An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey Review

 

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey is the third book in the author's Adventurous Hearts series. 

This book focuses on Leonora who is in charge of a co-ed exploration club. In the day and age that the book takes place women were not allowed in the prestigious, all-male Explorer club, but she's been interested in archeology and exploring since she was a child due to her father's involvement. 

She longs for an adventure of her own, but doesn't think she has it in her to lead an expedition. Two different things happen and an opportunity opens up to her and the members of her club. But can they trust the archeologist who is offering them this chance?

Marcus, the other character who's point of view we follow, doesn't think they can trust this archeologist. There's just something about him that reminds Marcus of someone in his past. But he is determined to make sure Leonora is safe.

In this story we follow the members of the Exploration Society as they get ready for an expedition and eventually set out. We see their struggles. We see them strengthening their trust in God. We see Leonora and Marcus struggle with their relationship. A relationship that has been firmly in the "friend" department since they were youngsters. As we read the story from both of their points of view we know what their feelings are for each other, but we also see their doubts and lack of confidence, exacerbated by secrets they are keeping from each other.  Lots of confusion. Lots of me wanting to shake some sense into them at times. 

I enjoyed seeing Leonora and Marcus's relationship evolve. And seeing the characters learn to trust God. 

I will say, this book didn't quite grip me like the first two books in the series. It definitely took me longer to read this one. Towards the end there were some twists that gripped me more. But I was also sort of disappointed this book didn't quite go the direction I thought it was going to go. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.