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Her Surprise Sister (Texas Twins #1)

by Marta Perry (Goodreads Author)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 84 ratings · 23 reviews

Imagine her shock when Violet Colby discovers she has an identical twin sister she never knew existed. Why her family was torn apart remains a secret no one can answer—yet.Hoping to develop a sisterly bond, Violet invites her sophisticated city twin to the Colby Ranch in tiny Grasslands, Texas. But when her sister's former fiancé arrives with questions of his own, country...more

Paperback, Large Print, 288 pages

Published June 19th 2012 by Love Inspired

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Feb 03, 2013 Lexxie (un)Conventional Bookviews rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Romance / Christian romance readers

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2012

*I got a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

This and other reviews can be found on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews

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Aug 28, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-amanda

Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry was a delightful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a Love Inspired book, which I had no clue what that meant, but I thought what an interesting premise about twins and decided to try it. Without sounding preachy and in your face that God is the answer, it did show me that I am not that far off with my own approach to prayer and a God-filled life. The heroine in the story Violet Colby is a hard- working, church att...more Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry was a delightful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a Love Inspired book, which I had no clue what that meant, but I thought what an interesting premise about twins and decided to try it. Without sounding preachy and in your face that God is the answer, it did show me that I am not that far off with my own approach to prayer and a God-filled life. The heroine in the story Violet Colby is a hard- working, church attending person and has been dealt a horrible blow when her mother is in an accident and is now in a coma from a head injury. Her only sibling Jack feels guilty for causing the argument with their mother before the accident and is of little support to Violet. Violet doesn’t know what to do and has her fleeing home to go to Fort Worth. Just by happenstance she goes into a coffee shop and is mistaken for someone else. Landon thinks he’s seeing his ex-fiancé Maddie but now realizes that she is someone else entirely. Before Violet knows it that man makes a call and she is confronting her identical twin face to face.

How can you go from feeling all alone in the world to finding out you have a twin? Shock probably doesn’t begin to cover the emotions Violet must be feeling but she lets her heart go with it and wants Maddie in her life. There is a mystery to solve her on how and why these sisters were separated and the answers aren’t so easy to find. Violet’s Mom is in a coma and Maddie’s Dad is out of the country. Landon wants to help and he starts the ball rolling and gets an investigation started on finding answers for the girls. What he doesn’t count on or foreseeing is how entering into Violet’s life he has to confront some guilty feelings of his own and coming to terms with new feelings he has for Violet.

I surprised myself on how much I liked this story. I usually don’t go for cheesy everything falls into place stories, but this had a truly genuine believable approach how ordinary people live their lives. We all have doubts and regrets over past actions. We are all trying to deal or not deal with them in our own way. Marta Perry’s story just shows me that with a little faith in God, and in yourself to forgive, that sometimes we can move forward and put the past behind. Things don’t get wrapped up in a tiny little bow at the end of the story but it does end nicely to move onto the next story in the series. I plan to read the next one in the Texas Twin series to see how things work out for Violet and her twin Maddie.(less)

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Jul 24, 2012 Ausjenny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contempory

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

I ended up in hospital and am still slowly recovering and didn't read for around 10 days due to being to weak and tired. When I started back this is the book I choose. While It took awhile due to being so tired etc I did really enjoy this book more than one night I feel asleep holding the kindle. This is the first in a LI series of six books set in Texas called Texas Twins. In this book we see Violet find her twin sister she didn't know existed. Her mother...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Right from the start this book became a page turner, but I will have to read some more books for all the answers.
Violet Colby's Mom is in a coma after being injured in a horse ridding accident..she had just had a fight with her brother Jack. Her brother had wanted information about his Dad!!
We find Violet in Fort Worth TX...looking for information on their Dad. What happens could only be with God looking out for her...I can't even imagine. Putting myself in her place...after all those years...f...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry
Texas Twins Book 1
Violet Colby was minding her own business while sitting in a coffee shop when a man came up to her acting as if he knew her. One thing led to another and she soon was face to face with Maddie Wallace...a woman who looked identical to her. The two soon find out they are twins and the journey begins to find out what happened. Maddie’s dad is out of the country and can’t be reached and Violet’s mom is in a coma. Why the secrets and separation?

Land...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Violet Colby’s mother Belle goes into a coma after a horseback riding accident, Violet leaves their ranch in Grasslands, Texas for Fort Worth trying to find the biological father she has never met. Violet is in for the surprise of her life when she comes face to face with a young woman named Maddie Wallace who looks exactly like her! Adding to the shock of finding an identical twin sister she didn’t know she had, Violet has an immediate attraction to Maddie’s ex-fiancé Landon Derringer whic...more When Violet Colby’s mother Belle goes into a coma after a horseback riding accident, Violet leaves their ranch in Grasslands, Texas for Fort Worth trying to find the biological father she has never met. Violet is in for the surprise of her life when she comes face to face with a young woman named Maddie Wallace who looks exactly like her! Adding to the shock of finding an identical twin sister she didn’t know she had, Violet has an immediate attraction to Maddie’s ex-fiancé Landon Derringer which further complicates the fragile relationship she is forming with her newfound sister. Violet is worried about her mom and also wants to get to know Maddie and find out why their family was separated. Although Maddie and Landon share a mutual attraction, Landon isn’t sure he can fully trust Maddie’s motives and is determined to find out the truth, even if it puts his potential relationship with Maddie at risk.

“The normal rules don’t seem to apply when you find out something that changes everything you think about who you are.” Violet’s words get to the heart of this story. Imagine the surprise of not only finding out not only do you have a sister, but an identical twin. Violet is already distraught over her mother’s accident and now her whole life has changed. I love the premise of this story and the way it unfolds. Most of the story is seen from Violet’s point of view, but it is written in a way the reader connects with Maddie as well and relates to her sadness over finding her biological mother, but not knowing if Belle will ever be well enough to speak to her.

Violet, Maddie, and Landon are all very likeable characters, although the twins are almost too good to be true. Landon is realistically and understandably skeptical of Violet’s story, but after some initial suspicion, Maddie and Violet almost instantly bond. That is somewhat believable since they are twins, but their close friendship does seem somewhat rushed. It’s a bit predicable that Violet and Landon would have feelings for each other, but their story is still interesting and romantic. I’m not sure what to think about Violet and Maddie’s parents. It seems unbelievably cruel to keep siblings apart, but the full story behind the family’s separation isn’t revealed, so it’s not fair to make a judgment at this point in the overall story. The central mystery in the book is very intriguing, although most of the subplots are fairly predictable, but still entertaining.

"Her Surprise Sister" is the first book in Harlequin’s Texas Twins series. This first book is by the author, Marta Perry, but the subsequent books will be by different authors. I am a fan of Ms. Perry’s Amish romantic suspense stories, and I enjoyed this story as well. The book is a great combination of romance, inspiration, and intrigue. I like the way the characters’ faith is a part of their lives, and it is very natural and fitting to the storyline to see the characters praying, attending church services, or volunteering at a church youth center.

Fans of Hannah Alexander or Debbie Macomber will find this author to their liking. Just be aware that while a few things are resolved by the end of the book, many aspects of the story remain untold and presumably will be revealed in the remaining books in the series. Violet is the main character in this book, but the next installment will focus on Maddie. As long as you can stand the wait to get the answers to the central mystery of Violet and Maddie’s parents, this is an entertaining, well-written book.

This review was originally written for The Season EZine. (3.5 stars) The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Jun 19, 2012 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars Now I have to wait for the next book in the Texas Twins series. I hate to have to wait. The first book in the Texas Twins is Surprise Sister was a hit in my eyes. It has mysteries,romance,caring community, no sex scenes or swearing to make me cringe. Loved the characters and can not wait to meet the others brothers & see why it happens. It looks like thier are 5 books in the series by 5 different authors. Violet Colby's come to the big city of Fort Worth, Texas to see if she can find...more 5 Stars Now I have to wait for the next book in the Texas Twins series. I hate to have to wait. The first book in the Texas Twins is Surprise Sister was a hit in my eyes. It has mysteries,romance,caring community, no sex scenes or swearing to make me cringe. Loved the characters and can not wait to meet the others brothers & see why it happens. It looks like thier are 5 books in the series by 5 different authors. Violet Colby's come to the big city of Fort Worth, Texas to see if she can find who and where her father is. She stops first at a coffee shop she needs the caffine to help her think what to do next. Violet is sitting by the window looking out when A guy comes in and starts to talk to her in a rude way. Tells her that he still wants to marry her. She knew he was coming to her apartment in 5 minutes how come she is not home waiting for him. Violet thinks this guy is crazy and tries to leave and he grabs her by her arm. She has no idea who this guy is. Finally he realizes that she is not Violet and asks her to give him 5 min. to explain. Landon Derringer makes a call and tells who ever is on the phone that he might have the answer to the letter she got awhile ago. To come to the coffee shop right away to meet someone. Landon tells Violet to wait till Maggie comes. Maggie is still mad at Landon when she walks into the coffee shop and stares at Violet. Violet stares back at her in shock. Except for hair and clothes they are the exactly the same. They figure they are identical twins. Maggie dismisses Landon and invites Violet to her apartment to talk. Violet tells Maggie that her mom is in a hospital in a coma and she knew she was born in Fort Worth. Violet looking at a picture on the wall and asks who the younger guy is. Maggie tells her thats her big brother. Violet gets her phone out and shows a picture of her big brother Jackson. They are the same another set of identical twins. Maggie shows Violet her younger brother picture and wants to make sure that thier is not another twin. Maggie comes to the ranch with Violet so she can meet her brother and tomorrow go to the hospital and as least see her mom. Her older brother is a cop working undercover and can't be reached. Her father is a doctor helping in another country right away and is not reachable by cell but he will check emails when he can get to a different place that has service. Her younger brother is in the milatary over seas and just tells him to call when he can. Landon gets a P.I. he has worked for him to check the hospitals for twins born that day. He is upset that Maggie just took off with someone they just met an hour ago and follows her. He has promised his best friend and Maggie brother that he would watch over her when he is undercover. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley. 06/26/2012 PUB Harlequin Love Inspired (less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Hsiau Wei rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

This book is the 1st installation of the Texas Twins and is about Violet Colby who discovered that she have an identical sister, Maddie. Not only that, she also discover that her brother, Jake and Maddie's brother is also an identical and this means that her sisters has given birth to two pairs of identical twin. Violet wanted so much to know the truth behind the separation between them and the only person who can tell them is her mother who is in coma after an accident while their father is on...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Source: Publisher/Netgalley

First Thoughts
What first attracted me to this book was the multiples aspect. One because I’m fascinated by them! I could study the subject all-day! Plus since I’m an only child I tell myself I have a twin out there somewhere…haha. Second reason this story caught my eye was because it is based in Texas, where I’m born and raised: D but Imagine my surprise when I start reading the story and one sister lives in Ft. Worth, Texas. Where I was born!!! How cool is that?

My Th...more Source: Publisher/Netgalley

First Thoughts
What first attracted me to this book was the multiples aspect. One because I’m fascinated by them! I could study the subject all-day! Plus since I’m an only child I tell myself I have a twin out there somewhere…haha. Second reason this story caught my eye was because it is based in Texas, where I’m born and raised: D but Imagine my surprise when I start reading the story and one sister lives in Ft. Worth, Texas. Where I was born!!! How cool is that?

My Thoughts
This story is about two sets of twins that don’t know there’re twins. They basically live in separate worlds. But were so close to each other the entire time. Violet is the “Country girl” who was raised on a ranch with her mother and brother. After her mother is put into a coma from a serious horse riding accident she goes to search for her biologically father. Only to meet a guy that keeps calling her Maddie. Whom she soon discovers is her twin sister and the mysterious guy is Landon Derringer, her twin’s ex-fiancé. Soon after that discovery, they found out weren’t the only twins separated from each other, and now their life it surrounded around discovering the mysteries that have yet to unfold.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved watching Violet and Maddie’s relationship grow from random stranger that just happened to look like you, to friendship, to love, and accepted of being sisters. The Mystery also keep be intrigued the entire way through. From the very beginning I wanted to know what caused this family to split up, why was two sets of Identical twin separated. Plus not only was it a mystery it was also a romance, which I loved, because I love a good romance and this story delivered.

Overall this was a good story that I really adored! It had mystery, romance; it was a fun and easy read. It was also Book 1 in the series so I look forward to the rest of the series.

Characters: 5/5
Writing/error: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Would I recommend it: Yes!(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Lindsey Z. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-reviewed

‘Her Surprise Sister’ by Marta Perry

Series: Yes, ‘Love Inspired –Texas Twins-‘ Read in order. Book #1.

Scripture: Psalms 8:3-4 in the beginning of the book; Violet prays; Pastor Jeb talks about the ‘Prodigal Son’ (Luke 15).

Violet Colby
Landon Derringer
216 pages
P.O.V. switches between Violet & Landon

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Texas is my state! I have nothing bad to say about this book, it was a good Christian book. 
(I’ve never heard the name ‘Landon’ before- I like it! )...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: grace-lcms-church-library, christian-romance, marta-perry, love-inspired, westerns, christian-fiction, paperback

Intriguing story of twins separated when they were too young to remember. Rancher Violet Colby has just met her newly found twin sister Maddie Wallace, and can't ask Mom about it because Mom is in a coma. But should she let Maddie's former fianace' Landon Derringer help her family, even though he is so eager to do so? And why are the other family members so hard to reach when life is bringing more questions than answers? How will Violet's faith in God and her newly developed bond with Her Surpri...more

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Oct 22, 2012 IrenesChristianReviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story is about girl twins Violet and Maddie who do not know about each other until they meet at a restaurant. Seeing another person who looks just like you can be disconcerting. How they react and how their lives change after is the whole of this book. There is mystery, deception and romance throughout the story.

I gave this book 4/5 stars. I liked the concept of the story but felt it did not live up to my expectations. I did think the author did a good job at the conversations. They really...more

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Jun 21, 2012 April Suter rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Violet's search for her father she finds a twin sister. Landon,two girls Maddie's friend, helps the new sisters find some information about their family and seems to enoy Violet's company. The girls help with the church's teen program as they learn more about each other and wait for their mother to wake up from her coma.

Will wait "patiently" for the next book in this Texas Twins series.
216 pages

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Jun 23, 2012 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Check out my review and two teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/made-grade-texas-twins-series-book-1.html

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Aug 23, 2012 Rachel Sides rated it 5 of 5 stars

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry is the first title in Harlequin's Love Inspired series Texas Twins. It is an interesting premise for a series and Marta Perry tells a good story.

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Jul 25, 2012 June rated it 5 of 5 stars

Based on the authors involved, this is going to be an amazing series. I love Marta Perry's stories so this first book was very enjoyable for me. What a way to turn someones world upside down, by telling them they have a twin. But not only do they have a twin, their brother also has a twin. It will be interesting to find out all the details of how this came about. Looking forward to next months installment. One good thing about the continuity series, we only have to wait one month for the next in...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Read this book in 2 nights if that doesn't tell you how good it is i don't know what will... Also comes with 5 other books

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Jul 01, 2012 Harlequin Books added it

Shelves: largeprint, 2012

Miniseries: Texas Twins
Category: Inspirational Romance

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Jul 01, 2012 Harlequin Books added it · review of another edition

Shelves: love_inspired, 2012

Miniseries: Texas Twins
Category: Inspirational Romance

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Sep 19, 2012 Heather Ruppel tibbs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book 1 of a series, very cute storyline

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Dec 08, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Good book! Different storyline! Can't wait for the next one

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Oct 17, 2012 Gina Hott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, christian, contemp-romance, ebook, galley-arc

Great!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

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Jun 08, 2012 Carole rated it 5 of 5 stars

An interesting mystery as to why parents of two sets of twins each take one child of both pairs of twins and lead separate lives, even going so far as to change identities so thoroughly that you can't find out the original identity. Suggests witness protection program doesn't it? Can't wait for the next book. Good read and definitely a page turner.

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May 22, 2013 Sonja Reimann rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Marta Perry

Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.

Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania v...more

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Hide In Plain Sight (The Three Sisters Inn, #1)

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Her Surprise Sister (Texas Twins #1)

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