Drops of Gold

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

EDEN, SARAH M.

DROPS OF GOLD

When her father dies and leaves her completely destitute, Marion can think of only one thing to do -- make a new life for herself. Commencing a life of duplicity, Marion transforms herself into Mary Wood -- governess. In possession of a forged letter of recommendation and cloaked in the anonymity of her new identity, she enters a life of self-imposed servitude as teacher and caretaker of young Miss Caroline Jonquil of Farland Meadows.

Her idyllic daydream vision of life at the Meadows is dashed when she finds a child desperately in need of hope and a cold, sorrowful home haunted by the past. with her characteristic sunny disposition, Marion casts her spell upon the household and slowly brings to life the long-forgotten joy of those within.

Layton Jonquil is a man tormented by the lies surrounding the death of his late wife, but he cannot deny his growing attraction for the beautiful governess whose goodness and optimism have touched his dormant heart. Their connection grows ever stronger, and despite the impropriety of harboring feelings for a servant, Layton's heart whispers that this is the woman he's destined to love.

But when Layton's fears about the past become too much to bear and the falsehoods in which they are entangled threaten to shatter his and Marion's blossoming attachment, will true love conquer all?

My Review:

published in 2013

I am in a tilt-a-whirl of toe-curling swoons after my visit to Farland Meadows. These Jonquil brothers! Mercy! I think I need to read (or listen to) one a week to keep my toes toned and my fainting couch bounced. :-) And since there are seven brothers I have over a month of exquisite reading ahead. And, yes, I know I'm late to the party when it comes to this series, but I'll be in fine form by the time the last book (sob) releases in the fall.

Oh -- and these books seem to read well as standalones (I've only read two) though they overlap a bit (much to my delight, I might have fangirl squealed when Philip -- book one's hero -- made his appearance.) Easy for newbie readers to leap into the Jonquil fray but super fun for fans to continue on with these brothers' antics.

So...Marion!!! What a delightful burst of optimism and hope despite her reduced circumstances. Her infectious laughter and bright spirit are exactly what the gloomy walls of the Meadows needs. Her young charge, Caroline, is instantly smitten, and her papa isn't far behind!

Layton is on the verge of the classical brooding hero only he's not as grumpy. :-) He's able to channel his dourness and is ever the doting papa. Happy sigh, there is something so divinely scrumptious about a man besotted by his offspring. But Layton has been carrying a burden, a secret he hasn't even shared with his large, close-knit family. It has worn him down, eroding his faith and leaving him with a bleak outlook on both life and the church.

The friendship Layton and Marion develop is both unorthodox and mildly scandalous and fraught with complications. There's banter -- of course there's banter, this is Sarah M. Eden, after all! And heartfelt disclosures. And a few toe-curling, hyperventilate-in-a-bag scenes to make the staunchest romantical heart swoon. And there are Jonquils! Lots and lots of Jonquils! I am in Regency Romance heaven!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is available in paperback or ebook format -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Drops of Gold, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday June 12 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!