Love Practically by Nichole Van - Scottish Historical Romance Review

Vivid descriptions of ancient castles, misty moors, and rugged mountains transport the reader back in time, immersing them in the world of Love Practically by Nichole Van. Can love overcome inner demons?

At-a-Glance

• Tone: Emotional, tender, and hopeful with moments of struggle and intensity

• Setting: Historical Scotland

• Genre: Historical romance

• Themes: Personal growth, redemption, enduring love, resilience, slow-burning romance

• Best for readers of: Character-driven historical romance, stories with strong heroines and flawed heroes, fans of slow-burn love and emotionally rich storytelling

Book Review for Love Practically by Nichole Van

Sometimes the hardest love stories are the ones that leave the biggest impact—and Nichole Van’s historical romance set in Scotland delivers just that. In this tender and emotionally charged tale, a flawed hero and a steadfast heroine navigate inner demons, personal growth, and slow-burning passion. With richly drawn characters, immersive historical detail, and a story that balances sorrow with hope, this novel is a heartwarming journey of love that’s well worth the read.

The male lead begins as a hero, but when we meet him again, he is far from perfect and battling several inner demons. The female lead is kind and patient throughout, and truly, I thought she deserved sainthood at a few points. Her strength of character and will made her all the more likable.

Fox undergoes a transformation throughout the book that is truly inspiring and hard-won. Leah has her battles, which all begin and end with her beloved Captain Fox.

The tender moments are all the more precious when they come after the struggles each faces. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. The author did a lovely job of bringing the time period to life, and I felt completely immersed in the world she created. Touches of mystery are hinted at, yet to this reader, it is primarily a love story.

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Book Information

Book 1 of 4: The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir

Publisher: ‎Fiorenza Publishing

Publication: ‎March 23, 2022

Book Type: ‎Novel

Reviewed by: MK

Content Rating: 2 Hearts

Review Disclaimer and Notes:

The copy reviewed was purchased by the reviewer. This review reflects the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books & Benches.

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About the Book

Love Practically by Nichole Van

(Retailer Description)

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. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

But 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.

Throughout it all, 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.

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