Review & Giveaway: The Heart of a Vicar by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

My Review

Oh my heart! I have a new favorite Jonquil brother! Harry has been portrayed as rather sanctimonious in the previous books in the series, so it was a revelation to see his true character, why he had acted that way (it was just an act) and what his hidden vulnerabilities and struggles are. The author made him so likeable and brought him to life with the fun and supportive relationship he has with his housekeeper, his need for his mother's affection, and his secret pastime that keeps him in better shape than most of his brothers. I absolutely loved reading about his transformation thanks to Sarah's reappearance in his life and her challenge that has him examining what the role of a vicar really is. Sarah is American (though she considers England home) and has an informality about her that is endearing and brings out the best in Harry. I appreciated that she didn't hold on to the bitterness of rejection, but rather rekindled the genuine friendship that brought her and Harry together in the first place. The Jonquils face their share of trials and it was a joy to experience more with Phillip, Sorrel, Layton, Stanley, and the others. The author skillfully wove their lives together with the plot of Harry finding his footing as a brother and compassionate spiritual leader in the family and community. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

a Rafflecopter giveaway