Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What book has surprised you recently?  I love the Regency Romance genre and this book Love and Lavender surprised me by going in a completely different direction than most Regency Romance novels.

 Hazel Stillman was born with a club foot and was sent off to school at an early age to never return home.  What could a girl with a club foot with gentle birth, but no dowry expect?  She discovers she is brilliant at mathematics and becomes a mathematics teacher at a girl’s school. Here her life would have remained if her Uncle had not bestowed on her a grand dowry if she will marry a man of gentle birth.  She begins a correspondence with Duncan Penhale.  Her Uncle has also bestowed the inheritance of a building on Duncan if he too finds someone of gentle birth to marry.  Duncan is different than everyone else, today he would probably be diagnosed as autistic.  He sees the world as very black and white.  He has a great mind and loves to discuss a great many things including mathematical problems.  Duncan and Hazel enjoy their correspondence until they decide that perhaps the best thing for their future would be a marriage of convenience where they both would be able to come into their inheritance. Can they stay together for one year?  Will this marriage work out and will both be able to live their dreams?

 I can’t express how much I loved this book.  I read most of it in one night and couldn’t put it down.  This book brought me to tears and it called to me.  If you’ve every known or loved someone with Autism, Duncan’s story is very compelling.  Autism has always existed, but people didn’t know what it was or how to deal with it during this time period.  Duncan was lucky to have a father and a stepmother who loved him and taught him how to deal with his emotions and sensory issues.  They also provided the schooling that he needed for his sharp mind.  Hazel was his perfect foil with her own sharp mind.  As a female engineer, it was wonderful to read a book where the female character not only likes math but excels at it.  Her only limits are that there are no careers for women in math in the Regency period.  Even finding a teaching position is hard.  That’s why the inheritance would be a godsend where Hazel could buy her own school and stability.

 Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes in romance novels.  Will Hazel and Duncan be able to make their marriage work?  I loved both the plot and fantastic characters in this novel.

 I also enjoyed that although Hazel didn’t attend church or have faith of her own, Duncan had a great faith.  When Hazel attended church with Duncan for Christmas, she realized that Duncan’s church community accepted him for who he was and were a family to him. 

 Overall, Love and Lavender was a touching Regency Romance novel with a unique plot and great characters.  I highly recommend it.

 Book Source:  Review Copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing for being a part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

QUICK FACTS

·       Title: Love and Lavender: A Mayfield Family Romance (Book 4)

·       Series: Proper Romance

·       Author: Josi S. Kilpack

·       Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction

·       Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (November 2, 2021)

·       Length: (320) pages

·       Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

·       Tour Dates: November 1-28, 2021

 

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?

 

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

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

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.

 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

A Seaside Summer by Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore (Review and GIVEAWAY)

Join the virtual book tour of A SEASIDE SUMMER, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore, August 23-September 19, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 17th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Romance Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

Do you like to take a vacation by the sea or a lake?  If so, where if your favorite vacation spot?

A Seaside Summer was just the book I needed this hectic first week of school to calm my nerves like a seaside vacation.  It is no secret that I love regency romance novels.  This anthology contains three regency novellas set by the seashore. 

In The New Countess, Diane is happy to be visiting the family cottage by the sea with her children without the societal pressures of being a countess.  She has just married the earl as a second marriage and is expecting their first child together.  When the earl arrives, it threatens to upset her vacation plans.  Can the two of them learn to love each other without the societal roles and pressures they entail?

In Mishaps and Memories, Judith’s chances of marriage are ruined with Mr. Carlisle makes a great joke of her last name after an unfortunate incident.  Shortly thereafter, Mr. Carlisle suffers an accident and is discovered by Judith with no memories.  She tells him he is a servant for a joke, but will it become something more?

In Moonlight Summer, Dottie is on vacation with her new stepsisters and stepfather, as well as her mother.  Her stepfather has found a great match for her, but after she meets their mysterious neighbor Oscar, she starts to wonder if she should marry without love.  What is Oscar’s mysterious past?

I loved all three stories, and they were highly enjoyable to read.  I flew through this book as I loved the characters and their unique stories.  I really enjoyed the seaside theme as the end of summer winds down.  I enjoyed that each love story explored different aspects of love.  I especially enjoyed that this was a clean read as I love closed door romances.

Overall, A Seaside Summer is a wonderful collection of regency novellas that I could not put down.  I highly recommend it!

Book Source:  Review Copy for being a part of the Book Tour put together by Austenprose.  Thank-you!

QUICK FACTS

·       Title: A Seaside Summer: Timeless Regency Romance Collection (Book 17)

·       Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore 

·       Series: Book 17 in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection

·       Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

·       Publisher:  Mirror Press (August 24, 2021)

·       Length: (307) pages

·       Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1952611186

·       Audiobook ASIN: B09C6PDGB2

·       eBook ASIN: B092FLD2TX

·       Tour Dates: August 23 – September 19, 2021

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Summer on the seaside . . . a perfect place for romance.

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

The New Countess, by Josi S. Kilpack

Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories, by Martha Keyes

Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore

Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

 

 

ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Regency Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories set in early 19th century England. Featuring bestselling authors from the historical romance genre, the series has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. In October the Timeless Regency Romance Collection will present its 18th anthology, The Inns of Devonshire, including stories by Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, and Deborah M. Hathaway. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.   

 

AUTHOR BIOS

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

TOUR SCHEDULE

 

Aug 23          Austenprose (Review)

Aug 24          My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Aug 24          Getting Your Read On (Review)

Aug 25          The Bibliophile Files (Review)

Aug 26          Heidi Reads (Review)

Aug 27          Our Book Confessions (Review)

Aug 30          The Lit Bitch (Spotlight)                       

Aug 30          Wishful Endings (Review)

Sept 01         The Book Diva Reads (Spotlight)

Sept 01         Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Sept 02         Laura's Reviews (Review)

Sept 04         Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Excerpt)

Sept 07         Probably at the Library (Review)

Sept 08         Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

Sept 09         Books and Socks Rock (Spotlight)

Sept 10         Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Sept 11         Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt)

Sept 13         From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Sept 13         My Bookish Bliss (Review)

Sept 14         Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Sept 15         Relz Reviewz (Spotlight)

Sept 15         Reading with Emily (Review)

Sept 16         Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Sept 17         Greenish Bookshelf (Spotlight)                     

Sept 17         Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Sept 17         Bringing Up Books (Review)

Sept 18         Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Sept 19         Eli's Novel Reviews (Review)

         

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 GIVEAWAY

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour.

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all! 

Rakes and Roses by Josi S. Kilpack (Rakes and Roses Blog Tour)

Bestselling author Josi S. Kilpack tours the blogosphere May 4 through May 22, 2020 to share her third novel in the Mayfield Family series, Rakes and Roses. Forty popular book bloggers specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will feature guest blogs, interviews, exclusive excerpts, and book reviews of this acclaimed Regency romance.

Can a notorious rake reform and become a better person?  Lady Sabrina was married to an evil man who beat her. One evening a mysterious young man helped her when she was in fear of her husband.  Little did she know she would repay his kindness years later. After a miscarriage and her husband’s early death, she is able to become an independent business woman with her inheritance and live life on her own terms.  She is happy with her life and getting to help out those around her, but she wishes that she could have found love and a family of her own.

Harry Stillman is a gambler, drinker, and womanizer who can’t keep himself from the pull of the gambler’s den.  His rich uncle has cast him off, and he has hit rock bottom with no money, great debt, and only the selling of his estate left.  He learns of the mysterious Lord Damion who will loan him the money to pay off his debts if he will work towards being a better man.  It’s one last chance that he’s happy to take, but he is beat up by thugs after meeting with Lord Damion.  Lady Sabrina finds him after the attack, and realizes it’s the man who helped her in the past.  She takes him home to nurse him back to health.  Will Harry be able to change?  Will Lady Sabrina be able to keep her independence and her secrets?

I loved this novel.  I have talked about previously on this blog that Regency historical romance books are my comfort reads, especially during these trying times.  Rakes and Roses is also a clean Regency romance, which I enjoy.  I really love the focus on romance without throwing in a lot of gratuitous steamy sex scenes.  Rakes and Roses had great main characters in Lady Sabrina and Harry Stillman.  I loved how Lady Sabrina was able to take her life in her own hands and have success as a woman during a time when that was not typical.  I also loved that she felt a great desire to help other people.  I loved the chemistry between her and Harry.  They were intellectually matched.  Harry had a journey to go on as he hit rock bottom and I loved how he realized how much he had hurt those he loved.  The story was very interesting and unique to any other Regency romance I have read. 

I also loved discovering that it is part of a Trilogy.  I need to find the other books in this trilogy!  They are all linked by the fact that Harry’s uncle will only give him money if he settles down and finds a wife.  This is a pact he has made with all of his nephews.

Favorite Quotes:

“The only people who cannot change are those who are unwilling to face the pain behind the poor choices they have made.”

“Would it be possible for someone to truly see her, know her, and understand her?”

“I am wearing a nightshirt and knitting.  Dignity is no longer an option.”

“It was perhaps the first time he understood that sacrifice was giving up something good and immediate for something better and long-term.”

Overall, Rakes and Roses is a heartwarming story of redemption with great characters and chemistry.  I loved it!

What do you read for comfort reads?

Book Source:  Review copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing for being a part of the Blog Tour put together by Austenprose.  Thank-you!

 

QUICK FACTS:

• Title: Rakes and Roses: A Mayfield Family Romance (Book 3)
• Proper Romance series
• Author: Josi S. Kilpack
• Tour Dates: May 4 – May 22, 2020
• Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (May 5, 2020)
• Length (320) pages
• Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1629727356
• eBook ASIN: B085FSQNGV
• Audiobook ASIN: B0844W7ZQM

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A standalone novel in the Mayfield Family series with an unusual premise and an uplifting ending.

Lady Sabrina endured an abusive marriage, a miscarriage, and early widowhood to emerge as a smart, successful, confident woman who found a way to make her mark in a man's world. She has friends and purpose, but cannot hide from the emptiness she feels when the parties are over and the friends have gone home to families she will never have.
Harry Stillman may be charming and handsome, but he's a gambler and a rake who has made a mockery of his privileges. He turns to the mysterious Lord Damion for financial relief from his debts, but still ends up beaten nearly senseless by thugs and left in an alley.
When Lady Sabrina comes upon Harry after the attack, she remembers the kindness Harry once showed to her six years ago and brings him to her estate to heal. Though their relationship begins on rocky footing, it soon mellows into friendship, then trust. But Lady Sabrina needs to keep Harry at a distance, even if he is becoming the kind of man worthy of her heart. After all, she is keeping a secret that, if exposed, could destroy everything she's so carefully built.

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | BOOK DEPOSITORY INDIEBOUND | AUDIBLE | GOODREADS

ADVANCE PRAISE:

"Uplifting...Kilpack flips the typical Regency romance script, with the heroine rescuing the hero. Kilpack's strong, upright heroine who finds a way to claim her power in Regency society sets this love story apart. This magnetic tale will appeal to fans of emotional romance."—Publisher’s Weekly 

 “Kilpack takes traditional regency roles and challenges them. She shows how one person can make an impact in the world. I found the story and premise unique.”—Heather Gardner, Fire and Ice

“This is a story of redemption above all else…the ending was perfect.”— Lucinda Whitney, author of Rescuing the Prince

AUTHOR BIO:

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance and Proper Romance Historical series and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

RAKES AND ROSES BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

May 04           My Jane Austen Book Club (Guest Blog)

May 04           Historical Fiction with Spirit (Review)

May 04           Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

May 04           All About Romance (Guest Blog)

May 05           Timeless Novels (Review)

May 05           Literary Time Out (Review)

May 06           For Where Your Treasure Is (Review)

May 06           Courtney Reads Romance (Review)

May 07           Fire and Ice (Excerpt)

May 07           Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

May 08           History Lizzie (Review)

May 08           Wishful Endings (Review)

May 09           Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Spotlight)

May 09           Relz Reviewz (Character spotlight)

May 10           Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

May 10           Delighted Reader (Excerpt)

May 11           Frolic Media (Guest Blog)

May 11           A Bookish Way of Life (Review)

May 11           Bringing Up Books (Review)

May 12           Lu Reviews Books (Review)

May 13           English Historical Fiction Authors (Guest Blog)

May 13           Adventure. Romance. Suspense (Review)

May 14           Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals (Interview)

May 14           So Little Time…So Much to Read (Spotlight)

May 15           Storybook Reviews (Excerpt)

May 16           The Book Diva’s Reads (Review)

May 16           The Fiction Aficionado (Review)

May 17           Inkwell Inspirations (Spotlight)

May 17           Half Agony, Half Hope (Review)

May 18           Romance Junkies (Guest Blog)

May 18           Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

May 18           The Lit Bitch (Review)

May 19           The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Interview)

May 19           Heidi Reads (Review)

May 19           Bookworm Lisa (Excerpt)

May 19           Laura's Reviews (Review)

May 19           Katie's Clean Book Collection (Review)

May 20           The Silver Petticoat Review (Excerpt)

May 20           Joy of Reading (Review)

May 20           Austenesque Reviews (Review)

May 21           The Calico Critic (Spotlight)

May 21           Getting Your Read On (Review)  

May 21           From Pemberley to Milton (Excerpt)

May 22           Wishful Endings (Interview)