A Heart Revealed...Review

About the book:
Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?
 
But when Amber’s social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position. After a public humiliation, she finds herself exiled to Yorkshire. Alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?


I love Regency stories. And I have loved Josi Kilpack's cozy mysteries, so I was excited to see her venture into the romance genre.

My main frustration with the novel was that Amber was a horrible, selfish girl in the first half of the story. She really had no redeeming qualities and so when a medical condition forces her into confinement and she is all but banished from society, it was hard to find compassion for her.

However, as she is forced to come to terms with her physical condition as well as her new station in life, Amber does come to learn about compassion and kindness. She forges a relationship with her maid and discovers skills she never expected to have.

After witnessing her public humiliation, Thomas inadvertently discovers Amber's whereabouts, and attempts to see her, even though she is in hiding as a widowed recluse. Thomas was infatuated with her before her exile, but she doesn't even remember who he is. So, when romance does finally occur, it feels a bit forced and hard to believe, even as it is sweet that he is so accepting and loving towards her, regardless of her condition.

This is a sweet romance and one that explores the importance of loving and accepting people for who they are, not what they look like. I enjoyed this story, I just didn't love it.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Josi Kilpack here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 4/15

* * *
3/5 Stars

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