After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Book #1)

Amanda Cabot

Mar 2023 · Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Book 1 · Baker Books

About this ebook

A brighter future awaits--if she can escape the shadows of the past

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.

***

"Cabot is becoming a must-buy. Her sensitivity and realistic portrayal of characters often on the margins of history really shine in this new historical series."--Library Journal starred review

"Cabot skillfully links diverse plotlines in a tightly woven narrative, putting forth an uplifting message about the value of all human life that's moving without detracting from the plot's suspense."--Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

Wow! This is my first book by Amanda Cabot & definitely won’t be my last. After the Shadows had everything: mystery, romance, & interesting main & side characters with an inspirational message woven throughout. From the first, I was drawn into the story. Just when you think things can’t get more complicated, a new wrinkle is introduced. It’s a great start to a new series & I’m already looking forward to the next book.

This was a most interesting book to me. It was a historical fiction book as you can tell from the cover. Emily, a widow of a very abusive man, returns home to Sweetwater Crossing. There she finds herself trying to resolve the mysterious and unexpected death of her pastor father. Craig Ferguson and his young son, Noah come to Sweetwater Crossing as the new schoolmaster. Both of them are kindly people who look out for others. The challenges and events that occur to both them and others cause

About the author

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of several historical and contemporary romance series, including Mesquite Springs, Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.