4.5 stars
One enchanted evening focuses on some of the people in the Buckingham hotel; their troubles and their successes. It is a classic romantic story that takes you away for a couple of hours as you read it, escaping the real world in the pages of this story.
It is a magical book, you really do get swept away in the story of Nancy, Raymond, Helen, Billy, Manyard and Miss Edgerton. The variety of characters is well done, with Raymond being my absolute favourite as he is well rounded and there are times where he does show his flaws and he is not the “perfect man” making him more human. I also felt that Miss Edgerton was a wonderfully well done character, with me feeling sympathy and anger in equal measure throughout. Nancy was a bit too “cutsie” for me and was probably not as strong as the rest of the cast, but enjoyable none the less.
The plot moved along well for the most part, there were a few times where it dragged slightly, especially at the beginning, but then there is an event (no spoilers) and the entire story just shoots forward at a fantastic pace that is maintained throughout. I loved that the romance element was not obvious from the get go and slowly developed into what it became. I also appreciated the fact that the book ended where it did with their relationship. The revelation about Helene was also interesting, and the fact that it was hinted at early in the book meant that I had an “of course” moment.
I also just want to say that the book is stunning. The dust jacket is simplistic and yet elegant, I am in love with everything about it. The colours work well, with the font really standing out from the cover. It is a really romantic cover, with just people dancing by the light of the street lamp. I don’t know why, but all these factors together are wonderful. But it doesn’t stop there, first two pages are a wonderful art deco style with vivid blues and golds that really fit with the period that this book is set in.
All in all, a great debut with wonderful characters and storyline. However, I would say that the pacing needs some work as it can sometimes drag. I would still definitely recommend it.
One enchanted evening focuses on some of the people in the Buckingham hotel; their troubles and their successes. It is a classic romantic story that takes you away for a couple of hours as you read it, escaping the real world in the pages of this story.
It is a magical book, you really do get swept away in the story of Nancy, Raymond, Helen, Billy, Manyard and Miss Edgerton. The variety of characters is well done, with Raymond being my absolute favourite as he is well rounded and there are times where he does show his flaws and he is not the “perfect man” making him more human. I also felt that Miss Edgerton was a wonderfully well done character, with me feeling sympathy and anger in equal measure throughout. Nancy was a bit too “cutsie” for me and was probably not as strong as the rest of the cast, but enjoyable none the less.
The plot moved along well for the most part, there were a few times where it dragged slightly, especially at the beginning, but then there is an event (no spoilers) and the entire story just shoots forward at a fantastic pace that is maintained throughout. I loved that the romance element was not obvious from the get go and slowly developed into what it became. I also appreciated the fact that the book ended where it did with their relationship. The revelation about Helene was also interesting, and the fact that it was hinted at early in the book meant that I had an “of course” moment.
I also just want to say that the book is stunning. The dust jacket is simplistic and yet elegant, I am in love with everything about it. The colours work well, with the font really standing out from the cover. It is a really romantic cover, with just people dancing by the light of the street lamp. I don’t know why, but all these factors together are wonderful. But it doesn’t stop there, first two pages are a wonderful art deco style with vivid blues and golds that really fit with the period that this book is set in.
All in all, a great debut with wonderful characters and storyline. However, I would say that the pacing needs some work as it can sometimes drag. I would still definitely recommend it.