Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Description: 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?
My thoughts: Love and Lavender is an unexpected romance. Two characters who many would determine to be unable to marry find a way to build a life together and find love in the process.
The premise of the series is that Elliot Mayfield bestows an inheritance on his family if they will marry. He did not marry as a young man and has regretted his decision. That is why he decided to "encourage" his family to find love and happiness.
This story is about Hazel and Duncan. They both have been given a "bribe" to marry. Hazel will have a dowery and Duncan will have the building that he works in. He will get the rent money from the tenants. It is unexpected for both of them. Duncan has autism and Hazel has a clubbed foot. Neither plans on accepting the inheritance until Duncan finds his work situation unbearable and hatches a plan that they marry each other as a business transaction.
I found this book to be endearing. Hazel has so much patience with Duncan as she learns his triggers and how he thinks. His pacing would drive me insane, but she is able to carry on a conversation and have meaningful and academic talks with him. Hazel is also ashamed of her twisted foot and has a hard time trusting Duncan with her infirmity.
I loved that two people who wouldn't have been considered marriage material were able to work out a life together and find happiness. This book is deep and not one of ballrooms and extravagance. The characters are humble people who come together in an academic way before they can develop any other bond. This book is worth reading. It helped me think outside of the box and shows illustrates that everyone is worthy of love.
Online Purchase Links:
About the Author: Josi S.
Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas.
She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for
"Lord Fenton's Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for
Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV--none of
which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction
under the pen name Jessica Pack.
Josi has
four children and lives in Northern Utah.
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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
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lisa. I am glad you enjoyed the story. I found it endearing, also. Best, LA
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