Some historical romances linger not because of grand gestures, but because of the quiet ache of misunderstanding, pride, and longing that sits between two people who care deeply for one another. Lilacs for Lucy is one of those stories – tender, emotionally honest, and rooted in a time when a woman’s ambition could be both brave and costly. Set against the backdrop of Victorian medicine and small-town scrutiny, this novella explores what it means to fight for your calling and for love, even when old wounds still ache.
Title: Lilacs For Lucy
Author: Amber Mae Weston
Series: Victorian Valentines
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
What a raw emotional read this one was!
Lucy is a dedicated and caring young woman who is setting out on her path to be her village’s midwife, even if the path seems challenging. She knows she will be facing criticism and an uphill battle to get patients to trust her. She’s ready for the challenge and has the support of her wonderful father who knows she can be successful.
But she certainly didn’t expect her neighbor William to return at the same time. He’s now a doctor and the boy she loved a long time ago. But he trampled on her heart when he laughed at her so many years ago when she said she wanted to be a doctor. While she’s forgiven him, she knows he will be her competition as well.
Little does she realize however, that he is irrevocably in love with her and has explicitly returned to their village in hopes of convincing her his love is true. This story does such a wonderful job of being fair to both character’s feelings and I know I felt pulled in both their directions throughout this one. Each one is pining in their own way, but can’t see through the lilac bushes, so to speak, to really see that they are loved in return. Both of them are suffering from issues related to not feeling worthy of the other and so a lot of misunderstandings pile up throughout their time together.
They end up working with one another as a doctor/midwife pairing, and William quickly realizes that he has a lot to learn. Lucy is very capable with her practice and knows how to help her patients in ways that William was never taught. He even realizes that it’s possible his male-dominated school has a strong bias towards midwives and influenced some of his own inappropriate reactions to Lucy’s methods.
Lucy is brave and kind; William is supportive and funny – but they both have deep feelings for one another without ever realizing how the other feels. William continues to aggravate Lucy with his bias on midwives approach to health and challenges her on more than one occasion, unintentionally, and creates quite the dilemma for himself.
Ultimately, this was a story of love triumphing and two people willing to talk through their issues and work together. It was bittersweet and humbling in a way that only historical romances can do. I loved Lucy and William!
Publisher’s Blurb:
Lucy Hargrave spent years being rejected by medical schools, her dream of becoming a doctor denied at every turn. Returning home in 1856 as a trained midwife, she expects a place where her skill will finally be valued—and a chance to leave the past behind.
But William Ashford, a newly minted doctor and the childhood friend who once laughed at her ambition, has returned too.
When Farmer Jones’ pregnant daughter falls ill, treatment becomes a competition. The whole town watches to see who will handle the case best.
For Lucy, it’s a chance to prove her skill and secure her place. For William, it’s an opportunity to make amends—and perhaps win back the woman he never stopped thinking of.
Old wounds, anonymous letters, and one perilous birth force them to choose: will rivalry keep them apart, or can forgiveness take root—like lilacs after a hard winter?
A no-spice Victorian rivals-to-lovers novella of pride, trust, and second chances.
Where to Buy:
Lilacs for Lucy is the kind of historical romance that doesn’t rush its emotional payoff. It asks its characters – and its readers – to sit with discomfort, pride, and vulnerability before offering resolution. If you enjoy no-spice Victorian romances rooted in growth, forgiveness, and second chances, this story is well worth your time.
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