Cabot launches the Mesquite Springs series, which, like several of her earlier historical series, is set in Texas. One has to wonder, who would burn down an orphanage? Evelyn Radcliff fears that the fire is connected to her parents' murder ten years earlier. In 1855, Evelyn and Polly, a six-year-old orphan with a distinctive birthmark and a mysterious back story, flee to Mesquite Springs in the hill country of Texas. A horse ranch owner, Wyatt Clark, and his family offer refuge, for which Evelyn is grateful, but she decides to conceal her past. She and unmarried Wyatt become close, but he doesn't plan to stay. She then realizes that the truth can set you free, and subsequently both she and Wyatt discover their purpose in life as they experience miraculous answers to prayer. The plot involves some violence this is the Old West after all, but Cabot expertly combines suspense with a pleasant romance to create a moving and uplifting tale.--Cynthia Hammell Copyright 2020 Booklist

Cabot (A Tender Hope) transports readers to 1850s Texas in the enjoyable first installment to her Mesquite Springs series. Evelyn Radcliffe has felt the eerie sensation of someone watching her ever since her parents were murdered 10 years ago. When the orphanage 22-year-old Evelyn has called home is destroyed by arson, she takes the only other survivor, a six-year old girl named Polly, and they end up in Mesquite Springs. Rancher Wyatt Clark finds Evelyn and Polly hiding from a storm and welcomes them to stay with him, his mother, and sister. Evelyn soon becomes a vital part of the town; she opens a restaurant and develops a reputation for her excellent cooking. She also catches the eye of several of the town's bachelors. Wyatt plans to host a horse sale to raise money in order to be able to leave the town behind for life in the big city, but his feelings for Evelyn may force him to stay. Little does he know that inviting other ranchers and horse racers to his ranch will put Evelyn and Polly in great danger. Evelyn trusts in God's promise to bring good out of the embers of the orphanage fire and keep her and Polly safe. The series is off to a strong start. (Mar.)