A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is a historical fiction romance.  The story begins with Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start.  There's a shocking secret that she must keep and starting over is the only way.  She settles down in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks.  She is now known as Miss Aggie, a respected schoolteacher and what many view as an old maid.  She loves her new life and after six years, it seems like her past is just that, in the past. 

When a new doctor comes to town everyone is anxious to find him a bride.  The townspeople are pushing him, and also pushing Miss Aggie.  When Aggie finally meets this new doctor she discovers that it is James, her childhood friend and former sweetheart.  The new simple and carefree life Aggie has obtained is now flipped upside down.  James just wants to find out why Agnes left him and the dreams they were creating for themselves, but he is the one person that Agnes is determined to keep her secret from.

Where You Come From Matters Far Less than Where You're Going

This is such an engaging story that is beautifully written.  Oh, how my heart hurt for Agnes.  Such a sweet character with a sacrificial love.  The friendship between her and James is so strong and the romantic pull is undeniable.  It touches on a tough topic and as you are reading it's important to remember that this is a historical tale.  The same issue today is not viewed in the same manner as it was in the past.  This book had me rooting for love to win unlike any other book in a long time.  

I loved the small town of Penance.  It was a perfect example of a small town where everyone is in everyone else's business.  There are several secondary characters that were so likeable that I really hope the Author decides to explore this town further and share another story on one of the characters.  

Rachel Fordham is an author I'm keeping my eye on.  She only has a few books out, but I've loved everything I've read so far.

***Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.