Title: Penelope & Prince Charming
Author: Jennifer Ashley
First published April 1, 2006
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780843956061 (ISBN10: 0843956062)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
In the magical land of Nvengaria, Prince Damien is burdened with the weight of prophecy and the task of reuniting his divided kingdom. To fulfill the prophecy, he must find the long-lost Princess of Nvengaria, who disappeared centuries ago.
His search leads him to the unremarkable village of Little Marching in England, where he meets Penelope Trask, a wallflower who collects fairy tales but doesn’t believe in them. Damien must convince Penelope to join him on a dangerous quest to save his kingdom and fulfill the prophecy.
As they embark on this adventure, the prophecy promises that they will fall in love. But can Penelope trust Damien, and can they overcome the challenges that lie ahead?
Jennifer Ashley’s Penelope & Prince Charming is a paranormal historical romance that will make you believe in fairy tales again.
About the Author
Jennifer Ashley is a talented author who has captivated readers with her diverse range of novels. Writing under the pen names Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner, she covers everything from historical and contemporary romance to paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy.
Jennifer’s books have been translated into numerous languages and have received rave reviews from respected publications such as Booklist and Publisher’s Weekly. If you’re interested in learning more about her work, visit her website or check out her books.
Editoral Review
Penelope & Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley is a delightful romance novel that was first published on April 1, 2006. Jennifer Ashley is a historical romance author known for her captivating storytelling and rich characters.
This book follows the traditional construct of the romance genre but adds a unique and fresh twist. The novel’s plot centers around the story of Penelope Trask, a young woman born into a family of noble origins.
She is far from the traditional stereotypes of a high-born lady, as she is quite spirited and straightforward. Through the course of the novel, Penelope navigates the treacherous social landscape of aristocratic life in search of love and fulfillment.
She encounters the dashing Prince Leopold, who is hiding a dark past and attempting to navigate his own life. The novel takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of love, trust, and deception.
Jennifer Ashley employs a masterful use of pacing and character arcs that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The author’s ability to create complex, relatable characters is evident throughout the story.
Penelope, in particular, stands out as a well-developed character with depth and authenticity. Leopold, on the other hand, starts off as a somewhat mysterious and intriguing character, but his true nature is slowly revealed as the story progresses.
What sets Penelope & Prince Charming apart from other romance novels is its historical and cultural significance. The book is set in a time when Victorian-era societal norms are rigidly upheld.
The author sheds light on the limitations and frustrations of women who are forced to conform to these norms. Jennifer Ashley also explores the themes of classism, privilege, and the struggle of the working class in a world ruled by nobility.
These themes are still relevant today, and readers can draw parallels to current events. Despite its strengths, Penelope & Prince Charming has some limitations.
The story is predictable at times, and the resolution is a bit too tidy. The conflict resolution feels rushed, and some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped.
However, these limitations do not ruin the overall quality of the book. In conclusion, Penelope & Prince Charming is an excellent example of historical romance done right.
Jennifer Ashley’s superb storytelling skills and complex character development keep readers engaged from start to finish. This book is recommended for anyone looking for an entertaining read that also tackles relevant social issues.
It deserves a rating of four out of five stars for its excellent execution of the genre tropes and compelling characters.
