Marigold Pendleton has always felt that she would remain single. After experiencing the great loss of her father and guilt for his death and being told by her mother that she was plain, Mary feels she is unworthy of being loved. Little does she know that her own feelings of self-worth are distorted and false, hindering her from seeing what others find are beautiful about her.
Hadley Stevenson has loved Marigold since the time he was a boy. I admired him for the patience that he had in helping to win Mary’s trust and her heart. He is a kind man who protected Mary, even at great cost to himself. When Mary discovers a dark secret about the father she adored, Hadley shows what it means to truly care for someone more than caring about yourself as he supports her through her difficulties. His faithfulness, loyalty, and selflessness were crucial in helping Mary overcome her past and find happiness.
As I got to know other characters of Roderick Glen in this second book and saw the joys and sad events of some of the villagers. Ms. Self does an excellent job in highlighting the predicament and expectations some women dealt with in an arranged marriage and fulfilling the role of producing an heir. She brings to light the issue of choosing to make the best of a less than ideal relationship and gave me hope that there will be better times ahead for this couple.
I enjoyed reading the second book in the Ladies of Roderick and I look forward to reading more books in the series. I recommend reading this book if you enjoy historical fiction and wholesome romance.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
Marigold Pendleton has always prided herself on her independence. Possessing neither wealth nor great beauty, she has resigned herself to life as a spinster and is determined to look after her own needs. As dressmaker for the village of Roderick Glen, she is known for her loyalty and compassionate nature. Few of the residents would ever guess the truth—that beneath her sweet spirit, Marigold carries the weight of a dreadful secret and a guilty conscience.
Hadley Stevenson is proud of his position as steward of Cheswick Park, though it often means dealing with the constant drama that haunts the Earl of Rockingham and his family wherever they go. He longs for a wife and family of his own, but his childhood friend, Marigold, has no idea he has been in love with her for years. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to break through the barriers that surround her heart.
When a crisis forces Marigold to rely on Hadley more than she ever has before, she struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for him with the knowledge that he is the only one who knows the truth about the tragic event that has defined her life. As the walls between them finally begin to crumble, can she release the pain of the past to embrace the joy of the future that awaits her?
No comments:
Post a Comment