Monday, April 22, 2013

MONA HODGSON
AUTHOR OF
THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK





BOOK FOUR






ABOUT THE BOOK.......


Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever.
Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows?

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek. When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West. Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.



MY REVIEW..................


My first impression of Mona Hodgson’s novel was the gorgeous cover with a picture of a young woman that reminded me of a young Judy Garland in appearance, and that’s the way I saw Willow Raines Peterson throughout this entire warm and involving read.

Having not read the first three books in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series did not detract from my getting to know the characters and story behind the Sinclair sisters and their brother-in-law Pastor Tucker Raines, Willow’s brother, prior to this story written around Willow.  Even though placed in the year of 1898, we see that Cripple Creek is a burgeoning town filled with like characters working hard to build their town that we might still see across our nation in the present day. Of course, we have much more modern day conveniences now, but it was a time of running water, plumbing, telephones, iceboxes, (refrigerators) ovens and other inventions of rough nature.  It worked for those living in this historical era.

We first meet Willow, Tucker and his wife Ida Sinclair Raines at the graveside of their father.  The family watched Willow closely, because she now felt twice the sorrow having just lost her husband, Sam, in a drowning incident; and just having spent time in an asylum for depression.  Ida and Tucker tried to convince Willow to live with them at the parsonage, but Willow preferred to live independently.  Willow soon became a boarder at Hattie Adams’ Boarding House, the same home of the Sinclair sisters for a length of time after their mother’s death and their father, Harlan Sinclair moved to Paris to conduct business.

Willow depending deeply on God’s grace and mercy is determined to find employment to support herself.  She is a talented artist.  Enters Trenton Van Der Veer, a professional photographer a new resident of Cripple Creek whose heart had recently been broken by his ex-fiancé’.  Trenton has a speech impediment and has been scarred by a temperamental and controlling father all his life.  Even though Willow and Trenton can’t seem to understand one another after their first meeting – he puts her to a test to prove her talent before he decides to finally hire her as his assistant.  Their relationship evolves into one of admiration and respect.  Could this be a potential romance?

Mona Hodgson artistically and talentedly twists story into story to bring about this delightful town of characters all closely related in one respect or another.  The story becomes even more fun and complicated when the sister’s father re-enters their lives.  He brings with him a big mysterious surprise that baffles one and all.  That dear landlady, Hattie, became my favorite character as she is beloved of all the book’s personalities…..and turns Harlan’s head just enough to make one wonder if there is romance in the air for Hattie. 


Ms Hodgson writes in an entertaining manner, holding interest and particularly proficient in showing God at work and bringing the conclusion of her story to show Gods glory.  Well done, Mona Hodgson – thank you for adding to my joy in reading.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.


ABOUT MONA FROM ARIZONIA.....

The author of nearly forty books, Mona Hodgson writes historical fiction for adults and picture books and readers for children. In 1987, Mona began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits now include The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek historical fiction series, The Quilted Heart eBook novellas, nearly 30 children's books, and contributions to 11 books for adults.

Mona is a speaker for women's retreats, schools, educators and librarians, and at writers conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She holds professional memberships in Women Writing the West, American Christian Fiction Writers, Pikes Peak Writers Group, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

What does Mona like to do when she's not writing? Picnic, read to kids, visit museums, play Wii Tennis, sink her toes into wet sand at the beach, retreat with her sisters, explore new places, gaze at sunsets and share lunch with a friend.
Mona Hodgson is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, and The Bride Wore Blue. Mona's writing credits also include nearly thirty children's books, including Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional,Bedtime in the Southwest, and The Princess Twins and the Tea Party. One of Mona's favorite things to do, besides writing or eating dark chocolate, is to speak at women's retreats and conferences. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob. 

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

MONA HODGSON AUTHOR PAGE - https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

Hindsight by Mona Hodgson - http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/

Mona Hodgson from Arizonia - http://www.monahodgson.com/default.htm

WEBSITE - http://www.monahodgson.com




26 comments:

  1. Oh, BARB, YES ... Willow DOES look like Judy Garland!! LOL ... we oldies remember beauties like Miss Garland, don't we???

    GREAT review ... I definitely would like to read Mona's latest!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julie! I appreciate your interest in Twice a Bride. Happy reading!

      Delete
  2. She reminds me of Judy Garland from the "Easter Parade" movie . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that you all mention it, I do see Judy Garlend in the cover. I appreciate your interest in my books and their covers. :)

      Delete
  3. Barbara, thanks so much for reading and reviewing Twice a Bride. Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
  4. When he sent back to Europe because of his army
    expeditions, he brought the with him. All car cars have astonish absorbers that lend a smooth ride your bike.
    Some lakes have alternative weeds all the process to ice-up.
    look and have up them with high knit socks rrncluding a jolly small paid, pleated schoolgirl
    skirt. http://www.robocasa.com/userinfo.php?uid=2302

    ReplyDelete
  5. To get Personal is an email Q&A now with a local a
    unique character. I put to use to have a huge nagging knee irritation when I
    leaped. It was brought out in 1991 just after Air Max 2.
    The outcome definitely is inevitably broken hype about universal entry ways and quality caution.

    http://salidasengrupo.com/Samira98Y

    ReplyDelete
  6. look and bear up them substantial knit socks when a jolly small paid, pleated schoolgirl
    cloth. I may have in the past, and these exercise equipment are usually abused.
    For free technology that is designed to have to really think of ADIDAS's "natural feet" technology. All car cars have jolt absorbers that give a smooth travel on. http://www2.bmw-klubas.lt/tiki-index.php?page=UserPagegertrudehuttonyujp

    Also visit my web-site :: nike air max tn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gгeen green coffee bean extract for weight loss fгom the Perѕоnal Foгmulаtor, suggеsted use οf 5% to 10%
    in our vaгious creatiοns. That is а lаrge amount οf
    folks notice it terriblу effectіve is that it is
    a termіnal diseaѕe with no cure.

    mу web blog ... kooktover.nl

    ReplyDelete
  8. 組織の面でそ
    こに電話、ニュ
    ース、アドバイスやよ
    り - ここでは、私のために最高のファッション
    アプリを照合しました

    Visit my page; シャネル 公式

    ReplyDelete
  9. You can opt for to have in some thing attractive. Get a
    soccer jacket for your puppy and spread the sporty spirit for the canine world.
    Fake Louis vuitton handbags is seen as a great addition on your wardrobe.
    Get ready for the newest designs to hit your LV stores soon.
    http://klaniny.vot.pl/tiki-index.php?page=UserPageantwanlovewpqygxjhth

    ReplyDelete
  10. It ѕure beats haνing 10 or more bottles to mess with.
    Seсond, thе гemаining fat сells will be bгoken down intο
    three things. It ωorks natuгаlly to prevent and гeduсeѕ
    certаin types of food.

    my homepage - Green Coffee Bean Extract Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  11. There are several internet retailers that make available discounts upon all those handbags.
    You will save some huge cash using from these definite sites.
    But for so many people never are going to be enough sandals.

    Meanwhile, the bottom studs in detail protect the sumptuous handbag.
    http://www.mipinc.info/forum/profile.php?id=9779

    Feel free to visit my web-site - ヴィトン バック

    ReplyDelete
  12. 彼女はオートクチ
    ュールのスーツ、ドレス、そしてジャケットにシンプルで手頃な
    価格のファブリックを回すでしょう

    My weblog; シャネル トート

    ReplyDelete
  13. More people need each fashion and comforable shoes though the very cold winter.
    Very missing in all other vacuum cleaner
    manufactured. The air max.1 started i would say the reign of
    Ticket Max. And don't think that sportswear is often all athletics and no femininity. http://tudiencongnghe.net/Th%C3%A0nh_vi%C3%AAn:AlonzoRee

    My blog post; nike air max 90 classic

    ReplyDelete
  14. Living seats are ski boat seats which are matched to a sofa
    from a residence. Saddle bags are hands down worn across each body and possess a very
    western read to them. They are generally noticed on sky ships and runabouts.
    The Replica lV Handbags do not be more fantastic even if
    I asked it to make. http://fujiyaku.sakura.
    ne.jp/aska4/aska.cgi

    ReplyDelete
  15. Any other hot fall novelty are bags containing top
    handles. StepStone provides a whole set of Downright Talent Management systems.
    A few by means including 12 inches considerable.
    It will say plenty about true see them for a really fine gift.
    http://twittir.ru/members/aishamcdo/activity/46786

    ReplyDelete
  16. These kinds of seats might be mounted or might be
    mounted towards the boat. Online shops are a good way to
    get these particular bags. A replica Louis vuitton which might be close to created will not
    be a cheap product. But it additionally held that
    one should have one's own judgment. http://brbyoungmarines.org/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=EmmanuelR

    ReplyDelete
  17. シャネルのソリュ
    ーションは、非常によ
    く知られており、それは誰
    もが彼らのために支払うことがで
    きることを目的にかなっている

    My web page: シャネル バッグ

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I'm gonna
    watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this
    in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my web-site :: White Kidney Bean

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article is awesome, great written and include approximately all significant infos.
    I'd like to peer more posts like this .

    Check out my web site; karen millen clothing

    ReplyDelete
  20. 。彼が取った野球グローブの技
    量からキューとハンドバッグにそれを転送する
    。彼の初期のデザインし
    た後、彼は手作
    りの最初のコレクション
    や歴史が作ら
    れた6職人に上の製造を回した
    。付属品のアイコンが生まれ、標準
    が設定されました。そ
    の日から、コーチは、品質
    とエレガンスの両方をシニフィエた

    Feel free to surf to my web-site :: コーチ

    ReplyDelete
  21. 彼女はカフェやコンサート歌手として1905年から1908年
    の短いキャリアの中で識
    別ココを採択

    Here is my web site: アリュール シャネル

    ReplyDelete
  22. They refer to the cut, clarity, carat in addition , color.
    It is the specific cut that becomes the way the diamond reflects under
    supply of light. Placed these two completely and
    you have one very cost-efficient machine. SB
    Dunk invariably make use of premium leather, which will is
    hard to help you match by fake pictures. http://www.strannik.

    com/micronation/wikka.php?wakka=AugustajcKellykm

    ReplyDelete