This is a follow-up novel to The Vicar's Daughter that I read last year. They're sister's. You don't need to have read the first book to read this one. You can read what I thought about this one below...
(A Proper Romance)
By Josi S. Kilpack
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
May 1st 2018 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath—more comfortable with herself—and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there.
When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine—Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school—is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl.
When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever—until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.
Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.
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My Review
MISS WILTON'S WALTZ is a darling story about a woman who has found safety in music and hiding herself away, the man she falls in love with, and his troublesome niece who is also his ward. The characters are easy to fall in love with as the story progresses, especially as they change and develop, and as the reader becomes more familiar with them. The romance is perfectly sweet with plenty of chemistry. A delightful story from beginning to end!
I adored these characters! I loved how complex they were and the theme of right versus wrong... how life is so much more gray than black and white. It so easily fit with Lenora having a father as a clergyman and being raised with a black and white perspective and then that perspective being challenged. She is not your usual heroine. She is quiet, reserved, and does not dare hope to find love. I loved the contrast of proper English society and Lenora's secret nightly walks in men's trousers, especially as she is a clergyman's daughter and with her desire to hide. I also loved Aiden. He is an interesting character with his background in Jamaica and being wealthy, but not snobbish. His commitment to his niece is seen as unusual by society. Catherine took some time to grow on me, but grow on me she did. She is quite the conniving minx. I also loved Gwen, Lenora's aunt. I loved her wisdom and her love for Lenora. Miss Keighly I could care less for, but as that was her role, she played it marvelously well.
Here is a favorite quote, Aunt Gwen sharing her wisdom with Lenora:
"Life never comes with guarantees, Lenora, and there is security in never taking a chance. But if you do not take hold of the opportunities of happiness that come your way, you will only find empty tomorrow. Life is both too long and too short to allow fear to guide your ship."
The pace of the story was perfect as was the plot. I didn't know if I would love Lenora's story after reading The Vicar's Daughter. She takes some time to find her backbone, but she does find it. I enjoyed seeing her character change and grow. The author did a fantastic job of allowing the situation to develop in such a way that it was realistic, fit with the historical setting, and challenged Lenora to fight for her happiness. I also thought the romance was well done. It develops slowly and felt like it was teased little by little as the characters are intrigued by one another, which builds an attraction, and then more without them consciously allowing love to blossom. You can feel the chemistry and the characters' frustrations quite easily. Not every author can pull of this kind of character development and plot without changing who the character is or without certain plot points feeling forced. Kilpack definitely had no issues doing so.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story full of complex characters who were easy to relate to, an engaging plot, and a sweet romance. Perfect for historical romance fans who love cheering for the underdog and looking for a happily-ever-after story that will touch the heart and leave the reader joyfully content.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
About the Author
Josi S. Kilpack is the author of twenty-five novels and one cookbook and a participant in several co-authored projects and anthologies. She is a four-time Whitney award winner—Sheep's Clothing (2007), Wedding Cake (2014), and Lord Fenton's Folly (2015) for Best Romance and Best Novel of the Year—and the Utah Best in State winner for fiction in 2012. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children.
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