At nearly 30 years of age, Miss Annis Wynchwood has come to terms with her spinsterhood. She enjoys the independence that her age, wealth, and status provides, and has set up a house for herself at Bath.
But what begins as an adventurous rescue of Miss Lucilla Carleton (who is running away from an arranged marriage) puts a quick end to Annis’ quiet life, especially when Lucilla’s nearest male relative shows up to give Annis a piece of his mind. Mr. Oliver Carleton is the rudest man Annis has ever met, and neither is prepared for the sparks that fly.
Another wonderful read
This is probably the last Heyer book I’m going to review, because I’m starting the dark descent into rabid fandom. I’m losing my perspective and ability to think critically; all I can do for the entire duration of the novel is squeal like a little girl at the fantastic writing, great characters, hilarious moments, and happy endings.
I love the interactions between Annis and Oliver. They’ve got a major case of what I call “Beatrice and Benedick Syndrome,” one of my favorite literary diseases. There are many great supporting characters, including Miss Farlow, possibly the chattiest and most annoying character since Mrs. Bennett.
If you love Regency novels with a smidge of romance, a lot of cleverness, and just a little bit of risque behavior (risque for the 18th century, that is), check out Lady of Quality, or any of Heyer’s novels.
Kick-ass Quotes:
“ ‘Oh, no! He is stuffed with good qualities, but the melancholy truth is that however much I may respect a man’s good qualities they don’t inspire me with a particle of love for him! I shall either marry a man stuffed with bad qualities, or remain a spinster — which is the likeliest fate to befall me!’ ” (p. 182)
Normally I don’t like books focusing on this era in history, but this one from your recommendation sounds kind of good!
P.S. love how she’s 30 and considered a “spinster!” Times sure have changed!
It’s a good book and worth reading, but I think you might like The Grand Sophy more. Some consider to be Heyer’s best work, starring her best character. You should easily be able to find a copy at your local library, and maybe at a Barnes and Noble, if there’s one nearby.
Yea, spinsterhood at 30. Crazy! I’m glad that things have changed in that respect.
Glad to hear that Heyer really is that good, though she is a contemporary writer, no? I like that you called it the Beatrice and Benedick syndrome rather than Elizabeth and Darcy, as I expected.
I’m not sure what defines “contemporary” (anything 20th century on?), but she wrote during the 1930s – 1960s. She was an amazing researcher, which makes her books feel like they were written more than a century before.
I love Elizabeth and Darcy, but even their relationship seems to be modeled after Beatrice and Benedick. B&B’s squabbles were more mean-spirited than E&D’s. And since Shakespeare had no fear of having his characters say something totally inappropriate, while Austen kept her characters from saying anything too rude, I’ve always enjoyed Beatrice and Benedick just a bit more. Don’t tell Miss Austen. :p
I like Georgette Heyer too, light years better quality writing, characters, dialogue and setting than the regencies in the grocery store!
Try Cotillion or The Convenient Marriage. Convenient was my very favorite
I used to pick up the occasional grocery store novel, but haven’t done so since college. There’s a lot of garbage out there. 🙂
I think I’ve read Cotillion, but The Convenient Marriage is new to me. And it sounds awesome! I’ll have to see if my library has a copy.