Romance Me Wednesdays
Leave the guesswork to me! I read all the historical romance novels I can get my hands on, then recommend my favorites via blogpost review!
Leave the guesswork to me! I read all the historical romance novels I can get my hands on, then recommend my favorites via blogpost review!
Years Ago ...
I read my first romance novel. I remember it as if it was yesterday ... although in that moment when I bent back the paperback cover and put my eyes to page 1, I had no idea how profoundly it would shape my future and the woman I was to become.
The book was The Runaway Bride by Patricia McLinn (LINK), and I was sixteen. The only reason I picked it up from the Free Book section of my library was because I had recently watched the movie of the same name, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. This particular book and that particular movie were not at all connected ... but the shared title was the catalyst for a life-long love with romance novels.
And as I pursue a career in writing my own romance stories, I am so grateful for that moment of chance years ago ...
Throughout the last decade, I have read hundreds, if not thousands, of romance novels. And I have come to identify my favorite genres. Number 1 at the top of the list is historical romance, mostly set in England, and mostly taking place during the 19th century.
And so, I have decided that since this genre and its stories fit in perfectly with the goal of this blog, I shall make a regular series in which I recommend my very favorite novels and review the stories for your knowledge.
Today's book is Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas. This is the first of the author's 5-book "Wallflowers" series, an incredible grouping of heroes and heroines!
(LINK)
- Please Excuse me While I Swoon ...
Lisa Kleypas keeps my addiction to rugged, powerful, and hunky men well- and very happily-fueled. You know who I am talking about ... the ones built like a modern day weight lifter, no matter the fact that men of their station and time period leaned more towards the skinny, pale, and weaker side. A truthful portrayal is just not to my taste ... so thank-you-very-much-indeed, Ms. Kleypas!
Simon Hunt is the hero of this story, the Romeo to Annabelle Peyton's Juliet. Lisa Kleypas attributes some of his build to his being the son of a butcher, but even in his adult life he maintains an impressive physique. Like all good romance heroes, he is exceedingly good looking, but that is not all to commend ...
Body of a Greek god aside, Simon is (against his best efforts) actually a very romantic man. It is endearing to see his caring and possessive nature develop. And let me tell you, ladies ... keep a look out for the following scenes for some serious swoon-worthiness: when Annabelle falls ill, the engagement scene, the final scenes leading to the finish.
In this novel, like the larger series to which it belongs, the author shines in her effortless ability to teach us interesting tidbits about Victorian England without making us feel like we will be tested later on the material in our college history class. I have read other historical romance novels, and some tend to lean either to the side where I seriously doubt the time period as accurate, or to the other, where historical notes are force-fed down my throat. Ms. Kleypas admirably reaches a middle ground.
I especially appreciate the introduction to the girls, which also gives valuable insight into the qualities most revered by young, marriageable misses of the Victorian era. Annabelle might be the most beautiful girl in London, but her lack of dowry and "advanced age" keep her from attracting the men she so hopes to ensnare. Likewise, her friends exhibit both desirable beauty but damning other qualities, and it is fun to read how each of their stories play out ...
Another part of the novel which taught me a great deal about historical London is located towards the end of the book, where Simon and his friend Lord Westcliff apply themselves to the development of the locomotive industry in England.
Many romance novels feature a hero with unimaginable wealth who has successfully navigated through life's hardships to end up where he is now after growing up poor. Many romance novels describe a smart, likable heroine whose family struggles financially. Not man romance novels (at least that I have read) combine the two.
Simon and Annabelle are so very different, yet this characteristic is one that is shared. I think it very refreshing that the heroine is stunted by her sad lack of family finances, and her development regarding money which progresses as the story unfolds makes her all the more likable.
I am very thankful that Simon was is wealthier than all get-out, as I like my men's pockets as I like their bodies ... bulging. Sorry, it's true ;)
Simon Hunt is the hero of this story, the Romeo to Annabelle Peyton's Juliet. Lisa Kleypas attributes some of his build to his being the son of a butcher, but even in his adult life he maintains an impressive physique. Like all good romance heroes, he is exceedingly good looking, but that is not all to commend ...
Body of a Greek god aside, Simon is (against his best efforts) actually a very romantic man. It is endearing to see his caring and possessive nature develop. And let me tell you, ladies ... keep a look out for the following scenes for some serious swoon-worthiness: when Annabelle falls ill, the engagement scene, the final scenes leading to the finish.
- Who Needs History Class When We Have Lisa Kleypas?
In this novel, like the larger series to which it belongs, the author shines in her effortless ability to teach us interesting tidbits about Victorian England without making us feel like we will be tested later on the material in our college history class. I have read other historical romance novels, and some tend to lean either to the side where I seriously doubt the time period as accurate, or to the other, where historical notes are force-fed down my throat. Ms. Kleypas admirably reaches a middle ground.
I especially appreciate the introduction to the girls, which also gives valuable insight into the qualities most revered by young, marriageable misses of the Victorian era. Annabelle might be the most beautiful girl in London, but her lack of dowry and "advanced age" keep her from attracting the men she so hopes to ensnare. Likewise, her friends exhibit both desirable beauty but damning other qualities, and it is fun to read how each of their stories play out ...
Another part of the novel which taught me a great deal about historical London is located towards the end of the book, where Simon and his friend Lord Westcliff apply themselves to the development of the locomotive industry in England.
- Down on His -- No, Their -- Luck
Many romance novels feature a hero with unimaginable wealth who has successfully navigated through life's hardships to end up where he is now after growing up poor. Many romance novels describe a smart, likable heroine whose family struggles financially. Not man romance novels (at least that I have read) combine the two.
Simon and Annabelle are so very different, yet this characteristic is one that is shared. I think it very refreshing that the heroine is stunted by her sad lack of family finances, and her development regarding money which progresses as the story unfolds makes her all the more likable.
I am very thankful that Simon was is wealthier than all get-out, as I like my men's pockets as I like their bodies ... bulging. Sorry, it's true ;)
- Friends Are the Family You Choose For Yourself
Secrets of a Summer Night introduces the reader to Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy. Each young lady is forced to face difficulties, as their largest obstacles are brought about by the realities of their family lives. Therefore, it is easy to see why they bond so quickly, though to others around them such a quartet is quite unexpected.
As a woman who has been blessed by wonderful friendships myself, I hold these stories dear, and I appreciate the author for putting into words and on paper the bonds between girlfriends that are so very difficult to describe.
I can promise you that if you love Annabelle's story, you will be so happy to read how the other romances pan out. And if you have never read any novels by Lisa Kleypas, this series is a great one to try. There are some steamy moments, mind you, but if that doesn't bother you, please try these novels on for size!
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Look forward for more "Romance Me Wednesdays" featuring the remaining 4 books to this series, and many more!
Until next time,
Rebecca
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