Book Review: With Autumn’s Return by Amanda Cabot

Elizabeth Harding opens her office in Cheyenne, Wyoming, believing the people there will be more receptive to a woman doctor than those back east. She soon discovers her error.

Jason Nordling is an attorney whose first big case has him doubting his judgment. Then he meets his new business neighbor and takes his frustration out on her. Even though he can’t accept her occupation, he can’t forget her.

As Elizabeth fights to establish her practice, she and Jason seek to prove a patient innocent of murder. 

With Autumn’s Return is the third book in Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds series. While I enjoyed the previous books, Summer of Promise and Waiting for Spring, in my opinion, this is the best in the series. The sweetness in the writing and the romance, and well-drawn characters make for a time of pleasant reading. 

Due to his background, Jason Nordling wants a wife whose focus is solely on her family, especially their children. Elizabeth Harding’s dream is to heal, to be a doctor for the rest of her life. She’s not given much thought to having a family. It doesn’t take long before their individual plans go awry.

Elizabeth has a thread of steel running through her that allows her to persevere in spite of discouragement by others. Jason is the perfect hero for her, willing to see and protect the woman despite believing she is not the one for him. Though a subplot involves a crime and a suspenseful climactic scene, the romance and the way the characters grow supply the main focus.

This is a two-fer with another romance that wraps up the story of Gwen from the second novel. But as I always find someone I want to know more about, I wouldn’t mind reading the story of a pivotal character introduced in this book, Kevin Granger, a wise man with three adorable daughters. He deserves his own happily-ever-after. 

If you enjoy historical romance and characters you want to hug, I highly recommend With Autumn’s Return. The ending itself is worth the read.

Reading the story of Jason and Elizabeth reminded me of something I’ve learned in life. I’m great at making plans for my future, spouting what I know I don’t want and, like Jason, getting exactly that. Has that ever happened to you?

Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher, Revell, with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.