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Cornwall Brides #1
Something Old
From this day forward... Thomas Granger has been married to his wife Lily for five years. The marriage has been proper, but without much affection, and the fault for that lays squarely on his own shoulders. He married her for her fortune and has hidden his true feelings until he felt redeemed enough to truly love her. Now his fortunes have been salvaged, so he aims to take the next major step in his wooing his wife. Lily has been living with a broken heart from the day she married Thomas. What hope she had for a marriage of love has long faded, and she sees no reason to dream otherwise. When Thomas asks that she come with him to Cornwall to try a new adventure together, she takes the chance on one last hope in finding love in her marriage. Wrapped in the beauties and magic that only Cornwall can provide, she finds new life breathed into her, and into her feelings for her husband. When their walls come down, when their pretense is gone, will they find the love each of them has sought? Or will the life they have known be all that remains?
282 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2021
151 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
86 books1,236 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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December 12, 2022First thought: I wish authors would stop branding their books as "book 1" when really it's like book 16 in a complicated series following many characters.
If you're going to incorporate other characters from your other series in books, take a bit of time to explain what's going on to anyone who hopped in thinking, "Oh, this is book 1!" Kristi Ann Hunter does it well (I LOVE her inclusions of old cast members!), but I'm not sure I remember that many other authors who do.
Second thoughts ...
There are too many thoughts for a second thought. I have All The Thoughts. This book was a crazy train wreck.
But before I get into that, I just want to say: I did sort of enjoy it. Sort of. It was very frustrating, but for enjoyment's sake only, I can say it was a decent read. I wanted to finish it because it was dramatic, and because I wanted to see if it'd pick up, so it wasn't a, "I'm going to stop now" kind of bad.
Also, if you're the author, or know the author, or have read and loved this book, please skip this review! I'm going to ramble, but I understand that I'm not the book's target audience.
So let's just do bullet points of my thoughts.
-In my personal opinion, the writing was amateurish. It just didn't have a unique style, and it felt largely unpolished to me.
-It definitely had a lot of exposition - the author really likes her characters to have pages upon pages of thoughts about every feeling, past event, current event, future event, etc. That made it a hard read to get through, and I skimmed a lot as time went on.
-I sort of felt it read like fanfiction? Which makes no sense, but there it is. Is "fanfiction" a writing style? That was the author's writing style.
-Nothing really ever happened in this story, ever. The author kept hinting that something was going to happen, but there was no plot. Only the characters' feelings.
-Every single character in this book at some point gave either Thomas or Lily or both terrible relational advice. Yes, there were a few good moments, but overall, everyone in this book should not be in a relationship. Ever.
-THERE ARE PRACTICAL STEPS ONE CAN TAKE TO HELP ONE'S MARRIAGE SUCCEED! There. I've said it. It's not all "waiting until she falls for you," etc. It's about PRACTICAL, LOVING steps to make a PRACTICAL, LOVING relationship.
-Honesty. Honesty. Honesty. HOW IS IT THAT ALL THESE SUPPOSEDLY HAPPILY MARRIED COUPLES PRETTY MUCH NEVER MENTIONED HONESTY? This book would've been concluded in a chapter if that had been the primary piece of advice offered, but no. It's mentioned maybe once or twice.
-Manufactured drama ... I can't stand it, but it's very there.
-The fact that people keep saying they're going to give Thomas some advice and then not? That happened like sixteen times.
-Come to think of it, most of the things in this book happened at least a few times. If Lily had a thought, she repeated it over and over again. Same thing with Thomas's thoughts, and with advice given, and with events that were explained. The author probably didn't have enough content for a full book, and that's why, but still.
-Love is sold as being purely emotional. I hate to tell y'all this, but love has emotional elements ... but the only lasting love you'll ever have will be love based on consistent actions and a self-sacrificing love. It is NOT about chasing some dreamlike emotion. Yet these married men, with presumably so much experience, literally tell Thomas that he can't MAKE HIMSELF love Lily - he just has to let it happen. Okay then? So much for a happy marriage.
-Passion doesn't last long. It just doesn't. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if that's what's fixing your marriage, you are going to end up miserable in the end.
-I hated Thomas. Regardless of the reasoning, it's a horrible move to . And his reasoning wasn't even reasonable? I also find it hard to believe he'd go FIVE WHOLE YEARS without ever having a conversation with his wife. And that no one would confront him (or her, for that matter) on their behavior when they're surrounded by good friends? I don't know. It's just a weird story.
-Lily was pretty gumption-less. I wish she'd toughen up! Also, FIVE YEARS and she didn't even address children with him in all that time? Whyyy!? That's just not how this era works!
-Lots of other character issues, but this review is already too long.
-Historical accuracy. There was none. There was a lot of phrasing/language that was inconsistent with the time and setting, but more than that, it was the characters' attitudes. It's one of those stories where everyone refers to inaccurate, stereotyped variations of Regency era (again, applying Victorian stereotypes, which are again inaccurate, to Regency society!) ... but no one we meet is actually like that. Everyone on screen believes in love, thinks of marriage differently than everyone else, etc. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were basing it on anything real, but no one in this book seems to understand the difference between love and that temporary feeling of being "in love," and it's very frustrating indeed as someone who really loves and has studied this era!
-It is legally impossible for a married woman in the Regency era to own an estate while her husband is alive. Even without entail, even with a newly bought estate, a woman was legally considered one with her husband, having no separate identity, and therefore could not own her own property. I'm mentioning this specific detail because I recently did some research for my own novel, and I very much wish it were possible because it would have resolved a plot hole I was working on ... but it just isn't. (See note 1.)
-A couple small content issues existed. (See note 2.) But not enough to bother me if that had been the only issue with the book. But just be aware!
-Still frustrated 'cause I couldn't keep track of who any of the characters were, but then I have a horrible memory, so we'll just blame it on that.
-And then, to top it off, everything was too easily resolved. If all they have to do to earn each other's affection is say a few words and have sex - events which happened multiple times - then why was it such a big deal? Not at all the pay-off one wants after five years of unhappiness that were ground into the reader's head. It just failed to satisfy in any way.
-Have I mentioned that everything that happened happened more than once? The same apologies, the same thoughts ... I have already mentioned it, but I'll say it again. It's worth saying again! Darn it, and I'm becoming repetitive, too, but there 'tis!
-How many "second chances" are we gonna have and keep calling them "second chances"? I'm on "fifth chances," by my count.
-Basically, this is just not the kind of romance I enjoy.
NOTE 1: By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law: that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage, or at least is incorporated and consolidated into that of the husband… and her condition during her marriage is called her coverture.
… For this reason, a man cannot grant anything to his wife, or enter into covenant with her: for the grant would be to suppose her separate existence; and to covenant with her, would be only to covenant with himself: … a husband may also bequeath any thing to his wife by will; for that cannot take effect till the coverture is determined by his death.
William Blackstone. Commentaries on the Laws of England. Vol, 1 (1765), pages 442-445
NOTE 2: this is not Christian fiction and has not been judged as such. Just for my fellow reader's sake, I'll mention that there were a couple minor swear words, but not in any way gratuitous. Also, there were some pretty heavy/passionate kissing scenes, but between a married couple, and we know that their sex life has gotten good once it does (e.g. it is much discussed! Which is understandable, given that they've had such a rocky life beforehand - I'd be talking about it, too!). However, we did not get any actual sex scenes, so it was overall a pretty PG/PG-13 story.
And ... those are my thoughts! Not something I'd recommend to my friends, but I can see that there's an audience for it.
Thanks for reading!
Kell
If you're going to incorporate other characters from your other series in books, take a bit of time to explain what's going on to anyone who hopped in thinking, "Oh, this is book 1!" Kristi Ann Hunter does it well (I LOVE her inclusions of old cast members!), but I'm not sure I remember that many other authors who do.
Second thoughts ...
There are too many thoughts for a second thought. I have All The Thoughts. This book was a crazy train wreck.
But before I get into that, I just want to say: I did sort of enjoy it. Sort of. It was very frustrating, but for enjoyment's sake only, I can say it was a decent read. I wanted to finish it because it was dramatic, and because I wanted to see if it'd pick up, so it wasn't a, "I'm going to stop now" kind of bad.
Also, if you're the author, or know the author, or have read and loved this book, please skip this review! I'm going to ramble, but I understand that I'm not the book's target audience.
So let's just do bullet points of my thoughts.
-In my personal opinion, the writing was amateurish. It just didn't have a unique style, and it felt largely unpolished to me.
-It definitely had a lot of exposition - the author really likes her characters to have pages upon pages of thoughts about every feeling, past event, current event, future event, etc. That made it a hard read to get through, and I skimmed a lot as time went on.
-I sort of felt it read like fanfiction? Which makes no sense, but there it is. Is "fanfiction" a writing style? That was the author's writing style.
-Nothing really ever happened in this story, ever. The author kept hinting that something was going to happen, but there was no plot. Only the characters' feelings.
-Every single character in this book at some point gave either Thomas or Lily or both terrible relational advice. Yes, there were a few good moments, but overall, everyone in this book should not be in a relationship. Ever.
-THERE ARE PRACTICAL STEPS ONE CAN TAKE TO HELP ONE'S MARRIAGE SUCCEED! There. I've said it. It's not all "waiting until she falls for you," etc. It's about PRACTICAL, LOVING steps to make a PRACTICAL, LOVING relationship.
-Honesty. Honesty. Honesty. HOW IS IT THAT ALL THESE SUPPOSEDLY HAPPILY MARRIED COUPLES PRETTY MUCH NEVER MENTIONED HONESTY? This book would've been concluded in a chapter if that had been the primary piece of advice offered, but no. It's mentioned maybe once or twice.
-Manufactured drama ... I can't stand it, but it's very there.
-The fact that people keep saying they're going to give Thomas some advice and then not? That happened like sixteen times.
-Come to think of it, most of the things in this book happened at least a few times. If Lily had a thought, she repeated it over and over again. Same thing with Thomas's thoughts, and with advice given, and with events that were explained. The author probably didn't have enough content for a full book, and that's why, but still.
-Love is sold as being purely emotional. I hate to tell y'all this, but love has emotional elements ... but the only lasting love you'll ever have will be love based on consistent actions and a self-sacrificing love. It is NOT about chasing some dreamlike emotion. Yet these married men, with presumably so much experience, literally tell Thomas that he can't MAKE HIMSELF love Lily - he just has to let it happen. Okay then? So much for a happy marriage.
-Passion doesn't last long. It just doesn't. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if that's what's fixing your marriage, you are going to end up miserable in the end.
-I hated Thomas. Regardless of the reasoning, it's a horrible move to . And his reasoning wasn't even reasonable? I also find it hard to believe he'd go FIVE WHOLE YEARS without ever having a conversation with his wife. And that no one would confront him (or her, for that matter) on their behavior when they're surrounded by good friends? I don't know. It's just a weird story.
-Lily was pretty gumption-less. I wish she'd toughen up! Also, FIVE YEARS and she didn't even address children with him in all that time? Whyyy!? That's just not how this era works!
-Lots of other character issues, but this review is already too long.
-Historical accuracy. There was none. There was a lot of phrasing/language that was inconsistent with the time and setting, but more than that, it was the characters' attitudes. It's one of those stories where everyone refers to inaccurate, stereotyped variations of Regency era (again, applying Victorian stereotypes, which are again inaccurate, to Regency society!) ... but no one we meet is actually like that. Everyone on screen believes in love, thinks of marriage differently than everyone else, etc. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were basing it on anything real, but no one in this book seems to understand the difference between love and that temporary feeling of being "in love," and it's very frustrating indeed as someone who really loves and has studied this era!
-It is legally impossible for a married woman in the Regency era to own an estate while her husband is alive. Even without entail, even with a newly bought estate, a woman was legally considered one with her husband, having no separate identity, and therefore could not own her own property. I'm mentioning this specific detail because I recently did some research for my own novel, and I very much wish it were possible because it would have resolved a plot hole I was working on ... but it just isn't. (See note 1.)
-A couple small content issues existed. (See note 2.) But not enough to bother me if that had been the only issue with the book. But just be aware!
-Still frustrated 'cause I couldn't keep track of who any of the characters were, but then I have a horrible memory, so we'll just blame it on that.
-And then, to top it off, everything was too easily resolved. If all they have to do to earn each other's affection is say a few words and have sex - events which happened multiple times - then why was it such a big deal? Not at all the pay-off one wants after five years of unhappiness that were ground into the reader's head. It just failed to satisfy in any way.
-Have I mentioned that everything that happened happened more than once? The same apologies, the same thoughts ... I have already mentioned it, but I'll say it again. It's worth saying again! Darn it, and I'm becoming repetitive, too, but there 'tis!
-How many "second chances" are we gonna have and keep calling them "second chances"? I'm on "fifth chances," by my count.
-Basically, this is just not the kind of romance I enjoy.
NOTE 1: By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law: that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage, or at least is incorporated and consolidated into that of the husband… and her condition during her marriage is called her coverture.
… For this reason, a man cannot grant anything to his wife, or enter into covenant with her: for the grant would be to suppose her separate existence; and to covenant with her, would be only to covenant with himself: … a husband may also bequeath any thing to his wife by will; for that cannot take effect till the coverture is determined by his death.
William Blackstone. Commentaries on the Laws of England. Vol, 1 (1765), pages 442-445
NOTE 2: this is not Christian fiction and has not been judged as such. Just for my fellow reader's sake, I'll mention that there were a couple minor swear words, but not in any way gratuitous. Also, there were some pretty heavy/passionate kissing scenes, but between a married couple, and we know that their sex life has gotten good once it does (e.g. it is much discussed! Which is understandable, given that they've had such a rocky life beforehand - I'd be talking about it, too!). However, we did not get any actual sex scenes, so it was overall a pretty PG/PG-13 story.
And ... those are my thoughts! Not something I'd recommend to my friends, but I can see that there's an audience for it.
Thanks for reading!
Kell
April 16, 2021
Gosh you can tell Rebecca dug deep with this one. SO much depth and emotion. If you like a good heart tug this might be your book:} These two have been married for 5 years and living separate lives. You get glimpses of these two in the other books in this series. Even though this is a start to a new series it has it's roots in the Arrangement series, just like the London League series does. You also see some players from those books. There are some seriously delicious scenes in this book. I love the way Rebecca write the tension that happens between her characters. This is a proper romances with some amazing kisses.
May 13, 2024
This is not my kind of Regency at all. Nothing wrong with it, and I totally understand why many readers would love it, but it just doesn’t do it for me, sadly. Too much angst and introspection, and not enough action.
Here’s the premise: Thomas and Lily Granger have been married for five years. They were inching along a path of gentle courtship when Thomas lost virtually all his money. He then asked for Lily’s hand solely to use her dowry to re-establish himself. Now, five years later, he’s finally achieved that. He’s not only solvent again, but he has Lily’s original dowry to restore to her, as well as his own somewhat improved finances. But even though he loves his wife, guilt has kept him from showing her any affection at all. Now he wants to start again, wooing her as he should have done before they married. But is it too late?
And here’s the kicker: unbeknownst to him, Lily has been in love with him for years, but she’s all but given up hope of their marriage ever developing into a real marriage of mutual affection.
Now, this is an intriguing situation. I find it a little implausible that Thomas would allow his guilt to so overwhelm him that he shows no affection whatsoever to Lily. They live virtually separate lives. However, I’m always prepared to give a book its initial premise, so let it stand. The interesting question is how he deals with the situation now. No points for anyone who said: they sit down over a cup of tea and talk everything through. No, silly, this is a Regency romance, where no one ever simply explains what the problem is and proposes solutions. Instead, the couple both agonise over their situation at inordinate length, chapter after chapter that seem to be nothing but inner monologues.
The first thing Thomas does is to seek out all his best buddies, and ask them for advice. Now, this gives me a severe case of the wobbles. Even today, blokes are (in general) not good at talking to other blokes about emotional problems, and Regency blokes are (in general) more buttoned up than most. It strikes me as wildly implausible that Thomas would be so open about his problems. Generally speaking, Regency marriages were smooth on the surface, no matter what was going on behind the scenes, yet here everyone knows what’s going on and mucks in to offer advice.
I have another grumble at this point, too. All these blokish friends (and some of Lily’s female friends, too, who are also asked for advice) seem to have drifted in from an earlier series. If you’re a fan of the author, and you remember and love these characters, this will be a huge bonus for you, but I just felt as if I’d missed something vital.
After an interlude in London, where things don’t go so well for our newly courting couple, they eventually realise they have to get completely away from everywhere that’s familiar and they head off to the promised Cornwall. This perks the romance up beautifully, but it also causes an outbreak of perfection-itis. The house they rent is idyllic. They themselves are beautiful and wonderful in every way. Lily, we are repeatedly told, is just perfect. Thomas is a considerate employer (he part-owns mines in the area) and devotes time and money to the welfare of his workers and their families. Lily, being very forward-thinking, goes into one of the mines with him. When introduced to the illegitimate half-sister of a local lord, she instantly befriends her. And so on. Frankly, this gets tedious very quickly, and since there’s no plot to speak of, beyond the relationship of Thomas and Lily, there’s nothing to distract from the ongoing monologues and the perfection-itis.
Eventually, a tiny hint of a plot event arises that throws a challenge to our now adoring couple, but I confess that by this time I didn’t much care. As I said before, this style of book just isn’t my cup of tea, but for those who love this kind of emotional outpouring, this is a well-written example, with only a light smattering of Americanisms to disturb. Not a bad book at all, but for me only three stars.
Here’s the premise: Thomas and Lily Granger have been married for five years. They were inching along a path of gentle courtship when Thomas lost virtually all his money. He then asked for Lily’s hand solely to use her dowry to re-establish himself. Now, five years later, he’s finally achieved that. He’s not only solvent again, but he has Lily’s original dowry to restore to her, as well as his own somewhat improved finances. But even though he loves his wife, guilt has kept him from showing her any affection at all. Now he wants to start again, wooing her as he should have done before they married. But is it too late?
And here’s the kicker: unbeknownst to him, Lily has been in love with him for years, but she’s all but given up hope of their marriage ever developing into a real marriage of mutual affection.
Now, this is an intriguing situation. I find it a little implausible that Thomas would allow his guilt to so overwhelm him that he shows no affection whatsoever to Lily. They live virtually separate lives. However, I’m always prepared to give a book its initial premise, so let it stand. The interesting question is how he deals with the situation now. No points for anyone who said: they sit down over a cup of tea and talk everything through. No, silly, this is a Regency romance, where no one ever simply explains what the problem is and proposes solutions. Instead, the couple both agonise over their situation at inordinate length, chapter after chapter that seem to be nothing but inner monologues.
The first thing Thomas does is to seek out all his best buddies, and ask them for advice. Now, this gives me a severe case of the wobbles. Even today, blokes are (in general) not good at talking to other blokes about emotional problems, and Regency blokes are (in general) more buttoned up than most. It strikes me as wildly implausible that Thomas would be so open about his problems. Generally speaking, Regency marriages were smooth on the surface, no matter what was going on behind the scenes, yet here everyone knows what’s going on and mucks in to offer advice.
I have another grumble at this point, too. All these blokish friends (and some of Lily’s female friends, too, who are also asked for advice) seem to have drifted in from an earlier series. If you’re a fan of the author, and you remember and love these characters, this will be a huge bonus for you, but I just felt as if I’d missed something vital.
After an interlude in London, where things don’t go so well for our newly courting couple, they eventually realise they have to get completely away from everywhere that’s familiar and they head off to the promised Cornwall. This perks the romance up beautifully, but it also causes an outbreak of perfection-itis. The house they rent is idyllic. They themselves are beautiful and wonderful in every way. Lily, we are repeatedly told, is just perfect. Thomas is a considerate employer (he part-owns mines in the area) and devotes time and money to the welfare of his workers and their families. Lily, being very forward-thinking, goes into one of the mines with him. When introduced to the illegitimate half-sister of a local lord, she instantly befriends her. And so on. Frankly, this gets tedious very quickly, and since there’s no plot to speak of, beyond the relationship of Thomas and Lily, there’s nothing to distract from the ongoing monologues and the perfection-itis.
Eventually, a tiny hint of a plot event arises that throws a challenge to our now adoring couple, but I confess that by this time I didn’t much care. As I said before, this style of book just isn’t my cup of tea, but for those who love this kind of emotional outpouring, this is a well-written example, with only a light smattering of Americanisms to disturb. Not a bad book at all, but for me only three stars.
May 20, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
Oh my poor heart ached for these two. Thomas and Lily have been married for 5 long years but lead almost completely separate lives. They didn't get married under the best of circumstances. Thomas lost all of his money in an investment and married Lily for her money, and although he does love her he hasn't told her. Lily also has feelings for Thomas but hasn't told him either.
Neither Thomas or Lily seemed to have a great example of what marriage should be. Her parents didn't pay much attention to their daughters and married them off to further their own connections in Society. Poor Thomas had always loved Lily but felt so unworthy of her and he was doing all he could to earn back her money that had saved him from ruin. Lily also had feelings for Thomas and didn't care about the money--she wanted him to love her.
I just wanted to lock them both (Thomas and Lily) in a room with nothing to do so they'd have to talk to each other--pour out their deepest secrets to one another. Just when I thought they were making a great deal of progress talking to each other, something disastrous happens and Thomas falls back into his old habit of keeping everything to himself. I could've just slapped him!! All the progress they'd made was gone and they were back to square one! Oh, my heart couldn't take it. Thankfully Lily and grown some and she made it clear that Thomas would have to come to her, which he finally did after a friend made him open his eyes.
I didn't want to stop reading; I had to see how these two were going to work things out. I liked the cameos of some of the couples from other books, although I didn't know all of them it was still fun. I loved how whatever house they were going to rent/buy had to have a music room for Lily. How sweet was that?!! I look forward to reading other books coming up in the Cornwall Brides series.
Oh my poor heart ached for these two. Thomas and Lily have been married for 5 long years but lead almost completely separate lives. They didn't get married under the best of circumstances. Thomas lost all of his money in an investment and married Lily for her money, and although he does love her he hasn't told her. Lily also has feelings for Thomas but hasn't told him either.
Neither Thomas or Lily seemed to have a great example of what marriage should be. Her parents didn't pay much attention to their daughters and married them off to further their own connections in Society. Poor Thomas had always loved Lily but felt so unworthy of her and he was doing all he could to earn back her money that had saved him from ruin. Lily also had feelings for Thomas and didn't care about the money--she wanted him to love her.
I just wanted to lock them both (Thomas and Lily) in a room with nothing to do so they'd have to talk to each other--pour out their deepest secrets to one another. Just when I thought they were making a great deal of progress talking to each other, something disastrous happens and Thomas falls back into his old habit of keeping everything to himself. I could've just slapped him!! All the progress they'd made was gone and they were back to square one! Oh, my heart couldn't take it. Thankfully Lily and grown some and she made it clear that Thomas would have to come to her, which he finally did after a friend made him open his eyes.
I didn't want to stop reading; I had to see how these two were going to work things out. I liked the cameos of some of the couples from other books, although I didn't know all of them it was still fun. I loved how whatever house they were going to rent/buy had to have a music room for Lily. How sweet was that?!! I look forward to reading other books coming up in the Cornwall Brides series.
April 17, 2021
I have been wanting to read Lily and Thomas' story ever since their marriage was repeatedly talked about in previous books. However, this book was not my favorite. I found the story to be too long to get to the point and it seemed like there was too much imagery that bogged down the flow of the story. Old characters made an appearance in the story, which I always enjoy. A lot of new characters were introduced and I image they will be in subsequent Cornwall Brides books. Even though this story didn't quite do it for me, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series as they are released.
May 11, 2021
Thomas and Lily drove me a little crazy in this book! I know it's hard for some people to communicate, but these two take it to another level. I loved seeing them reconcile once they got out of their comfort zone and found a new place to renew their relationship. It's hilarious that Thomas has to go to his friends for help and the ensuing advice that follows. He and Lily are both flawed, but as they work on expressing themselves, their trust grows slowly while they heal. There is quite a bit of inner dialogue that can get repetitive, and I would have liked more showing rather than telling. They have a sweet chemistry and I was happy to enjoy their rocky journey back to each other.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
November 29, 2021
G-rated non-inspirational historical romance featuring a couple who've been married for 5 years but live separate lives. I'm a sucker for a great married couple romance, but this failed me in pretty much all ways. It isn't that it's that bad, more like a first draft that needed expanding and edited multiple times before publication but got rushed through the process. It could have been a great story but wasn't, from the premise to the execution. Readers should be warned: Although this is listed as the first of a series, there is a HUGE cast of characters (assuming from previous books) that you won't keep straight if, like me, this is your first Rebecca Connolly book. I was in the mood to try a new historical romance author, and I'm extremely disappointed this is the one I picked.
May 5, 2021
This author has good writing. I enjoy her interactions and the parts of the book that the characters are bantering and something is going on.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough of that in this book. Instead we are left with a lot of what is going on in the main characters heads and I am bored.
Give me more excitement, more interactions, less inner monologues.
I have been going back to this book for a while to finish it and I just can’t. I’m bored.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough of that in this book. Instead we are left with a lot of what is going on in the main characters heads and I am bored.
Give me more excitement, more interactions, less inner monologues.
I have been going back to this book for a while to finish it and I just can’t. I’m bored.
May 24, 2021
I haven’t read many of Rebecca Connolly’s historical books. I was really excited to find a copy of this beautiful book in my mailbox. And I really enjoyed reading it.
This book was interesting because, Lily and Thomas are married, they’re in love, yet they live their lives very separately. I loved reading their love story. It was sweet and a bit up and down as well.
I thought Lily was a great character. She’s not really sure why her and Thomas’ relationship is what it is, but she knows that it needs to be fixed. I really liked that she was willing to work on it. And I loved that she wasn’t afraid to get a bit dirty, or get her hair mussed riding a horse, or make new friends in Cornwall.
It appeared to me that Thomas was the main problem in the relationship these two share. I liked that he was willing to get a bit out of his comfort zone in order to try to make things better. And that he was willing to let go of his guilt. Although, I was a bit annoyed with him when he pushed Lily away again.
This book has a great setting and characters. I enjoyed reading it.
I was sent a copy of Something Old as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
This book was interesting because, Lily and Thomas are married, they’re in love, yet they live their lives very separately. I loved reading their love story. It was sweet and a bit up and down as well.
I thought Lily was a great character. She’s not really sure why her and Thomas’ relationship is what it is, but she knows that it needs to be fixed. I really liked that she was willing to work on it. And I loved that she wasn’t afraid to get a bit dirty, or get her hair mussed riding a horse, or make new friends in Cornwall.
It appeared to me that Thomas was the main problem in the relationship these two share. I liked that he was willing to get a bit out of his comfort zone in order to try to make things better. And that he was willing to let go of his guilt. Although, I was a bit annoyed with him when he pushed Lily away again.
This book has a great setting and characters. I enjoyed reading it.
I was sent a copy of Something Old as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2021
Rating: 3.5/5.0
With a writing style that is both flowing and lovely, Ms. Connolly beautifully pens the struggle to regain a love lost.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
With a writing style that is both flowing and lovely, Ms. Connolly beautifully pens the struggle to regain a love lost.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 30, 2021
i was really looking forward to this one!
but... it felt very drawn out, especially considering we could’ve had a resolution about halfway through but we were waiting for the final hardships/argument/miscommunication and that only came at 90%.
then it was time for the resolution.
the fact of the matter is, i found it full of internal dialogue and sweet nothings and it would’ve done with a bit of mystery or intrigue.... it was just long
however, it was still a nice read and i really really want to read the next books in the series if that means we get to know the cornwall characters introduced in this book!
but... it felt very drawn out, especially considering we could’ve had a resolution about halfway through but we were waiting for the final hardships/argument/miscommunication and that only came at 90%.
then it was time for the resolution.
the fact of the matter is, i found it full of internal dialogue and sweet nothings and it would’ve done with a bit of mystery or intrigue.... it was just long
however, it was still a nice read and i really really want to read the next books in the series if that means we get to know the cornwall characters introduced in this book!
April 26, 2021
This was such a wonderful read - 4.5 stars for this sweet love story! This book was pure and simple romance. It was a tender love story of two people who have been married for five years but who live almost completely separate lives. I was so swept up in their story that I could not put the book down. I loved watching the walls come down between Thomas and Lily and was so happy that this was written dual POV. My favorite parts are when they are in their new home in Cornwall.
There were are lot of cameos of characters from other books that I have not read and though I had no clue who they were, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story. I loved the new characters introduced in Cornwall and am excited to read their stories one day.
*I absolutely consider this a sweet and clean romance but there is a scene that, while it contains nothing graphic or on page, there can be no question what happened behind closed doors between a married couple. It did not make me uncomfortable at all and was very tastefully done but I mention it because some may have different sensibilities.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.
There were are lot of cameos of characters from other books that I have not read and though I had no clue who they were, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story. I loved the new characters introduced in Cornwall and am excited to read their stories one day.
*I absolutely consider this a sweet and clean romance but there is a scene that, while it contains nothing graphic or on page, there can be no question what happened behind closed doors between a married couple. It did not make me uncomfortable at all and was very tastefully done but I mention it because some may have different sensibilities.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.
April 20, 2021
This was a beautiful love story. But it was only a love story. I would have loved a little mystery, adventure, danger, or problem solving besides the love story. Lily is a sweet character that is so down to earth. Cornwall is always a wonderful setting. And Thomas was a classic dumbo with his super sweet moments. Cute story, just didn’t keep me wanting to read as much as her books usually do.
April 7, 2021
A very slow burn romance even though Lily and Granger have been married for 5 years and living together in the same house. They are not doing much of anything else together, especially not talking. The first third of the book is very introspective. They both feel sorry for themselves to the point of brooding. Granger is involved with business, and I am not sure what Lily is doing.
When they get away to Cornwall on advice of friends (many we met in the Arrangements series), their outlook changes. It is romantic and I actually like Granger. They are talking and finally getting to know each other, much as they should have done before marriage. Circumstances did not allow for that, so Cornwall becomes an about-time moment.
Their marriage falls apart again as marriages in novels do. I was glad they stuck it out for a long delayed HEA. In truth my favorite part is the Epilogue several years in the future.
Ms Connolly's writing is smooth as always if a little wordy.
My thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for a true and honest review. And so it is.
When they get away to Cornwall on advice of friends (many we met in the Arrangements series), their outlook changes. It is romantic and I actually like Granger. They are talking and finally getting to know each other, much as they should have done before marriage. Circumstances did not allow for that, so Cornwall becomes an about-time moment.
Their marriage falls apart again as marriages in novels do. I was glad they stuck it out for a long delayed HEA. In truth my favorite part is the Epilogue several years in the future.
Ms Connolly's writing is smooth as always if a little wordy.
My thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for a true and honest review. And so it is.
May 25, 2021
If you’ve read the Arrangements and London League series by Rebecca Connolly, you might remember Thomas and Lily. They were an unhappily married couple with connections to various MCs in these series. It was always a heartbreaking thing to see them both so sad. I was so excited to see that they were getting their own story told. ♥️♥️
Wow! My heart just melted. I don’t know if I’ve read another book that made me wish to visit the story’s setting as much as this one. England is beautiful and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit areas close to London a few times but Cornwall. 😍 Now I want to see it! I want to walk along the beaches and see the wildflowers on the moors, specifically the bluebells. Thomas and Lily were so happy in Cornwall that it just made me wish I could be a fly on the wall to bask in their happiness. 😂
Disclaimer: They are a married couple, so there subtle references to sex and one closed door scene. I would still call it clean, personally.
Wow! My heart just melted. I don’t know if I’ve read another book that made me wish to visit the story’s setting as much as this one. England is beautiful and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit areas close to London a few times but Cornwall. 😍 Now I want to see it! I want to walk along the beaches and see the wildflowers on the moors, specifically the bluebells. Thomas and Lily were so happy in Cornwall that it just made me wish I could be a fly on the wall to bask in their happiness. 😂
Disclaimer: They are a married couple, so there subtle references to sex and one closed door scene. I would still call it clean, personally.
June 24, 2025
He'd married her for her money, at least that's what she knew, and it had ruined the spiring relationship that he knew would still have ended in marriage, because he really did loved her. But his finacial ruin had made him go strait to her father and ask to marry her to save himself. And he never told her that he loved her out of shame and self daught for having lost his fortune and that had left them both in this state of loneliness and distance for the five years since their wedding.
But now, now he had redeemed himself, he was once again a prosperate man, which also ment that he was in a position to do something about his marriage and he couldn't wait! His hope was to win the love of his wife, but how was he going to manage that when they ever only talked in the most distant and civil way?
And Lily, who'd loved him since long before they married, is hurt and broken down by his distance, perhaps to the point of no longer having any love left for him in her heart. How is she going to respond to his attempts to mend their relationship?
We have seen glimpses of Lily and Thomas Granger in many of Rebecca Connolly's both Arrangement and London league books and I've always wondered about their story, so when I learned that their own book was coming I was ecstatic! And now I've hade the privilage of reading an ARC of Something Old, that will be released on April 27th, and I'm so pleased to meet the both of them this way. Yes it's a love story, but it's also about who they are, how they view themselves and the world, and especially Thomas and his need to find a new way of thinking and being.
Not being a fan of the high London society I can so relate to Lily and Thomas distaste for it and as my favorite part of any book is the relationships and the personal growth that the characters go through, this story suited me perfectly. And I can't wait to get it in paperback to add it to my already big collection of Rebecca Connolly's books and reread it then as I always enjoy a book even more when reading it as a paper version.
And knowing that this is the first book in a new series, Cornwall Brides, the people they and we get to meet in Cornwall sets my brain to speculate wildly about who's stories we will get to follow in the coming books!
But now, now he had redeemed himself, he was once again a prosperate man, which also ment that he was in a position to do something about his marriage and he couldn't wait! His hope was to win the love of his wife, but how was he going to manage that when they ever only talked in the most distant and civil way?
And Lily, who'd loved him since long before they married, is hurt and broken down by his distance, perhaps to the point of no longer having any love left for him in her heart. How is she going to respond to his attempts to mend their relationship?
We have seen glimpses of Lily and Thomas Granger in many of Rebecca Connolly's both Arrangement and London league books and I've always wondered about their story, so when I learned that their own book was coming I was ecstatic! And now I've hade the privilage of reading an ARC of Something Old, that will be released on April 27th, and I'm so pleased to meet the both of them this way. Yes it's a love story, but it's also about who they are, how they view themselves and the world, and especially Thomas and his need to find a new way of thinking and being.
Not being a fan of the high London society I can so relate to Lily and Thomas distaste for it and as my favorite part of any book is the relationships and the personal growth that the characters go through, this story suited me perfectly. And I can't wait to get it in paperback to add it to my already big collection of Rebecca Connolly's books and reread it then as I always enjoy a book even more when reading it as a paper version.
And knowing that this is the first book in a new series, Cornwall Brides, the people they and we get to meet in Cornwall sets my brain to speculate wildly about who's stories we will get to follow in the coming books!
April 27, 2023
Thomas had deeply cared for Lilly before the thought of marriage took place. Lily was already in love with her handsome future husband, before they both said I do. The problem was one of his investments failed before the wedding. She had her head in a lovely fairytale future, and he was scrambling not to loose the rest of his money. He used her large Downey to keep them a float, until he could recoup his losses. This took all his attention, and all of his time. He could not get past the shame of marrying his love. and everyone thought it was money that brought them together. While Lily only wanted him in her life, and not live separate lives , in the same home. The book starts after five years when Thomas can go to her, and let her know that every penny was under her name again. I loved that she did not hold a grudge, but ran off with him to holdings he had in Cornwall. They spent every minute together, and he listened to her advice, and enjoyed the time that they had lost. When they return to England for her sister’s homecoming party, and wedding party since her husband , and she were on board a ship for the English navy right after the vows. London bring Thomas bad news ,and he panics again. He closes his self off from her, and does not try to explain, or involve her. This time she leaves. Will what they found together in just a few months be enough to return her trust ? It was a well written book filled with heartfelt emotion. Plus it has an epilogue that I really enjoyed. . I gave it a 4.5 due to the long talks, on both their sides, that should of helped both their insecurities. Some of the same issues were discussed numerous times, but one off look, or incorrect word could have them both unsure of themselves again. It did seem long to me, but I rounded it off to a five for the ending. I love a romance novel that ends well. The only sexual passion is in hugs, and kissing, and flirting.
April 28, 2021
I was so excited when I discovered Thomas and Lily would have their own story. We first meet them in another series as a bashful couple in love but too shy to do anything. However, a devastating financial loss forces Thomas to action. He strikes a bargain with Lily’s father to wed her for her substantial dowry, making Lily feel betrayed. She would have married him on her own if he had but asked. Thomas is overcome with guilt, and he uses his shame to build a wall between them.
It takes five years of grueling work, but Thomas finally recovers financially and decides he is ready to take on the task of winning his wife’s heart. But is it too late? Will he be able to convince her he’s always loved her despite the cold, distant way he’s behaved?
Rebecca Connelly did a wonderful job developing these characters! She paints a beautiful picture of love and longing in this tale that is partly set on the picturesque coast in Cornwall. There are lots of funny moments as Thomas seeks advice on how to woo and romance his wife.
I appreciate how the author is able to create amazing chemistry with swoony kisses while keep things sweet and clean. It’s a tough balance, and she does a great job!
If you love regency fiction or marriage of convenience books, you won’t want to miss this one. It kept me up reading too late and made me feel like I was saying goodbye to old friends by the end.
It takes five years of grueling work, but Thomas finally recovers financially and decides he is ready to take on the task of winning his wife’s heart. But is it too late? Will he be able to convince her he’s always loved her despite the cold, distant way he’s behaved?
Rebecca Connelly did a wonderful job developing these characters! She paints a beautiful picture of love and longing in this tale that is partly set on the picturesque coast in Cornwall. There are lots of funny moments as Thomas seeks advice on how to woo and romance his wife.
I appreciate how the author is able to create amazing chemistry with swoony kisses while keep things sweet and clean. It’s a tough balance, and she does a great job!
If you love regency fiction or marriage of convenience books, you won’t want to miss this one. It kept me up reading too late and made me feel like I was saying goodbye to old friends by the end.
May 7, 2021
Something Old was a unique read for me. Often times marriages during this era were either arranged or due to a love match. This book had a twist on that.
Thomas Granger had feelings for Lily but before he could begin an official courtship he loses his money in a bad investment. Since he was a friend of the family, he asks Lily’s father for her hand so he can use her dowry to repay the losses.
She refused to be a bluebell on the moors, blooming for only a short time and trampled into nothingness.
Not telling Lily what is going on was bad enough, but Thomas decides it is his penance to live without Lily’s love until he can earn back her dowry, and they are financially stable.
While still a closed door book, there was a lot more of the physical side of their relationship in this book. While this is understandable since they are a married couple, I would have liked some more meaningful conversations between them.
She had always been whole as herself, but now she was more. Thomas, and loving Thomas, had given her wings, and now she was learning to fly.
After they learn to communicate with each other, they are able to grow a lot closer. Though there are still sometimes they seem more comfortable confiding in their friends.
Speaking of those friends, I loved Thomas’ group of friends and how they tried to “help” him.
But in her own chambers, she did not want something so perfect, so fine, so cultivated. She wanted the delicate, the wild, the underappreciated, and the natural. She wanted the fragrance that captured being out on the moors and hills, perhaps even standing on the beach with the waves rolling in. She wanted to capture Cornwall in flowers and have a portion of that in her chambers.
Cornwall is a very important location in this book, and I love all the descriptions of it.
I also loved the appearances of some favorite characters from previous books. And there were some new characters in this book that I hope get their own story.
May 2, 2021
Something Old
The Cornwall Brides #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Lily and Thomas Granger's marriage is miserable. And the misery has slowly grown over the five years of their marriage. Though he loved Lily, he married her for the money she would bring to the marriage, and he has regretted it every day since they said their vows. But at last, he has restored all that he had lost and spent, and the time has come to win his wife's affection. There is just one problem he doesn't know how to approach her after years of silence.
Lily thought Thomas Granger had the same feelings for her that she had for him. At least that's what she assumed before he approached her father and made a business arrangement for her hand in marriage. When Lily walked down the aisle, she did so with the hope that her marriage would grow into love. The five years since have instead grown into long silences and absences. Her marriage is slowly breaking her, and she has become trapped in her despair. Until Thomas asked her to join him in London.
But London isn't the answer, as Thomas quickly realizes that the only hope of finding what he seeks is a break from everything familiar.
Can Cornwall help Thomas rediscover the love he has hidden away?
Something Old is the first book in The Cornwall Brides series, and it takes the reader on a journey. A journey to recapture the promise of love that was lost. To remake a marriage that has become nothing more than a coupling of names. But how does one find love that has been denied and squelched? This is the answer that Thomas and Lily must discover if they have hope for the future. Can they make a change that lasts? Or will they return to the staid existence they once had when they return to their normal life? Only time and determination will tell.
This is a book that fans of Regency Romance will delight to read and reread. Thomas and Lily are both characters that one can readily empathize with and root for as they fight for what they truly want. I highly recommend this book and would say it is on the clean side of the romance factor unless you are opposed to kissing in your books.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Cornwall Brides #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Lily and Thomas Granger's marriage is miserable. And the misery has slowly grown over the five years of their marriage. Though he loved Lily, he married her for the money she would bring to the marriage, and he has regretted it every day since they said their vows. But at last, he has restored all that he had lost and spent, and the time has come to win his wife's affection. There is just one problem he doesn't know how to approach her after years of silence.
Lily thought Thomas Granger had the same feelings for her that she had for him. At least that's what she assumed before he approached her father and made a business arrangement for her hand in marriage. When Lily walked down the aisle, she did so with the hope that her marriage would grow into love. The five years since have instead grown into long silences and absences. Her marriage is slowly breaking her, and she has become trapped in her despair. Until Thomas asked her to join him in London.
But London isn't the answer, as Thomas quickly realizes that the only hope of finding what he seeks is a break from everything familiar.
Can Cornwall help Thomas rediscover the love he has hidden away?
Something Old is the first book in The Cornwall Brides series, and it takes the reader on a journey. A journey to recapture the promise of love that was lost. To remake a marriage that has become nothing more than a coupling of names. But how does one find love that has been denied and squelched? This is the answer that Thomas and Lily must discover if they have hope for the future. Can they make a change that lasts? Or will they return to the staid existence they once had when they return to their normal life? Only time and determination will tell.
This is a book that fans of Regency Romance will delight to read and reread. Thomas and Lily are both characters that one can readily empathize with and root for as they fight for what they truly want. I highly recommend this book and would say it is on the clean side of the romance factor unless you are opposed to kissing in your books.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 4, 2021
Great start to a new series!
I loved the sweetness of a courtship after wedding vows. There were also good reminders of how guilt, shame and regret can influence our decisions and actions. We need to forgive ourselves and move forward. I loved Lily’s forgiving heart, as well as her courage to stand up for the changes that were made in their marriage and not fall into past routines. Thomas finally figured it out - love is more important than money.
Looking forward to more books in this series! Can’t wait to read about some of the bachelors in this Cornish county and their journey to love and marriage. :)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved the sweetness of a courtship after wedding vows. There were also good reminders of how guilt, shame and regret can influence our decisions and actions. We need to forgive ourselves and move forward. I loved Lily’s forgiving heart, as well as her courage to stand up for the changes that were made in their marriage and not fall into past routines. Thomas finally figured it out - love is more important than money.
Looking forward to more books in this series! Can’t wait to read about some of the bachelors in this Cornish county and their journey to love and marriage. :)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 27, 2021
Lily and Thomas Granger have been married for five lonely years. What could have been a beautiful beginning, never happened. Both had feelings for the other, and both made mistakes, shutting the other out, living separate lives in the same place.
Lily has lost hope of anything ever changing. It hurts too much to hope.
Thomas has finally achieved his secret goal and is finally ready to woo his wife.
Can they change, together? Or will the routines and habits engrained in their London lives take control and keep them apart?
I loved reading Something Old! Rebecca Connolly is a master at Regency romance with characters you can identify with, ache for, and cheer on through the pages.
Lily has lost hope of anything ever changing. It hurts too much to hope.
Thomas has finally achieved his secret goal and is finally ready to woo his wife.
Can they change, together? Or will the routines and habits engrained in their London lives take control and keep them apart?
I loved reading Something Old! Rebecca Connolly is a master at Regency romance with characters you can identify with, ache for, and cheer on through the pages.
April 4, 2021
It was so nice to visit old friends again!! I am glad we got to go on this journey with Thomas and Lily Granger and watch the struggles they have trying to figure out their marriage and what it means to each of them. I loved meeting new friends and can’t wait to see who the next books in this series will follow!! This book is well written and keeps your attention throughout. There is humor and sadness mixed in and you learn to love them all over again.
April 27, 2021
This is a sweet clean romance with Lily and Thomas who are a married couple. This story navigates thru a lonely marriage with both people wishing for a change.
April 29, 2021
I absolutely loved this story! ♥️ It felt like such a long time in coming but it was well worth the wait. For anyone who has read Connolly’s Spinster Chronicles Series you’ll have noticed a certain couple mentioned early on...
This is their story! I so enjoyed how Connolly developed it, as well as the characters themselves. If you haven’t already read the Spinster Chronicles Series then I do highly recommend it - you won’t regret it, since they’re fantastic - but this will also give you more information around this couple, that will definitely help in having the best overall experience.
Connolly has always been a go-to author for me. I’ve always been happy to recommend her books, as they are clean and wholesome but also just thoroughly enjoyable in my opinion. I love her stories set during the regency era but I also really enjoy her contemporary ones. Again, they’re always clean and wholesome, with well developed storylines and just such loveable characters.
I received an ARC of this book, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
This is their story! I so enjoyed how Connolly developed it, as well as the characters themselves. If you haven’t already read the Spinster Chronicles Series then I do highly recommend it - you won’t regret it, since they’re fantastic - but this will also give you more information around this couple, that will definitely help in having the best overall experience.
Connolly has always been a go-to author for me. I’ve always been happy to recommend her books, as they are clean and wholesome but also just thoroughly enjoyable in my opinion. I love her stories set during the regency era but I also really enjoy her contemporary ones. Again, they’re always clean and wholesome, with well developed storylines and just such loveable characters.
I received an ARC of this book, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
April 29, 2021
All I can say is FINALLY!!!!! I’ve been dying for the book since we first met Lily and Granger. She’s been dancing around and in and through there story for so long. Not only is it a beautiful story about choosing love over fear and openness over self-protection but it has some of my favorite cameos to date. Also, can’t wait to read more about the bachelors of Cornwall.
November 3, 2023
Beautiful story about how a place can help in the healing process. I've been to Cornwall and understand the peace and beauty. I look forward to Book Two.
April 27, 2021
This book made me want to hug (and appreciate) my husband more. I vaguely remembered Lily and Thomas from previous books, but they didn't make as much impact on me as they did for some readers...mostly just a little footnote of sadness that they were so unhappy. Regency romance readers are familiar with marriage of convenience plots and some of the other features found in this story. This, however, felt different. I sometimes have difficulty swallowing the "misunderstandings" that characters endure in romance stories. I find it challenging to accept that characters just won't talk to each other about issues. In this story, the author convinced me that the gulf between Lily and Thomas really happened and it wasn't just a contrived plot point. It made the building of their relationship all the more engaging and satisfying. Of course there are bumps along the road to the love-match they both want. I had my doubts about a whole book focused on an existing marriage without other components, but it worked. This author has a real strength in crafting emotionally intense romantic scenes that absorb the reader completely and this book offers a good dose of that. No matter what I might think about the rest of one of her books (although I usually really do like them), she nevers lets me down in the swoon-worthy romance department so she's always a must-buy. It was fun to see past characters come into the story and try to assist, mostly ineffectively, Lily and Thomas. It may have been a little contrived, but I love a good glimpse into the futures of characters I grew attached to, so I won't knock it. Made me want to do some rereading of the author's other books. This book was also a great intro to a new series. I'm looking forward to stories about the Cornwall characters introduced in this book!
The bottomline is that this is a lovely love story and the author did a good job of keeping it clean but also using the fact that the characters were already married to add extra oomph to the romance. If you are looing for adventure or suspense, this might not fit the bill, but if you can enjoy the building of a relationship with good romantic payouts, then this is recommended!
The bottomline is that this is a lovely love story and the author did a good job of keeping it clean but also using the fact that the characters were already married to add extra oomph to the romance. If you are looing for adventure or suspense, this might not fit the bill, but if you can enjoy the building of a relationship with good romantic payouts, then this is recommended!
April 5, 2021
So good! It was swoony and sweet, with a few tears mixed in. I loved this one and can’t wait for the next book!
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.*
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.*
April 21, 2021
4.5 stars I was so excited to read Thomas and Lily's story! I have been hoping for their story since reading Connolly's other books and wondering what happened to them. This is probably my favorite book by this author now simply because I loved the tender romance so much between the Grangers. I enjoyed watching Thomas and Lily both work to improve things and change their relationship. At first it did feel slightly abrupt, but I was glad that they communicated which made it more realistic to me and their chemistry was fantastic! There wasn’t a lot else happening in the story, but for a straight up romance, it was a cute love story where true love finds the way.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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