It was irresponsible, really, the way he wielded his smile without a care for where it landed. - Miss Amelia Thorne
A GENTLEMAN’S TASK Scientist Edmund Corbyn has a passion for the emerging field of photography, but his devotion to his family is unwavering. When it falls to him to save their centuries-old legacy, he readily accepts the challenge. Entrusted by his grandfather and Queen Victoria to secure a suitable bride, Edmund sets out for a house party in the rugged Lake District, confident and determined to achieve his aim.
A LADY’S YEARNING Miss Amelia Thorne had one single, scandalous season and ever since, she's found refuge in poetry, music and her beloved home on Windermere's misty shore. Labeled the Poisoned Thorne by London's gossip rags, she has little patience for high society or the London tourists tramping her paths. Her peace is disrupted, though, when a chance encounter with one of her aunt’s guests sparks an immediate connection. Despite Amelia’s resolve to maintain her seclusion, she begins to realize just how much she yearns for more.
AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE As Amelia and Edmund's affection grows, Edmund finds himself caught between duty and desire. Will he betray his heart to preserve his family's legacy, or will he dare to defy his monarch’s mandate and risk everything for love?
Stars of Twilight Fair is a witty, humorous and tender forbidden-love romance set in the majestic Lake District. It features a bookish heroine, a scientist hero, a few bits of poetry (both good and bad) and a dog named Lord Byron. If you believe the scent of bookshop is "as rich as the most decadent perfume," then you are a reader after Amelia's own heart. This is a full-length novel and the third in the Love's Journey series. Each book stands alone, but many readers prefer to enjoy them in order.
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ABOUT K. LYN K. Lyn Smith’s heart resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, and many of her other titles have been shortlisted for honours such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion and the Maggie Award.
When she’s not lost in the pages of a book, you can find her with family, traveling to far-off places and bingeing period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?
I adored this book, the character development, the witty banter between the main characters, Edmund and Amelia, and the sweet way that things came together. I have definitely found an author that I'd like to read more from. This is the third book that I've read of hers. I wasn't aware that this was part of a series, and didn't feel like I was missing anything by reading it as a standalone. I do, however, now want to go and read the rest of the series.
If you are looking for a sweet, ckean, Victorian-era romance story, this is one not to miss. It was laugh out loud enjoyable in parts.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amelia Thorne is still dealing with her scandal from a previous season years ago. Both of her parents are deceased so she lives with her Uncle, Aunt and Cousin Octavia. Her Aunt throws a House Party to find a husband for Octavia. But tells Amelia to keep hidden, so there isn’t more scandal. Edmund Corbin is a scientist and photographer who has been ordered to find a wife that meets with Queen Victoria’s criteria. One of the criteria being that he can’t choose anyone involved in a scandal. He accepts an invitation to the house party where Amelia and Edmund have a chance encounter.
I really enjoyed this story! I love stories with House Parties and think they are just so fun. I loved Edmund and Amelia! I felt bad that Amelia was so mistreated for a scandal that happened years ago. But loved how Edmund doesn’t care that she was involved in a scandal. I also enjoyed Octavia, she is such a great cousin to Amelia. Overall, this is a great clean romance and I definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I absolutely LOVED "Stars of Twilight Fair". K. Lyn Smith is a phenomenal writer who brings out the characteristics' personalities in a story so that I feel like I'm in the story with them! Edmund Corbyn is a scientist, exploring the science of photography. His present dilemma is that if he does not secure a wife that is approved by Queen Victoria, his centuries-long family's legacy as well as Edmund's inheritance will be lost, severely affecting his family's income and future. As a wealthy and eligible bachelor, Edmund has many invitations, but he's not interested until he's reminded of his family's future if he doesn't marry by the time of his grandfather's death. So, Edmund accepts the most agreeable house party invitation where he can at least bring his dog and camera equipment in search of his future bride. After all matrimony was 1 of the primary aims of house parties. What can hinder his plan? He neither required nor expected love, but he did intend to fulfill his familial obligation. Amelia Thorne had the unlucky experience of being involved in a "scandal" during her one "season" in London 5 years ago. Since then, the gossipmongers' tongues have kept busy. She's been nicknamed the "Poisoned Thorne". With neither of her parents living, she (& her vast inheritance) has been under her uncle's responsibility until she turns 25. Her aunt, uncle, and cousin have moved in and now live with her in her family home at Summerfield (while using her finances, etc., to their liking). Her aunt is totally focused on Cousin Octavia marrying well. Hence, the house party invitations, one of which Edmund accepts. Unfortunately, because of her "scandal" reputation, Aunt Mary asks Amelia not to attend--or be seen--while the guests arrive and partake in the many festivities. Sadly, Amelia has learned to abide by her aunt's orders from past experiences. Edmund and Amelia coincidentally meet in a bookstore in town as he is on his way to Summerfield. He is kind to her, and Amelia wonders if he knows of her "Poisoned Thorne" reputation. They meet once again as Amelia is walking her property at Summerfield. Though Edmund's heart is affected by Amelia, he knows the Queen will not accept her as a proper bride because of her past reputation. Will Edmund find a suitable bride that he can love and spend the rest of his life with in 2 weeks' time? What will become of Amelia? I enjoyed the sweet and gentle relationship between Edmund and Amelia. Amelia's cousin Octavia and her uncle were also kind and considerate (though her uncle should have taken a stand as Amelia's guardian sooner). The story has its tension, especially as Aunt Mary demeans and is cruel to Amelia while promoting Octavia. I very much appreciated the author's research into the science of color photography as well as the Lake District and William Wordsworth's poetry. Overall, I enjoyed this clean historical romance with its clean storyline and highly recommend "Stars of Twilight Fair" as well as the entire "Love's Journey" series. Well done! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Stars of Twilight Fair was an extremely enjoyable read that I could not put down. Miss Amelia Thorne lives in self-imposed exile at her home at Lake Windemere after a scandal in London left her the talk of the gossip rags, which had dubbed her the "Poisoned Thorne." Living with her is an uncle who is the steward over her property until she comes of age, an aunt who only tolerates her, and a bosom friend of a cousin, Octavia, who is compassionate and generous. As Amelia's aunt hopes to find Octavia a suitable husband, a house party is planned, and Amelia bows out of it graciously, to her aunt's relief. However, she did not plan on running into Edmund Corbyn, a guest of the house party, through several chance encounters. A scientist studying photography and light composition, Edmund and Amelia come to know one another and feel an instant connection. Their hearts are awakened. However, Edmund must marry a respectable woman, which Queen Victoria would approve to preserve the family title and heritage. Will he marry for duty and be forever separated from the one that makes his heart beat, or will he forsake his heritage in the name of love?
I love both the hero and heroine of this story. Edmund is extremely loyal to his family, and they are also very supportive of him. I feel the tension and weight of disappointing his family vs. denying his heart. I was left wondering how the story could possibly resolve itself favorably. I felt so bad for Amelia to be shunned by so many and left to skulk around in the shadows of her own home. The interactions between Edmund and Amelia were heartfelt, well-written, and full of romantic tension. Of course, I loved the scientific information presented about photography. I admit I did not immediately realize this story was connected to the Astronomer's Obsession, so it was a delight to realize that Edmund was the child of the two main characters of that story. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend this book!
Read this story for:
❤️Sweet Victorian Romance
❤️Dual POV
❤️Forbidden Love
❤️Scientist Hero
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is definitely a book you don’t want to miss out on. The plot is perfect, the characters are wonderful, and there is plenty of humour. Highly recommended!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
The sweet Victorian novel by K. Lyn Smith looks at the lonely life of Amelia Thorne. Amelia was associated with a scandal five years before and had the unfortunate title of the Poison Thorne attached to her. Since her parents have passed away she now resides with her aunt, uncle, and cousin waiting to turn 21, when she can finally receive her trust. She loves poetry and reading and has decided to be content with her lot of being alone forever.
In the meantime, Edmund Corbyn is supposed to take over his sickly grandfather’s estate under unusual circumstances. But to do so, he must marry someone suitable to Queen Victoria, who has written out strict instructions. Edmund would prefer to continue his scientific work as a photographer, attempting to create color photography. Edmund has his own wealth, but his grandfather’s estate and heritage are at stake and he must find a wife.
When he is invited to a two-week getaway at the Thorne estate, he attends in hopes of finding an appropriate mate. Amelia because of her scandal, has been told to stay out of sight during the party, which she is happy to do. But as fate would have it, she finds herself constantly thrown in the path of Edmund. The pair soon discover they have much in common, a love of nature, art, and reading. But she does not meet the qualifications of the Queen.
K. Lyn Smith has again written a beautifully descriptive novel with a modern flair that is page-turning and swoony. The lovers have insurmountable obstacles, but Ms. Smith works her magic with twists and turns to get us to the HEA. The book is a delightful read and a fun escape from our troubling, screen-obsessed, fast-paced world.
I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and am voluntarily offering my honest opinion.
Edmund Corbyn has a passion for photography, but his true devotion is to his family and ensuring that their centuries-old legacy is retained. In order to do so, he needs to secure a bride that is free from scandal and acceptable to Queen Victoria. In his search for a bride, he accepts an invitation to attend a house party at Windermere, in the rugged Lake District. There he meets Miss Amelia Thorne. Labelled the ‘Poisoned Thorne’ by London’s gossip rags after one event, she has since sought refuge in poetry, music, and her beloved home on Windermere's misty shore. After the death of both her parents, she has accepted her life under the control of her aunt and uncle. However, her peaceful existence is disrupted when she meets Edmund. Soon they find themselves uncertain of their future, with Edmund struggling to accept losing the woman he loves, to preserve his family's legacy. Another beautiful addition to this series, by such a talented author. The writing is elegant, with the subtle romance between Edmund and Amelia unfolding gradually through the chapters. I found myself on tenterhooks, uncertain of their future together. I loved seeing how these two characters interacted and found the tension between them, so well delivered. I particularly enjoyed Octavia, Amelia’s cousin who so cleverly manipulates the characters, with such subtlety. I look forward to reading of her story in the future. A delightful read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novel is a well-crafted Victorian romance with a touch of wit, and I loved it. I believe you will enjoy it too. The author‘s notes were particularly fascinating.
Amelia Thorne lives with her Guardian, George Worth, his wife Mary, who is her late father’s sister, and their daughter Octavia, on the edge of Lake Windermere.
Her father passed away before she became of age, and able to inherit his fortune. Her Uncle George manages her funds, and moved his own family to Summerfield Cottage from their home in Surrey.
For the last 5 years, Amelia has stayed away from social gatherings, as she has a stain on her reputation, which has earned her the name of the Poisoned Thorne in “Society”Circles.
Edmund Corbyn needs a wife in order to fulfill his Grandfather’s hope of Edmund inheriting his title, but that’s not as easy as it seems.
When Amelia’s Aunt Mary arranges a two week house party, she persuades her niece to stay away from the proceedings, which suits Amelia down to the ground.
This is a lovely story, set in 1852 and made me thankful to have been born in the 20th Century, mainly for the conveniences, and not for the censure of the Ton.
I loved how the author had done her research of the Lake District, and of Wordsworth’s poetry, which is almost an extra character as Amelia and Edmund share their love of both.
I really enjoyed the story, which turned up several big surprises.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I’ve read all of this author’s books, and there isn’t one that’s not swoon-worthy. BUT… this one is beyond special! Beside the wonderful atmosphere of a country house party, there are delightful characters. Talented Amelia and Edmund are full of self-doubts, and torn between their desires and their duties. My heart literally ached over their dilemma. How could preventing unnecessary bloodshed be viewed so harshly, and for so long? It made me glad for a (rare) moment that I live in an era that doesn’t judge most personal choices so severely. My heart was equally touched by the ways Amelia and Edmund put their families ahead of themselves. Both were so willing to sacrifice their own dreams. Good thing they had an Octavia on their side! I received a complimentary copy of this title via BookSirens, and was not required to post a review. Five stars all the way!
I was drawn in by the set up: a noble scientist photographer and a scandalous recluse. What could possibly go wrong? It's billed as a sweet Victorian romance and in my experience, those can be kind of bland. I was pleasantly surprised that this was most certainly not bland. The author packed in all the glorious, tumultuous emotions of a forbidden love without resorting to the usual smoldering looks and harsh kisses. The love between the protagonists felt real and believable. And I liked them both, something uncommon for me. It was also beautifully written, almost as poetic as the many Wordsworth quotes scattered through the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
♡ ARC received from Booksirens in exchange for a voluntary review ♡
I think it's safe to say that this author's writing style appeals to me, as I found myself just as drawn in by this book as I was with The Astronomer's Obsession. I read this one in two sittings!
With that said, I don't think I loved this one quite as much as The Astronomer's Obsession. To be fair, TAO sets the bar pretty high! I think it boils down to preferred tropes. When it comes to Regency Romance, I tend to prefer friends-to-lovers romantic plots because the love feels more founded and authentic. In this book, I could definitely sense the chemistry between our hero and heroine, but I couldn't help but keep remembering that they only spend 2 weeks together. Certainly not unheard of in this genre. If you love reading about house parties and courting games, you'll probably love this! It reminded me a lot of Austen's Mansfield Park, with all the flirting and scandal and guessing about who will end up with who. Have no fear, though: I daresay this Edmund is much more interesting than Austen's Edmund.
I truly enjoyed this book! The author created compelling characters and wonderful interactions between these characters. The story line kept me interested. I was sorry when I had finished the book. Then…. To top off everything I found out this book is part of a series and am looking forward to reading them as well. If you are looking to be entertained and want a clean and engaging story then I recommend this book and author! I received an ARC copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
What a perfectly romantic clean historical novel! I love how the twist at the end makes everything work out for the best and how there’s no more than a kiss or two in the whole story! I’m excited to find an author that I can trust to provide me with top quality clean romance.
“It was as if his soul had touched hers and, in that meeting, a star was lit.”
I love K. Lyn Smith’s books! The witty banter, delightful romance, and rich setting and story pull me in every time and I can’t put them down. Stars of Twilight Fair was exceptionally good. I quickly fell in love with Edmund’s & Amelia’s story.
Amelia Thorne is an heiress living with her uncle, aunt, and cousin after the death of her parents. Her first season ended in a disastrous scandal resulting in her being called the “Poisoned Thorne.” For the past five years she’s been living a quiet life at Summerfield with her cat Lord Byron and devouring Wordsworth’s poetry. When her aunt determines to have a house party for her cousin’s coming out, Amelia agrees to hide away on the estate. But, a chance meeting with one of the guests at a bookshop changes everything.
Edmund Corbyn is a scientist and avid photographer determined to figure out the dilemma of capturing color in photographs. Devoted to his family, he’s also been encouraged to find a wife, quickly, as his grandfather’s health is failing. But, to inherit the earldom would require an amendment from Queen Victoria herself since there are no direct male heirs. The queen is willing to provide the amendment provided Edmund find a suitable, scandal free wife. On his way to a house party, he has a delightful encounter with a woman at the bookshop. Imagine his surprise though when he meets her again at the house party.
I adored Edmund and Amelia! From their first meeting, I could tell these two were kindred spirits. Their forbidden relationship was filled with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a delightful friends to more romance. I loved the way Edmund tried so hard to live up to his family’s expectations and the respect Amelia had for him. I loved how Edmund & Amelia challenge each other & their willingness to sacrifice for each other.
The beautiful setting, photography, and love of poetry were other things I enjoyed about this story. I could easily picture each of the places and loved exploring the estate along with Edmund and Amelia. I also enjoyed the side characters especially Octavia. Of course there’s a conniving villain in the story and I loved the final confrontation. I also loved the way Edmund was able to find a solution to his dilemma.
Highly recommend to clean Victorian romance fans! Though part of a series, I had no problems reading this as a standalone and now look forward to reading the previous books! I received an advanced complimentary copy through Book Sirens. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
STARS OF TWILIGHT FAIR is a story about a man fulfilling his family's legacy and a woman who has hidden away to escape a scandal. Through some happenstance meetings the two form a tentative friendship that blossoms to more but with impossibilities in them finding a happy ending together. Readers will fall in love with these characters and story where heartstrings will be pulled and restrung. Sweet historical romance at its best!
I adored these characters! Partly due to the fact that they are all complex and unique, even the side characters, and partly because they are so likable. I'd gladly have both for friends. Edmund is this loyal, intelligent, charming, hard-working gentleman. He tends to go on about his photography work as well as how he sees the world, which some may not enjoy, but Amelia finds it interesting and can easily converse with him about it all. She is whip smart, educated, witty, direct, loyal and caring, She has hidden away at her country estate due to an innocent scandal that continues to circulate in society, ridiculously so. I loved their initial meeting and the subsequent ones. Their dialogue and interactions were full of surprises and fun with some tension and sweet ones as well.
The plot was very well paced. There was an emotional pull throughout that drove the story as things progressed. I liked that there were a few surprises, which kept things interesting. There were also parts that drew on different emotions: shock, anger, sadness, joy, laughter, love. There were definitely a few swoon-worthy moments that were sweet and that I never felt were sickly sweet. I also loved the relationship with Amelia and her cousin and the family dynamic with them and with Edmund's family. There was a bit of an impossible situation, but I appreciated the way the author had things play out that was also plausible historically. It made for a genuine story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a pure delight to read! It's not a short book per se, but it was such an enjoyable read that it felt like a much shorter book and one that I was a bit sad to end. Those are honestly the best books. Highly recommended!
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author through BookSirens, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book, which really didn't surprise me, because I've never been disappointed with a K. Lyn Smith romance. The Love's Journey series is a sequel to the Something Wonderful series, although each book will stand alone.
"Stars of Twilight Fair" takes us to the Lake District in England, where Miss Amelia Thorne has hidden herself away since The Scandal that left her a pariah in society. She has her dog, her poetry books, and beautiful vistas to enjoy, and she's preparing to take over the running of her estate on her 25th birthday. She's satisfied with her life until her aunt hosts a house party. Amelia is asked to stay out of site, so her Scandal doesn't rub off on her cousin, but she keeps running into one of the guests, Edmund Corbyn. Amelia can't keep Edmund out of her mind, and the attraction has her rethinking her life choices.
Edmund would rather spend his time learning the new science of photography and researching ways to capture color as well as black and white images. He's resigned to attending this house party, because his family needs him to marry well to save their legacy. For the plan to work, his bride must have a spotless reputation. Edmund can't get Amelia out of his mind either, but her Scandal could leave his family without their ancestral home.
This novel has science, poetry, beautiful writing, humor, a magnetic couple, the great outdoors, and two nice dogs. I enjoyed every minute of it, but as my Kindle ticked down the minutes of reading I had left, I could not imagine how K. Lyn Smith was going to give Edmund and Amelia their happy ending. I was on tenterhooks until the final pages.
If you like a sweet and clean romance, the Victorian era, Wordsworth, and English house parties, you will find a lot to enjoy in "Stars of Twilight Fair."
I received an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Corbyn sibling Edmund finds his perfect partner in K. Lyn Smith's "Stars of Twilight Fair". Ordered to find a "suitable" bride, he attends a house party where he meets the distinctly "unsuitable" Amelia Thorne. With her signature flair and charm, Smith delivers an engaging tale thankfully lacking in vulgarity and my pet peeve, insta-love. Amelia's incredibly unlikable Aunt Mary aggressively promotes serious photographer Edmund as a match for her daughter Octavia, who's very sweet and incredibly perceptive.
In a nod to Victorian convention, Amelia's "scandal" is so mild by today's standard that it seems laughable. Yet there it is. In addition, young women weren't generally allowed to control their own money. The hypocrisy of unpleasant Aunt Mary spending Amelia's money and living in her house is dumbfounding.
A few of Edmund's relatives make important appearances; it's his maternal grandfather's decree driving the plot, after all. Characters are well-drawn. Lover of poetry Amelia whimsically named her dog Lord Byron. The solution to the dilemma of the Earl's succession is clever and unexpected, paving the way for the protagonists' HEA.
I greatly enjoyed this novel. It can stand alone, although the two preceding stories featuring the Corbyn sisters are quite delightful, and I read them in order. I look forward to new works by the talented K. Lyn Smith.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Edmund's family legacy is important to him, and to preserve it, he must marry soon, and marry well. And this house party seems to offer the perfect chance. After one disastrous season, Amelia has been very happy to avoid Society, and readily agrees to stay in the background at her aunt's house party. But when chance throws the pair together, something sparks. Edmund isn't like other society gentlemen Amelia has met, and Amelia has much more to her than any titled lady Edmund knows. But she most definitely does not count as 'marrying well'. Faced with a choice between his family legacy and his heart, which will he choose?
A charming read, and I appreciated that it didn't down-play the importance of legacies or blandly throw away everything for love. Of course, this led to some uncertainty as to how any happy resolution could be reached, but fortunately the author fixed everything to my entire satisfaction! I also found the history of photography interesting (and including more details in a note at the end for the interested reader is a great idea). The characters themselves were people I enjoyed getting to know (well, except for one - but she wasn't meant to be nice), and I have to admit to hoping some secondary characters get their own stories. All in all, a great clean read - recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stars of Twilight Fair is a sweet Victorian romance by K Lyn. Smith, one of my favorite authors.
It’s book # 3 of the Love’s Journey series but work well as a standalone.
The characters were relatable and easy to fall in love with. The interactions between Edmund and Amelia were heartfelt, well-written, and full of romantic tension. It was heart wrenching to see them torn between love and duty. I rooted for them to find their hard won HEA.
The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story, especially cousin Octavia and Edmund’s family. Not to mention the dogs Blue and Lord Byron !
This is such a fun and enjoyable story that had me captivated till the very end. This book will pull you right in and keep you engaged and smiling all the way through. The author does a great job of bringing the story to life with great characters that are lovable and endearing. She has a unique and superb writing style, almost as poetic as the poetry of Wordsworth scattered throughout the book.
The storyline flowed smoothly, enhanced by the beautiful description of the Lake District, Amelia’s love of poetry (especially Wordsworth) and Edmund’s experiments with photography. The plot twists kept me turning the pages anxious to see what would happen next.
I enjoyed this story immensely and wholeheartedly recommend it to all lovers of sweet, funny, intense historical romance.
I really enjoy Ms. Smith’s Love’s Journey series. This one, however, is my absolute favorite. The hero of this book is Edmund Corbyn, Astrid and Helen’s brother. He’d rather working on his experiments in photography than attending house parties and courting debutantes, but unfortunately, he has to get married to ensure the family’s place in society. And his bride has to meet with Queen Victoria’s approval.
Amelia Thorne is a young woman who inherited a fortune. She’s considered unmarriable, though, because she inadvertently created a huge scandal in her last season. She spends her days as a recluse in her home, which is run by her aunt and uncle. Aunt Mary, a virago if I’ve ever seen one, is throwing a house party to find a husband for her lovely daughter. Amelia is under strict orders to keep away from the guests so her scandalous past doesn’t taint her cousin’s chances for happiness.
Edmund and Amelia are immediately drawn to each other at the party and fall in love. But his duty to family and her scandalous past are unstoppable obstacles in their path to happiness. Will Edmund put love before duty? Will Amelia be able to overcome her past?
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 stars for this well-written and well-researched tale. I enjoyed the characters (especially the dynamic between Amelia and her cousin, and Edmund and his family), the love of Wordsworth and the Lake District, and learning about early photography. There were a couple of interesting surprises in the story with a satisfying ending.
Minor pet peeve: it felt odd to refer to the queen, from Edmund's perspective, merely as "Victoria." Otherwise, there was (as far as I could tell) good knowledge of history and early photography. Bigger pet peeve:
Overall, this was still an enjoyable read that I would recommend to other fans of historical fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher.
Amelia had been in the shadows of Society for the past five years following a scandal where she was dubbed "Poisoned Thorne". She lived in her home with her aunt, uncle and cousin. Her uncle had guardianship of her wealth until she was 25.
When her aunts wants her through a house party to make a match for her only daughter, Amelia is again pushed to the shadows. While in those shadows, she meets Edmund, quite by accident. Edmund is also attending the house party but is staying at another home on the property. Amelia and Edmund seem to continually find themselves together throughout the party and feelings begin to develop but Edmund has to do right by his family which doesn't include Amelia, or does it?
This is a wonderful story with a happy ending. It is a clean and wholesome book with lots of wonderful moments.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
I've read a few books by this author, and this one was 100% lovely.
Both of the main characters were well-developed and I liked the conundrum they were in: she's hiding from a scandal & he's in a precarious position, needing to marry to keep the family's entailed property (which includes having the approval of Queen Victoria). They are instantly at odds with one another. Their relationship develops in this natural and warm way.
I truly loved this book. The secondary characters are also wonderful—some you love and others you hate, just as intended.
This book is like a warm hug for romance readers. I think anyone who enjoys historical romance will enjoy this one.
This book is absolutely amazing! I feel such a kinship to the main character, Amelia! She’s strong and independent and doesn’t fit into the mold of society and is completely ok with that!
Edmund, the other main character, is kind, loves his family and understands that he wants to do what he can to take care of the family he loves very much! He also doesn’t fit the typical mold of men in this time period which makes me love him that much more!
This story hits you in the heart and speaks volumes to the fact that even though the world may expect certain things from you, you shouldn’t forfeit what your heart needs and yearns for!
K Lyn Smith is a phenomenal writer and I can’t wait to read the rest of her work!
Amelia & Edmund’s story is beautiful and sweet and draws you in, little by little. I loved that although Amelia had had more than her share of heartaches, she was resolute and full of vibrancy—determined that life and circumstance would not get the best of her. And I fell in love with Edmund—dashing and kind with a sense of humor and honorable to the core!
One of my favorite quotes from this book is, “ He smiled as he studied her, and she held her breath. It was irresponsible, really, the way he wielded his smile without a care for where it landed.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the rich emotions evoked in this book. The scenery sounds so lovely, and I loved the spirit and kindness of Amelia and Edmund. I didn’t see how they were ever going to resolve the problem of his family obligations, but loved the way things turned out. Olivia was a charming character, too, and I hope we get to see her love story one day in a future book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Don’t forget to read the author’s notes after you’ve read the book for added insights; it contains some spoilers, so don’t read them first, but I found them very interesting.
She is ostracized because someone said something about her - and they believe it. Years later her cousin is getting married, but her aunt refused to allow her to be oart of it!!! And the man her aunt wants her daughter to marry - well lets just say he is not too fond of her, and totally enjpys the cousin's company more. This is a great story or oh jealousy can totally ruin a relationship, and how love prevails!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Poetry. Sweetly, beautifully told story with characters you truly have to love. Dilemmas of inheritance and peerage combined with a scandal present obstacles for them to overcome. Makes your soul sing!
I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This was a delight. I am drawn to stories with science and history combined and Lyn's writing does this with very well. Her characters are beautifully drawn, the setting glorious and the history well researched. I highly recommend this gentle, uplifting and clean romance. I received an Advance Review Copy and leave this honest review voluntarily.