When I think of Christian romance, I think of Janette Oke writing about those early pioneers crossing seas of grass in canvas covered wagons, of finding love in unexpected places (isn’t it always unexpected?), of a handsome Canadian Mountie riding off with his bride. And I loved it, right from the age of twelve, when my best friend loaned me “Love Comes Softly,” right up until I went to college and became too busy to read for pleasure.
Plus, I had a real-life romance with the skinny, shaggy-haired guy who would one day be my husband. So, it’s been a fun diversion to delve back into a genre that isn’t on my regular reading list. Ah, romance! After eighteen years of marriage, I’ll take it in whatever form it comes!
This month, it came in the form of Mona Hodgson’s novel “Twice a Bride,” the fourth in a series just released by Waterbrook Press. Having not read the preceding books, it was a bit like stepping into the middle of a family reunion and trying to remember who was who. How many sisters? Who is married to whom? Who’s pregnant? Who just had a baby? And who is the cute photographer standing in the corner?
Whether or not you’ve read her previous books, Hodgson does a good job orienting the reader to the small town of Cripple Creek, somewhere outside of Denver, during the gold-digging days of 1898. The novel centers around the life of Willow Peterson, a young widow, who takes a job as a portrait painter for photographer Trenton Van Der Veer. And yes, romance blossoms despite past wounds and ongoing misunderstandings. A rival swoops in to compete for Trenton’s affections while the lively Sinclair sisters seek to mend a relationship with their father, who pursues a relationship of his own.
Hodgson, who also writes for children, weaves multiple story lines together as she deals with themes of love, loss, and faith in this well-paced novel exploring the lives of working Turn-of-the-Century women. If you can, start with book one. But for a chance to win a copy of “Twice a Bride” post a comment on my web page anytime before the end of the month. I’ll be drawing the name of one lucking writer or subscriber on October 31st, so get ready for a Hallows Eve treat!
A free review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
Hi, Meadow Rue! Thanks for great review, and for letting me know about it. You asked what I was writing now that the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series is done. Well, given your introduction to the review, you might just love this…The Quilted Heart, three novellas set in Saint Charles, Missouri, introduces readers to Elsa Brantenberg’s Quilting Circle and serves as the prequel to a Wagon Train Series. :)
Thanks, Mona. I love quilting! I look forward to hearing about more of your work. What an inspiration!
I would love to win a copy of Mona Hodgson’s new book………’Twice A Bride’…love Mona’s style of writing such warm, captivating stories…that stay with you long after you have finished her books.
Thanks!
Hi, Linda! Thanks for joining me here. You are a sweet fan! Hugs and blessings! Mona
would love to win.
Thanks, I’ll let you know!
Hi Angela! I so appreciate your interest in my Sinclair Sisters. Would love for you to read Twice a Bride. Blessings! Mona
I would very much love to win a copy of this books, thanks for the chance
Thanks, I’ll let you know if you win!
Hi, Shirley! Gotta love avid readers. Thanks and blessings, Mona
I’ve not had the pleasure of reading Mona’s books yet – but would LOVE to!! Please enter me for the drawing. :)
Hi Tami! Great to meet you here. Oh, I can’t wait for you to meet the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek. Happy Reading! Mona
Nice Review! Would love a copy of this book!
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Hi Amy, Thanks for joining me here. Blessings! Mona
I would love win the book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Nice to see so many fans!
Hi Kathy,
I so appreciate your interest in my Sinclair Sisters books.
Thanks and blessings,
Mona
Would love to win this book! I’ve read Too Rich for a Bride and really liked it!
Hi Marissa! So glad to hear you’re enjoying the Sinclair Sisters. Happy Reading! Mona
I LOVE Janet Oke! So if Mona writes anything like her, I know I’ll love it too! Thanks for giving me a chance to discover a new author!
Me too, Robin! Thanks for joining the conversation.
Hi Robin! I’m excited for you to meet my Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek. Happy Reading! Mona
i have never had the chance to read one of her books but i would love to do so.so please enter me in the contest.
Hi Emily! I would love for you to meet the Sinclair Sisters. Happy Reading!
This sounds like a wonderful Christian romance. I would like a chance to win a copy of Twice a Bride.
Hi Marilyn! Great to meet you hear. I appreciate your interest in my historical fiction. Blessings!
I’ve read two of the Cripple Creek series and would love to win the TWICE A BRIDE book. The characters are well done; Mona Hodgson is a wonderful author, crafting her stories carefully.
Thanks, Kaye! I so appreciate my Sinclair Sisters fans. Can’t wait for you to read The Bride Wore Blue and Twice a Bride! Blessings!
I love this series! Please enter me into the drawing too! Thank you!!
Thanks, Ladies! Mona Hodgson sure has a lot of fans. This is the largest drawing I’ve had. I’m excited to put you all in, and will select a name at 5:00 p.m. EST on Oct. 31st. I will contact the winner by email and also announce it on my facebook page under “Meadow Rue Merrill.”
Hi Jennirfer, I’m so glad you’re enjoying hte Sinclair Sisters Series. Excited for you to read Twice a Bride. Blessings!
It’s gonna be a fun drawing tomorrow!
Yes, it is. Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Meadow Rue. It’s been fun connecting with your followers and introducing the Sinclair Sisters to a new audience. Blessings!
And the winner of Mona Hodgson’s “Twice a Bride” is: Tracy Wilkey! Congratulations, Tracy! Enjoy!
This sounds great! I love historical romances set in the west!
Hi Veronica! I appreciate your intereest in my western fiction. I’m excited for you to meet the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek. Blessings! Mona