Normally, I start with my own description but in this case, with such a rich story, there is no way I could write a succinct description. The first two paragraphs of the book’s description should tantalize you:
Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She’s just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can’t abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she’ll serve as the town’s doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she’s better than nothing.
Josh Porter’s plans to win his grandfather’s challenge and fulfill his father’s final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory–ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.
My review …
What a story. I was engaged from the very first and never waivered. The book has lots of characters but these are not dumped on the reader but are introduced throughout the book. “Against the Wind” is the second in the series, Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing; I had not read book one but now it’s on my “to read” list.
When you first read what John Porter considers invaluable, you might not believe it — but it is key to a long-set and important goal.
The story takes place in 1883 in Texas Hill Country. “The Edwards Plateau region comprises an area of central Texas commonly known as the Texas Hill Country. It is a land of many springs, stony hills, and steep canyons. The region is home to a whole host of rare plants and animals found nowhere else on earth.” ~ Source: Wikipedia. I wish I had viewed this site (Hill Country on Travel Texas) before reading the book.
Remember that at the time this book was set a doctor became one after working and studying with another doctor. Louisa did not feel she had completed her “training” but she was skilled in much of what a ‘country’ doctor did. Of course, no one wanted her to touch them any more than those who needed Dr. Quinn. Her father had been a doctor in Sweetwater and had died, but his reputation as a doctor was not a glowing one.
This is a book rich in characters and plot and the pacing is spot on — at least for this reviewer. If you enjoy old-west stories with a touch of romance, and strong women (and yes, there is more than just Louisa) that have a medical bend to them — “Against the Wind” is for you. I absolutely LOVED this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of Against the Wind via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Perfect cover. You’ll find out why the title & cover are exactly right when you read the book.
Pages: 352
Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing, book #2
Publish Date: 3 Oct 2023
#AgainsttheWind #NetGalley #AmandaCabot
