Twice Loved

Belles of Timber Creek #1

by Lori Copeland

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 a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Christian Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2008

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I just can't do it any more. I'm sick to death of the idea that just about every young person in town thinks marriage should not be considered unless you've fallen in love with someone, and marrying for any other reason is a terrible waste. I have really enjoyed some of this author's contemporary fiction, but her historical just leave me cold. And, for the record, arranged marriages have a significantly higher rate of couples staying together than modern American marriages based on the concept if romantic love. Honestly, I love romance and I fell head over heels with my husband before we said our vows, but I think it's truly unhealthy to believe romance is the sole basis for marriage.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable frontier-style Christain romance- loveless marriage to rich old guy or true passion with young, handsome, bullheaded guy.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Willow gets the note from her uncle suggesting she marry a very eligible bachelor Silas Sterling in his home town, she's reluctant but knows that if she does she can look after her best friends Audrey and Copper and provide for her uncle as well, who she knows is close to losing his house. She heads out for her uncle's with a wagon full of kerosene barrels to help the town. Right as she's pulling into town a loud clap of thunder spooks her horse and she loses control, nearly plowing into a cart parked in front of the newly built mill but instead taking a sharp turn that causes her wagon to break, spilling kerosene everywhere which soon ignites. For a town in the midst of a long drought, the mill quickly goes up in flame and only the diligence of the town keeps the whole town from disappearing. The owner of the mill Tucker swears it was her fault, and Willow knows that if he hadn't left the cart in the road like that nothing would have happened. When Tucker learns Willow moved here with the purpose of marrying Silas, he tries to dissuade her, since surely both Willow and Silas deserve to marry for love. But if Willow doesn't marry for convenience, then can she find someone to love?
Since I've already read the final book in the series, nothing was really a surprise in this story. The characters were well written but predictable and the historical aspect was interesting

[Cayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The potential is there, but it is not the best book I've ever read. I felt that the book was lacking in some areas, including character development. Yes, Willow is mule-headed and a bit of a spit-fire, but that's all. Tucker is the typical hard-headed male, but that's all. It's a very simple story of a rich man versus a poor man both desiring the same woman. We all know from the beginning who she's going to end up with, but I think the book was a bit disappointing in how Ms. Copeland led us through from the time she met Tucker to the time she agreed to marry him. I just think the book could have been better with stronger characters.

Would I continue the series? I'm not entirely sure. I'm interested in Audrey and Copper, but I want the sequels to be stronger than this one or it might not be worth reading.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was okay, but I knew from the first chapter how it would end. Though Silas Sterling was the perfect gentleman, Willow would marry for love rather than someone 30 years her senior. Willow did tell Tucker Gray that if she married Sterling, she would be a devoted wife. Love is a choice. If she had married Sterling, I do believe she could have grown to love him.

For some reason, this book was very predictable. I even knew before Willow's friends arrived that they would somehow end up with one of the cousins. (I figured it would probably happen in book 2 or 3, but then her friends showed up in this book, and it became obvious who they were going to marry even on that first visit.)

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman and a man who both fought during the Civil War find love on the Texas praire.

Enjoyed being with this author again. Willow and Tucker story was interesting. Willow came into Tucker town in a whirlwind of destruction. Which caused hurt feelings. Willow was very obstinate at the start of the story. But God and love changed her heart. Wallace her uncle was a man that thought he would get his way as far as his niece went. But God had different plans. I knew from the start Silas was to old for Willow. So happy that she and Tucker found love. Will see what happens with Copper, Audrey, Eli and Caleb in the rest of the series.

[Kirsten Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars, rounded down ✨ I didn’t hate it at all, but at the same time, there wasn’t much to it… there was some character development, enjoyable character dynamics, and a bit of humor, but there wasn’t much more for me personally. The writing was occasionally confusing, as the actions didn’t seem to happen in the right order and repeated things - there were some slightly problematic comments, but not much of a surprise considering the book’s setting. I still enjoyed the predictable, somewhat vanilla experience.

[Strawberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this series over all, however this was possibly the best story of the series. So if it's not romantic enough for you, don't expect either of the other books to be any better. I also thought that the author made Tucker's jealously obvious enough for Willow to acknowledge it.

[Paula Cisco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like other Lori Copeland books I've read but was not a fan of this one. It took me awhile to finish it, with a lot of stops and starts. I just struggled getting into it but was determined to finish and finally did. I am going to try the rest of the series and hope I like them better.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! This is another one on my long list of books that I have read multiple times. I love this series. That may also be because I like books of the historic west. 😁

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the interaction between the main characters, however there were a few things about this story that kinda bugged me enough that I only enjoyed about 3 stars worth. Hopefully these aren't spoilers but my problems include: Something about getting an organ all the way out to a remote town over bumps and hills just to have it completely shatter at the slightest drop? Everyone being ruined by the Civil War financially etc. but one man who was still wealthy as sin? Two friends paying a 3 days ride visit and practically finding potential soul mates at the drop of a hat? Always thunder and never rain... if you want rain ride the couple miles to the next town in apparently either direction? Women destroying the town piece by piece because of spooked horses?... Oh any why is the series called Belles of Timber Creek? None of the story happening presently, actually takes place there. Twice Loved? How? Just because she has to ultimately make a decision between two men? *shrugs*

Again, the overall premise was good and the character interactions I liked, just some of the plot felt perhaps a bit loopy and unbelievable.

[Lyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this book. I didnt feel that any of the characters were true to their time period. I dont understand why every period piece seems to think that the only women worth writing about are firey, feisty women, with a soft side. The bible does not say that you must marry for love or that if you choose the "wrong" person God wont support your choice. What it DOES say is that if you are faithful to God and follow His word, He will bless your marriage. You cant choose wrong. I felt like this book really sent the wrong message. And please, her rejected suitor just decides to pay an outrageous sum out of the goodness of his heart? Totally unrealistic,not to mention it cheapens her choice. Life isnt that easy- she ended up making no sacrifices, having no struggles or challenges.

And i dont think 49 is that old. Its certainly not decrepit, with old achey bones, baldness and indigestion.

Also, why bother to read the following books? The author made it perfectly clear who ends up with whom. And based on this, i would imagine there wont be any character development.

[Stephany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! It was historical fiction and I haven't read Christian historical fiction in a very long time. Yes, it was completely predictable and yes, I could see the ending coming before even opening the book, but I expected that from a book like this! It's comforting. :)

The book involved a girl of 19 named Willow Madison. She had fought in the war on her homefront and was now moving to Thunder Ridge, Texas to live with her uncle and to marry a wealthy man named Silas. Upon arriving, she ends up getting into a major accident and blowing up the sawmill that had JUST been completed. From this, Willow is introduced to the sawmill owner, Tucker Gray who is not too keen on Willow, especially seeing she is marrying a man for his money.

There were Christian themes throughout the book and I really fell in love with Willow and Tucker, with how headstrong and stubborn they both were. I am really interested to see how the next two books involving Willow's friends back home turn out!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Lori Copeland book. I found it to be a pleasant read. It started off pretty exciting but towards the middle it got kinda slow. Then it picked up again and got quite humorous. I found it to be rather predictable. I've also never heard of a place that got violent thunder & lightning but no rain. Of course that doesn't mean a place like that doesn't exist but I couldn't understand why these people wouldn't just move to another town. It tells of a town not more than an hour away that has plenty of water. Also the hero & heroine spent half the book hating each other. I would have liked them to at least be attracted to each other earlier and more obviously. I enjoyed the humorous bantering between them very much. There are many books by this author that I find appealing and have added to my TBR list.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Colletta Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book and the 3rd book of the series on my TBR shelf for quite a while. I don't know why I didn't pick it up to read sooner because I really liked it. In fact, I already order the second book so I can read rest of the series in order.

I found Thunder Ridge to be quite charming. A town where it constantly thunders and lightnings but never rains. Well, almost never :)

The book started with a bang and ended with a bang. I can't wait to read more!

You can read my full review at:

http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot....

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lori Copeland's books. Why I let this series sit on my shelf so long I do not know. Willow Madison and her friends Copper and Audrey fought together to save their small Texas town, Timber Creek, from the Yankees. Now that the war is over, her Uncle Wallace sends for her wanting her to marry a wealthy man in Thunder Ridge. She makes a memorable entrance to the town, and immediately locks horns with Tucker Gray, the owner of the sawmill she's just burned down. She wants to marry a rich man so she can take care of her ailing uncle and her 2 friends. Will she listen to her head, or give in to her heart?

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that you always get from this author is light, easy to read books. I enjoyed the book from that perspective but I thought that the ending was a bit rushed. I realize that there will be a second and third book and we'll get to see the characters again with the focus being on a different main character. If you want an easy read with some good Christian morals I would recommend this book.

[Fv · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you can be happy reading this, the first of the series only, the feel free to read this, it is a well written start to the series. Books two and three are books that are written, just to call them written and make a deadline, in my opinion.

That is the only reason I cannot recommend book one, two and three are bitter pills to swallow if you expect good writing that usually comes with Ms. Copeland's books
.

[Diane Sugars · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lori Copeland has quickly become one of my favorite authors!! Twice Loved is a wonderful story that just takes you away from the hectic world that we live in today! This book is the first in a series of 3 and I cannot wait to start book number 2! I don't want to say too much about the synopsis of this story, because I don't want to give anything away, but it is a great story with a great ending!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying I really like some of we other books so when I started this one, I was really disappointed by how two dimensional, badly written, and flat the characters and the story was. It frequently did not make sense and I had a hard time following what was going on. I think 2 stars is generous considering I almost didn't finish it

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Loved is another wonderful historical fiction by Lori Copeland. This quick read was full of conflict and problems that kept the story interesting. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

[Kristelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the books that when you read it you wish there was more to it. The plot line was pretty predictable but I would have enjoyed more details about the characters and events that lead up to the ending. I am excited to read the next book and to see where the story goes.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Lori Copeland but this is definitely not her best work. I didn't connect with any of the characters and to me, it was borderline boring. I usually love her work, but this was not her best effort.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was a good one, but oh boy did this one drag for me. I just couldn't get into it. At several points I thought "who cares?" It seldom takes me long to finish a book, but I found this one was easy to put down.

[Mrspam4ever · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully written book! The characters were so vibrant & a few times I laughed out loud at the situations they got into! So like meal life you could almost see yourself in the town and hear the thunder:)

[Marcia Shaddox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Lori Copeland. Loved the Men of the Saddle series but with this book it was hard to stay interested. The first 200 pages was very slow but improved later. I'm getting ready to read Three Times Blessed hopefully much more entertaining.

[Patricia Hullett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Christian romances and this was a very good historical story just after the civil war. The characters are strong women (with a soft side) that had to fight during the war to protect themselves and their town. I enjoyed this and looking forward to the next book of this series.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical. Book #1 in Belles of Timber Creek series.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed other books from Lori Copeland better than this new one. It still was cute but a little slow.