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staceylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
Rachel Fordham’s third novel, A Life Once Dreamed, is another engaging read I couldn’t put down. With lively characters and great dialogue, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The hard situations faced by some of the characters are handled very skillfully. I have always loved prairie town settings and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this one to life.
melitajr's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet (sometimes frustrating) and wonderful, witty read.
kgormley's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story, which dealt with a topic that most people today don't give a second thought to -- illegitimate children. I think many times we forget that there was a time in history when this "status" was held against the child. I think reader's of Christian historical fiction, especially stories that take place out west, will really enjoy this book!
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
I really wanted to love this book. I really liked the main male character, James, but I did not like the main female character, Aggie's, choices. But this does have to do with my own my own personal reading preferences and pet peeves. I don't like story lines where a character withholds the truth for someones "own good" without giving them the chance to make their own decisions.
wintermote's review against another edition
5.0
A solid 4-star book, but then it really got me at the end “Papa’s Home”—cue the waterworks. I’m a sucker for a happy ending and epilogue.
_carolcabrita's review against another edition
4.0
You know when you're reading a good book and you want it to last as long as possible? That's what I did with A Life Once Dreamed. I took my time with it.
First things first: Sam is a cinnamon roll and I feel there's more to his story in the future! I have to re-read his first introduction because I can't remember if he ever said where he's from. He probably did but I have a bad memory.
Aggie and James' story was heartwarming. I'm not a big fan of second chance romance, there are a few exceptions like Persuasion by Jane Austen, so I didn't know how I would react to the romance but gee! by chapter four I was completely on board after the confrontation scene at the school. How can I pass such an angst scene and not like it? Impossible.
And I dunno but Rachel has a way of putting into stories situations that I've wondered if ever happen. I like that her books doesn't shy away from difficult topics.
First things first: Sam is a cinnamon roll and I feel there's more to his story in the future! I have to re-read his first introduction because I can't remember if he ever said where he's from. He probably did but I have a bad memory.
Aggie and James' story was heartwarming. I'm not a big fan of second chance romance, there are a few exceptions like Persuasion by Jane Austen, so I didn't know how I would react to the romance but gee! by chapter four I was completely on board after the confrontation scene at the school. How can I pass such an angst scene and not like it? Impossible.
And I dunno but Rachel has a way of putting into stories situations that I've wondered if ever happen
Spoiler
(like someone get a attached to orphan and having no way to support themselves)aimes610's review against another edition
I really enjoyed a Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham. I found the characters interesting and the plot engaging. There is a bit of mystery and romance that kept me reading well past my bedtime. This book transported me back in time to the days of frontier medicine on the Dakota Territory. If you like historical fiction, this book will not disappoint.
I was blessed to receive an electronic copy via the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was blessed to receive an electronic copy via the publisher. All opinions are my own.
missemmaj's review against another edition
The author’s third novel is not my favorite (a little edgier compared to her others & something else I can’t put my finger on), but I do love this author and did enjoy this read. :)))
beautifulmessreads's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful book! I felt Rachel Fordham’s big heart and it was moving.
In the book Agnes runs from home and starts a new life in the Dakota Territory. Running from her past doesn’t work so well when the past comes knocking. James and Agnes can’t just pick up where they left off because Agnes has changed and holds onto a secret. Their relationship grows as they face many hardships together.
Agnes has such a beaut heart of gold and her care for those around her is inspiring. She might just be one of the top fictional characters I look up to and want to be more like.
“Where you come from matters far less than where you’re going.”
Thank you again Rachel for writing this beautiful book. I’ve loved following your IG and seeing your heart break for those who need loved. Watching your fostering journey is inspiring. I love how you poured out your heart in this book.
In the book Agnes runs from home and starts a new life in the Dakota Territory. Running from her past doesn’t work so well when the past comes knocking. James and Agnes can’t just pick up where they left off because Agnes has changed and holds onto a secret. Their relationship grows as they face many hardships together.
Agnes has such a beaut heart of gold and her care for those around her is inspiring. She might just be one of the top fictional characters I look up to and want to be more like.
“Where you come from matters far less than where you’re going.”
Thank you again Rachel for writing this beautiful book. I’ve loved following your IG and seeing your heart break for those who need loved. Watching your fostering journey is inspiring. I love how you poured out your heart in this book.