To begin with, this book is not what I expected. Not that this is bad, but I thought, because the publisher is Covenant Communications, that this would be a Christian book. I would not call it that, but it is a clean read. God is mentioned but in a very generalized way, not in a way that shows who God is.
So, with that mentioned, my opinion of this book is very good. It is a historical/regency love story and it is well written. The main characters are quite well developed. The storyline flows well. You get a sense of what is truly important to most of the characters except the minor players.
I won't say that I couldn't put the book down, in fact, a couple of places I felt it got a bit slow, towards the end of the book. This was not a big problem, I just did a bit of skimming the pages sometimes but not often.
I have never read anything by Karen Tuft before but I will be interested in reading more of her books. I was gifted this book through NetGalley by Covenant Communications, Inc. and this review is not required and my freely given, personal opinion. The book was an ARC and as such the editing was quite well done. I noticed less than 10 errors and that is good. I give this book a 4 out of 5-star rating.

I loved this book.. Elizabeth Spaulding is the daughter of a Duke and Duchess but she is treated horribly by them. She has been a disappoint since birth because she was a girl not a boy who could be an heir. She has tried to make them proud but it's impossible. She becomes a shell of the person she could become with some love. Enter Lady Walmsley and Kit the Earl of Cantwell. They take her away from her life and show her what true love looks like through their friendship. Lady Walmsley is a dear, she sees a potential romance and cleverly orchestrates it. Kit is kind, protective and loving of those around him. He decides to help Elizabeth (Lizzie) to bloom into her potential. He encourages her to finally think and feel for herself. This was a joy to read, not only for the wonderful love story and great chemistry between Kit and Elizabeth, but also to read Elizabeth's journey of understanding her past and what could be a wonderful future. I would highly recommend this book.

The beautiful and intriguing cover had me highly anticipating this story, and I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed when my high expectations weren't quite met. This was a new-to-me author, although I have learned that the characters are from previous books, and that the first 15% or so of the story describes events that occurred in those books. To be fair, I do feel that the story improved from that point forward. I was struggling to get through unnatural dialogue and stilted exposition of the plot (lots of telling instead of showing, as some might say). The story was at times almost theatrical, with fairytale-esque villains. There was inconsistent behavior on the part of several characters, and sometimes build-up for a confrontation that never happens. All of that said, there was enough tension and shocking events to keep my interest through what seemed like an unnecessarily long book. And then, three-quarters of the way through the story, I was in tears. What started for me as a solid three-star book, gradually evolved into a four-star one. It took me quite a while to get into the story and feel anything for the characters, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

Karen Tuft does it again!! I never expected the story to come from her other book. But I loved every bit of it. Elizabeth's grief as she continually sought approval of both her parents was heart wrenching. Reading how Kit brings her vibrance to light is enchanting. This book is the kind that you won't want to put down. Once you've finished you'll want to read it again. I loved how Kit gave his Lizzie new experiences and their lists were entertaining while also eye opening. You take for granted the things you naturally love. It made me think what do I value and what I don't. You'll love this sweet romance!

Elizabeth has lost herself in what I can only call depression (though that was not a word in use in that era) after the terrible treatment her father put her though. She is socially disgraced and her family could not care less about her. Lady Walmsley, whom we know well from Tuft's previous book The Earl's Bethrothal, and Kit have determined to rescue Elizabeth from her doldrums and her (quiet frankly, abusive) family. What follows is confirmed bachelor Kit, the Earl of Cantwell, poking and prodding Elizabeth to rediscover herself and heal from so much abuse and tragedy.
It is a sweet romance story, but it reads so much deeper than that! It's about healing, and joy in life, and the innate value of a person. It's beautifully crafted, and i will enjoy rereading it!

This book was different and not a bad different.

All the time I read books of regencies where the main character is someone of excellent quality with a dead parent, family falling on hard times, or something else ... never have I encountered a girl whose parents disliked her outright because she was a female and the only heir.

Elizabeth is everything a family could want. Everyone that a Duke would want, after all she is a Dutchess. But the fact that she was born a female instead of a male, her mother and father dislike her outright.

A lot happens to Elizabeth in the first 25% of the book, it's a shock that she makes it out of her house alive. She does, and her life and herself is changed - for the better.

I guess I have to rate the book down a star that while I enjoyed the characters, the story, I felt there was something just a tad too... modern in tone about it? Maybe I'm spoiled with Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer in their writing and I truly understand that people have their own writing styles. ... I honestly wish I could put my finger on it, but maybe other people will?

Otherwise, the story felt even and flowed at a nice pace. It was nice watching Kit and Elizabeth work through everything and their slow burn was lovely.

Lady Elizabeth has done her best all her life to do what her parents wanted and expected of her, even before she was told at the age of 10 who she was to marry. Sadly, when things unavoidably went wrong with their plans, they claimed that she had failed them - and treated her accordingly. Having submitted to them so much, she's now almost incapable of having an opinion of her own, let alone voicing it, until two good friends, Lady Walmsley and Kit (the Earl of Cantwell, best friend of her former fiance), sweep her out of that life and encourage her to express herself. As companion to Lady Walmsley, Elizabeth learns much about herself and others, but her former fiance stands between her and any possible future with Kit. Can they lay his ghost and move forward, or is their relationship doomed from the start?

Elizabeth's parents were beyond horrible, and I was very glad not to see too much of them. Other than that, I enjoyed the characters, and particularly seeing Elizabeth's petals unfurl as she gradually learned to become a person rather than a puppet. The storyline was good and well written, and the content was clean, which was great. Definitely a few surprises at times - but good ones. All in all, I look forward to seeing more by the author. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I absolutely loved Kit and Elizabeth. This story was captivating and so sweet! I loved to see Elizabeth get her happily ever after. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a woman’s journey to self discovery and finding true love.

I wanted to like this book but here's the thing: historical fiction should have the voice of fiction. This story doesn't have the depth or nuances I crave.

This is the first book I've read by Karen Tuft, but it won't be the last.
Despite the fact that I cried through about 20% of the book, I couldn't put it down.
Kit, Elizabeth, Lady Walmsley and a host of other characters, leapt of the pages and made me care about them.
Especially the times when I thought that things were going to go really bad, but they didn't, I love it when I can't predict how a storyline is going to evolve.
I'll be hunting down more of Karen Tuft's novels.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure if I would because Elizabeth's parents were so wretched but thankfully with the help of others she was able to overcome her "parentage". I liked how the author fleshed out Kit and Elizabeth's characters, not just 1 dimensional but showed how they worked through issues and what brought them together.
I loved how Kit was the opposite of Elizabeth 's father since a lot of times daughters inadvertently seek out those who act like their fathers, which would have been disastrous. I would have liked a little more at the end but that just gives room for a sequel!

First off - I LOVE the cover...and the title too!

I wanted to enjoy this novel much more than I did. I've enjoyed several other books from Karen Tuft - especially Wager for a Wife. I have to admit I struggled to get into this one. Part of it, I'm sure, is just personal preference as I found it really hard to connect with the heroine. I understand what the author was trying to do—show Elizabeth's journey from passive and lackluster to discovering who she is and what she wants out of life. I appreciated the gentle romance and Kit's encouraging nature. I guess at the end of the day, not every book is for every reader and that's okay. But knowing how enjoyable I found several of Karen Tuft's earlier books, I'll be sure to check out whatever she writes next.

Before reading this book I hadn't read the synopsis. I had seen several friends reading and enjoying it and decided to put it on my list. I wasn't sure what to expect other than a lovely regency read. What I found turned out to be so much more. Full of heartache and sorrow, hopes and dreams that were finally given light, friendship, family, healing, learning to live, trusting yourself, trusting others, inner strength, forgiveness, gumption, joy, laughter, and of course learning to love and be loved in return.

This was a delightful read. Even with all the more sorrowful and sadder emotions and aspects of this book. My daughters asked what I was reading and they discovered it was an audiobook on a place I have a subscription for. So can you guess what happened? Yep, they instantly downloaded and listened to the book. They were hooked. We had a snow day and so while they were home from school they would be wandering around the house with headphones in and doing chores. There were some tears shed, many big smiles, lots of giggles, I could see some anxiety at moments as well. And of course the were pretty giddy when they got to the end of the book. My reading experience...was pretty much the same.

Elizabeth has not had an easy go at life with her parents. They are very controlling, manipulative and to say the least, not capable of love. When many different circumstances occur (or don't occur) she finds herself in the care of Lady Walmsley. Can I just say that I cheered at that scene. Lady Walmsley and Kit come to save the day. It was great. I should clarify that her father has passed away and it is time for her to be out from the clutches of the grief of her parents. Lady Walmsley was by far one of my absolute favorite characters! Absolutely loved her! No I'm not trying to lay it on thick. She just was that fabulous!

Elizabeth has much to sort through in her life to be able to heal. And she couldn't have been championed by any two better souls. I ached for her at times. But cheered for her when she took that first step of doing something that she wanted to do wether her father would agree or not. She helped the happiness of many others in her decision as well.

So many wonderful moments in this book amidst the hard. It was balanced out well, I thought. I don't want to spoil anything for you so I'll end my review here by saying that I loved it. It was tender and sweet, heartbreaking and lonely. But above all healing and lovely.

Content: Clean. Some mild kisses. Also some aspects of emotional abuse. Talk of a character having been beaten (whipped) by another character, not graphic, you just know it happened.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This clean, sweet regency tale by Karen Tuft focuses on generational choices, attitudes and consequences.

Due to her parents' poor choices, Elizabeth has very little self-esteem and confidence. Life only deteriorates as events unfold, leaving Elizabeth at the mercy of powerful people around her. Kit is a man of duty and responsibility mixed with adventure and growing empathy. They are thrown together at a crucial time and influence each other in powerful ways.

Enjoy this wholesome read with positive, uplifting message for all.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

This is a sweet historical romance that I enjoyed reading.

I love how Elizabeth's character grew. All her life, she was made to feel less. Less of a daughter, less wanted, less everything. But with some love and attention from friends and a suitor, she is able to finally come out of her shell. I love how she kept a list of things she liked and didn't like, how she explored her own tastes and finally, became bold enough to express them. Her changes were gradual, never feeling forced or rushed. I think this was the best part of the book.

Kit is handsome and sweet and tormented by having feelings for Elizabeth. She was once betrothed to his best friend, a best friend who he sadly was with when he died. I liked his inner struggles and how he pushed Elizabeth to further find herself. It was a very kind and supporting friendship that grew into something more which was lovely to read about.

This book is all about Elizabeth finding herself, and then love and forsaking the girl she once was by trying to abide by everyone else's standards. (Frozen anyone?) If you're looking for a hot steamy and fast romance, this isn't it. This story is told slowly and delicately, perfect for the story and for the character development.

It won't be the last book I read from this author. It was a sweet and romantic story about a woman finding who she is, and realizing that's enough.

Kit and Elizabeth

In Karen Tuft’s latest tale, Kit and Elizabeth, you will watch as widowed and childless, Lady Walmsley and Kit, the Earl of Cantwell, decide to whisk Elizabeth away from her home. After her father’s death, Elizabeth’s world has become a place of lifelessness and they want to free her from this meaningless existence!

Elizabeth is quickly transferred to London where she will not only discover a whole new world, but most importantly be away from her domineering mother and former father. As the daughter of a Duke and Duchess, Elizabeth has lived with incredible pressure since the day she was born. Now she is suddenly in a world filled with freedom!

You will be interested to see where Kit and Elizabeth end up by the end of this tale!

When starting this book I didn’t realize it was so closely tied into the author’s first book, The Earl’s Betrothal. It has been so long since I read that book, that the story was a bit foggy in my brain, but these characters, Kit and Elizabeth, must have had fairly large parts in it. I remember Elizabeth but didn’t remember Kit at all.

Since this book overlaps some of the other book, the story felt like it started off a bit slow. Elizabeth, is also a very quiet, subdued character in the beginning, so it took me a while to really get into the story. Kit and Aunt Margaret do make up for the lack of vibrancy in Elizabeth, though.

About halfway through, the story picked up and we also get to know Elizabeth more which is when I started to enjoy the interaction and chemistry between her and Kit.

All in all, it was a sweet story and I look forward to reading more by this author. There are a few characters mentioned in this book, that I wonder if she will write stories for them in the future. :-)

This book was received as an ARC from Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kit and Elizabeth reminded me of another adaptation of Cinderella, the live action Disney movie especially when the prince's name is Mr.Kit and the prelude is very similar to Cinderella. Kit and Elizabeth tells the story of Lady Elizabeth Spaulding when her father left her and her mother to a life of poverty, but thanks to meeting Lady Walmsley and her rescuing Elizabeth from this life, she is destined to become the woman that she is meant to be and all goes well until Lady Walmsley introduces Elizabeth to Kit, the Earl of Cantwell and now Elizabeth is left with a choice, never forgetting where she came from or leaving that poverty life behind and start anew with Mr. Kit. I was smiling ear to ear after finishing this book that it left a warm feeling inside. I really hope our community will get the same feeling and enjoy this book as much as I do.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I was looking forward to reading this book based on reading previous books with these characters. The cover is beautifully done and very appealing as well. I admit that it was awhile ago that I had read the book previous to this one so it took a minute to remember what was going on. It was slightly helpful and also a little confusing, rehashing the occurrences of the previous book in the first several chapters of this book.
It was nice to get to know the characters Kit and Elizabeth better and to read their story. I enjoy historical fiction for many reasons and I think Karen Tuft writes the genre relatively well. However, there were a few times though that I wondered if what was written was accurate, like how many times Kit and Elizabeth were alone in outings, carriages, sheds, etc. I guessed it was because she was considered old enough they could be alone, or even in the country it wouldn't have been considered as bad. But out in society at times she had a chaperone and others times not. If Elizabeth was truly concerned about gossip and the like, she would have been sure to be proper at all times.
In this time period marriages, titles, etc. were looked at differently then now. Life was certainly about how you appeared and acted rather than how you felt or what you wanted to do. I can see how Elizabeth would feel, both trying to be dutiful to her position in society and trying to earn her parent's love. It was nice that she was saved by Lady Walmsley and Kit, to help her discover that she had the power to make her own choices and to figure out who she truly is and wanted to be. She finally found a family at the end and I was happy for her.

However, I did knot like Kit as much as I hoped I would or wanted to. He was extremely gracious and giving with his time to help Anthony, Amelia, Lady Walmsley and Elizabeth, but then we would complain about it later. He was funny and charming when with Elizabeth and then on his own he would say he'd rather be anywhere but there and say it was only out of duty to Lady Walmsley that he was helping at all. He acted, but his heart wasn't in it and that made me feel bad for Elizabeth. If someone were to help me, I'd want them to be genuine about it. There were so many times Kit mentioned he rather be anywhere else, even after having spent a good deal amount of time with her and I thought his heart was changing. Lizzie went from two people telling her what to do and making decisions for her, only for Kit to take over the job. He was trying to help her get out of a rut and a bad place emotionally, etc, and sometimes we need someone to kick us into gear, but he repeatedly put her in situations and made her do things that maybe she wasn't ready for and he didn't listen to her. He thought he knew what was best for her and made decisions for her- that was the WHOLE ISSUE with her parents. Why is his tactic any better than theirs? Change can take a very long time and healing from emotional abuse and pain can take a lifetime and is not instantaneous. Their relationship did not feel equal, but more like a mentor teaching a student. Somehow they fell in love but it didn't seem that real to me or one that I could really sigh with happiness over.

Overall the story had some nice storylines and great supporting characters. I like to see growth and development happening with the characters and that happened as well. It's always a good story when you're cheering the characters on. I would have loved to enjoy this story more and rate it higher, but unfortunately, I just couldn't enjoy the hero and of the story and being one of the main characters, that was a big deal.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.

A clean Regency romance novel with more pages than necessary but a nice story. I appreciated that Kit pushed Elizabeth out of her shell and guided her to learning who she really was.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.