First Line Fridays: The Crossing at Cypress Creek

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman:

"Caleb O'Shea jerked awake to utter stillness."

The Crossing at Cypress Creek releases June 4, 2019, and I recently reviewed it! Check out my review here.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

Book Review: The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

About the Book:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.


Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

My thoughts:

The Crossing At Cypress Creek is the third novel in Pam Hillman's Natchez Trace series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading the other installments first to fully appreciate the supporting characters and their backstories. As always, Pam Hillman offers a well-written story that immediately captured my attention and never dragged.

I loved Alanah. She was my favorite character in The Crossing At Cypress Creek and may be my favorite character in the entire series. As an herbalist, she forages for medicinal plants and has vast knowledge of their locations and properties. The combination of her intriguing profession, her unique personality, the enchanting setting, and the lurking danger created a captivating tale.

The love story between Alanah and Caleb was romantic and satisfying. The tender friendship coupled with Caleb's protectiveness grew into a beautiful, romantic love. Beyond being Alanah's romantic interest, Caleb is instrumental in God's healing work in Alanah's life. There are themes about allowing God to work out His will in one's life, men cherishing women and loving them well, and the potent impact of forgiveness.

I recommend The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman to readers of historical romance who enjoy a story with bits of humor, spiritual themes, and unique characters. Those who have enjoyed the other books in the series will want to complete it with this novel.

Read an excerpt from The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

April Recap and Expected May Reading!

April Reads:

Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In April I finished:

1. Knox by Susan May Warren.
2. Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander.
3. True to You by Becky Wade.
4. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton
5. Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard.
6. What If It's True? by Charles Martin.
7. The Memory House by Rachel Hauck.

Four to six books a month is what I can usually manage, but I squeezed in seven and that makes my book-loving heart happy. I can't pick a favorite of these. It's a tie between True to You, A Flight of Arrows, and The Memory House.

May Reads:

In May, I expect to read:

1. No More Christian Nice Girl by Paul Coughlin and Jennifer D. Degler - Rereading this book as my current season of life necessitates it.

2. Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli. - My local book club chose this as our May selection.

3. The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman - The third installment in her Natchez Trace series.

4. Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner - I heard so much about Bethany's debut novel, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, that I'm excited to read this one.

5. Inheritance by Dani Shapiro - Uncertain if this one will actually happen, but we'll see.

What will you read this month?