false 853322 7 Setting: Boston and Rio de Janeiro, 1851<p> Sensuality: 7<p> Isadora Peabody is the brilliant but socially inept sibling in an otherwise perfect family. And although she struggles to fit into Boston society, her awkwardness dooms her to repeated failure. Fate intervenes when she learns that a sea captain, Ryan Calhoun, is in need of an interpreter for his next voyage to Rio. And despite Ryan's adamant opposition to hiring a female interpreter, Isadora gains a berth on his ship, thanks to a little blackmail.<p> Life aboard ship and away from the strict confines of Boston society finds Isadora losing weight, gaining confidence, and blooming like a rose. She befriends the motley crew of rough sailors, and in turn, they become a charm school of sorts, tutoring her in gracefulness--which comes in handy when climbing the rope rigging--dancing, and friendship. Isadora's transformation fascinates Ryan, but he is determined to stay away from her for he has secretive, dangerous plans. Unaware of Ryan's interest, Isadora struggles with her growing attraction to the reckless sea captain. But before they can resolve their feelings, prior commitments surface and endanger their chance of finding a happy future together.<p> <I>The Charm School</I> is a tale of the evolution of two complicated people and the powerful love that binds them. Wiggs skillfully peels away the layers that conceal the real Isadora until the transformation from misfit to confident woman is complete, while Ryan develops from a wild, rebellious southerner into a man who can overcome impossible odds to reach his goals. If you like swashbuckling adventure, fascinating characters, vivid settings, and surprising plot twists, this wonderful novel will be just your cup of tea.<I>--Lois Faye Dyer</I> 344016 1999 Charm School total:262|5:95|4:98|3:50|2:16|1:3| 262 1052 419 41 5 4 false false Tue Jul 15 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Mon Jul 14 05:25:28 -0700 2008 Tue Jul 15 15:54:25 -0700 2008
I got this one from the library but I think I will make it a keeper ...]]> 4 2 false false Sat May 17 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Tue May 13 18:57:34 -0700 2008 Sat May 17 19:10:28 -0700 2008
What a wonderful story about love and transformation Susan Wiggs has penned in “The Charm School”. It combines the lure of “Pygmalion” with the fairy tale of “The Ugly Duckling” and even throws in a dash of anti-slavery activism. And it...more...]]> 5 2 false false Mon Sep 14 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun Sep 13 14:25:49 -0700 2009 Mon Sep 14 15:26:12 -0700 2009 more...]]> 2 0 false false Tue Sep 15 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Fri Oct 09 01:40:22 -0700 2009 Fri Oct 09 01:46:36 -0700 2009
I am most impressed with her ability to handle heavy issues without a heavy hand. I usually can't stand to read about heavy issues. I'm not looking for a lot of depressing melodrama in a book. Wiggs is never melodramat...more...]]> 4 1 false false Wed May 14 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Fri Jun 27 13:32:12 -0700 2008 Fri Jun 27 15:04:14 -0700 2008 5 1 false false Mon Jul 21 19:44:47 -0700 2008 Mon Jul 21 19:48:44 -0700 2008 4 1 false false Thu May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Tue May 27 13:58:45 -0700 2008 Tue Aug 12 13:18:00 -0700 2008 my opinion?]]> 5 1 false false Tue Jul 15 15:31:52 -0700 2008 Tue Jul 15 15:32:52 -0700 2008 4 1 false false Wed May 14 19:01:38 -0700 2008 Wed May 14 19:03:17 -0700 2008 4 0 false false Fri Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Wed Jun 03 15:48:27 -0700 2009 Sun Jun 21 14:35:07 -0700 2009 1 more...]]> 5 1 false false Fri Jun 22 14:51:01 -0700 2007 Fri Jun 22 14:51:41 -0700 2007 3 0 false false Mon May 19 16:23:16 -0700 2008 Fri Jun 06 04:54:24 -0700 2008 more...]]> 3 0 false false Wed Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Fri Nov 07 17:42:11 -0800 2008 Thu Mar 26 05:59:48 -0700 2009 more...]]> 4 0 false false Wed Nov 19 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Thu Nov 20 04:10:38 -0800 2008 Thu Nov 20 04:14:29 -0800 2008 more...]]> 4 0 false false Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun May 31 08:33:05 -0700 2009 Mon Jun 01 09:21:06 -0700 2009 more...]]> 5 0 false false Wed Dec 03 20:14:49 -0800 2008 Wed Dec 03 21:10:06 -0800 2008 more...]]> 3 0 false true Thu Aug 27 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Wed Aug 26 11:01:13 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 27 17:17:38 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Tue May 26 12:04:47 -0700 2009 Tue May 26 12:08:14 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Sun Aug 16 21:58:55 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 20 09:11:30 -0700 2009
I'm not sure why romance authors always have to put in a couple of racy scenes. This book just didn't need it! Wiggs could take a lesson from Georgette Heyer. A couple of good kisses does it better, for me.]]> 5 0 false false Fri Dec 05 16:34:24 -0800 2008 Fri Dec 05 16:35:35 -0800 2008