Vote of Confidence

Set in the early 1900's, in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, twins sisters Guinevere and Cleo are making up for lost time. Guinevere, or Gwen as her friends call her, grew up with her Mother surrounded by education, culture and training. Her twin sister Cleo grew up with their father and is a self acclaimed tomboy. Despite growing up apart they have a close relationship. A Vote of Confidence begins with Cleo suggesting that Gwen should run for the upcoming Mayor election. The only contender so far is Mr. Hiram Tattersall who is known to frequent the bars at all times of the day. Only because of Gwen's love for her town, did she decide to throw her hat into the Mayor race. What Gwen didn't count on was bachelor Mr. Morgan McKinley throwing his hat into the Mayor race also. Morgan McKinley is also busy building the New Hope Health Spa, in hopes of catering to the rich and poor. Morgan finds he is falling for Gwen's charms and persuades Gwen to give him piano lessons. In the midst of this budding romance someone is trying to sabotage Morgan's New Hope Health Spa. Both Morgan and Gwen find themselves questioning decisions they have made and had to learn to trust one another, despite past broken hearts. Robin Lee Hatcher made these characters come alive. I found myself smiling while reading this book. It was a relaxing and enjoyable book. I look forward to more of The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs books.

The real first lady mayor of our country was Laura Starcher in 1918 Parma, Idaho. Women had the vote in 1896 in Idaho and we had two women run for president of the United States in 1872 and 1884/1888. What's funny is nothing prevented those women from running for office, but they weren't allowed to vote. This is just some of the information you get in the reader's notes along with this step back into our roots in politics for women. Some people think that history is dry and dull. Hatcher proves that wrong by not only bringing those early days of women in politics to life with suspense and romance, but by showing that many aspects of history haven't changed, even today. Gwen Arlington, who was raised by her estranged mother in the East apart from her twin (Cleo,) and then comes to live with her father and Cleo in Idaho, writes for the newspaper and gives piano lessons. Her twin, Cleo (who will have her own story in the next book, Fit to Be Tied) has every confidence that Gwen would make a good mayor for Bethlehem Springs, Idaho. Of course, complications arise when the new health spa owner, Morgan McKinley, decides to toss his hat into the ring for the same reason as Gwen--the third candidate, a drunk and a fool, Hiram Tattersall is running once again for mayor. Women and men alike think that Gwen can be manipulated and controlled for their own purposes. More dilemmas arise when Morgan and Gwen fall in love. Will Gwen give in her principles for love? Will she give up her love to prove a point? The tension rides high all through this accurately portrayed historical, and Hatcher proves once again that she writes tales to keep you awake for "just one more page."

A Vote of Confidence is an enjoyable book to read and is very timely. It is a story about a woman who runs for mayor in a small Idaho town and if elected would be the first woman mayor in America. Although it is true that the first woman mayor in America was elected in Idaho (three years later than in this story), the character in this book is fictional. What a wonderful character Gwen is! She is beautiful, intelligent, and courageous. I love reading a story that is not only an enjoyable story to read but can also teach some history. In light of the fact that we recently almost had the first woman candidate for President of the United States, it is interesting to read about Gwen who is seeking to be elected the first woman mayor. There is also romance, intrigue, humor and as always in books by Robin Lee Hatcher, spiritual inspiration. The main characters love God and want to please Him. This is something I can relate to. I also love the Health Spa Morgan is building in the book and I wish I could visit there! Another character in the book is Gwen's fraternal twin, Cleo who is very different from Gwen. She is a great character and I can't wait to read more about her in the next book. I am never disappointed in a book by Robin Lee Hatcher. I recommend A Vote of Confidence as a book to inspire, entertain and give a glimpse into the early 1900's. The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs looks to be a great new series by this author. Again, the book is A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher published by Zondervan 2009.

[[ASIN:0310258057 A Vote of Confidence (Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, The)] "A Vote of Confidence" by best-selling author, Robin Lee Hatcher, is a thoroughly researched and well-written novel of historical fiction. The first in the series, "Sisters of Bethlehem Springs", the story takes place in Boise and surrounding rural Idaho. The year is 1915, the challenge? "Who says a woman can't do a man's job?" Are these sisters up to the challenge? You bet! When Guinevere Arlington decides to run for mayor of Bethlehem Springs, she has one opponent. But when a third candidate enters the race, life becomes very interesting. Nevertheless, Gwen's concern for the town and its people compels her to stay in the race. But she hadn't counted on falling in love with one of her opponents! Will Gwen have to give up her aspirations because of the one she loves? You will be left holding on tightly to the reins as the story unfolds. It is a bumpy ride!

This is the first book I've read by Robin Lee Hatcher and I loved it! It'a great book to read while wanting to sit back and relax. I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen with Gwen and Morgan and the election. I would recommend this book to everyone.