Reviews

A Whimsical Notion by Jennie Goutet

jeaninetaniece's review against another edition

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4.0

This cover is so gorgeous! I didn’t even read the blurb, I just knew when I saw it I had to read it. And the story is as sweet and beautiful as you would expect.

Childhood friends, forbidden romance, past feud between parents…all elements of a great romance.

Honoria and Philip have been friends since childhood although in recent years time has put some distance between them. When Philip returns home to run his family’s estate he happens upon a mature and beautiful Honoria. The encounter brings to life the realization that he could consider her to be more than a friend. But with the bad blood between their families, he fears his desires will prove futile. He dares to hope that he can turn her father’s regard in his favor and win her heart.

Sweet book with many supporting characters that have lots of potential for interesting storylines in future novels.

scorcheded's review

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

starburst3625's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a charming love story. I really enjoyed it. There are some interesting local historical details incorporated and I always love learning them. I liked that the heroine, at 19 years old, is believably young and unsophisticated, but not immature or downright foolish or giddy. And she certainly matures a little more through the events of the novel. The hero is a likeable, thoughtful, conflict-avoidant, boy-next-door type, and I quite liked him. His imperfect attempts to improve his estate, his circumstances, and so on, and the resultant missteps, felt authentic. I loved the impetuous but romantic midnight visit. The secondary characters add interest and I look forward to seeing more of them in the rest of the series. I appreciated that the obstacles to the romance felt legitimate and not contrived. Overall it struck me as a gentle romance, although there are a few relatively dramatic events in the course of the story. I do wish that that there had been a little more substance and time in the heroine’s transition from one infatuation to the more lasting love with the hero, however it is a minor and subjective issue. I enjoyed spending less time in the ballroom and more on the country life of the gentry, and following the burgeoning love that felt more patient and resolute, rather than the desperation we are often treated to when obstacles are faced. I recommend this novel as a well-written, sweet and undemanding read for Regency lovers.

kthrine's review

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3.5

I often found Honoria annoying but I think she was supposed to seem so from time to time. She was supposed to seem young and stuck on the idea of Gus rather than seeing him for his reality. 

I liked Phillip. He seemed steady and sure of both himself and his feelings. I liked that his feeling for H crept up on him overshadowing the friendly childhood feelings of their past. 

a_neverending_tbr's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Sweet and enjoyable with all the things I love about this genre. Honoria and Phillip are both lovable characters and I usually enjoy a “he falls first” story. Her affection flipped pretty quickly but the sweet kisses and her snark with her father made for an enjoyable read. I wanted a little more from the epilogue. 

Romantic Content: Kisses 

thecleanreadbookclub's review against another edition

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4.0

I love a Jennie Goutet book! I get sucked in every time with her beautiful descriptions and settings.

A Whimsical Notion was a very ‘Romeo and Juliet’-esque type story and I loved it! And don’t worry, this book has a much happier ending that the original R and J.

No one writes settings quite like Jennie. I could see, smell and hear everything she described. I can already tell I am going to love this friend group from the interactions in book 1.

I really enjoyed the sweet, gentle romance between Philip and Honoria. The steadiness and awareness Philip has toward Honoria was dreamy.

I am already anticipating book 2!!

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

bookswithnopictures's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars
Jennie is a go to for that cozy, sit by the fire, sweet historical mood. I've said it before, but her writing very much reminds me of Georgette Heyer. It's a little sweet with dry wit and this historical tidbit details that put me right in the setting.
Philip and Honoria are childhood friends and neighbors. With her father's animosity, their friendship is no longer sanctioned, and Philip's return to the country frowned upon.
The setup for this series has me eager for the next book to release as I loved the setting and the supporting cast. The romance was rushed and I wanted more tender moments - more swoon - to buy into their turn from friends to affection. There were moments of frustration particularly with Philip but Honoria's persistence and sweetness balanced out his hesitancy.
Thank you to the author for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

kcherry's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

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