"Twice A Bride"

Willow Peterson has had a tough several years lately. After the unexpected death of her husband, she sunk into a deep depression that found her in a sanitorium, unresponsive to anyone or anything for a time. Now living in Cripple Creek near her brother and new sister-in-law, Willow is eager to prove herself as a painter and step into the future God has for her. Working for Trenton Van Der Veer's Photography Studio is helping her accomplish both goals,  but will the man become more important to her than the job? And what (or who) has her landlady, Miss Hattie, acting like a schoolgirl?

Mona Hodgson is quickly becoming one of my favorite current authors! This installment of the Sinclair Sisters is a sweet conclusion to the series, filled with hope and second chances, including some new blessings for the beloved Miss Hattie. (Note: while it's not necessary to have read the rest of the series, it will help as there are many characters to keep track of!). I loved these two love stories intertwining with each other, and overlapping with the continuing journeys of the original Sinclair Sisters.

My only complaint with this book is it seemed too quick and easy. It seems these romances go from hello to honeymoon in a matter of mere weeks! And despite the painful pasts of both Willow and Trenton (and Hattie and Harlan, for that matter), there wasn't as much depth to the story as I expected. Even the "conflict" of the story was so quickly and easily pushed aside. I did miss the third book of the series (The Bride Wore Blue), so maybe Willow's past was addressed a bit more there? Either way, I find it a bit unrealistic and unsatisfying that these characters had only the briefest conversations, with each other and with themselves, about the issues from their past. I would have liked to dive a bit more into those issues of grief and judgement. Even the matter of Trenton's salvation seemed a bit rushed and simple, overcoming a lifetime of hurt from the church in just two pages.

That being said, I did enjoy this book. It was a lovely read with wonderful characters. For fans of historical fiction/romance, you can't miss this series! I always feel a little bad giving criticism, especially when the author seems to be such a sweet person (at least according to her Facebook), but if nothing else, I have to be honest. And I honestly like this series!

All in all, this book earns 4/5 stars from me! Recommended.

*I received this book from the publisher through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.