Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack

Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions.  If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.



My thoughts: This book is about love lost, second chances, and new love.

Elliott Mayfield is fed up with his family and their scandalous behavior. He has a plan to get everyone back on the right path by offering the an incentive. This plan he calls "the marriage campaign." He will help everyone one at a time if they can make a respectable match.

His first "victim"is his heir, Peter. Peter is a widower and not inclined to participate. Regardless of his refusal, fortune finds him when he reluctantly hires Julia Hollingsworth as a governess. She is perfect for his two adorable daughters and share his love of dogs. Yes, dogs. They play an important role in the plot of this book.

You will not find just one romance, but two in this book. Elliott has his own surprises in store when he finds that Julia's mother is the woman he loved and lost in his youth. The book is told from four points of view. It is interesting to see what the principal characters are thinking and feeling. This may seem like a lot to take in, but Josi Kilpack writes it all beautifully. It is easy and interesting to follow along.

Josi Kilpack has a way of weaving humor, romance, and conflict into her stories that is amazing. She knows how to grab and hold my attention. I have enjoyed every single book of hers that I have read, and I have read several. She is a "go to" author for me.

I am excited that this is the first book of a series. I look forward to more time with the Mayfields.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Visit her WEBPAGE.