The Perfect Wife

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.

Self esteem can be a tricky thing when trying to make a first impression. This book deals with low opinions and high expectations, making it a story containing both humor and sadness. Most girls today battle the overall "image" of the perfect body, so to speak, and that is the start to a possible unhealthy future. Convinced by her cousins that she is fat, our heroine tries to change her image to please her new husband. What he expects and what he recieves are not one in the same. Tho, through love and guidence she begins to understand her worth. The perfect wife is a historical romance with a modern flavor dealing with issues of today's society. It has humor, joy, sadness and love, and I would reccomend this book to any who love a good story with real-life issues. Thank you Lynsay for writting this book.

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.

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!

Avelyn fears that her physical built and mental independence will leave her beloved new husband Paen Gerville loathing her. She feels she is too fat for any man to desire her as razor thin is in and she is the opposite. On top of that she is used to having her way so she can not be subservient to her spouse. Paen wants a woman with love handles as he can not stand the stick figures that are the prevalent way of the in crowd. He prefers meat on his woman. He also likes a lady who is not afraid to speak her mind in and out of the boudoir. Avelyn tries to hide her curves and struggles to fit what she believes are the image of THE PERFECT WIFE. As her efforts lead to embarrassing failures, Paen is ready to give up on marriage as he wants the woman who will tell him he is wrong if she believes so and enjoys an active tussle in bed with him, which he thought would be Avelyn. This amusing medieval romance contains a serious message to be yourself and not try to be someone your not just because you believe that is what your soul mate desires. Paen is a fantastic person who wants the real Avelyn as his partner, but begins to wonder if his conception of her is wrong she acts simpering and inane instead of witty and intelligent. He is ready to give up on love and just settling for less. Avelyn seems in some ways like a modern female trying to fit the image of THE PERFECT WIFE (and woman). Fans will enjoy Lynsay Sands' deep historical. Harriet Klausner