Timothy Mayfield has nearly given up on his search for a wife. Though he is the picture of a fine, social gentleman, Timothy wishes his finances provided a more stable foundation. Then his Uncle Elliott presents to him a solution: participate in his "marriage campaign," and upon approval of his choice for a wife, Timothy's inheritance will be his.
Freed from the constraints of having to marry for money, Timothy is ready to marry for love instead. And he knows exactly what he wants in a wife: youth, optimism, beauty, blonde hair, fine-boned features, shapely shoulders, small waist, blue eyes, button nose, solid fashion sense, a light laugh, low voice, arched eyebrows, fair skin, elegant fingers, quick wit, calm manner, and a dazzling smile.
His friend, Maryann Morrington, an heiress in her own right, tells him outright that his expectations are ridiculous--no such woman exists. Maryann had considered Timothy as a potential suitor for a time, but then their relationship shifted to friendship and she has avoided allowing herself to have feelings for him again.
She agrees to help him find his "perfect wife," because she's certain that the search will render nothing. Until it does. Miss Shaw appears to fulfill every single item on Timothy's list--unlike Maryann who has brown hair, brown eyes, lacks delicate features, and possesses a laugh that is definitely unladylike.
But when Timothy and Miss Shaw begin courting, Timothy realizes something profound. He'd rather spend his time with Maryann. But can he trust his judgment when his heart has led him wrong so many times before?
It is only when Maryann leaves the London season early, that Timothy realizes that he had truly fallen in love with her and that his list of requirements were nothing but fantasy. If he hopes to build a strong relationship, Timothy must convince Maryann that she is the very woman he'd been looking for all along--before it is too late.
About the Author :
Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of twenty-five novels, one cookbook, and various collaborations. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner and Best of State winner in Fiction. Her book A Heart Revealed was a Publishers Weekly Best Romance Book of the Year. Josi currently lives in Northern Utah and is the mother of four wonderful kids.
Justine Eyre is a classically trained actress who has narrated many audiobooks, earning the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is multilingual and known for her great facility with accents. She has appeared on stage, with leading roles in King Lear and The Crucible, and has had starring roles in four films on the indie circuit. Her television credits include Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.
Review :
"A lighthearted look at proper manners and repeated misunderstandings...This amusing adventure in misunderstandings will delight readers who appreciate rich settings and strong characters."
-- "Publishers Weekly (starred review)"
"A sweet, original romance."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Deftly scripted Regency romance by a master of this genre. An extraordinarily and highly recommended addition to libraries."
-- "Midwest Book Review on Promises and Primroses"
"Kilpack expertly and delightfully gives fans of traditional Regency romances everything--engaging characters, dry wit, and a sweet love story--that they could ever desire."
-- "Booklist"
"Regency fans will be eager for more Mayfield romances."
-- "Publishers Weekly on Promises and Primroses"
