Vivid descriptions of ancient castles, misty moors, and rugged mountains transport the reader back in time to be immersed in the world of Love Practically by Nichole Van.
Highlights: 3 Great Things About Love Practically
- The rich historical backdrop of Scotland serves as a beautiful and moody backdrop for the protagonists' individual growth and tender romance.
- The protagonists' personalities, inner conflicts, and apparent chemistry.
- A satisfying resolution to all elements of the story.
The hero and heroine don't have an easy time in Nichole Van's lovely historical romance novel set in Scotland. The male lead begins as a hero, but when we meet him again, he is far from perfect and battling several inner demons. The female lead is kind and patient throughout, and truly, I thought she deserved sainthood at a few points. Her strength of character and will made her all the more likable.
Fox undergoes a transformation throughout the book that is truly inspiring and hard-won. Leah has her battles, which all begin and end with her beloved Captain Fox.
The slow-burning romance between the protagonists builds gradually, allowing readers to experience the intensity of their feelings and the raw passion that ignites between them, all while keeping the sexy stuff behind closed doors. The tender moments are all the more precious when they happen because of the struggles they each face. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.
The author did a lovely job of bringing the time period to life, and I felt completely immersed in the world she created. Touches of mystery are hinted at, yet to this reader, it is primarily a love story.
This story has a lot of sadness, but hope and love overpower and eventually overcome it.
•••
About the Book
Love Practically by Nichole Van
(Retailer Description)
As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard.
Their story should have ended there. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.
But twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah’s doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them. He needs a mother for his young ward, and Leah, with her capable good sense, comes highly recommended. What woman could say No to such a proposal? Not Leah. Fox has always wreaked havoc on her ability to think rationally.
After their marriage, Leah confronts the chaotic reality of Fox’s life. His castle, ten miles up a rugged Highland glen, is shambolic. His ward, Madeline, is a precocious handful. Fox’s time in India is shrouded in rumor and mystery. Worst of all, Fox himself is distant and broken, his personality as altered as his scarred body.
Throughout it all, Leah is left with two questions: What happens to a woman after her most-cherished fantasy comes true? And can a marriage, begun in practicality, transform into something deeper? Something like . . . love.
Book 1 of 4: The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir
Publisher: Fiorenza Publishing
Publication: March 23, 2022
Book Type: Novel
Kindle • Paperback • Bookshop • Audible
Disclaimers: A copy of this book was NOT provided by the author or publisher. It came from the reviewer's personal library. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited with help from ProWritingAid or Grammarly. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission.
