That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother-who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.
These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
TO ENTER GIVEAWAY CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC BELOW:
This book was a regency novel, reminiscent of the Austen books, and I always enjoy reading stories from this period. The author captures the era well and the characters are well developed which always makes a story more enjoyable.
Set in 19th century England, this beautifully written novel will have you feeling as though you are right there. Lavinia Ellison is a young woman with heartache that clouds everything in her life. She is hurting from the loss of her mother and feels anger towards those she feels are responsible. Nathaniel has recently returned to the family home and he has a lot of issues of his own. He feels the responsibility of so much and some of it is really not at his doorstep.
I really loved the dialogue in this book. Very profound and memorable - you'll find yourself wanting to infuse your everyday conversations with some of the quotes. I also love that faith is a part of this book but in a natural, normal way. It plays an important part when it comes to forgiveness and that's what I really feel this book is about - learning to forgive, whether it's others or yourself.
The pace was a little slow in some places but I still enjoyed this book very much. If you enjoy a good historical romance, you'll enjoy this book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
Blessings - Julie
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave me a message! I love hearing what you have to say and look forward to your comments.