Synopsis

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.

Review

If you are looking for historical romance, then check out this book because it combines all of the things I enjoy – dogs, romance, independent women (despite the times), and secrets.

I really love Julia. She is independent, knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to do what she wants after all it is her life! Her mother is her biggest stumbling block and many times I wanted to tell Amelia that she needed to get over the past and stop harboring a grudge. Yes, things didn’t go your way but don’t let it interfere with Julia’s life.

Then there is Peter – very concerned with doing the right thing but putting himself last when he should put himself first since if he is happy then everyone is happy!

We can’t forget Elliott – the bachelor uncle that just wants to see his nieces and nephews happy and married so he has set up some challenges for them and if they make an appropriate match they inherit something or will be gifted something special. Of course, Elliott never expects to meet his soul mate. I think these challenges are some peeks into future books and making this a series.

I was intrigued with the dog breeding because while I know has been happening for centuries, I never thought much about the topic until I read this book. I thought it was genius that Peter left Marjorie name one of his Dams (female) and she chose to name her Bumbleberry. There were many touching moments with the dogs throughout the book and even one tearjerker moment.

Overall I really enjoyed the flow of the book, the characters (good and bad), and the potential for future books with cameos by Elliott, Peter, Julia, and more.

We give this 4 paws up

About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 2007 and Wedding Cake, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute – but not very friendly – cat.

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