Susan Wiggs' The Charm School

Author: Susan Wiggs

Genre: Historical Romance

Published: May 2008

Goodreads

Isadora Peabody is the brilliant but socially inept sibling in an otherwise perfect family. And although she struggles to fit into Boston society, her awkwardness dooms her to repeated failure. Fate intervenes when she learns that a sea captain, Ryan Calhoun, is in need of an interpreter for his next voyage to Rio. And despite Ryan's adamant opposition to hiring a female interpreter, Isadora gains a berth on his ship, thanks to a little blackmail.

Life aboard ship and away from the strict confines of Boston society finds Isadora losing weight, gaining confidence, and blooming like a rose. She befriends the motley crew of rough sailors, and in turn, they become a charm school of sorts, tutoring her in gracefulness--which comes in handy when climbing the rope rigging--dancing, and friendship. Isadora's transformation fascinates Ryan, but he is determined to stay away from her for he has secretive, dangerous plans. Unaware of Ryan's interest, Isadora struggles with her growing attraction to the reckless sea captain. But before they can resolve their feelings, prior commitments surface and endanger their chance of finding a happy future together.

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I have read several books from Susan Wiggs, and this one is by far my favorite. This book had all the elements of a romance novel that I love. The Charm School is an excellent example of why I'm so attracted to this genre. Isadora and Ryan detest eachother at the beginning of the story, which absolutely delighted me. For some reason, I find the romance to be sweeter when it's not love at first sight. Not that I don't love those stories too, but there's just something special about love birds that despise eachother. Ryan and Isadora meet when they're at their absolute worst, and they manage to forgive and move on. Really, it's the perfect romance!

Isadora truly embodies the "ugly duckling" scenario. I have never felt so much sympathy for a heroine as I did for Isadora. Poor girl. Thankfully, she manages to gather enough courage to force her way on to Ryan's ship, where she transforms into a most beautiful swan. She was always the swan to begin with, she just had to figure it out for herself. I loved that Ryan could always see that, even if he didn't necessarily want to in the beginning. Isn't that what every girl dreams of? A man that loves her for her, no matter what she looks like on the outside.

It's a tale of adventure, swash buckling heroics and a love story at sea. The Charm School is beautiful, heart warming and will leave you with a smile on your face and warm fuzzies in your heart for days.

Read it. I know you'll love it.