A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Lydia Charingford and Doctor Jonas Grantham's book





A Kiss for Midwinter (Brother's Sinister book 1.5)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him...or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way.

Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year. This winter, he's determined to conquer her dislike and win her for his own. It all starts with a wager and a kiss...

I was pleased to accept a copy from the author for a honest review

I always find myself feeling smarter after I read a Courtney Milan book. I think it is because it's very evident with how much research she pours into her story. I trust that if she is writing about a doctor's recipe from 1857, that in fact it was something that a doctor of the time would prescribe. 

Lydia and Jonas were secondary characters from the first book, The Duchess War. I would recommend reading that story first so that you have a firm understanding of Lydia's history. A Kiss for Midwinter is a novella but the read didn't feel short. 

I thought it was very interesting how Lydia and Jonas first met. Jonas recalls the conflicting situation relating to their first meeting instead of actually being acquainted with her. Lydia however, would never forget him; that time in her life forever etched in her mind.

The depth of deception that Lydia experienced early on in her life served as a heavy reminder in her sub-conscience to not believe that there were no ulterior motives when Jonas showed interest in her. She lets her guard down for a short while but painful memories flood back and she doesn't trust herself enough to move forward. I really felt for her and the internal battle she struggles with. 

Jonas is a perfect hero for me because he is so plain and simple with his conversations. He is factual and nonchalant in discussing human sexuality and yet Lydia strikes him in such a manner that he blurts out nonsense to her. It was humourous to hear him blurt out that he thinks that she is the eleventh prettiest woman in town. Jonas is the first to admit that there are defects with his character. 

A Kiss for Midwinter is a wonderful novella on how a woman can work through some painful memories and trust herself to take the happiness and love she deserves. Jonas is the perfect man to prove to Lydia that she does in fact deserve it. 


Teasers: eleventh prettiest woman, historical hoarder, sentimental set of leather-bound encyclopedias, French letters