I really love a well-written historical novel, and Amanda Cabot fits the bill with her 'Texas Dreams' series. I had forgotten how much I grew to enjoy the community and characters in Ladreville, until I started reading this book. It was nice to find out more about Zach, and I enjoyed 'meeting' Priscilla.I loved the reminder that God can work ALL things for the good of them that love Him; even horrible things that seem like they would only ever be tragedies. It made me reflect on my own life, and how God has brought good from the harder parts of my own story.4.5 stars This is book 2 in the Texas Dreams series. It can be read as a stand-alone because past events from book 1, Paper Roses, are summarized but I would recommend reading Paper Roses first. There is a cast of continuing characters and I think this story can best be appreciated by reading Paper Roses. In this story, Priscilla is the sister-in-law to Clay (the hero from Paper Roses). She and her parents are traveling to Texas to attend his wedding. In a tragic turn of events, her parents are murdered and Priscilla is attacked. This was a much more serious start to this story than I had expected. Priscilla ends up marrying Zach, Clay's friend, in a marriage of convenience when she becomes pregnant. The story follows Priscilla as she learns to heal from her fears of men, anger at God, and learning to love Zach. I was surprised that Zach had such a serious back story as well. I appreciated that both Priscilla and Zach struggled with their faith, with their pasts, with their circumstances but they were able to help each other heal. There were secondary storylines of a Romeo-and-Juliet type of love story between a French woman and German man in the local town, a villain from Paper Roses returning with revenge on his mind, and a Texas Ranger who longs for a woman he cannot have. Fortunately, Ranger Lawrence gets his own story in the next book. Overall, I really enjoyed this serious but hope-inspiring look at how God can heal all kinds of wounds. I liked the realistic treatment of Priscilla's situation, the spiritual arcs of the characters, and the inclusion of characters from Paper Roses.
What do You think about Scattered Petals (2010)?
I liked reading more about ladreville and the people whoLive there.
—renrendenn
Another great book in this series. Review coming soon.
—MAJORpaiynne
