Promises and Primroses by Josi L. Kilpack – Review

While I’m a new reader of Josi S. Kilpack (this is second I’ve read from her), I know the Proper Romance Line well and enjoy the books they offer. Kilpack has shot to the top of my list of authors I need to read from these publications.

About the Book

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions.  If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.

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In My Opinion…

Peter Mayfield is determined to keep himself and his daughters far from any hint of a scandal. He’s grown up in the shadow of one and does not wish the same for his girls. Thus, when he conducts interviews while searching for a governess, he steers clear of the young and pretty Julia Hollingsworth. When circumstances bring the two back together, and Julia’s gentle ways with his daughters—and his dogs—moves Peter.

Josi S. Kilpack writes what I consider middle-upper class regency—just a step down from he nobility. Her characters have large homes but also need a trade to support themselves. They still attend and host dinner parties, they have a wide circle of peers, and they have employees (just not tenants).

Julia’s tenderheartedness toward the girls and the puppies, as well as her desire to bring as little pain to Peter as possible, make her an extremely likable character. And Peter’s desire to live an upright life—to the point of foregoing what he wants most—is commendable. The two are a good fit for each other, but Julia’s mom has another agenda.

A pleasant and pleasurable story that looks at the simple and natural process of love burgeoning from admiration and the future that opens up when forgiveness is extended, Promises and Primroses is another winner from Kilpack.

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.