I absolutely love everything I have read by Sarah Eden and her latest, The Heart of a Vicar, definitely did not disappoint!

You have been introduced to Harold Jonquil in previous books; however, this tale will present a full tale about his life. As an older son in the Jonquil clan, Harold has lived a life of ease. When he selects his livelihood as a town vicar, Harold soon finds himself living on a level of poverty. As he adjusts how he lives to try to make ends meet, Harold feels like he will never have enough to support a family and thus, will have to proceed through life alone!

When Sarah Sarvol returns to town, Harold finds himself at odds with his former friend. Harold’s personality has changed from the man Sarah feel in love with years ago. As you see these former friends banter back and forth, you will see a new friendship developing!

This tale with catch you up on the lives of the entire Jonquil family. It is fun to learn the state of all of their lives!

Seeing the book cover and reading the blurb really made me want to read this book. I was also in the need of something historical, after having read two very good historical (mystery) books recently. So when the publisher finally approved my request to have an ARC over at Netgalley, I was beyond overjoyed. I haven't read a clean historical romance in a while too, and I felt this would put the thing about romances in the past into perspective. But I was left disappointed. Bored, even. I have read and enjoyed a countless number of clean contemporary romances — and this just fell short.

Harold Jonquil has never stopped loving Sarah Sarvol. Even with her absence in England, having gone back to America, he cannot forget her. As the years passed, Harold eventually becomes the vicar that he was 'told' that he was born to be. But he is struggling to maintain the balance between what he thinks a vicar should be and who he really is inside. Years spent in this job has changed him to be someone who is adrift. Lost. Distant. Sarah's return only makes his confidence fall further. However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, Harold decides to take the reins and look for answers. There is a way to be a vicar and be who he is at the same time, surely? This story follows his growth and the second-chance romance between him and his first love.

Only, where is the romance? Where is the fluttering of my heart? Where is the smile that should come up when the both of them are together? There was nothing. Nada. Furthermore, instead of helping him in a kind manner, Sarah just has to do it in a way that pisses off my introverted side. Making Harold feel inferior because he is an introvert and she is not is not okay. It is mean. It is arrogant.

<i>She leaned closer, eyes still forward, and whispered, "I discovered a shockingly effective means of learning things about people." She made a show of looking about the chapel as if afraid she would be overheard revealing her secret. "I <b>talk</b> to them."</i>

Whatever, Sarah. Harold talks to people too, okay. He knows that much about what being a vicar entails. He just can't communicate as well as you. And I'm sure it takes a lot of courage for him to do it too.

Reading about how Harold manages to get past the obstacles despite the depressing emotions he is facing is a joyous process though. His quirks made up for how boring he could otherwise be. His sense of humour, which gradually comes to light, is refreshing. His ability to endure the inconsiderate teasing from his older brothers, to accept criticisms after deliberation on his part, is amazing. I don't care what the other characters in the book say, about how Sarah is the reason he's able to change for the better, because changing is also a personal choice. To come out stronger is a quality that only comes from within.

But oh, the whole time I was reading this book, the only word that kept popping up in my head is 'uninteresting'. Even now, I still think this book as just that. Perhaps it's the interaction between Sarah and Harold? I can't pin-point it, but there's something awkward between them. It's as if they have no chemistry. Philip and Sorrel's part of the story in this book actually holds more power, and they aren't even supposed to be the main characters. There are also parts of this book that made me roll my eyes. Like, did they really expect Sarah's uncle to not dismiss the servants at all if they helped her escape? There are also some parts that I did not understand, which I blame on my lack of knowledge on how things worked in the past. The way it is written in this book, it's as if:
1. There is no police.
2. The vicar is akin to the police.
3. There is only one vicar, expected to know about everyone and everything happening in the area.
4. The Jonquil family is authority, what with having their Estate funding the vicar's home.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a book with strong family relations between characters, and the growth of a character. But I will not recommend this to those who enjoys romance, because there is a dismal amount in this one.

This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley. This book can be read as a standalone.

I am thrilled that Holy Harry's is finally here. Harold Jonquil, now a vicar, lacks the confidence and enthusiasm to be a helpful and compassionate man of the cloth. As his sister-in-law Sorrel states, he is "adrift". The return of his lost love, Sarah Sarvol, spurs him on to become the man he is meant to be.

Sarah is a delight, and her initial "vicar challenge" is surprising, humorous and effective. Her encouragement of and faith in Harold is wonderful to see.

The Jonquils are such an engaging family; I love them all. Their banter is clever and witty, and Caroline is the most adorable girl ever. Except Jason and his wife, all family members make an appearance, including Lord Crispin Cravatt and his wife Catherine. Sarah's uncle is hateful and cruel to her. His blaming her for Bridget's death is so misplaced; I found it confusing.

Eden's prose is always clear, descriptive and flows beautifully. Her writing can make me laugh or cry. That was especially true when I read "Glimmer of Hope". While I loved it, I cried through the whole thing. Philip Jonquil is my best-loved brother, and "As You Are" is my favorite Jonquil brothers novel. However, the entire series is fabulous. I look forward to Charlie's story (with Artemis Lancaster, perhaps?). While not a Jonquil, I would love to see Scott Sarvol get a story of his own.

Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful novel.

In true Sarah M. Eden fashion, we have complex characters that we really care about (how could we not love the Jonquils!) and beautiful moments as well as funny ones. This book has everything you could ask for.

Sarah Sarvol has left America and returned with her brother Scott to England. Having spent time in the area as a child, she is returning to her uncle’s house so her brother can learn his duties as the heir. Her uncle has no use for females and considers her a poor relation. She is forced to live in the governess quarters and not socialize with others. Even through her trials, Sarah believes you make your own happiness and is a very outgoing and optimistic person.

Harold Jonquil has spent his life knowing that he would be a vicar, and he has been ridiculed by his brothers for it. They love calling him “Holy Harry” and using the term pious as an insult.

Harold has always looked up to his father and considered him exemplary. His goal is to emulate him and follow his advice. “Act well your part; there all the honor lies.” He believes that this means he must always be serious and hide all of his “strange” tendencies like climbing things like a monkey and singing songs about drinking.

Harold and Sarah were once sweet on each other until something happened that left them both heartbroken; and Harold soaking wet. Years later they are reunited and drawn together by a challenge.

I have been looking forward to reading Harold’s story. I knew there had to be a reason for him being so serious and proper all the time. This was not the story I expected. While the reasons behind Harold’s mask were similar to what I anticipated, I never expected the real Harold hiding underneath! He has some unusual and really fun quirks, and I loved seeing his relationship with Sarah. There is such a sweet tenderness with those two that is like calm in all the chaos.

Harold is so lonely and vulnerable. He is an introvert and has problems socializing with others. His belief of how the perfect vicar is to behave causes him to be even further separated from people, and he keeps his true self hidden. He is such a fun person when he is in personal settings and allowed to be himself. I loved his relationship with his housekeeper.

None of the Jonquil relationships are easy. They deeply love each other and grow closer together as they go through emotional and even heartbreaking times.

The Heart of a Vicar is the sixth book in the The Jonquil Brothers Series. So many beloved characters from previous books come back and even play large roles in the story. Philip and Sorrel have been such a special couple to me since the first book, and it is heartbreaking to see what they have to go through. Layton, another one of my favorite characters from a previous book, is still going through a lot of emotional turmoil as is his daughter. Just as in real life, things do not always wrap up easily. While this book can be read as a standalone, I love how many story-lines continue with previous characters. This book makes me want to binge read this entire series again.

Before he began his studies, Harold Jonquil falls in love with visiting American, Sarah Sarvol. He parts from her, knowing he couldn't make her wait for him. When she arrives back in the neighborhood, will this reticent man find love again? Or has he changed too much for Sarah to accept?

I'm going to start off with how much I liked Harold. I didn't mind his reserved nature at the beginning of the book, completely understanding his uncertainty in talking to people. He does manage to become more the man he used to be through the course of the story.

Sarah, on the other hand, annoyed me from start to finish. I cringed at her "American Ways." I don't feel she grew as a character at all. At least, she didn't seem to change at all, expecting all the changing to be done by Harold.

The plot was interesting. I have not read all of this series, so I found myself getting confused with all of the Jonquil brothers.

For Regency fans looking for a clean romance, this would not be a bad choice.

Harold Jonquil is a vicar and has always wanted to be one, yet he struggles with the role. He feels that he is unable to be at ease with people and at times, even with his family. When his young love, Sarah Sarvol returns to England with her brother, Scott, Harry’s life is thrown. Equally, Sarah felt nervous on returning, having had her heart broken by Harry. Yet she is puzzled when they meet again, as Harry has changed from the young man that she fell in love with. Knowing that Harry has always wanted to be a vicar who could relate to his parishioners, she challenges him to be better.
Both Harry and Sarah are two wonderful characters and it was lovely to see how their tenuous relationship strengthened again, allowing their romance to grow. I also enjoyed the characters of Sorrel and Philip and their relationship and difficulties added depth to the story, as did Harry’s relationship with his family. It was delightful to a part of both the Jonquil and Sarvol families, with their interesting and lively banter.
This was a sweet romance in a series, that continues to entertain. This is a standalone novel, but Sarah Eden does a great job of bringing characters from previous stories, so seamlessly into this book. Overall, a lovely read.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This newest tale in Sarah M. Eden’s grand Jonquil/Lancaster family saga is both heartbreaking and delightful. Second-to-youngest son Harold, the vicar in our story, has become adrift. He’s a young man living in the shadows of his very impressive family, filled with doubt and little confidence. Sarah is the love of his life who returns to England from America, eager to help her brother take over their uncle’s estate. Upon being reacquainted, Harold is subtly forced to reflect on his choices, and refresh his life.

There is so much to Harold that is relatable - everyone has doubts, and regrets, and even the desire to change. And Sarah’s enthusiasm for life makes her such a fun character. I’m a huge fan of this whole series, and I was not disappointed by “Holy Harry’s” story. But I believe this one would be difficult to read as a stand-alone. There’s a very big subplot with Phillip and Sorrel (Harold’s brother and sister-in-law) that is better appreciated with knowing the history of those characters and their story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Harold Jonquil is the second youngest of seven brothers. Since a young age, everyone determined that he was destined to be a vicar. But Harold is a man of masks. He feels uncomfortable and unsure of himself in his role in life. He's always worried that he's not living up to his idea of what he should be. He doesn't know how to organically connect with people, so he hides behind scripture or preconceived notions of how he should behave. As a result he finds himself disappointing people or being a source of ridule when he intereacts socially. Plus he's exhausted by always pretending to be someone he is not.

Unexpectedly his closest childhood friend and crush returns to the neighborhood. She calls him out on how he has changed, that he is not the man that she thought he would become. She challenges him in a ridiculous and amusing way and as a result, we get to meet more and more of the real Harold. He begins to realize that he doesn't need to hide behind masks and scripture to fulfill a role,  that he can fill the role simply by being himself. By being the man he used to be and by being happy and comfortable in his own skin.

The romance between Sarah and Harold was very sweet. They had a falling out years ago and both their hearts were broken. They were then seperated for several years when Sarah left for America with her mother and brother. In this book, they find their way gradually back to one another. I was really invested in their story.

I loved this book so much. I wasn't really sure what direction this book was going to take when I began reading and I didn't feel endeared to Harold at all, but as the book progressed we got some insights on where his insecurities were coming from and he really grew on me. Honestly the whole of the family did.

I started reading The Heart of a Vicar without being familiar with any of the previous books from the series. Each book of this series can serve as a stand alone. I was not confused in the least, meeting all the many members of this family without any prior knowledge of them from the previous books. Anything that I needed to know for my understanding of this book was explained in the text.

I will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series. I loved this one so much, that I really want to read the individual stories of the other brothers. I will also be looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance or historical fiction. Such a great and well written book. This is a clean romance.

Many thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley who shared a copy of this book with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

I would like to thank netgalley and Covenant Communications for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! It was original, well researched and heart warming. I want to read more of this series and find out about the other brothers.

I have enjoyed all the Jonquil boy’s stories but for some reason Holy Harry’s story was one I really looked forward to reading. This brother always seemed to make brief appearances in the other stories and was usually the one they all poked fun at or quietly stood in the shadows. It was great to finally get to know what was in his heart.

Eden did a great job giving Harold his own personality. Being the 6th of 7 brothers has got to be emotionally traumatic and it would difficult to find your place. Holy Harry felt had expectations thrust upon him by a now deceased but beloved father. He lost himself in those expectations and needed to find himself while still filling the role rather than let the role define him. I thought his struggles were real but would have liked to see him turn more to God to help him find his way rather than just to the people around him. Sarah is a great complement to his introverted personality. He needed her to help pull him from his pious yet seemingly empty emotional state. The real him was hidden behind the mask of a proper vicar and she was able to spark the change that gets him out of the rut he had ended up in.

While you could read this book by itself. It certainly is more enjoyable if you have already grown acquainted with the Jonquils (and even the Lancasters). I loved getting to have glimpses into the lives of the other brothers that I had already grown to love through the other books in this series.

Harold Jonquil is trying to be the best vicar he can be--and yet, despite his efforts to suppress any un-vicar-like tendencies (like singing drinking songs!), Harold seems to be failing. He isn't connecting with his congregation as well as he would like, and his brothers constantly remind him of his shortcomings. When Sarah Sarvol, the girl he fell in love with years before but couldn't pursue a relationship with, returns to the area to live, she quickly points out his shortcomings and even tells him she'd make a better vicar than him...and Harold soon sees that she has a way of connecting with people that he lacks. Has he been wrong to dedicate his life to being a vicar?
When Sarah and her brother Scott return to England so Scott can assume his responsibilities as their cankerous and cruel uncle's heir, Sarah is determined to be happy--even if it means seeing Harold Jonquil, the man who broke her heart. She's shocked by the changes in him, none of which seem to be for the better, and trying, to break through the hollow and indifferent exterior he projects to see if there is more below his surface, she challenges him to a contest to see who can be a better vicar. As Harold starts to show signs of his old self, though, Sarah finds that her old feelings for him start to resurface, but having been hurt by him once, does she dare trust him with her heart again?

Oh my goodness! I've heard Sarah M. Eden say a couple of times that she can't wait to introduce us to the real Harold Jonquil, and now I see what she meant.. We've seen quite a bit of Harold in the other books in the series, but always through his brothers' eyes, and he was definitely my least favorite Jonquil, based on what I saw through his brothers--he had a holier-than-thou attitude and seemed entirely lacking in real feelings. Well, by the end of the first chapter of this book, I was ready to punch his idiotic (but lovable) brothers in their noses and slap myself upside the head for ever believing anything they said about him! The author did a terrific job of showing his true character--with tons of feelings and vulnerabilities and insecurities. He was just a wonderful character, and I loved getting to see who he really is and seeing how Sarah helped him be more willing to show his family and his parishioners who he really was. I also loved seeing Sarah's bright personality and how she was determined to be happy in spite of difficult circumstances. And while I was put out with the other Jonquil brothers for their shabby treatment of Harold, I loved seeing what was going on in their lives and seeing how they did come through for Harold when he needed them, and I especially loved seeing Harold find his place among them and his community. This was just a beautiful book, and I adored everything about it. This is an easy 5 stars and one of my picks for the best books of 2019.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheHeartOfAVicar #NetGalley

Harold Jonquil feels like he is the least deserving person, he keeps to himself and doesn't like large crowds, he also has a secret, he loves to climb. Climbing is what helps him think. Harold is the type of vicor that puts people to sleep, unti he s issued a challenge, by Sarah Sarvol. Sarah longs to see the side of Harold that she usee to see, not the aloof person that Harold has become. I loved Harold's story, such a fun read. I loved that the rest of the Jonquil family was included in the book. Keep the stories coming, Sarah Eden, I love them all.

Nottinghamshire, England - 1816

Harold (Harry) Jonquil is a vicar but it doesn't come naturally to him. He doesn’t have the self-confidence he wishes he had. Harry wants to be the typical vicar but he feels rather awkward and doesn’t always know what to say to people. His housekeeper, keeps reminding him that he is a good man and can anything he wants. She is a good support for him.

Harry's brother, Philip, is an Earl, married to Sorrel, and their home is nearby Lampton Park. Philip informs him that Sarah Sarvol is coming to town. At one time, Harry and Sarah had been very close and she is the only woman he has ever loved.

Sarah and her brother Scott, have just arrived back in England after a lengthy voyage from America. They are Americans but have visited in England in the past. Their uncle is dying and Scott will be taking over his estate in Nottinghamshire. The last time Sarah was there many years ago, she had fallen in love with Harry who told her they could have no relationship as he was then off for his clerical studies. That had broken her heart.

Sarah realizes that Harry needs to loosen up and be more open to his parishioners. So, she tells him that she can do a better job than he can and the “race is on” to win the parishioners over.

Readers are introduced to all of the 7 Jonquil sons, their spouses and their children. Their beloved father has passed away but their Mater is still alive, very much loved, and a part of their lives. They are close and love to tease one another. We see happiness and heartbreak, but it’s all shared because they are family.

I have only read 2 of the 6 Jonquil brothers books but I think readers should read them all for these characters and family events to make sense. Thus, it took be awhile to get into the story, but it was still a good read.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Another classic Sarah Eden story in the Jonquil line.

As always I especially loved the large, affectionate family aspect of it. The camaraderie, the teasing & joking, that they had each other's backs, doing what's right & fighting for what's right.

It's a bit of a rough start though. I felt so sorry for poor, introverted Harold. He was grieving & lost. He got no support except from his mother & his housekeeper. And then his old love returns & begins undermining what little bit of confidence he has. I was not liking Sarah for her arrogance & insensitivity.

Thankfully her compassion for Harold kicks in, and things take a more positive turn.

Harold's story reminded me of St John Bosco who would perform tricks & entertaining feats of balance & climbing for the street urchins, but only if they would have catechism lessons with him first.

What surprised me was how little prayer was involved in a vicar's story, no real talk of praying for discernment, & Harold's discussion of faith with Phillip was more generic fuzzies than anything. We don't need to read all the prayers said, but we do want to know that the man of God is attempting to stay in communication with God during all this.

The ending is all that you could want in a happily-ever-after. Now... who's next? Scott? Charlie?

Clean romance level: sweet kisses

Sarah Eden has done it again. I loved every second of this book. The Jonquil brothers are my favorite fictional family and I had no clue how much I would end up loving Holy Harry. He has always been the most mysterious and misunderstood of all the brothers. I enjoyed getting to really know and understand his character as he tries to win back a lost love and goes on a journey to truly finding himself. A sweet regency romance that will have you both laughing and crying. I cannot wait to read Charlie’s story next!

Loved loved loved!

Oh, Harold Jonquil! Who has ever known who you truly are?!
Actually, this is a common trait in all of the Jonquil brothers, though each plot is unique and each journey personal.

Harold Jonquil was born a vicar. Known to be able to preach with a simple "good day" and the rise of one of his condescending eyebrow, he's been dubbed Holy Harry by his ever-teasing older brothers. But how much is a part he's playing and how much is what his heart is like?

If his mind and heart weren't scrambled already, the girl he used to love comes back determined to challenge him to be who he was meant to be.

Sarah Sarvol never forgot how Harry broke her heart. Nevertheless, she can't let this dull version of him be who people interact and trust with their problems and struggles. She once knew a part of him full of love for the part a vicar plays in the community, and she's sure it might still be there inside him.

I loved Sarah's character! She's an optimist, which sometimes can seem naive or unrealistic. But it's impossible to say Sarah doesn't heart, doesn't have short comings... no, Sarah is full of hope. That's what makes her different. And that's just what might makes her perfect to poke, prod and bring out the true heart of a vicar.

As a fan of Sarah Eden, this book was long awaited. I love the Jonquil family and feel like they are part of my extended family. Seeing the family together after reading each of their individual stories was heartwarming, Harry has always been the brunt of his brother's jokes, so I was longing to really know Harry. He is one of the brothers that is easiest for me to relate to. He struggles with what he wants to do and what is expected of him. He feels like he has to hide himself to be a good vicar. So many of us wear "social masks" for the same reason-so he people around us think the best of us regardless of what is truly inside of us.
Eden's writing is period perfect. All the words, the slang, titles, even the difference between the higher class and lower class-nothing is overlooked. The characters are well written & believable. Definitely one you will want to share with your friends and family!

I adore the Jonquil brothers! I cannot get enough of them and want them to keep coming even after getting through books for each brother. I am pretty sure I have 8 book boyfriends and they are all named Jonquil or honorary Jonquil.

If you'd walked into my house last night you would have found me in a variety of emotions as I read from sad to joy and in-between. About 3:00 this morning you'd have found me in tears. Shortly after that you'd have found me laughing again. By 4:00 am you'd have found me sighing happily and turning out the light. I then spent my 2 1/2 hours of sleep dreaming about Jonquils. I didn't intend to stay up all night reading but I just couldn't make myself stop. Totally worth it.

There is nothing better than when the brothers get together and we get to revisit their fun personalities along with their wives and children. Caroline is a favorite of mine and she is in this book quite a bit so that made me happy. I love the brothers as the Jonquil Freers of Prisoners and adore hearing about their childhood antics. And I love how much influence their father has had on each of them even after he died so young. And blessed be Mater. I adore her too.

So I can't do any spoilers but I will say that my emotions were all over the place with this story. I loved learning to know Harold as more than pious Holy Harry. I loved getting more about what was happening in the other brother's lives too. I loved Sarah and how she was determined to make a happy life despite what came before her. And that knowing what he could be, she wasn't afraid to challenge Harold to be more than he was. Much of the book wasn't what I would call a fun read because it dealt a lot with difficulties in life but there was enough sweet and fun in it to not get bogged down in the struggles.

The only thing I don't like is that now I have to wait again to get Charming's story.

Oh how I love Sarah Eden's books! This one definitely did not disappoint. I loved hearing Harry's back story and finding out things about him that I would have never guessed. He's a very intriguing character and one that I wasn't sure I would relate to, but of course I did! Harry is just as fun as the other Jonquil brothers and it was so cool to get to know him. This story was emotional, romantic, heartbreaking and silly. I loved every minute of it! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!