What If Charlotte Did The Unthinkable and Broke Her Engagement with Mr. Collins?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation about a Secondary Character

TIME FRAME: Begins with Charlotte accepting Mr. Collin’s proposal

SYNOPSIS: When Mr. Collins crosses the line it propels Charlotte to stand up for herself and make a decision that shocks her family. Gossip and shame soon follow and drive Charlotte to leave town and visit relations on her father’s side. Charlotte knows that this new aspersion on her character will severely limit her already limited matrimonial prospects, so she prepares herself for seeking work as a companion or schoolteacher. But then Charlotte meets (and is rescued by!) Captain Jack Blunt. Could he be the one to change her opinions on romance and marriage?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Charlotte as Heroine: I will always be happy to see unromantic, practical, and overlooked Charlotte step into the role of heroine. I think her character makeup lends itself to such an interesting and moving character evolution. And I love the various ways authors have chosen to rewrite her fate. I am so happy Laura Hile chose to shine a spotlight on dear Charlotte!

• Charlotte Charts Her Own Course: I loved so many aspects about this portrayal of Charlotte – but what I loved most was her courage and quick-thinking. Charlotte acts bravely and wisely from the very outset of this tale. In a world where women are considered second-class and inferior, it was lovely to see her make her own decisions about her life and not let anyone tell her otherwise. In addition, I also loved seeing Charlotte, whose practicality and cautiousness are so ingrained into the fibers of her being, experience her first taste of falling in love – feeling the undeniable and unexpected tender affection for another, while trying to rationalize to herself why anything more could never be.

• Captain Jack Blunt: Finally someone much more worthy and deserving of dear Charlotte than Mr. Collins. I loved all aspects of this original character’s personality – Laura Hile, you have a way with naval men! Jack Blunt is brave,honorable, active, and a confirmed bachelor. Having his heart broken years ago has made him wary of ever thinking towards marriage again. I loved all the ways Captain Blunt would rescue, assist, and protect Charlotte – his quick action and selflessness easily won my heart! I also loved his irreverent humor and charming playfulness – he is an irresistible hero that is sure to make you swoon! Consider yourself forewarned!

• Cliff House: I love that this book took us to Dorset – a place we so very rarely travel to in P&P novels (and a place I haven’t visited in person yet!). I loved all the scenes that took place in Captain Blunt’s seaside home and all the beautiful and tangible descriptions of the scenery, environment, and changeable weather. I felt like I was there myself, and I loved every sight, smell, sound, and feeling. In addition, I loved meeting many of the men on Jack’s crew and seeing how he has established a place for them to live and work at his home.

• Stolen Moments Alone: So many stirring and sweet conversations between Charlotte and Jack take place when they accidentally and purposefully find themselves alone. I loved all these moments and how and when they took place. But what I especially loved was how these moments were written with such precious detail and hushed stillness. The reader will treasure these moments as much as the characters do.

• A Familiar Connection: Such a fun surprise to find that Charlotte’s aunt and uncle are already known to us! And it is quite an ingenious and clever familial connection to make! I think it works perfectly, and I especially enjoyed seeing more of Charlotte’s uncle (I was fine with seeing less of Charlotte’s aunt!)

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Some Forwardness: Occasionally some of what was discussed and shared felt a little too open/unrestricted for this time period. This might not bother many readers, but sometimes  certain discussions felt a little too forward for these characters.

CONCLUSION:

With So This Is Love, Laura Hile creates an exquisitely romantic and heartwarming tale for our favorite self-professed unromantic heroine! I loved seeing the practical and pragmatic Charlotte unexpectedly encounter adventure, action, and affection! I highly recommend!

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