There are book series that I have read that seem to weaken as the author grasps at plots to continue the saga. At times the characters grow stale and the plots move along at the pace of a snail. Catherine Coulter's Sherbrooke Series is not in this category. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised that Coulter's narrative strengthened as she went along building characters that grew more dynamic and colorful with each book. The Sherbrooke Twins, the last book in the companion books of the Bride Series, is wonderful.

The primary protagonist is James Sherbrooke, the oldest twin. His brother, Jason, is a secondary protagonist. Both men are handsome beyond comprehension and, therefore, the most sought after bachelors amongst the ton. James, the logical twin, enjoys his life following in his father's footsteps, and his father, Douglas Sherbrooke, couldn't be more proud of his oldest. Nor could he be any more proud of his younger son, Jason, whose love for horses has led him in the direction of one day owning his own stables. Their life, as unpredictable as they choose to make it, takes a turn to the terrifying when an unknown assailant makes an attempt on Douglas Sherbrooke's life.

Coriander Tybourne-Barrett, Corrie for short, has been a thorn in James Sherbrooke's side since she was three, always chasing after his coattails. Now that she's eighteen, her uncle has decided she needs to make her bow into society. She's declared an original, and is extremely popular amongst the ton, but James doesn't approve of any of her suitors--he is, after all, her protector of sorts. But the tables are turned when James falls into danger and Corrie becomes his protector, his lady in shining armor. Corrie is then thrust into the mystery enshrouding the Sherbrookes.

The Sherbrooke Twins is a wonderful tale that incorporates mystery, intrigue and a satisfying love story. Once again, we get to immerse ourselves into the lives and family of Douglas and Alexandra Sherbrooke, where it all began and where we have come full circle. Catherine Coulter developed such rich characters that we are loathe to say goodbye, and, in the end, will probably pick up from the beginning once again to enjoy their story over and over.

One question I have, however, is that no other children shared by Alexandra and Douglas are mentioned, and yet I distinctly remember Alexandra being pregnant in the Heiress Bride. (She was pregnant with the twins in the Hellion Bride.) No mention of any other children was ever made in any of the subsequent novels. So could there be another book on the way? A fan could hope.

Reviewed By Maci Walker
© January 2005