Twice in a Lifetime

by Dorothy Garlock

Sunset, Missouri, 1954. As hope flourishes in postwar America, a young widow dares to dream of a second chance at a forever love...

Clara Sinclair has learned to live one lonely day at a time. It was the only way she managed to survive her husband's death in World War II and raise their young son alone. But now she's at a loss as to how to handle the defiant teenager he has become, even as she struggles to keep her family financially afloat. She's fresh out of ways to turn her luck around-until a daring stranger's unexpected kindness sparks hope she hasn't felt in a long time . . .

Drake McCoy lives for risk, speed, and putting his incredible drag racing skills to the test. One night in this quiet rural town is all he needs to win a big score and be on his way . . . until he meets Clara. Drawn in by her quiet strength and her beauty, Drake is tempted to become someone he never imagined-a family man.

But a vicious and unseen enemy is closing in fast, throwing Drake and Clara's fragile future into a dangerous tailspin. Can their love survive?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Love Story, Historical Romance

372 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

Dorothy Garlock was a best-selling American author of over 60 historical romance novels, most of them set in the American West. More than 20 million copies of her books are in print, in 18 languages. Her books have been on the New York Times best seller list seven times. She was named one of the 10 most popular writers of women's fiction four years in a row, from 1985-1988. In 1997, she was awarded the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Garlock is also a member of the Romance Writers Hall of Fame.

Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.


Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn

Reviews

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I’m not a sucker for romance but this got me contented at the end of the story. It’s a sweet story setting 10 years after WWII. Description of a small town in Missouri, dirt roads, houses, and cars especially Plymouth was awesome. Had to smile with fondness because my father owned a Plymouth once upon a time which seemed a lifetime ago. All the characters were vividly etched. Recommended for a light reading this summer. Warm fuzzy feeling afterwards...😊😊

[deb22luvsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical romance. Usually I do not read those, but I was pleasantly suprised by this one. It takes place after the war and is set in the aftermath. There is a bit of "insta-love" in this, but I know that back in those days, it really did transpire that way in many cases.
I invite you to sink into this book and enjoy a love story that will transport you to another time and will be a satisfying read.

[Jessica Palminteri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this story as a First Reads winner. Great story! Read this in 2 days. I love how the author builds the story and her characters. The slower intro culminates in a faster paced intriguing ending that keeps you hooked until the end. I am not usually a big fan of love stories, however this story kept my interest and was an easy read all the way through. If you are a romantic, this book is for you!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this book on Goodreads First Reads. Having never read Dorothy Garlock, I wasn't sure what to expect. The story was a bit of an over-the-top love story; they fell into undying love within a matter of mere days! But to give this book it's due, the story was interesting and suspenseful , and the characters believable . I enjoyed this book and will probabl y read more by this author.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story with a satisfying ending. There were some truly nasty characters populating the plot, but the good guys win in the end. Not my favorite time period or location.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable plot. I finished it, but found it shallow. Characters are not developed well. It is a nice romantic story that I’m sure many others would like.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Dorothy Garlock was recommended to me b/c i like LaVryle Spencer. They do have similar styles. I'd recommend her to anyone who likes her as well.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I liked the first one I read. "A week from sunday" I'd recommend you start w/that one in order to try this writer.

I liked the characters & the story. It did take a little bit to get going. Also, there was alot of referencing to her dead husband which got repetitive after a while.

I like her books b/c they're historical romances which take place around the time of WWI & II instead of the usual 1700/1800's England & Scotland. It's a nice change of pace.

this one had a drag racer as the lead which was different. Also the protagonists were in their late 30's & early 40's instead of in their 20's which was also a good difference than the usual.

this was a good story about a struggling single mother discovering a new romance after many years of isolation.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book wasn't about the war, but after the war and the struggles that happened. Although a fiction book, I can see where this book could be relatable to many women. Ms. Garlock's doesn't miss a beat with her characters. They are real and have faults. This book is a bit different from her norm, but still very good.

4.5 stars/5

[Sneha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a light read! The story was predictable and didn't really stand out for me. That being said it was more real than many of the love stories I have read.

[EllieVreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is like a Lifetime movie, one that’s full of errors And unbelievable events. There’s nothing historical about it.

[Gayle Slagle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twice in a Lifetime by Dorothy Garlock is a typical romance that is predicable for the most part. Taking place in the years following World War II; it is the story of Clara Sinclaire, whose husband had died in the war and the plot takes place seven years after her husband's death. She works in the local bank, and has a son who is now in his teens. She has had no love interests during this time, though her boss at work wishes otherwise. She is also faced with her son's rebelliousness and her mother's experiencing the beginning stages of dementia. Her life is a a crossroads when she meets Drake Mccoy, a race car driver who goes from town to town and races with the locals. Neither Clara nor Drake are happy with their lives and when they meet are immediately attracted to one another. Many obstacles are thrown in their way, but their developing love overcomes all thorns thrown their way. While the plot is predictable, it is well-developed with interesting characters. If you love romances where all is tied up in a neat bow at the end, you will probably love Twice in a Lifetime. Otherwise, you might want to skip this one.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Dorothy Garlock fan for a long time. I have never read a book by Ms. Garlock that I didn’t love. Twice in a Lifetime was no exception.

Ms. Garlock has a knack for pulling you into a story and holding you until the end. I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I didn’t want this book to end.

I highly recommend Twice in a Lifetime to anyone who enjoys a romance with a compelling story line and believable characters.

I would give this book 10 stars if I could!

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow moving book. You know from the beginning that something not good is going to happen. Between the love sick boss, oppositional teenager, senile mom, drug addicted friend and small crime boss, it's inevitable. However when something happens it's anti-climatic. I guess I was waiting for the big boom and got a small firecracker instead. I like Drake's character, the life of driving around challenging others to race for money was unique. A car driving hustle as a living is not something I have read about previously.

[Barbie J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. An enjoyable read. But there were times when I felt as if the characters “thought” too much. A few times I wanted to tell them to stop thinking and just do something. Lol. Still, it was a good book and I’d like to read more of her novels.

[Linda MARIE Pankow · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\5

But here's why...

I loved this book, to start off with, a lot of the names were recognizable in my family 😅 it even had the odd spelling of my son's name... Tjaden 👀 In the end I loved the whole story and all it had to show. Dorothy was a marvelous writer💕

[Emma Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book did not get intriguing until around 100 pages in. I would describe it as a hallmark movie for the beginning and then by the end, the story had gone rogue. There was mystery, intrigue, and when I got to the second half I had to finish it that day.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read while sitting in the yard getting some sun. I really enjoyed this and finished it within a day.

[Colette Petitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable but easy poolside reading.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, As Always

What could possibly not be good about a Dorothy Garlock novel? Well, maybe it ended too soon. Treat yourself to a great read that Garlock always provides.

[Jess Denney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a love story this is a book for you. Wasn’t my top 5 but I definitely enjoyed reading it.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little feel good book

[Char Ipacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a light hearted "romantic " read. Cute story however predictable

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ones yet!

[Cheryla6109 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Debbie Casto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little story.

[Patricia Anstett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enough of a story set in small town America to read to end but nothing exceptional. A nice romance with some likeable characters

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as Dorothy Garlocks other books. There was too much sorrow.

[Terry Confer Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Garlock novel. Well written but not many surprises.

[Chere Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and fast read

[Kate Beger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars