A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

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.

Amazon


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 


My Review

I enjoyed this read, and it kept me up reading for answers.
There are surprise secrets that come to light here, and yes, I wasn't expecting them, but loved how the author wove and meshed this story.
A young woman ends up in Penance ND, and begins teaching and making a life for herself, she has friends and her cat, and no plans to change her status and marry, there have been lots of proposals. Life is relatively good, and she is doing well, until, her next door neighbor from Buffalo NY arrives.
He is now a Doctor, and very much needed, but she wants nothing to do with him, her heart is trying to heal, and we watch how these two go about their lives in this rural area.
God seems to have a hand in bring these two together, if they follow his will, and also a young baby, I love how this is all woven together.
Archaic laws are presented, and wow, I am glad changes have been made, talk about discrimination.
Once you pick this one up you won't be able to put it down.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.