Daisies and devotion

Daisies and devotion

Josi S. Kilpack

eBook - 2019

Timothy Mayfield has nearly given up on his search for a wife. Though he is the picture of a fine, social gentleman, Timothy wishes his finances provided a more stable foundation. Then his Uncle Elliott presents to him a solution: participate in his "marriage campaign," and upon approval of his choice for a wife, Timothy's inheritance will be his. Freed from the constraints of having to marry for money, Timothy is ready to marry for love instead. And he knows exactly what he wants in a wife: youth, optimism, beauty, blonde hair, fine-boned features, shapely shoulders, small waist, blue eyes, button nose, solid fashion sense, a light laugh, low voice, arched eyebrows, fair skin, elegant fingers, quick wit, calm manner, and a d...azzling smile. His friend, Maryann Morrington, an heiress in her own right, tells him outright that his expectations are ridiculous-no such woman exists. Maryann had considered Timothy as a potential suitor for a time, but then their relationship shifted to friendship and she has avoided allowing herself to have feelings for him again. She agrees to help him find his "perfect wife," because she's certain that the search will render nothing. Until it does. Miss Shaw appears to fulfill every single item on Timothy's list-unlike Maryann who has brown hair, brown eyes, lacks delicate features, and possesses a laugh that is definitely unladylike. But when Timothy and Miss Shaw begin courting, Timothy realizes something profound. He'd rather spend his time with Maryann. But can he trust his judgment when his heart has led him wrong so many times before? It is only when Maryann leaves the London season early, that Timothy realizes that he had truly fallen in love with her and that his list of requirements were nothing but fantasy. If he hopes to build a strong relationship, Timothy must convince Maryann that she is the very woman he'd been looking for all along-before it is too late.

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Subjects
Man-woman relationships > Fiction.
Nobility > England > Fiction.
Nineteenth century > Fiction.
Electronic books.
England > Fiction.
Regency fiction.
Genres
Regency fiction
Published
[United States] : Shadow Mountain Publishing 2019.
Language
English
Corporate Author
hoopla digital
Main Author
Josi S. Kilpack (author)
Corporate Author
hoopla digital (-)
Online Access
Instantly available on hoopla.
Cover image
Physical Description
1 online resource
Format
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
ISBN
9781629737454
Access
AVAILABLE FOR USE ONLY BY IOWA CITY AND RESIDENTS OF THE CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS OF JOHNSON COUNTY, UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, HILLS, AND LONE TREE (IA).
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

Friends help friends. At least, that is what Maryann Morrington tells herself because, after an initial attempt to court her, Timothy Mayfield appears to have relegated Maryann to the status of good friend. The unexpected prospect of a rosier personal financial picture now gives Timothy the luxury of not having to marry for money, and he has drawn up a list of all the qualifications he most desires in a wife. Unfortunately, other than possessing a tidy fortune herself, Maryann doesn't have any of the spousal characteristics Timothy seeks. Just the same, as a good friend, Maryann is determined to help Timothy find his perfect mate, even if that person is not her. With the second elegantly executed addition to her Mayfield Family series, following Promises and Primroses (2018), Kilpack expertly and delightfully gives fans of traditional Regency romances everything engaging characters, dry wit, and a sweet love story that they could ever desire.--John Charles Copyright 2019 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Kilpack's mirthful second Mayfield Family Regency (after Promises and Primroses) is a lighthearted look at proper manners and repeated misunderstandings. There is courtship confusion when Mr. Timothy Mayfield and Miss Maryann Morrington, though good friends, decide that they are not right for one another as suitors. During one of their candid discussions about suitors for Maryann, the two declare that their relationship will remain platonic-a decision that is later bolstered by misinterpretations. Timothy and Maryann are likable and sympathetic characters. Their natural dialogue and the descriptive narrative highlights their unique relationship as Maryann sheds 19th-century values to share her honest opinions, and takes part in an unladylike race with Timothy. He, too, proves himself to be unconventional, wishing to marry for love rather than status. Protocol and posturing are skillfully revealed as both protagonists seek marital matches for themselves at gatherings filled with societal gossip and judgment. There's further humor tempered with heartache as Timothy and Maryann start searching for spouses for each other, despite their growing mutual attraction. This amusing adventure in misunderstandings will delight readers who appreciate rich settings and strong characters. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review

When an impoverished gentleman learns he'll earn a fortune once he's married, he changes his plans to offer for a certain heiress, but as his search for the perfect bride becomes tedious, he wonders if she isn't the right one after all.After a few seasons, Timothy Mayfield "was officially tired of the hunt for a wife and was, instead, eager to marry and settle." He feels drawn to heiress Maryann Morrington, the sister of his best friend's wife, who is adamant that she doesn't want to marry anyone who only wants her fortune. During an unexpectedly candid conversation, he admits to being without means and hints he's interested in discovering if they're well-suited but also lets her know, "I will remain a bachelor all my life if the only other choice is a loveless marriage." After their conversation, he visits his wealthy uncle, who tells him he will provide him adequate funds so he can marry the woman he chooses. Timothy returns to London, and, after a few days of basically ignoring her, he tells Maryann of his newfound good fortune. Secretly broken-hearted, she decides to help him with his bride quest, hoping he'll see her qualities and appreciate their obvious rapport and mutual respect. All seems lost when Timothy meets the ostensible woman of his dreams, and Maryann must decide whether to continue to risk her heart or give him up completely. Kilpack's newest release is a slow-building love story that asks the hero and the reader to choose the simple daisy over hothouse roses, and it is generally persuasive despite Timothy's slow uptake, Maryann's sudden obstinacy toward the end, and a slight overuse of the daisy theme.A sweet, original romance. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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