Josi S. Kilpack is back with the 4th book in the Mayfield Family Series, Love and Lavender. A standalone Proper Romance, Love and Lavender follows Hazel and Duncan who believe they’ve solved their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and part ways to enjoy their individual paths.
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?
In my opinion:
Love and Lavender was a story about a young lady named Hazel who was born with a clubbed foot. She felt like she had limited opportunities and wasn't capable of finding love. But, she was offered an inheritance if she marries Duncan and lives with him for a year. What could possibly happen between them? Will it work out? Will they truly love one another and look past their insecurities and personal challenges. I appreciated that this was a new story that included someone like Duncan who is on the autism spectrum. We all have our own difficulties, some physical and some mental. I loved learning more about their challenges.
Each book in the Mayfield series also includes a flower in the title and also has a part in the story. I will definitely need to read the other books in the series. I definitely recommend this book. It was sweet and well written.
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog and offer an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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