Return to Regency England in Love and Lavender, a Mayfield Family Romance. This character-driven Proper Romance from Shadow Mountain Publishing is penned by the award-winning author Josi S. Kilpack. Kilpack delivers an incredibly tender romance between two unlikely love interests. The story’s heroine, Hazel, is exceptionally brilliant, but resigned to the fact that her physical disability will prevent her from marrying. Hazel is a stunningly multi-dimensional character with her conflicting feelings, pragmatism, and tough outer shell caused by her situation. Leading man Duncan — who in today’s terms would be considered autistic — is an incredibly unique and heartfelt character. Kilpack highlights so many of the good qualities those with autism bring to the world. The secondary characters that make up Duncan’s sphere are solid and several give such good life advice! Kilpack’s phrases throughout the novel are beautiful and quote-worthy. Highlights of the book include Hazel and Duncan’s letters, the emphasis on women’s education, and Elizabeth the cat. This is, without a doubt, the best Josi S. Kilpack novel to date! Love and Lavender will bring a smile to your face and a tear in your eye.

Review of Advance Review Copy sent by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: A character punches another; a child slaps and kicks his mother.

Sex/Nudity: Several incidents of kissing; a few sexual references including a woman who ‘took up with a man’; a few implied incidents of sexual activity when a couple ‘lives in scandal’; a few mature discussions regarding sex between an engaged and later married couple.

Mature Themes:

Death of family members, autism, clubfoot, abandonment, mention of gambling,

Alcohol/Drugs:

Characters drink wine with meals; secondhand report of people getting drunk; a man smells like pipe smoke.