About the Book

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls’ school.

When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance is he marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own firm.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.

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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In My Opinion

Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack is not your typical historical romance. And it was all the better for it.

Hazel and Duncan are somewhat misfits among their family and friends. Hazel has chosen to be a teacher over a wife and mother. Duncan is gruff and focused (if this were a contemporary book, he would probably be diagnosed somewhere on the autism scale). These two strike up an unlikely friendship through letters and bond via word problems (as in those math riddles).

Kilpack does such a good job in this book giving us contrasting characters who understand each other as their sweet friendship blossoms into love. This may just be my favorite book in the Mayfield Family series.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.