The Vicar’s Daughter is a Tale of Siblings & Secrets
The Vicar’s Daughter Summary
Cassie is the youngest of the six Wilton daughters. She is bold, outgoing, and impatient for her turn to enter society. There’s only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now going into her third season without prospects, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn. Or does she?
Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle’s heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.
A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.
As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar’s daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?
The Vicar’s Daughter Review
Josi S. Kilpack has penned another winner with The Vicar’s Daughter. This is her sixth installment in Shadow Mountain Publishing’s “A Proper Romance” series. For readers who enjoy a romance novel that is actually based on romance, relationships and an engaging storyline instead of sex, I highly recommend this series.
The characters in this story are well-developed. I could completely see Cassie, with five older sisters, being impatient to have her turn to be presented to society, to attend the balls and parties, and to be courted. And to be frustrated by her next oldest sister, Lenora, who suffers from extreme shyness and anxiety. Poor Cassie feels it will never be her turn, and so she decides to take matters into her own hands and “help” Lenora develop a courtship with Evan Glenside, a newcomer to their community. There’s just one little problem: Cassie finds herself falling for Mr. Glenside as she pretends to be Lenora in their courtship of letters.
As we would imagine, this “love triangle” results in disaster for everyone. As Cassie, Evan and Lenora each suffer the consequences of this well-meant deception, we see their reactions and the impacts on not only them, but their friends and families. The story more closely follows Cassie and Evan, and considering the ending, I would have liked to see more story devoted to Lenora and the changes in her as she spends time away from her family with their Aunt Gwen, and how that impacted her future interactions with her family, especially with her sister and with Evan. I think that could be an interesting sub-plot, or even whole story in itself. But yes, I am a people person and always want to know what motivates a character or how they overcome challenges and how that impacts their lives (future idea here, Ms. Kilpack—the further adventures of Lenora could be a great story—just sayin’).
I didn’t expect the story to resolve in the way that it did. I liked it, and probably part of what I liked was the way in which it resolved. You’ll have to read and decide for yourself if you feel the same way. I’d love to hear what you thought about it too.
Overall, I found this to be a light and entertaining read, with enough to think about to keep it from being entirely “fluffy.” With spring here, and summer not far away, this is a perfect addition to the relaxing summer reading category.
Buy the Book
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The Vicar’s Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack is available in multiple formats at DeseretBook.com.
