image Paper Roses
by Amanda Cabot

Paper Roses begins as many historical inspirational novels do: on a dusty road after the stagecoach drives away. But the similarities end there. This mail order bride, accompanied by her toddler sister, is greeted not by her intended husband, but by the terrible news that he has died. Worse, his doctor-turned-rancher brother seems to resent their very presence.

As Sarah begins to feel more at home in the Texas town of Ladreville, she finds use for her knowledge of both French and German, as well as friends and employment. The community, however, continues to be plagued with theft and malicious fence cutting, a serious threat to the ranching way of life.

This novel brings the uniqueness of the Alsatian culture and immigrants, the conflict between German and French citizens in the small Ladreville, Texas community, into play as a background to the story of Sarah and Clay.

Forgiveness plays a large role as a theme in this delightful story, and I love how the author interweaves it throughout the plot without hitting the reader over the head with it.

This is the most enjoyable historical I’ve read in quite some time. It’s a great combination of romance and suspense, especially since the villain was not the obvious choice.

Paper Roses is the first volume in the Texas Dreams series. This is my first Amanda Cabot novel, and I will certainly be excited to read more of her work as the series continues.