately, Sherman is not one to take no for an answer. Austin has bought a ranch and is keeping his medical background under wraps. Catherine and Austin are brought together in their desire to help Hannah, who has become withdrawn and quiet, and assist Seth Dalton. Seth has an abusive, slave driver for a father and natural artistic skill. Austin is falling for the schoolteacher, but she is unaware of his secret. In order for Austin to have the future he envisions with Catherine, he will have to deal with Sherman Enright. A Borrowed Dream is well-written, has a steady pace and delightful characters. The characters are well-developed and, most of them, are warm caring people that you would want as friends. Sherman Enright and his minions along with Seth’s father provide a counterpoint to Austin and Catherine. There are smooth transitions as the story goes from one scene to the next. Amanda Cabot has a fluid writing style that gives readers an engaging novel. It is a multi-layered story (which I loved) filled with suspense, mystery, history and romance. I had no idea there were plastic surgeons that far back in history. The author included some research information at the end of the book that propelled me into finding out more about the profession (it is fascinating). The Christian element is present and is gently woven into the story (forgiveness, prayer, having faith, trust, helping others and letting God show you the way). It is done with a light touch. A Borrowed Dream can be read alone. The characters from A Stolen Heart are in A Borrowed Dream, and it is nice to catch up with them. Grace Sims is a character introduced in the story (Catherine takes her in), and I hope we get to find out more about Grace in the next book in the trilogy. A Borrowed Dream is a heartwarming and charming story that will delight those who read it.

A Borrowed Dream is the second book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy. I was blessed to read the first book, but don’t feel that is necessary in order to enjoy this one. Both books have several of the same characters, so I did enjoy getting to see them again. It was fun getting to know Catherine. She was fiercely protective of her students, often studying to prepare for not only their educational needs, but their medical needs as well. She was also overly protective of her heart. I can understand wanting to be someone’s first and greatest love. When her whole life was turned upside down, she had to find a way to keep going. The new rancher in town is intriguing to be sure, but neither Catherine or Austin are looking for romance. When feelings grow despite the objections of both parties, there are still secrets between them. Will the truth cause a rift between them that nothing can fix? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. The characters are unique and interesting. The story had some serious issues that aren’t often found in books. The love of a parent is expected, but not always given. It was interesting to see how different life could have been before some laws were made to protect the innocent. I am looking forward to reading book three in the series, and hope to see more of Catherine and Austin included. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great historical Christian romance. It is full of deception, redemption, suspense and sweet love. I so enjoy reading a love story that slowly and believably builds as the plot goes along. Amanda Cabot's characters are well developed. Catherine a young school teacher was someone I would want as a best friend. If I were school age, I also would have really enjoyed having her as a teacher. She was always encouraging to her students and friends. Catherine put others first, never thinking of herself. Austin a doctor turned rancher was new in town. He was a man with secrets and a past. Throw in a couple of delightful kids and it makes for a perfect story. The plot has it's bad guys. You need a couple of characters you just love to hate, to complete the novel. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, along came more twist and turns. I enjoy Amanda Cabot's writing and would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley, Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the author

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, as well as the Texas Crossroads series, the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.