If you're a long-time reader of Fashion & Fiction, you know I have a soft spot for simple, sweet, well-told historical romances. That is why I requested Lily of the Manor from Netgalley. It sounded right up my alley. Before sharing my review, let me share with you the description of this book:
"Broadbent Manor is a home brimming with life and love. With eleven adopted children in her care, young widow Lily Broadbent is in search of the right tutor to instruct and nurture her young charges. So when Frederick Woodstone arrives on her doorstep seeking the position, Lily is quickly impressed by his qualifications--but even more pleased with his gentle manner and immediate rapport with the children that society cast aside. It is clear: Mr. Woodstone is a perfect fit for the family. From the moment he arrives at the manor, Frederick is enchanted by the lady of the house. Lily is a pillar of strength and compassion, and her striking beauty is undeniable. As the pair works side by side to teach the children, their professional association evolves into something far deeper. But when they stumble upon a young boy in dire circumstances, their relationship is put to the test as Lily makes the impetuous decision to rescue the child--no matter the consequences. What follows is a chain of events that will threaten all that Lily has built for her young family, as the fight for the safety of one small boy becomes a battle between life and death."
Such promise! The premise is a good one and one I hadn't read before. Unfortunately, Lily of the Manor fell short for me. Though I love simple and sweet stories, this one felt much too simple and sweet. I felt like I was only being told what was happening. I was never being pulled into the story. I never felt myself living within the story. This simplistic storytelling, combined with characters that felt not fully formed and so sappily sweet--the entire thing didn't feel real.
Despite my lack of love, I know there is an audience for this book. I learned, after finishing this book and doing a little research on its author, Anita Stansfield is the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist. She obviously has an audience that loves her simple and sweet storytelling. I'm just not a part of that audience.
My personal rating: 2/5 stars
Title: Lily of the Manor
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Format: Paperback
Price: $16.97 on Amazon Lily of the Manor
Source: NetGalley
Fashion & Fiction was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Source: NetGalley
Fashion & Fiction was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
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