Love Practically

The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir, Book 1

By: Nichole Van

Narrated by: Mhairi Morrison

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—Fox left for India and Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

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.

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.

©2022 Nichole Van Valkenburgh (P)2022 Tantor

Sheer genius

After my fourth or fifth reading, I cannot rightly recall, my respect for this woman continues to escalate. The poem alone written by the character Ethan Penleith is worth the purchase price. It can stand with the greatest of England’s poets! 

Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness

What an intensely in-depth and achingly beautiful read. So raw and real there were times I couldn’t bear the turmoil and then it made the acceptance and love all the more beautiful!

Buddy read and it was such a different and unexpected read for me! A bit steamier than I am used to, but in an elegant way. We kinda clarified it as open door, fade to black.

Marriage of Convenience story and Leiah Penn-Leith certainly had a lot to deal with and her selfless caring was so heartbreaking for a while she finally decided the life they were living wasn’t healthy for either of them and determined to let her husband, Fox learn for himself what he truly wanted from life.

Fox Carnagy had no knowledge of the love Leiah harbored before they were even wed. He was so torn up physically and emotionally he wasn’t aware of much of anything. When he was coherent his love for his young ward Madalin unknowingly hurt his wife whom he wouldn’t open up with to the true nature of his life before.

So much intertwined in this beautiful story. So many emotions and hard truths faced. I am now a huge fan and need to read the rest of the series and all the authors other books!
Highly recommend!

So many feels!

This book was just right. It's a story about growth, resilience and facing fears and insecurities. The romance was clean and tasteful, the drama was impactful, and the humor was always well-timed and often unexpected ( thanks to Mr. Dandy). Narration was also quite excellent. I will definitely check out other books from this author and narrator.

Great book!

I read this book and now have listened to the audio version. The audio version brings more depth to this story. Like all of Ms Van's books, I found myself laughing out loud. The characters in her books are so likeable and the stories are fun and sometimes a bit serious but always fabulous. Great narration too!

Beautiful

I am a veteran reader of historical romances, and have enjoyed many, but there is something about this one which makes it quite unforgettable. It is well written and wonderfully narrated, the characters are well developed and the surroundings are colorfully vivid. The depth of emotion strikes the bone, and several places caused my eyes to mist which almost never happens, even in real life. I feel like I know these people. The grisly parts are told in recollection, the steamy parts are suggestion. It is a tale that doesn’t rely on cheap gimmicks to exist. Not quite prose, but it flows like it is. The poetry was genuine. I recommend.

Love the charm

Nicole Vans books are my go to for vacation reading because they’re charming, heartwarming, have a little bit of mystery to the plot and have a happy ending. I loved this story and could relate to some aspects of the character’s conflict. It was a delight!

Rabidreader

I have recently found this author, and think this maybe her best yet! She weaves humor, Scottish brogue, and some really tough problems, to make a very satisfying read,that is hard to put down! More please?!

Sweet and great character development!

Leah is an excellent character. She and Fox are well balanced throughout the story giving the story a gentle but heartwarming progression.

Poetically Beautiful Love Story

Narrator was amazing! A great touch to an amazing story about all facets of love and loss, set in the Scottish Highlands.

Very good

Characters are well fleshed out. You get to know them and how the fit in the story. Romance of a mature couple with trauma issues and a hidden agenda. Well written emotional story. Insights into life changing issues.