ABOUT THE BOOK:

“I am not romantic, you know. I never was.”

Newly escaped from a loathsome engagement of convenience, Charlotte Lucas has no interest in romance. More than ever, she is convinced that no man would—or could—love her. As a companion to an aging aunt, Charlotte’s new life is as predictable as it is circumspect.

But then she is rescued from a robbery by her uncle’s heir, a masterful man who is disastrously handsome. Why has he remained as a guest in the house? Why is he so determined to draw Charlotte out and make her talk? And what of his invitation to visit his home by the sea?

Romance is not on the chart for Captain Jack Blunt. Never again will he be played for that kind of fool! He is ashore only to heal from an injury and see to business, nothing more. And yet the pointed disinterest of his cousin’s pert niece is intriguing. She is forthright, refreshingly honest—and altogether lovely. She will make a fine wife for one of his officers. But not, of course, for him.

So This Is Love is a joyride of a Regency, bringing whirlwind romance and happily-ever-after to Jane Austen’s staid and practical Charlotte Lucas.

Book: So This Is Love. Author: Laura Hile

Genre: Historical Christian Romance; Regency Romance

Release Date: May 29, 2020

MY BOOK REVIEW

I have a love and hate relationship with Jane Austin books. At times I found them to be boring and other times I found them magical, so I was looking forward to reading Laura Hile's book that is based on Jane Austen's books. "So This Is Love" by Laura Hile is a great writer. She takes us into Charlotte Lucas's life. She ended her engagement and was sent to live with her aunt. She travels to the Allens with her maid and Johnny, her 12-year-old brother. They get held up by highwaymen.

Captain Jack Lunt of the Royal Navy, comes to her rescue. Captain Jack Blunt loves her not just for her beauty but also for her beauty inside.

Charlotte ran away from a rude man, Mr. Collins. He is always insulting Charlotte. Captain Jack ends up teaching Mr. Collins how to treat women. Charlotte trusts Captain.

I love how Hile made Charlotte not only beautiful but very smart and determined. She knows what she wants and is determined to get what she wants. She wasn't afraid to go against her societal norms.

Hile did her research. Her descriptions were perfect. I could see the scenery, outfits, and customs of England in the 1800s. Her writing flowed very well. She put in many life lessons. You will see faith and love.

The main message I got from this book is all about love. Love can hurt, make you feel lonely, and even at times make you laugh. You will know who your true love is and when you see him or she then holds them tight. Will there be a happily ever after? You will have to read "So This Is Love" to know. This is a great story filled with adventure and romance. I recommend reading it.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Encourager. Believer. Author. Teacher. Friend.

By day, Laura Hile teaches at a Christian school. By night—or rather, in the early morning when she can think! —she writes Jane Austen and Regency romance with laughs and happy endings.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with middle school students!

She enjoys gardening (she is a weed warrior!), choral singing, and having coffee with friends.

Laura lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with her husband and a collection of antique clocks. One day she hopes to add a cat or three.

MORE ABOUT LAURA

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas is stuck marrying the awful Mr. Collins. It is a prudent choice, given her age and circumstances, but still.

Generations of women readers have felt badly for her, including me. “No, no!” we want to shout. “The man’s a spineless braggart! Don’t marry him!”

Charlotte claims that she is not romantic. We don’t believe that for a minute. She simply hasn’t met the right man.

With an eye on the rugged seaside setting of the classic movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), I decided to change all that. With two little words, I sent Charlotte’s story spinning from its Pride and Prejudice rails: What If?

What if, when Collins returns to Meryton to negotiate the settlement, his lustful thoughts overpower good sense? What if, before they are married, Collins gets handsy—and something within Charlotte snaps? What if she abruptly ends the engagement?

That’s what we would do in real life, right? We’d kick Collins to the curb!

What if, to escape the gossip, Charlotte is sent to live with her father’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Allen (borrowed from Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey). Mr. Allen’s heir is also a house guest, and thus we have a perfect opportunity for romance.

Although I intended to use The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’s Captain Gregg as a model, Captain Jack Blunt wasn’t having any. He strode onto the story’s quarterdeck as very much his own man. For one thing, he is Royal Navy (1812), not a merchant marine. And for another, he is surprisingly devout. Although he has a gentleman’s beard like Gregg, he is blond.

If you’re thinking Chris Hemsworth in Thor, you’re getting the right idea.

Look, if our girl Charlotte is brave enough to give Collins the heave-ho, she deserves to meet a swoony hero, right?

Captain Blunt’s house by the sea in Dorset plays the role of Captain Gregg’s Gull Cottage. Cliff House, and the cove it’s built above, almost become characters themselves as Charlotte and Jack share daily walks beside the sea. This book is filled with delicious banter between the two. Isn’t that our favorite thing about a romance?

So This Is Love is a swashbuckling, sweep-away Regency that is just plain fun to read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!