A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Beck Fordham.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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. 

MY REVIEW

Once again Fordham has brought us a heartwarming story that I'm sure all readers will love! I know I did!

I love her stories! 

This story is special to me because certain events in Aggie's life has reminded me of my own. I felt Aggie's pain because I understood her. I felt like she was me. I feel like we're kindred spirits.

What I really liked was the love and support the town had for each other. I often think what would happen if we had that for our towns in today's world what that would be like. In some ways, small towns are special.

I grew up in two small towns and it was ok. One was mostly family. And the other, well I sort of miss it. It was all I knew until I moved to Winchester, Ky.

I like Fordham's writing style. Her ability to tell a story that sends us back in time is amazing! I didn't want to return.

Each character brought their own special gift to the story. 

My heart went out to Hannah and Joshua. I cried with them as Hannah told her story. Hannah and Joshua in my opinion are a special couple with lots of love to give.

Sam, I felt was my friend. We all need a Sam in our lives. I hope that he finds happiness. He deserves it. I will be rooting for him.

Another character that made me smile was Old McHenry lol! His stories reminded me of the ones my grandfather would tell me as I was growing up.

One character that particularly got on my nerves was Minnie. Oh, she meant well but well you know how it is with people like that.

The book was so good that I finished it in one afternoon. It is a book that I hope will continue on because I love being with the characters.  They are my friends and I would love to visit them again. 

This was such a good story that I highly recommend it.

My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book. It was a real pleasure to read it.

I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com