A Heart Revealed
(A Proper Romance)
by Josi S. Kilpack
by Josi S. Kilpack
Historical Romance
Paperback, 336 Pages
April 7th 2015 by Shadow Mountain
Paperback, 336 Pages
April 7th 2015 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
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?
My Review
I think A Heart Revealed might have the record for the number of times my heart was broken and then healed while reading a single book. It was was so sad seeing this beautiful girl experience what she did and then have society and her family treat her as they did. At the same time I had so much hope for this character, who had been shunned by everyone she knew and loved, because of two characters who cared for her in spite of herself. What I loved even more was seeing someone who was naive and selfish, who only thought of herself and her own little world and desires, change and become more aware of those around her, to find joy in small measures, to become more kind and loving and mature as she faced intense difficulty. I also loved the hero who saw her for who she was and cared for her regardless of what others thought.
How I loved and hated these characters! The selfishness, unkindness, and appalling nature that many of them showed! Then in contrast was the opposite. A maid who sacrifices so much to serve and teach and befriend. The sisters who were unforgivably unkind and the dearest of friends. The parents who have no real regard for a daughter. A man who is willing to shun society to be kind. I loved the depth of each character and how they changed and who they became (in some instances) in face of such difficult circumstances.
The story drew me in and kept me engaged as I felt for Amber and her situation. I cried and cheered for her and for others around her. I had so much hope that somehow things would work out. I loved the friendships that developed between her and other characters. I also loved Thomas and his relationship with his brother and his brother's family. The romance was so sweet and the ending climatic and beautiful.
If you have enjoyed any of the other Proper Romances or enjoy reading traditional historical romance with heart, depth, and romance that will sweep you off your feet, then I would highly recommend A Heart Revealed.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Shadow Mountain, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
How I loved and hated these characters! The selfishness, unkindness, and appalling nature that many of them showed! Then in contrast was the opposite. A maid who sacrifices so much to serve and teach and befriend. The sisters who were unforgivably unkind and the dearest of friends. The parents who have no real regard for a daughter. A man who is willing to shun society to be kind. I loved the depth of each character and how they changed and who they became (in some instances) in face of such difficult circumstances.
The story drew me in and kept me engaged as I felt for Amber and her situation. I cried and cheered for her and for others around her. I had so much hope that somehow things would work out. I loved the friendships that developed between her and other characters. I also loved Thomas and his relationship with his brother and his brother's family. The romance was so sweet and the ending climatic and beautiful.
If you have enjoyed any of the other Proper Romances or enjoy reading traditional historical romance with heart, depth, and romance that will sweep you off your feet, then I would highly recommend A Heart Revealed.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Shadow Mountain, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
About the Author
Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her most recent books have been The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series and "A Heart Revealed," a Regency Romance novel. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.
I just have to say a few more things about the Proper Romance line of books from Shadow Mountain. The line has reached the top of my list for favorites. Each book is different, but they're all historical romance and they each have the sweetness you would expect, but with some serious depth in both the plots and the characters. Not a single book so far has failed to pull emotions from me, making me laugh, cry, and sigh all in the span of a few hours. I've read each book through in one sitting (except for Sarah Eden's because they're longer) and knew that once I started, I pretty much wouldn't be able to put them down because I love these books! They're definitely worth owning and gifting. I can't wait to see what new book will join this line!! I could definitely handle several titles being released per year. :)
You can check out my reviews for the other books included in this line here: Edenbrooke, Blackmoore, Longing for Home, and Hope Springs. Have you read A Heart Revealed or any of the other Proper Romances?
Luckily before I read the book I glanced at a review that warned me how unlikeable the main character is the first part of the book and also let me know that there is a transformation to look forward to. I thought the author did a great job with that difficult task!
ReplyDeleteThere was a big contrast, but I think it showed well what society and ladies were like then - what society expected them to be like. I pretty much cried for her when she realized how her family were planning on doing for the rest of her life because it was really sad that parents would do that and that this beautiful, talented girl would be made to feel as she did and have no one except a maid. Must be my mom feelings coming out. :)
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