It’s been a while since I’ve offered a romance reading recommendation. Last time I picked a contemporary romance, so now I’ll revisit historical romance by highlighting another of my favorite historical romance authors, Julia Quinn. Julia’s books are very playful, sweet, and romantic. One of her most famous series is the Bridgerton series (eight books). 
I’d never read any of her books when I first picked up On The Way To The Wedding (published in 2006). At the time I didn’t realize it was the final book in the series, but it didn’t matter. Each book can stand alone, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them. The book jacket summary of this one, which gives you a taste of Ms. Quinn’s writing style, reads:
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except…
She wasn’t the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with someone else. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except…
Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar…
I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this particular book so much is because, unlike so many rakish historical romance heroes looking to avoid love and marriage, Gregory actually believes in love and is seeking it out. The fact he wants to find a wife (and not just to keep his inheritance, or some other such plot trope) is a refreshing change! Also, I love how the book begins with him being utterly infatuated with Hermione and convinced she’s “the one” until he gradually starts to see the difference between that shallow feeling of attraction and the deeper connection he ultimately finds with Lucy. So many romance books today (in any subgenre) spend too much time describing the lustful infatuation the characters feel, and then have them jump into a dozen sex scenes, in order to convince the reader the couple is really in love.
Maybe I’m just too old to suspend disbelief enough to enjoy that kind of portrayal of love anymore. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do that with this story. The love between these characters seemed organic and genuine. Yes, there are obstacles and surprises contrived to keep them apart, but overall it is a swift, fun read. So, if you’re looking to add a little romance to your week, pick up this book and then let me know if you agree with me!
xo-Jamie
