A Young Artist’s Eyes are Open to Life and Love
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #5 (Note: Each book is standalone and can be read out of order, however I would recommend reading #3 School for Love and #4 Matchless Margaret prior to reading this book as the characters’ story arcs overlap.
THE PREMISE: Lionel Hapgood has been in love with his third cousin, Edith, since he met her at the age of twelve. After years of patiently keeping his feelings a secret, Lionel is bursting to speak his heart. But does Edith only see him as a cousin she loves as a brother…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- More Hapgoods: I am such a fan of this multi-installment family saga that features different romances and characters. For those of you who are not yet acquainted, the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family with four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire, and an often indisposed and indolent mother living in Somerset. Their extended family includes a widowed banker who recently married a sensible yet romantic neighbor and his three mischievous and playful children (now almost all grown).
- Earnest Devotion: *sigh* Young love. Lionel’s immediate infatuation and determination to marry his cousin at such a young age is wonderfully endearing. How sweet and romantic! But what is even more admirable and swoon-worthy is the steadfastness of his love. It isn’t just a youthful fancy. He remains constant always. And even though he is so very full of love and having trouble concealing it, Lionel takes care to put Edith’s feelings and wishes first. He doesn’t burden or demand. Instead he retreats and later secretly champions. His steadfast and yearning love was beautiful to witness.
- Artistic Adventures: Edith’s passion and talents lie with artistic endeavors – especially portraitures. Even though I am no artist myself, I loved hearing all her paintings and the descriptions of her art lessons. Whether it is charcoal sketches she is learning to properly color, representing emotions or passion in her work, or seeking answers to life’s big questions Edith’s art journey was inspiring and interesting to follow.
- Special Relationships: I loved seeing some spotlights on the supportive and loyal relationships both Lionel and Edith share with friends and various members of their families. For Lionel, I loved the closeness he shared with his stepmother, the unwavering support he receives from his ride-or-die friends in the Clinkett brothers (I hope we see more of them!), and the unexpected ally he found in his sister Hetty, who often provokes and teases him mercilessly. And for Edith, it was her whole family – her father, her sisters, her uncle and cousins – everyone treasures Edith and does all they can to provide, protect, and care for her. She is very well-loved. And because of her selfless and genuine nature, she is very deserving of their love.
- Mishaps, Calamities, and Surprises: Time to hold onto your bonnets, this romance is about to become a madcap adventure! I love how each novel in this series brings about some comedic capers and escapades for our characters to traverse through! There is so much that is exciting and dramatic – stolen artwork, an unintentional engagement, brawling attacks… And I loved the surprising twists, especially when such an unexpected character steps in to save the day!
WHAT I WASN’T AS FOND OF:
- Wanting More: While I appreciated and admired Lionel’s youthful love for Edith, I wouldn’t have minded more exploration into how his feelings of love evolved and matured as the years went by. Also for Edith, her discovery of feelings felt a bit swift and succinct. I think this romance would have benefited from just a little more depth and meaningful build up.
CONCLUSION:
The Hapgoods of Bramleigh is a stellar series – quintessential Regency Romance – top drawer! Christina Dudley is a master at skillfully blending together heartfelt romances, endearing characters, and hilarious mishaps. I sincerely hope that Christina Dudley writes many more installments for this series! And that maybe the next one will be about the bold and perceptive Hetty Hapgood!
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Meet The Hapgoods!
Book 1 : The Naturalist
My Review I Add to Cart I Add to Shelf
Book 2: A Very Plain Young Man
My Review I Add to Cart I Add to Shelf
Book 3: School for Love
My Review I Add to Cart I Add to Shelf
I’ve read the first one and enjoyed the set up to the series and the writing, but especially the Hapsgood family. Glad its still holding strong.
It sounds interesting!
Sounds really good 😀
Sounds heartwarming and fun. But I went back to review for The Naturalist, cuz I’m one of those readers who if I know it’s a series I gotta start with book one. I did not do that very early in my discovery of Regency romance and it confused me no end to read about characters that were written as if we should know all about them. I’m not saying the author did that deliberately, just that I pick up the subtlest things and it drives me crazy not to know what’s what. :O This book in the series sounds great so I really want to read it. Oh my goodness, not only is my TBR screaming at me but my wish lists are utterly unachievable in my lifetime. Ha.