What do you think?
Rate this book
The Calhoun Chronicles #3
Halfway to Heaven
At a glittering White House gala, Abigail Cabot discovers the man of her dreams. Only, he's not interested...yet. So the gifted lady astronomer, whose passion for measuring stars has left her woefully lacking in social graces, seeks someone to educate her...someone who is a master at the art of seduction.
Jamie Calhoun's handsome looks and easy charm have made him as popular on the Senate floor as he is with the capital's most attractive women. But secretly he loathes the cynical, manipulative man he's become. Initially, he befriends Abigail as a means to a political end. But somewhere along the way the plan goes awry.
First laughter and then love take them completely by surprise in this wildly romantic story. For a man convinced he's incapable of love and a woman who believes she can reach the stars, could this be a match made in heaven?
Jamie Calhoun's handsome looks and easy charm have made him as popular on the Senate floor as he is with the capital's most attractive women. But secretly he loathes the cynical, manipulative man he's become. Initially, he befriends Abigail as a means to a political end. But somewhere along the way the plan goes awry.
First laughter and then love take them completely by surprise in this wildly romantic story. For a man convinced he's incapable of love and a woman who believes she can reach the stars, could this be a match made in heaven?
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
313 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
197 books7,307 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 5, 2015
It had been a long time since I'd read anything by Ms. Wiggs, and I cannot recall why I never sought her out, but I mean to rectify that situation. I wasn't sure if would get into this, as I've been on more of a contemporary romance kick, but I got so caught up in this book I stayed up half the night reading it. The setting is 1870s Washington DC/Virginia, and the story centers around the Pygmalion-like relationship that develops between Abigail Cabot and James Calhoun, with a dash of Cyrano de Bergerac thrown in for good measure.
I was charmed by the heroine, Abby and her intelligence and her physical struggle. Most romance books I've read have the "heroine who thinks she's plain but in reality is breathtakingly gorgeous" as a plot device. In this, the heroine isn't - she's simply a plain girl with a genuine physical deformity (she was born with a deformed foot) and understandable self-esteem issues. But she is smart and witty and sees much more going on around her than people give her credit for. Except, of course, for the hero, Jamie, who strikes up a friendship as a means to an end, and decides to help Abby see herself as she truly is - special in her own unique way.
I was charmed by Jamie, who was honest, witty, and intrigued with Abby as she was. I've been reading alot of erotic romance, and I almost forgot what it was like to read a romance without some really hot and heavy love scenes. In contrast, the scenes here were very subtle, yet it was the chemistry between Abby and Jamie that was the most important, and made the story the sweeter for it.
The buildup to Abby's inevitable transformation was well done, and I loved that the story emphasized making the most of the assets she had, as opposed to some magical transformation that would have rung false.
It had been a long time since I've read anything by Ms. Wiggs, but I'm definitely going to look her up at my local library and see if I can find any more of her books.
I was charmed by the heroine, Abby and her intelligence and her physical struggle. Most romance books I've read have the "heroine who thinks she's plain but in reality is breathtakingly gorgeous" as a plot device. In this, the heroine isn't - she's simply a plain girl with a genuine physical deformity (she was born with a deformed foot) and understandable self-esteem issues. But she is smart and witty and sees much more going on around her than people give her credit for. Except, of course, for the hero, Jamie, who strikes up a friendship as a means to an end, and decides to help Abby see herself as she truly is - special in her own unique way.
I was charmed by Jamie, who was honest, witty, and intrigued with Abby as she was. I've been reading alot of erotic romance, and I almost forgot what it was like to read a romance without some really hot and heavy love scenes. In contrast, the scenes here were very subtle, yet it was the chemistry between Abby and Jamie that was the most important, and made the story the sweeter for it.
The buildup to Abby's inevitable transformation was well done, and I loved that the story emphasized making the most of the assets she had, as opposed to some magical transformation that would have rung false.
It had been a long time since I've read anything by Ms. Wiggs, but I'm definitely going to look her up at my local library and see if I can find any more of her books.
May 16, 2021
“I've spent more time with the stars than I have with society.”
3.5 stars.
Years and years ago, I read Enchanted Afternoon by Susan Wiggs. I don't know how I came across the book, I don't even know precisely what it was about that book I enjoyed enough that I remembered it all this time after, but I did and here we are. Going down a trip of nostalgia, I saw the book was available on Libby. It was interesting to skim over the book (I definitely didn't reread the whole thing) and remember the last time I'd read it. One thing I picked up on this time thanks to Goodreads as well as subtle hints in the book I missed last time is that Enchanted Afternoon is a sequel (actually, the fourth book in the series). There were hints at a loving sister who honestly sounded so interesting to me I wondered if her book was part of this series and lo and behold, it was and here we are.
Halfway to Heaven is the younger sister's story. The tone and storylines for both are vastly different but what was incredibly interesting was to see the main character of the next book before and see what had led up to that. More importantly though, I really enjoyed this book. I really wasn't expecting to as my track record with romance novels haven't been the greatest, but I was immersed. I thought I'd skim this book much like the other novel but found myself actually reading every word on the page. There's just something so different and unique about the main character, Abigail, that was so refreshing to see in a novel like this.
Abigail is the younger sister of Helena, everyone's favorite, and the youngest daughter of a well-known and reputable politician. Unlike her sister, who draws people to herself like flowers to the sun, Abigail is awkward, doesn't really like the formalities that come with society, and (my favorite part) loves the stars. There was just something so beautiful and enchanting about the way Abigail's love for the stars was written. As someone who is very fond of them, I really loved reading the quiet, solitary hours she would spend in her observatory. There was something so peaceful about it.
I'm not quite sure what it was about this book that really worked for me, but I started this book at night and finished it in one sitting (hours later, still awake as the dawn broke. I know, bad decision but it just happened). I think the different protagonist was something I really loved, her quiet strength and loving heart was just so endearing to me. This is by no means a perfect book, but it has enough to keep you interested, intrigued, and happy to go along for the ride. I do think it was a little drawn out (as most romance novels are for conflict's sake) but I still really enjoyed myself. The prose was simple, but it really worked. I was really interested in the little glimpses of "politics" we got to see and wish there had been more of that as well.
All in all, a really enjoyable and fun book. One I think I might even go back to if I'm in the mood, which I don't find myself saying about a lot of books lately. If you're in the mood for a light romance vaguely set some time in the past, I definitely recommend this.
March 13, 2023
The plot is original and refreshing, and the writing style is excellent. I disliked the hero, Jamie, intensely, though. Ooh, I want to throttle him for being so obtuse and not seeing what's in front of him (I've never liked this trait in a hero). He kept living in the past and betiding 'woe is me'. For god's sake, man, man up and move on. However, I have a soft spot for the heroine, Abigail, the plump, dowdy, somewhat plain and handicapped lady but a brilliant mathematician. Despite the hero, I enjoyed the book.
February 6, 2024
3.5stars
this book had all the elements that could've worked out to be a perfect historical romance for me, with all the great writing, description, angst, yearning and slow burn but in the end it felt like something was missing
this book had all the elements that could've worked out to be a perfect historical romance for me, with all the great writing, description, angst, yearning and slow burn but in the end it felt like something was missing
February 9, 2023
This was a surprising sweet romance. I enjoyed the slow building relationship between Abigail and Jamie. At times I was surprised by how slowly the plot unfurled. It’s surprisingly character driven for a historical romance book.
March 18, 2025
This was just what I needed to break me out of my DNF slump. Well-written and likeable characters? Couldn’t ask for more than that 😊
Full review to come in the morning if I remember…
Full review to come in the morning if I remember…
Read
November 17, 2019Abigail Cabot was the youngest daughter of senior Senator Franklin Cabot from Virginia. Abigail's mother died while having her and Abby had a crooked foot. She wore special shoes to hide the infirmity and did her best to not let anyone know there was anything wrong with her. She had an older sister, Helena, who was beautiful. Abby spent a lot of time studying astronomy and learning science. She loved the stars.
Abby had grown up with the son of the vice-president and thought she was in love with him. But Lieutenant Butler fell in love with Helena when he first saw her. He started writing to Helena but she wasn't interested in him and asked Abby to write back for her. Jamie found a letter that Abby had started and decided to post the letter to Boyd without waiting for Abby's permission. She was angry that the letter was what she was thinking about and very much a love letter. Abby had no intention of posting it. She was going to take a milder approach as she pretended to be Helena. That couldn't happen now. Abby and Boyd Butler began writing love letters to each other while he was attending West Point as a Lieutenant. Helena and Abby kept up the pretense because they wanted to please their father and he wanted an alliance between Helena and Butler to further his political ambitions.
They were attending a dance when Boyd Butler first spotted Helena and that was where Abigail first met Jamie Calhoun. Jamie was a freshman Representative and she caught him making out with another woman. Abigail was embarrassed and tried to get away without being seen but she didn't get away fast enough.
Jamie wanted an introduction to Abby's father so he decided to become her friend. He was intrigued by her but he told himself that he wanted to get to know her only to get closer to her father. He encouraged Abby in her writing campaign to Lieutenant Butler because Abby told him she was in love with him. Jamie told her that Boyd would switch his loyalties to her once he found out she was writing to him rather than her sister. She wanted to stop but Jamie told her not to. He helped Abby to select a new wardrobe to help convince Boyd that he had chosen the wrong sister when he came to see her again. Jamie told himself that he was doing all this to become Abby's friend and gain an introduction to her father.
Helena also met Jamie and Abby noticed that Jamie didn't seem to be watching her as close and the other men around them typically did. Jamie noticed Abby. Jamie needed a place to stay and Helena suggested their neighbor and friend, Professor Michael Rowan. Jamie became his roommate and he also noticed that Helena seemed very interested in him. Professor Rowan was probably the only one that didn't seem to pay any particular interest in Helena. Jamie found this interesting.
Jamie had a half brother, Noah, whose mother was black. Jamie and his father didn't get along so Jamie left home to go overseas. Noah came to fetch him home and ended up dead as a result of Jamie's actions. Jamie blamed himself and ran for the House of Representative with a goal to do something in memory of Noah. The main objective he had was to stop the railroad from taking away the land that now belonged to the sharecroppers. People that were like Noah's widow. This surprised Abby. Jamie wanted the backing of Abby's father.
Jamie invited Abby and her family to visit his plantation home to show the Senator what the land looked like that the railroad would be taking. He wanted Senator Cabot to see the type of people living off the land and what it would do to them to lose it. He came to Abby's room one night and took her to the rooftop to look at the stars where he lived. He had prepared a picnic. He kissed Abby that night and she stopped him from doing any more than kissing by bringing up Butler in their conversation. She noticed that Jamie appeared angry and backed away. He had told her that he was trying to get her used to a man's touch and she believed him. She couldn't get him off her mind though and they way he had made her feel.
When Jamie had come to her room, Jamie told her that her sister, Helena, had already snuck out and wasn't there. They heard her return and she told Abby that she had gone swimming in the nude with the Professor and that they had sex. Abby was angry, especially after Helena told her that she was still planning on forming a lasting relationship with the Lieutenant.
Jamie decided to teach Abby to ride a horse while at his place. He let her watch a mare mate with a stallion and then took her riding. She enjoyed it very much. After their ride, their fathers rode up in a carriage and asked Helena to ride with them. Jamie was a bit put out by the fact that Abby's father seemed to completely ignore Abby. The two of them went back to the house together while their fathers took the professor and Helena back with them in the carriage.
Jamie tried to get Abby to eat raw oysters for dinner that night and she did her best to refuse. He noticed that Abby ate an oyster after her father asked her to. He noticed that both girls would do anything to please their father. Abby ate in and promptly ran from the table. She went outside to get some air so that she wouldn't get sick.
Jamie and Abby became friends while he helped her with her writing campaign to Boyd Butler. He helped her by taking her to see a modiste who designed a new wardrobe for her. She also cut Abby's hair and helped her use a bit of makeup. Abby reinvented was as beautiful now on the outside. She was going to get a chance to prove herself because Lt. Butler was coming to see Helena.
Helena was now convinced she was in love with the professor but he refused to agree to marry her. He told Helena he had accepted a new position and was leaving her. They had agreed to no ties and Helena lied and told him that she accepted what he said. Helena was worried that she was pregnant and realized that she needed to marry soon. The Lt. Butler came to call and Helena had already talked to Jamie and told him that she could see that he had fallen in love with Abby. Jamie refused to accept that. He continued to tell himself that he was only helping Abby to achieve her dream of marrying the Lieutenant. Helena met with Boyd and knew that it wouldn't be him she was marrying. She realized that Abby thought herself in love with Boyd and she would never take him away from her. Helena met with Boyd and told him that it was Abby that had written to him. He then went to Abby and proposed. Jamie told himself that he was happy for her. Their plan had worked. He had gotten support for his lands and stopped the railroad from taking the land of Noah's family and others like them. Abby had her dream come true. He should be happy. He and the professor both got drunk that night and were drunk when the sisters came to their apartment to see them.
The professor left and Helena became engaged to another man. Abby kept telling herself that she was happy but she found she missed Jamie. Jamie also missed her. Abby came to see Jamie and told him that she wasn't finished with their lessons yet. She didn't yet know the physical aspect of loving someone and she convinced Jamie to make love to her. She left after telling him she loved him.
Abby and Boyd had announced their engagement at an opening ceremony for an aquarium. Jamie was surprised when the woman who had caused Noah's death arrived with her husband, the man who had killed Noah. Abby was hiding in the bathroom to get away from all those who were giving her husband too much attention. She had slipped away unnoticed. Helena came in and told her about the prince and princess who had arrived and that they had a connection to Jamie. Abby went searching for him to see if she could get some answers about their relationship from him. From the gossip she acquired, she knew that this was the reason Jamie would not allow himself to love anyone.
Abby spoke with the princess and got the answers she was looking for. She knew now that she was in love with Jamie and broke off the wedding plans with Boyd. She was satisfied to see that Boyd seemed relieved.
Abby told her father that she was marrying him to please him and he was surprised that she didn't know how much he loved her without being told. He told her that he wasn't as open with her because he didn't see that she needed it. Their relationship improved after that.
The woman who Abby first saw Jamie making out with at the beginning of the story, had married and come to see Jamie on the night that Abby came over to tell him that she had called off the wedding. Jamie wasn't ready to tell her yet that he was in love with her too because she was getting married. Caroline had come to warn Jamie that something was up with her husband. He was the railroad owner and wanted the right of way that Jamie had stopped. Jamie left that night to go home and was there to help the people whose houses had been burned through arson caused by the railroad owner. Jamie was reading a newspaper when he learned that Helena was getting married and that Abby had not married. He left immediately to return home. He hadn't seen Abby in 2 weeks but proposed to her immediately after he returned. It was towards the end of the celebration for Helena's wedding.
Boyd had left and gone to sea and was no conversing with a war secretary's daughter. Michael Rowan was teaching at a woman's college. Helena was now married to Senator Barnes. Abby had been watching for a comet for some time and saw it the night before Jamie returned. The comet was named after Abby's mother.
Abby had grown up with the son of the vice-president and thought she was in love with him. But Lieutenant Butler fell in love with Helena when he first saw her. He started writing to Helena but she wasn't interested in him and asked Abby to write back for her. Jamie found a letter that Abby had started and decided to post the letter to Boyd without waiting for Abby's permission. She was angry that the letter was what she was thinking about and very much a love letter. Abby had no intention of posting it. She was going to take a milder approach as she pretended to be Helena. That couldn't happen now. Abby and Boyd Butler began writing love letters to each other while he was attending West Point as a Lieutenant. Helena and Abby kept up the pretense because they wanted to please their father and he wanted an alliance between Helena and Butler to further his political ambitions.
They were attending a dance when Boyd Butler first spotted Helena and that was where Abigail first met Jamie Calhoun. Jamie was a freshman Representative and she caught him making out with another woman. Abigail was embarrassed and tried to get away without being seen but she didn't get away fast enough.
Jamie wanted an introduction to Abby's father so he decided to become her friend. He was intrigued by her but he told himself that he wanted to get to know her only to get closer to her father. He encouraged Abby in her writing campaign to Lieutenant Butler because Abby told him she was in love with him. Jamie told her that Boyd would switch his loyalties to her once he found out she was writing to him rather than her sister. She wanted to stop but Jamie told her not to. He helped Abby to select a new wardrobe to help convince Boyd that he had chosen the wrong sister when he came to see her again. Jamie told himself that he was doing all this to become Abby's friend and gain an introduction to her father.
Helena also met Jamie and Abby noticed that Jamie didn't seem to be watching her as close and the other men around them typically did. Jamie noticed Abby. Jamie needed a place to stay and Helena suggested their neighbor and friend, Professor Michael Rowan. Jamie became his roommate and he also noticed that Helena seemed very interested in him. Professor Rowan was probably the only one that didn't seem to pay any particular interest in Helena. Jamie found this interesting.
Jamie had a half brother, Noah, whose mother was black. Jamie and his father didn't get along so Jamie left home to go overseas. Noah came to fetch him home and ended up dead as a result of Jamie's actions. Jamie blamed himself and ran for the House of Representative with a goal to do something in memory of Noah. The main objective he had was to stop the railroad from taking away the land that now belonged to the sharecroppers. People that were like Noah's widow. This surprised Abby. Jamie wanted the backing of Abby's father.
Jamie invited Abby and her family to visit his plantation home to show the Senator what the land looked like that the railroad would be taking. He wanted Senator Cabot to see the type of people living off the land and what it would do to them to lose it. He came to Abby's room one night and took her to the rooftop to look at the stars where he lived. He had prepared a picnic. He kissed Abby that night and she stopped him from doing any more than kissing by bringing up Butler in their conversation. She noticed that Jamie appeared angry and backed away. He had told her that he was trying to get her used to a man's touch and she believed him. She couldn't get him off her mind though and they way he had made her feel.
When Jamie had come to her room, Jamie told her that her sister, Helena, had already snuck out and wasn't there. They heard her return and she told Abby that she had gone swimming in the nude with the Professor and that they had sex. Abby was angry, especially after Helena told her that she was still planning on forming a lasting relationship with the Lieutenant.
Jamie decided to teach Abby to ride a horse while at his place. He let her watch a mare mate with a stallion and then took her riding. She enjoyed it very much. After their ride, their fathers rode up in a carriage and asked Helena to ride with them. Jamie was a bit put out by the fact that Abby's father seemed to completely ignore Abby. The two of them went back to the house together while their fathers took the professor and Helena back with them in the carriage.
Jamie tried to get Abby to eat raw oysters for dinner that night and she did her best to refuse. He noticed that Abby ate an oyster after her father asked her to. He noticed that both girls would do anything to please their father. Abby ate in and promptly ran from the table. She went outside to get some air so that she wouldn't get sick.
Jamie and Abby became friends while he helped her with her writing campaign to Boyd Butler. He helped her by taking her to see a modiste who designed a new wardrobe for her. She also cut Abby's hair and helped her use a bit of makeup. Abby reinvented was as beautiful now on the outside. She was going to get a chance to prove herself because Lt. Butler was coming to see Helena.
Helena was now convinced she was in love with the professor but he refused to agree to marry her. He told Helena he had accepted a new position and was leaving her. They had agreed to no ties and Helena lied and told him that she accepted what he said. Helena was worried that she was pregnant and realized that she needed to marry soon. The Lt. Butler came to call and Helena had already talked to Jamie and told him that she could see that he had fallen in love with Abby. Jamie refused to accept that. He continued to tell himself that he was only helping Abby to achieve her dream of marrying the Lieutenant. Helena met with Boyd and knew that it wouldn't be him she was marrying. She realized that Abby thought herself in love with Boyd and she would never take him away from her. Helena met with Boyd and told him that it was Abby that had written to him. He then went to Abby and proposed. Jamie told himself that he was happy for her. Their plan had worked. He had gotten support for his lands and stopped the railroad from taking the land of Noah's family and others like them. Abby had her dream come true. He should be happy. He and the professor both got drunk that night and were drunk when the sisters came to their apartment to see them.
The professor left and Helena became engaged to another man. Abby kept telling herself that she was happy but she found she missed Jamie. Jamie also missed her. Abby came to see Jamie and told him that she wasn't finished with their lessons yet. She didn't yet know the physical aspect of loving someone and she convinced Jamie to make love to her. She left after telling him she loved him.
Abby and Boyd had announced their engagement at an opening ceremony for an aquarium. Jamie was surprised when the woman who had caused Noah's death arrived with her husband, the man who had killed Noah. Abby was hiding in the bathroom to get away from all those who were giving her husband too much attention. She had slipped away unnoticed. Helena came in and told her about the prince and princess who had arrived and that they had a connection to Jamie. Abby went searching for him to see if she could get some answers about their relationship from him. From the gossip she acquired, she knew that this was the reason Jamie would not allow himself to love anyone.
Abby spoke with the princess and got the answers she was looking for. She knew now that she was in love with Jamie and broke off the wedding plans with Boyd. She was satisfied to see that Boyd seemed relieved.
Abby told her father that she was marrying him to please him and he was surprised that she didn't know how much he loved her without being told. He told her that he wasn't as open with her because he didn't see that she needed it. Their relationship improved after that.
The woman who Abby first saw Jamie making out with at the beginning of the story, had married and come to see Jamie on the night that Abby came over to tell him that she had called off the wedding. Jamie wasn't ready to tell her yet that he was in love with her too because she was getting married. Caroline had come to warn Jamie that something was up with her husband. He was the railroad owner and wanted the right of way that Jamie had stopped. Jamie left that night to go home and was there to help the people whose houses had been burned through arson caused by the railroad owner. Jamie was reading a newspaper when he learned that Helena was getting married and that Abby had not married. He left immediately to return home. He hadn't seen Abby in 2 weeks but proposed to her immediately after he returned. It was towards the end of the celebration for Helena's wedding.
Boyd had left and gone to sea and was no conversing with a war secretary's daughter. Michael Rowan was teaching at a woman's college. Helena was now married to Senator Barnes. Abby had been watching for a comet for some time and saw it the night before Jamie returned. The comet was named after Abby's mother.
September 28, 2014
:) uma historia bem engraçada que Susan Wiggs nos apresenta.
com algum sentido de humor, mas acima de tudo com o realismo que afinal toda a historia de amor tambem deve conter.
Abigail Cabot, filha de senador, mas com alguma "incapacidade" para o social enfrenta nesta historia um desafio a todas as convenções e a sua falta de auto estima.
Por outro lado Jamie Calhoun, com um passado secreto, assume o papel de "professor" de Abby no sentido de a tornar irresistivel e em contrapartida ter o apoio politico do pai de Abby.
Mas o amor tem caminhos estranhos e aparece como quem nao quer a coisa e no coração dos mais resistentes....
Uma historia singela, mas com algum conteudo que nos dá sem duvida algumas hora de leitura agradável.
com algum sentido de humor, mas acima de tudo com o realismo que afinal toda a historia de amor tambem deve conter.
Abigail Cabot, filha de senador, mas com alguma "incapacidade" para o social enfrenta nesta historia um desafio a todas as convenções e a sua falta de auto estima.
Por outro lado Jamie Calhoun, com um passado secreto, assume o papel de "professor" de Abby no sentido de a tornar irresistivel e em contrapartida ter o apoio politico do pai de Abby.
Mas o amor tem caminhos estranhos e aparece como quem nao quer a coisa e no coração dos mais resistentes....
Uma historia singela, mas com algum conteudo que nos dá sem duvida algumas hora de leitura agradável.
November 26, 2020
3.5 stars. Ended too soon.
Read
May 24, 2021My shorthand mnemonic: My Fair Lady meets To All the Boys I Loved Before
July 18, 2023
I loved this book. I only wish that Jamie and Abby’s reunion had even the tiniest of epilogue.
July 26, 2023
Probably the most enjoyable in the Calhoun chronicles so far but a slightly abrupt ending!
September 4, 2018
Despite being said to be part of a series, there is almost no need to read other books in the series. In this case, the story takes place at least a decade or two later than the last book and the main Calhoun is a nephew to Hunter.
By way of comparison to The Horsemaster's Daughter, I found this book to fall short in many ways. The story is not as lively. This story relies more on backstory mysteries rather than twists. The backstories are revealed in almost a teasing way where you think something major is about to be explained and then it's not. I mention this not because I object to this device, but more as an objection over degree and frequency.
There are some very sad moments as we begin to really understand the past. I was gut-punched over the regret in Abigail's life when she finally confronted it, not because the circumstance was news, but over the realization of that regret. Calhoun's tragedy was equally sad.
Abigail is another underdog with wonderful qualities. I enjoyed the early part of the book as we got to know her and then as we saw her character develop. Calhoun is another questionable man with a drinking problem (not as bad as Hunter's) who makes some poor choices, while struggling between good intentions and selfish ones. Overall, I had a hard time liking him.
Mature themes: a brutal execution is described. A woman is barely spared physical mutilation of her face as a punishment. There is sex but with practically nothing explicit about it.
By way of comparison to The Horsemaster's Daughter, I found this book to fall short in many ways. The story is not as lively. This story relies more on backstory mysteries rather than twists. The backstories are revealed in almost a teasing way where you think something major is about to be explained and then it's not. I mention this not because I object to this device, but more as an objection over degree and frequency.
There are some very sad moments as we begin to really understand the past. I was gut-punched over the regret in Abigail's life when she finally confronted it, not because the circumstance was news, but over the realization of that regret. Calhoun's tragedy was equally sad.
Abigail is another underdog with wonderful qualities. I enjoyed the early part of the book as we got to know her and then as we saw her character develop. Calhoun is another questionable man with a drinking problem (not as bad as Hunter's) who makes some poor choices, while struggling between good intentions and selfish ones. Overall, I had a hard time liking him.
Mature themes: a brutal execution is described. A woman is barely spared physical mutilation of her face as a punishment. There is sex but with practically nothing explicit about it.
November 15, 2019
Abigail, the "smart" one of the Cabot sisters, is desperately in love with the son of the vice-president. A freshman congressman offers to train her to be attractive and thus win his love. It comes as a surprise to no one that the two fall in love, and she breaks through his reticent but charming exterior.
This fills loads of tropes: the Pygmalion transformation; the grumpy seducer with secrets in his past; the beloved, pretty sister; the unaffectionate father; letter writing from secret correspondents; and the "teach me all about physical love" sex.
I liked the setting and Abigail's astronomic interests, which made it more interesting than the hundreds of other novels with the same arc. Jamie was often deserving of a slap, but his backstory made his reticence believable. What wasn't believable was the blindness to propriety of all the characters, which claiming to be only slightly out of line with the conventions of the time.
This fills loads of tropes: the Pygmalion transformation; the grumpy seducer with secrets in his past; the beloved, pretty sister; the unaffectionate father; letter writing from secret correspondents; and the "teach me all about physical love" sex.
I liked the setting and Abigail's astronomic interests, which made it more interesting than the hundreds of other novels with the same arc. Jamie was often deserving of a slap, but his backstory made his reticence believable. What wasn't believable was the blindness to propriety of all the characters, which claiming to be only slightly out of line with the conventions of the time.
Read
March 23, 2024This was an interesting addition to the series and takes place a generation after the previous book and it has a great use of the ugly duckling trope.
As always, I enjoyed the strength of the FMC, her ability to stay true to herself, and her personal growth. Her interests were unusually, which added interest to the story.
The father character was well developed, and his motivations for his behaviours are both realistic and convincing. The sister's story had some twists and unpredictability which eventually added some depth to her.
I found this book to have less sexual tension between the MCs than the two previous books, but it worked.
For the MMCs part, he's witty and worldly and does care. I found his moment of insight (that made him turn to her and want a relationship) a little short on the arc/development/time he needed for the revelation. But, the way it is written, was in keeping with the theme of the book.
I enjoyed this very much.
As always, I enjoyed the strength of the FMC, her ability to stay true to herself, and her personal growth. Her interests were unusually, which added interest to the story.
The father character was well developed, and his motivations for his behaviours are both realistic and convincing. The sister's story had some twists and unpredictability which eventually added some depth to her.
I found this book to have less sexual tension between the MCs than the two previous books, but it worked.
For the MMCs part, he's witty and worldly and does care. I found his moment of insight (that made him turn to her and want a relationship) a little short on the arc/development/time he needed for the revelation. But, the way it is written, was in keeping with the theme of the book.
I enjoyed this very much.
February 2, 2025
I wanted to read this because Abigail being smart, plain-looking, and lacking in self-confidence is a little too relatable for me not to read this, haha. But seriously, I like a heroine written like that, and I like how Jamie appreciates all the things that make her uniquely her. They're a very well-matched couple. My main quibble is how quickly things are wrapped up in the final chapter. I felt like they still needed to have a good, long conversation, and then I wanted more fluff of them together.
August 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I love the character development. It is not a true historical because the characters are too progressive but I love the setting and characters.
It is about self confidence and relationships.
I was very sad in the end with Helena's situation but can't wait to read her story. I am glad I don't have to wait for it.
There is what I consider mild sex in it - references and some detail but not too explicit.
It is about self confidence and relationships.
I was very sad in the end with Helena's situation but can't wait to read her story. I am glad I don't have to wait for it.
There is what I consider mild sex in it - references and some detail but not too explicit.
December 4, 2017
After reading the summary of this one, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. However, once I began reading and got a few chapters in, I was enjoying it just fine. She kept me guessing as to what Jamie's secret was, and once we learned it, I was horrified at what poor Noah went through. I was so worried that she was going to marry Boyd, was so glad she didn't! I am curious to see what happens to her sister though after her marriage. I am looking forward to book #4 in this series.
July 4, 2023
I bought a sample from Amazon but didn't really want to buy the book after reading it. I'm still unsure if it's worth my money or not, so I have to drop it. It's not the story that made me drop the whole thing, it's the heroine herself. I don't think I've ever been displeased with a heroine from a historical romance book before like I'm here. The heroine made everything feel lifeless and without any meaning.
July 6, 2023
This story made me laugh out loud, cry, sigh. It was incredibly angsty and dramatic and amazing.
Very rarely do I adore both the FMC and the MMC in a book, but good lord the h and H are amazing together as unlikely friends and there is just something that draws me in when the slowburn friends to lovers happens, especially when there's unrequited love, grumpyxsunshine, a tinge of enemies to lovers, and a historical romance all wrapped up in one. I'm so glad I read this.
Very rarely do I adore both the FMC and the MMC in a book, but good lord the h and H are amazing together as unlikely friends and there is just something that draws me in when the slowburn friends to lovers happens, especially when there's unrequited love, grumpyxsunshine, a tinge of enemies to lovers, and a historical romance all wrapped up in one. I'm so glad I read this.
August 6, 2023
For me, this is a difficult one to rate because I found myself not liking/liking Abigail and Jamie. The story line is interesting. It's just a difficult thing to put my finger on. Although . . . I found myself more interested in Helena than Abigail. Oh, I almost forgot. When Jamie is teaching Abby to ride - it's stirrup *irons* or just plain stirrups, not stirrup loops and she held onto the pommel of the saddle, not the "lip."
October 30, 2017
well folks this is really a lady's book. it is a love story that takes place many years ago when politics was based on who you know and who you can marry off your daughter to get brownie points.To hell to love for your daughter. this is a story that you would read wrapped in a blanket on a cold evening with a glass of wine.
July 13, 2019
I wanted this book to be better than it was. After all, the heroine is an astronomer. The problem was, I did not like hero straight off. I did not like the heroine's family. The book came across as a weird mashup of Roxanne and She's All That, and it did not work for me. Also, Washington politics are boring, no matter the century.
February 20, 2023
2.5⭐
I really liked the chemistry between Abigail and Jamie. But...when it came to the important parts (you know what I mean) the details were lacking. Only one spicy scene and it was glossed over.
Also, the relationship with Abigail's father was strange. He was totally distant and uncaring for 90% of the book and then suddenly a 180? Weird.
I really liked the chemistry between Abigail and Jamie. But...when it came to the important parts (you know what I mean) the details were lacking. Only one spicy scene and it was glossed over.
Also, the relationship with Abigail's father was strange. He was totally distant and uncaring for 90% of the book and then suddenly a 180? Weird.
October 5, 2019
To find out that the man Abigail wanted was not the man for her. She realized with Jamie that life had more for her than she thought. Interesting and great Cinderella style story with the prize being with Jamie as the true love of her life.
April 30, 2021
This one was much better than the last, though still had plenty of dudes who drink way too dang much and a lack of any kind of emotional intelligence. That said, I liked it a lot (I always love the ugly duckling stories!) and there were really beautifully crafted scenes.
Rating : Range Great!
Rating : Range Great!
April 29, 2023
Abigail is smart and awkward and shy and in love with the vice presidents son. He sister, Helena , is breathtakingly beautiful. She meets Jamie in awkward circumstances and he sets out to recreate her to be a match for her dream . Of course they fall in love…
October 25, 2023
Another great book in The Calhoun Chronicles. Torn between the desire to please her father by marrying the ‘right’ man, and a deeply disturbing attraction to the ‘wrong’ man, Abigail Cabot must make a decision for herself. Note: some explicit bedroom scenes are described.
July 2, 2020
Another good book by Susan Wiggs. It holds your interest throughout the book and has been an interesting series. I shall continue with the series.
July 25, 2020
A lovely story..
The finalised was so long in coming as to replace the disappointment of regret completely. Thanks for writing. And thanks again.
The finalised was so long in coming as to replace the disappointment of regret completely. Thanks for writing. And thanks again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews