*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group via NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.

A Borrowed Dream, book two in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy is a book that rather surprised me.  It is the first book I've read by author, Amanda Cabot. The story begins when Austin Goddard and his young daughter move to Cimarron Creek, harboring secrets that mean life or death.  As Austin ushers his young daughter to school, he meets the young and beautiful school teacher, Catherine, who he quickly begins falling for while he battles his need to keep his true identity secret and keep his daughter safe.  Catherine finds herself wrapped up in her own secrets and trials as she walks through life with a mistrust for the town's current doctor, meets and takes in a stranger, and cares for her schoolchildren.  The story is one of new love, secrets, forgiveness, tragedy and even mild suspense.  

In beginning this book, I immediately saw the connection to the first book in the series, which I have not yet read.  At times, I did feel like I had missed something, especially when it came to understanding some of the characters and their history, but this book does focus on a story that is completely separate from book one. Without giving too much away, the love story is sweet as we see a relationship form out of friendship and respect.  There are fairly exciting twists and turns that keep readers interested and turning the pages to find out what happens next. There's even an evil villain... The story moves quickly, is sweet, touching, predictable, clean and has the perfect happy ending, just as you'd expect. 

A Borrowed Dream has similarities to Janette Oke's "Love Comes" series so if you're a fan of hers, you will really enjoy Amanda Cabot as well.  Because the story does touch on subjects like murder and rape, I would ask parents of young adult readers (ages 11-13) to consider the reader's maturity level but I do feel the book was well suited for teenage girls 14+.  My reason for this rating is simply a matter of personal opinion.  The book was good and I liked it. You may like it much more than I did.  I desired a deeper storyline, while this one merely skimmed the surface. Several tragedies happen and I felt the author only lightly touched on what would have been a deep impact for such a small, close knit community.  The predictability was another factor that I wrestled with, unfortunately knowing exactly how the book would end. The outcome of too many events felt so convenient and obvious for the storyline. However, amidst my desires for something deeper, I still found myself turning the pages as the story moved along, held my interest and had various climactic elements. When all was said and done, I found myself wanting to read more by this author in this series and I think you will too!  Again, if you're looking for a cozy, historical fiction read with engaging elements, this is the book for you!

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.

I have read all of Amanda Cabot's historical fiction books and still get excited when I see a new one!
A Borrowed Dream is the second book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and it was every bit as great as I knew it would be! Austin Goddard was a Plastic Surgeon in this book but buys a ranch as a newcomer in Cimarron Creek and is now a rancher to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. Now given the time this historical book takes place in you're probably thinking to yourself, as I was, Plastic Surgeon? Yes, they were already established back then and called that as well. Now I love reading author's notes on research they have done. You really do learn so much and so much in fictional books are based on facts. Catherine Whitfield, schoolteacher in Cimarron Creek will never trust another medical professional especially after the doctor in town's bleeding "cure" leads to her mother's premature death. She wants to be his first love but Austin is a widower with a small child. Her friend tells her that it's better to be his last love and have lasting love. Is she ready to let her heart have a second chance romance since her first romance didn't work out as she had hoped. My heart went out to the two children in the story, Hannah and Seth. They really made the story for me. How will Catherine's heart handle that she has fallen in love with a doctor, can it be worked out? Filled with dreams,hopes,redemption,danger and full of surprises you'll definitely want to read this one!
Pub Date 20 Mar 2018
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the 2nd book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy. I had not read the first book when I started reading this one. It didn't really hurt my enjoyment of this book but I may have to go back the read the first just so I can get the back story on some of these characters. This book is about Catherine the local school teacher and how she meets and falls in love with Austin who is new in town and has a daughter in toe. Catherine immediately writes him off because she wants to be a man's first love not a second choice or just a ma for his daughter. Austin doesn't come to Cimarron Creek to find a wife. He is hiding from some evil men in his past that want to do him harm. Catherine and Austin begin a friendship as they work to save a boy her class who is abused and also Austin's withdrawn daughter. The romance builds from there. There is a lot of mystery and suspense as Austin's past catches up with him and some unexpected revelations come forth from Catherine's family. I thought the story was interesting but at the same time overly dramatic and it just seemed to go from one tragedy to the next. Any one of these story lines would have been enough to carry a story while putting so many of them together in one left me feeling like it was a little too much.

I like to read anything by Amanda Cabot, and this one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed meeting all the characters in Cimarron Creek. This is the story of schoolteacher Catherine Whitfield and newcomer Austin Goddard, who is trying his hand at ranching. Austin has a daughter who attends school with Catherine. As time goes on, they all become closer and start to develop feelings for each other. Great romance novel as well as another winner for Amanda Cabot! Highly recommend to all Christian Fiction lovers!

Der Roman „A Borrowed Dream“ von Amanda Cabot beginnt im Januar 1881 und spielt in Cimarron Creek. Catherine Whitfield ist dort Lehrerin. Vor vier Monaten ist ihrer Mutter verstorben. Eine gute Freundin ist ihr Lydia die junge Frau von Cousin Travis, der auch der Sheriff des Ortes ist.

Schnell verbreitet sich die Nachricht, dass sich auf der Saylor Ranch ein neuer Nachbar niedergelassen hat. Der Witwer Austin Goddard soll jung und gutaussehend sein, seine Tochter Hannah ist im Schulalter. Mrs Moore führt ihm den Haushalt und ihr Sohn Kevin hilft auf der Ranch. Die 6-jährige Hannah ist nach der wochenlangen Flucht, von der niemand am neuen Ort etwas wissend darf, immer noch verstört, still und appetitlos. Der Bösewicht Sherman Enright und seine Handlanger sind auf der Suche nach ihnen. Austin Goddard ist eigentlich Arzt und spezialisiert auf die chirurgische Behandlung von Narben und Entstellungen. Enright hat das Wohl seiner Tochter bedroht, damit er ihm in einer Gesichts-OP ein anderes Aussehen gibt und er unerkannt seine Verbrechen fortsetzen kann. Doch Austin konnte mit seiner Tochter knapp noch entkommen und ist seitdem auf der Flucht.

Trotz der sofort einsetzenden Verkupplungsversuche ihres Umfeldes, ist Catherine nicht auf der Suche nach einem Mann, da erst im letzten Sommer ihr Herz gebrochen wurde. Ihr ehemaliger Verehrer ist damals einer anderen Frau nachgestiegen. Allerdings ist eine Begegnung mit Austin schon zu Hannahs erstem Schultag unvermeidlich. Catherine versorgt die Kinder auch medizinisch selbst, seit der Erkrankung ihrer Mutter traut sie dem örtlichen Arzt nicht mehr über den Weg. Er kann nur immerzu zur Aderlassen oder andere mittelalterliche Behandlungsmethoden anwenden. Sie ist fest überzeugt, dass er ihre Mutter mit seinen Behandlungen umgebracht hat.

Über die plötzliche Erkrankung eines Schülers kommt es zwischen Chatherine und Austin zu einer Konfrontation. Gerne hätte er eingegriffen, aber niemand darf erfahren, dass er ein ausgezeichnet ausgebildeter Arzt ist. Aber wenigstens will er mit dem alleinstehenden Vater des kranken und unterernährten Jungen Seth sprechen.

Catherine empfindet Austin spontan als sehr freundlich, interessiert, besorgt und kinderlieb. Besonders fällt ihr auf, dass er sie als Frau respektiert. Er schätz es, dass sie immer optimistisch und gut gelaunt ist. Auch seine Haushälterin versucht ihn zu verkuppeln, obwohl seine scheue Tochter keine neue Mutter möchte. Beide suchen keinen neuen Partner, aber können dringend einen guten Freund brauchen. Doch im Verlauf der Geschichte mit vielen fesselnden Entwicklungen und unerwarteten Ereignissen, werden ihre ernsthaften Gefühle füreinander immer stärker. Sie genießen die gegenseitige Gesellschaft und wachsen einander ans Herz. Sie können gute Gespräche miteinander führen und teilen viel Interessen, Ansichten und Einstellungen. Man hofft als Leser auf ein gutes Ende, wenn da nur nicht diese Hürden wären…

Zum letzten Viertel wird das Buch „A Borrowed Dream“ von Amanda Cabot auch noch richtig spannend. Es entwickelt sich ein Suspenseanteil, auf den sich die ganze Geschichte hin entwickelt hat. Es kommt zu einem nervenaufreibenden Showdown und dann zum wohlverdienten, glaubhaften, romantischen Happy End.

Auch die Geschichte hinter dem Buchtitel erklärt sich. Die religiösen Aspekte sind ganz natürlich im Rahmen von Kirchenbesuchen und Gebeten eingeflochten.

Beide Protagonisten werden einem schnell sympathisch in ihrer Freundlichkeit und Fürsorglichkeit. Über ihre Sorgen und Schwierigkeiten blutet dem Leser das Herz. Man kann sich Catherine und Austin sehr gut als Paar vorstellen, mit ihrer kleinen Familie aus Grace, Seth und Hannah.

Fazit: Sehr gefühlvoller, überzeugender historischer Liebesroman.

5 von 5 Punkten

Vielen Dank für das Rezensionsexemplar an netgalley und den Verlag Fleming H Revell Co!

This is the first book by Amanda Cabot that I have read and it was quite enjoyable. I did not read the first book in this series (A Stolen Heart) but that did not detract from enjoying this book. This definitely can be read as a stand-alone novel. The author combines good, easy-to-read writing with a fast-paced plot and great characters in a small Texas town of Cimarron Creek in 1881. Anyone who likes a well-written historical romance will love this book.

Catherine is a school teacher who is jaded in her view of love and marriage. Austin is a plastic surgeon from Philadelphia now turned rancher who comes to Cimarron Creek, hoping to outrun a thug who wants his professional services. Austin's young daughter and a teenaged neighbor add details and heart-warming scenes to the plot as hints of danger from the thug's minions who are looking for Austin play subtly in the background. A recurring theme of extending forgiveness and reconciliation is evident throughout the lives of the characters in the book. I also learned something new regarding plastic surgery as a medical subspecialty in the late 1800s.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Though this is the second book in Amanda Cabots Cimarron Creek trilogy, it stands on its own. In fact, it’s the first book I’ve read by the author and I followed the story just fine.
In this small Texas hill country town, gossip is a favorite pastime, followed closely by match making, and the citizens have their eyes and ears open for the next scandal—especially if it involves any member of the town’s founding families.
There’s a lot happening in this one. From Catherine’s students and her extreme dislike and distrust of doctors to the man posing as a rancher who has captured Catherine’s attention to the question behind a long lost relative, this book rarely hits a lull.
Catherine is kind, intelligent, and loves the Lord despite her prejudice toward those in the medical profession. I loved that she and Austin form a friendship before more grows between them. And Austin’s daughter is precious.
Cabot even managed to throw in a little shocker of a scene in this book (and I’d been warned that there was in there yet I still didn’t see it coming).
There’s a little something in this one for everyone—history, romance, suspense, adventure, mystery, and more. Sit back and visit Cimarron Creek, but be sure and have a little chocolate handy because the goodies shared are sure to leave you a little hungry.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot was a good read. It captured my attention from the first page. I will say that having not read the first book in the series, I missed out on some of the story. The author does her best to fill in the gaps for people like me, but I think reading the first book would have made more sense. So to anyone reading this review, don't start this book until you read A Stolen Heart.

That said, its a good story full of danger, kidnapping, heartbreak, joy, and love. Catherine is the town's schoolteacher and Austin is a local rancher with a hidden past. The romance is not overwhelming and I liked the gradual relationship between Catherine and Austin's daughter. My only slightly negative comment would be the author trying to cram too much into a story.

Overall, I enjoyed reading A Borrowed Dream and will read any future books in the series.

Second book in the series Cimarron Creek. . Loved it from page one to the end. Read it in one day. Could not put it down. I always enjoy Amanda Cabot's books. This is a story of Catherine Whitfield who is a school teacher. She losses her Mother and can not trust medical doctors. She blames the Doctor for killing her mother due to the bleeding treatments he performed. She treats her students so they do not have to go through that treatment. Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. He has a daughter who is school age. He pretends to be a rancher to hide a secret and protect his daughter. He is a surgeon. Catherine and Austin meet and sparks begin to fly. Will they find love or will his secret destroy him?

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.

This is the first book I have read from Ms. Cabot, but it will definitely not be my last. This book was entertaining and engaging. I really enjoyed it! This book is about Catherine, a teacher, and Austin, a rancher. The background of Austin was really interesting, especially in the historical context. I had wondered several things that Ms. Cabot answered in her acknowledgements. Another positive aspect to the book was the Christian references throughout the book that could be applied to anyone. When reading this book, the writing is very fluid (the reader does not get bored), and you will not want to put the book down. I read the book fairly quickly, because I did not want to put the book down. I will be going back and reading the first book in the series, since I enjoyed it so much! I highly recommend you read this book!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Amanda Cabot writes incredible historical romance. My introduction to her books were was the Texas Dreams Trilogy. Her newest trilogy is Cimarron Creek and the second book of the trilogy--A Borrowed Dream--is just out. Readers who like Amanda's writing will like this series.

After a certain number of books by one author, a bit of predictability creeps into the plot, but this book will entertain beyond the predictabilities. A widowed man with a young daughter meets the school marm and falls for her. Bad men want the man for his skills. It's a common trope, but still the book has many things to commend it.

Basically, Catherine Whitfield is the school teacher in Cimmaron Creek, Austin Goddard is a new rancher in the area, and Hannah is Austin's young daughter--whom he will protect with his very life. What Austin doesn't want anyone to know is that he is a surgeon and he doesn't want certain people to know where he is.

There are peripheral characters who add action and mystique to the plot, including the bad dudes who want Austin and will do anything to get him--to the point of kidnapping Austin's daughter.

There are a few things I question about the book--especially the advent of plastic surgery within the US. I did some research to find that training for plastic surgeons in the US didn't start until 1924 (after World War I), and WWI was the most prolific time for growth in maxillofacial surgery. I am not saying Amanda's chronology is wrong, but to my mind it is a stretch. Other than that, this is a good book worth four solid stars.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Austin Goddard has settled in Cimarron Creek, establishing a new life. Determined to keep his daughter safe from Sherman Enright, the criminal in Philadelphia who wanted Austin, a surgeon, to change his face and make him unrecognizable, Austin doesn't tell anyone he's a doctor and instead throws himself into ranching. Worried for his daughter, who is unhappy, Austin is glad to find a friend in Catherine Whitfield, the selfless schoolteacher who wants to help Hannah nearly as much as he does. Learning that Catherine distrusts doctors, since her mother died at the hands of an inept doctor, Austin has an added reason not to reveal his past. But as he gets to know Catherine better and finds himself caring more and more about her, he knows he'll have to tell her the truth.

There were so many layers to this novel, but they were written so smoothly! There was a lot going on, but the story wasn't overcrowded or jerky. I really enjoyed the many facets of the story--Catherine's and Austin's stories but also the stories of others whom they care about and associate with. Catherine is such a terrific protagonist--kind and sweet and so willing to help others--and Austin is a great leading man, as he is strong and caring and very supportive of Catherine. I really cannot wait to read the third book in this series!

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot
At various points throughout the book, two main characters pause and sample fudge recipes. This is a great sensory strategy that immediately draws you right into the plot of A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot. How fun that Lydia, a confectioner, is married to Travis, the Sheriff of this Texas town. Lydia and her good friend, Catherine, share important updates at the Candy Shop. They’re confidants and their frequent check-in’s keep the plot moving. Amanda Cabot gives us a strong cast of characters to warm up to as well as some reprobates to spurn. The characters’ entrance into the storyline is well timed and their dialogue keeps the story moving.
I appreciate that Cabot reveals plot details in a manner that resembles peeling back the layers of something edible. Step by step, she eases you into the various plot twists. This is book two in a trilogy. I had not read book one, but I easily jumped into the story.
There’s a love story for Catherine. Yet this is not the only emotional journey she travels. She must overcome resentment and find forgiveness for one character who figures prominently in her life. Readers will appreciate that she eventually understands what her Mama had told her, “Forgiveness helps you.”
The setting is 1881 in the small town of Cimarron Creek, Texas. There is a Wild West flavor to some of the story. Our main character, Catherine, is an independent problem solver who also works as the local school teacher. Overall, I found this book satisfying to read. The author notes. answered some questions I had about historical details.

This book reminded me in so many ways of God's grace & favour. Also of the importance of forgiveness in moving forward in life, as it is the only way we can live fully. Living in close community makes it hard as secrets are part of all our lives but this book reminded me of the importance of trust in our close relationships.

Amanda Cabot's A Borrowed Dream is a charming story that will be sure to please lovers of historical fiction. This fast paced read is a multifaceted plot full of depth, tender romance, a touch of suspense, and a mystery that had yet to be solved when the book concluded, ensuring anticipation for the next novel in the series. I found the characters both endearing and villainous, the pace steady, and the message of forgiveness touching.

Though this is the second book in Cabot's Cimmaron Creek Trilogy, I was able to jump right into the story without reading its predecessor. However, I am anxious to read that previous book now that I've read this one! Cabot's style is sweet and clean, sure to entertain and leave an impression.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

An easy, comforting romance about a lonely school teacher and a doctor running from his past. This is the perfect book for rainy weekend and a cup of coffee.

I had not read the previous book in the series, but did not find that to be an impediment to beginning the story. The school teacher heroine, Catherine, lost her mother to what we would call today medial malpractice and lost her suitor to his interest in another woman. Our hero, Austin, is a widower doctor on the run with a young daughter. They are obviously going to find their way to each other, but the supporting story and cast gives us several opportunities to consider the concept of radical forgiveness, the price of hidden secrets, and the importance of our reactions when bad things happen.

Catherine, a school teacher, who has recently lost her mother, loves working with kids and hates and fears doctors, as she blames the town doctor for killing her mother. Austin, a plastic surgeon with a 6-year-old daughter who has recently moved to town and become a rancher to escape a gangster, is not interested in vulnerable women due to a bad past experience and is only interested in hiding. But between Hannah, Seth and the time Catherine and Austin spend together, they gradually fall in love. Will Catherine push him away again when she finds that he is what she most hates - a doctor? And will Austin ever feel safe enough from Sherman Enbright to be willing to truly consider marriage? And when Enbright finds them anyway, will they survive the encounter?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, watching all of the characters develop. In fact, I think I almost preferred Seth and Hannah to Catherine and Austin! The dreams didn't always seem that relevant, but I can ignore that. Overall, it was an interesting book, well written and with a highly satisfactory ending. My main quibble (not particularly major) was in regard to the showdown scene. Some of Tucker's actions seemed much too dumb for the job he held, and I couldn't quite understand why Enbright ended up so damaged either. However, that aside, it was a good book, and one that I will probably come back and re-read at some stage.

Plot: good, with historical interest (and including an interesting historical note)
Content: clean
Language/writing style: good writing, with no bad language
Characters: felt realistic, good development
Overall rating: 5 stars
Message: some discussion of God, not overdone, scattered throughout

Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

So bummed that I didn't enjoy this book. I loved the first book in this series, and I really like Amanda Cabot's writing. However, I was trying to get into this book for days, and it just wasn't working for me. I must have put it down and picked it up a dozen times. I think the main issue was that it was very dense and wordy, not enough action and too much explaining. I also didn't feel a connection with either main characters. They appeared very one-dimensional to me. Overall not something I wanted to continue reading.