A follow-up to Josi S. Kilpack’s bestselling Proper Romance title The Vicar’s Daughter. Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath–more comfortable with … Bath–more comfortable with herself–and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there.
When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine–Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school–is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl.
When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever–until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.
Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.
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Miss Wilton’s Waltz is Lenora Wilton’s love story, though at times it seemed she would never get her happy ending! I loved the way that Lenora met Aiden Asher and the domino effect of that meeting. Lenora’s character is expertly illustrated and I appreciated how Kilpack created the sensitivities in this character and then used those to make the story stronger and every character interaction stronger too.
Mr. Asher’s niece, Catherine, was a delightful addition to this story. Her antics made me smile and also wonder how anyone could be as patient as Lenora. If she were my neighbor, I’d ask her to come and practice the piano with a couple of my boys! I loved the part that music and the pianoforte played in this novel. I loved the way that this “falling in love” had to be earned. The romance was something well-deserved and eagerly awaited. This was another wonderful book by Josi Kilpack and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! This is a historical fiction set in Bath, England and I enjoyed this unique setting in the Victorian time period.
I love when I can empathize with the struggles of the main character. Lenora’s shyness and social awkwardness is something I experienced outside my family and close friends all the way through high school. Lenora’s move to embrace a new life allows her to become more confident and I felt that going to college and leaving behind the role I felt trapped in opened up a refreshing sense of freedom to be happy with myself and all the opportunities before me. I admired Lenora’s fortitude with the daunting situations and people she had to deal with. Catherine is not the typical orphan from stories like these- instead of being filled with gratitude, she is manipulative, cruel, and uncaring. I felt like it was a realistic portrayal of an abused child and it was gratifying to see her layers peeled back as Aiden doesn’t give up on her, but is determined to help her in any way possible. Lenora’s reactions to Catherine were realistic as well, and depicted the real struggle and sacrifice it took to be a part of her recovery and success. I loved Lenora’s aunt and the compassion, nurturing, and wisdom she brought to both Lenora and Catherine’s lives. The sweet and tender romance between Lenora and Aiden is worth fighting for, and I was filled with tension and anticipation until Lenora reached her happily ever after.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I loved this book! Even though I hadn’t read The Vicar’s Daughter, which is about Lenora Wilton’s sister, I was not at all lost.
Although, my sympathies for Lenora may have been deeper had I been versed in the full story before.
Lenora Wilton’s extreme case of social anxiety has made her quiet, easily fading into the background. But when she moves to Bath to live with her aunt and teach piano at a school, she begins to shine. Sure, she still is uncomfortable in situations but her walks to the river at night help calm her nerves and anxiety. So when she’s caught by Aiden Asher, she’s disappointed she can no longer risk her solace in the water.
As Lenora deals with Aiden’s troubled niece at school, she grows more fond of the man.
Lenora’s transformation throughout the book is laid out well. The addition of Catherine (the niece) keeps everyone hopping but when the root of the disobedience is discovered, Catherine becomes less of a brat. Aiden is honorable yet tormented. He wants to do the right thing, but what Lenora asks of him does not line up with his heart. And his first priority is Catherine.
Josi S. Kilpack evokes emotion throughout Miss Wilton’s Waltz. Whether the characters are angry, upset, happy, uncertain, or in love, the reader feels those things with them. And that is why Kilpack is an author I will return to.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Miss Wilton’s Waltz Josi S. Kilpack is book Four in the Proper Romance Regency series. This is the story of Lenora and Aiden I haven’t yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Lenora was to marry but her future husband fell in love with her sister. Lenora really didn’t love him so she wasn’t very heart broken. But she did move forward to become a Music Teach in Bath. There she meets Aiden and his niece Catherine. Catherine is Aiden niece and he is her guardian. We learn that the child has been pasted around until Aiden took her. Now he wants Catherine and the school to take a special interest in Catherine. But Catherine is a very unruly child until Lenora learns why. Aiden and Catherine have growing feelings but they also want what is best for Catherine.
Really enjoyed this story.
Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. After Cassie marries Lenora’s fiancé, Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls boarding school. She is different in Bath more comfortable with herself and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there. Lenora likes to walk at night as a means to calm herself & one night meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine Lenora s newest and most troublesome student in the school is Mr. Asher’s niece. When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon late at night, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever until a letter arrives at the school & her world falls apart again as she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life.
A well written moving book that held my interest all the way through. A gentle romance with a couple who find themselves manipulated by a young girl & Miss Keighley. Both Lenora & Aiden annoyed me at times as I found myself saying stand up for yourself several times. Lenora is gentle & always does the right thing even if it almost destroys her, Aiden too is honourable & does the right thing until, finally, he stands up for Catherine. Lenora also finally decides to fight for what she wants. Although Aiden & Lenora are strongly attracted to each other they share no more than a kiss. I loved Aunt Gwen & gradually came to like Catherine.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lenora Wilton has become more confident in herself after moving to Bath to teach music. A troubled student disrupts her peace, but not as much as the girl’s uncle. Lenora must decide whether she wants to continue to hide or if she has the courage to open her heart.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I really enjoyed it! Her characters were realistic, and it was easy to believe the situation they found themselves in. Lenora’s shyness made me love her from the start. Aiden was a perfect gentleman, even when he was keeping something from Lenora. Catherine was a horrid child, but as the story progressed, it was easy to sympathize with her.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Through this book, Kilpack shows that reading about a quiet or introverted character does not have to be boring. In contrast, the story’s pacing and characters and tension were masterfully done. I loved this book from start to finish!
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” This is Lenora’s time to shine in the sequel of “The Vicar’s Daughter” where we first met her. Lenora maybe didn’t actually inherit the earth but she did find her backbone. I was so elated when Lenora with the encouragement of Aunt Gwen went after her heart’s desire.
Josi has a way of drawing one into a story and does not let you go even after reading the last page. These type of stories are the rare gems only a few authors are capable of writing and Josi is one of them. Her story development is at a slow and steady pace as she makes you feel deep affection for all the characters involved on each and every page. By the end, your heart is so involved with her characters you want to crawl into the book and stay.
I am so glad that Josi shares her gift of storytelling with all of us. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ms Kilpack as part of her Street Team. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.