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| (Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.
Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.
Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.
Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. 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?
my thoughts:
A beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry, and smile. I loved Love And Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack. This book was such a delight to read. It was truly romantic, sweet, gentle, and just lovely. It's a book you won't soon forget.
Hazel and Duncan are pretty much set on not getting married. They each have been living their lives to the beat of their own drums. Until Hazel's uncle offers them each a sizable inheritance if they get married to one another. Say what? Marry for money? Hmm...the two are not happy with the idea at all, except, they both realize that the money would help them out. You see, the school Hazel works at is threatening to shut down and she can't have that happen - that school is her life. And, as for Duncan, he realizes he could buy the building he works at and start his own firm. So, maybe getting married isn't a bad idea after all. Only, Hazel's uncle has decided that the two must live as husband and wife for one full year before they can receive their monies, well that puts a wrench in their plan of marrying and separating as soon as they go their payouts. However, their future plans are at stake, so the two decide to go for it. After all it is just one year and in the end they will be able to do as they please. Except, maybe during that year together maybe their plans for their futures will change - after all, love does tend to bloom in unlikely places, right?
Oh, what a story! I just LOVED Kilpack's writing - it was so much fun to read. Entertaining and engaging, this book was just such a treat! And these characters, they are unforgettable. Love and Lavender is an unputdownable read that you won't be able to stop thinking about long after you turn that very last page. This is one book that I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will love it to bits! Check it out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
