Twice Loved (Belles of Timber Creek, Book 1) [Paperback]

Lori Copeland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2008

Willow Madison and her friends Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas towns until the Yankees rode in and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.

Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this first installment of a new series, Copeland captures the heart and soul of the West during the 1800s. It’s a tale of good versus bad, with strong faith values included.” (Romantic Times BOOKclub )

From the Back Cover

Texas, 1865 Willow Madison and her friends, Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas communities until the Yankees rode into the area and burned them out. Survivors banded together and fought to keep what remained of their homes until word that the war was over reached the people. Now penniless, Willow vows to care for Copper and Audrey. and her ailing uncle, even it means marrying a man thirty years her senior, wealthy Silas Sterling. If only handsome saw mill owner, Tucker Gray wouldn't get in her way with his impossibly superlative looks and headstrong manner! Despite her friend's pleas that Willow not give up her chance at happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those she loves. Will willow be able to discern what God wants from her? A life of duty and commitment or one of everlasting love? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Avon Inspire (July 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061364916
• ISBN-13: 978-0061364914
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My husband and I live in the beautiful Ozarks. Our three sons, Randy, Rick and Russ live nearby so we get to enjoy our five grandchildren on a weekly basis. James, Joe, Josh, Gage and Audrey. Naturally I dote on the grandchildren! We also enjoy our many friends from our church and RV club.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars entertaining Post Civil War Texas romance, August 3, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twice Loved (Belles of Timber Creek, Book 1) (Paperback)

In 1865 Texas the three friends, Willow Madison, Copper Wilson and Audrey Pride all taught school until the Civil War entered Thunder Ridge and the surrounding towns; the Northern army destroyed everything in its march to crush the south.

When the war ended, this section of Texas has become home to poverty. A desperate Madison's ailing Uncle Wallace begs her to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, thirty years her senior, who might have a reason to invest in rebuilding the demolished town. She reluctantly agrees although she feels no attraction to him. Making matters more complex and difficult for Madison is sawmill owner Tucker Gray who she wishes was her suitor, but he holds her culpable for the fire that destroyed his mill.

TWICE LOVED is an entertaining Post Civil War Texas romance starring a courageous heroine willing to sacrifice her desires to help her family, friends, and neighbors in need. When she realizes her heart wants Tucker while her head says Silas, Willow prays to God to guide her as she believes she is giving up her integrity by marrying Silas. The rest of the cast is solid as Silas hopes his fiancée will learn to love him one day; Tucker wants her, but has issues with her; her two teacher friends beg her not to sacrifice herself; finally there is fascinatingly deep yet ironically shallow Uncle Wallace who disguises his real reason for his niece to wed Silas behind his altruism. Americana fans will relish the first Belles of Timber Creek saga with Audrey and Copper to follow.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Avon Inspire delivers another winner, August 24, 2008

By 

Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Twice Loved (Belles of Timber Creek, Book 1) (Paperback)

Lori Copeland's book are always enjoyable so I was looking forward to reading her newest historical fiction addition. The premise of women having to fight in the Civil War was quite interesting. They did it out of necessity and no one looks down on them for fighting for survival. It gives a stark contrast to the wealthy women back east who have been enjoying a life of luxury even during the war. Willow and Tucker get off to a bad start right from the beginning and the whole novel shows their rocky relationship. It's interesting to see their chemistry evolve throughout the whole novel. Equally interesting is Willow's relationship with the man she is supposed to marry and the difference in how she treats him vs Tucker.

While I enjoyed this book very much, there were several points I found not to my liking. One, the reason of why the kerosene was in Willow's possession is never fully explained or to the very least she doesn't seem to realize that this was the cause for the fire. Second, Willow would act in the very way that I hate seeing females act in romances. She finds herself tongue tied around Tucker and cannot stand up for herself along him to bulldoze himself over her. After reading so many books with strong females, I just can't stand to see women who let men run over them and then find themselves falling in love with the same man. Otherwise I did enjoy reading this historical novel very much. I am looking forward to the next book in the series as we hopefully will hear about Willow's friends Copper and Audrey. I also am very impressed with the new Avon Inspire line. Every book that has been published so far has been a winner.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great one from Avon Inspire, August 21, 2008

By 

Margaret Chind "Creative Madness Mama - Quilt... (Atoka, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twice Loved (Belles of Timber Creek, Book 1) (Paperback)

As I have said before, I will now say again, I love Avon Inspire, and imprint of HarperCollins. And I absolutely love the covers of their books, not one book has been a disappointment to me yet! The only problem I did have with this cover, (it's beautiful don't get me wrong) the character is described with strawberry blonde hair??? How do I envision her with strawberry blonde, when the cover is very clearly toward an ebony? hmmm... Oh well, discrepancy aside, this is a delightful story.

In my opinion the tale of Willow Madison is right up there with the likes of Tamera Alexander, Tracey Bateman, and Tracie Peterson. Just wonderful and a great read. There were a few sections that seemed to jump in the characters growing, but it flowed well enough and I loved it.