Hearts of Cornwall: Book 4
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
“Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.”
A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING
Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford’s eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed.
A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION
Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more.
AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED
When Kate sets her sights on Ben’s dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town’s inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.
But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it’s too late?
Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.
Chalk one up for The Bard. When the residents of Newford, Cornwall, decide to put on a production of Much Ado About Nothing, they create a stage for love to blossom.
Author K. Lyn Smith delivers a sweet Regency romance with Kissing Kate. Mix in a colorful cast of characters, a bit of matchmaking mischief, and a long-overdue kiss for a delightful tale.
Kate Parker is quite content to dirty her hands in the soil, having inherited her father’s affinity for plants. However, she knows it’s time to find a dependable husband.
Ben Kimbrell has tried since he was 13 to kiss Kate, but something always thwarts his plans. A family tragedy leaves him with feelings of guilt. He’s also keeping a secret about his trips to London. As a result, Kate has doubts about him being a good match, so she sets her cap for his cousin.
The author uses the secondary characters to assist in helping Kate and Ben realize that their future is together. And when that kiss finally happens, it is magical.
As one of the installments in the Hearts of Cornwall series, this story is perfect as a stand-alone. However, once you get a taste of the Kimbrell family, you’ll yearn for more!
Kissing Kate serves up a sweet romance perfect for the time period, featuring two people who deserve to be together.
K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award.
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?
What a thoughtful, lovely review – I’m so glad you enjoyed Ben and Kate’s story!