The Vicar’s Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack

The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack

I really enjoy reading books from the Proper Romance imprint by Shadow Mountain Publishing. They’re regency romances and often very well written.

Let’s begin with this novel’s summary:

Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There’s only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle’s heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything. When Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in her sister’s name. Will her good intentions lead to disaster?

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar’s daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?

And now, my review:

What a great novel! The book held my interest the entire time, and I thought about it when I wasn’t reading.

I liked this heroine. She was strong and confident, if a little misguided. She’s motivated to outsmart a system that is holding her back. She’s conflicted within herself, which offered interesting layers. Her parents were mysterious (we stayed in the heroine’s POV), overbearing, and judgmental. They withheld love when they disagreed with her. While this may have been true for the era, it wasn’t fun to read, but it made me cheer harder for the heroine. 

The letter-writing premise (see summary above) was great and the romantic arc, very strong. 

The story’s hero is a “fish out of water.” He’s trying to find his way and may have blundered by exchanging these letters. I enjoyed watching him humbly try to find his way.

 

Although some of the theology didn’t seem entirely biblically sound, overall this novel is very enjoyable. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. Highly recommended!