A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

This evenly-paced novel allowed me to walk alongside Thea Michener on her journey of hope. Her dreams of a happy future died when her husband was murdered, and her son was stillborn. The only way she could see to escape the pain was to move to Cimarron Creek and continue her profession as a midwife.

Thea and her new friend Aimee Jarre make a great team as they travel together. Thea desires a new beginning, and Aimee is searching for her biological mom. It’s easy to connect with these two ladies as their friendship grows. Cabot developed her characters well. While Thea’s new friends find love and happiness, the last thing she needs or wants is to marry again or have another baby.

Jackson Guthrie, a Texas Ranger shows up at Thea’s house with an abandoned baby, expecting the town’s midwife to take care of the boy. Thea is still mourning her loss and finds it difficult to hold the baby, much less take care of him. She admires the handsome Ranger but can’t fathom the possibilities of another relationship.

Jackson suspects Thea is involved with a gang that robs stagecoaches and trains, but when he tracks her down, he surmises she’s innocent. He’s not looking for a relationship but is intrigued by Thea. He learns Thea is in danger and finds himself serving as her protector.

The twists are unexpected as Cabot successfully solves each mystery and sets the match-making stage. The action was steady and believable. I can normally figure out how the story will unfold, but A Tender Hope kept me guessing.

I give this novel four stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Cabot’s dream of selling a book before her thirtieth birthday came true, and she’s now the author of more than thirty-five novels as well as eight novellas, four non-fiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city. Her inspirational romances have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and have been nominated for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards. A popular workshop presenter, Amanda takes pleasure in helping other writers achieve their dreams of publication.