Welcome to my tour stop! Read my five-star review below...
Love and Lavender
(A Mayfield Family Romance #4/Proper Romance)
By Josi S. Kilpack
Adult Historical Romance, Regency, Inspirational
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages
November 2, 2021 by Shadow Mountain Publishing
Summary
Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.
Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.
Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.
Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?
Advance Praise
“What a lovely romance. The historical details, the depth of the authentic characters, and the realistic dialogue all contribute to an immersive story. [A] beautiful and inspirational story about loving people just as they are.”— Katie Jackson, Regency Proofreading
“Phenomenal. This book was phenomenal. The very best in the series.”— Lyssa Armstrong, For Where Your Treasure Is
“This love story was unique and such an uncommon take on a marriage of convenience! [S]weet and well worth the wait!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books
“Beautifully written, sensitive, poignant addition to the Mayfield Family series.”— Susan K., The Flipped Page
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My Review
LOVE AND LAVENDER is a marriage-of-convenience romance where both of the love interests come with unique circumstances. The story is artfully told, with quite a depth of emotion and characters readers won't be able to resist falling in love with and they themselves fall in love. Highly recommended to women's fiction and historical romance readers who are looking for an inspiring, heartfelt romance.
I have read the previous three books in this series, but this book can stand on its own. Compared to the previous books, the author definitely tackles a unique situation with both of the main characters receiving a sizable inheritance for marrying and deciding to marry each other to meet the requirements so that they can live independently. Of course, nothing goes quite according to plan as they learn to care deeply for each other over the course of this book.
I loved these characters! Both would be seen as outcasts in Regency society: Hazel with her clubbed foot; Duncan with his acute intellect but social ineptitude (he felt like he's on the Autistic spectrum). Their struggles, inheritance situation and desire to be independent allows them to relate and connect with each other. It also provides a connection as a reader and builds empathy and compassion. This is not a light story. There are some serious difficulties these characters face, including both physical, mental and emotional pain. It is a heartrending story in places, but also one of love and hope. Of course I had moments when these characters frustrated me when they were being difficult. Happiness was so close if they would but accept it.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I appreciated the artful way the author wrote this story. These are characters I won't forget for a long time. It left me deeply touched and highly anticipating the next book in this series. We need more stories like these.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
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About the Author
Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.
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