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A Proper Romance #6
Miss Wilton's Waltz
Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls boarding school. She is different in Bath more comfortable with herself and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there. When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine Lenora s newest and most troublesome student in the school is Mr. Asher's niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl. When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything. Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
75 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Josi S. Kilpack
66 books2,055 followers I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
April 9, 2019
Edited to add: I've read the others now and can confirm that you don't need to read them to understand this one. The previous, The Vicar's Daughter, is the worst of the series and I suggest skipping it even though it introduces Lenora.
This is fourth in a series but I haven't read the others and didn't feel the lack. I mean, it was clear that Lenora is suffering fallout from a previous novel but I had all the details I needed, including emotional impact.
I started this book relatively late thinking I'd just start a bit and pick it up again some time tomorrow. And then couldn't put it down until waaaay too late/early the next morning. I have no regrets.
I normally have little patience for withdrawn people who consciously guard their solitude as heroes of books. Which is ironic because I'm all about that in real life (being an introverted head of a family of introverts). The thing is, that's often a plot-killer because it's hard for authors to dodge the negative motivation* sinkhole with such characters. I'm happy to say that Josi Kilpack showed how to turn it around and make it a strength of the novel with Lenora. We see her need and we see her struggle to be strong and her willingness to work around her own limitations. And I found it engaging to be with her in both her successes and failures.
I'll admit it doesn't hurt that she's working with (and sometimes against) Aiden. He's all kinds of awesome and I love how invested he is with his troublesome niece, Catherine, and how desperate he is to find a way to help her get what she needs.
But what kicked this up a notch into outstanding territory was how deftly Kilpack works in the importance of family and forgiveness and faith and trust and fighting for what you want even as you take the needs of others into account as well. The most interesting moral questions aren't right vs. wrong, but when two good/moral principles stand in opposition and I thoroughly enjoyed being with these very human people trying hard to do their best navigating some tricky waters.
The only semi-sour note is that I didn't quite buy some of Catherine's actions—there were a couple of times where she was a little too good at being bad and her schemes a little to perfect in their success. But that's a very small niggle in an otherwise truly outstanding story. And given how perfect I found the ending (and how Kilpack avoided making victory easy or even complete) I think this remains in solid five-star territory. Yeah, I'll be tired tomorrow, but it was so totally worth it.
Okay, two sour notes when I note that Shadow Mountain has the same overpricing "strategy" that Covenant does for their ebooks. I can't say how sorry I am to see worthy books priced out of reaching the audience I feel they deserve.
A note about Chaste: This book reminds me of how natural a chaste story is for this period. Lenora and Aiden have a couple of kisses but nothing more than that and it felt both natural and expected.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
This is fourth in a series but I haven't read the others and didn't feel the lack. I mean, it was clear that Lenora is suffering fallout from a previous novel but I had all the details I needed, including emotional impact.
I started this book relatively late thinking I'd just start a bit and pick it up again some time tomorrow. And then couldn't put it down until waaaay too late/early the next morning. I have no regrets.
I normally have little patience for withdrawn people who consciously guard their solitude as heroes of books. Which is ironic because I'm all about that in real life (being an introverted head of a family of introverts). The thing is, that's often a plot-killer because it's hard for authors to dodge the negative motivation* sinkhole with such characters. I'm happy to say that Josi Kilpack showed how to turn it around and make it a strength of the novel with Lenora. We see her need and we see her struggle to be strong and her willingness to work around her own limitations. And I found it engaging to be with her in both her successes and failures.
I'll admit it doesn't hurt that she's working with (and sometimes against) Aiden. He's all kinds of awesome and I love how invested he is with his troublesome niece, Catherine, and how desperate he is to find a way to help her get what she needs.
But what kicked this up a notch into outstanding territory was how deftly Kilpack works in the importance of family and forgiveness and faith and trust and fighting for what you want even as you take the needs of others into account as well. The most interesting moral questions aren't right vs. wrong, but when two good/moral principles stand in opposition and I thoroughly enjoyed being with these very human people trying hard to do their best navigating some tricky waters.
The only semi-sour note is that I didn't quite buy some of Catherine's actions—there were a couple of times where she was a little too good at being bad and her schemes a little to perfect in their success. But that's a very small niggle in an otherwise truly outstanding story. And given how perfect I found the ending (and how Kilpack avoided making victory easy or even complete) I think this remains in solid five-star territory. Yeah, I'll be tired tomorrow, but it was so totally worth it.
Okay, two sour notes when I note that Shadow Mountain has the same overpricing "strategy" that Covenant does for their ebooks. I can't say how sorry I am to see worthy books priced out of reaching the audience I feel they deserve.
A note about Chaste: This book reminds me of how natural a chaste story is for this period. Lenora and Aiden have a couple of kisses but nothing more than that and it felt both natural and expected.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 22, 2021
This book really hooks you in.
Till it does not - and just leaves you mad and antsy.
Some quality writing, and a slow-burn angst permeates the book as the shy and retiring h (the spurned fiancee of the previous book) is shown as having blossomed into a somewhat more confident and happy person after staying on in Bath with her aunt, and becoming a music teacher at a girls' academy. Her secret exercise for battling stress and calming herself is touching.
She remembered another exercise she hadn’t used recently—find three things you can see, two things you can touch, and one thing you can smell. She looked at the clock, the window, and the door, then touched the desk and the chair, then inhaled the scent of the lemon oil used on the pianofortes. Her thoughts settled.
She meets the H one night when she goes for her secret weekly night sojourn to the river (another stress buster), dressed as a man and the H almost catches her at it. Next day, they meet when he comes to drop his misfit niece at the school. Does he recognize her?
The Niece!
The mc of the book, in most ways that count.
So, the book nosedived steadily, for me, from a 4 plus to a barely 3.
Contrary me as the book is heavily 5-starred.
Till it does not - and just leaves you mad and antsy.
Some quality writing, and a slow-burn angst permeates the book as the shy and retiring h (the spurned fiancee of the previous book) is shown as having blossomed into a somewhat more confident and happy person after staying on in Bath with her aunt, and becoming a music teacher at a girls' academy. Her secret exercise for battling stress and calming herself is touching.
She remembered another exercise she hadn’t used recently—find three things you can see, two things you can touch, and one thing you can smell. She looked at the clock, the window, and the door, then touched the desk and the chair, then inhaled the scent of the lemon oil used on the pianofortes. Her thoughts settled.
She meets the H one night when she goes for her secret weekly night sojourn to the river (another stress buster), dressed as a man and the H almost catches her at it. Next day, they meet when he comes to drop his misfit niece at the school. Does he recognize her?
The Niece!
The mc of the book, in most ways that count.
So, the book nosedived steadily, for me, from a 4 plus to a barely 3.
Contrary me as the book is heavily 5-starred.
April 24, 2018
I know fellow book lovers will understand when I say that I fell in love with the characters of this book. There's something about watching a character who is good and loving, who sacrifices for the good of her family, who doesn't complain or argue, finally find her voice and do something that she loves and wants. Miss Lenora Wilton is finally reaching out for her happiness. She's happy for her family and loves them dearly but she's had sorrow and heartache and wants to set that aside for joy and peace. I loved Lenora, from the beginning to the end of this novel. I ached for her. I cheered for her. I giggled at moments for her. I sighed happily for her. I even wished at moments that I could fix all the problems for her. Of course I couldn't, all I could do was sit back and read, allowing her story to progress and Lenora to experience her life.
Miss Wilton's Waltz can be read as a stand alone novel but if you have time and the desire, I would definitely recommend reading The Vicar's Daughter first. That story belongs to Lenora's sister Cassie, although it is also part Lenora's story. Partially what spurs Lenora on to find her peace and joy.
I loved that Lenora was content with who she was, her personality, her quirks, her flaws, all of herself. She wasn't determined to change who she was to please others. Rather, she was happy to search for something in life that would compliment who she was and help her grow. After a short visit to her Aunt Gwen in Bath (during the end of The Vicar's Daughter), Lenora realizes she has found something that makes her happy. She is going to teach music at an all-girls' boarding school in Bath and enjoy being her Aunt Gwen's companion.
Lenora's personality was not the vivacious and outgoing personality like her sister Cassie. But through her Aunt's love and encouragement, Lenora finds herself enjoying who she is more and more in social settings. She will be content to teach music, play music and share her life with her aunt. That is until an encounter by the river, at night, changes everything and seems to rob her of her new found freedom. I won't expound anything other than it wasn't anything scandalous and bad, well maybe except for the fact that Lenora was there by herself without a chaperone. Other than that you'll have to read to find out what happens.
Lenora has many situations that will test her resolve, her strength, her personal desires for happiness, and may send her away from all that she's come to love. I loved the dynamics of the characters, the struggles they bring into each other's lives, the joy. Very good balance between them all.
I have to say that this book truly touched me. Partially because I could completely relate to Lenora in several aspects of her life. I have taught piano since I was 15 years old. Students of all ages and all personalities. When Lenora is given a new student who pushes every button and tests every ounce of her patience, I could completely empathize with her. I loved my students. How can you not when you are invested in teaching and helping them for years and years? There is a bond that grows between the student and the teacher. Now, it's not always easy. Not at all. Sometimes I had students that pushed and tested every ounce of my patience and resolve as well. But, those students, throughout all our time and lessons together, came to be some of my most treasured students. The respect gained, the trust gained and the love gained were well worth every moment and honestly, sometimes tears. I loved watching Lenora experience that same struggle and growth with this new student she had.
There's some trickery involved with her teaching this student, which I'm not going to go into detail for. I want you to experience the joy of this story. I had a few moments where I was surprised Lenora didn't call it quits with everything but hats off to her for how she handled those incredibly frustrating moments. Bravo Lenora, bravo!
This is a sweet and clean proper romance novel, so of course there is a love story involved. It was sweet, it was a mess, it was wonderful, it was agonizingly frustrating and heartbreaking. It was a beautiful end, or rather beginning (depending on how you want to look at it). Mr. Aiden Asher. I loved him, I was angry at him, I trusted him and I was so grateful for his persistence.
Aunt Gwen was one of my favorite characters. I loved her steady and gentle encouragement of Lenora. The strength she offered throughout the novel was perfect. She didn't offer an easy way out. She encouraged Lenora to work through the struggles. Here's a quote I really liked from a conversation between Lenora and Aunt Gwen. I took out a couple sentences in between because I didn't want to spoil anything.
"Lenora reached up and took hold of her aunt's hands. 'I don't know what to do,' she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. 'I don't know what is right anymore.'
'The very hardest thing a person can do is be brave. Brave enough to trust someone, brave enough to forgive the wrongs done, and brave enough to trust what their heart tells them...Will you base your entire future happiness on one word? Will you let fear rule your future?'"
I hope that if you take a chance on reading this book that you'll enjoy it as I did. I was so glad that Josi Kilpack wrote Lenora's story. I wanted to know what happened to her after The Vicar's Daughter ended and I'm so very happy that Lenora found what she wanted and needed.
Content: Clean
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Miss Wilton's Waltz can be read as a stand alone novel but if you have time and the desire, I would definitely recommend reading The Vicar's Daughter first. That story belongs to Lenora's sister Cassie, although it is also part Lenora's story. Partially what spurs Lenora on to find her peace and joy.
I loved that Lenora was content with who she was, her personality, her quirks, her flaws, all of herself. She wasn't determined to change who she was to please others. Rather, she was happy to search for something in life that would compliment who she was and help her grow. After a short visit to her Aunt Gwen in Bath (during the end of The Vicar's Daughter), Lenora realizes she has found something that makes her happy. She is going to teach music at an all-girls' boarding school in Bath and enjoy being her Aunt Gwen's companion.
Lenora's personality was not the vivacious and outgoing personality like her sister Cassie. But through her Aunt's love and encouragement, Lenora finds herself enjoying who she is more and more in social settings. She will be content to teach music, play music and share her life with her aunt. That is until an encounter by the river, at night, changes everything and seems to rob her of her new found freedom. I won't expound anything other than it wasn't anything scandalous and bad, well maybe except for the fact that Lenora was there by herself without a chaperone. Other than that you'll have to read to find out what happens.
Lenora has many situations that will test her resolve, her strength, her personal desires for happiness, and may send her away from all that she's come to love. I loved the dynamics of the characters, the struggles they bring into each other's lives, the joy. Very good balance between them all.
I have to say that this book truly touched me. Partially because I could completely relate to Lenora in several aspects of her life. I have taught piano since I was 15 years old. Students of all ages and all personalities. When Lenora is given a new student who pushes every button and tests every ounce of her patience, I could completely empathize with her. I loved my students. How can you not when you are invested in teaching and helping them for years and years? There is a bond that grows between the student and the teacher. Now, it's not always easy. Not at all. Sometimes I had students that pushed and tested every ounce of my patience and resolve as well. But, those students, throughout all our time and lessons together, came to be some of my most treasured students. The respect gained, the trust gained and the love gained were well worth every moment and honestly, sometimes tears. I loved watching Lenora experience that same struggle and growth with this new student she had.
There's some trickery involved with her teaching this student, which I'm not going to go into detail for. I want you to experience the joy of this story. I had a few moments where I was surprised Lenora didn't call it quits with everything but hats off to her for how she handled those incredibly frustrating moments. Bravo Lenora, bravo!
This is a sweet and clean proper romance novel, so of course there is a love story involved. It was sweet, it was a mess, it was wonderful, it was agonizingly frustrating and heartbreaking. It was a beautiful end, or rather beginning (depending on how you want to look at it). Mr. Aiden Asher. I loved him, I was angry at him, I trusted him and I was so grateful for his persistence.
Aunt Gwen was one of my favorite characters. I loved her steady and gentle encouragement of Lenora. The strength she offered throughout the novel was perfect. She didn't offer an easy way out. She encouraged Lenora to work through the struggles. Here's a quote I really liked from a conversation between Lenora and Aunt Gwen. I took out a couple sentences in between because I didn't want to spoil anything.
"Lenora reached up and took hold of her aunt's hands. 'I don't know what to do,' she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. 'I don't know what is right anymore.'
'The very hardest thing a person can do is be brave. Brave enough to trust someone, brave enough to forgive the wrongs done, and brave enough to trust what their heart tells them...Will you base your entire future happiness on one word? Will you let fear rule your future?'"
I hope that if you take a chance on reading this book that you'll enjoy it as I did. I was so glad that Josi Kilpack wrote Lenora's story. I wanted to know what happened to her after The Vicar's Daughter ended and I'm so very happy that Lenora found what she wanted and needed.
Content: Clean
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 24, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Lenora Wilton loves the pianoforte. It is also a refuge she hides behind as she does not have the confidence her younger sister Cassie has. But Lenora is ready for a change. She travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and starts her new life teaching music at an all girls boarding school. There she encounters the extremely badly behaved Catherine and wonders why the school is giving her another chance when Catherine has already been expelled from other schools. She also meets Catherine's uncle who uncovers Lenora's secret and through questionable means enlists her help with teaching Catherine. What Lenora does not expect are the feelings these two relationships evoke in her.
This is book 6 in the 'A Proper Romance' series. In usual form I had not read the others. It didn't matter. It stands alone fine and was easy to relate and empathise with Lenora. I also loved Aunt Gwen. A couple of the others took a bit longer to warm to.
This a is a charming, gentle, historical novel. I loved the way Lenora, Aiden and Aunt Gwen dealt with the issues of the troubled Catherine. Maybe some aspects a little easily resolved towards the end but still a very enjoyable read I would recommend.
Lenora Wilton loves the pianoforte. It is also a refuge she hides behind as she does not have the confidence her younger sister Cassie has. But Lenora is ready for a change. She travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and starts her new life teaching music at an all girls boarding school. There she encounters the extremely badly behaved Catherine and wonders why the school is giving her another chance when Catherine has already been expelled from other schools. She also meets Catherine's uncle who uncovers Lenora's secret and through questionable means enlists her help with teaching Catherine. What Lenora does not expect are the feelings these two relationships evoke in her.
This is book 6 in the 'A Proper Romance' series. In usual form I had not read the others. It didn't matter. It stands alone fine and was easy to relate and empathise with Lenora. I also loved Aunt Gwen. A couple of the others took a bit longer to warm to.
This a is a charming, gentle, historical novel. I loved the way Lenora, Aiden and Aunt Gwen dealt with the issues of the troubled Catherine. Maybe some aspects a little easily resolved towards the end but still a very enjoyable read I would recommend.
May 2, 2018
I love when I can empathize with the struggles of the main character. Lenora's shyness and social awkwardness is something I experienced outside my family and close friends all the way through high school. Lenora's move to embrace a new life allows her to become more confident and I felt that going to college and leaving behind the role I felt trapped in opened up a refreshing sense of freedom to be happy with myself and all the opportunities before me. I admired Lenora's fortitude with the daunting situations and people she had to deal with. Catherine is not the typical orphan from stories like these- instead of being filled with gratitude, she is manipulative, cruel, and uncaring. I felt like it was a realistic portrayal of an abused child and it was gratifying to see her layers peeled back as Aiden doesn't give up on her, but is determined to help her in any way possible. Lenora's reactions to Catherine were realistic as well, and depicted the real struggle and sacrifice it took to be a part of her recovery and success. I loved Lenora's aunt and the compassion, nurturing, and wisdom she brought to both Lenora and Catherine's lives. The sweet and tender romance between Lenora and Aiden is worth fighting for, and I was filled with tension and anticipation until Lenora reached her happily ever after.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
May 8, 2018
I really enjoyed Josi's book The Vicar's Daughter. Yet it did leave me feeling sad for Lenora. In Miss Wilton's Waltz, we get to see Lenora claim her happily ever after. While it is not necessary to read The Vicar's Daughter I felt having done so enhanced my appreciation for this book because I knew all the backstory and already had a love for these characters.
While we ultimately get a happily ever after it is not an easy road and there are roadblocks that make that HEA feel impossible. I love that this book's characters were flawed and had struggles that felt real.
A wonderful addition to the Shadow Mountains Proper Romance line!
While we ultimately get a happily ever after it is not an easy road and there are roadblocks that make that HEA feel impossible. I love that this book's characters were flawed and had struggles that felt real.
A wonderful addition to the Shadow Mountains Proper Romance line!
March 19, 2020
Lenora, a vicar's daughter, is the shy, musical one of a large family. After trying to seize a chance at love and romance and failing, Lenora has retreated to Bath to be a companion to her Aunt Gwen and a music teacher at a girls' school. In Bath, Aunt Gwen values Lenora's thoughts and opinions and Lenora feels more bold and free. She still suffers the same anxiety attacks she did in the country and the one time she can be free to be herself is on Sunday nights when she dresses in breeches and takes a solitary late night walk by the river. One night Lenora is surprised by a strange man. She struggles to get away and runs from some ruffians in the streets. Her special time has been ruined and she can never, ever go back to the river. When the school term starts, Lenora tries to focus on her work but it is quite difficult when her newest pupil, Catherine Munch, is a demon who makes life difficult for all her teachers. Miss Henry, the proprietress of the school has her reasons for keeping Catherine on. When Catherine's uncle intervenes on her behalf, Lenora is horrified to discover that Mr. Asher is the man who discovered her by the river. If only he didn't recognize her! Alas, he did and Lenora is forced to put up with a horrible student she can't stand. As Lenora gets to know Mr. Asher, she discovers not a villain but a compassionate, loving man. As feelings of friendship turn warmer, Lenora risks her heart only to discover dishonesty and heartbreak. She retreats back to the girl she once was. Can she allow her true self to shine once again and risk the gossip, the hurt and the heartache of trusting someone?
This story is not for Regency romance aficionados but for those who like painfully slow sweet romances with a moral. I noted a few minor errors, especially in the Bath setting. It seems to be as if the author has cursory knowledge of the Regency period and of the history of Bath. I've been to Bath and was hoping for more local color but the local color seems more modern than the Regency era but at least the author didn't reference the canal which hadn't been built yet. The romantic plot didn't really appeal to me. I was a little more interested in what would happen with Catherine and think the story would have been more entertaining with a gothic plot. The music history details were exceptional but I'm not musical-I have the opposite problem as Catherine. I can memorize words easily but I can't understand music. Music is a huge part of who Lenora is and it sounded like Asher, too, felt music was a huge part of his life but that idea got dropped quickly until the last half of the novel when it popped up again. I noted a few inconsistencies in the plot as well, like the age Catherine comes of age. Nothing major but that shouldn't happen with a book that isn't self-published.
The Christian content is minor considering Lenora is a vicar's daughter but she does mention sinning a lot. Then there is a heavy moral to the story
While I found the story insipid, I can relate to Lenora. I am an introvert who sticks her nose in a book rather than socialize. I don't have extreme social anxiety disorder the way Lenora does but I can relate to not wanting to be the center of attention or socialize with petty people. Her crippling anxiety makes her a unique heroine and also unable to trust. Aiden is a wonderful guardian for Catherine but I feel icky that he has a sugar plantation in Jamaica yet there's not one single mention of the ENSLAVED people who work that plantation and make him wealthy. I would expect Lenora, as a vicar's daughter, to question that. It would have been nice to have some discussion. I like how Aiden isn't willing to give up on Catherine and how devoted he is to getting through to her. Yet, he spoils her and lets her get away with bad behavior. I actually do agree with Lenora about Aiden's behavior towards her. He's a human though and he made a mistake. She forgives him but I'm not sure I'd be that generous or trusting. I feel sort of bad for Miss Keighly. She's awful, especially in regards to Catherine, but as she points out, she had already received congratulations and had the expectation she would be wed. Legally, she could sue him for breach of promise but he finds a way around that. Lenora had listened to Aiden, the miscommunication wouldn't have happened.
Catherine is just awful. She has a sadistic side to her like her father. Her past is tragic but she sounds a lot older than 12 to have that kind of background knowledge of her family. Her mean girl behavior also sounds older than 12. Her previous guardians couldn't get through to her and neither can her teachers. I figured out what her problem was but didn't know what they could do about it at that time. I doubt anyone would understand the concept of learning disability let alone be willing to work with her to overcome it. How important was it for girls to be able to read and write? I think they would just dismiss her as lazy. Aunt Gwen is a lot of fun. She doesn't sound elderly and her gossip has a purpose. I like how she directs the action behind the scenes but sometimes her meddling goes too far.
This book was just not for me and I don't think I'll be reading any more Regency(ish) romances by this author.
This story is not for Regency romance aficionados but for those who like painfully slow sweet romances with a moral. I noted a few minor errors, especially in the Bath setting. It seems to be as if the author has cursory knowledge of the Regency period and of the history of Bath. I've been to Bath and was hoping for more local color but the local color seems more modern than the Regency era but at least the author didn't reference the canal which hadn't been built yet. The romantic plot didn't really appeal to me. I was a little more interested in what would happen with Catherine and think the story would have been more entertaining with a gothic plot. The music history details were exceptional but I'm not musical-I have the opposite problem as Catherine. I can memorize words easily but I can't understand music. Music is a huge part of who Lenora is and it sounded like Asher, too, felt music was a huge part of his life but that idea got dropped quickly until the last half of the novel when it popped up again. I noted a few inconsistencies in the plot as well, like the age Catherine comes of age. Nothing major but that shouldn't happen with a book that isn't self-published.
The Christian content is minor considering Lenora is a vicar's daughter but she does mention sinning a lot. Then there is a heavy moral to the story
While I found the story insipid, I can relate to Lenora. I am an introvert who sticks her nose in a book rather than socialize. I don't have extreme social anxiety disorder the way Lenora does but I can relate to not wanting to be the center of attention or socialize with petty people. Her crippling anxiety makes her a unique heroine and also unable to trust. Aiden is a wonderful guardian for Catherine but I feel icky that he has a sugar plantation in Jamaica yet there's not one single mention of the ENSLAVED people who work that plantation and make him wealthy. I would expect Lenora, as a vicar's daughter, to question that. It would have been nice to have some discussion. I like how Aiden isn't willing to give up on Catherine and how devoted he is to getting through to her. Yet, he spoils her and lets her get away with bad behavior. I actually do agree with Lenora about Aiden's behavior towards her. He's a human though and he made a mistake. She forgives him but I'm not sure I'd be that generous or trusting. I feel sort of bad for Miss Keighly. She's awful, especially in regards to Catherine, but as she points out, she had already received congratulations and had the expectation she would be wed. Legally, she could sue him for breach of promise but he finds a way around that. Lenora had listened to Aiden, the miscommunication wouldn't have happened.
Catherine is just awful. She has a sadistic side to her like her father. Her past is tragic but she sounds a lot older than 12 to have that kind of background knowledge of her family. Her mean girl behavior also sounds older than 12. Her previous guardians couldn't get through to her and neither can her teachers. I figured out what her problem was but didn't know what they could do about it at that time. I doubt anyone would understand the concept of learning disability let alone be willing to work with her to overcome it. How important was it for girls to be able to read and write? I think they would just dismiss her as lazy. Aunt Gwen is a lot of fun. She doesn't sound elderly and her gossip has a purpose. I like how she directs the action behind the scenes but sometimes her meddling goes too far.
This book was just not for me and I don't think I'll be reading any more Regency(ish) romances by this author.
April 27, 2018
I have a greater appreciation for Lenore, having seen what she went through in The Vicar's Daughter. You don't have to read that one first, necessarily, but it really helped me to know Lenore's background and I admire and love her so much!
Lenore hasn't had an easy road in life, yet she's making the best of her situation. Her temperament and personality really resonated with me, especially as she's deeper than she seems. Throw in Aiden and I was in heaven. There's something to be said about good, solid, decent characters, striving to create the best for themselves and their loved ones.
The first meeting was intense and hilarious, at the same time, if that even makes sense. Throughout this tough and gradual journey, I grew to immensely adore these characters, even the unlovable ones. Josi Kilpack has a way of taking uncommon traits and unspoken conditions and writing them into tales that pierce the heart and soul. Each book I read becomes a new favorite that I just don't want to come to an end.
This isn't your traditional Regency romance, but it's every bit enjoyable (and I daresay more so) as the typical stories and I'm eagerly awaiting what she writes next (no pressure).
Content: very mild romance; mild romance
*I received a copy, which did not influence my thoughts and opinions*
Lenore hasn't had an easy road in life, yet she's making the best of her situation. Her temperament and personality really resonated with me, especially as she's deeper than she seems. Throw in Aiden and I was in heaven. There's something to be said about good, solid, decent characters, striving to create the best for themselves and their loved ones.
The first meeting was intense and hilarious, at the same time, if that even makes sense. Throughout this tough and gradual journey, I grew to immensely adore these characters, even the unlovable ones. Josi Kilpack has a way of taking uncommon traits and unspoken conditions and writing them into tales that pierce the heart and soul. Each book I read becomes a new favorite that I just don't want to come to an end.
This isn't your traditional Regency romance, but it's every bit enjoyable (and I daresay more so) as the typical stories and I'm eagerly awaiting what she writes next (no pressure).
Content: very mild romance; mild romance
*I received a copy, which did not influence my thoughts and opinions*
June 5, 2018
I read The Vicar's Daughter earlier this year and was so excited when I found out that Josi Kilpack had written Lenora's story. NOTE: You don't have to read The Vicar's Daughter (her sister Cassie's story) before reading Miss Wilton's Waltz to understand what's going on, but it will give you a greater understanding of Lenora.
Lenora is extremely shy in large groups of people, even around people she knows, but moving to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen has made her deal with her shyness because Aunt Gwen doesn't coddle to her fears, or allow her to hide behind her love of the pianoforte like her parents did. In Bath she's seen as her own person, not the Vicar's shy and awkward daughter. Lenora has come into her own, and is comfortable with the life she's made for herself as a respected music teacher at Mrs. Henry's all-girls' boarding school.
Her unexpected run in with a man late at night at the River Avon surprises her and it's an even bigger surprise when the man turns out to be Aiden Asher, the Uncle and guardian of her newest, and most troublesome students, Catherine Manch. Lenora works with Aiden to try and find non conventional ways of helping his niece, and Lenora is surprised by her attraction to Aiden. Of course, love is never a smooth course and when something unforeseen comes up to separate them, Lenora retreats within herself where she feels safe.
Aunt Gwen is there to give Lenora wonderful advice "If," Gwen repeated. "Will you base your entire future happiness on one word? Will you let fear rule your future?"
I loved these words of wisdom from Aunt Gwen.
"Life never comes with guarantees, Lenora, and there is security in never taking a chance. But if you do not take hold of the opportunities of happiness that come your way, you will only find empty tomorrows. Life is both too long and too short to allow fear to guide your ship."
I loved the main characters in this book--Aiden was such a good man to put his life on hold to step in and take care of his niece who had been mistreated by those who should've protected her when she most needed protection. I admit I had to get used to Catherine, but as the story of her background unfolded I understood why she acted as she did. Aunt Gwen is the best! She's no pushover, but she's there for those she loves and she saw through Catherine long before anyone else did.
As another reviewer said, this isn't your typical Regency romance, and I agree. Josi Kilpack somehow includes things like alopecia (in A Heart Revealed), social anxieties, and learning disabilities into her Regency romances and they make the stories more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
Lenora is extremely shy in large groups of people, even around people she knows, but moving to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen has made her deal with her shyness because Aunt Gwen doesn't coddle to her fears, or allow her to hide behind her love of the pianoforte like her parents did. In Bath she's seen as her own person, not the Vicar's shy and awkward daughter. Lenora has come into her own, and is comfortable with the life she's made for herself as a respected music teacher at Mrs. Henry's all-girls' boarding school.
Her unexpected run in with a man late at night at the River Avon surprises her and it's an even bigger surprise when the man turns out to be Aiden Asher, the Uncle and guardian of her newest, and most troublesome students, Catherine Manch. Lenora works with Aiden to try and find non conventional ways of helping his niece, and Lenora is surprised by her attraction to Aiden. Of course, love is never a smooth course and when something unforeseen comes up to separate them, Lenora retreats within herself where she feels safe.
Aunt Gwen is there to give Lenora wonderful advice "If," Gwen repeated. "Will you base your entire future happiness on one word? Will you let fear rule your future?"
I loved these words of wisdom from Aunt Gwen.
"Life never comes with guarantees, Lenora, and there is security in never taking a chance. But if you do not take hold of the opportunities of happiness that come your way, you will only find empty tomorrows. Life is both too long and too short to allow fear to guide your ship."
I loved the main characters in this book--Aiden was such a good man to put his life on hold to step in and take care of his niece who had been mistreated by those who should've protected her when she most needed protection. I admit I had to get used to Catherine, but as the story of her background unfolded I understood why she acted as she did. Aunt Gwen is the best! She's no pushover, but she's there for those she loves and she saw through Catherine long before anyone else did.
As another reviewer said, this isn't your typical Regency romance, and I agree. Josi Kilpack somehow includes things like alopecia (in A Heart Revealed), social anxieties, and learning disabilities into her Regency romances and they make the stories more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
September 26, 2023
|4 Stars|Ages 11+|YA/Regency|
-Love Triangle
-Deception
-She has a guarded heart that she only let's him into
-Forbidden Romance
I can't even tell you how I found this book, I think it was through someone else reviewing one of her other books...anyway, but I read the summary and thought I'd give it a shot! Turns out, my local library had it!
It delivered just what I needed a fluffy, mindless, emotional, regency novel. I've been in the mood for something set in this time period, and since I've already read Blackmoore twice this year (I will read it again though, it just didn't feel like it was the right time to read it), I wasn't in the mood for Edenbrooke, and I had completely forgotten about Summerhaven until just now, so I thought I'd give something new a shot.
And, while I wasn't in love with it, I didn't hate it! I honestly felt for Lenora and I cried when she cried because what she went through is something I feel closely for. (not the whole engagement shabang, but for giving your heart to people who just deceive you.) I felt the romance between her and Mr. Asher and when certain things were reveled, my heart ached because I know the pain it was putting Lenora through.
There were a lot of aspects of this book that worked and a lot that I felt like didn't. It could've easily been 50-70 pages shorter, but that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it-because I did! I'm seriously such a sucker for any regency novel, so I ate this thing up! And, while it wasn't one that I'm just in awe of, (Like I was/am with Blackmoore) for days after. I just had a mental note to review it at some point.
She accepted that she would find no peace. She pushed the letter to the floor, pulled the edges of the blanket tighter around her shoulders, and began to sob."
After the disaster that was her last engagement, which ended with her sister marrying her ex-fiancee, Lenora leaves the town of Leagrave and retreats to her aunt's house in Bath with a dream of becoming a music teacher. Swearing off marriage. Even if she wasn't in love with her ex-fiancee, now brother-in-law, the sting of betrayal and hurt runs deep and she builds walls around her heart swearing that it would never happen again.
Fast forward two years and Lenora is flourishing. She loves her teaching job and the school she works at is more than she could've ever wished for. But when new student Catherine Lenora arrives, everything goes awry. Catherine is meddling, troublesome, and downright awful to be around. But Lenora puts up with it if only to please the girl's uncle, Mr. Asher. In one night, Lenora and Mr. Asher share a sweet kiss by the river, only to be discovered.
Leonora is removed from the school and is left without a job, but that is not the worst part. After giving him her heart, the one she's so carefully been guarding, she finds out that he's been hiding a terrible secret and pulls her heart away.
Torn between duty and his heart, Mr. Asher struggles to decide what the best course of action is. But time is running out and he knows that the longer he takes, the more he loses Lenora. Will the two of them be able to set aside the secrets and hurt and open their hearts? Or are they doomed to be separated forever?
If your in the mood for a good regency romance that will leave you with all the feels, go pick up your own copy of this book!
Similar to/ If you loved these:
-Blackmoore
-Edenbrooke
-Summerhaven
--
It was pretty cute, not super memorable.
-Love Triangle
-Deception
-She has a guarded heart that she only let's him into
-Forbidden Romance
"'Lenora,' he whispered, and she was undone."
I can't even tell you how I found this book, I think it was through someone else reviewing one of her other books...anyway, but I read the summary and thought I'd give it a shot! Turns out, my local library had it!
It delivered just what I needed a fluffy, mindless, emotional, regency novel. I've been in the mood for something set in this time period, and since I've already read Blackmoore twice this year (I will read it again though, it just didn't feel like it was the right time to read it), I wasn't in the mood for Edenbrooke, and I had completely forgotten about Summerhaven until just now, so I thought I'd give something new a shot.
And, while I wasn't in love with it, I didn't hate it! I honestly felt for Lenora and I cried when she cried because what she went through is something I feel closely for. (not the whole engagement shabang, but for giving your heart to people who just deceive you.) I felt the romance between her and Mr. Asher and when certain things were reveled, my heart ached because I know the pain it was putting Lenora through.
"'You're going to spur gossip,' she said trying to pull back, but that only encouraged him more.
He winked at her. 'What's a little scandal among friends?'"
There were a lot of aspects of this book that worked and a lot that I felt like didn't. It could've easily been 50-70 pages shorter, but that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it-because I did! I'm seriously such a sucker for any regency novel, so I ate this thing up! And, while it wasn't one that I'm just in awe of, (Like I was/am with Blackmoore) for days after. I just had a mental note to review it at some point.
"Lenora wished she could go to the river, but that had been taken from her too-again. Only this time, she would not go back, not ever.Where else can I turn for peace?
She accepted that she would find no peace. She pushed the letter to the floor, pulled the edges of the blanket tighter around her shoulders, and began to sob."
After the disaster that was her last engagement, which ended with her sister marrying her ex-fiancee, Lenora leaves the town of Leagrave and retreats to her aunt's house in Bath with a dream of becoming a music teacher. Swearing off marriage. Even if she wasn't in love with her ex-fiancee, now brother-in-law, the sting of betrayal and hurt runs deep and she builds walls around her heart swearing that it would never happen again.
Fast forward two years and Lenora is flourishing. She loves her teaching job and the school she works at is more than she could've ever wished for. But when new student Catherine Lenora arrives, everything goes awry. Catherine is meddling, troublesome, and downright awful to be around. But Lenora puts up with it if only to please the girl's uncle, Mr. Asher. In one night, Lenora and Mr. Asher share a sweet kiss by the river, only to be discovered.
Leonora is removed from the school and is left without a job, but that is not the worst part. After giving him her heart, the one she's so carefully been guarding, she finds out that he's been hiding a terrible secret and pulls her heart away.
Torn between duty and his heart, Mr. Asher struggles to decide what the best course of action is. But time is running out and he knows that the longer he takes, the more he loses Lenora. Will the two of them be able to set aside the secrets and hurt and open their hearts? Or are they doomed to be separated forever?
If your in the mood for a good regency romance that will leave you with all the feels, go pick up your own copy of this book!
Similar to/ If you loved these:
-Blackmoore
-Edenbrooke
-Summerhaven
"She kept glancing at her feet, but her thoughts were tangled in what he'd said. When she'd danced with her sisters, they would tie up their skirts so they could see the steps.
He let go of her waist long enough to tip her chin up, sending a shiver down her spine. 'Watch my eyes, do not think too much about the steps, move with me.'"
--
It was pretty cute, not super memorable.
May 12, 2018
Loved this book so much! It made me feel like I was really there with them in their time and as though I was a fly-on-the-wall watching them waltz and I even felt like I could hear the music played sometimes. I appreciated the ways they learned how to deal with difficulties and misunderstandings throughout the book and the solutions they found to help Aiden's niece be able to learn the best way for her.
June 24, 2024
I liked it more than I expected.
February 28, 2025
A sweet story with some interesting moral/relational dilemmas! I thought Catherine’s character was particularly interesting and well crafted.
May 2, 2018
Here is Lenora! She played a vital role in The Vicar's Daughter as her intended fell in love with her sister. Yeah, Lenora was jilted, embarrassed but not exactly heartbroken. All the same, she moved to Bath to live with her aunt and start as a teacher in an all-girl's school.
I loved getting to know Lenora. I loved watching Lenora get to know herself! Josi Kilpack has a way of writing characters that are so interesting. They unfold gently, layered and vulnerable. It's so easy to like them, to root for them. It's also easy to be frustrated with them! I love when all my emotions get involved in a book. Characters are what make or break a book for me so when I emotionally connect to the characters, I am a happy, happy girl!
Although this book can stand alone easily, I would highly recommend reading The Vicar's Daughter first only because it will give you valuable insight and an emotional connection to Lenora. It makes this book all the more satisfying.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved getting to know Lenora. I loved watching Lenora get to know herself! Josi Kilpack has a way of writing characters that are so interesting. They unfold gently, layered and vulnerable. It's so easy to like them, to root for them. It's also easy to be frustrated with them! I love when all my emotions get involved in a book. Characters are what make or break a book for me so when I emotionally connect to the characters, I am a happy, happy girl!
Although this book can stand alone easily, I would highly recommend reading The Vicar's Daughter first only because it will give you valuable insight and an emotional connection to Lenora. It makes this book all the more satisfying.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2018
Miss Wilton is a joy to read about. She is a strong woman who hides beneath her insecurities. She has a strong heart and mind, but is timid and doesn't express herself often enough. This is the second book that has her as a character, but you can read this without the first. This book references the other with a failed engagement and the social stigma that it caused. In "Miss Wilton's Waltz" she finds love and romance.
The relationship between Lenora and Aiden is rocky at best. It doesn't begin on the best of circumstances and there is a long and difficult road ahead before they can find a "happily ever after".
I enjoyed the addition to Aiden's niece, Catherine. She definitely stirs the pot and is a little too smart for the adults around her. She knows how to keep them guessing. She also has some real struggles that take a compassionate adult to address and help her.
This was a great book to read. It is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The relationship between Lenora and Aiden is rocky at best. It doesn't begin on the best of circumstances and there is a long and difficult road ahead before they can find a "happily ever after".
I enjoyed the addition to Aiden's niece, Catherine. She definitely stirs the pot and is a little too smart for the adults around her. She knows how to keep them guessing. She also has some real struggles that take a compassionate adult to address and help her.
This was a great book to read. It is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2019
📚BOOK REVIEW📚: I read 'Miss Wilton's Waltz' by Josi Kilpack this weekend. It was so throughly enjoyable. It is the follow up to 'The Vicar's Daughter.' (*You don't have to necessarily read The Vicar's Daughter first, but it definitely gives you more insight to what Lenora is going through in Miss Wilton's Waltz.) 🧡
Josi Kilpack did such a great job with the character development in this book. Catherine, Aiden, Aunt Gwen, Lenora... I felt like I knew them all so well. It was wonderful to watch Lenora blossom and no longer hide in the shadows of others. Aiden- I crushed on him the entire book. Catherine, I wanted to ring her neck a few times, along with everyone else in the book. But hearing glimpses into her past was heartbreaking and made me like Aiden even more. 😍
If you like clean Regency romance, or even just historical fiction, I recommend both The Vicar's daughter and Miss Wilton's Waltz. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Josi Kilpack did such a great job with the character development in this book. Catherine, Aiden, Aunt Gwen, Lenora... I felt like I knew them all so well. It was wonderful to watch Lenora blossom and no longer hide in the shadows of others. Aiden- I crushed on him the entire book. Catherine, I wanted to ring her neck a few times, along with everyone else in the book. But hearing glimpses into her past was heartbreaking and made me like Aiden even more. 😍
If you like clean Regency romance, or even just historical fiction, I recommend both The Vicar's daughter and Miss Wilton's Waltz. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
July 12, 2023
All I can say is what an amazing story and so much better than the first book! I lovd Lenora's story and kind of had some similarities to opening up to people and maybe someone who could love her for who she was and all, and in some ways it helped me realize if she, a fictional character, can open up her heart later on in the story after her own experience of having a broken heart; then so can I after some personal things I went through that's kept me from opening up.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, but read the first book first to get to know a little bit of a background on Lenora through her sister's eyes in The Vicar's Daughter and why she's in Bath, England etc. You can read them in any order, really, but at the same time, it'll be a lot better if you read these two in order.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, but read the first book first to get to know a little bit of a background on Lenora through her sister's eyes in The Vicar's Daughter and why she's in Bath, England etc. You can read them in any order, really, but at the same time, it'll be a lot better if you read these two in order.
January 6, 2020
Eh. Not feeling it. In fact I started to skim about half way through because I couldn't STAND the brat girl. She seriously snuffed out all the sparks of love. I was pretty disappointed after this book had really good reviews.
February 21, 2018
It’s no surprise to those who read my blog how much I love the Proper Romance series. The books are so wonderful, and clean and always carry such a great story. This installment to the Proper Romance series is not different. It’s amazing! I love Kilpack’s writing.
This is a follow up book to the Vicar’s Daughter, and I was so excited to receive the book. We get to see the sister rejected in the Vicar’s Daughter get her chance at love. If she will just let it happen.
I just want to introduced my favorite characters to you, and hopefully you will love them as much as I did!
Lenora – in The Vicar’s Daughter she drove me a little insane. She was so insecure and quiet, that it bugged me. Probably just because that is so opposite of my own personality. I never understood how she couldn’t speak her mind. NOW, we get to see a whole new Lenora. I love her. She is still terribly shy, but she has been living with her Aunt and has gained more confidence and is just a delightful character. Her ability to handle a difficult teenager made me happy. I wish I could handle my own difficult teenager the same…hehe. Lenora is just a picture-perfect person of grace, and beauty to me. I truly loved her character, and was so happy to go on her journey with here in this book.
Aunt Gwen – Now, this woman is a woman after my own heart. She loves to socialize and always has a kind presence around her. She is stern, yet loving, and just all around amazing. I love how she helps Lenora see the good in people, and helps her to come out of her shell a little. She is the kind of Aunt every one should have. One that is always there for you no matter what, and willing to help even when you’re stubborn and don’t want to listen to advice. I love her so much.
Catherine – well, let me think of how to describe her, without being too unkind 😉. She is a rotten teenager who makes everyone lives difficult especially if she doesn’t get her way. She did have a horrible life until her Uncle took her in, but her snarky and full on disrespectful attitude, makes her a great character to hate. Or love. It’s a fine line. I ended up really rooting for her and hoping she would see the light. She is surrounded by people who have vowed to never abandon her again, but she has trust issues. Which is very understandable.
Aiden – Mmmmm….Mmmmm….Mmmmm Aiden. He comes off a bit brash at first but even then, you can tell he has a good heart. He had to leave his estate to come and take care of his niece who is a petulant child, yet he loves her and cares for her the best he can. He is such a gentleman. I swooned over him the whole time. His character is so well written. The whole book is well written but these characters are stellar.
I don’t want to say too much about the book because I want you to go buy it for yourself. It’s such a wonderfully, sweet romance. The setting of this book is beautiful and I found myself completely emerged in the culture and time. Kilpack has an amazing way of doing that for her readers. There are other supporting characters that bring this book to life as well, but these four are what I want to focus on. They are beautiful. Dealing with real life situations, just in a different time.
This story captured me from the beginning and held me until the end. It’s very well written, and has some amazing and complex characters. If you like historical romances you should pick this one up, you won’t regret it! It’s so beautiful.
Source: I was given this book in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the story.
This is a follow up book to the Vicar’s Daughter, and I was so excited to receive the book. We get to see the sister rejected in the Vicar’s Daughter get her chance at love. If she will just let it happen.
I just want to introduced my favorite characters to you, and hopefully you will love them as much as I did!
Lenora – in The Vicar’s Daughter she drove me a little insane. She was so insecure and quiet, that it bugged me. Probably just because that is so opposite of my own personality. I never understood how she couldn’t speak her mind. NOW, we get to see a whole new Lenora. I love her. She is still terribly shy, but she has been living with her Aunt and has gained more confidence and is just a delightful character. Her ability to handle a difficult teenager made me happy. I wish I could handle my own difficult teenager the same…hehe. Lenora is just a picture-perfect person of grace, and beauty to me. I truly loved her character, and was so happy to go on her journey with here in this book.
Aunt Gwen – Now, this woman is a woman after my own heart. She loves to socialize and always has a kind presence around her. She is stern, yet loving, and just all around amazing. I love how she helps Lenora see the good in people, and helps her to come out of her shell a little. She is the kind of Aunt every one should have. One that is always there for you no matter what, and willing to help even when you’re stubborn and don’t want to listen to advice. I love her so much.
Catherine – well, let me think of how to describe her, without being too unkind 😉. She is a rotten teenager who makes everyone lives difficult especially if she doesn’t get her way. She did have a horrible life until her Uncle took her in, but her snarky and full on disrespectful attitude, makes her a great character to hate. Or love. It’s a fine line. I ended up really rooting for her and hoping she would see the light. She is surrounded by people who have vowed to never abandon her again, but she has trust issues. Which is very understandable.
Aiden – Mmmmm….Mmmmm….Mmmmm Aiden. He comes off a bit brash at first but even then, you can tell he has a good heart. He had to leave his estate to come and take care of his niece who is a petulant child, yet he loves her and cares for her the best he can. He is such a gentleman. I swooned over him the whole time. His character is so well written. The whole book is well written but these characters are stellar.
I don’t want to say too much about the book because I want you to go buy it for yourself. It’s such a wonderfully, sweet romance. The setting of this book is beautiful and I found myself completely emerged in the culture and time. Kilpack has an amazing way of doing that for her readers. There are other supporting characters that bring this book to life as well, but these four are what I want to focus on. They are beautiful. Dealing with real life situations, just in a different time.
This story captured me from the beginning and held me until the end. It’s very well written, and has some amazing and complex characters. If you like historical romances you should pick this one up, you won’t regret it! It’s so beautiful.
Source: I was given this book in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the story.
February 12, 2018
'The Vicar's Daughter' has been by far my favourite Kilpack Regency book yet. It was unique and heartfelt, and opens up the reader to the agony of anxiety. The paralyzingly fears, struggles and loneliness those that suffer with it endure. A deep desire to be loved and accepted like everyone else. Wanting to be noticed but no idea how to do it. In their efforts to try often making matters worse, or blowing up in their faces. Trying to be seen, but never quite succeeding. Always coming second to the outgoing and confident people around them. You don't truly understand this until you live it, or see someone you love suffer this way. It is not shyness nor is it something you can snap out of. I appreciated this issue being tackled as it was, and done in such a careful and sensitive manner. When I heard she had written a sequel & that Lenora would have her own story, I was excited. How would she handle the crippling struggle, in a world where there are so many rules. Social rights and wrongs. I was intrigued.
Everything about the cover is perfect, which not only is accurate (Lenora's blue dress) but also expresses the tender relationship, her circumstances need. I wondered what kind of man would have the patience but also the ability to look past the social confidences of all the other women, and treasure everything that is special about Lenora.
On the backs of what had happened to her in Leagrove, Lenora is now in Bath. Living with her Aunt and carving out a self proclaimed 'spinster' future for herself. A job at a girls school teaching music, and a comfortable regular schedule, she has grown in ways she never would have imagined. She is not the timid Wilton sister that was passed over for her younger sister all those years ago. She is happy and content with the life plan she has created. However, this is Bath, and not the countryside she dearly misses. She has no way to get out, alone and find the peace and tranquility that grounded her like she could at home. Or can she? With men's clothing and heavily disguised, she has found a way to sneak out at night and spend time down by the River Avon. All is well, until one night when a man encounters her in her river haven - and life will never be the same for Lenora again.
The first nine chapters were all from her point of view and I really don't enjoy that style of writing, it feels so one dimensional. I appreciate the thoughts and emotions from all the major players, and it gives depth. Just as I was starting to worry that this would not be the case here, low and behold the chapter begins, and, it's Aiden. Yes!
I read this blissfully all day long. There is much to rile up your frustrations in this story. People you will love to hate, and some just so irritating!! This was a fabulous return to the Wilton family, and I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ & Covenant for the eARC. This is my honest review.
Everything about the cover is perfect, which not only is accurate (Lenora's blue dress) but also expresses the tender relationship, her circumstances need. I wondered what kind of man would have the patience but also the ability to look past the social confidences of all the other women, and treasure everything that is special about Lenora.
On the backs of what had happened to her in Leagrove, Lenora is now in Bath. Living with her Aunt and carving out a self proclaimed 'spinster' future for herself. A job at a girls school teaching music, and a comfortable regular schedule, she has grown in ways she never would have imagined. She is not the timid Wilton sister that was passed over for her younger sister all those years ago. She is happy and content with the life plan she has created. However, this is Bath, and not the countryside she dearly misses. She has no way to get out, alone and find the peace and tranquility that grounded her like she could at home. Or can she? With men's clothing and heavily disguised, she has found a way to sneak out at night and spend time down by the River Avon. All is well, until one night when a man encounters her in her river haven - and life will never be the same for Lenora again.
The first nine chapters were all from her point of view and I really don't enjoy that style of writing, it feels so one dimensional. I appreciate the thoughts and emotions from all the major players, and it gives depth. Just as I was starting to worry that this would not be the case here, low and behold the chapter begins, and, it's Aiden. Yes!
I read this blissfully all day long. There is much to rile up your frustrations in this story. People you will love to hate, and some just so irritating!! This was a fabulous return to the Wilton family, and I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ & Covenant for the eARC. This is my honest review.
May 2, 2018
(4.5 stars)
I really enjoyed Josi Kilpack's novel, The Vicar's Daughter, and was hoping that Lenora would get her own story and she did! Miss Wilton's Waltz is a standalone book, but you do get more of Lenora's background if you've read The Vicar's Daughter.
After a failed engagement, Lenora decides to go to Bath and start fresh. She lives with her Aunt Gwen, who loves to socialize and draws Lenora into her circles. Lenora also teaches music at an all-girls boarding school and loves her job---until Catherine arrives. Catherine is a student who loves to cause trouble and she upends Lenora's life in cruel and shocking ways. I felt awful for Lenora and wondered how she would deal with this obviously troubled girl. Catherine does have one thing going for her, and that's her Uncle Aiden. He loves her and would do anything to help her, but he is often at a loss himself. When Aiden meets Lenora, he's sure she can help his niece, if only she'll find the motivation to try. Lenora is willing and she starts to develop feelings for Aiden, only to find out he's been hiding something from her that will alter all of their lives. Can she ever trust Aiden again?
I loved the depth and richness to these characters. Lenora is trying so hard to overcome her shyness and put herself out there again, that when Catherine and Aiden end up hurting her, you can't help but feel all the hurt along with Lenora. Yet, at the same time, Aiden is sympathetic as a man just trying to do right by his niece who is struggling to overcome a terrible childhood. Everyone is multi-faceted and there are no easy answers to any of their problems. I thought the author did an amazing job with the setting, the plot was tight and believable, and though there are some twists and turns where I wondered if a happy ending was even possible, the author made sure we all closed the book with a satisfied smile.
This is a romance that is realistic and relatable and reminds us all why Josi Kilpack should be on everyone's auto-buy list.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed Josi Kilpack's novel, The Vicar's Daughter, and was hoping that Lenora would get her own story and she did! Miss Wilton's Waltz is a standalone book, but you do get more of Lenora's background if you've read The Vicar's Daughter.
After a failed engagement, Lenora decides to go to Bath and start fresh. She lives with her Aunt Gwen, who loves to socialize and draws Lenora into her circles. Lenora also teaches music at an all-girls boarding school and loves her job---until Catherine arrives. Catherine is a student who loves to cause trouble and she upends Lenora's life in cruel and shocking ways. I felt awful for Lenora and wondered how she would deal with this obviously troubled girl. Catherine does have one thing going for her, and that's her Uncle Aiden. He loves her and would do anything to help her, but he is often at a loss himself. When Aiden meets Lenora, he's sure she can help his niece, if only she'll find the motivation to try. Lenora is willing and she starts to develop feelings for Aiden, only to find out he's been hiding something from her that will alter all of their lives. Can she ever trust Aiden again?
I loved the depth and richness to these characters. Lenora is trying so hard to overcome her shyness and put herself out there again, that when Catherine and Aiden end up hurting her, you can't help but feel all the hurt along with Lenora. Yet, at the same time, Aiden is sympathetic as a man just trying to do right by his niece who is struggling to overcome a terrible childhood. Everyone is multi-faceted and there are no easy answers to any of their problems. I thought the author did an amazing job with the setting, the plot was tight and believable, and though there are some twists and turns where I wondered if a happy ending was even possible, the author made sure we all closed the book with a satisfied smile.
This is a romance that is realistic and relatable and reminds us all why Josi Kilpack should be on everyone's auto-buy list.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
March 18, 2021
*sigh* I really wanted to like this! But there were so. many. things. wrong.
It never made sense to me that Lenora would cross dress and sneak out at night to go sit by the river. I know it was because it was supposed to calm her nerves, but the stupidity on so many levels of her doing this! I mean, you have to keep it in the context of the historical period in which it was set, and it is absolutely bizarre in that context. Someone like Lenora would just not do anything that reckless. And then when Asher discovered it, he didn’t seem to think it was NEARLY as weird as any person would in real life. It was insurmountably far fetched.
Mr. Asher owns a plantation in Jamaica. Does Killpack not realize this makes him a slave owner? It was never, ever addressed and remained the huge elephant in the proverbial room, so I had no choice but to view him squarely in that role. She never tells us anything different, but that was what happened on plantations in Jamaica at that time. I guess it could have been possible that he was the one exception to the rule and somehow used fairly paid employees free to come and go as they pleased, but he would have been the only one and it certainly would have needed to be spelled out if that were what Killpack wanted us to think. So whatever sweet, romantic things he may have done in Bath had to be viewed on the larger canvas of the brutality of his wealth having been accumulated on the backs of slaves off in Jamaica. Not awesome. Did she just not research enough to understand something so basic as slavery in the West Indies, or does she really think it doesn’t matter?
There were just so many other anachronisms and annoyances. There were also some ok things, but they definitely couldn’t begin to mitigate the damage.
It never made sense to me that Lenora would cross dress and sneak out at night to go sit by the river. I know it was because it was supposed to calm her nerves, but the stupidity on so many levels of her doing this! I mean, you have to keep it in the context of the historical period in which it was set, and it is absolutely bizarre in that context. Someone like Lenora would just not do anything that reckless. And then when Asher discovered it, he didn’t seem to think it was NEARLY as weird as any person would in real life. It was insurmountably far fetched.
Mr. Asher owns a plantation in Jamaica. Does Killpack not realize this makes him a slave owner? It was never, ever addressed and remained the huge elephant in the proverbial room, so I had no choice but to view him squarely in that role. She never tells us anything different, but that was what happened on plantations in Jamaica at that time. I guess it could have been possible that he was the one exception to the rule and somehow used fairly paid employees free to come and go as they pleased, but he would have been the only one and it certainly would have needed to be spelled out if that were what Killpack wanted us to think. So whatever sweet, romantic things he may have done in Bath had to be viewed on the larger canvas of the brutality of his wealth having been accumulated on the backs of slaves off in Jamaica. Not awesome. Did she just not research enough to understand something so basic as slavery in the West Indies, or does she really think it doesn’t matter?
There were just so many other anachronisms and annoyances. There were also some ok things, but they definitely couldn’t begin to mitigate the damage.
May 10, 2018
Author Josi S. Kilpack has written a charming and delightful story in her novel, Miss Wilton’s Waltz. Kilpack’s novel comes to life from page one as she captures the attention and emotion of readers with her relatable and easy to understand characters. A natural story-teller, Kilpack has a way of writing that will draw readers in so they become emotionally invested in both the enjoyable characters and fascinating so much so that they don’t want to put the book down. Filled with struggles, heart-ache, raw emotions, disaster, redemption, and love, Miss Wilton’s Waltz, sequel to The Vicar’s Daughter is a heart-warming sweet romance that readers are absolutely not going to want to miss.
Series: Proper Romance
Genre: clean romance, historical, regency
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication date: May 1, 2018
Number of pages: 352
Other books in the series:
Sequel to The Vicar’s Daughter
An ARC review copy of this book was provided by the author, as well as a print and audible copy purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: Proper Romance
Genre: clean romance, historical, regency
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication date: May 1, 2018
Number of pages: 352
Other books in the series:
Sequel to The Vicar’s Daughter
An ARC review copy of this book was provided by the author, as well as a print and audible copy purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 10, 2023
Really enjoyed the writing and some twists and turns but ultimately I can’t get past the horrible brat of a ward the hero and heroine are dealing with (she needs a good spanking to begin with) and also the fact that the hero is a slave owner in Jamaica and either the author knows and doesn’t care or she’s ignorant of this, both of which are horrible. I did appreciate the fact she didn’t suddenly become this great kid. She was a brat through and through always, just learned to control herself a little better. The subplot of this heroine, in those times , dressing up as a man and going down to the river at close to midnight is absurd: never would have happened and most def would have stopped once caught. She would be ruined.
I’m looking for REAL regency books.
I’m looking for REAL regency books.
May 7, 2018
MISS WILTON'S WALTZ is a darling story about a woman who has found safety in music and hiding herself away, the man she falls in love with, and his troublesome niece who is also his ward. The characters are easy to fall in love with as the story progresses, especially as they change and develop, and as the reader becomes more familiar with them. The romance is perfectly sweet with plenty of chemistry. A delightful story from beginning to end!
I adored these characters! I loved how complex they were and the theme of right versus wrong... how life is so much more gray than black and white. It so easily fit with Lenora having a father as a clergyman and being raised with a black and white perspective and then that perspective being challenged. She is not your usual heroine. She is quiet, reserved, and does not dare hope to find love. I loved the contrast of proper English society and Lenora's secret nightly walks in men's trousers, especially as she is a clergyman's daughter and with her desire to hide. I also loved Aiden. He is an interesting character with his background in Jamaica and being wealthy, but not snobbish. His commitment to his niece is seen as unusual by society. Catherine took some time to grow on me, but grow on me she did. She is quite the conniving minx. I also loved Gwen, Lenora's aunt. I loved her wisdom and her love for Lenora. Miss Keighly I could care less for, but as that was her role, she played it marvelously well.
Here is a favorite quote, Aunt Gwen sharing her wisdom with Lenora:
"Life never comes with guarantees, Lenora, and there is security in never taking a chance. But if you do not take hold of the opportunities of happiness that come your way, you will only find empty tomorrow. Life is both too long and too short to allow fear to guide your ship."
The pace of the story was perfect as was the plot. I didn't know if I would love Lenora's story after reading The Vicar's Daughter. She takes some time to find her backbone, but she does find it. I enjoyed seeing her character change and grow. The author did a fantastic job of allowing the situation to develop in such a way that it was realistic, fit with the historical setting, and challenged Lenora to fight for her happiness. I also thought the romance was well done. It develops slowly and felt like it was teased little by little as the characters are intrigued by one another, which builds an attraction, and then more without them consciously allowing love to blossom. You can feel the chemistry and the characters' frustrations quite easily. Not every author can pull of this kind of character development and plot without changing who the character is or without certain plot points feeling forced. Kilpack definitely had no issues doing so.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story full of complex characters who were easy to relate to, an engaging plot, and a sweet romance. Perfect for historical romance fans who love cheering for the underdog and looking for a happily-ever-after story that will touch the heart and leave the reader joyfully content.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
I adored these characters! I loved how complex they were and the theme of right versus wrong... how life is so much more gray than black and white. It so easily fit with Lenora having a father as a clergyman and being raised with a black and white perspective and then that perspective being challenged. She is not your usual heroine. She is quiet, reserved, and does not dare hope to find love. I loved the contrast of proper English society and Lenora's secret nightly walks in men's trousers, especially as she is a clergyman's daughter and with her desire to hide. I also loved Aiden. He is an interesting character with his background in Jamaica and being wealthy, but not snobbish. His commitment to his niece is seen as unusual by society. Catherine took some time to grow on me, but grow on me she did. She is quite the conniving minx. I also loved Gwen, Lenora's aunt. I loved her wisdom and her love for Lenora. Miss Keighly I could care less for, but as that was her role, she played it marvelously well.
Here is a favorite quote, Aunt Gwen sharing her wisdom with Lenora:
"Life never comes with guarantees, Lenora, and there is security in never taking a chance. But if you do not take hold of the opportunities of happiness that come your way, you will only find empty tomorrow. Life is both too long and too short to allow fear to guide your ship."
The pace of the story was perfect as was the plot. I didn't know if I would love Lenora's story after reading The Vicar's Daughter. She takes some time to find her backbone, but she does find it. I enjoyed seeing her character change and grow. The author did a fantastic job of allowing the situation to develop in such a way that it was realistic, fit with the historical setting, and challenged Lenora to fight for her happiness. I also thought the romance was well done. It develops slowly and felt like it was teased little by little as the characters are intrigued by one another, which builds an attraction, and then more without them consciously allowing love to blossom. You can feel the chemistry and the characters' frustrations quite easily. Not every author can pull of this kind of character development and plot without changing who the character is or without certain plot points feeling forced. Kilpack definitely had no issues doing so.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story full of complex characters who were easy to relate to, an engaging plot, and a sweet romance. Perfect for historical romance fans who love cheering for the underdog and looking for a happily-ever-after story that will touch the heart and leave the reader joyfully content.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
May 24, 2018
First let me share that I don’t usually choose a romance-based book but because this has a historical based background it drew my interest in. Josi Kilpack is an author who wrote books under one of my favorite genre of books, cozy mysteries prior to write the Proper Romance genre. Miss Wilton’s Waltz drew me in with the historical background that provided the setting. The plot will draw the reader in. Lenora Wilton is the main character. She is a Vicar’s daughter. Panic disorder is addressed in this story and the character shows her coping abilities but also hides behind her talent to master the pianoforte. A broken engagement leads Lenora to move to Bath, England. Although she doesn’t have a teaching certificate, she is hired to be a music teacher at Mrs. Henry’s Female Institute. She resides at the home of Mrs. Gwen Simmons, her aunt and a widow, during school breaks and weekends, but otherwise shares a room at the school. The beginning of the school term finds Lenora faced with a student whose uncle, Aiden Asher, has pledged funds to improve the school if they agree to take his niece. Catherine Manch, a 12-year-old young lady, has failed at several schools already so it is up to Mrs. Henry’s Institute to try to reach her. For Lenora to succeed she must face her challenges and one is the need to withdraw from the world.
May 23, 2018
Magnificent. A romance that conquers the complex emotions of a neglected heart.
March 11, 2019
good :) 3.5
September 2, 2019
Lovely story!
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May 15, 2018I really enjoyed The Vicar's Daughter, but I loved this one. I'm so glad Lenora got her own book and had a chance to truly find a way to be happy.
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