Willow Madison is a survivor. She and her friends, Copper and Audrey, made it through the Civil War by taking up arms and fighting against the Yankees who were determined to wipe Timber Creek, Texas off the map. Now that the war is over, their town is in shambles leaving the three schoolteachers fending for themselves. The surrounding area has no current need for teachers as they are all busy trying to rebuild through the devastation wrought by the war. When Willow's uncle writes her to tell her that Silas Sterling, the richest man in his town, is looking for a wife and he thinks she would be perfect for him, Willow sees this as an opportunity to provide a future for her and her friends. Is it right to marry a man for his money? Will he even want her?

Willow arrives in Thunder Ridge with a bang. She definitely makes an impression on the town, but it is also one that a certain mill owner, Tucker Gray, will not let her forget. It does not help matters that he is also the person who is helping to renovate the school building for her. Willow finds Silas Sterling a likeable man, but also a man who is quite a bit older than her. She is sure that she will make him a fine wife, but she cannot seem to keep the cantankerous mill owner from flitting through her thoughts. Is it wrong to marry one man to secure her future when she might be in love with a different one? How can she decide when both hold a place in her heart?

Lori Copeland has written a delightful inspirational romance. She has used the aftermath of the Civil War to create some fascinating characters. Willow Madison fights against tremendous odds to carve a place for herself and her friends. She is willing to do whatever it takes to survive and thrive. Silas Sterling is a rich man who shares his wealth with the town, and is looking for someone to share his life with. Tucker Gray owns the mill which is the main source of revenue for the town, and he is determined to rebuild it for the benefit of the people. He never intended to encounter Willow who seems to be determined to ruin him. Willow's uncle and her friends add some humor to this tale. TWICE LOVED is a wonderful historical overflowing with romance. I am looking forward to the mischief to be wrought by Willow's friends, Audrey and Copper.

Book Summary

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