This unique story is hard to describe. Mina Ashbrook lives with her brother and his wife but longs to move to Rose Cottage and live independently. Mina started running her father's house when their mother died (and she was a teen). With Nicholas' wife taking over the household, she has nothing worthwhile to do. Her family fears Mina will isolate herself, so they insist she remains with her family. Mina is not a pretty woman; she is (as my Mom would say, "Big boned").
Simon Kingsley is looking for a wife. He dedicates the Season to finding a wife in London since he could not find one in his home county. However, Simon thinks he is a brokenhearted man because the woman he wants to marry chooses another.
Simon meets Mina and thinks she is a combination of a steel backbone and kindness. When he sees everything Mina does, he knows she would be a good partner for his estate. He asks Mina to marry him in a marriage of convenience. He explains he cannot love her because his heart is shattered by the loss of another. However, they would have a partnership in taking care of the land.
Since Mina has lived her whole life as an inconsequential family member, she is not dissuaded by this unusual marriage proposal. Simon promises that he will never violate his marriage vows. They marry and immediately go to his estate to start their lives together.
This is the beguiling story of two different people who forge a life together. The strength of this story is that Mina and Simon grow together by 1000 little adjustments to each other. Before long, Simon's lost love reappears on the scene when his family appears on his porch uninvited. They work hard to sow discontent in Simon and Mina.
This is a fascinating study of character (or lack thereof) and honesty in relationships. I will reread this book because it is so moving and realistic.
Simon Kingsley is looking for a wife. He dedicates the Season to finding a wife in London since he could not find one in his home county. However, Simon thinks he is a brokenhearted man because the woman he wants to marry chooses another.
Simon meets Mina and thinks she is a combination of a steel backbone and kindness. When he sees everything Mina does, he knows she would be a good partner for his estate. He asks Mina to marry him in a marriage of convenience. He explains he cannot love her because his heart is shattered by the loss of another. However, they would have a partnership in taking care of the land.
Since Mina has lived her whole life as an inconsequential family member, she is not dissuaded by this unusual marriage proposal. Simon promises that he will never violate his marriage vows. They marry and immediately go to his estate to start their lives together.
This is the beguiling story of two different people who forge a life together. The strength of this story is that Mina and Simon grow together by 1000 little adjustments to each other. Before long, Simon's lost love reappears on the scene when his family appears on his porch uninvited. They work hard to sow discontent in Simon and Mina.
This is a fascinating study of character (or lack thereof) and honesty in relationships. I will reread this book because it is so moving and realistic.
