Vain

by Jill Hughey

Lily had her life planned, neat and tidy as thread on a spindle, until her mother died and her father snipped at the seams of her future by abandoning Lily in their shop. A nobleman unexpectedly gives her hope when he brings fabric for a special garment. Lily survives on his first payment, and immerses herself in sewing and embroidering an incomparable tunic for him, as her tidy plan continues to unravel.

Theophilus, Lord of Ribeauville, takes his responsibility to his townspeople seriously and, therefore, does not dally with local women. Desire wars with duty when Lily glances up at him while adjusting the hem on his Easter tunic. As her deteriorating circumstances push them together, Theo and Lily learn that the path to his heart just might be through his wardrobe, though the exquisite outfit she creates is the only part of her that fits in his precarious aristocratic world.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2013

Reviews

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in Jill Hughey’s The Evolution Series. Set in Francia in the year 839, Lily is a weaver who is abandoned by her father. One day, Theophilus, Lord of Ribeauville, walks into the weaver’s shop in hopes of having a tunic made. Concerned that Lily is on her own, he makes it his business to see that she is cared for.

This is not historical setting that I’m familiar with and I don’t believe I have ever read a book set in this era, so as far as historical accuracy goes, I have no clue. The story started out good and caught my attention which is very important to my enjoyment. It flowed fairly nice and only lagged slightly in a few places but then moved on before I lost interest. In addition to the main couple, we are visited by characters that had their own romances in previous books but it didn’t hurt this story. It was a little different from my normal reading but I did like it and I would recommend it to historical romance fans.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The aspect of the book that first caught my interest was how fabrics and clothing were the main thread (no pun intended) connecting the book's couple, Lily and Theo, together. I haven't come across a book with that concept before. Therefore, I decided to give it a try. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I am very happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This concept of clothing and fabric is surrounded by a wonderfully written Cinderella-like love story involving two people who not only find unexpected love, but manages to find their place in life.

One of the things that I enjoyed most about the book, other than the writing, were the main characters of Lily and Theo (Theophilus). Both are such endearing characters with traits that you will both love and, at times, exasperate and frustrate you. They really keep you engaged in the story in a way that you really come to care for them. You feel compassion and sympathy for Lily's plight, but you also admire her for maintaining her pride and independence in light of so much hardships. You commend Theo's choice to look after her after being abandoned by her father and shunned by the local townspeople. The mark of a great love story is truly feeling the connection between our main couple. Even when there's confusion, doubt surrounding those two, you still get the sense that there's more between them. The chemistry between Lily and Theo are wonderful. Even if you don't believe they're in love with each other, you at least know they're in lust with each other. They really were the stars of the story.

The supporting cast were also really great. They each had an impact on the story without totally eclipsing the main couple. I grew to like them as much as I did Lily and Theo. As I understand it, there are books that focus on two other couples that served as supporting character. After this book, I would love to read their stories which I'm sure will be just as interesting as Lily and Theo's were.

I was pleasantly surprised by how taken I was by the book. Lyrical storytelling that managed to reflect the dizzying journey of Lily's, taking her from one bleak situation to another until finally finding the place where she can finally call home.

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is historically accurate. By walking a fine line between historical reality and fiction Hughey is able to create a brilliant novel that the reader can fully immerse themselves into, living with the characters rather than simply drifting through the story. She employs tactful descriptions that vary in quantity, intensity, and length based on the tenor of the scene. She does so with the ability to invoke many emotions in her readers. Any book that can bring tears to your eyes while leaving you feeling happy and fulfilled at the end as this one does is well worth the time to read it.

I found myself liking the two main characters right from the very beginning. You want to see them succeed. They are also unique in that they go against the norm, while still trying not to upset the status quo. Regardless of the numerous heartaches, trials, and catastrophes that the main character faced throughout this novel she is one of those people that you just want to be. She is such a kind, generous, and unique individual who finds the life that she’s looking for after looking in all the wrong places. She also interacts with some amazing individuals throughout this novel. The entire cast is quite well developed and each individual is uniquely suited to their role in the story and in the world as a whole.

This story was absolutely captivating and kept me on my toes throughout. Nothing every seemed in disconnect from its predecessor or what came after, regardless of the number of twists and turns taken throughout. I was sad when the story ended, not for lack of completion on the author’s part, but because of my attachment to the characters and their world.

Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalia Iwanyckyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three books in the Evolution series. Beautiful writing, interesting characters, and great stories. The best kind of series. Each book stands on its own, but is enriched by the others. All three are love stories, yet each is completely unique. Vain's heroine, Lily, is likeable throughout. Theo, who seemed strong and perfect in the first two books, is much more complex than expected. Exciting story line to the very end.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is the third in the Evolution series. Having read the second, but not the first, I can say that Jill Hughey is a very talented writer and the stories she creates are rich in details and bring you into their world in a very engrossing way. Her characters are flawed and take time in finding their way. I loved being able to come along on that journey and falling in love with such realistic and complex characters. The plot is not predictable and many times I was not sure what direction things would go. I was totally captivated the whole way through this novel. I loved how this story took me completely to another time and place. I was sorry to have it end but felt very satisfied by the conclusion. I hope to read more full length historical novels from this author in the future.

[Nubia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story! I just got love medieval era!! Though the guy was little vain and hardheaded, he had a soft spot in the end or more like always for a girl who came from a poor needle worker. I just love it.