Summer of Promise

I enjoyed author Amanda Cabot's first series Texas Dreams and I have anxiously been awaiting to read her new series Westward Winds starting with Summer of Promise. This book gripped me from the first scene and captivated me ever since. It starts with an absolutely gorgeous book cover that just begs to be investigated and continues with a jump into the plot and then entertains with a bit of suspense in mystery and hint of friendship and romance and even some redemption for those which you might judge. There is always a problem with leaving home and the things you have always known... you might find something you like and perhaps will even love a good bit better. Abigail and Ethan's friendship is delightful as it is a true relationship as it begins and though neither knew that they needed the other they fit in just as was designed. The side relationships in Abigail's sister's marriage, and a not so fortunate other characters of Leah and Frances really cause the thinking wheels to turn in curiosity as to what might happen next. As a reader, emotions are high and thoughts go back and forth because at certain points you're not sure what exactly you want to happen. (That and I'm not sure if you should pat Puddles or Oliver on the head to keep him content...)

I definitely think that I would name this as my favorite from Amanda Cabot so far, and I look forward to more. Her characters are realistic and they jump from the page. Though not quite at the same humor line, the realism of psychology and interest in the characters is right up there with Mary Connealy (which if you know me, you know that makes me a fan!).

Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.

3.5 stars
The story held my attention easily and was an enjoyable story of two sisters, with some mystery and romance thrown in for good measure. I liked that the romance was so chaste and felt realistic. Though I guessed parts of the mystery early on, I didn't guess it all. And the parts with the puppy were so cute and accurate!

I'll definitely be reading the next book soon. I have to find out what happens to Charlotte now. There are definitely strings left hanging to be answered later in the series.