A Life Once Dreamed

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is a heartwarming Christian story. I thought this tale was well-written with developed characters. We get to travel back to 1880 where Agnes Pratt works as the schoolteacher in Penance, Dakota Territory. After learning a secret, Agnes made plans to give up her comfortable life in Buffalo, New York. Agnes answered the ad for a teacher in Penance and discovered she had a knack for teaching. Agnes and James had been friends’ all their lives and had planned to wed. When Agnes departed without a word to James, he is left with unanswered questions. James arrival in Penance upheaves Agnes’ life. She has never stopped loving James, but it is best if they do not marry. Sam Landon is a logger and carpenter. Agnes hired Sam to make repairs to the schoolhouse over the summer. Sam is ready to settle down and he believes Agnes might be the right woman for him. Sam is a kind, good man. I admit that I was rooting for Sam, and I hope the author provides his story in another book. A Life Once Dreamed is a lovely story. I thought the author captured the time-period with the language, clothing, and attitudes of people. Values and attitudes were different then. There are some great secondary characters which include Minnie who loves to play matchmaker, Mayor Paul Clint, Tommy, Ruby, and Hannah. There is humor in the story from Tommy with his endless and sometimes embarrassing questions as well as Minnie who loves romance. There are great people in the town of Penance. The author captured the rugged setting of Dakota Territory with the loggers, miners, saloons, and the mountains. The life is not easy, but the people are friendly and help each other out. There are some heartbreaking scenes as well as action and tense moments. I had no trouble figuring out Agnes’ secret and the story played out in an expected manner. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment of this heartfelt story, and I look forward to Rachel Fordham next novel. A Life Once Dreamed is a charming historical novel with matchmaking Minnie, the committed mayor, a fatal fire, a severe sickness, immeasurable inquiries, and a startling secret.

Beautiful, beautiful story! I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book, I could not put it down! Aggie gives up the love of her life to protect him from her secret. I loved that he came to find her. Their reunion did not go as I, or James, expected. Oh, I can't say more about that without spoilers. I loved the friendships and how the townspeople work together to survive living in the Black Hills of Dakota territory. Have some tissues handy, there are parts that will tug at your heartstrings. There are also plenty of laughs, especially when Tommy, one of Miss Aggie's students, is asking questions. Life in Penance is not easy, it strengthens a person in body and soul. This is one of my favorite books of the year.

‘Is independent the same as being a spinster?’ - Tommy, her student, at school one day. The author has once again penned a story that will make you laugh, perhaps tear-up a little and generally just enjoy the time spent reading. It’s 1874 in the city of Buffalo, New York. Agnes (Aggie) Pratt has grown up as a member of the upper class or high society, with all the perks and privileges that go with it. Her dear friend from childhood, who lived next door becomes not only a best friend but also the man she loves and hopes to marry one day. But suddenly she leaves Buffalo for parts unknown leaving a heartbroken James behind. Teaching in Penance, Dakota Territory is a far cry from having everything done for you, but Aggie excels at it and her students and the town people love her. After 6 years, a new doctor shows up in town.....James! How will they ever negotiate their way through secrets and heartache? A sweet story of second chances and new opportunities to learn to accept people regardless of their past. This digital copy was received through NetGalley, Baker Publishing Group and Revell. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.