Member Reviews
Romance, clean; period; series, but stand-alone read.
Maryann and Timothy's story was a lovely, heartfelt read. Two characters learning to know their heart and find the one who will see them as they truly are. Timothy's stumbles, unkind words, and his friendship with Maryann as they navigate the season, and try to find matches for each other, their 'perfect' match', was heartfelt, honest, and heart-wrenching as Maryann is torn from him as he pursues another woman, and as he tries to set her up with someone too. Realizations, recognition, and understanding as they muddle through the season, and each deal with their romances, and the 'friendship' they have for each other, was painful, real, and sweet at the same time. This is by far my favorite of this series. Honest, hurting heart for Maryann, and honest, blind man in Timothy, coming to realize what is important, real and where his heart truly is bound. Beautiful, sweet, honest and poignantly sincere novel, well worth the read if you are a fan of period romance.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
I so adore this book! Wonderful writing, fabulous characters, intriguing story line.
I cannot wait to read more from the Mayfield Family series.
This book was exactly on point for Josi! The development of both main characters was excruciatingly perfect. Josi has a way of pulling incredible feeling and believability out of her creations! I feel like most women feel like sweet Maryanne. We feel diminished by others throughout our lives and feel it keenly when our imperfections are brought forward. Sometimes our self worth is redeemed... but it takes time. It hurts and the struggle she has towards the in is real! Loved this book!
The story opens with one of the best scenes in the book: Timothy is entertaining Maryann by acting out a scene from Hamlet, He lets slip that he is courting her. This doesn’t please Maryann as several other gentlemen have come calling after it became known that she is an heiress. They have a frank discussion on what Timothy is looking for in a marriage: love and security since he lives off an allowance his generous uncle provides.
Timothy is sweet, silly, honest and although he doesn’t mean to hurt Maryann, he can be insensitive. Maryann has spent years taking care of her mother and is having her first London season at 22 years old. She’s thoughtful, a good friend, and looking for someone who likes her just the way she is (loud laugh and all).
I usually read a book in 2 or 3 days. I put down this book several times, picking it up days later. First Timothy doesn’t see what is in front of his nose and then Maryann’s pride gets in the way of thei romance. Although it wasn’t my usual quick read, I did enjoy the in-depth characters and the transition from friendship to being in love.
Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I throughly enjoyed this regency era historical fiction. This novel was filled with all the right elements--misunderstanding, longing, frustration, etc between the two main characters of Maryann and Timothy. I appreciated that this was a clean romance so very much. This novel really made me think about how much a woman's options of that time period must of dependent on his money or husband. I will gladly read any of the proper romance "series", especially by this author. I cannot.wait for the next Mayfield series. Highly recommend this one!
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book - it's due out in May next year and I highly recommend it and I'll definitely be reading more by this author. Miss Maryann Morrington is in London for the season in order to find a match. Maryann has an inheritance and doesn't necessarily match current standards of beauty so she is always suspicious when a man shows and interest. She meets Timothy Mayfield through her sister - he was a school friend of her husband. Timothy is also in London to find a match - and he has a very specific list of what he's looking for in a woman. Maryann develops feelings for Timothy but as she matches none of the attributes on his list, she decides to help him out by introducing her to young woman who may be suitable. This is a very clever written and relatable romance novel. (less)
Loving this new series from Josi Kilpack! This book gave me all the feels! Not only were the characters engaging and witty, but they were so genuine and likable! I loved this story and the the journey that these characters went on to find their happily ever afters! My favorite parts of this book were the witty banter and blunt honesty between Timothy and Maryann! It made this story come to life! Can not wait to see what is in store for this series next!
What a fun, enjoyable and just downright charming story! What particularly sealed the deal for me was the friendship between the hero and heroine. I definitely enjoyed the banter and the romance was sweet, but I loved seeing their friendship develop most of all. Now I need to go back and read the first one in this series! :)
Josi Kilpack writes an intriguing, fun, addictive book filled with flawed characters who I can't help but fall in love with.
This book was a really great read! It follows Timothy and Maryanne as they navigate the season in London hoping to make a match. Timothy needs to marry a woman with a fortune and Maryanne is an heiress who only wants to find someone interested in her for more than just her fortune. Timothy originally intends to begin courting Maryanne but a financial offer from his uncle means that he can choose a wife based on a list of qualities rather than if she has a fortune. He creates a list of qualities he hopes to find in his perfect wife, nothing that seems to fit Maryanne. They decided to become friends, although Maryanne still harbors feeling for Timothy. The story follows them as they go through the season and grow closer.
I really liked the development of characters and their relationship. I was not impressed with Timothy at the beginning, he seemed very shallow and childish, but as the story progressed I was impressed with his development and actually really liked him by the end. I would definitely recommend this book and will be checking out other books by this author!
I received a copy of this to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
This was a fun, light hearted read. I got through the book really quickly since it was such an easy read. I read a lot of crime books so I enjoy reading books like this occasionally to bring me out of all the darkness and gore!
Penniless Timothy knows he must marry for money, while Maryann wishes to marry for love but fears men will only want her for her money. Thanks to Timothy's generous uncle, he finds himself able to marry for love instead of money. When he can't get Maryann out of his head or heart, he begins to question everything he thinks he knows. I thought this was a great addition to the Mayfield Family story. While I enjoyed the first story, this one was my favorite. I loved both Maryann and Timothy. They were so well written. Both had flaws that made them more realistic and endearing. Their candid honesty with each other was a treat to read. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
After reading ‘Primroses’ I was certain that this new series about the Mayfield family was going to be the best yet from Josi Kilpack. I wasn’t wrong. ‘Daisies & Devotion’ was everything I expected and more.
What is it about a friendship between two people, during a time when so much of the social niceties were chaperoned and controlled - that can develop naturally and without pretense? Of course Timothy & Maryann have a mutual connection in her brother-in-law, Lucas, which creates an advantage. However, familiarity can create issues too. Speaking ones mind even with those we feel most comfortable with, does not guarantee it will be taken as intended. As Maryann’s feelings deepen faster than Timothy’s, she seems destined for a life of unrequited love.
For me a good regency story needs to get out of London. Though my favourite city in the world, I adore the country and there is nothing better for me to be taken to the beautiful grounds of a family estate. Places I’ve visited frequently and fallen in love with years ago. Nothing about the city and the life of the London Season really appeal to me at all. It was a delight when Maryann declares she is leaving. I almost did a happy dance! Yay!
There’s possibly more dialogue in this book than in others. Very much a story of conversation between Timothy & Maryann, but their relationship and how it evolves is very much the central plot.
Nicely written, and an absolute joy to read - I cannot wait for Donna’s or Harry’s books..
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the eARC. This is my honest review.
“He loves me, he loves me not…”
Maryann, an heiress, is in London for the season in search of a husband. A man who would want to marry her for love, not for her money.
There, she is introduced to Timothy, who is in search of a rich wife. He is determined to win Maryann over, but when his rich Uncle offers him wealth and security if he finds a suitable wife, he decides to marry for love and not money. But he has a list of requirements that his future wife should meet. And none of those qualifications are even close to Maryann’s bearings and demeanor.
Would Timothy find the perfect woman? Does she exist? Or would he eventually realize that what he so desperately is looking for, has been right in front of him all the time.
Daisies and Devotion, is a refreshing and enjoyable historical romance you wouldn’t want to put down.
Thanks to the author, Shadow Mountain publishing and the NetGalley for my advanced copy.
Maryann is a heiress returning to London for a season to find a husband, but it's difficult to know who wants her for her money and who wants her for herself. Timothy is a penniless, but gentle and sweet. He is trying to find a wife, but he wants to find a woman that can improve his status, but also one that he can love. He begins to court Maryann and they form a bluntly honest friendship. When Timothy gets an offer from his generous uncle to improve his status, he is freed of his bonds to secure a wealthy connection. He makes a list of his perfect wife's virtues.
Maryann, already feeling in love with Timothy, is disappointed, but determined to see her friend happy, helps him with his ridiculous search for the perfect bride.
I love historical romances, but I tend to be pretty picky about the historical romances I prefer. This one hit all of the things I love. Maryann knows she's no prize beauty, but she has wit and honesty. I loved her. She's strong, level-headed, and smart. Timothy is a dreamer, artistic, and lighthearted. He has such a kind and sweet way about him. He is not like the brooding men in most historical romances.
This book made me laugh, smile, and tear up a bit. I felt the characters were well developed and life like. Those are the best kind of books. The books with the feels. A solid 4.5/5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a honest review*
A historical romance set in regency England. It has all the hallmarks of a good romance. Good angst and longing for each other by the hero and heroine, a lot of time spent together under the same roof for those nice, sexual-tension building moments, and a satisfying ending. Although a bit wordy at times, the author creates good connection between her reader and her characters so that they can feel the emotions the hero and heroine struggle with throughout the book. For lovers of historical romance, I recommend this book.