• Home
  • Editing Services
    • Editing Packages
    • Editorial Training and Experience
  • Writing Help
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Book Reviews
      • Book Review Policy
      • Ratings Explained
      • Giveaway Policy
  • Trim Healthy Mama
    • Trim Healthy Mama
    • Weekly Menu Plans

Jami's Words

Reading, Reviewing, and Revising

book reviews, historical fiction, romance · June 4, 2013

Penelope

Back in December, I had the opportunity to read and review a novel by Anya Wylde called The Wicked Wager. Since then, I’ve read a second novel, Penelope.

Book Description

Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.

Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.

What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.

My thoughts 
Just like the last novel, this one was very witty. The characters have a corny, nonsensical way about them that makes me laugh. However, there were some things about the story that were unbelievable. The characters, falling in love, didn’t convince me. I’m not sure if the author is trying to make the reader disbelieve that the characters really are in love (I remember feeling that way about the previous story’s characters, too) or if this is just a wee faux pas in character weaving. The story has a ridiculousness that sorta has me confused–does Anya Wylde WANT her reader to feel that its characters and the things they say are ridiculous? I’m not entirely sure.

The story is clean–no offensive language or lewd scenes take place. A bit more editing would be my suggestion, along with some clearer purpose from the author. All in all, it’s a light read, inciting chuckles, and a quick read!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Posted In: book reviews, historical fiction, romance

Get on the List

You’ll Also Love

Review – Taken by Dee Henderson
Acing the ACTAcing the ACT – a review
American History – a Creation Conversations (NewLeaf Publisher) review
Next Post >

The Pregnancy Files

Search

Stay in Touch

for Writing Tips, Reviews, Giveaways, and Free Content

Privacy Policy

LikeBox

Instagram

I guess some good things must come to an end. Oh, the goofy jokes I’ve made with the message on this mug! Fun times. The message on the #coffeemug is quite fitting, don’t you agree? #peanuts Do you have a well-loved mug?
Next Tuesday, tinaradcliffeauthor is releasing her newest novel. Check her out if you enjoy well-written #christianfiction #cleanromancereads.
The pup loves her Snoopy. She’s a gal after my own heart. #dogsofinstagram #cockapoo #doglife
Merry Christmas!
Happy Thanksgiving! Place the #writing aside for the day and relax!

About Me

I'm a wife, mom, teacher, professional editor, and book nerd.

It is my joy to provide editorial services. I would love to hear about what you are writing! If you are in need of an editor, I have a variety of options to choose from.
Learn More

Goodreads Challenge

2025 Reading Challenge

2025 Reading Challenge
Jami has read 0 books toward her goal of 52 books.
hide
0 of 52 (0%)
view books
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Work with Me

  • Editing Services
  • Writing Help
  • Editing FAQs
  • Contact Me for Manuscript Services

Read with Me

  • To Be Read Book Stash
  • Book Reviews
  • Weekly Menu Plans
  • Homeschooling
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Jami's Words · Theme by 17th Avenue

%d