A Tender Hope {Book Review}

As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it's time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek's midwife, she has no intention of remarrying and trying for another child. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn't sure her heart can take it.

Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn't concerned only with the baby's welfare. He's been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated--and he'll need Thea's help if he's ever to find the justice he seeks.

Amanda Cabot invites readers back to Cimarron Creek for a tender story of loss, betrayal, and love in the majestic Texas Hill Country. 

I really enjoyed the two main characters. There was something about them that made them really realistic. I think it was the fact that they each had flaws and troubles, but they didn't really let it drag them down. Sure, sometimes it would, but on the grand scheme of things, they didn't just sit there and bemoan what had happened to them, they kept going on with their life, adjusting to it as things got thrown at them.

The side characters were also pretty great. None felt like secondary characters and I really enjoyed Aimeé's sub-plot. Plue Nate, who I actually disliked sorta at first, ended up being a really great comical - and yet not funny on purpose - relief.

There was just something about this setting that made me feel as if I were watching Little House On The Prairie. Maybe it was the way everyone kinda knew everyone, or maybe because Cimarron Creek reminded me of Walnut Grove, just SOMETHING reminded me about that classic show. And I really, really liked that.

The plot took you on some twists and turns! It started out pretty slowly, making you think that it was going to be a gentle ride, but then it sorta turned into a murder mystery which was pretty interesting. Cabot didn't just give you everything at once but presents little bits and pieces of information that help you start to piece together everything.

I loooooved this romance! It was really sweet and had me rooting for Jackson and Thea from the moment they met. And yeah, it was kinda insta-love but like, they don't act like an insta-love couple if that makes sense? I really loved how Jackson showed Thea that love doesn't really fade. But yeah, great romance.

There was just a lack of...oomph. Even though it does become a sort of murder mystery, there is still a little something missing that would have made this great book even better.

One of the characters was born out of wedlock.

A man is thought to have been having an affair when he was alive.

Since Thea is a midwife, there is some mention of mothers and children dying at birth.

The Gang of Four is rather violent and Cabot sometimes describes what torture methods they use semi-detailedly.

I really enjoyed this! It was great to read this at this moment! That's why I'm giving it. . .

5 stars

Do you think you'll pick this one up? Have you read it? What have you been reading recently?

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest opinion.