The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack
Summary from Goodreads:
Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.
Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.
A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.
As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
This book is due to release in April 2017
My Review:
This is another book in Shadow Mountain's A Proper Romance Line. Josi Kilpack has written several books in this line. This one is excellent, just like the others.
I could tell from the description of this book that I was going to be uncomfortable. I have a hard time with the "reveal" of deception. I always wonder how it could possibly work out. So I went in to this book already wondering "how can this possibly work out?".
I enjoyed reading the development of the relationships in this book. Some of these relationships include Cassie's relationships with her sister, her parents, herself and Evan as well as Lenora's relationship with Evan, her parents, and herself. The relationships change in the course of the book to a deeper level. They mature as the characters gain more understanding and develop their own selves.
As much as this is a romance, one of my favorite aspects of the book is the development of Cassie and her sister, Lenora. Both women are stilted in their emotions. Both are somewhat self absorbed. As they reap the consequences of their actions, they see life from a different perspective. They see each other from a different perspective as well. They mature in being concerned for others.
And, I truly loved both Cassie and Evan as their relationship unfolded. I hoped that they could find happiness, hopefully with each other, but if not, then somehow with someone else. There were painful moments and happy moments and I'm glad that I had a smile on my face when the book ended. Josi Kilpack found a way for the conflict to "work out".
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old read this book.
You can pre order this book:
Amazon
BN
Deseret Book
A Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden
Summary from Goodreads:
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
3.5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This collection of stories does not cover simple, romantic Valentine's Day dates. Each of these stories seems to find something embarrassing, awkward, and yes, fun too. I enjoy some of the stories better than others. I have a hard time reading stories about people in extremely embarrassing situations and some of these do have those. One thing I like about A Timeless Romance Anthologies is that the stories will end on a positive note. So even as I'm cringing while I'm reading some of these stories, I know that there will be a positive resolution.
If you are looking for pure romance, this isn't that collection. Yes, there is romance, but working through some sort of conflict to get to that point is the bulk of the stories.
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old read this collection.
You can purchase this collection:
Amazon
BN
Kobo
