by Sarah M. Eden
Publisher : Covenant Communications (April 10, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1524421251
ISBN-13 : 978-1524421250
Cumberland, 1786
Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting―until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.
Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly façade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.
Lily of the Valley is an emotional and character rich story about what carrying burdens alone does to us.
I love that Kester Barrington is a non-traditional type of hero. His awkwardness and need for alone time earns him the nickname Grumpy Uncle, but he is always making decisions where he puts other people’s needs first. He has a really tender personality.
Violet Ridley is such an ideal balance for him. While people always see her as positive and their ray of sunshine, I love that Kes is the one who sees deeper and encourages her to be herself.
The Jonquil Brothers and Lancaster Family are my favorite series by Sarah Eden, and while I love her other books, I just never thought another series would be able to touch my favorites. Forget Me Not confirmed this suspicion. I just wasn’t a fan of Lucas; I found him incredibly selfish. I think a large part of this was intentional since he had a lot of growing up to do, and a Jonquil isn’t a Jonquil unless they have trouble with love. However, I absolutely loved Lily of the Valley! It is right up there with my favorite series, and Lucas has even been growing on me.
Sarah Eden books always make me so emotional, and I am not an emotional person. I adore the characters in this book, and I wish I could be friends with the Gents! I can’t wait to read more of their stories.
Timeless Novels 