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Small Town Swains #4

Sealed with a Kiss

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From the first moment she met her new Texas neighbor, Prudence Belmont was in love. When she was old enough for marriage Gidry Chavis promptly presented her with an engagement ring, and all her dreams seemed to have come true. But the hellraising Gidry disappeared before the wedding, leaving only a brief note in explanation.

My dear Miss Prudence, I have determined that it is best that we do not wed. Please forgive me and recall me with fondness.

Now Chavistown's notorious favorite son is back, wiser, remorseful, sunbrowned and manly. Everyone in town has accepted his transformation to a hardworking town leader--all except Pru. After all, only a man with wicked thoughts could believe that she, the president of the Ladies' Rose and Garden Society, would mail out racy postcards, and only a cad would demand bribes of kisses to keep quiet. If he thinks he can win her love again, he's wrong. Or is he?

My only lover, I am ready to fulfill your every desire, if you will agree to grant my dearest wish... Yours soon to be...

372 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

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264 people want to read

About the author

Pamela Morsi

61 books450 followers
Pamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.

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5 stars
197 (36%)
4 stars
177 (32%)
3 stars
134 (24%)
2 stars
29 (5%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for niteskycs.
384 reviews114 followers
April 27, 2020
2.5 stars, so this guy leaves his fiancée who’s loved him since they were kids for 8 years and then randomly shows up again and decides he’s in love with her and he was just too young back then for marriage? men are trash.
Profile Image for Cheryal.
901 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2011
Great author for the ideas but she was a little repetative with the "I luv heim sooo much" stuff. The story was great! There was a naughty part which threw me off....but did not deter me from finishing it. I am going to read the other 4 books I downloaded by her for sure!
Brief synopsis: Texas 1890ish, hot disinherited cowboy, proper neighbor girl, electricity being introduced, orphan, hot time in the shed, lost love of the aged, funny bantering. That's about it.
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews298 followers
March 22, 2015
Not my favorite by Morsi - Wild Oats still holds that place for me. However, this one is good. The small town and other characters are written well. For the era, I understood Prudence and her motivations. I understood Gidry's rebellion. I wanted a little more public declaration from him in regard to Prudence. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for One-Click.
709 reviews22 followers
June 6, 2016
Audiobook - Narration Pam Dougherty - Really Good! I just love Pam's narration :) She does such a good southerny twang and her children are fun and adorable. Oh my gosh, her interpretation of Sharpy was hilarious and yet also very touching and sweet. Loved it!!!

This story contains so much more than you expect. There's the story of our main characters Gidry and Prudence and a love lost - and found? Then we have a secondary story line with Gidry's father and aunt Hen that is just touching and heartbreaking. As Aunt Hen shares the history of their relationship, you come to find out the ways it affected the outcome of the other. Then we have all that revolves around little Sharpy and how his life ties in with everyone in the story. All of these story lines tie together seamlessly with each being fully developed with lively, emotional and entertaining characters.

I especially enjoyed Gidry's time with his father. We get to see him interact with Pru and the rest of the town, but when he's with his father we get a more in depth look at his inner being and his thoughts on life and Pru.

There are, of course many misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions and failures to effectively communicate as one would expect in a romance, but this was still thoroughly enjoyable!

I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for shms.
1,419 reviews
March 12, 2020
The writing brings this alive even as overall this is meh when it comes to the plot. The emotions of a son reuniting with his ill dad, or the older couple and their heartbreaking history tugged at the heart strings. So when the romance didn't exactly excite me, well then I could overlook it.
Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].
874 reviews225 followers
August 21, 2017
It's been long 4 yrs. since I read a Pamela Morsi book. The last one (Runabout) was SO BAD that I had to stop for a while to scrape if off my memory. Unfortunately, Sealed with a Kiss was a bummer too. Wish I could say I loved it but I can't. I liked the story in parts, all the small-town shenanigans, but I cared neither for the hero, nor for the heroine. Both were equally stubborn, and in parts, silly. I was more interested in the ill-fated romance between the hero's father and the heroine's spinster aunt. Since that didn't end well there will be no full review. *sigh*
Profile Image for Mimilikestoreadandwrite.
118 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2023
This is a really great read, actually 4.5 stars. Pamela Morsi really is the best at writing small town romance with its charm as well as its perils. I just wish she would be as subtly outspoken about race than about gender relations (after all, her settings are usually post civil war little town America and she almost always makes a point of letting you know there are black people around).
That said, this story is about two pretty flawed yet lovable characters, maybe the heroine was a bit hard to empathize with, for me at least, but the hero stole the show here and his inner growth as well as his relationship with his father was well worth reading this slow burn romance. The epilogue is really perfect. The best romantic stories I've read in months.
202 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2020
Another awesome story!

I enjoyed reading this exciting story full of captivating characters that deserves recognition. I greatly appreciate the author who has done an amazing job writing!
Profile Image for Madeleine H.
60 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2022
This book 😭 I, like many other readers, am not too fond of second chance romances. I get so depressed about the time they lost together that it detracts from the overall experience. However, in certain instances it makes sense for a couple to have parted and grown separately, for their love to flourish later on in life. This couple definitely benefited from that growth.

Initially I hated Gidry for what he did to Prudence eight years before the story begins. I thought he was callous, spoiled, and immature; which he was! That’s why young Prudence definitely dodged a bullet when he jilted her at the alter. She was rightfully angry with him but she didn’t let that anger show when he returned home, the prodigal son, after having received news of his fathers decline. I felt for Prudence, trying to remain aloof to the man who so publicly shattered her heart in front of their small community. I understood why she thwarted his advances and apologies, because she truly didn’t think she could withstand another attachment/heart break. However, I do think she could have relented a little earlier in the book.

This story for me bordered more so on historical fiction due to the many different storylines. Including that of Aunt Hen and Peer. Their tragic love story was so poignant and instrumental in helping Pru and Gidry realize their love for one another, but it did shatter my heart just a bit. Had their story ended in an HEA I would have considered this more of a romance. But alas we were not so lucky.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be rereading it sometime in the future.
Profile Image for Lilmissmolly.
1,036 reviews
May 31, 2016
Rating 3.5 stars. Sealed With a Kiss by Pamela Morsi just received an excellent update with an audiobook narration. Originally published in 1998, Sealed With a Kiss is set in 1890's Texas and centers around Prudence Belmont and Gidry Chavis. The story begins with Gidry's return to town after his father experiences a stroke in the town's cotton gin. He hasn't been to town for eight long years because he and his father exchanged harsh words when Gidry ran off with a bar maid from the local saloon, despite being betrothed to Prudence. Sparks fly between the pair almost immediately upon his return, and there are several misunderstandings that need to be cleared up before Prudence can forgive Gidry.

What I enjoyed most about at the story were the great secondary characters. Prudence's aunt is amazing and held onto her first love for 50 years. There is also this endearing orphan little boy who is well versed in the cruel harsh world. Prudence takes care of him, and Gidry helps him out too, unbeknownst to the other.

I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Pam Dougherty. Her narration was natural and easy to listen to. She really brought the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice, including the little boy. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews132 followers
June 3, 2016
Told with Morsi's usual careful attention to detail and homey touches. Unfortunately, the leads just didn't tug at my heart strings and I didn't care for their motivations. I've read quite a few Morsi books, so they can't ALL be my favorites!
Profile Image for Lizzy.
420 reviews14 followers
June 15, 2020
Eu gostei de Sealed With a Kiss, bem escrito, com personagens carismáticos, pessoas comuns, com as quais poderíamos facilmente se identificar. Um livro que fala sobre segundas oportunidades, em que Gildry, o "filho pródigo" e o noivo que abandonou Pru, retona para Chavistown, sua casa, sua herança, seu povo, oito anos após a sua partida. Ele foi tudo para Pru, um amor que transcendia sua própria pessoa, e o período de separação fez a heroína entender que esse tipo de amor era uma abdicação de si mesma, de sua própria vida. Uma história de amor inacabada que exige perdão e uma segunda chance para ser feliz. Além desse romance, existe um casal maduro paralelo, cujo relato é bem interessante. Enfim, gostei, mas não amei como outros livros da autora. Na verdade, apreciei muito mais a reconciliação do herói com o seu pai do que do romance. 3 estrelas!
Profile Image for Inn Auni.
1,092 reviews23 followers
August 28, 2023
BEWARE of SPOILER

The novel had been with me for half of my life. And I like to indulge myself in it again and again because there are not many wife-chasing crematorium plots written in English novels.

Prudence Belmont was in love with Gidry Chavis and the whole town knew they would end up together until Gidry decided otherwise. The story takes place eight years after Gidry left the town and Prudence. We had flashbacks to understand the backstory of this couple. Was the wife-chasing worth it? Compared to the Chinese novel, what Gidry did was considered mild.

To be honest, I skimmed most sentences because it was a bit boring, especially about gardening and cotton. Unless Prudence or Gidry was not in it, I jumped over it.

The novel is now available to borrow online. Happy reading.
Profile Image for lilac wine.
118 reviews10 followers
Read
October 31, 2025
I loved the fact that Morsi can make me both laugh and ugly cry in one story. But this wasn't much of a romance when it comes the OTP.

MMC was trash, FMC got bullied into ending up with him and the true joy were actually side characters.

Wonderful exploration of grief and regret. The main romance is absolute disappointment since these characters were reduced to the author's whimsical instruments for a well placed dressing-down and a few repetitive sentences. One would have a whiplash trying to follow their principles.

Again, a BIG MINUS to the inherent puritanism and white society's snobbism. It's revolting.

Oh, well... These books are my very own poison.
Profile Image for Saydada.
247 reviews20 followers
November 6, 2025
I was absolutely hooked from the first page and finished in one sitting! This book is a warm hug with a powerful emotional punch, and it’s the incredible characters that truly make it shine.

Aunt Hen is undeniably the star of the show and my absolute favorite. Despite the emotional wringer she's been through, her strength and unwavering presence for everyone else is nothing short of inspiring. She's the heart of this story.

And then there’s our spunky, hilarious Sparky! His antics and bright personality bring some much-needed lightness and genuine charm—he's a complete delight.

While the central romance between Gideon and Prudence was sweet and satisfying, it was Aunt Hen's poignant journey that captivated me most. Her storyline was beautifully heartbreaking, providing an emotional depth that elevated the entire novel.

This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for a story with deep-rooted family ties, endearing characters, and a powerful reminder of resilience.
Profile Image for Sarah.
439 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2022
Kept waiting for the hero to grow on me... he never did. By the end I didn't particularly like the heroine either.

In a way the book was quite realistic and covered a very contentious topic - what do you do if your man cheats/leaves you and comes back? Do you forgive him if he grovels enough? Or do you maintain your pride and cut him out of your life?

I am probably in the 'maintain my pride' camp.

That being said, Pamela Morsi writes great storylines and supporting characters just broke my heart 😭
235 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2021
What else is there for me to say about Pamela Morsi's books that I haven't already? I love the communities she creates, the small elements of mystery and intrigue, the villains (which are never the male lead, thank goodness) and the immersive historical settings. This one was no different, with the plot starting with a tiny incident and snowballing out of control, an The Beta Couples to end all Beta Couples (!!!!).

72 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2017
So much fun

This books takes us back to a small town in1895 America. The men plan to install electric street lighting to combat a spat of thievery. The ladies worry that their gardens will suffer, like humans, if the plants are kept awake all night. Oh, and there is a sweet romance and some naughty human nature.
46 reviews
September 10, 2020
Pleasant read

Overall I enjoyed the book but I thought it could have been finished several chapters sooner. Better editing could reduce the redundancies throughout. It really became tiresome towards the end but I finished it.
2 reviews
July 13, 2021
Sweet and funny

Sweet, funny romance... no overt sex. This book can be reread and enjoyed many times. Love this author, she writes of regular people not the super rich and beautiful.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
June 22, 2016
The author gives you a story inside a story of love lost with two men leaving town in different years for different reason losing the love they had. Two women who have always been there and they felt they always would. What these men found is they may have made the biggest mistake of their lives but young dumb we do not always see the road ahead and sometimes make the right choice for the wrong reason or the other way around. One thing for sure every road we take makes us the person we are today as you will see in this lovely story if one person changed one thing their lives would have changed then there wouldn’t be the people around they love today. Can one man and one woman learn from the other couples mistakes forgiving and forgetting the past? One thing is for sure there will be many misunderstandings that will keep you laughing out loud at these two as they butt heads over and over again seeing things as they see them not as they are. There will be times you will want to get out a tissue as the love of the older couple turn back the pages and relives years long ago and all they have loss.

Ms. Dougherty did a great job of narrating this audio it did take me a little time to get into her voice. I have also listened to other samples of her work and feel this voice was more for the time period and how things were done back then. This narrator has many different voices she uses in other audios you would never know it was the same lady which is truly amazing to me. In this audio her many different character voices were outstanding. Her male voices were as good as her female ones, you never have trouble knowing who is talking or what they are feeling. You will laugh with some characters and other you will feel their pain and sorrow. There will be times you heart will break along with the character leaving you wishing you could lend a shoulder. The narrator brings this out more so than if you were just reading she really brings the story to life as she leaves you chuckling at little Sharpie who is a delight. There are not any background noises just a clear fun audio. The narrators tones are even smoothly delivered there is no doubt you will get lost in her voice as she brings this audio to life. I look forward to listening to more from Ms. Dougherty.

What I really enjoyed in this story was Sharpie, Aunt Hen, the mystery of who was stealing, the head butting between Prudence and Gidry, the electric lighting and how they thought it might affect their land, the postcards added so much to this story I really laughed myself silly once I got over the shock. There are so many wonderful parts that the author and narrator give us. It really was a lovely audio with meaning and feeling. It has a lovely ending but I would have loved to have seen what happened with aunt Hen and who was Sharpies father.

The author writing is truly lovely as she twisting the story to give you humor and making you feel the characters pain. A lot is going on but you have no trouble keeping up. She spins a little mystery along with a little jealously which really pulls the reader in. Leaving you with the question of what is up with that wooden leg? lol Aunt Hen tells a wonderful story of their past and how it could affect Pru . She is a wise women who has a way about her that she can get the point across making you think it was your idea. What you get with this audio is a delightful listen which will leave you smiling, almost in tears at time, only to make you laugh out loud. It has a wonderful plot with wonderful characters that you can relate to and I feel sure in some way part of this most likely has happen to most of us. This is the first I have story I have read/listened to of the author and narrator. I look forward to picking up more of each of their works.
583 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2019
Fabulous

So I made a pleasant discovery yesterday. One of my favorite author’s books are now in Kindle Unlimited. Let the reading frenzy commence! This book was everything I knew it would be. The story and characters have depth, the dialogue is perfect, the amount of research into what people did, wore, used, and said, is quite impressive. Truly lovely story with a satisfying HEA. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Lotte.
3 reviews
July 26, 2014
There was an overarching mystery to the plot, but it didn't get in the way of the emotional relationship between the protagonists. I came out to read a book about a romantic relationship, not a mystery that happens to feature a couple in a romantic relationship, which is something many authors lose sight of.

Prudence and Gidry's relationship is believable. The background given for their past relationship does a lot of the work in the novel. There are some wounds and misunderstandings that have to be overcome. Morsi picks good ones that hit just the right emotional notes.

Fair warning that there is an annoying child in this book. There is an orphan from the wrong side of the tracks that hangs around Prudence and Gidry, getting confused when they use words with more than two syllables. The child parrots and mangles words in a way that makes them difficult to interpret. I found myself saying the mispronunciations out loud to decipher them.
Profile Image for Lori.
529 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2016
There is more than one love story woven into this book.

Gidry Chavis left Chavistown, his home and Prudence Belmont his intended bride 8 years ago after basically writing her a "dear john" letter. Now he's back. The sparks start flying immediately as well as the misunderstandings and miscommunication. Old wounds of the heart, a little mystery, an orphan and stubborn pride add to this second chance at love story.

Unfortunately, I just didn't connect with either of the main characters. The story just never pulled me in. I had to come back to the book several times, it just didn't hold my interest.

Pam Dougherty did a great job with the narration. She has a pleasant voice that is easy on the ears. The southern/country accent was perfect for the story. Her character voices were all very well done.


This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobook boom.com
Profile Image for Jodie.
256 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2016
Eight years after Prudence Belmont was jilted by her childhood sweetheart, Gidry Chavis, he comes back to town thinking he can say a few sweet words and have her back in his good graces again. Prudence has no interest in being part of anything that will cause a scandal. This book was sweet and funny. The characters were lovable. There were a lot of miscommunications between the 2 main characters, which kept the story moving.
Pam Dougherty did a great job narrating this book.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
Profile Image for Laura.
296 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2011
Ok we know it is a romance & Morsi shines in the milieu of Americana. I didn't like the main characters too much. What I LOVED was the big streetlight fight. What will happen to our gardens if fake light shines at night? The horrors of progress vs safety of the community, & oh who is going to pay the bill? Important social stuff that (although we don't typically fight about streetlights) is relevant today.
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