Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions. If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.

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Josi Kilpack is an author I have complete confidence in.  I know that no matter what she writes, I am going to enjoy it.  She has ventured into some varying genres over the years and I am always so impressed with her ability to write such great stories.

This is the beginning of a new series and it gives us a great introduction to a family, led by an uncle that is trying to change their bad reputations.  You just have to know that this set up will bring us several interesting characters!  Honestly, I was completely confused and a little overwhelmed as I studied the family tree in the beginning of the book.  I eventually gave up and decided to just start the story and refer back if I needed to.  I think the family tree will be more helpful in future books as more characters are introduced.

I really loved Peter in this story.  He is so determined to do everything exactly right and properly.  Given his history, this mentality makes perfect sense.  But unfortunately, love rarely makes perfect sense.  Poor Peter is really thrown for a loop.

Julia is everything lovely.  I would love to have her as a friend.

There are two separate story lines happening in this book, sort of intertwining their way around each other.  I liked the alternating voices which gave me a chance to understand the character's way of thinking and (kind of) like them even when they were acting very unlikable.  (Amelia!)

I'm excited to see where this new series takes us!

Content:  Clean

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.