Can an aspiring vicar without a living, and a jilted spinster without a future, find just what they need with each other?
James Avington, the amiable yet oft-overlooked youngest son, possesses all the advantages of birth with no guarantee of sustaining them. If he pursues his mentor’s daughter, he might earn a chance to advance in his profession, but is the pretty, aloof Miss Hastings really the bride a vicar needs? Or would his childhood neighbor Miss Westwood prove to be the unexpected true companion of his heart?
Known by her whole village as the jilted spinster, Felicia Westwood dedicates her life to tending her ailing mother. But when the frail, boyish James Avington she used to know sweeps back into her life for the summer—now as a charming young man—Felicia is forced to walk the delicate line between her hard-earned contentment and an inconvenient desire for more.
Childhood friends reconnect as lovers in a sweet story of self-discovery, family, sacrifice, trust, and love.
I really enjoyed this trip back to Beniton Hall, watching Alfred and Tiffany manage James as deftly as their own youngsters, steering him towards his own happy ending. I love the strong family ties and easy banter among the Avingtons. Neighbor Felicia fits well into this mix. She is such an easy character to love- so generous and patient while being mistreated by her siblings and several townsfolk. Who wouldn’t root for such a Cinderella (especially in contrast to the scheming Miss Hastings?!). The only issue I had with this story were the sickroom scenes at Beniton Hall and the unrealistically quick recoveries, though I appreciate their place in the story. Overall, this is a very satisfying addition to a great series. I am grateful to have received a complimentary ARC via Book Sirens.
I have yet to read an Iris Lim story that I have not liked. This is such a well crafted story with endearing characters (well our MC's and the Avington's in any case) - it's been a while since I have read others in the series so have forgotten much of the backstory of some of the non-MCs, but no matter this stands well on its own. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Miss Westwood and the Lake" is the sixth installment in the Beniton Hall series by Iris Lim. If you’re following the series, you’re already acquainted with some of the Avington brothers, and in this tale, we meet James, the youngest of the five.
James returns to Beniton Hall, where his eldest brother resides with his wife, Tiffany, and their children. James is back to learn what his father has bequeathed to him and before he officially embarks on his path as a preacher. He's considering a relationship with Miss Hastings, but upon returning home, he rekindles his childhood friendship with Felicia. Felicia is the eldest in her family and bears the responsibility of caring for her very ill mother with limited financial support, especially after being deserted by her fiancé, who marries her sister instead. I found Felicia’s resilience admirable; she is strong and caring. Despite facing the challenges of an unfeeling family and a sick mother, she chooses the high road, finding joy where she can and accepting her life.
She is now considered "on the shelf" and is whispered about due to past scandal, resigned to life as a spinster, or so she believes until James reenters her life.
James, a kind and compassionate individual, was quite sickly as a child. Protective by nature, he doesn’t initially realize that his feelings for Felicia are blossoming into something deeper than friendship. His brother’s wife notices this development and cautions him not to toy with Felicia’s heart given all she has endured. As Miss Hastings and her father visit, the dynamics become even more intriguing.
I appreciated how James wrestles with his emotions, ultimately realizing that his heart belongs to Felicia, though their path to happiness is fraught with obstacles. I through enjoyed this clean, sweet romance with well-meaning family members (his), amusing situations, a touch of angst, and a portrayal of James's growth as he defines his future both professionally and personally.
Iris Lim consistently crafts delightful stories, filled with caring characters, engaging plots, and intricate family dynamics, and I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another lovely Regency novel by Iris Lim. In this story, we find James Avington coming home to his brother’s estate. As a younger son, James has been studying to be a pastor and to hopefully find a position in a nearby church. The older curate is ready to retire, and he has a beautiful daughter who James hopes will be interested in him. Unfortunately, James has little money, and he hasn’t yet received his inheritance from his older brother. During his stay at his brother’s place, James sees Felicia Westwood. They used to play as children, and Felicia now, is now grown up and attractive. However, Felicia and her mother have fallen on hard times since her father died and left their estate to her brother. She was left to take care of her elderly and sick mother. Felicia is now considered a spinster since her sister has stolen away her fiancé. James is stunned to discover Felicia’s plight and sad that no one has married the beautiful and intelligent woman.
Felicia is also amazed at how handsome the once sickly child James has become. She assumes that he won’t be interested in her, but welcomes his friendship and tries not to have feelings for him.
The sweet story has some nice twists and turns, and Iris deftly handles the dialogue, settings, and compelling characters. There are picnics and candlelight dinners, and lovely descriptions all enhancing the romantic tension of the main characters. It was an entertaining and delightful book to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a friends-to-lovers sweet story which warms the heart. As usual, this author does not disappoint with the writing and conjuring strong and believable characters who readers could easily root for. This highlights the intricacies and difficulties of Regency societally expectations and emphasis on wealth and position when considering the marriage mart. It seems as if people regardless of status have no choice but to conform to familial duty and/or society’s expectations.
In this case, Miss Westwood, once a lady of good standing but whose family had fell on hard times due to the passing of their patriarch as well as cruelty of her siblings, has become an undesirable spinster in the face of society; more so because she was jilted by a suitor whose affections transferred to her younger sister. Only a few people have shown her true consideration and genuine kindness. One of them is a childhood friend, who she nursed several times for having grown up sickly, mostly ill while growing up. But as Mr. James Avington, youngest son, establishes his place in society as a clergyman, and navigates the marriage mart, he falls slowly but surely in love with the steadfast, kind and humble Miss Westwood. The issue is whether he reveals his feelings to her given her tarnished reputation and disparity in social status, not to mention a hasty agreement to shackle himself with a mercenary lady.
This is engaging and delightfully short and is recommended for readers who love historical romances but have limited time for their reading pleasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Miss Westwood and the Lake". James Avington, the youngest son seeks a future as a curate for his mentor, hoping to settle down and marry his mentor's daughter. He invites them to his family home and can't quite remember them being so snobbish and money focused when he last knew them. Meanwhile, James and Felicia, his former childhood friend, become reacquainted, and one day James kisses her. Felicia is considered a spinster. She remains at her childhood home to care for her dying mother. Is it pity or true love that James feels for Felicia? And what is to become of Miss Hastings, his mentor's daughter, when she discovers that James owns no land and has no wealth? After Miss Hastings kisses James, who will he choose? "Miss Westwood and the Lake" is a clean regency romance. James and Felicia have a sweet friendship that seems to be evolving into something more. I liked the way they cared about each other, the way James risked his health to tell Felicia his feelings, and the way Felicia nursed James back to health while also caring for her mother. The lake scene where Felicia saved James' little nephew was also impactful and touching. Despite their circumstances, I like how James and Felicia respected one another and how James' family stuck together and supported him. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
This is an entertaining tale of childhood friends reunited after many years apart. Felicia Westwood has stayed at home with her mother. It hasn’t been easy for her. They’re just squeaking by due to her brother’s tightness with money.
James Avington went away to study at Oxford and is returning to Beniton Hall as a newly ordained minister. Home for the summer to visit his eldest brother and his family, James is trying to figure out how to find a position as a cleric. He thinks he might succeed by connecting with a clergyman he met while at university, but there’s more than a living at stake there.
At a dinner at Beniton Hall, James is reintroduced to Felicia. They resume the friendship they’d had as children. All is comfortable until the day they go to the lake, and things go terribly wrong. More will complicate both of their lives before either of them figures out he proper path to take with their lives.
I loved this story. It’s sweet, clean, and entertaining. I loved the characters. Each added something special to the tale. The writing is excellent, and there are some surprises along the way.
I enjoyed this book very much. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author through BookSirens. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
The youngest Avington male is struck by Cupid's arrow in Iris Lim's "Miss Westwood and the Lake". The sixth installment of the Nottingham/Avington series, this novella features aspiring vicar James, whose practical plan for his life is thrown into disarray upon returning home from university. He is reacquainted with his neighbor and childhood friend, the slightly older Felicia Westwood, and a heartwarming romance blooms.
Lim crafts a lovely story of family dynamics, both good and bad. Alfred and Tiffany Avington (the protagonists in "Mr. Avington's Game of Hearts") are supportive of, and devoted to, their family. Their small children provide a good deal of amusement. Conversely, Felicia's siblings are self-serving. Mr. Hastings' motives come as a surprise. Secondary characters are entertaining.
Iris Lim's prose is always pleasing, and she accurately portrays the Regency period. Her works are clean and a joy to read. I look forward to the next book in this charming series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well written, fast paced novella. Full of emotions, drama, love, humor, intrigue, twists and turns. James has returned home to continue his work as a pastor and hopes to replace the one who is ready to retire. He has not yet talked to his brother, the Earl and his wife, about what he plans to do. Felicia has been caring for her mother who has been ill for awhile. She has been considered a spinster and used by her family for years. Felicia remembers James from their childhood when they were friends and played together. She was to be married but the groom to be ends up marrying her sister instead. James learns a lot about Felicia and what has happened to her over the years. They develop feelings for each other and get their happily ever after. Would recommend this story to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
Giving this short and sweet book 5 stars because it was a quick, satisfying read. I appreciate Iris Lim’s books because this is often the experience I am looking for. I don’t have to wade through unnecessary details or pontificating on the part of the characters. And yet her writing isn’t juvenile — reading her prose is a nice experience, she is a good writer. The little reverse age gap in this book was sweet. I haven’t read all the books in this series (I avoid characters I don’t like haha) — but the ones I have read, I have read several times and really enjoy. This will be one I come back to. I am sad it doesn’t appear that there will be another Nottingham sister/Avington brother match though — was hoping Brooke and Richard would end up together 😉
I found this book to be particularly charming, largely due to the concept of childhood friends ultimately ending up together. However, this narrative introduced an interesting dynamic, as the female character was older than the male character. It was effortless to empathize with Felicia, and the distinct relationships James and Felicia shared with their oldest sibling were noteworthy. Although I haven't read the preceding books, the portrayal of James' oldest brother and his wife, Tiffany, in this installment was kind and endearing. I especially appreciated Tiffany's spirited nature. It was easy to root for this couple. I received an advanced copy of this book and am providing my review voluntarily.
Miss Westwood and the Lake is Book 6 in the Benton Hall Series by Iris Lim. James and Felicia are wonderful characters. I found this romance to have good characters and an interesting story. James is the youngest son of 5 and Felicia is the oldest sibling in her family. They have known each other since childhood, but, the road to romance and love is never easy. I did not find this a fast and furious book. I believe that the author takes the time to tell a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. A cup of tea and I escaped into 1800s. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
What an enjoyable story of James ( one of the five Avington brothers). He is the youngest and the author doesn’t wonderful job of portraying him as both a kind and caring person. He will fill his chosen profession well…that is when he has one. Felicia is a strong woman faced with challenges of uncaring family members and a sick mother. She continues to rise above and choose joy instead of suffering. The plot is fun and quite entertaining as there are several circumstances that cause additional challenges. I highly recommend this author, the series and this book! The author has created a remarkable world. I received an ARC copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Miss Westwood is the poor neighbor that the 5 sons living in Beniton Hall grew up with. James is the 5th son with limited prospects who has chosen the life of a pastor.
He returns home where his eldest brother is now in charge. James does not know how he will make a living. He hopes to find a position as a curate. He bumbles around and doesn't talk to his older brother much on the subject.
Felicia (Miss Westwood) is a spinster and there are others that set their cap for the soon to be pastor. There are many mishaps and misunderstandings along the way with this story until the HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series has become one of my favorites. I love how all the family members are completely different. James and Felicia have a sweet story. One of old friendship moving easily into love. This story doesn’t have tons of drama but does have enough to keep it moving forward. James and Felicia are perfect for each other. They have similar temperaments and goals for the future. I also like how Felicia, even though not having much, isn’t a mouse of a woman, and James sees her strength. All in all, a nice sweet read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a delightful book. I've loved this series - the family seems like old friends. Miss Westwood and the Lake has one of my favorite tropes, childhood friends reconnecting and finding unexpected love. But there's a twist. Miss Westwood is an older woman. Not by much, only three years. She's considered on the shelf, though, and things develop at a delightfully languid pace. Both James are sweet, genial characters, and you root for them throughout all the unexpected twists and turns. I'm so glad there are more Avingtons to come. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fun and quick read, but with a solid and strong story. Enjoyed lead characters James and Felicia, also known as the jilted spinster. Her brother Steven Westwood and wife were nasty and insulting to both Felicia and her mother, who was ailing throughout the story. Enjoyed Alfred, oldest brother to James and this wife Tiffany, both caring and loyal siblings to James. Was happy with ending to well thought out story.
I received a free copy, ARC, and am giving my free, honest and voluntary review.
This was a sweet book. I haven’t read the previous books, but I enjoyed this story. I’ll need to go back and read them. The story between Felicia and James is a sweet one. Felicia is a strong character that deals with everyone’s idiocy and neglect, and James, the younger son who has dealt with his own struggles. It was a sweet trope of “friends to lovers/right in front of their faces the whole time” realizations. I would read it again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
James returns home with hopes of becoming a member of the local clergy. Felicia is a jilted spinster who is caring for her ill mother. Both have their own personal challenges to overcome but eventually find their happily ever after.
The book transported me back to another time and place, and I felt fully immersed. The romance was short but intentional.
This was my first book by Iris Lim, and I really enjoyed it. You don't need to start with book one to be able to follow the storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
I like stories set in this period because of the limits set to their behavior. It's always fun to see them work within the rules or even bend them a bit, of course remaining within the rules of propriety.
I love the characters and their banter. I love the way the Avington family supports each other even when their banter deviates a bit from light and playful. Even then, their love shows.
Short, charming story of childhood friends renewing their acquaintance and falling in love. There are a few obstacles to overcome and near death experiences that bring their feelings to the surface, but there is not much depth or substance to the story. However, if you’re short on time, and want a quick, sweet story with a satisfying ending, then this fits the bill nicely. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One can't help but feel for Felicity. Betrayed by her family becoming a spinster and in charge of looking after her ailing mother. What horrible siblings. She has a time…
Enjoyed this sweet story of a young acquaintance and discovery, and rescue, in more ways than one.
Definitely great for young folks and young at heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sweet and clean story with James, the fifth son of an Earl, and Felicia, a jilted spinster that, after some missteps, fall in love. Characters I loved to hate were Mrs. Felix, the Hastings (father and daughter), and anyone who treated Felicia poorly because a scoundrel left her in the lurch to marry her younger sister. Quick read but a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Although I received an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
A Charming, Well-Written Regency Romance I enjoyed reading this peaceful, interesting tale set in the English countryside. The heroine with her quiet strength and naive but well-meaning hero find happiness with the help of their friends. Although part of a series, this book can be easily read as a standalone. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book wasn't as enjoyable for me as Alfred's story, but it was a pretty good romance. The H and h are perfectly suited to each other and the storyline is interesting. I recommend this book if you enjoy sentimental romances.
Can be read as a standalone however it is part of an interconnected series.
She's the oldest in her family but has been declared a spinster undesirable for marriage. He's the youngest son in his family coming home for a visit before finding his place some day as a vicar. Old friendships reinstated and feelings changing but will they be able to find their own HEA or will others decide for them?
A sweet clean read romance. Love these characters and the world they inhabit. Unfortunately there are unfriendly people but the good ones conquer. Look forward to more books in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Iris Lim did it again, wrote a wonderful story! I was rooting for these two seemingly forgotten characters. And they got their sweet HEA. I definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily