What do you think?
Rate this book
The Merridew Sisters #2
The Perfect Waltz
Pesta Dansa dalam Season di London bukanlah lingkungan yang cocok bagi Sebastian Reyne. Namun, adik-adik perempuannya sangat membutuhkan perhatian, dan Sebastian mencari istri yang praktis dan bersahaja. Orang yang tidak dibutuhkannya adalah bidadari periang seperti Hope Merridew, gadis memesona kesayangan kalangan bangsawan.
Siapakah pria misterius yang melahap Hope Merridew dengan pandangan matanya itu? Bisik-bisik mengatakan pria itu berbahaya, dengan warisan keluarga yang misterius, Sebastian terbukti benar-benar menggoda bagi gadis muda yang penuh semangat seperti Hope. Namun, apakah pria itu yang akan membuat impiannya berdansa waltz dengan sempurna akan terwujud? Siapa yang dapat menduga sebuah dansa dapat menyalakan hasrat yang b
Siapakah pria misterius yang melahap Hope Merridew dengan pandangan matanya itu? Bisik-bisik mengatakan pria itu berbahaya, dengan warisan keluarga yang misterius, Sebastian terbukti benar-benar menggoda bagi gadis muda yang penuh semangat seperti Hope. Namun, apakah pria itu yang akan membuat impiannya berdansa waltz dengan sempurna akan terwujud? Siapa yang dapat menduga sebuah dansa dapat menyalakan hasrat yang b
528 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
167 people are currently reading
1650 people want to read
About the author
Anne Gracie
95 books1,535 followersI've always loved stories. Family legend has it that I used to spend hours playing in the sand pit, with a dog on either side of me and Rocka the horse leaning over me, his head just touching my shoulder, while I told them stories. I have to say, dogs and horses are great audiences, apart from their tendency to drool occasionally. But people are even nicer.
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
September 15, 2023
This was a letdown after the perfection that was book 1, The Perfect Rake. (Gideon was the perfect rake indeed.)
The hero in this book, Sebastian, is tortured but in a super irritating way. He spends 70% of the book actively pursuing an engagement with a woman other than the heroine just because he thinks this other woman would be a “better match” for him. His reasons for thinking that made zero sense.
He also runs textile mills with child labor. And this is supposed to be fine because he treats the children in his mill better than other child laborers tend to be treated, and he “doesn’t take the very young ones”. 😬 I know this is set in a different time with different standards, but it’s difficult to romanticize a man who is doing deeply immoral things even if they wouldn’t consider it immoral back then.
The heroine, Hope, was a sweetheart and her morals at least were in the right place. She falls for Sebastian quickly and pursues him. I liked her kind spirit and her determination to make a better life for herself than the one she had as a child.
She is, of course, a blushing virgin who’s never even touched herself and when he gives her an orgasm she’s like “what WAS that?” (🙄 why are we pretending that women don’t know about masturbation 🙄) but ig that comes with the bodice ripper territory.
I enjoyed the writing and the pacing as much as I did in book 1, it’s just that the characters and the romance weren’t nearly as captivating. Maybe it’s a case of trope mismatch here. I just don’t like the tropes this book hit.
The hero in this book, Sebastian, is tortured but in a super irritating way. He spends 70% of the book actively pursuing an engagement with a woman other than the heroine just because he thinks this other woman would be a “better match” for him. His reasons for thinking that made zero sense.
He also runs textile mills with child labor. And this is supposed to be fine because he treats the children in his mill better than other child laborers tend to be treated, and he “doesn’t take the very young ones”. 😬 I know this is set in a different time with different standards, but it’s difficult to romanticize a man who is doing deeply immoral things even if they wouldn’t consider it immoral back then.
The heroine, Hope, was a sweetheart and her morals at least were in the right place. She falls for Sebastian quickly and pursues him. I liked her kind spirit and her determination to make a better life for herself than the one she had as a child.
She is, of course, a blushing virgin who’s never even touched herself and when he gives her an orgasm she’s like “what WAS that?” (🙄 why are we pretending that women don’t know about masturbation 🙄) but ig that comes with the bodice ripper territory.
I enjoyed the writing and the pacing as much as I did in book 1, it’s just that the characters and the romance weren’t nearly as captivating. Maybe it’s a case of trope mismatch here. I just don’t like the tropes this book hit.
February 10, 2017
Usually a bubbly female character who loves to dance, wear frilly dresses, flirts, and smiles all of the time would drive me to drink. Not that that's a long ride. Really, shortest trip ever. But, I loved Hope in this book. She has suffered terrible abuse as a child and yet embraces life to the fullest now that she's free. Instead of cowering and becoming bitter over her past, she is determined to enjoy her present. I actually like this girl.
Ok. I get it.
Sebastian, our guy, is looking for a wife who can help him deal with his young sisters who were traumatized and are acting out. He wants a wife who understands the needs of these kids and who is not a spoiled aristocrat. Unfortunately, he thinks Hope is a sheltered little rich girl because of her looks and upbeat personality. Although he is attracted to her, he has picked out the dowdiest, sternest mousy girl he could find. A spinster who only wears gray - everything is gray - all the time.
Plus, as his best friend points out about Sebastian's drab choice of a woman:
"But she's got no bosoms! You can't marry a woman with no bosoms!"
That's a bummer. The Wonderbra hadn't been invented yet, obviously, but they still had some sort of tissue paper, didn't they? Cotton balls? Removable shoulder pads? We got pretty creative in middle school.
now, I stuff my bra with things that interest ME, not them.
The annoying thing was that Sebastian's bestie knew a little about the fact that Hope had an abusive past, but every time he tried to tell Sebastian, he would cut him off and not listen. He was determined to think that she must be a vacuous, silly, spoiled girl just because of her looks. It really pissed me off. So, he was attracted to her "in spite of good sense" as far as he was concerned. Because everyone is exactly the same on the inside and outside, right? What a dick!
We are all a bunch of pinatas. You don't know what's inside until we're cracked open. That is your philosophy lesson for the day. You're welcome.
In spite of that, this story was cute and fun. I especially loved Sebastian's best friend, Giles. He was hilarious and I really loved who he ended up with in the end.
Ok. I get it.
Sebastian, our guy, is looking for a wife who can help him deal with his young sisters who were traumatized and are acting out. He wants a wife who understands the needs of these kids and who is not a spoiled aristocrat. Unfortunately, he thinks Hope is a sheltered little rich girl because of her looks and upbeat personality. Although he is attracted to her, he has picked out the dowdiest, sternest mousy girl he could find. A spinster who only wears gray - everything is gray - all the time.
Plus, as his best friend points out about Sebastian's drab choice of a woman:
"But she's got no bosoms! You can't marry a woman with no bosoms!"
That's a bummer. The Wonderbra hadn't been invented yet, obviously, but they still had some sort of tissue paper, didn't they? Cotton balls? Removable shoulder pads? We got pretty creative in middle school.
now, I stuff my bra with things that interest ME, not them.
The annoying thing was that Sebastian's bestie knew a little about the fact that Hope had an abusive past, but every time he tried to tell Sebastian, he would cut him off and not listen. He was determined to think that she must be a vacuous, silly, spoiled girl just because of her looks. It really pissed me off. So, he was attracted to her "in spite of good sense" as far as he was concerned. Because everyone is exactly the same on the inside and outside, right? What a dick!
We are all a bunch of pinatas. You don't know what's inside until we're cracked open. That is your philosophy lesson for the day. You're welcome.
In spite of that, this story was cute and fun. I especially loved Sebastian's best friend, Giles. He was hilarious and I really loved who he ended up with in the end.
August 30, 2023
I read this out of order as it was on the free side of audible and was due to be removed soon. The author takes time to introduce the characters and the traumas of their lives that make them into the good people they are. A book written in 2005 but the audiobook was recorded more recently and was wonderfully read by Heather Wilds. A book that is mainly about the characters did have some bits that slowed and then picked up throughout the book. The plus side is that it has a secondary romance that added a lot. I rate it 3.5*
March 15, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I decided to give book 2 a try. It was just as good.
Actually The Perfect Waltz started slowly especially as I totally failed to see the logic in the main character's choice of wife to be. Fortunately his friend, Giles, was on my side and totally sorted the whole affair out.
One thing about Anne Gracie that you need to know is that she is very talented at pulling on your heart strings. There are small children involved and puppies. A large box of tissues needs to kept handy. Any book which requires frequent mopping of eyes and nose blowing must be good.
Definitely on to book three!
Actually The Perfect Waltz started slowly especially as I totally failed to see the logic in the main character's choice of wife to be. Fortunately his friend, Giles, was on my side and totally sorted the whole affair out.
One thing about Anne Gracie that you need to know is that she is very talented at pulling on your heart strings. There are small children involved and puppies. A large box of tissues needs to kept handy. Any book which requires frequent mopping of eyes and nose blowing must be good.
Definitely on to book three!
February 8, 2009
Okay Richard Armitage is so Sebastian Reyne in this book. I am like Hope. Sebastian is giving me the shivers. He is dark and brooding, and totally yummalicious. Why are so many of my favorite heroes named Sebastian? What a coinkidink!
This was a touching book. There are multiple scenes that made me tear up, and I don't typically do that while I'm reading. I just loved Sebastian. He was this big, brawny guy who was as soft as a marshmallow inside. His heart is so full of love, but he felt that he was condemned to loneliness because of the tragedy in his past. Hope was absolutely the right woman for him. She is full of light and joy, yet at the same time, she knew about the darker side of life, from the horrible abuse she endured from her evil, cruel grandfather. Although she is wary of large, powerful men, she instantly feels a connection to Sebastian and is unable to be afraid of him. Sebastian sees Hope and feels like he has seen his heart's desire. But he knows that he had to seek a wife who can be a good mother to his sister, and he thinks he's found her in older, plain, and practical Lady Elinore.
There is a social consciousness aspect of this book that I enjoyed. Sebastian in a mill-owner, but a conscientious one, since he had to work in the mills as a child to support his family. The book touches on child labor and abuse in the Regency England times, as well as the plight of orphaned children. But it is not done on a heavy-handed manner. Instead it is an integral part of the storyline, as Sebastian seeks a peaceful home for his sisters, and thus a wife, and we learn of their pasts as orphans. The woman he is courting, Lady Elinore, is a child crusader, so it plays heavily into the plot of the book.
It was nice to revisit the Merridew sisters and to see how life has progressed since Prudence's story The Perfect Rake. We also get to meet Sebastian's troubled younger sisters Cassie and Dorie, who have vivid and unique personalities of their own. My heart goes out to Sebastian and his sisters at the situation they faced, and Sebastian's anguish at his perceived inability to reach and to help his sisters. It's great that Hope is able to help them to grow closer together and to heal from their pasts. I really enjoyed the unlikely secondary romance between Lady Elinore, and Sebastian's outgoing, carefree friend Giles. I was rooting for them to end up together.
Once again, Anne Gracie has captivated me and touched me with another of her emotional, deeply-layered romances.
This was a touching book. There are multiple scenes that made me tear up, and I don't typically do that while I'm reading. I just loved Sebastian. He was this big, brawny guy who was as soft as a marshmallow inside. His heart is so full of love, but he felt that he was condemned to loneliness because of the tragedy in his past. Hope was absolutely the right woman for him. She is full of light and joy, yet at the same time, she knew about the darker side of life, from the horrible abuse she endured from her evil, cruel grandfather. Although she is wary of large, powerful men, she instantly feels a connection to Sebastian and is unable to be afraid of him. Sebastian sees Hope and feels like he has seen his heart's desire. But he knows that he had to seek a wife who can be a good mother to his sister, and he thinks he's found her in older, plain, and practical Lady Elinore.
There is a social consciousness aspect of this book that I enjoyed. Sebastian in a mill-owner, but a conscientious one, since he had to work in the mills as a child to support his family. The book touches on child labor and abuse in the Regency England times, as well as the plight of orphaned children. But it is not done on a heavy-handed manner. Instead it is an integral part of the storyline, as Sebastian seeks a peaceful home for his sisters, and thus a wife, and we learn of their pasts as orphans. The woman he is courting, Lady Elinore, is a child crusader, so it plays heavily into the plot of the book.
It was nice to revisit the Merridew sisters and to see how life has progressed since Prudence's story The Perfect Rake. We also get to meet Sebastian's troubled younger sisters Cassie and Dorie, who have vivid and unique personalities of their own. My heart goes out to Sebastian and his sisters at the situation they faced, and Sebastian's anguish at his perceived inability to reach and to help his sisters. It's great that Hope is able to help them to grow closer together and to heal from their pasts. I really enjoyed the unlikely secondary romance between Lady Elinore, and Sebastian's outgoing, carefree friend Giles. I was rooting for them to end up together.
Once again, Anne Gracie has captivated me and touched me with another of her emotional, deeply-layered romances.
February 12, 2018
Okay so for a change, I’m reading a series in the correct order.
Having read the highly humorous first book I was hoping for more of the same but this book is different... more mushy, even cheesy. I enjoyed it but some parts dragged, especially where the story veered away from the h/H or his sisters.
And so the first one is still my favorite!
The cit and the diamond of the season fall in love at first sight. While he fights it, as he wants a sensible, responsible wife who can take care of his troubled young sisters and not a pampered belle of the beau monde, she wears her heart on her sleeves through out. I liked her despite her perfectly perfect MarySue-ishness.
This book has many sweet, fluffy moments and is mostly about how he fights a losing battle.
But I disliked the attention and time given to the ow, however nice she is.
The young lost sisters of the H add a heartwarming angle in the story. I liked the backstory of the Reyne family as well. Added the angst as the sisters’ past did in the first book.
So while this book has a lot of swoon worthy moments and a perfect couple connection, I somehow couldn’t love it as much as I ought to.
Having read the highly humorous first book I was hoping for more of the same but this book is different... more mushy, even cheesy. I enjoyed it but some parts dragged, especially where the story veered away from the h/H or his sisters.
And so the first one is still my favorite!
The cit and the diamond of the season fall in love at first sight. While he fights it, as he wants a sensible, responsible wife who can take care of his troubled young sisters and not a pampered belle of the beau monde, she wears her heart on her sleeves through out. I liked her despite her perfectly perfect MarySue-ishness.
This book has many sweet, fluffy moments and is mostly about how he fights a losing battle.
But I disliked the attention and time given to the ow, however nice she is.
The young lost sisters of the H add a heartwarming angle in the story. I liked the backstory of the Reyne family as well. Added the angst as the sisters’ past did in the first book.
So while this book has a lot of swoon worthy moments and a perfect couple connection, I somehow couldn’t love it as much as I ought to.
November 26, 2014
This was such a sweet romance!
I loved both Hope and Sebastian!
Hope was just like her name: a person who brings hope in other people lives! She was so optimistic and basically good that it could become too much, but here it was just perfect! I loved her view on life, her indignance towards the way orphan girls were treated, her way of expressing her thoughts and her opinions! It was just wonderful!
I loved Sebastian too. He was such a sweet guy! And his love for his sisters were great! Also his inability to express it was endearing. But I could feel it in every move he made and every word he said! I loved him because he didn't know how to express it and how he was going wrong while trying to do the right thing!
The interaction between Hope and Sebastian is wonderful. She knows just the right thing to do and say to make him understand where he's standing!
I enjoyed the secondary romance between Giles and Elinor. It was so much fun to read about how Giles treat Elinor in order to pull her out of her shell! Really hilarious!
A recommended book for all who love sweet with a touch of heat!
I loved both Hope and Sebastian!
Hope was just like her name: a person who brings hope in other people lives! She was so optimistic and basically good that it could become too much, but here it was just perfect! I loved her view on life, her indignance towards the way orphan girls were treated, her way of expressing her thoughts and her opinions! It was just wonderful!
I loved Sebastian too. He was such a sweet guy! And his love for his sisters were great! Also his inability to express it was endearing. But I could feel it in every move he made and every word he said! I loved him because he didn't know how to express it and how he was going wrong while trying to do the right thing!
The interaction between Hope and Sebastian is wonderful. She knows just the right thing to do and say to make him understand where he's standing!
I enjoyed the secondary romance between Giles and Elinor. It was so much fun to read about how Giles treat Elinor in order to pull her out of her shell! Really hilarious!
A recommended book for all who love sweet with a touch of heat!
October 11, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ I was really excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it! Although this was great, the first book in this series remains my favorite. I did still love both Sebastian and Hope so much. Their romance was so sweet!
The scene when he laid eyes on her for the very first time was just so romantic. He was mesmerized by her dazzling beauty and love of life 🥹. He didn’t even realize he was just standing there smiling while watching her dance. It’s one of my favorite scenes in this book.
I just enjoyed myself immensely. I loved how flustered Sebastian was when he was around Hope. He was so tongue-tied and awkward. It was adorable 🤭.
He was broody but with such a big heart. I loved how he cared for his little sisters as well! And Hope, oh how my heart broke for her and her sisters. They endured so much pain at such a young age but I’m so glad they got their HEA ❤️
The romance did seem to take a backseat to the plot in the middle of the book and it felt kind of slow at times, but other than that, it was still a really enjoyable read.
The scene when he laid eyes on her for the very first time was just so romantic. He was mesmerized by her dazzling beauty and love of life 🥹. He didn’t even realize he was just standing there smiling while watching her dance. It’s one of my favorite scenes in this book.
I just enjoyed myself immensely. I loved how flustered Sebastian was when he was around Hope. He was so tongue-tied and awkward. It was adorable 🤭.
He was broody but with such a big heart. I loved how he cared for his little sisters as well! And Hope, oh how my heart broke for her and her sisters. They endured so much pain at such a young age but I’m so glad they got their HEA ❤️
The romance did seem to take a backseat to the plot in the middle of the book and it felt kind of slow at times, but other than that, it was still a really enjoyable read.
September 22, 2018
Here are some of my thoughts:
• Like the 1st book, the background of the characters are so heart-wrenching. In this case, Sebastian’s background is literally so sad, and it explains why he goes so far to make a good life for his sisters.
• Giles is a surprise. He is such a supportive friend and hilarious character. Also,
• Elinore is also a surprise. I thought she was stuffy and rigid, but she actually turned out to be a really good person. The way her mother raised her was scary and it explained so much why she turned out the way she did. I liked that despite all of that, she had good intentions.
• Strong family theme
Overall, it’s a solid read. 3 stars (maybe 3.5)
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
• Like the 1st book, the background of the characters are so heart-wrenching. In this case, Sebastian’s background is literally so sad, and it explains why he goes so far to make a good life for his sisters.
• Giles is a surprise. He is such a supportive friend and hilarious character. Also,
• Elinore is also a surprise. I thought she was stuffy and rigid, but she actually turned out to be a really good person. The way her mother raised her was scary and it explained so much why she turned out the way she did. I liked that despite all of that, she had good intentions.
• Strong family theme
Overall, it’s a solid read. 3 stars (maybe 3.5)
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
April 16, 2021
This whole series is about how important family ties are. Even more important in the dark times. So, some things said here were very strong like child abuse, child labor, reunion of family members after years of being kidnapped.
The romance side of things was very light which gave the story a balance. I don't like love at first sight trope, but here the writer transformed it into a sweet story.
I absolutely loved that we saw the rest of the family members in the end of the book. I loved Gideon and Prudence so much from book 1!
The romance side of things was very light which gave the story a balance. I don't like love at first sight trope, but here the writer transformed it into a sweet story.
I absolutely loved that we saw the rest of the family members in the end of the book. I loved Gideon and Prudence so much from book 1!
August 1, 2016
3.5
Hope Merridew was the reason I waited this long to continue with this series. She was selfish and not very likeable in the first book. I really needed some time to get over her behaviour there. I was hoping this book, since it's her story, will give us more insight into her character. It did that and more.
Hope is forgiven completely. The hero, her sisters and their problems are what Hope needed to shine.
If you want lots of angst and drama, I'm afraid this isn't a book for you. These two realize and admit what they feel much earlier than it is the case in other books.
Another great part of this book is a secondary romance between Sebastian Reyne's best friend and a wallflower.
Overall, the strength of this book is not in the romance itself but in all the various bits and pieces of characters' lives and experiences.
Hope Merridew was the reason I waited this long to continue with this series. She was selfish and not very likeable in the first book. I really needed some time to get over her behaviour there. I was hoping this book, since it's her story, will give us more insight into her character. It did that and more.
Hope is forgiven completely. The hero, her sisters and their problems are what Hope needed to shine.
If you want lots of angst and drama, I'm afraid this isn't a book for you. These two realize and admit what they feel much earlier than it is the case in other books.
Another great part of this book is a secondary romance between Sebastian Reyne's best friend and a wallflower.
Overall, the strength of this book is not in the romance itself but in all the various bits and pieces of characters' lives and experiences.
February 14, 2021
Sweet story about H determined to make a MOC for his sisters sake. He was courting an joyless lady, she's a good person doing the best to live up to her mother's expectations. When the H sees the beautiful heroine he dismissed her as spoiled. The heroine had been abused and found joy in her family, and freedom. I loved seeing the H's friend flirt with the joyless lady. This was a lot of fun, and the heroine was great. Not perfect though as she pushed the lonely lady too far, but I liked how she apologised and asked to be her friend. Both ladies were interesting heroines.
January 3, 2022
"The Perfect Waltz" is the story of Hope and Sebastian.
Sebastian Reyne is a society outcast, looking for a plain, practical bride. His reason- he is a widower and wants someone to help him connect to his estranged siblings. He sets his eyes on Lady Elinore Whitelaw, who runs a finishing school for orphans. However, fate has different plans as he meets, and reluctantly falls for the belle of the ball, the stunning Hope Merridew.
He tries to fight his attraction for her, but as feelings are reciprocated and families get involved, his intentions are thwarted.
This was an easy read which had so many fun elements. The hero really cared about his siblings, and their eventual bond was heartwarming. I like the integration between the Merridew sisters and his family. I have a feeling I will not like where Faith's story leads. That being said, the best part and the reason this was elevated to a 4 star read is the chemistry, banter and romance between the secondary couple Giles Bemerton and Lady Elinore Whitelaw. I absolutely adored it. The main couple was bland for me.
Safe
3.5/5
Sebastian Reyne is a society outcast, looking for a plain, practical bride. His reason- he is a widower and wants someone to help him connect to his estranged siblings. He sets his eyes on Lady Elinore Whitelaw, who runs a finishing school for orphans. However, fate has different plans as he meets, and reluctantly falls for the belle of the ball, the stunning Hope Merridew.
He tries to fight his attraction for her, but as feelings are reciprocated and families get involved, his intentions are thwarted.
This was an easy read which had so many fun elements. The hero really cared about his siblings, and their eventual bond was heartwarming. I like the integration between the Merridew sisters and his family. I have a feeling I will not like where Faith's story leads. That being said, the best part and the reason this was elevated to a 4 star read is the chemistry, banter and romance between the secondary couple Giles Bemerton and Lady Elinore Whitelaw. I absolutely adored it. The main couple was bland for me.
Safe
3.5/5
February 5, 2021
Enjoy the female bonds and family ties in this series. Lots of heart, lots to love.
This was a Reread — it held up.
This was a Reread — it held up.
August 20, 2021
Audiobook Review:
I truly loved "The Perfect Rake" and knew that "The Perfect Waltz" would just as good. I enjoyed the audiobook listen and thought the main characters so likeable. At first listen, I thought I was going to get a bit bored with the story as Sebastian seemed to be too arrogant for my taste, however after listening further to the story, he was just a sweetheart who cared very much for his sisters. Hope was too a little plain but again she turned out to be adorable. The supporting characters contributed alot to the story (i.e., Aunt Gussie, the sisters, and Elinore and Giles)
Narration performed by Heather Wilds was very good and made you want to get to the HEA for Hope and Sebastian.
I truly loved "The Perfect Rake" and knew that "The Perfect Waltz" would just as good. I enjoyed the audiobook listen and thought the main characters so likeable. At first listen, I thought I was going to get a bit bored with the story as Sebastian seemed to be too arrogant for my taste, however after listening further to the story, he was just a sweetheart who cared very much for his sisters. Hope was too a little plain but again she turned out to be adorable. The supporting characters contributed alot to the story (i.e., Aunt Gussie, the sisters, and Elinore and Giles)
Narration performed by Heather Wilds was very good and made you want to get to the HEA for Hope and Sebastian.
August 16, 2018
I was finally able to track this book down, and I am glad that I did. It was a very sweet, easy to read story. All characters involved were well written and easy to root for. The steam factory was a little low and didn't kick in until towards the end, but what drives the story is more so the light drama going on. The only thing that prevented it from being a 5-star for me was that once the H and h admitted their love to each other, it became sickeningly sweet. Like, honey sugar looms sweetie pie precious face endearments. I would rather admissions of love to be more gut-wrenching realizations. I cant wait to read Faith's story now, it sounds like a great marriage of convenience story!
June 1, 2009
Very sweet... I wish the steam factor was more but the plot was good and kept moving... felt like some of the discussions could have happened earlier but then the story would have been over right LOL? I still have to read #3 but I think of the 3 I have read so far that the last one The Perfect Kiss is still my favorite. But now I have to hunt down The Perfect Stranger!
January 24, 2016
My favorite part of the book was actually the secondary character romance. I enjoyed the hero's friend Giles very much. I also thought this book should have ended 50 pages earlier than it did. There kept being very final sentences and then it would keep going and going. Though I liked the way it ended up the last third could have been trimmed with no issues.
June 24, 2015
This is the second book in the serie. And it is again a subliem book of Anne Gracie. It reads very easy. It is almost impossible to put it down, you just want to finish it in one time. (But that is not always possible) This is again a book that I can recommand.
You can read it on its own but for the story it is better if you read them in the correct order. Because in this book there are references to the past of Hope. And the story of the 4 sisters is more detailed descripted in the first book. With the knowledge from the first book certain parts in the book are more comprehensible.
Sebastian Reyne wants to find a wife in London who can take care of his two sisters. They don't have a good relation, and his sisters don't see him as there brother. But in the beginning of the book he tells a few times that he had "lost" his sisters (Cassie and Dorie). He has made a list of the requirements for his wife and sent somenone to London to make a list of possible candidates. And he thinks he has find them in lady Elinore.
At his first ball in London he dances the last waltz with Hope, and is immediatly attracted to her. For Hope the last waltz at a ball is always very special, she never promise it to someone until moments before and she never dances it twice with the same man. Because he doesn't think Hope is wright for his sisters he wants to avoid her as much as possible and concentrate on courting lady Elinore. He thinks Hope is a spoiled girl who had it always very easy in live.
Because his sister become friends with Grace Merridow (they are the same age) he can't avoid Hope all the time. Hope is also responsible that the relationship between him and his sister gets better, and that they can trust each other more.
The main characters and the secundairy characters are well developed and strong. Their is only one thing I did miss a bit in this book and that are the 2 older sister. They have had their story in the first book and don't appear in this book only once at the end. (The problem is that they don't live in London anymore) In this book there is also a secondary storyline that also leads to an happy couple, I'm not going to tell who it is. The third book is already on my list for the very near future, and I do hope we see the 2 sisters of Sebastian back in the last book (Grace's story).
You can read it on its own but for the story it is better if you read them in the correct order. Because in this book there are references to the past of Hope. And the story of the 4 sisters is more detailed descripted in the first book. With the knowledge from the first book certain parts in the book are more comprehensible.
Sebastian Reyne wants to find a wife in London who can take care of his two sisters. They don't have a good relation, and his sisters don't see him as there brother. But in the beginning of the book he tells a few times that he had "lost" his sisters (Cassie and Dorie). He has made a list of the requirements for his wife and sent somenone to London to make a list of possible candidates. And he thinks he has find them in lady Elinore.
At his first ball in London he dances the last waltz with Hope, and is immediatly attracted to her. For Hope the last waltz at a ball is always very special, she never promise it to someone until moments before and she never dances it twice with the same man. Because he doesn't think Hope is wright for his sisters he wants to avoid her as much as possible and concentrate on courting lady Elinore. He thinks Hope is a spoiled girl who had it always very easy in live.
Because his sister become friends with Grace Merridow (they are the same age) he can't avoid Hope all the time. Hope is also responsible that the relationship between him and his sister gets better, and that they can trust each other more.
The main characters and the secundairy characters are well developed and strong. Their is only one thing I did miss a bit in this book and that are the 2 older sister. They have had their story in the first book and don't appear in this book only once at the end. (The problem is that they don't live in London anymore) In this book there is also a secondary storyline that also leads to an happy couple, I'm not going to tell who it is. The third book is already on my list for the very near future, and I do hope we see the 2 sisters of Sebastian back in the last book (Grace's story).
April 17, 2018
2.5, decent but I already forgot about it. tbh I was a little bored, but I'm looking forward to Grace's book she's the only one I care about
October 1, 2023
Hope Merridew wants to waltz with her perfect man. One who sees her.
Lovely addition to the series
Lovely addition to the series
January 29, 2024
Equally charming and heartwarming 💗👌😭
Although compared to the first book, this installment didn't WOW me at first, it also didn't have the ridiculous drop of quality at the end, being somewhat more balanced over all.
Somehow I admired both the hero and the heroine for their respective strengths of character and could really feel the connection between them.
Also, what positively shocked me, was the blatant possessive lust that overcame the hero instantly upon seeing the heroine. This is something that comes almost always in a contemporary or a dark romance, but NEVER OCCURED TO ME IN A HISTORICAL!
The secondary romance plotline was hilarious and I actually wanted to read more about them, so bravo!
The formula is of course too predictable, plus even though I enjoyed the overabundance of previous characters in the last chapter, I would've loved if they were mentioned more often throughout the book.
All in all, this was a bloody good historical! *not sure why the hell my brain completely switched the way I formulate my sentences* 🧐😂😅
Although compared to the first book, this installment didn't WOW me at first, it also didn't have the ridiculous drop of quality at the end, being somewhat more balanced over all.
Somehow I admired both the hero and the heroine for their respective strengths of character and could really feel the connection between them.
Also, what positively shocked me, was the blatant possessive lust that overcame the hero instantly upon seeing the heroine. This is something that comes almost always in a contemporary or a dark romance, but NEVER OCCURED TO ME IN A HISTORICAL!
The secondary romance plotline was hilarious and I actually wanted to read more about them, so bravo!
The formula is of course too predictable, plus even though I enjoyed the overabundance of previous characters in the last chapter, I would've loved if they were mentioned more often throughout the book.
All in all, this was a bloody good historical! *not sure why the hell my brain completely switched the way I formulate my sentences* 🧐😂😅
November 18, 2024
Not funny like the first book (which was AMAZING!!)
December 30, 2020
ebastien has issues, it takes some time for us to figure out what those are. He is really protective of his sisters, who act strange. So what happened? People gossip about him, call him a killer and more. But Sebastien, awww I liked him! He is looking for a wife so his sisters can have a mother. So he wants a sensible woman who knows how to care, and not some high society miss.
While Hope hopes for a man who she can dance the last waltz with, and then she meets the dashing mysterious Sebastien. She is merry, sweet, the life of the party. Total opposite to him. But she hides dark things too.
They are meant to be, whatever others say, and there are sure naysayers. But then he wants a reliable grey wife, and that is not Hope.
I enjoyed it, I do wonder about the next book too, because her sister is not picking the right man.
Good narration. Great voices, and enjoyable listening at. Makes all the difference.
While Hope hopes for a man who she can dance the last waltz with, and then she meets the dashing mysterious Sebastien. She is merry, sweet, the life of the party. Total opposite to him. But she hides dark things too.
They are meant to be, whatever others say, and there are sure naysayers. But then he wants a reliable grey wife, and that is not Hope.
I enjoyed it, I do wonder about the next book too, because her sister is not picking the right man.
Good narration. Great voices, and enjoyable listening at. Makes all the difference.
February 23, 2021
After absolutely loving The Perfect Rake I knew I needed to continue with this series. At first I felt that Hope and Sebastian were a little bland, a little too perfect but they grew on me as the story progressed. I think what made The Perfect Waltz special was the supporting cast. Aunt Gussie and Sebastian's sisters were great but Elinore and Giles, I really wish they had their own book. Heather Wilds' voice was perfection as always. This was an enchanting read of two good people who finally get their happily ever after.
March 11, 2018
A fine entertaining read, but a couple of the secondary characters were too distracting and the actual romance between the h/h lasted for maybe 15 pages
March 9, 2023
Heartwarming Regency romance, with children, horses, and puppies, and an evil lurking in the shadows. It is a bit overdone, the “instant love” a bit much. Yet I adore Sebastian. He is....worthy. Silent, protective, passionate, tender, stubborn, noble, and yearning for love, though he doesn't know it.
No elegant Englishman, Sebastian Reyne is built like a boxer: "His chest was solid, and hot, and exquisitely different from hers. She scratched his skin lightly with her nails, and he groaned deep in his throat, shuddering under her hand."
Steamboat. Dreamboat. He's not a bad boy. Not gamma. But he is a social outcast who strong-arms his way back in for the sake of his estranged, abused, and distrustful little sisters, and to hell with the bloods. All heart, Sebastian is longing to make a happy home for young Cassie and Dorrie. Angst-filled and enraged over Dorrie's experience, he yearns to rebuild the trust that was torn to shreds a decade ago, when his family was ripped apart. Sadly, Sebastian has no idea how to "fix" his family, for all his wealth.
But Hope does, and Sebastian, in following his heart, finds all his dreams coming true:
"Dorrie giggled and cuddled her puppy closer. Sebastian's chest grew tight with emotion. It was going to be all right. More than all right. It was going to be...bloody wonderful."
The parallel love story? All well and good -- Giles and Elinore are entertaining, almost comedy relief.
The secondary characters? Lovely. Prudence with her Gideon, Chastity delivering Edward's daughter. Gussie and Oswald. All very nice.
But Sebastian? He steals the show.
What made it work? Getting so much of Sebastian's POV.
I agree with the other reviewer. Hope was sexually pushy to the point that it diminished the historic credibility of the story.
No elegant Englishman, Sebastian Reyne is built like a boxer: "His chest was solid, and hot, and exquisitely different from hers. She scratched his skin lightly with her nails, and he groaned deep in his throat, shuddering under her hand."
Steamboat. Dreamboat. He's not a bad boy. Not gamma. But he is a social outcast who strong-arms his way back in for the sake of his estranged, abused, and distrustful little sisters, and to hell with the bloods. All heart, Sebastian is longing to make a happy home for young Cassie and Dorrie. Angst-filled and enraged over Dorrie's experience, he yearns to rebuild the trust that was torn to shreds a decade ago, when his family was ripped apart. Sadly, Sebastian has no idea how to "fix" his family, for all his wealth.
But Hope does, and Sebastian, in following his heart, finds all his dreams coming true:
"Dorrie giggled and cuddled her puppy closer. Sebastian's chest grew tight with emotion. It was going to be all right. More than all right. It was going to be...bloody wonderful."
The parallel love story? All well and good -- Giles and Elinore are entertaining, almost comedy relief.
The secondary characters? Lovely. Prudence with her Gideon, Chastity delivering Edward's daughter. Gussie and Oswald. All very nice.
But Sebastian? He steals the show.
What made it work? Getting so much of Sebastian's POV.
I agree with the other reviewer. Hope was sexually pushy to the point that it diminished the historic credibility of the story.
February 25, 2018
3.5 stars
May 16, 2013
What's wrong with this series that I need a week to find some time to review the books?
Anyway, The Perfect Waltz is a sweet, solid romance from beginning to end. Remember when I said in my review of the Perfect Rake that Hope was the least favorite of my sisters? (Well I'm not sure these were my exact words, but this is what I meant) Delete that! I was so wrong! Hope is a truly, profoundly good person and I love her (almost) as much as Prue.
The hero's name is Sebastian! Do I need anything more than that to love him? No! What is it with that name (and Colin as of lately)? I'm bound to love all the heroes that have this name. I have to admit, though that there was much more to him than the name. In this second installment of the series again both the H/h are tortured. We know from the previous book how Hope was tortured by her abusive grandfather, but some new details are revealed progressively in this book that make the reader connect to her even more. I won't say what happened to Sebastian, but he was even more tortured than Hope.
One of the aspects of the book I loved the most was Sebastian's relationship with his sisters. He was so good to them and so caring. At the beginning I admit I was a bit angry at them for hurting Sebastian's feelings by rejecting him, but as their story was revealed I understood why they behaved this way. Sebastian was a really, really good man. He was ready to sacrifice his personal happiness by marrying a woman that he thought would be a good mother to his sisters. Fortunately, he realised that Hope and not Elinor was what they needed, even though it took him a while.
Hope was very different from the way I'd pictured her in the previous book. I thought she was irresponsible and selfish. I'm glad to say I was wrong. Hope is spontaneous, but she is a very responsible person that always tries to do her best to help the people she loves. I admire her for the way she helped Sebastian with his sisters and also the girls at the orphanage...
There was again a secondary love story in this book. *minor spoiler* . This couple had a scene that was HAWT and I wish Ms. Gracie had given them their own book! Their story was so interesting!
The reason I take down one star (and if I were to be honest I should have taken down more) is that this book, while very, very sweet, is not very angsty. In fact, it moves quite slowly at times and feels more as a development of the relationship between the characters, leading to their eventual marriage. The two of them are so perfect for each other it became annoying. They have no fights, no misunderstandings, no nothing. I admit I even thought once that the secondary couple was more interesting. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that I like my books a little more angsty. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the insta love theme, but most books seem to be like that, so I'm starting to get used to it. However, because it is such a sweet novel, I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Anyway, The Perfect Waltz is a sweet, solid romance from beginning to end. Remember when I said in my review of the Perfect Rake that Hope was the least favorite of my sisters? (Well I'm not sure these were my exact words, but this is what I meant) Delete that! I was so wrong! Hope is a truly, profoundly good person and I love her (almost) as much as Prue.
The hero's name is Sebastian! Do I need anything more than that to love him? No! What is it with that name (and Colin as of lately)? I'm bound to love all the heroes that have this name. I have to admit, though that there was much more to him than the name. In this second installment of the series again both the H/h are tortured. We know from the previous book how Hope was tortured by her abusive grandfather, but some new details are revealed progressively in this book that make the reader connect to her even more. I won't say what happened to Sebastian, but he was even more tortured than Hope.
One of the aspects of the book I loved the most was Sebastian's relationship with his sisters. He was so good to them and so caring. At the beginning I admit I was a bit angry at them for hurting Sebastian's feelings by rejecting him, but as their story was revealed I understood why they behaved this way. Sebastian was a really, really good man. He was ready to sacrifice his personal happiness by marrying a woman that he thought would be a good mother to his sisters. Fortunately, he realised that Hope and not Elinor was what they needed, even though it took him a while.
Hope was very different from the way I'd pictured her in the previous book. I thought she was irresponsible and selfish. I'm glad to say I was wrong. Hope is spontaneous, but she is a very responsible person that always tries to do her best to help the people she loves. I admire her for the way she helped Sebastian with his sisters and also the girls at the orphanage...
There was again a secondary love story in this book. *minor spoiler* . This couple had a scene that was HAWT and I wish Ms. Gracie had given them their own book! Their story was so interesting!
The reason I take down one star (and if I were to be honest I should have taken down more) is that this book, while very, very sweet, is not very angsty. In fact, it moves quite slowly at times and feels more as a development of the relationship between the characters, leading to their eventual marriage. The two of them are so perfect for each other it became annoying. They have no fights, no misunderstandings, no nothing. I admit I even thought once that the secondary couple was more interesting. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that I like my books a little more angsty. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the insta love theme, but most books seem to be like that, so I'm starting to get used to it. However, because it is such a sweet novel, I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
January 19, 2016
Enjoyable as always. Anne Gracie, I love you.
The heroes of this regency romance are Hope and Sebastian. She is a beautiful and spoiled young lady, the belle of the London season. Her childhood was steeped in misery, but she is past the horror of her past and determined to enjoy herself. Young aristocrats swarm around her, but the moment Sebastian appeared on the fringes of a ballroom, she is aware of him. He doesn’t look or behave like the man of her dreams but he attracts her like nobody else.
Sebastian came to London on a quest: to find a wife who could be a mother-figure to his two young sisters. He doesn’t seek love or beauty, just strength of character. Hope doesn’t fit his pre-set profile of a sensible woman who could deal with his traumatized sisters, but he can’t take his eyes off her. She seems a magnet for his heart, and against his better judgement, he follows his male instincts and starts courting her.
The main obstacle to their romance is that they don’t talk to each other, don’t explain anything, at least in the beginning, so the usual misconceptions arise and threaten their unfolding relationship. Some reviewers bemoan the trend, so common in romance fiction. They say: “Why don’t they just talk to each other?”
I thought that both protagonist were true to their characters. Certainly a man like Sebastian, a loner burdened with responsibilities, with his tragedy-riddled youth, full of unimaginable hardships, wouldn’t open up to a pretty girl, not at first anyway, maybe not ever. Too much is at stake for him at the moment; his sisters’ lives and happiness are on the line. He can’t risk exposing their vulnerabilities to anyone, so he keeps his lips shut and pursues his goals with dogged determination. Only love for Hope, unforeseen but effervescent, keeps interfering in his plans.
Hope is more open, but unlike Sebastian, she’s never been alone. She’s always had her four sisters beside her. They have been together through many painful years, always supporting each other, so she is much more trusting, willing to risk all for her loved ones’ happiness.
One grim secondary theme runs through this otherwise flighty love story, lifting it from the mere triteness of fluffy romance to something much more meaningful – poverty and suffering of destitute orphans. Both Sebastian and Hope care. Both want to make it better, even though their views of ‘better’ are different. While Sebastian, a supremely practical man, thinks that food and clothing is enough, Hope is on the side of joy and play. Everyone, especially young orphan girls, should be allowed some fun, should have some fripperies and toys, and she perseveres to make it happen.
As could be expected, Hope’s opinions prevail. She convinced Sebastian that joy is of as much importance in life as food and shelter. For orphan girls as well as for grown men. For him too, and as soon as he accepts joy as a necessity of life, he realizes that Hope is instrumental for his own joy, that he can’t be happy without her.
Recommended.
The heroes of this regency romance are Hope and Sebastian. She is a beautiful and spoiled young lady, the belle of the London season. Her childhood was steeped in misery, but she is past the horror of her past and determined to enjoy herself. Young aristocrats swarm around her, but the moment Sebastian appeared on the fringes of a ballroom, she is aware of him. He doesn’t look or behave like the man of her dreams but he attracts her like nobody else.
Sebastian came to London on a quest: to find a wife who could be a mother-figure to his two young sisters. He doesn’t seek love or beauty, just strength of character. Hope doesn’t fit his pre-set profile of a sensible woman who could deal with his traumatized sisters, but he can’t take his eyes off her. She seems a magnet for his heart, and against his better judgement, he follows his male instincts and starts courting her.
The main obstacle to their romance is that they don’t talk to each other, don’t explain anything, at least in the beginning, so the usual misconceptions arise and threaten their unfolding relationship. Some reviewers bemoan the trend, so common in romance fiction. They say: “Why don’t they just talk to each other?”
I thought that both protagonist were true to their characters. Certainly a man like Sebastian, a loner burdened with responsibilities, with his tragedy-riddled youth, full of unimaginable hardships, wouldn’t open up to a pretty girl, not at first anyway, maybe not ever. Too much is at stake for him at the moment; his sisters’ lives and happiness are on the line. He can’t risk exposing their vulnerabilities to anyone, so he keeps his lips shut and pursues his goals with dogged determination. Only love for Hope, unforeseen but effervescent, keeps interfering in his plans.
Hope is more open, but unlike Sebastian, she’s never been alone. She’s always had her four sisters beside her. They have been together through many painful years, always supporting each other, so she is much more trusting, willing to risk all for her loved ones’ happiness.
One grim secondary theme runs through this otherwise flighty love story, lifting it from the mere triteness of fluffy romance to something much more meaningful – poverty and suffering of destitute orphans. Both Sebastian and Hope care. Both want to make it better, even though their views of ‘better’ are different. While Sebastian, a supremely practical man, thinks that food and clothing is enough, Hope is on the side of joy and play. Everyone, especially young orphan girls, should be allowed some fun, should have some fripperies and toys, and she perseveres to make it happen.
As could be expected, Hope’s opinions prevail. She convinced Sebastian that joy is of as much importance in life as food and shelter. For orphan girls as well as for grown men. For him too, and as soon as he accepts joy as a necessity of life, he realizes that Hope is instrumental for his own joy, that he can’t be happy without her.
Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews