"A charming tale of self-discovery"

Lynsay Sands has penned another charming historical tale, with a dear heroine females will take to 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 plumb 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 be 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 the fact that his new bride has something to cuddle and he 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!

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted September 17, 2005

Summary

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, to red in the scarlet gown that was all she could fit into...and perhaps too tart for his taste? No doubt he longed for a sweet, biddable bride, one who was as 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 solitary fighting knight. At first his wife-to-be promised no such delights—her form was unbending, her health apparently fragile as she fainted into his arms as 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 with... THE PERFECT WIFE