Love Grows In Unique and Unlikely Conditions

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance

SERIES: Mayfield Family romance #4 (This book is a standalone novel in this series)

SETTING: Ipswich and King’s Lynn, England 1822

THE PREMISE: Hazel Stillman and Duncan Penhale are two independent individuals who are making their own way in the world, despite living with physical and neurological difficulties. When their security and the careers they have built for themselves are threatened, they seize the available solution of marrying each other to claim their respective inheritances. But will this marriage of convenience change what they want for their ideas of happiness?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Lavender: You had me at lavender. 😍 Seriously though, there were other factors that drew me in as well, but lavender and wondering what role it would play in this story was one of them. I loved seeing lavender used for its healing properties and I think living in a little home called Lavender House with a bevy of lavender bushes in my backyard sounds wonderfully idyllic!

• Unmarriagable: Because of her clubbed foot, Hazel has know from a young age that she is considered “less than” and “deformed.” And so she filled the holes of her unhappy childhood with academic pursuits and learning. But because of her “broken body” she feels that she is unsuitable for a normal life with a husband and family. Duncan has also known from a young age that he is “odd.” He has a hard time understanding social nuances, is confused by some social exchanges, and sometimes startled to the point of pain by physical touch. He believes his “broken brain” and humble profession as a finance clerk would make him an unlikely marriageable prospect as well.

• Duncan: I adored this character so much. As you might guess, he is neurodivergent. He is remarkably brilliant with an avid interest in learning and debating a variety of subjects. Yet at the same time, he is extremely literal and has no filter. He sometimes reminded me of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory (especially with his passion for railroad industry!). There were so many things that endeared me to Duncan – his unabashed honesty, his enthusiasm for learning, his rigid moral code, his habit of visiting and learning from various “associates,” and his devotion to his cat, Elizabeth. But I think what I loved most about him was how reacted to Hazel – how he found things to be different with her, how he was eager to explore those differences, and how he always treated her with utmost consideration and respect.

• Realistic and Challenging: Similar to another book in this series – Rakes and Roses, I enjoyed seeing characters overcome their difficult personal circumstances and make challenging decisions. I continue to appreciate how Ms. Kilpack writes with gentle sympathy and understanding towards characters who deal with obstacles and hardships beyond their control.

• Part of a Series: I loved this story so much that I am now determined to read the two earlier books of this series – Promises and Primroses and Daisies and Devotion. In each book in this series Lord Elliott Mayfield is on a “marriage campaign” to help his nephews and nieces find worthy companions. I’m also hoping that the series will continue beyond these four books.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Some of Hazel’s Actions: Occasionally I found myself disappointed with Hazel’s short-temperedness and selfish decisions. I understand with being neglected, pitied, and cast aside her whole life that she may find it hard to open herself up and trust in others. But at the same time, I would maybe have loved to have seen that side of her journey fleshed out some more and witness more of her working through her spiky edges and past trauma.

CONCLUSION: Exploring the dynamics of a marriage of convenience between two unique and unlikely individuals in this novel was completely uplifting and heartwarming! Love and Lavender is an inspiring and sensitive tale that delivers the important reminder that every individual is worthy of love and acceptance. I highly recommend!

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My thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose PR for putting this lovely blog tour together and inviting me to take part!