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Texas Dreams #2
Scattered Petals
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes.
When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.
Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals weaves a tale of drama, love, and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.
When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.
Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals weaves a tale of drama, love, and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.
382 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
126 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cabot
39 books989 followersWith both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 2, 2022
3.5 stars
February 26, 2010
Two people running from a past they long to forget, can love conquer the barriers they have erected around their hearts?
While you don’t need to have read Paper Roses (the first book in the series) to understand Scattered Petals, I believe you will have a better appreciation for the characters and their town in this second book if you do.
Scattered Petals picks up right where Paper Roses left off (only with primarily new characters). Different variables played into this story. From a town that refuses to let two people from different nationalities to marry, to a spoiled young man bent on revenge. And that is just what is going on in the background. The main story plays out on the page’s canvas with desperation, guilt, loss, hurt and love.
What kept me reading the story (besides wanting to know how everything would come together) is seeing how the author would tie together the secondary characters and bring them into the plot. And customary to Amanda Cabot (what I enjoy about her fiction) are the endings. She always finds a way to ratchet the tension and bring the reader to care about how it concludes.
I found Scattered Petals a touching love story, with some suspense.
I received this book from the author to be used as an influencer. I received no compensation for my review.
While you don’t need to have read Paper Roses (the first book in the series) to understand Scattered Petals, I believe you will have a better appreciation for the characters and their town in this second book if you do.
Scattered Petals picks up right where Paper Roses left off (only with primarily new characters). Different variables played into this story. From a town that refuses to let two people from different nationalities to marry, to a spoiled young man bent on revenge. And that is just what is going on in the background. The main story plays out on the page’s canvas with desperation, guilt, loss, hurt and love.
What kept me reading the story (besides wanting to know how everything would come together) is seeing how the author would tie together the secondary characters and bring them into the plot. And customary to Amanda Cabot (what I enjoy about her fiction) are the endings. She always finds a way to ratchet the tension and bring the reader to care about how it concludes.
I found Scattered Petals a touching love story, with some suspense.
I received this book from the author to be used as an influencer. I received no compensation for my review.
May 26, 2019
"One thing I've learned is that we cannot change the past. We have to make peace with it and learn to live with our mistakes."
"Our memories can imprison us more surely than the thickest walls."
It's 1856 and Priscilla Morton, along with her parents, are headed from Boston to Texas for her sister's widowed husband's marriage. Priscilla thinks it's adventure until tragedy strikes along the way and her entire world is changed.
Cabot focuses on second chances, forgiveness to others as well as self-forgiveness and letting the past go in this historical novel. I loved both the main characters, Priscilla and Zach. Their faith growth and the way they faced things that had happened in the past both made them feel very real. I found the cultural clashes between the French and German people in Ladreville interesting. They could coexist, but past wars in their homelands between the two countries blocked their developing strong relationships. The part with the two pastors preaching on the same thing on the same Sunday was a real eye-opener for both cultures. And the use of scattered petals as an analogy was very well done.
Very good series.
"Our memories can imprison us more surely than the thickest walls."
It's 1856 and Priscilla Morton, along with her parents, are headed from Boston to Texas for her sister's widowed husband's marriage. Priscilla thinks it's adventure until tragedy strikes along the way and her entire world is changed.
Cabot focuses on second chances, forgiveness to others as well as self-forgiveness and letting the past go in this historical novel. I loved both the main characters, Priscilla and Zach. Their faith growth and the way they faced things that had happened in the past both made them feel very real. I found the cultural clashes between the French and German people in Ladreville interesting. They could coexist, but past wars in their homelands between the two countries blocked their developing strong relationships. The part with the two pastors preaching on the same thing on the same Sunday was a real eye-opener for both cultures. And the use of scattered petals as an analogy was very well done.
Very good series.
March 14, 2011
This book wasn't paticulary compelling. I find Amanda Cabbot's writing just 'okay'. I found myself more frustrated by the characters than anything else. And the story did not ring true(yes, I realize that this is fiction)But the best fiction is a story that could happen and the characters could exist. I found the characters and the story and situations implausable. And I haven't even touched on her theology!Plenty lacking there...
March 16, 2016
I grabbed this because the cover was so pretty and didn't realize it was a second book in a series until I was past the point of being able to put it down.
I really enjoyed the characters' depth in this and probably would read a dozen books about this charming Texas town with great enjoyment!
Content caution: has mention of murder and rape, but tactfully described.
I really enjoyed the characters' depth in this and probably would read a dozen books about this charming Texas town with great enjoyment!
Content caution: has mention of murder and rape, but tactfully described.
March 11, 2010
Priscilla Morton and her parents are on their way to Ladreville Texas, to see her brother-in-law widower of her older sister get married. However just outside of San Antonio disaster strikes, when the stage coach is robbed and her parents are murdered, and Priscilla is raped and nearly killed. Thanks to a Texas Ranger she is not killed, but she is definitely not the same young lady who started this trip.
In her brother-in-laws home, Priscilla discovers that the horrendous act of rape has left her bearing a child. A bandit's child. When Zach Webster steps forward offering to marry her, she is amazed, dismayed and scared, but knowing that Zach only is marrying her in name only, helps Priscilla make a hard choice.
Will she ever fall in love with this man who is willing to take another man's child as his own? Will she ever be able to get past her fears and nightmares of being raped? A story of shame, of pain and of faith, as Priscilla learns God did not leave or abandon her.
A small town divided by racial boundaries, and trying to overcome those boundaries is hard work, but Priscilla, Zach and others push hard against those invisible walls. Will happiness be in the future for Priscilla and Zach? Will they see their friends joined in happiness? This book will have you hooked from the front to the ending. The second of a series, however this book easily stands alone without reading the first book. 380 pages $US 14.99 5 stars
Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review purposes only.
In her brother-in-laws home, Priscilla discovers that the horrendous act of rape has left her bearing a child. A bandit's child. When Zach Webster steps forward offering to marry her, she is amazed, dismayed and scared, but knowing that Zach only is marrying her in name only, helps Priscilla make a hard choice.
Will she ever fall in love with this man who is willing to take another man's child as his own? Will she ever be able to get past her fears and nightmares of being raped? A story of shame, of pain and of faith, as Priscilla learns God did not leave or abandon her.
A small town divided by racial boundaries, and trying to overcome those boundaries is hard work, but Priscilla, Zach and others push hard against those invisible walls. Will happiness be in the future for Priscilla and Zach? Will they see their friends joined in happiness? This book will have you hooked from the front to the ending. The second of a series, however this book easily stands alone without reading the first book. 380 pages $US 14.99 5 stars
Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review purposes only.
February 13, 2012
It took me about 100 pages until I was really “into” this book. It was difficult for me to relate to and understand the main character, Priscilla, for a while, but as I got to know her I grew to admire her. I think it was tough because she faced tragedy within the first 20 pages, and of course that affected her personality. She withdrew quite a bit, but since I didn’t really have a chance to get to know her before this horrible event occurred, it was hard for me to fully understand the extent of her personality change.
But that being said, this was a very touching, moving story plumbing the depths of human emotion. After I hit page 100, I didn’t want to put the book down. A few different story lines kept the book very interesting, and so many plot twists and turns made it a page-turner. I also learned some things about life on a Texas ranch in the late 19th century, which was fun. There was quite a bit of heartbreak packed into this novel in more than one character’s life. But the author artfully wove a tale that ultimately redeemed the loss and created something beautiful.
But that being said, this was a very touching, moving story plumbing the depths of human emotion. After I hit page 100, I didn’t want to put the book down. A few different story lines kept the book very interesting, and so many plot twists and turns made it a page-turner. I also learned some things about life on a Texas ranch in the late 19th century, which was fun. There was quite a bit of heartbreak packed into this novel in more than one character’s life. But the author artfully wove a tale that ultimately redeemed the loss and created something beautiful.
October 29, 2018
Priscilla’s sister in Texas died and her brother in law is getting remarried so she talks her parents into going with her from Boston to Texas. When they are almost there bandits kill her parents and rape Priscilla. She is taken to her brother in laws ranch and tries to recover. The ranch foreman Zach is attracted to her but knows he has no hope with what happened to her and the mistakes in his past.
January 15, 2025
This was a great book all the way to the end, only complaint for me is that they ended the book a bit to quickly
May 8, 2010
Paper Roses (Texas Dreams, bk 1) was my first experience reading Amanda Cabot's writing, and I found it to be pretty boring, and it moved really slow. Scattered Petals
turned out to be a lot better, in my opinion. It held my interest much more, and moved right along.
We meet Priscilla Morton as she is travelling with her parents to attend her brother-in-law, Clay Canfield's, wedding. An unfortunate tragedy, along the way, changes Priscilla's life forever, and also gives her a debilitating fear of men. She is completely terrified for any man touch her, or even get too close to her. Her new sister-in-law, Sarah, and Sarah's little sister, Thea, play an important role in helping Priscilla get her life back in order.
Zachary Webster was first introduced to us as a friend to Clay Canfield's father in Paper Roses. He has taken over as foreman at the Bar C, the Canfield ranch, and become like a brother to Clay. Once Priscilla arrives, and Zach realizes that she is absolutely terrified of him, he starts making plans to leave the ranch, and head back to his childhood home to try and make amends for mistakes he made in his past.
Through the grace of God, and the help of close friends and family, Zach and Priscilla slowly begin to form a lasting relationship. I really enjoyed getting to know Priscilla and Zach, and finding out how their story played out. My favorite character from both books is Thea, Sarah's five year old sister. She is a real hoot!
If you haven't read either of these books, I recommend that you read them in order, since Scattered Petals pretty much takes up where Paper Roses left off. Be sure to visit Amanda Cabot's website to find out more about her and her books.
“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
*** Thank you to Donna @ Revell Publishing for providing my review copy. ***
turned out to be a lot better, in my opinion. It held my interest much more, and moved right along.
We meet Priscilla Morton as she is travelling with her parents to attend her brother-in-law, Clay Canfield's, wedding. An unfortunate tragedy, along the way, changes Priscilla's life forever, and also gives her a debilitating fear of men. She is completely terrified for any man touch her, or even get too close to her. Her new sister-in-law, Sarah, and Sarah's little sister, Thea, play an important role in helping Priscilla get her life back in order.
Zachary Webster was first introduced to us as a friend to Clay Canfield's father in Paper Roses. He has taken over as foreman at the Bar C, the Canfield ranch, and become like a brother to Clay. Once Priscilla arrives, and Zach realizes that she is absolutely terrified of him, he starts making plans to leave the ranch, and head back to his childhood home to try and make amends for mistakes he made in his past.
Through the grace of God, and the help of close friends and family, Zach and Priscilla slowly begin to form a lasting relationship. I really enjoyed getting to know Priscilla and Zach, and finding out how their story played out. My favorite character from both books is Thea, Sarah's five year old sister. She is a real hoot!
If you haven't read either of these books, I recommend that you read them in order, since Scattered Petals pretty much takes up where Paper Roses left off. Be sure to visit Amanda Cabot's website to find out more about her and her books.
“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
*** Thank you to Donna @ Revell Publishing for providing my review copy. ***
June 12, 2010
The back cover summary:
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston
in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never
dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have
heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her,
the ranch foreman, Zachary Webster knows Priscilla
deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman , not a
cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes.
When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and
Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But
then the past intrudes.
History comes alive in Scattered Petals, Amanda Cabot’s second book in the Texas Dreams series. It is apparent that Ms. Cabot did extensive research to make this historical romance period-related. And she succeeded. You are transposed to the year 1856 and you can visualize the beautiful hill country of Texas. You are there on the ranches and in the small towns.
Characters come alive in Scattered Petals. There is such a great depth of emotion, tragedy and pain, but also happiness and joy that you come to know these people as well as you know your own family.
Faith comes alive in Scattered Petals. Through the tragedy and pain comes questions and doubt. But faith in God overcomes all. Isn’t that a lesson we need to learn, sometimes?
I was so “into” the story line and characters, that I truly hated to see the end of the book! I plan to order Paper Roses, the first book of the Texas Dream Series, and I’ll be sure to watch for the third book of the series.
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston
in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never
dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have
heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her,
the ranch foreman, Zachary Webster knows Priscilla
deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman , not a
cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes.
When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and
Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But
then the past intrudes.
History comes alive in Scattered Petals, Amanda Cabot’s second book in the Texas Dreams series. It is apparent that Ms. Cabot did extensive research to make this historical romance period-related. And she succeeded. You are transposed to the year 1856 and you can visualize the beautiful hill country of Texas. You are there on the ranches and in the small towns.
Characters come alive in Scattered Petals. There is such a great depth of emotion, tragedy and pain, but also happiness and joy that you come to know these people as well as you know your own family.
Faith comes alive in Scattered Petals. Through the tragedy and pain comes questions and doubt. But faith in God overcomes all. Isn’t that a lesson we need to learn, sometimes?
I was so “into” the story line and characters, that I truly hated to see the end of the book! I plan to order Paper Roses, the first book of the Texas Dream Series, and I’ll be sure to watch for the third book of the series.
May 31, 2017
What a beautiful cover this book has, and an appropriate one at that with beauty and sadness of expression. Scattered Petals is the sequel and second book in a trilogy starting with Paper Roses, yet could easily be appreciated on it's own merit as a stand alone. Bringing together two very different yet painful pasts God uses different characters to allow healing and hope for a future. This story gives a great deal of visual insight into the mind of a madman as well as a hint of depression and pain. Through out the pages healing is found in ways unexpected and love and happiness is entirely possible.
This is a truly heart rending novel and every page fills you with the good and bad of life, all encompassing the will of God through out and especially in the end. I do recommend it. I look forward for the end of the trilogy in the spring of 2011 as well as other titles from author Amanda Cabot to come.
*Thanks to Donna Hausler of Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
This is a truly heart rending novel and every page fills you with the good and bad of life, all encompassing the will of God through out and especially in the end. I do recommend it. I look forward for the end of the trilogy in the spring of 2011 as well as other titles from author Amanda Cabot to come.
*Thanks to Donna Hausler of Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
January 14, 2017
Again a frustratingly frivolous Christian historical romance. Frustrating because the way it was written you didn't think the main character had been raped until she finds out she's pregnant. I found myself skimming through the pages as I couldn't find myself caring for any of the characters. As usual it's all sunshine and roses in the end.
November 20, 2020
The Petals of Zach Webster and Priscilla Morton Life
This Story was a "painful" one to read. I couldn't put it down, but the often larger than needed words and the deaths of the Mortan's, causing Jean-Michal to become a murderer was hard. I also know that reality can be tough to handle and in writing this story it had to be painful for you at times. I enjoyed the story of love tough journey and ending with a strong lasting love for Zach and Priscilla. So, glad Margaret, Paul and Hank had a happy life, they were no more than children at fifteen, but God always had a plan. You're brave woman willing to share the reality of life with us, as a writer. We have to, sad as it maybe to accept this is part of our lives journey where bad things happen! Thanks for sharing on to number three!
This Story was a "painful" one to read. I couldn't put it down, but the often larger than needed words and the deaths of the Mortan's, causing Jean-Michal to become a murderer was hard. I also know that reality can be tough to handle and in writing this story it had to be painful for you at times. I enjoyed the story of love tough journey and ending with a strong lasting love for Zach and Priscilla. So, glad Margaret, Paul and Hank had a happy life, they were no more than children at fifteen, but God always had a plan. You're brave woman willing to share the reality of life with us, as a writer. We have to, sad as it maybe to accept this is part of our lives journey where bad things happen! Thanks for sharing on to number three!
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May 27, 2024I have extremely mixed feelings about this book, but the author’s note at the back helped a little. I’m always very cautious and mildly worried when I come to books that have sexual violence, specifically rape, in them, especially when it comes to Christian novels. Honestly, I almost didn’t read this book because of it. I also didn’t know how to feel when Cabot “resolved” the situation with a miscarriage. I’ve thankfully never been in that position so I don’t know what the healing process would look like spiritually/emotionally/mentally but I do appreciate how Cilla and Zach both had moments where they realized they needed healing & scripture and prayer helped them.
I really, really loved the way the title came into play during the story. How special scattered petals seem now!
I really, really loved the way the title came into play during the story. How special scattered petals seem now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2018
The second book in the series as as good as the first. Each of these books standalone, which of course means that you don’t need to read them in order. I enjoyed getting to know Priscilla. She’s a very strong person and what she went through was difficult regardless of the circumstances. I also like Jack of course I liked him in the last book as well. The story float along very nicely and had a lot of nice features to it. I specially liked the backstory of the French and German settlers of Laudreville. The various side stories were also very interesting and I enjoyed them very much. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the trilogy.
September 4, 2020
I loved reading Priscilla and Zach’s story! Not that their lives were always great or pretty, but Amanda Cabot did an amazing job of writing complex characters who were pretty amazing and had to go through some horrific things. But not only were they well written and they had some interesting stories, there were other character’s stories that I found just as interesting and well timed. I usually can barely tolerate, if I like it at all, stories that are told from three or more (but I especially hate more) perspectives. This has been one of the only exceptions. The addition storylines didn’t take away from the main story being told, and were perfectly timed. I really enjoyed this book.
June 28, 2019
Continuing from the first book Paper Roses, the former in laws of Clay are coming from the east for his wedding. Priscilla was wanting adventure, that before the trip ended , turned to tragic nightmare for her. The lone survivor when the Texas Ranger Saved her, and brought her to Clays homestead.
Would she stay and make her this home now, with the events she didn’t think how she could ever marry. Good continuing story of that time period. The tension between the German and the French was still very evident, As was the vibrant of the people coming to the west.
Would she stay and make her this home now, with the events she didn’t think how she could ever marry. Good continuing story of that time period. The tension between the German and the French was still very evident, As was the vibrant of the people coming to the west.
January 20, 2022
This was my favorite novel of the Christian historical romance Texas Dreams trilogy by Cabot. It was intensely moving seeing Priscilla conquer her fears and overcome her painful and tragic past. I loved Zach's patience with her and his honorable decision to marry her in order to protect her from harm. The overall portrayal of Priscilla's journey was pretty realistic without being too gritty. They were a perfect couple and the book leaves us with a sense that their relationship will only strengthen with time and more healing.
September 21, 2017
I can not get enough of Amanda Cabot's novels. They are wonderful, clean, romantic, westerns that touch the heart. She is a new author to me so I have just read a few of her stories. Believe me I can't wait to read more. She captures you within the first paragraph and does not let you go until you are closing the book. And maybe even then. I would recommend if you have not tried Amanda Cabot's books, you are missing out.
November 23, 2021
This book was so beautiful!
I loved Priscilla's journey of faith and learning to trust God even through the terrible things that happened to her. Zach was the sweetest hero, so kind and patient, letting Priscilla set the pace for their relationship, waiting for her to make the needed changes in her heart and mindset before they could truly become a couple.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is multiple depictions of violence in this book!!!
I loved Priscilla's journey of faith and learning to trust God even through the terrible things that happened to her. Zach was the sweetest hero, so kind and patient, letting Priscilla set the pace for their relationship, waiting for her to make the needed changes in her heart and mindset before they could truly become a couple.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is multiple depictions of violence in this book!!!
October 25, 2020
Zack was haunted by dreams of the war with Mexico. Priscilla is Clay's sister-in-law and here parents are killed by outlaws and she is raped. These 2 hurting people have struggles to solve in their own lives and still try and help friends that are hurting. I love this trilogy. If you enjoy historical fiction this is a good series.
November 18, 2021
It was so good. Amanda pulls you in from the very beginning. The twists and turns. The uncertainty but also the healing. It is full of heartbreak and love. Best thing is you get to still stay with the story of Sarah and Clay (Paper Roses). Well written and well thought out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
Starting off with a rape was a little graphic for my tastes, topped with the tragedy of miscarriage. I felt the spiritual aspects didn't ring true (flet stilted). Allusions to marital act quite frequent, used veiled language.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book and found it dealt with quite heavy topics. I feel like I could understand the main character although I feel the ending with the bandits and Jean Michel was a little rushed and unsatisfying.
March 3, 2017
Great books.
You are a wonderful writer. Once you get start reading it's hard to put down. God is good all the time.
You are a wonderful writer. Once you get start reading it's hard to put down. God is good all the time.
August 10, 2017
I enjoyed this Christian fiction western romance and liked both Priscilla and Zach. They both had things in their past to overcome so they could move on with their lives. (Karen's review)
January 20, 2019
Entertainment at its finest!!!!! Now on to Texas Dreams #3.
August 31, 2019
Good read. Different story line.
April 17, 2020
More realistic than the previous 2 books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews