A Vote of Confidence

Sisters of Bethlehem Springs #1

by Robin Lee Hatcher

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2009

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
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Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh why did this book have to end?!?!? This wad such a good book, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and how they interacted with one another. It was just so beautifully writen. Mrs. Robin Lee Hatcher, well done! This book was about Gwen Arlington and Morgan Mickenly running for mayor. Gwen started out not wanting to be the mayor but her sister, Cleo, convinced her that she would be the best mayor they have ever had. So she decided to run. Morgan on the other hand, decided to run as mayor because Harrison Carter wasn't letting him get the things he needed to build his health spa for the poor and the rich. So the two go head to head and sparks fly between the two. Will they ever be together? You just have to read it and find out!;)

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars for "better than okay"

Honestly, when I pick up a Robin Lee Hatcher book, I'm going for really deep characters, a serious faith lesson, and a storyline that packs an emotional punch. This one's a lighter read, and since it's an older work of hers, I'm guessing the book simply represents an era before she came into her own as a truly irresistible author!

I'd recommend it for younger readers, late teens and new adult level, who may not be as demanding of their stories.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Haley S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn't know what I would think of this book. I wasn't sure if it would be 'my type of book'. Boy, was I wrong! I don't know why I waited so long to read it. Before I picked it up, it had been sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust! (No offense, Robin Lee Hatcher.) But, I was definitely sad that I hadn't picked it up sooner. I, myself, don't even understand why I hadn't read it until now. I mean, I already read and loved another one of Hatcher's books, Catching Katie. Why wouldn't I like her other books?
I believe my favorite part of this book was that Morgan McKinley took piano lessons with Gwen Arlington. Because most people think that piano lessons are for little kids. Nope, not in this book! Piano lessons are for everyone, young or old, male or female. I was super excited when I read the scene where Morgan asks for the lessons. "Go, Morgan!"
I will be definitely reading and reviewing more of Robin Lee Hatcher's books in the future! And, quite frankly, I can't wait!

I would like to give this book 4 shining stars!

Title: A Vote of Confidence
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Author's Website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com/

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A Vote of Confidence was a nice read. The story was interesting, though Gwen (the main character) was a little annoying at times. There was a little bit of suspense in this book, but not much, and things seemed to get resolved a little too quickly.

My favorite character was Gwen's sister, Cleo - I just loved how she knew who she was and wouldn't let others change her. I will probably read the next book(s) in this series, especially to see what happens in Cleo's life, even though I didn't love A Vote of Confidence.

Overall, A Vote of Confidence was a nice one-time read. Not a favorite, but still good.

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nice, sweet, clean read. The story wasn't particularly exciting, actually kind of ho-hum but not bad. The biggest annoyance was the heroine, who is written as an intelligent, capable, forward thinking young woman but who then behaves completely irrationally and silly near the end. We are told she is kind but when it comes to our hero, we never see it. Through out the story she remains cool and aloof, verging on rude. The biggest reward in this book is the hero. He is shown to be exactly what the author describes, a man who is honest and good with integrity and determination. He knows his heart and does what it takes to win the heroine.

[Radella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in a small-ish Idaho town (big enough to have a handful of restaurants and churches of several denominations, but small enough that everyone knows everyone else) in 1915. There isn't a whole lot of detail about the places- I found it slightly annoying that there wasn't enough information to create a picture of Bethlehem Springs and the associated locales. It wasn't enough to distract from the story, just mildly annoying for me.

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.

[Gracee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a quick, pleasurable read. I NEED books like this. My taste in books is so "all over the place", that sometimes I get hung up on heavy, deep thought provoking, detail burdened novels. Vote of Confidence is a palate cleansing, soft landing, feel good fun, read. Christian based values are woven, but not preachy, throughout the book. Set in Idaho May 1915 pre-WWI, it's a story about an independent, self sufficient woman (Gwen) with strong family ties. She decides to run for mayor of the town, and doesn't realize how it will change her life - forever. (The first woman mayor was, in fact, elected in Idaho 1918)

I also enjoyed this particular story because Gwen's mother was far from perfect, and had a less than perfect relationship with her, and the other members of the family. Maybe this was a strong reason why the character of Gwen was so kind, caring and centered. Gwen's sister, Cleo (Cleopatra) is developing character in the next book of the series - It'll be interesting to see how her persona develops.

[Robin Hatcher]

The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs was a delightful series to write. I had such fun telling these stories.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listen to the audiobook, with Kathy Garver as the narrator. I usually like this author’s books but this one did not hold my attention - there wasn’t a character I liked. The biggest problem was the narrator, who changed her voice for each character. When she lowered her voice for the male characters, it was so distracting, I could hardly pay attention to the story. It was comical instead of bringing the conversations to life.

[Tamera Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frolicking fun! Highly recommended!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this book was sweet, but for the most part was uneventful. The story is set in the early 1900s and centered around Gwen, music teacher in a small town in Idaho and a Morgan, a wealthy man who moves to town to open a spa there. Both Morgan and Gwen decide to run for the mayor of their town. The book follows their journey as they campaign and fall in love. There is also a subplot with a man opposing the spa and trying to stop it being built. However it felt like that plot never really fully developed. I felt like early in the story there were a few themes the book would explore but they weren’t really developed. Also the end of the book seemed abrupt. Overall the story was a sweet, cozy historical romance.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually avoid books that are under 300 pages because they seem too short. This book, however, was a delight to read. Plenty of heart behind these characters, and conflicts to overcome. I guess the romance could be described as independent woman gets unexpectedly swept off her feet. The little bit of history involving women in politics was a nice addition to the storyline, too.

On a side note this is my second read through of this book. I think I read it about 7 years ago, and it will be staying on my forever shelf for now.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

I loved that the book takes place in my new home of Idaho. A lot of the storyline revolves around the construction of a spa that uses the natural hot springs that are located in several areas near me. One only 20 minutes from me.
The story also revolves around the fact that women can vote in Idaho and our heroine runs for the position of mayor. I usually don't give a summary of the story in my reviews, but I'm still in awe of everything, like it was written about my hometown.
I just loved it all! Well, except Gwen's mother and all she represented to Gwen about her negative experiences of marriage. And of course the bad guys, but you need those. Oh, and the outspoken neighbor who thinks women shouldn't have an opinion, well, except herself. But, I loved everything else!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another series where I didn't know I was reading a series and actually read the second book first. This one, A Vote of COnfidence is the first in the series about twin 28- year old sisters in Idaho right around the turn of the century. I actually liked the 2nd book better. I didn't think this first one about Gwen Arlington had much of a plot. I wanted to finish it so I could get on to another book. It was lacking in substance. I think the next book had a better plot and more character development. Still, it was a good book to read with good clean, romance.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Arlington, an independent woman, ahead of her time in the early 1900's clashes head on with Morgan McKinley a well to do transplant who is building a health spa close to her hometown in Idaho. When they both decide to run against the one and only drunken candidate for mayor, sparks begin to fly in more ways than one. This is a enjoyable, easy read that definitely makes me want to read the follow-up book Fit to Be Tied which tells the story of Gwen's twin sister Cleo who is a wrangler on their dad's ranch.

[David Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book. It always fascinated me that there was a time that women weren't afforded the same rights as men and that supposed less sophisticated states were more progessive than the Eastern and supposedly more advanced states. A Vote of Confidence does a great job of documenting this paradox. I love historical fiction and A Vote of Confidence is top notch historical fiction.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story set in the 1900's. A female journalist/music teacher running for Mayor of a small western town in Idaho, where women had the right to vote. Sweet romance, some intrigue and an appropriae amount of religeon for the story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can see my review here: http://quivermom.blogspot.com/2009/06...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like this typically appeal to the feminist side of me—a female in the early 20th Century running for mayor? A woman choosing to remain single because she enjoys her independence and doesn’t want to be told what to do by a husband? Sounds like it’s right up my alley. But to be honest, Gwen drives me crazy. She’s judgmental, harsh and kind of selfish, full of herself but also very self-conscious. She’s the kind of feminist that drives me crazy. Always assuming that every male only thinks about how pretty she is and doesn’t see her as any good for anything other than arm candy. Bristling every time she receives a compliment, guessing that there is an ulterior motive, swearing off all men because they can’t see any good in females. It just really rubs me wrong. So I had a hard time liking her for pretty much all of the book. Then her change of heart is pretty darn sudden but doesn’t feel complete because she keeps questioning the man she loves: “will he have a hard time being with me if I win the vote?” Or how about: “he’s trying to tell me what to do already [even though he’s never done anything like this before and it seems a little out of character for him]; I’d better just break off our engagement instead of talk to him and explain how I feel and make sure I understand him.” Talk about exasperating!

Morgan McKinley is charming and kind and a fast mover. But I still like him. His devotion to his mother and her memory and wishes makes for a good character and I like how he lives his faith. It felt more genuine than Gwen’s.

Griff Arlington and Cleopatra (Cleo) are great supporting characters. I especially like Cleo and want to read the second book just because I like her and hope she’s the protagonist (if there were another book about Gwen, I wouldn’t read it).

Harvey Carter, the county commissioner, is a slimy snake and I do not like him at all. Mr Patterson is cool. I feel badly for Mr Benson but he is a bit thick. Edna Updike is another reason we need feminists in the first place. A female actually saying “men are better than women, after all, and women need to let men handle things” makes me bristle!

This book gets three stars from me because the story premise and one of the protagonists was awesome. Just know the other protagonist is very annoying.

My favorite line from the book: “Well if that don’t make me happier than a pup with two tails!”

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by: Kathy Garver. I am not a fan of this reader, primarily because I don’t like her portrayal of any of the male voices. They are all so breathy and husky and not consistent. My husband made fun of it every time he heard one of the male voices.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I think it's my first Robin Lee Hatcher book, and I am a fan.
The story was creative, it kept me engaged the whole time. It was an easy read, while still being enjoyable.

I did have two issues - the obvious issue the female lead has is people seeing her beauty and thinking that's all there is to her. To show us that the male lead doesn't see her this way he repeatedly thinks "she's beautiful on the outside as well as the inside". His thoughts had already let us know this but that phrase was repeated several times. Just a little redundant.

She's also afraid of a man ruling over and telling her what to do. When the male lead is concerned for her safety, he tells her to stay put and her response is to break their engagement??? Seriously? Only after his concerns prove true and she finds herself at the end of a gun barrel does she realize this isn't a reason to not marry someone. Seemed a bit far fetched to me, but I am grateful the author didn't drag that storyline out for long. It was a quick event that resolved quickly.

Overall I really liked the book and can't wait to read the next one in the series.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a little push from her twin sister, Gwen Arlington is determined to become Bethlehem Springs' next mayor. This is 1915 Idaho, where women have the vote. But a woman for mayor? She has no political aspirations, but she wants to help the town she loves, and she wants to win the election because of what she stands for, not for her looks. Wealthy, handsome Morgan McKinley is also a candidate. He's building the New Hope Health Spa Resort outside Bethlehem Springs in honor and memory of his mother, but he's opposed by powerful councilman Harrison Carter, who will do anything take the New Hope property away from Morgan (because there's gold there). Harrison decides to support Gwen because he'll be able to control a woman. Little does he know what he's up against. Gwen is a strong, independent woman who discovers she sometimes needs help. Morgan sees more than a pretty face when he gets to know Gwen. A book historical romance readers will enjoy.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun storyline. Listened to this book on a road trip. Even my husband enjoyed it. A woman running for mayor in 1915 was unheard of. Gwen was dipping into new territory. It was fun to read about how Morgan and her started as adversaries on the campaign. Morgan worms his way into Gwen's life slowly - especially interesting and made us smile when he wants to take piano lessons from Gwen. How the election turns out and how the relationship between Gwen and Morgan comes together is enjoyable to read. Just enough of a hint of romance but not enough to make it a chick flick.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Split as toddlers, educated and refined out east, Gwen travels to Idaho to meet her dad and twin sister. Loving it, she decided to remain, enjoying her independence. When a mayor's position opens up, she signs up for it not knowing Morgan, a rich entrepreneur, does the same to iron out technicalities of regulations on his new health spa. Despite being competitors, sparks fly as they deal with their campaign and following election. However, complications arise when illegalities occur to hinder the completion of the spa. Sweet and clean western romance that maintained my attention throughout.

[Bakeshow · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't the best. Being from Idaho, I had a hard time pinpointing where this fictional town was supposed to be. It just didn't feel historically correct. Just weird.

The conflict with Harrison was hardly developed and was resolved in 30 seconds. It wasn't even necessary to the story. Hatcher could have left it out altogether and the story would not have been affected either way.

What ever happened to the guy who was chasing after Gwen? He disappeared and I don't remember him ever being mentioned again.

Just too many things that bugged me. I've already started the second one and I'm regretting it. I need to finish it though to see if it gets worse...

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rather daunting Gwen Arlington is running for mayor. The county commissioner thinks he can control her. Her opponent is in love with her, and her family supports her campaign. I laughed and moaned through the dialog and the predictability of the town people. Gwen is your typical woman rights supporter and her interaction with Morgan is too conflicted at times. I guess Morgan likes women that rebuff him. The story is compelling, but the conflict is over done.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

An owner of a spa finds love with a local lady.

Enjoyed being back with this author again. Morgan and Gwen story was sweet. Both came from well bred people. They were fit for each other. Both had dreams for their community. As they got to know each other their love grew. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Patricia M. Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Woman For Mayor!?!

This story could have been set in our time and it would have been just as compelling. The fact that it was in Idaho in the early 1900s made it even more fascinating. Gwen and Cleo each are true to their beliefs in who they are and what they want to do. A great read on many levels.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story - it had a bit of everything, historical, family issues, small town prejudice and problems, love, mystery and tons of determination to change the status pro. I loved the relationship between Gwen and her twin sister, Cleo. I loved the kindness and concern Morgan showed to his workers, family and friends.

I look forward to reading more by Robin Lee Hatcher.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Arlington declares to run for mayor of the small town of Bethlehem Springs and is challenged by Morgan McKinley. Morgan is building the New Hope Spa, a dream of his mother before she died. Gwen is determined to dislike Morgan but finds herself drawn to Morgan. Wonderful story with a happy ending.