Who Would Like This Book:
If you love a Regency romance with a twist of real-life messiness and a spunky heroine, this book is for you! Eloise Bridgerton is witty, independent, and unexpectedly daring, while Sir Phillip Crane is a brooding botanist with two mischievous twins in tow. Their story is more about emotional growth and healing than fairy-tale fluff, and fans of character-driven romances or those who enjoy a strong family dynamic (hello, hilarious Bridgerton brothers!) will find plenty to enjoy here. The novel stands out for tackling heavier themes - like grief and starting over - mixed with heartfelt humor and steamy chemistry.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the romance difficult to buy into, with Sir Phillip coming off as emotionally distant (and even frustrating) compared to previous Bridgerton heroes. If you prefer your love interests charming and communicative from the start, his character might not win you over. Also, fans looking for the sparkling London society scenes or classic Bridgerton banter may miss the glitzy setting and some of the series’ signature lightness. Sensitive readers should also know this book addresses mental health, suicide, and child neglect.
About:
'To Sir Phillip, With Love' by Julia Quinn follows the story of Eloise Bridgerton, a strong and independent woman who decides to change her life after her friend's marriage. She starts corresponding with a widower, Sir Phillip Crane, and eventually agrees to visit him to see if they are compatible for marriage. However, their courtship is complicated by Phillip's troubled past, including the loss of his first wife and his struggles with parenting his unruly twins. The book explores themes of love, family dynamics, and personal growth, with a writing style that balances humor and emotional depth.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include discussions on suicide, mental health issues, and abusive backgrounds.
Has Romance?
The romance between Eloise and Sir Phillip is central to the narrative and develops throughout the story.
From The Publisher:
A New York Times Bestseller
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Eloise Bridgerton, in the fifth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.
ELOISE'S STORY
Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.
Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?
Ratings (65)
Incredible (9) | |
Loved It (19) | |
Liked It (14) | |
It Was OK (14) | |
Did Not Like (9) |
Reader Stats (95):
Read It (79) | |
Want To Read (13) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
I'm pretty sure I read this series in order at first, but at some point I stopped and read a few books out of sequence. I skipped this one for some reason. But it was nice to get back to those characters that, as it turned out, I remember pretty well.
I loved the strength of Eloise's character and how soberly she looked at the world, even when she was looking for more romance at times. Phillip made an interesting partner for her. I like how the author made sure that his past definitely influenced his behavior - not only his attitude towards children, but also his expectations of his future wife. But I also liked that Phillip appreciates some aspects of Eloise even more than her brothers. I'm also glad that thanks to this marriage, Phillip has apparently found brothers whom he must have missed after the death of his own brother.
I often don't like kids in romance, but surprisingly these kids were okay. Even though they certainly epitomized everything that I don't like about kids in my books. This time it didn't bother me somehow, which I attribute to the excellent writing style of this author.
But I am not entirely convinced that Phillip fully understood what Eloise expected of him. I am concerned that she may still be very lonely in this relationship. The final scene of going to the town with the children was supposed to convince me otherwise, but in my opinion it is not so certain and obvious. Fortunately, this is the most serious doubt I have regarding this book.
I am not sure if I have read all the books in this series yet. If not, I will certainly do it sooner or later.
What can you read after
To Sir Phillip, With Love?
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