Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Forever and Forever by Josi S. Kilpack

Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: April 5, 2016

ISBN13: 9781629721422

Paperback: 336 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

A Proper Historical Romance series

The first book in a new series which will focus on the lives of real historical figures who have intriguing stories of courtship that are recreated in fictionalized accounts based on real biographical and social history research.

"A well-researched, emotionally charged tale. A love story...fit for the ages." -Publishers Weekly.

It's 1836, and nineteen-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits.

Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Widowed while on tour, he has stayed in order to gather credentials that he hopes will secure his professorship at Harvard College. When Henry meets Fanny, he sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is ten years older than she is, and from a much lower social class. How could such a relationship ever thrive?

Could a book of Henry’s poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?

My Review

Forever and Forever is another win for this talented author.  First of all, I will read anything Josi writes. I know her books will be well-written, clean, with amazing characters and a fantastic story.   I really enjoyed Josi's take on Henry and Fanny's life.  I was impressed with her research (as always) and the engaging characters.  One of my favorite scenes with Fanny and Henry was when Henry was telling Fanny his take on education for women.  I enjoyed their interaction.  I felt the pacing was just right throughout and I appreciated the development of their relationship.  I laughed, cried, smiled a lot and wanted more at the end. The chapter notes were an added treat. I'd say, this book was pretty much perfect.

5 out of 5 stars.  This book is an introduction to a new line from Shadow Mountain for historical fiction and I can't wait to see what is next.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book


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