The Perfect Wife (Leisure Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Lynsay Sands (Author)

Book Description

Series: Leisure Historical Romance | Publication Date: October 2005

It was to be hoped that her groom was partial to cherries. For Avelyn feared she would very much resemble one at their wedding feast. Too round, too red in the scarlet gown that was all she could fit intoand perhaps too tart for his taste? No doubt he longed for a sweet, biddable bride, one who was tiny and trim as she was trying to appear. Paen Gerville longed for a lively, well-rounded woman, one whose plump breast would cushion his head after the lonely, harsh life of a knight. At first his wife-to-be- promised no such delights-her form was unbending, her health apparently fragile as she fainted in his arms after their first kiss. But one split bridal gown later, her assets were eye-poppingly apparent and Paen could only grin as he anticipated the surprises yet to come on his wedding night withthe perfect wife.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Avelyn is the pride of her parents--lovely, intelligent, sweet tempered, skilled in all pursuits expected of a great lady, and nicely rounded. Unfortunately, her nasty cousins have taunted her so unceasingly for so many years that she feels ugly, fat, and undesirable. A series of humiliating incidents on her wedding day and thereafter has also convinced her new husband, Paen de Gerville, that she is not only frail but accident-prone, and the comical misunderstandings that result lead to more unhappiness for Avelyn. But eleventh-century England is dangerous and demanding, and soon her natural optimism overcomes her feelings of inadequacy, allowing her to take control and succeed as chatelaine of Rumsfeld in spite of the mishaps that continue to plague her. Sands has cleverly woven a suspenseful subplot into this medieval coming-of-age romance, and her characters--including two sets of overanxious but loving parents, a clumsy squire-in-training, and a pet piglet--delight, while her trademark humor and vivid settings enthrall the reader. Lynne Welch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historical novels and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus.

--This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Books (October 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084395499X
• ISBN-13: 978-0843954999
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,078,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #92 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > British > Historical

More About the Author

Born in Southern Ontario, Lynsay Sands is the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau Vampire series. She has written more than 34 books and anthologies since her first novel was published in 1997. Her romantic comedies span three genres--historical, contemporary, and paranormal--and have made the Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. Lynsay's books are read in more than twelve countries and have been translated into at least six languages. She's been a nominee for both the Romantic Times Best Historical Romance Award and the Romantic Times Best Paranormal Romance Award, was nominated and placed three times in the RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Awards of Excellence, and has several books on All About Romance's Favorite Funnies list.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh Out Loud Funny!!!, November 8, 2005

By 

Reader Girl "Avid Reader" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Perfect Wife (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was so funny. I really enjoy Linsay Sands historicals. This one is going into my keeper shelf. The heroine has a bad self-image of herself, but the hero finds her beautiful.
(WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILER)...........I keep laughing just thinking about the sceen where she didn't lose enough weight to fit into her wedding gown, so her mother and her maid binds her so tight to make her fit that she can't breath, or bend, or walk! She thinks her cheeks are too round that she is sucking them in like a fish! The groom is wondering what's wrong with ther face and worried that he has married someone so "delicate" she may not survive the hard medieval times they live in.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, January 9, 2006

By 

LovesDarcy (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Perfect Wife (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was a laugh out loud funny book with wonderful characters. Paen and Avelyn were the perfect match. I loved how there was no disagreement between these characters, no fighting, just misunderstanding that didn't lead to arguments. I loved Paen's "praise" of Avelyn. That made me laugh. If you like a book that makes you laugh this is one for you. Lynsay Sands just proved how well she does at writing comedy.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars another delightful tale from Ms. Sands, September 30, 2005

By 

Deborah MacGillivray "Author," (US & UK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Perfect Wife (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Lynsay Sands has penned another charming historical tale, with a dear heroine females will take to her heart. As Avelyn faces her approaching wedding day, she is riddled with fears. Her wedding gown is suddenly a wee bit too "tight". Our lass is buxom lady, and used to her independence. She wants a husband, but doesn't "need" one. As the day approaches she nearly frets herself to death fearing her betrothed - Paen Gerville - will be repulsed by his pleasingly plump bride. She tries to remake herself - hide those few extra pounds and pretend she is biddable. Only, Avelyn is too used to running her holding and doesn't believe she can be the perfect wife - think and he subservient.

Paen wants just the opposite. To him the perfect wife is a full-figured lass who has a brain and mouth to match. He relished his new bride has something to cuddle and wants an equal, a helpmate, not a servant. In typical Sands style, Avelyn blunders along trying to force herself to be what she thinks is the perfect wife. Instead of winning the love of Paen, she causes Paen to think he's made a mistake in marrying her.

Avelyn has to learn she can be loved just the way she is. It's a warm, gentle tell that reminds us all to be who we are!