I've read this author before and I wasn't too impressed, but I decided to give this a try because I was desperate for something to read and I like the time period. It was okay, but frankly I didn't think this would ever end. Characters who make decisions for others best interests drive me nuts. Aggie ran away from her true love because of her illegitimacy causing a six year separation and when he finally catches up to her, she drags her feet every step of the way. Crazy and frustrating. 3 stars
What would cause a young woman of privilege and wealth to leave her family, her childhood sweetheart/fiancée, and move to a small town in the rugged Dakota Territory to become a school teacher? That is exactly what Agnes Pratt did. She is loved and accepted by the small community of Penance. Teaching school and loving the children has become her life calling. Her neighbors have no clue of her previous life, although they do wonder why such a young attractive woman has no desire to marry. Her past is safe until 6 years later when the new doctor arrives in town. Shock upon shock it is her fiancée she has been hiding from. It is a challenge for them to keep their previous relationship to themselves. Tensions rise with being near each other again and her reason for leaving still unexplained. Not to mention the other people involved in their lives at different levels that knew nothing of their shared past.
I would have assumed Agnes would be a spoiled little rich girl. I was very impressed by compassion, courage and work ethic, no matter how hard the job. James was so sweet and patient. Their love was strong and true even with all the misunderstanding and years of separation. The couple's transition from ease and wealth to the hard life in a territory in the 1800's showed they had true character. I was inspired by their faith and desire to seek God in all things. I loved the way the author gradually built the suspense in revealing Agnes's hidden story. I tried to guess multiple times but was wrong on every one! An exciting, beautiful story of true sacrificial love!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
I would have assumed Agnes would be a spoiled little rich girl. I was very impressed by compassion, courage and work ethic, no matter how hard the job. James was so sweet and patient. Their love was strong and true even with all the misunderstanding and years of separation. The couple's transition from ease and wealth to the hard life in a territory in the 1800's showed they had true character. I was inspired by their faith and desire to seek God in all things. I loved the way the author gradually built the suspense in revealing Agnes's hidden story. I tried to guess multiple times but was wrong on every one! An exciting, beautiful story of true sacrificial love!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is a heartwarming Christian story. I thought this tale was well-written with developed characters. We get to travel back to 1880 where Agnes Pratt works as the schoolteacher in Penance, Dakota Territory. After learning a secret, Agnes made plans to give up her comfortable life in Buffalo, New York. Agnes answered the ad for a teacher in Penance and discovered she had a knack for teaching. Agnes and James had been friends' all their lives and had planned to wed. When Agnes departed without a word to James, he is left with unanswered questions. James arrival in Penance upheaves Agnes' life. She has never stopped loving James, but it is best if they do not marry. Sam Landon is a logger and carpenter. Agnes hired Sam to make repairs to the schoolhouse over the summer. Sam is ready to settle down and he believes Agnes might be the right woman for him. Sam is a kind, good man. I admit that I was rooting for Sam, and I hope the author provides his story in another book. A Life Once Dreamed is a lovely story. I thought the author captured the time-period with the language, clothing, and attitudes of people. Values and attitudes were different then. There are some great secondary characters which include Minnie who loves to play matchmaker, Mayor Paul Clint, Tommy, Ruby, and Hannah. There is humor in the story from Tommy with his endless and sometimes embarrassing questions as well as Minnie who loves romance. There are great people in the town of Penance. The author captured the rugged setting of Dakota Territory with the loggers, miners, saloons, and the mountains. The life is not easy, but the people are friendly and help each other out. There are some heartbreaking scenes as well as action and tense moments. I had no trouble figuring out Agnes' secret and the story played out in an expected manner. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment of this heartfelt story, and I look forward to Rachel Fordham next novel. A Life Once Dreamed is a charming historical novel with matchmaking Minnie, the committed mayor, a fatal fire, a severe sickness, immeasurable inquiries, and a startling secret.
