What Happened to Make Charlotte Not Romantic?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TIME FRAME: December 1813, Charlotte has just accepted Mr. Collins
SYNOPSIS: Pragmatic Charlotte seized her opportunity and is satisfied with her fate. After all, “happiness in marriage I entirely a matter of chance…” With eyes wide open, Charlotte has no romantic ideals about her marriage to Mr. Collins. And unlike her friend Elizabeth Bennet, she has long ago put away any dreams of marrying for love. But, what if there was a suitor who was in love Charlotte? What if Charlotte was romantic in her past? What would happen if that past suitor returned just days after her acceptance of Mr. Collins…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Plausible Possibility: I love the idea of Charlotte having romance in her past, after all she is 27…there’s got to be some attachments, flirtations, or romantic intrigue sometime in all her years of being out in society. And yes…it makes perfect sense that if there was romance and it didn’t end well that Charlotte would become more practical in her views of marriage and abandon girlish dreams marrying for love. I love how this premise holds so much water….
- More Charlotte: I’m a big fan of stories about secondary characters, and I have loved the books that Victoria Kincaid has written for three secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice! (Mary, Jane, and Charlotte) Charlotte Lucas might be one of my favorite secondary heroines to read about. I especially enjoyed this portrayal of Charlotte. Her situation at home with parents who are unloving, disparaging, and insensitive towards her will quickly earn readers sympathies and compassion. And I also admire all that we learn about Charlotte throughout this tale.
- James Sinclair: Oh yes, here is a worthy suitor for our dear Charlotte! A hero that sees the quiet and neglected heroine and calls her beautiful. A hero that sees what so many others fail to see… *swoon* I loved James’s forthright manner, that he fell in love with Charlotte at a time when he wasn’t looking for romance, and that he is involved with some intrigue. He was an easy hero to fall in love with, and I loved witnessing all that he does when he finds Charlotte is engaged…even the part where he seemingly pursues another eligible lady in Meryton (that was an interesting twist!)
- Dual Perspectives: It was great to see different parts of this story from both Charlotte’s and James’s point-of-views. With these characters not able to interact much, and the restrictions for private conversations in Regency society, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the internal ruminations and reactions of both Charlotte and James. I am glad that Victoria Kincaid decided to show both perspectives rather than just Charlotte’s perspective.
- Flashbacks: As we learn, Charlotte and James have some history together from three years ago. But the full story isn’t revealed right away. I really enjoyed how Victoria Kincaid pealed away the layers of their past relationship leisurely with occasional flashbacks. I loved seeing their wonderfully sweet and romantic moments of falling in love in between their present-day scenes of frustration, despair, and uncertainty.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- It is a very small quibble, but parts of the conclusion/big reveal felt like it made a slightly odd turn (might just be my preference, though).
CONCLUSION:
With When Charlotte Became Romantic, Victoria Kincaid delivers a sensitive and splendid secondary character story that illustrates the unknown past and surprisingly romantic nature of Charlotte Lucas! Readers who enjoy second chance romances and unexpected heroines will find much to enjoy. I sincerely hope Ms. Kincaid pens some more stories for other secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice in this vein – maybe one for Kitty, Lydia, or Anne de Bourgh…what do you think?
This sounds my type of book. I have a soft spot for Charlotte Collins, even though she did marry the ridiculous Mr. Collins in P & P. Looking forward to reading about James Sinclair. I know I am going to instantly like him. He must have something about him, to have the very good sense to fall in love with Charlotte. Brilliant review Meredith. Thank you.
Yay! I know you will too, Michelle! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did! Happy reading! Thank you for your kind words!
Oooh, sounds delicious. Adding to my Must Read list. Thanks for the lovely review.
I thoroughly enjoyed it! I hope you will too!
I love a good Charlotte story, so this is on my TBR pile! Thanks for the review, Meredith!
Me too! I can never get enough! Thank you so much for checking out my review!
I love Charlotte and am glad to see a story for her. This is now on my wish list.
Wonderful! Charlotte fans will definitely approve of this story!
Oh this sounds fun! Charlotte and James Hmmm. Will check it out!
Yay! Definitely a fun story!
Always wondered about Charlotte’s past potential loves. 😉
denise
Right? Definitely some possible history there!
This has been out for a few months now and so it has been on my wish list since. But it helps a great deal having 1.) a review, and 2.) a kick in the pants reminder. Because as soon as I saw this on the agenda, I said ‘oh yeah, that one..goody..I’ll have Meredith’s opinion on things.’ I don’t really need a lot of help, I mean it IS Victoria Kinkaid, right? I’m really looking forward to this because, I too love books about secondary characters and I’ve always had a big heart for Charlotte. Except when authors make her evil. Then I don’t like that. But this past love interest sounds madly interesting.
LOL! I am happy to provide both the review and the kick in the pants. 😉
I am happy to hear that so many readers are interested in secondary characters and especially Charlotte!
Yes, this past love interested is madly interesting!!!
I too have this on my list. I’m not as fond of secondary characters as you are Meredith, I still have to have my Darcy and Elizabeth fix I’m afraid. But I love your review and will definitely be reading this one.
At least I can tell you that Darcy and Elizabeth do make an appearance in this book, Glynis. I loved Elizabeth’s interactions with Charlotte and James, and Mr. Darcy’s part in the end will be sure to satisfy!
Happy reading!
Victoria has done it again. Charlotte is one of my favorite secondary characters as well. Thank you for the lovely review, Meredith!
Thanks for reading my review, Anngela and for sharing your support of Charlotte! 😉
Bravo for Charlotte! I’m sure this story will make not only Charlotte but all the readers very happy! 😉
Yes! I agree! Thanks so much for sharing your enthusiasm for it!
Thank you for your lovely review, Meredith! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. I have thought of writing books for some of the other secondary characters – although some of those characters are awaiting plot ideas. 🙂
MY pleasure! Thank you so much for penning this story! I look forward to seeing what you write next!
Lovely review. I have read many of this author’s books. This sounds interesting as it is not about Darcy and Elizabeth but a character many of us write off due to a poor choice (in our eyes). Thanks for sharing here.