I recently went to Barnes and Noble and picked up what they had of My Happy Marriage. (I know it’s an anime and I saw the Japanese movie. But I wanted to check out the manga.) And I simply love it.
I find the romance relatable. I find their growing affection for each other sweet. So far, this book has all the feels. (And it ended with a cliff hanger in volume 2, so I ordered the next one.
At the end of each volume is a short story tie in, which is lovely.
The Vicar’s Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book both caught my interest, and had me wondering how could it possibly have a happy ending. I like happy endings.
I didn’t start off loving it. On the contrary, I had trouble liking Cassie. She had a decided selfish streak, even though she convinced herself she was pretending to be her sister, for her sister’s sake. Yet, but the end, I loved this book. I loved the change in Cassie, and her sister. And I loved Evan, out of place Evan, honorable Evan.
I like many of the Proper Romance Regencies from Shadow Mountain. (Edenbrooke, anyone?) Ms. Kilpack sometimes is a bit on the racier side with the steamy kisses (and this book has steam a plenty for our young lovers). Characters go through tremendous growth. They are very real.
This is a beautiful story about God’s grace, family love, being sisters, and learning to accept your own flaws and limitations.
Synopsis:
When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.
Mediterranean Sea, 1811
May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.
Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped for—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love.
My Review:
This was an enjoyable romance that is a companion/sequel to Georgana’s Secret. The main focus in on May and Elias. The story itself has it all: adventure, romance, and tender moments. A must read.
Another beautiful book.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for being a dependable publisher of clean and awesome romances.
Roxbury Books 