Love in the Afternoon
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Series: The Hathaways #5
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
My Rating:
Summary:
As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man – just to avoid spinsterhood?
He is a world-weary cynic
Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul – and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love – and a passion that can’t be denied.
First Sentence: It all began with a letter.
My Review:
As I read more and more of Lisa Kleypas’ novels, the more and more I fall in love with her books. They are all heartwarming, entertaining, and deeply romantic reads that just makes my day. I am quite sad to have finished reading Love in the Afternoon since it’s the last book in the fun and cute The Hathaways series, featuring the youngest Hathaway sibling, Beatrix.
Beatrix is the heroine in Love in the Afternoon and she is so uniquely different. I love how she cares dearly for animals and can communicate with them in her own special way. I love how she has a huge portion of her house devoted to the many animals she takes in. I love how she’s caring, patient, and isn’t afraid to be herself, even if it makes her “uncivilized” in society’s eyes. I love how she would rather endure being single forever than being married to someone that she doesn’t love. (That, I know, takes great courage.) I love how she keeps the promises she made even if it ultimately breaks her heart.
Although Christopher has changed from the handsome arrogant rude playboy Beatrix knew in the beginning to the new handsome, weary, hurt Christopher, I don’t really think he’s good enough for Beatrix. Christopher has become more relaxed, understanding, and should I dare say, nice ever since he re-met Beatrix, but I feel that Beatrix should be with someone more like her. However, if Beatrix finds someone that’s more like her, I probably would find some fault in him because simply, no one is good enough for Beatrix. However, since Christopher makes Beatrix very happy, I’m satisfied with the match.
My favorite scene in Love in the Afternoon is when Christopher’s stern grandfather, Annandale, meets Beatrix. I read that scene at least six times. The way Beatrix chatted with Annandale was charming and hilarious. I hope Christopher knows how fortunate he is to be able to win her heart.
And that ending. I was expecting that to happen as soon as Beatrix hinted about it, but to actually watch that happen is like a miracle. The ending just brought a huge smile on my face and made my entire day.
I wish Lisa Kleypas would later write a novel focused on Mark Bennett and Audrey. I want to see how they fell for each other and what Audrey would do when she discovers that Mark hasn’t been exactly honest with her. Keep writing Lisa!
Beatrix sounds like my kind of woman! I don’t know if I would find any man to be good enough for her either.
Beatrix is BEYOND awesome. You’ll adore her Susan! (:
Kelly recently posted…I’m Turning Old + A Birthday Giveaway