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A Gypsy at Almack's
Seemingly destined for spinsterhood, Lucy Saint-Clair is finishing her third London season when she meets Lord Rune, a confirmed bachelor asked by Lucy's brother to be her sponsor. Original.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1994
64 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Cheshire
1 bookThe name is a pseudonym used by children's author Laura Amy Schlitz.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 18, 2018
2.00 stars - pg13 heavy?/mild r-lite?
This story was enjoyed by several readers whose reviews I usually agree with, but, unfortunately, this time I’m going to have to disagree. I’ve made it over a third of the way through this book and have decided that life’s too short and I’m getting too old to try and finish every single book I pick up. So far, this book had some very funny bits, but the annoying bits far outweighed the others. If I had to rate the book at this point, I’d probably go with maybe 2.25 stars simply for the funny parts.
Some of the book was quite funny, BUT I often felt like there was just something “off” with this story, things that just didn’t make sense. Inconsistencies (for example, I couldn’t figure out if Lucy had spunk or was just a wet dishrag). Silliness. Odd and contrived bits. Some of it was uncomfortable to read (I was cringing). It seemed that things didn’t always fit the regency time period and, often, felt way too modern. Some things were, I suppose, meant to be mildly titillating, but just seemed tacky or slightly sordid and totally unnecessary to the story. Often, I felt like the author was clinging to her thesaurus. I don’t mind occasionally looking up unknown-to-me words as I read, but the ones she chose were just odd and rather jarring. For example: “…an ardor that could face the hymeneal altar” and “He had not intended to pay her compliments, but she seemed to be able to extract them from contumely.” Why not just say something such as “marriage” and “rudeness”??? Does the author think the average romance reader actually uses terms like “hymeneal” and “contumely”??? I believe she’s a school librarian so perhaps she can’t resist trying to educate her readers by having them stop every few pages to grab a dictionary. How distracting!
I wrote way too many notes while reading this book. If something frustrates me enough to stop and make a note, then it’s pulling me out of the story – and that’s not a good thing. I won’t list all my pages of notes, but I will jot down the part that was pretty much the final straw for me (although I did go on and skim another 4-5 chapters before calling it quits). In Chapter 6 the author has Lucy (a vicar’s daughter), on a carriage drive through the park with Lord Rune, freely talking about how she understands men’s [sexual] temptations, etc. (right after he had introduced her to his former mistress!!!). I imagine that, yet again, the author is trying to portray Lucy as refreshingly different, outspoken, well-read, mature, etc. But it’s just tacky, unnecessary and completely inappropriate to the decorum of the Regency era that I’ve come to appreciate. Not to mention that this so-called mature girl turns some shade of silly, childish, shy, rude and missish on almost every other page. (And to have the Hero introduce her to his mistress is also not appropriate for this era.)
I found a reviewer on Amazon that said something along the lines of (paraphrased): “Lucy sounded promising at first. However, as soon as she meets the Hero she turns into a whiny, lovesick, limp rag and becomes completely uninteresting.” My thoughts exactly!
For a more positive take on this book read my friend QNPoohBear’s review.
This story was enjoyed by several readers whose reviews I usually agree with, but, unfortunately, this time I’m going to have to disagree. I’ve made it over a third of the way through this book and have decided that life’s too short and I’m getting too old to try and finish every single book I pick up. So far, this book had some very funny bits, but the annoying bits far outweighed the others. If I had to rate the book at this point, I’d probably go with maybe 2.25 stars simply for the funny parts.
Some of the book was quite funny, BUT I often felt like there was just something “off” with this story, things that just didn’t make sense. Inconsistencies (for example, I couldn’t figure out if Lucy had spunk or was just a wet dishrag). Silliness. Odd and contrived bits. Some of it was uncomfortable to read (I was cringing). It seemed that things didn’t always fit the regency time period and, often, felt way too modern. Some things were, I suppose, meant to be mildly titillating, but just seemed tacky or slightly sordid and totally unnecessary to the story. Often, I felt like the author was clinging to her thesaurus. I don’t mind occasionally looking up unknown-to-me words as I read, but the ones she chose were just odd and rather jarring. For example: “…an ardor that could face the hymeneal altar” and “He had not intended to pay her compliments, but she seemed to be able to extract them from contumely.” Why not just say something such as “marriage” and “rudeness”??? Does the author think the average romance reader actually uses terms like “hymeneal” and “contumely”??? I believe she’s a school librarian so perhaps she can’t resist trying to educate her readers by having them stop every few pages to grab a dictionary. How distracting!
I wrote way too many notes while reading this book. If something frustrates me enough to stop and make a note, then it’s pulling me out of the story – and that’s not a good thing. I won’t list all my pages of notes, but I will jot down the part that was pretty much the final straw for me (although I did go on and skim another 4-5 chapters before calling it quits). In Chapter 6 the author has Lucy (a vicar’s daughter), on a carriage drive through the park with Lord Rune, freely talking about how she understands men’s [sexual] temptations, etc. (right after he had introduced her to his former mistress!!!). I imagine that, yet again, the author is trying to portray Lucy as refreshingly different, outspoken, well-read, mature, etc. But it’s just tacky, unnecessary and completely inappropriate to the decorum of the Regency era that I’ve come to appreciate. Not to mention that this so-called mature girl turns some shade of silly, childish, shy, rude and missish on almost every other page. (And to have the Hero introduce her to his mistress is also not appropriate for this era.)
I found a reviewer on Amazon that said something along the lines of (paraphrased): “Lucy sounded promising at first. However, as soon as she meets the Hero she turns into a whiny, lovesick, limp rag and becomes completely uninteresting.” My thoughts exactly!
For a more positive take on this book read my friend QNPoohBear’s review.
December 28, 2011
A regency romance written by a future Newbery award winner. What fun! It is a really refreshing change of pace to have an imperfect hero. Ernest is sickly and weak and considered old and likes his porcelain more than shooting or boxing. Still, Lucy loves him with a hero worshiping reverence and her belief that he can do no wrong inspires him to at least do less wrong.
September 26, 2013
This is a super book. It breaks several romance 'rules', with a hero and heroine of original character. Just a great read.
Read
May 5, 2008Chloe Cheshire is a pen name. All I'm saying.
February 7, 2014
Lucy St-Clair is not a typical Regency miss. She's 21, stout with a big bossom, bookish and enjoys discussing things young ladies shouldn't be interested in or know about. Three Seasons ago she came to London to stay with her godmamma to be brought out but did not succeed in finding a husband. Now her parents want her to come home so they can send her younger sisters to be brought out. In one last attempt to find Lucy a husband, her godmamma, Tabitha, asks her dissipated, confirmed bachelor brother Ernest, Lord Rune to attend some of the events of the Season in order to bring Lucy into fashion. When Lucy discovers the plan she is angry and decides to make Lord Rune dislike her. She nearly succeeds until she opens her mouth to sing and then he becomes interested in her remarkable talent and she falls madly in love with him. The more time they spend together, the more Lord Rune enjoys their discussions and Lucy's frank openness but he's certain he's not interested in her. Ernest's notice of Lucy succeeds a little too well for his taste and his pride nearly prevents the happy ending Lucy dreams of.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I could really relate to Lucy. I think the author must have had me in mind when describing Lucy! Lucy is a refreshing change from simpering misses and hoydenish heroines. She is who she is and nothing is going to change that. Lord Rune at first does not seem like the idea hero but he and Lucy get along well together and I think they're perfect for each other. I highly recommend this book for those who prefer story over romance.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I could really relate to Lucy. I think the author must have had me in mind when describing Lucy! Lucy is a refreshing change from simpering misses and hoydenish heroines. She is who she is and nothing is going to change that. Lord Rune at first does not seem like the idea hero but he and Lucy get along well together and I think they're perfect for each other. I highly recommend this book for those who prefer story over romance.
March 29, 2015
After recently recommending this to a friend in the strongest terms, of course I had to re-read it to see if I'd made a mistake. I don't know if my friend will like it but I still LOVE it. It's refreshingly different from most regency romances, not so much in the overall plot, which is utterly standard, but in the details, the voice, the little anti-romantic touches. It's very funny, full of likable characters (even the "bad people" are likable), with a deft, low-key touch, and particularly well-paced.
I love Lucy (our heroine), her two companions (godmother's daughters), her godmother, and of course the hero, who is utterly winning in his weaknesses as well as his strengths, and even the briefly-seen heroine's sisters with their insipid eyebrows and insufficient flesh! Oh and of course the seamstress Sybilla Rant. There's a real richness and sophistication to this short, not-very-plotty love story.
I love Lucy (our heroine), her two companions (godmother's daughters), her godmother, and of course the hero, who is utterly winning in his weaknesses as well as his strengths, and even the briefly-seen heroine's sisters with their insipid eyebrows and insufficient flesh! Oh and of course the seamstress Sybilla Rant. There's a real richness and sophistication to this short, not-very-plotty love story.
November 9, 2018
I should have guessed I would not like this book because of two reviews that mentioned Jane Austen. Whenever I think of Jane Austen, I'm reminded of what Mark Twain said about her: "Everytime I read “Pride and Prejudice” I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.” (among other disparaging remarks me made about her writing)
This was too 'wordy' for me and did indeed remind me of a Jane Austen novel with its social customs, giggling girls and its non stop babbling and hysterics of Tabitha.
I trudged through it only to find the end was not satisfying to me at all! Talk about totally rushed and then abruptly ended!
This book is going in my give away pile never to be read again.
This was too 'wordy' for me and did indeed remind me of a Jane Austen novel with its social customs, giggling girls and its non stop babbling and hysterics of Tabitha.
I trudged through it only to find the end was not satisfying to me at all! Talk about totally rushed and then abruptly ended!
This book is going in my give away pile never to be read again.
September 18, 2008
I read this book, because it is the first book published by Laura Amy Schlitz (written under pseudonym Chloe Cheshire), winner of this year's Newbery Medal for GOOD LADIES! SWEET MASTERS! VOICE FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. If you like regency romances, it's a delightful little book, especially when you are sleepless and sick. It's no Jane Austen, but still...it suffices.
May 13, 2015
This was recommended to me by my friend Susan as a "classic romance" for my Reading Challenge. I enjoyed it quite a lot! The heroine is not your usual Regency-romance heroine, and I found myself laughing out loud in several places. The romance wasn't as swoony as I'd like, but I have incredibly high standards. ;)
February 5, 2011
This is a really delightful little book - a regency romance that offers quality fluffy reading. The characters have some depth, but more than anything, the book has humour. I actually laughed out loud a few times. A great way to relax.
January 24, 2016
I love this author (see Laura Amy Schlitz). This book reminds me of a classic Jane Austen with a bit of an edge. Sweet and entertaining, this book is a pleasure to read and hard to put down. I highly recommend it!
May 22, 2009
Mostly adorable; the ending was perfectly done, as it avoided the boring "what happens after HAE" that romances so love.
May 17, 2012
I remember reading this in high school, in the throes of my regency romance phase. I'm tickled to learn that it's by Laura Amy Schlitz.
October 14, 2014
Would have loved an Epilogue :)
October 8, 2014
Excellent outside-the-box Regency story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews