About the book: Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.
Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted.
A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister but her good intentions may lead to disaster.
As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?
My review: Oh my goodness! I loved everything about this book. I loved Cassie! I loved the way she is at the beginning, she's spirited and just knows that waiting for Lenora to get married is ruining her life. But I also really loved the way she grows through out the book. The Cassie at the beginning is not the same girl by the end of the book. She has grown more humble, willing to look outward and find those in need of her help, and loving to all around her. I loved the way she's so impetuous and doesn't think of what could go wrong if anyone finds out that she's the one writing the letters. Not to even mention, what would happen if her parents found out that either she or Lenora are receiving letters from a gentleman. I loved the way both Evan and Cassie begin to fall for each other over the course of their correspondence, so cute!
Evan...I loved the way he is a true gentleman. He doesn't really know enough about what gentlemen do to know that he shouldn't be corresponding with either sister. When he finds out, he does what he feels is the honorable thing for his actions. There are several points in the book where he has to do something that will be exceedingly hard, but he knows that the hard thing is the right and proper thing to do, so he does it anyway. He's not perfect, but he is a great character that I loved.
I really loved the whole plot line of this one. I loved the feel of it, it's a regency romance, but it feels less stuffy than a lot of them do, giving it almost a more modern feel.
And the plot is just amazing! I loved the way it seemed as though there was no hope that Cassie could ever find happiness and...well, I don't want to give anything away, you'd better go read it yourself!
This is probably my favorite book I've read this year, but that could change very quickly! I'm sure it will be a contender for next year's Whitney Awards. Such a great book! Go get your own copy!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
About the author: Josi S. Kilpack is the author of twenty-five novels—including the twelve-book Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series—one cookbook, and has been part of several coauthored projects and anthologies. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children.
Purchase links: Amazon - Deseret Book - Also on Deseret Bookshelf Plus
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Labels: Josi S Kilpack, Proper Romance, Shadow Mountain Publishing
