Love Lies Waiting

by Claire Lorrimer

Can two sisters overcome heartbreak, danger and devastating secrets in their pursuit of happiness in this Victorian Romance?

31 December, 1838. A storm is raging outside Kenilworth Hall. Inside, Lord Kenilworth’s wife is in agony in the middle of a difficult labour. Lady Kenilworth doesn’t survive the birth but, against all odds, her baby daughter does.

Baby Storm grows into a headstrong and adventurous child, close to her sister, Eloise, who has acted like a mother to her, and their neighbours at Chislestone Manor – her best friend Cissie and Cissie’s handsome older brother, Hunter, who has promised to marry Storm when she’s older.

But as Storm transforms into a beautiful young woman, ready to make her own way in the world and preparing for her debut into society, she and Eloise must confront heartbreak, tragedy, wickedness and great danger. Can the sisters survive turbulent times ahead to find love and happiness?

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Claire Lorrimer began writing at the age of ten, encouraged by her mother who was the author Denise Robins. Her post as a sub editor on a woman's magazine gave her a close insight into the world of publishing, but it was during the Second World War that her writing career became established. She subsequently turned to historical fiction. These novels on an epic scale feature the lives of passionate and striking heroines set against a strongly drawn historical background, often highlighting the situation of women. Claire Lorrimer lives in rural Kent, and is currently busy writing her latest historical novel.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars
On December 1838, Lady Kemilworth loses her life giving birth to a daughter who is given the name Storm, since she was born in a wild storm that prevented the doctor being unable to reach Lady Kenilworth in time to save her. They don’t expected Storm to live either but she has a strong will that only grows stronger as she grows older. An adventurous and headstrong child she loves her big sister Eloise who steps up to care for her. Storm is friends with their neighbours at Chislestone Manor, where her best friend Cissie lives along with her big brother Hunter. Cissie and Storm always hope and believe Hunter will marry Storm when she is older as he once jokingly promised. Despite growing into a beautiful young woman, Hunter still seems to see her as Cissie’s young friend rather than a young woman. Storm’s behaviour at times only backs up this assumption. Can she change his mind?
This a story of family and friendship but also of heartbreak, deceit, secrets and betrayal that comes from an unexpected source and puts lives in great danger.
I liked both Storm and Eloise, as different as they are from each other, though Storm does get annoying at times with her behaviour. Cissie, with her asthma problems, is a good friend and sweet character, while Hunter is, at times clueless, but likable.
Some other aspects of the story I found a bit clumsy and stretched credibility a bit.
I hesitated for a while on the rating for this as some aspects of the story I liked but others not so much. The pace at times felt uneven. Yet, having said all that it is an enjoyable story.
.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars
31 December, 1838. A storm is raging outside Kenilworth Hall. Inside, Lord Kenilworth’s wife is in agony in the middle of a difficult labour. Margaret doesn’t survive the birth but, against all odds, her baby daughter does. Baby Storm grows into a headstrong and adventurous child, close to her sister, Eloise, and their neighbours at Chislestone Manor – her best friend Cissie and Cissie’s handsome older brother, Hunter, who has promised to marry Storm when she’s older.
Storm transforms into a beautiful young woman, ready to make her own way in the world and preparing for her debut into society, she and Eloise must confront heartbreak, tragedy, wickedness and great danger.
I have mixed feelings about the book as the pace varied from slow to very fast indeed so it was a bit uneven. The characters were well portrayed but whilst I liked them I didn’t love them. I found both Storm & Eloise to be very immature & at times Storm’s huffiness to Hunter annoyed me so much that I wanted to shake her. I also think there was so much heartache & tragedy in the first half of the book that it became a depressing read & the mood only lightened at odd times. So saying I found that I couldn’t put it down & read it in an afternoon.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little undecided about this book. Some parts I really enjoyed and others seemed to be quite slow. Storm wanted to be thought of as a woman but she still had childish reactions when things didn’t go her way. Eloise, given that she had been running the estate and bringing up Storm, seemed naive at times. Hunter also took a long time to realise how he felt about Storm. Most of the action took place towards the end of the book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 31, 1838 - Kenilworth Hall

Lord Kenilworth is drunk from grief knowing that upstairs his beloved wife, Lady Margaret, has died giving birth to yet another baby. The baby is a girl and she is given the name Storm.

1854

Storm’s older sister, Eloise, took over raising the girl when her mother died. Storm is a happy girl with a stubborn nature who looks like her deceased mother. With their father spending all of his time in London, Eloise has also taken over the running of their home.

David Carter is a young man employed to teach art to Eloise and Storm. Now, it appears that Eloise and David are falling in love.

Storm has always enjoyed the fun times she has had with her friend, Cissy. daughter of their neighbors, the Chislestones. Their oldest son. Hunter, has always been fun to be with. Now age 26. Hunter has had to take over the duties of his family’s estate as his father has become a heavy gambler. He goes to London when he learns that the bank is not honoring his father’s gambling debts. There he learns there is very little money left and that his brother has been killed in the war.

This story follows the families as they face the loss of family members yet their loyalty and friendship is strong which helps both families to stay together. But when someone tries to come along and steal the foundation out from under the Kenilworth family, Hunter steps up and, even though faced with his own difficulties, refuses to allow the honor of his friends to be destroyed.

There is love, sadness, kindness, and finally happiness for friends that includes all manner of events. A good story that readers will certainly like.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.