Ready to leave town and start her life as a doctor-in-training, Louisa Vaughn finds herself stuck in Sweetwater Crossing saving a handsome stranger’s life. Little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life.
Welcome to Novel PASTimes! We are pleased you stopped by today.
Thanks so much for inviting me. I’m delighted to be chatting with you.
Tell us something about where you live.
You would ask about that, wouldn’t you? Until last year I would have told you that my life in Sweetwater Crossing was just about perfect. Even though Doc Sheridan scoffed at my plans to become a doctor, life in that small Texas Hill Country town was pretty good. But when my parents died and my oldest sister decided to turn our home into a boarding house, I knew it was time to leave.
Going to Cimarron Creek was the best thing I’ve ever done. Not only were there no misguided sisters, but – more importantly – everyone took my dreams seriously. I learned so much from the town’s doctor and midwife, and the residents trusted me with their care. After hearing that, you won’t be surprised when I say that I never planned to return to Sweetwater Crossing, but you know what they say about the best laid plans. Yes, I’m back … for at least six weeks.
Do you have an occupation? What do you like or dislike about your work?
I’d like to say that I’m a doctor, but the truth is, I’m not a doctor … yet. I’m a fully qualified midwife, but I still need more training to be considered a physician. That’s one of the reasons I wish I were still in Cimarron Creek. I was getting the training I needed there. Now that I’m back in Sweetwater Crossing, I’m doing the best I can by reading the books in Doc Sheridan’s office. Oh, why did I call it that? It’s MY office now.
Whether you call me a doctor or not, I LOVE being a healer. There’s such joy in helping women bring new life into this world and in being able to set a man’s badly broken leg.
Who are the special people in your life?
My family, of course. Even though my sisters annoy me at times, they’re still very dear to me. And then there’s the man I found lying on the side of the road, his leg so badly broken that – even though I wouldn’t admit it to him – I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to set it properly. Josh is unlike any man I’ve ever met. He’s urbane and dedicated, but what intrigues me the most is what he doesn’t say. I know there are secrets behind that smile, and I for one want to discover what they are.
What is your heart’s deepest desire?
A month ago, I would have told you that it was for Sweetwater Crossing’s residents to respect me as a healer. That’s still true, but now I have a second wish that’s as strong as the first one. I want Josh to have the future he’s dreamed of. I know winning his grandfather’s challenge is a key to that, but something tells me there’s more. I wish I knew what it was.
What are you most afraid of?
I don’t like snakes. To be perfectly honest, I’m afraid of them, but what terrifies me are bees. My first bee sting was one I’ll never forget, and Doc warned me that another one could kill me. That’s why I avoid getting anywhere near bees. I can’t take chances with my life, not when I’m the only healer Sweetwater Crossing has.
What do you expect the future will hold for you?
Oh, I wish I could predict it, but of course I can’t. What I know is that each day is a gift to treasure and that whatever the future brings, there’ll be something good in every day.
Thanks for allowing us to get know you a little better!
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of After the Shadows, as
well as several historical and contemporary romance series,
including Mesquite Springs, Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Texas
Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds. Her books have
been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion,
and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.
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