The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When a woman is found shot outside of town, newly appointed Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Em and her sister, Lucy, came out on the Orphan Train seven years ago, Lucy was placed with a family while Em was not. Em survived in the woods with a man named George who protected her, but never bothered her. But when George is killed, Em wants to take this chance to find out where her sister is, as well as what the killers where after.

Caleb is devoted to his new job, and wants to serve Azure Springs well. He is brave and thoughtful. He wants to help Em, and as he gets to know her he admires her resourcefulness, and competitive spirit. They form a unique friendship, teasing, joking, and finding it easy to talk to one another. I liked their interaction, and the dialog between the two of them.

Em is my favorite character, she is a survivor, and she treats everyone around with compassion and empathy. She doesn't let her past make her bitter, finding joy in the little things. And she has a way of talking to people, that makes them instantly comfortable with her. She accepts what she cannot change, but fights to change what she can.

I really liked this book, and it's one of those books that I didn't quite realize how much I'd liked it until I sat down and thought about writing this review. Entertaining, engaging, with great touches of humor, I loved all of the people that became a part of Em's family in Azure Springs. There were so many great characters, and I loved how everything came together in the end. Fantastic read, can't wait to read more from this author in the future.


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