Life Once Dreamed
-
-
4.3 • 9 Ratings
-
-
- $10.99
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.
When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.
In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?
Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fordham (Yours Truly, Thomas) delivers another winning inspirational romance in this lavishly detailed tale set in the Wild West. In 1880, 24-year-old Aggie Pratt builds a life as a schoolteacher in the town of Penance, within the Dakota Territory, after fleeing her well-to-do family in Buffalo, N.Y., six years earlier, when she learned she is actually the illegitimate child of her mother's sister and was adopted by her parents. Despite being ill-prepared for life on the frontier, Aggie grows into a strong, independent woman. Then a new doctor comes to Penance, and it turns out he is James Harris, Aggie's childhood friend and lifelong love whose interest in marrying Aggie inspired her parents' confession. Upon his arrival, Aggie's friends try their hands at matchmaking, and Aggie's inner turmoil slowly fades as James defies expectations by accepting her. Their shared faith and the friendships they develop become the loving community Aggie worried she would never find. This sweet tale of frontier romance will appeal to fans of Tracie Peterson.
Customer Reviews
Second chances
‘Is independent the same as being a spinster?’ - Tommy, her student, at school one day.
The author has once again penned a story that will make you laugh, perhaps tear-up a little and generally just enjoy the time spent reading. It’s 1874 in the city of Buffalo, New York. Agnes (Aggie) Pratt has grown up as a member of the upper class or high society, with all the perks and privileges that go with it. Her dear friend from childhood, who lived next door becomes not only a best friend but also the man she loves and hopes to marry one day. But suddenly she leaves Buffalo for parts unknown leaving a heartbroken James behind.
Teaching in Penance, Dakota Territory is a far cry from having everything done for you, but Aggie excels at it and her students and the town people love her. After 6 years, a new doctor shows up in town.....James! How will they ever negotiate their way through secrets and heartache? A sweet story of second chances and new opportunities to learn to accept people regardless of their past.
This digital copy was received through NetGalley, Baker Publishing Group and Revell. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
A greater love
What a beautiful story of sacrificial love, friendship, and promises kept. This story was well written with a diverse variety of characters that came to life on the pages. Each one added to the overall story, and showed the great value of community.
I loved watching Aggie and James as they overcame the hurts of their past, and found their way back to each other. Each of them grew in character as they faced the challenges of living in a frontier town.
Sam was one of my favorites, offering himself without expecting anything in return. I would love to see the author give him his own story.
I found this book to be a unique and exceptional example of writing a convincing historical romance that drew me in with the depth and feeling displayed in the characters. Well worth the read, I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews and this is my honest opinion of this work.