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Fiction. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: In A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a 'man's world.' Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life. For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can't do a man's job? But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she's in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he's building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win..… (more)
User reviews
Then, the unthinkable happens. Gwen decides to run for mayor--in 1915--in the small town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, and she sets the town to talking!
This first book of the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series asks the question, "Who says a woman can't be mayor?" The second in the series, Fit to Be Tied, the story of Gwen's sister, Cleo, is due out the end of this year. The question in that novel is "Who says a woman can't be a wrangler?" If you like historical romance novels, this is a good one to grab.
Although the main characters are both from moneyed families back east, they both share a love for the town. Gwen Arlington moved to town several years previously, in an attempt to get to know her father and sister, both of whom are long-term residents. Morgan McKinley is a developer, and thinks that God has brought him here to build a health spa that doesn't just cater to the rich, and provides spiritual healing as well as physical. When they both decide they are going to run for mayor, the sparks start to fly.
Both have been hurt before by others. Gwen wants to be independent and won't stand for a husband who won't let her think. She's decided there's not a man who is worth it. Morgan doesn't want to fall for another beautiful face, and sees them as gold diggers.
Many of the characters seem very very flat and fairly stereotyped- those that are good are all but infallible, and those that are bad have no redeeming qualities. I also got the feeling that this wasn't so much historical as modern problems playing dress up. There was nothing that really held it in the past.
It was quick and easy to read, but I would have preferred a little more depth to characters and plot.
I liked the sisters coming together and working together even though they are as far apart as sisters ever can be. I enjoyed reading about Cleo and her ways. I have to say she is my favorite character. Gwen is great all on her own. She loves the town and loves helping people and not a snob.
The setting was remarkable. Easy to picture the places described in the book.
I want to read the next book in this series : Fit to Be Tied that is about Cleo and then the 3rd book, A Matter of Character about Daphne McKinley, Morgan's sister who writes dime novels.