Out of the Embers (Mesquite Springs Book #1)

By Amanda Cabot

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781493420995

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, A Borrowed Dream, and A Tender Hope, as well as the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. For more information, visit www.amandacabot.com.

Book preview

Out of the Embers

"Out of the Embers is part prairie romance, part romantic suspense. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book more. Amanda Cabot has written an intriguing, chilling mystery and she winds it through the pages of a sweet romance in a way that made me keep turning the pages fast to see what was going to happen next. An absolutely excellent read. And now I’m hungry for oatmeal pecan pie!"

Mary Connealy, author of Aiming for Love, book #1 in the Brides of Hope Mountain series

Praise for Amanda Cabot

Broad appeal for fans of historical fiction as well as romance and even westerns.

Booklist on A Tender Hope

Filled with complex emotion and beautiful prose.

Woman’s World Magazine on A Tender Hope

Another deftly crafted gem of a novel by a true master of the romance genre.

Midwest Book Review on A Borrowed Dream

Books by Amanda Cabot

Historical Romance

TEXAS DREAMS SERIES

Paper Roses

Scattered Petals

Tomorrow’s Garden

WESTWARD WINDS SERIES

Summer of Promise

Waiting for Spring

With Autumn’s Return

CIMARRON CREEK TRILOGY

A Stolen Heart

A Borrowed Dream

A Tender Hope

Christmas Roses

One Little Word: A Sincerely Yours Novella

Contemporary Romance

TEXAS CROSSROADS SERIES

At Bluebonnet Lake

In Firefly Valley

On Lone Star Trail

© 2020 by Amanda Cabot

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Control Number: 2019051728

ISBN 978-1-4934-2099-5

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

For Bonnie McKee,

whose love of history and dedication

to its preservation are truly inspiring.

Contents

Cover

Endorsements

Books by Amanda Cabot

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Mesquite Springs, TX

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Author’s Letter

A Peek at the Next Story from Mesquite Springs

About the Author

Back Ads

Back Cover

CHAPTER

One

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1855

Someone was watching. Though a shiver of dread made its way down her spine, Evelyn Radcliffe kept a smile fixed on her face. No matter how her skin prickled and how every instinct told her to flick the reins and urge the horse to race forward, she wouldn’t do anything to worry the child who sat beside her.

She took a deep breath, then exhaled gradually, trying to slow her pulse, reminding herself that this was not the first time she’d sensed the Watcher. The feeling would diminish when she reached the outskirts of Gilmorton, and by the time she was an hour away, it would have disappeared. It always did. The only thing that made today different was that she was not alone. Today she had a child to protect.

Evelyn took another breath, forcing herself to think about something—anything—other than the danger she’d sensed. It was a beautiful day and an unusually warm one for so close to Christmas. The sun was shining, bringing a genuine smile to her face as she gazed at the now dormant cotton fields that brought so much wealth to this part of Texas. White gold, she’d heard some call it.

What’s wrong?

Evelyn turned toward the girl who looked enough like her to be her sister. Polly’s hair was silver blonde rather than Evelyn’s golden and her eyes were a lighter shade of blue, but she had the same oval face and a nose whose tip flared ever so slightly, just as Evelyn’s did. Besides the difference in their ages, Evelyn’s skin was unmarred, while a prominent strawberry red birthmark on her left cheek destroyed Polly’s hopes of beauty.

Nothing’s wrong. Evelyn wished the child weren’t so sensitive. I’m just anxious to get home. Logansville was three hours away, far enough that the Watcher had never followed her. But Polly didn’t need to know about the Watcher. Evelyn tickled the girl’s nose. You know Hilda can’t be trusted to heat stew without scorching it.

The distraction appeared to have worked, for Polly giggled. She’s a bad cook. Buster spit out the oatmeal she gave him ’cuz it had lumps. Big lumps.

Lumpy oatmeal was a better topic than the fear that engulfed Evelyn almost every time she came to Gilmorton. Mrs. Folger had told her she needed to confront her fears. That was one of the reasons she insisted Evelyn be the one to make these trips. But Mrs. Folger didn’t know that even ten years later, Evelyn could not bear to look at the building she’d once called home and that she detoured to avoid that block of Main Street. Mrs. Folger scoffed at the idea that someone was watching, calling it nonsense, but Evelyn knew better. Someone was watching, and it terrified her.

The tension that had coiled inside Evelyn began to release as the town disappeared from view. She wouldn’t have come to Gilmorton if she had had a choice, but unless she was willing to be gone for more than a day each time she made a delivery, there were no other outlets for the lace the children made. The owner of the mercantile gave her a fair price for their handicrafts. Today there’d even been enough money left over after she’d bought provisions that Evelyn had been able to purchase a piece of candy for each child. That would make Christmas morning special.

When you’re a little older, I’ll teach you how to make oatmeal.

Evelyn laid a hand on Polly’s shoulder, wanting contact with the child who’d become so dear to her in the month since she’d arrived at the orphanage. Arrived? She’d been deposited on the front step as if she were no more important than the piles of clothing some parishioners left when their children had outgrown them. Like worn dresses and overalls, Polly had been discarded.

Unaware of the turns Evelyn’s thoughts had taken, Polly grinned. I know how. I watched you. You gotta stir, stir, stir.

That’s right. You’re a smart girl.

My daddy said that too. He said I was the smartest girl in the whole county and that I was worth more than a thousand bales of cotton.

Polly’s smile turned upside down, reminding Evelyn of the story she’d told about her father being put in a box in the ground. Evelyn was all too familiar with those boxes, but she’d been fortunate enough to have her parents with her for thirteen years before the night when everything changed. Polly was only six, or so she said.

Think about Polly, Evelyn told herself, not the night when it had rained hard enough to muffle her screams from passersby. The sheriff had told her he’d arrested and hanged the man responsible. He’d assured her she had no reason to fear, and yet she did. Ten years wasn’t long enough to erase the memories, particularly when she could feel someone watching her.

I miss my daddy. Tears welled in Polly’s eyes. I want him to come back.

I know you do.

Despite her nod, tears began to trickle down Polly’s cheeks. Buster said some girls get new daddies. He said people come looking for good little girls. She looked up at Evelyn, pleading in her eyes. I’ve been good, haven’t I?

You’ve been very good, Evelyn reassured her. But that wouldn’t be enough. Three couples had come to the orphanage since Polly’s arrival, and all three had been unwilling to adopt a child with such a prominent birthmark.

It’s Satan’s mark, one woman had announced. When she’d heard that, Evelyn had been tempted to gouge the woman’s cheek and give her her own mark.

I want a new daddy. Polly was nothing if not persistent. Persistent and stubborn. No matter how many times Evelyn and Mrs. Folger asked, she refused to tell them her last name. I can’t, she insisted. I can’t.

Evelyn made a show of looking in every direction. I don’t see any daddies here. Maybe if we sing, someone will hear us.

As Polly’s eyes brightened, Evelyn smiled. Singing would be a good distraction for both of them. And so they sang song after song. Neither of them could carry a tune, but that didn’t bother them or Reginald. Evelyn imagined the gelding twitching his ears in time to their singing, and her spirits rose with each mile they traveled. Polly was once again cheerful, there was no rain in sight, and it would be another month before she had to return to Gilmorton—three reasons to give thanks.

Her smile was as bright as Polly’s until she saw it. It was only the slightest of limps, and yet Evelyn knew something was wrong. Unwilling to take any chances, she stopped the wagon and climbed out. A quick look at Reginald’s front right leg confirmed her fears.

What’s wrong? Polly asked for the second time since they’d left Gilmorton.

Reginald’s lost a shoe.

Peering over the side of the wagon, Polly grinned. I’ll find it.

Evelyn shook her head. You need to stay in the wagon. Though the sun was past its zenith, the day was still warm enough that snakes could be out, and ever-curious Polly might reach for one. Evelyn glanced at Reginald’s hoof one last time. There was no choice. She wouldn’t risk permanent injury by having him pull the wagon all the way to Logansville.

We’re going back to Gilmorton. As much as she wished otherwise, it was closer.

Okay. Polly watched wide-eyed as Evelyn unhooked the wagon. What are you doing?

We need to leave the wagon here. Even though it meant that anyone coming by could steal the contents, she had to take the chance. Reginald can’t pull it until he gets a new shoe.

Evelyn lifted Polly out of the wagon and placed her on the horse’s back. Hold on to the harness.

Normally agreeable Polly turned petulant. I wanna walk with you.

Evelyn wouldn’t argue. All right, but when you get tired, Reginald will be glad to carry you. The horse was exceptionally good with children, which was fortunate, given the number who called the orphanage home.

This is fun! Polly exclaimed as she began to skip down the road. It was no longer fun by the time they reached Gilmorton. Polly was tired and fussy. To make matters worse, the blacksmith was in the middle of shoeing another horse and told Evelyn it would be at least half an hour before he could see to Reginald.

Whoever shoed this horse the last time deserves to be shot, the blacksmith said when he was finally able to inspect the gelding’s hoof. He didn’t know what he was doin’.

Evelyn tried not to sigh. Mrs. Folger had wanted to give Buster a chance, claiming he had an aptitude for caring for horses, but it appeared that the matron had been mistaken. Did he do any permanent damage?

Nah. The blacksmith scraped a rough edge off the hoof. Just be sure to bring Reginald here next time he needs a shoe. He may be gettin’ on in years, but he’s a fine piece of horseflesh.

Evelyn and Polly rode the fine piece of horseflesh back to the wagon. Fortunately, the contents were all there. Unfortunately, the delays meant that they’d be very late arriving home. In all likelihood, everyone would be asleep, even Mrs. Folger. The matron wouldn’t be pleased, but at least Evelyn hadn’t lost the supplies she’d purchased today.

Darkness had fallen long before they reached Logansville, and Polly—worn out by the walking as well as the excitement of the day—slept on the bench next to Evelyn. Though she stirred occasionally, each time she did, she drifted back to sleep. This time, however, she sat up, rubbed her eyes, and pinched her nose.

What’s that smell?

Evelyn sniffed. It’s smoke. She squinted, looking for the source of the odor, but saw nothing.

Phew! I don’t like that.

I don’t either, but we’re almost home. Though it was late, someone must be burning trash. It won’t smell as bad once we’re indoors.

Evelyn had already decided to let Polly sleep with her tonight rather than risk waking the other girls. That prospect, along with the promise that she could help stir the oatmeal tomorrow morning, had buoyed Polly’s spirits when the only supper Evelyn could offer her had been the cheese and bread she’d purchased while waiting for the blacksmith. Though Gilmorton had a restaurant, that was one place Evelyn would not enter no matter how hungry she might be. When they reached the orphanage, she would warm some milk for Polly.

They were almost there. Within half an hour, Evelyn would have Reginald in his stall and Polly in her bed. The horse tossed his head, perhaps disturbed by the smoke that had intensified.

As they rounded the final bend in the road, the cause of the smoke was all too clear. The light from the almost full moon revealed the ashes and rubble that were all that was left of the building that had been Evelyn’s home for the past ten years. She stared at the blackened foundation, trying to make sense of something that made no sense. Well aware of the danger fire posed to a frame structure, Mrs. Folger was vigilant about safety. Yet, despite her caution, something had happened. The orphanage was gone.

So were its inhabitants. There should be close to two dozen children swarming around, yet Evelyn saw nothing more than a few men. Though her heart was pounding so violently that she feared it would break through her chest at the realization that she’d lost her home, she clung to the hope that Mrs. Folger and the children had escaped and had been taken in by some of the town’s residents. If not . . .

The possibility was too horrible to consider. Her mother had told her not to borrow trouble, and Evelyn wouldn’t. Instead, she’d ask the men what had happened. Surely everyone had been saved. But though she tried to convince herself that she would be reunited with the matron and the other orphans, in her heart she knew that was one prayer that would not be answered.

Evelyn bit the inside of her cheek, determined not to let Polly see her fears. But she failed, for the child began to tremble.

What happened to the ’nage? Though Polly’s diction was far better than one would have expected from the shabby clothing she’d worn when she was abandoned, whoever had taught her hadn’t included orphanage in her vocabulary.

Evelyn wrapped her arms around Polly and willed her voice to remain steady as she said, It’s gone. And, if what she feared was true, so were Mrs. Folger and the children who had been her family.

As she descended the small hill and approached the front drive, Evelyn saw that the men were wandering around the yard, their casual attitude belying the gravity of the situation.

Ain’t no one left, one called to the others, his voice carrying clearly through the still night air. Smoke musta got ’em.

No. Oh, dear God, no. It couldn’t be true, and yet it was. Once again, she had lost everyone she loved, everyone except the girl who clung to her, her own fear palpable. Once again, it was night. Once again, she was powerless to change anything, but at least this time it had been an accident.

Evelyn shuddered and said a silent prayer that Polly wouldn’t realize the extent of the tragedy. Somehow, she would protect her. Somehow, she would help her recover from all that they had lost in this terrible accident.

Can’t figger it out, another man chimed in. Who woulda wanted to do ’em in? No mistakin’ them kerosene cans, though. Somebody set the fire.

Evelyn gasped, feeling as though she’d been bludgeoned, and for a second everything turned black. The fire wasn’t an accident. Someone had deliberately destroyed the orphanage, planning to kill everyone inside. Including her.

Where is she? The memory of the voice that still haunted Evelyn’s dreams echoed through her brain, shattering the fragile peace Mrs. Folger’s assurances had created. Tonight proved that she wasn’t safe, not even here. Someone wanted to kill the last of the Radcliffes.

Why? That was the question no one had been able to answer ten years ago, the question that had kept Evelyn from leaving the sanctuary the orphanage had promised. Now that promise was shattered.

She closed her eyes as fear and sorrow threatened to overwhelm her. The life she had built was gone, destroyed along with the building that had been her refuge and the people who had become her family. Oh, God, what should I do?

The response was immediate. Leave.

It was the only answer. She could do nothing for Mrs. Folger and the others, but she could—and she would—do everything in her power to give Polly a safe future. The question was where they should go. Evelyn stared at the stars for a second, then nodded. Gilmorton, the one place she would not consider, was east. Resolutely, she headed west.

What happened? Polly asked again, her voice far calmer than Evelyn would have expected. Either the child was too young to understand the magnitude of what had happened, or she’d experienced so much tragedy in her life that she was numb.

We need a new home. For the first time, Evelyn gave thanks that Polly had formed no strong attachments to anyone other than her. That would make her transition to a new life easier. While grief had wrapped its tendrils around Evelyn’s heart, squeezing so tightly that she had trouble breathing, Polly seemed to be recovering from her initial shock.

Okay. Though the child tightened her grip on Evelyn’s arm, her trembling had stopped. Where are we going?

It’ll be a surprise. At this point, Evelyn had no idea where she and Polly would find their next home. All she knew was that it had to be far from here, far from whoever had set the fire, far from the Watcher.

Polly was silent for a moment before she said, It’s okay, Evelyn. You’ll be my mama, and you’ll find me a new daddy.

CHAPTER

Two

In three days and two hours, it would be Christmas. In three days and one hour, Mesquite Springs’s stone church would be crowded with people eager to celebrate the birth that had taken place in a stable probably only a fraction of the size of this one. Wyatt Clark knew he should be filled with anticipation by the approach of what his mother had once called the season of miracles. Instead, he frowned as the rank odor assailing his nostrils left no doubt that Emerald had contracted thrush.

It shouldn’t have happened. The stable was clean and dry; she’d never been left out in muddy conditions; none of the other horses had developed the ailment. Yet Emerald, the mare who was carrying what he hoped would be the Circle C’s finest foal, had a bad case of thrush on her left hind hoof.

The only cause Wyatt could imagine was the shape of her hooves. He’d heard that horses with long, narrow hooves were more susceptible to the disease than others. That was why he’d bred Emerald with a stallion whose hooves were a little broader than normal. Though not everyone agreed, Wyatt believed that characteristics from the sire and the dam blended in foals.

Sorry, girl, he said as he scraped away the spongy part of the hoof, then reached for a bottle of iodine. I know you don’t like the smell of this, but you need it.

There you are.

Wyatt looked up in surprise. It was unusual for his mother to come to the stable this late.

The woman whose dark brown hair and eyes were so like his frowned. I might have known, she said, her accent more pronounced than usual, a reminder that Ma, like many of the residents of the Hill Country, had been born in Germany.

You ought to be asleep, Ma continued, but no—you’re out here with the horses. The horses had been her husband’s dream, not hers.

Honor thy father and thy mother. It was good advice, but sometimes it took more than the reminder of that commandment to keep Wyatt’s angry retorts from escaping. He’d spent over a decade turning the Circle C’s stable from a fledgling enterprise into one whose fame stretched far beyond the Hill Country, and yet his mother still begrudged the time he spent with the horses.

Wyatt bit the tip of his tongue before he said as mildly as he could, A lot hinges on Emerald. Right now she can hardly walk because of the thrush. He placed the horse’s hoof back on the ground and patted her side.

Oh. Ma’s tone gentled. I didn’t realize what was happening. I’m sorry, son. I know you do your best. Though she kept her distance, lest the mare consider her an intruder and lash out, Ma managed a smile for her son. It’s just that I worry about you. It’s time you settle down. Her smile broadened. You need a wife and children of your own. There’s more to life than raising horses.

Wyatt bit his tongue again as he considered his response to what had become a regular refrain. Ma didn’t want a new bonnet for Christmas. She wanted the assurance that there’d be a new generation of Clarks.

He watched Emerald take a tentative step on her cleaned and disinfected hoof before he turned back to his mother. What you said may be true, but right now horses pay the bills around here.

Wyatt didn’t want to think about the first year after Pa had been killed. If he hadn’t taken the two most promising yearlings to Fort Worth for the big sale and encountered men who spent more on horses than slaves, the Circle C would now belong to someone else. Fortunately, the yearlings had brought enough money to get them through that horrible year when Ma had . . . Wyatt shook himself mentally. He wouldn’t think about that. Not tonight. Not ever again.

Ma straightened her shoulders and gave him the look he remembered from his childhood, the one that both he and his sister quickly learned meant that they were supposed to obey. I’d rather have a grandbaby than a new bonnet.

It wasn’t the first time he’d heard that, and Wyatt knew it wouldn’t be the last. Still, he wouldn’t tell Ma that the mere thought of a wife and children scared him more than anything else on Earth. What if he married and had children and a bandit or a snake or a lightning bolt killed him? Who would protect them then?

He couldn’t—he wouldn’t—put those he loved in the position his family had been in when the Comanche killed Pa. No, sirree. Marriage was not for him.

She’s dead.

Rufus Bauman looked up from the board he’d been sanding. Though her words were solemn, his wife did not appear distressed. What are you talking about? Who’s dead?

Winnie fisted her hands on her hips, her expression saying he ought to know. That girl. The one you thought could replace Rose.

Rufus tried not to sigh. Though he loved his wife dearly, there were times when her dislike for the girl tested his patience. This was one of them.

He laid the sandpaper aside and looked directly at Winnie. I wasn’t trying to replace Rose. No one could do that. He hadn’t even been trying to right a horrible wrong. No one could do that, either. When he’d suggested adoption, he’d wanted to give the girl a home and maybe—just maybe—bring some joy back to his own home.

It wasn’t natural for parents to lose all their children, but he and Winnie had. While he’d mourned both Rose and Isaac and the tragic circumstances of their deaths, his pain had begun to lessen. Winnie’s had not. She’d clutched it to her like a shawl, declaring only another woman could understand. That was one of the reasons Rufus had broached the subject of adoption all those years ago. He’d thought his wife would enjoy having another female in the house, but she’d been adamant in her refusal. And now giving Winnie female companionship was no longer a possibility. The girl was dead.

How do you know she’s dead?

Jeb Perkins told me. It seems somebody set fire to the orphanage in Logansville last night. Everybody died.

The anguish that had lodged deep inside Rufus threatened his breathing. Not an accident but a deliberate killing, just like the last time. And just like the last time, he hadn’t been able to stop it.

Basil Marlow watched the man enter the room that was now his office. He’d thought Bart foolish when he refused to conduct business in what had once been their father’s office, instead ordering a separate building constructed far enough from the main house that none of the daily noise would bother him. Tonight Basil applauded his brother’s foresight. The isolation and cloak of darkness ensured that this meeting would remain secret.

He narrowed his eyes slightly as the man closed the door behind him. Though the spring in the messenger’s step told Basil everything he needed to know, he still posed the question. Is everything taken care of?

Yes, sir. Just the way you ordered. The man straightened his shoulders with pride over his accomplishment, perhaps hoping for an extra reward. He would get it. It weren’t hard to track down the gal once that old slave let slip that she weren’t dead.

Rising from behind the massive desk, Basil struggled not to frown at the thought of the woman who’d betrayed him. He’d believed every slave knew the penalty for anything less than total loyalty, but at least one hadn’t. The one that Miriam had insisted on bringing as part of her dowry when she’d married his brother had told Basil the girl died while he was gone. She’d even shown him the grave, but she’d been lying.

Somehow, she’d snuck off the plantation and left the girl at an orphanage.

The stupid woman thought he’d never learn what she’d done, but he had. One of the other slaves who’d sought to curry favor had told him.

Did you take care of her?

Yes, sir. She won’t be talkin’ no more. The messenger mimicked a knife slicing across his throat.

Good work. What about the girl herself?

She won’t be talkin’ no more, neither. The fire took care of that. I done just what you tole me. Ain’t nobody coulda lived through that fire. The messenger practically strutted as he took another step toward Basil. I hung around long enough to make sure nobody was alive.

Excellent. Though it had taken longer than he would have liked, most of the loose ends were tied up. His brother had stolen the woman Basil loved, but he was dead, and so was his spawn. Basil might not have Miriam, but he had everything else. The plantation, the horses, and all that money. Vengeance was even sweeter than he’d dreamt.

This deserves a celebration. As the messenger grinned in anticipation, Basil turned to the cabinet behind him and withdrew a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

The man’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw the label. Enjoy it, Basil urged him silently as he filled the glasses. This was the first and last time he would taste such fine whiskey.

As the man raised his glass, Basil reached into his desk drawer, pulled out a pistol, and fired. The last of the loose ends was gone.

CHAPTER

Three

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1856

Do you ever think about leaving the ranch?

Wyatt kept his eyes focused on the horse he was currying while he

Reviews for Out of the Embers (Mesquite Springs Book #1)

[gincam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Noted historical romance author Amanda Cabot begins her "Mesquite Springs Series" with "Out of the Embers"--an involving and inspiring love story set in 1850's Texas Hill Country. With added elements of mystery and suspense, this intriguing tale features well-drawn characters and the timeless appeal of the rustic Old West era. For over a decade, Evelyn Radcliffe had been haunted by the murders of her parents when she was just thirteen years old. She had found refuge in an orphanage, and all these years later, it was still her home, and it was also her workplace. Whenever Evelyn would travel to obtain provisions and to sell the lace made by the children at the orphanage, she often felt an ominous, unseen presence whom she called "The Watcher". After one such trip, she returns to find an unspeakable tragedy: The orphanage had burned to the ground and the children and the staff had all perished in the fire. Only Evelyn and the young girl, Polly, who had traveled with her, were still alive. Evelyn knows she must find a safe haven for herself and Polly, and they head westward--away from sorrow, and hopefully toward a brighter future. Along the way, they are rescued from a raging storm by Wyatt Clark, who offers them shelter at the family ranch he shares with his mother and sister. Wyatt and his sister both have hopes of travel and life beyond the ranch. Evelyn and Polly are seeking a new start in the security of a settled home. The hand of Fate has brought them all together, and their lives--and dreams--will be forever changed. Has "The Watcher" given up on his prey, or will he follow Evelyn and Polly to Mesquite Springs? Will the attraction between Wyatt and Evelyn convince Wyatt that there is no place better than home on the ranch? I very much enjoyed "Out of the Embers", and I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing

[emmyson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another win from Amanda Cabot! I really enjoyed this story!

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beginning a new series always evokes a special joy, and as nice as it is when all of the books have been published and can be read back-to-back, there is a certain thrill that comes with following each book as it first releases. This feeling is augmented when the author is new, either to the writing world itself or to the individual reader. Such proved to be the case with “Out of the Embers” by Amanda Cabot, whose work I have hitherto not had the opportunity to read. What immediately appealed to me, even before knowing any details about the synopsis, was the cover. The young woman (Evelyn) stands with her head to the left, facing a light breeze and gazing into the distance with both hope and a degree of wariness. Below a title banner made of a wooden plank, a dirt road stretches on through fields of bluebonnets. As I read, the significance and aptness became clear.A captivating mixture of genres, “Out of the Embers” offers a tenderhearted, tragic, mysterious journey through the lives of Evelyn Radcliffe (later Radner when she changes her name) and Polly, the little girl she has vowed to keep safe. I did not read the plot summary prior to picking up this book, and this enhanced the reading experience for me because I did not expect the pivotal event at the beginning of the novel. Throughout the story, Cabot interjects a few chapters that interrupt the flow of the narrative; their significance does not become fully apparent until the final chapters, but they add to the aura of mystery. As for the romance, it is tender and gradual and does not overwhelm the other aspects of the story, which I appreciated, and the secondary characters are likewise well-developed. Dorothy and Isolde, in particular, blossomed in this book, and I am interested in seeing what the future has in store for Sam and especially for Caleb, the latter of whom seems to have faded into the background by the last third of the novel. I love Cabot’s resolution of Evelyn’s story, and I find it particularly fitting for Easter, although its significance never goes out of season.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed seeing how Evelyn was able to take charge of her life and the life of another. She is resourceful and finds her way to Wyatt's ranch to take refuge. She has had some had times in her life and trouble is still following her. I liked how Wyatt was able to see past his first views and step up to help Evelyn in her time of need. I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can always be assured any book my Amanda Cabot is not only a great read, but also a wholesome decent book. After the death of her parents Evelyn had made the orphanage and Mrs. Folger the matron her safe haven and home. She was 23 years old but remained there as an employee. Six year old Polly and orphan also had a special place in her heart and she watched out for her. Upon returning to town with Polly from a trip, she finds the orphanage has been set on fire and no one survived. It was no accident just like the brutal murder of her parents. Ever since that horrible day she had felt someone following and watching her, wanting to kill her too. She felt sure this was their doing and she was in danger. Immediately she leaves, taking Polly with her and instructing the child to say they were sisters. On the way a terrifying thunderstorm forces them to take shelter under their wagon. Wyatt Clark is heading home in the storm and comes up them. Hungry, frightened and exhausted he takes them to his ranch where he lives with his mother and sister. There they are taken in, loved and cared for like they were part of the family. Her excellent cooking leads to the Clarks encouraging and helping her open a restaurant in the nearby town of Mesquite Springs. There is even an apartment above the business for a new home. Her life is turned around with opportunity, hope, friends, and independence for her and Polly. But are they truly safe? It seems the “Watcher” may have found her.The suspense and mystery in the book was kept me turning the pages! Evelyn’s courage and Wyatt’s gentleness and character endeared me to both of them. I especially liked the descriptions of the restaurant and running it. I cannot imagine how they did all the cooking, cleaning and serving without modern conveniences! I am very excited to know that this book is the first in a series! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When the orphanage where Evelyn Radcliffe burns to the ground, she flees to Mesquite Springs for refuge. She focuses on moving forward and away from the tragedy of her past, but she proves too much of a novelty to live a quiet life. As the pasts of rancher Wyatt Clark and orphaned Polly add to the complications, danger heightens—and jeopardizes all Evelyn hopes to secure.Amanda Cabot’s Out of the Embers is a heartwarming (with a dash of suspense) read. Texas Hill Country of the 1850s proves a fun place to visit within its pages, and as I read, I enjoyed getting to know Evelyn, Wyatt, and Polly as their story played out. Now, I am looking forward to the other stories this Mesquite Springs series will deliver.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[asheley-627878 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A perfect choice for stress-free reading. This is a sweet romance that grows out of the friendship between Evelyn and Wyatt. Set in 1850's Texas. The characters are all likable (except for the bad guy, obviously) and I enjoyed the way Wyatt's family folds Evelyn and young Polly in, as if they've always known one another.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I did not want to put this book down. I loved this historical fiction. I loved the romance and the bits of intrigue. I loved Evelyn, Polly Dorothy and Wyatt. This made me laugh and cry. I had to know if Someone was out to get Polly or Evelyn. I really enjoyed how strong Evelyn was even though she had lost her family a fairly young age. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[sn11386 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Historical instiprational fictions are my favorite genre to read. "Out of Embers" is a historical romance novelists. I was really excited to be given the oppportunity to read and review Amanda Cabot's new book series called Mesquite Springs- Book #1 "Out of the Embers" The story takes you back to 1855 in Mesquite Springs, Texas.Main characters Wyatt Clark, an owner of a horse ranch and Evelyn Radcliffe, a carefree woman. After Evelyn's parents were murdered she ended up living in an orphangae for 10 years. She is always living with fear that the men who murdered her parents are out to get her too. She travels to local towns to sell lace the orphan children made to support themselves. Her and Polly returned to the orphanage to find it burned to the ground with no survivors. They quickly leave in fear for their lives. On their way back they ran into Wyatt Clark. Wyatt offers them a shelter. She creates characters that are relatable but also unqiue. Wyatt Clark worked very hard to get his father's horse ranch up and running. He really wants to travel, but whats to make sure he has enough money to take care of his mother and sister. Instead he decided to run for Mayor. Evelyn and Polly felt at home on Wyatt's ranch. Evelyn decided to stay in Mesquite Spring and open up a restaurant. "Out of Embers" is a beautiful historical Christian romance. Even though it takes place in 1855 it still has a contemporary feel to it because it has strong female empowerment messages. Amanda Cabot did an amazing job of putting detailed description. I can see it so clearly in my mind. I highly recommend reading Mesquite Spring series. I can't wait for book number two in the series. I highly recommend "Out of Embers". I received a copy from Revell for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. Check out more book reviews and giveaways on my blog called Stephanie's Life of Determination

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot turned out to be a good read. It is book one in a new series called Mesquite Springs. I enjoyed the characters; they are likable and relatable. The description of people and places was good. The story and plot line never lagged and kept my interest. It is a historical romance, but not mushy. The plot begins with Evelyn and a young girl named Polly running errands in a nearby town for the orphanage they live in. By the time they get home, the orphanage has been burned to the ground. Worse, it is no accident. Evelyn feels that the person who murdered her parents has come back for her. Taking Polly, she flees until she reaches a town called Mesquite Springs. After being rescued by horse farmer Wyatt Clark during a thunderstorm, Evelyn opens a restaurant to support Polly and herself. Wyatt and Evelyn are attracted to each other but both try to squash their feelings. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I will say that the rest of the story is about Evelyn and Polly's past catching up with them.I would recommend you read Out of the Embers. It has all of the elements of a good story. I hope you enjoy it too!

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is from Revell Publishing and I expected it to be more of a Christian book. This is not to say that it was unChristian in any way, it just seemed that the characters did not rely on God and it was Christian because they attended church. I don't want a preachy book, but when I read Christian books, I like it when the characters depend on God.The book is historical fiction. It is listed as an adult book, but in my opinion, it seems more relative to young adults and teens. Towards the end of the book, it got a bit bogged down and I ended up skipping over small parts as they didn't add to the story, just added words.The main characters, Evelyn and Wyatt are quite well developed. The supporting characters are well done. This isn't a deep book so the characters are not deeply developed but well enough to enjoy the story. The story flowed well but was not a page-turner. It is a light read and the plot was fairly predictable.This is the first book by Amanda Cabot that I have read. I will read more in the future. I give this book a 3 out of 5-star rating. It is a good, enjoyable book, but not the best I've ever read.I requested to read and review this book through Revell Reads Blogger Program. I am not required to give a positive review and this review is my own, honest opinion.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Charming, romantic, and light; Out of the Embers is the first in a new inspirational series, Mesquite Springs. Evelyn and six year old Polly are in town getting supplies when the orphanage they both live in burns down killing everyone inside. It's horrific and upsetting. Since her parents murder ten years ago, Evelyn is sure that someone is out to find her and finish the job. What will happen when they discover that she wasn't really in the orphanage when it burnt down? She takes Polly with her and convinces her that they need to pretend to be sisters and go far away. They ride for days and stumble upon a gorgeous little town by the name of Mesquite Springs. When Wyatt, a young horse rancher offers them shelter; they soon find out that they don't want their temporary stay to end. Evelyn and Polly adore Wyatt's mom and sister and they quickly become family to them. It doesn't help that Polly wants Wyatt as a daddy, and Evelyn gets butterflies when she talks to him. But what will happen if their trouble catches up to them? Are they really safe in Mesquite Springs? A quick breezy read that will have readers charmed. The suspense is light, the romance is slow burn, and the characters all are pretty likable (and have great luck!). Perfect for anyone looking for a nice inspirational read!

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story quickly became a page turner, we are shown characters with so much hate, greed, and total disregard for human life. Also we are give a character, Evelyn Radcliff, who takes a little orphan girl under her wing, gives her love and makes her her own.This is Evelyn's and Polly's journey, and we are enriched by some of the people put in their path, but we see a side of evil that is horrible.The author gives us a little bit of sweet romance, people who open their homes to complete stranger, and others who are unable to control their tempers, or ever care about human life. There is also a man whose goal is to receive forgiveness, but when we find out what has happened, well, it is scary.Now I'm looking forward to the second book in this series, and if it's as excellent as this one, I can't wait!I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[sherripo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book very much. There was a good amount of suspense and though it was also a romance novel it wasn't sappy. The suspense kept me wanting to read the book so I could find out what was going to happen next. The book kept my interest throughout. This is the first book I have read by Amanda Cabot but I plan on reading the next book in this new series.

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: Out of the Embers (Mesquite Springs #1)Author: Amanda CabotPages: 336Year: 2020Publisher: RevellMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Out of the Embers marks the beginning of a new series set in Mesquite Springs, Texas in 1855. The two main characters of this story are Wyatt Clark, the owner of a horse ranch, and Evelyn Radcliffe, a young woman on the run. There is an interesting supporting cast of characters, one of which will be the main characters in book two of the series.Evelyn Radcliffe has been living at an orphanage for 10 years after her parents were murdered. She travels to a nearby town to sell lace that the orphan children make to help support themselves. Each time she is in town she feels as if someone is watching her, causing her to feel uncomfortable and fearful. She dubs this person as The Watcher. She dreads every trip. She fears the man who killed her parents is watching her just waiting for an opportunity to kill her. It is on one such trip that she and one of the other young orphans, Polly, return to the orphanage to find it burned to the ground with no survivors. Evelyn fears for her life and turns the wagon around, leaving for an unknown destination. On the road she encounters Wyatt Clark who offers them a place to stay for a little while.Wyatt Clark has worked hard over the last 10 years to make his father’s dream a reality, building a successful horse ranch. Wyatt longs to leave the ranch and all its responsibilities to travel the country, but he wants to make sure there is enough money to take care of his mother and sister while he is gone. As he is traveling home from Mesquite Springs, he meets Evelyn and Polly. As they settle in to a routine at the ranch, it doesn’t take long for Evelyn and Polly to feel at home. Evelyn decides to stay in Mesquite Springs and open a restaurant. In the meantime, Wyatt has been asked to run for mayor. Should he give up is dream of traveling? Is Evelyn truly safe in Mesquite Springs?There is a rivalry between to friends, a sister who longs to write as a profession, an unknown man longing for forgiveness, along with the main plot to keep the story moving along. The descriptions of the Hill Country of Texas sound beautiful, and the details of running a horse ranch and restaurant were interesting too. I look forward to book two in the series, which centers around a reporter coming to Mesquite Springs and deciding to start a newspaper as well as a couple of nefarious men looking to make Mesquite Springs a town they look to make part of their plans. Grab a copy of Out of the Embers and start a journey to Texas in the 1850s!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[jfe16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review of Advanced Reading CopyEvelyn Radcliffe has lost her home twice. First, when she was thirteen and her parents were murdered; with no other family to care for her, the orphanage became her home. Now, ten years later, the orphanage where she once lived and then worked has burned to the ground, killing everyone except Evelyn and one young orphan girl.Evelyn believes the fire, intentionally set, was in some way related to her parents’ murders. Fearing for her safety and the safety of the young child with her, she flees, ending up in a small town in the Hill Country of Texas. Soon it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs. Will Evelyn find the answers to her parents’ murders? Will she escape her stalker? Can she keep Polly safe? Or will their new home bring only more sorrow? Set in the 1855 and 1856, “Out of the Embers” is the first in a series of Mesquite Springs stories. The narrative benefits from a strong sense of place as well as relatable, well-developed characters, and an intriguing plot. Throughout the narrative there are multiple Biblical references, but they fit into the context of the story being told and the book is neither preachy nor overbearing. The multi-layered tale pulls readers in from the first page; the tension created by the suspense around Evelyn’s situation is almost palpable. And yet, there is a sweet romance. There is joy, love, and hope. A couple of unexpected twists keep readers engaged; readers will find it difficult to set this delightful story aside before tuning the final page.Highly recommended.I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is to go live in March 2020.I enjoyed this Romantic Suspense. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. While I didn't have time to read this very fast, it wasn't because this book didn't keep me guessing and wondering what would happen next. There were a couple unexpected curves that happened that kept me wondering. Finally I stayed up way late this morning to finish this because the suspense was getting to me a little. I'll certainly be reading more of this author's work.