Scan barcode
noellelovesbooks's review
4.5
I received a copy of this ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway
Content Warnings: Infertility discussed, classism, toxic family relationships, poverty, loss of parents, violence, and abuse.
Emmeline’s love of her childhood home, now her and her husband’s home, lead her down a very twisty road in an attempt to keep it. In order to keep the house, they were supposed to have a child within the first 5 years of their marriage. As they’ve been married 8 years now, and still reside in the house, Will never thought to question why they haven’t been asked to vacate. When Emmeline frantically informs him of the party they need to attempt, with their two children, he’s in shock as they have no children.
Knowing how much Emmeline has always loved their home Will is determined to help figure out how they can keep it. After attempting to think of friends’ children they could potentially borrow they land on the idea of borrowing orphans. How hard could it be to borrow a couple orphans and train them in how to act like a gentleman and lady in roughly 6 weeks?
Based on the summary I’d thought this was going to be a historical romance with the second chance trope as well as shenanigans due to the storyline. I was pleasantly surprised that this book is so much more. This book felt less like a romance between husband and wife and more a love story of found family and the steps you’ll take to keep it.
I absolutely adored that we bounce between the POVs of so many characters in this story. Getting to hear everyone’s inner thoughts, as the pretend family starts to feel more and more real, was so touching. This book gave me such warm and fuzzy feelings as Emmie and Will grow closer to the children and experience parenthood at a fast pace. And then seeing George and Rose start letting down their walls and learn to trust Emmie and Will. 🥰
If you’re looking for a historical fiction book full of love, found family, shenanigans, and trying to pull the wool over a grumpy old man’s eyes…I highly recommend getting ahold of this book after its September 20th release!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, and Classism