32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Twin Sisters Find Solace and Comfort in Each Other's Company, June 10, 2009
Twin sisters who didn't grow up together (and as different as night and day) find solace and comfort in each other's company, and are fast making up for lost time in Robin Lee Hatcher's delightful new novel.
Set in the early 1900s, in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, mid-20s paternal twins Guinevere and Cleo Arlington are as unalike as two siblings can be. Gwen, who grew up with their mother --- which meant culture, education, training and everything ladylike --- is the antithesis of Cleo, who was reared by their father and admits to being at home in her tomboy persona. As they get reacquainted with one another as adults, the sisters have a truly remarkable kinship that extends beyond mere blood ties.
At the beginning of the book, Gwen finds herself debating whether or not she has what it takes to become mayor of their small town. When the reprehensible current candidate runs over the rose bushes of a boarding house with his Torpedo Runabout, all because he decided to imbibe in the early morning hours, the sisters are mortified. Challenged by Cleo to run for mayor, Gwen gives the notion a second thought, and then a third. When their dad agrees with Cleo, Gwen tosses her hat into the ring and begins planning her campaign strategy. As a writer for the local paper, Gwen already knows how to be persuasive with words, and with a heart of gold she starts formulating all the good things she would accomplish for the townspeople.
Enter handsome bachelor Morgan McKinley, who is busy erecting the New Hope Health Spa, which will cater to the rich and the poor. Morgan himself decides to run for mayor and is shocked to meet his opponent, who is every bit his match. Trying mightily not to mix business with pleasure, Morgan succumbs to Gwen's genuine charms and asks her to begin teaching him to play the piano. In such close proximity, it is no wonder the two start to question each other on more than mere campaign policies.
In the midst of this burgeoning romance, an enemy is sabotaging Morgan's health spa, and an unwelcome suitor is wooing Gwen. Other forces in the town similarly attempt to weasel their way into the political arena through subterfuge and via out-and-out deception. Before the end of the book, both Gwen and Morgan find a path to understanding one another's motives, solidifying their life goals, and learn to trust each other despite having been hurt in the past.
Robin Lee Hatcher possesses a lovely ability to make her characters' emotions and passions for what they most care about come to life. With little pretense, she eases her readers into each fictional soul's heart and mind and gets them to see, hear and feel exactly as her characters do.
--- Reviewed by Michele Howe, author of STILL GOING IT ALONE: Mothering with Faith and Finesse, Single Parenting Columnist
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs books, August 22, 2009
Set in the early 1900's, in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, twins sisters Guinevere and Cleo are making up for lost time. Guinevere, or Gwen as her friends call her, grew up with her Mother surrounded by education, culture and training. Her twin sister Cleo grew up with their father and is a self acclaimed tomboy. Despite growing up apart they have a close relationship.
A Vote of Confidence begins with Cleo suggesting that Gwen should run for the upcoming Mayor election. The only contender so far is Mr. Hiram Tattersall who is known to frequent the bars at all times of the day. Only because of Gwen's love for her town, did she decide to throw her hat into the Mayor race.
What Gwen didn't count on was bachelor Mr. Morgan McKinley throwing his hat into the Mayor race also. Morgan McKinley is also busy building the New Hope Health Spa, in hopes of catering to the rich and poor. Morgan finds he is falling for Gwen's charms and persuades Gwen to give him piano lessons. In the midst of this budding romance someone is trying to sabotage Morgan's New Hope Health Spa. Both Morgan and Gwen find themselves questioning decisions they have made and had to learn to trust one another, despite past broken hearts.
Robin Lee Hatcher made these characters come alive. I found myself smiling while reading this book. It was a relaxing and enjoyable book. I look forward to more of The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs books.
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