Book Thoughts by Rachelle
I love the Mayfield Family Romance series! Love and Lavender was extraordinary in that the characters were so different than any I’ve read before. Josi Kilpack did an excellent job of creating a believable character on the autism spectrum in the 1800s with Duncan Penhale. She did an equally excellent job of creating Hazel Stillman’s character who suffers from a clubbed foot and is so multi-faceted.
I love how this romance developed, slow and surprising. I loved the setting and the unique situation of the characters. I also appreciated a light mention of characters from previous books in the series. This is definitely still a stand-alone read, but I like those little nuggets for those readers, like me, who don’t want to miss any of Josi Kilpack’s books!
Here’s more about the book:
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’ 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?
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