Audiobook Review
By: Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Published by Brilliance audio 11/2010
Hot
5 hrs and 37 mins
Sample
It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.
A Wallflower Christmas takes a trip to Victorian London, under the mistletoe, and on a journey of the heart. With her trademark charm, sensuality, and unforgettable characters, there’s no one like Lisa Kleypas to make you believe in the magic of Christmas.
My thoughts
I originally read the first 4 books of this series back in 2009;
the audio books hadn’t been published then.
This series was my introduction to
the Historical Romance genre, and I’ve loved it ever since.
So, when I finally saw this published on audio in 2010, I
let the average ratings influence my decision to pass over it. In a way, I’m
glad I didn’t listen to it then. I can
see why some were disappointed, the novel's length doesn’t permit the depth of
the story or characters that make Ms. Kleypas' historicals so enjoyable;
however, since it had been a long time since I revisit the Wallflower setting, I
found this novel immensely enjoyable,
it served as a reminder of the great entertainment and escapism Ms. Kleypas
delivers with her books.
The desire of the Bowman’s
family to marry their offspring into English nobility, to elevate their social status by bringing
blue blood into the lineage doesn’t stop with just their daughters, and it’s Rafe Bowman’s (eldest brother of Lillian and Daisy)
turn to come to England and try to win the hand of Miss Nathalie Blandford, a
very rich and upper class socialite girl, but it will be her cousin and paid
companion, Hanna, who would have the biggest doubts about this proposed union, and as she embarks in the task of
finding out what is this American rogue all about, she
begins to lose her heart in the process.
Rafe Bowman is not a saint, and as a powerful Wall Street Mogul
he has been privy to a life of
debauchery, and frankly, he’s far from a gentleman, but he will try
everything in his power to fulfill his parents’ wishes - securing his place in
his family’s fortune it’s an important gold he must accomplish.
But, the brain will say one thing while the heart says another;
Rafe, immediately finds himself attracted to Nathalie’s poor cousin, who in no
way will help his financial or social status.
Will Rafe follow his father’s orders, or will he sacrifice
everything for his capricious heart?
I can’t say the Rafe is my favorite male lead in the series,
but I always enjoy seeing a bad boy brought to his knees by the power of love.
Although, I think this could be enjoyed as a standalone
novel, I feel the references to past characters will have you wonder, plus this
is a great historical romance series, and should be enjoyed and its entirety.
The Author
Lisa Kleypas
Narration
This it’s not the first time I’ve mentioned how much I enjoy
Rosalyn Landors’s narrations, her
elegant tone and clear British accent are perfect to transport you to the era,
her delivery lends authenticity to the
novels and immediately places you in the
story.
I never have a problem distinguishing the female and male
voices, the sarcastic lines are perfectly delivered, enhancing the dialogue by
truly conveying the characters’ wit.
Although, I have to admit, I do like my male characters’
voice delivered in a deeper tone, I have always given Ms. Landor a pass because
the overall narration is truly enjoyable, and regardless of the tone, I always
get a clear picture of their personality.
All in all, this is fantastic performance by Ms. Landor.
You can see here on audible.com, I’m not in the minority when it comes to
rating her performance.
Voices behind the books
Rosalyn Landor
I agree with everything you said. I reviewed this one on my blog last week and really liked it. Great review!
ReplyDelete-Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. This is not my favorite of the series, and if you haven't read or listened to the rest of the books, I highly recommend to do so, you won't be disappointed.
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