Forget Me Not

Wow!! This story deserves all the stars and heart eyes. I loved the story of how Lucas Jonquil and Julia Cummings got together but it was not the story I was expecting at all. Reading the Jonquil books we learn that Lucas and Julia had a wonderful life together raising their sons, and I mistakenly assumed their marriage had been great from the beginning. It took no time for me to discover how wrong I was. The Jonquils and Cummings grew up on neighboring estates and they and their siblings were friends, so I was unprepared for the difficulty their marriage would be for them. I guess that's what happens when your parents announce your bethrothal at a social event without informing you, let alone asking you your feelings on the matter. That was a shocker.

I'm not a crier, but Sarah Eden has the ability to make these characters come to life, and Julia's pain almost brought me to tears several times. On the other hand there were many times I wanted to slap some sense into Lucas, and once in particular I wanted to tighten his perfectly starched cravat until he realized what an idiot he was being. Thank goodness his friends The Gents were there to help him (and Julia). They helped Lucas see his actions as Julia saw them, and helped Julia realize Lucas loved her.

I loved how Sarah Eden showed us that although Julia and Lucas had both suffered great losses (their siblings and Julia has also lost her mother), they handled it in opposite ways. Lucas didn't want to let opportunities for adventure pass him by, he seemed to have fear of missing out. Meanwhile all the losses Julia suffered changed her into someone who chose to stay at home, and she closed herself off so she couldn't be hurt again.

Their story is not all sadness, there was a lot of humor and wit in the story. I loved the introduction of The Gents. I liked that we didn't meet them all at once, we get a little time to learn about each one as they're introduced to Julia, and I can't wait to read all of their stories. I loved that these men have been friends since their school days and were always there for each other.

This is definitely a favorite book of mine for this year and probably longer. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher, but also bought a copy for my personal library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Forget Me Not by Sarah Eden 5 stars
The Gents, #1

“Julia hadn’t felt so giddy in years. Her home was filled with laughter and voices and friendship.”

Oh Julia! You have endured so many deaths in the family. You had to close yourself up for further hurt and especially from your dear friend Lucas. Lucas is a kind and sweet person but he doesn’t know how to show it in his actions. He forgot about you.

They haven’t seen each other for years. To their immense surprise, they end up married! Living together created more problems. But The Gents came to the rescue. I admire their friendship. Through thick and thin, they are there for each other. I mostly hear of friendships formed by women, so it’s kind of sweet to hear how close they are. Oh the conversations are great and funny! I love how engaging and caring they are. Julia is blessed to be surrounded by all of them. You have to read this book to experience all of this and how Lucas woe Julia!

Thank you #netgalley and Covenant Communications for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance