An Unexpected Bloom by Penny Fairbanks

In an uncertain world, she wants security for her future. He is happy to live his dreams as a humble gardener. Before their friendship can grow into more, they must confront their differences.

As the granddaughter of a baron, Helen Harcourt is accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle. Even more than that, she knows life can be very difficult for a lady when she doesn’t have the means to properly care for herself or her family. Her primary goal has always been to marry for practicality. Companionship and love are just bonuses. When she returns to her beloved country home after her first Season, she’s happy to reconnect with her good friend, the gardener’s son. Spending more time with him after failing to make a match in London forces Helen to reconsider her lifelong plans as she does something she never expected—fall in love.

Miles Corbyn has lived at the extravagant Attwood Manor all his life as the head groundskeeper’s son. His love for plants, as well as his friendship with one of the manor’s residents, encourages Miles to take up his position as assistant gardener to his father. This is his dream job and his dream life—simple and uncomplicated. Until he starts developing feelings for his employer’s granddaughter.

Try as they might, they can’t ignore the social gap between them forever. Can the roots of their love withstand the challenges they will face?