Reading makes me happy. Although it’s a part of my self care, it’s hard to find time to sit and read. Since discovering free audiobooks on the Libby app, I’ve been devouring books.
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series opened my eyes to historical romance book series. I’d been reading personal development or non-fiction books for so long that I forgot how good a series could be!
After Bridgerton, I listened to every one of Julia Quinn’s series that Libby owns. The Rokesby series, Smythe-Smith Quartet series, Bevelstoke series, Agents of the Crown series and more. Yes, I’d also read books from other authors too, but I didn’t enjoy them as much as Julia Quinn’s novels.
Sidenote: Julia Quinn’s Rokesby series is my favorite.
A friend recommended Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series, and I figured why not try Lisa Kleypas too? FINALLY, I felt excitemed about books again. Below is my review of her historical romance series.
One notable difference with Lisa Kleypas’s novels is that the wedding isn’t the culmination of the story. Yes, the wedding is often a great affair, but it isn’t THE end. We get to see these characters interact, argue, and encounter issues as a married couple.
Plus, their story continues in the other books and some other series. I was thrilled to read about the Wallflower series cast in the other series… as parents and grandparents. So cool!
While the specifics of story lines are not all the same, there is some comfort in knowing that the heroine will find her happy ending.
In today’s crazy world, I enjoyed getting lost in the unrealistic circumstances: the wallflower paves her own path, the outcast family becomes beloved, the quirky girl finds a guy who loves her unique attributes. And of course, anyone that’s poor suddenly comes into money by the end.
If you haven’t read a Lisa Kleypas book yet, I highly recommend you start with one of the series below. A few of my favorites: Devil in Winter, Hello Stranger, Chasing Cassandra and Love in the Afternoon.
Wallflower Series
The Wallflower series follows four women who found themselves sitting together at balls while never being asked to dance. They make a pact to help each other find husbands and, of course, they end up with some of the smartest, richest and kindest men in England.
The Ravanels Series
The Ravanels series really surprised me. The women in this series were smart, capable and strong willed. From being on a second marriage after marrying a drunk, to the first female doctor in England and a woman who didn’t want to marry but instead create board games, these women were refreshing and unique from other typical romance novel heroines.
The Hathaway Series
The Hathaway series follows the Hathaway family as they navigate their new status as British aristocracy while staying true to themselves. They are a refreshing family, dealing with issues larger than not being asked to dance or getting caught in the garden unchaperoned. Instead, they’ve experienced heartbreak, loss of a true love, depression, and discrimanation.
Lisa Kleypas has more series, but these 3 series were all available on the Libby app. Many of Lisa Kleypas’s audiobooks are read by Rosalyn Landor, who also read a lot of Julia Quinn’s books. Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator and worth listening to, even if you’ve read the books.
I realize that historical romance novels aren’t for everyone, but I’ve loved reading Lisa Kleypas’s books so much that I had to share about them for those who want to give them a try.
Have you ever read a Lisa Kleypas book? If so, what did you think? What have been your favorite Lisa Kleypas or other historical romance novels? Any you’d recommend?
Thanks for reading!
Leave a Reply