The Gentleman Caller

by Megan Chance

Jack Waters is offered the deal of a lifetime by New Orleans wealthiest patron, Garland Lafon--marry Garland's daughter Rosalie and stay away from her younger sister Corinne--but there is one problem, Rosalie is determined to become a nun and Corinne is the most dazzling creature Jack has ever seen. Original.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

432 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Megan Chance was depressed when she wrote this book. And I think they rubbed off on me, because I certainly had some suicidal thoughts when I finished it. But seriously, this book is really depressing. I had one of those moments when I felt that a book actually added to the weight of sorrows on my chest instead of lightening it. I am a pleasure reader, so that's not a good thing to me.
Megan Chance does not write happy, fun romance novels. Her romance novels are typically very intense, emotional, and angsty. That is usually a combination that works for this reader, as long as the ending is somewhat happy enough to counteract the sadness. I'm not asking for balloons, and rabbits, and candy, but a reassurance that the couple will go on to have a happy life full of joy.

There was an action that the heroine did as a young, scared girl that I found could not get over. It had some long-lasting repercussions on her and the future. I'm not saying that she doesn't deserve understanding and forgiveness. She does. We all do. But I couldn't get past the sorrow of that action, and the fact that she was placed in a situation that caused her think this was the best decision.

The book could almost be a Southern gothic, the way the hero goes to stay with a family that is full of dark secrets, sorrow, and a bit of madness. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't over the top, but subtle enough that it was apparent with some further reading. Oh, lets not forget the archytpes of a Southern gothic novel. The embittered old maid sister (the heroine), the younger, carefree, flirtatious sister is clearly headed for a tragic end, and the hero (more or less our Nick Carroway in this story). Southern gothic only works so well in a romance novel. I really think that this is one of those historical fiction novels that was snuck in by the publishers as a romance novel because the author previously wrote them. Not very nice, publishers. At least if you do, give us some joy to go along with our despair.

Ah, it's been over fifteen years since I read this book, and I frown when I think about it. The anguish it caused me weighs on my heart. I definitely did not keep this book.

[Myfanwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t have high expectations for The Gentleman Caller after reading a fairly negative review on AAR, so this book left me pleasantly surprised, although I don’t think it’s one of Megan Chance’s best offerings.
Overall, it felt like a pretty standard arranged marriage romance, although it was elevated by Miss Chance’s usual fabulous historical detail. I really appreciate the way that religion was incorporated into the story, both adding texture to New Orleans during the Victorian period (or however American history is periodised), as well as being a significant presence in the lives of the characters, especially Rosalie, the heroine, who initially intendeds to be a nun. Religion as an important aspect of people’s lives is something that a lot of historical romances tend to ignore, so I appreciate that its role is acknowledged here.
This book is also one of the few (if not the only) romance novel I’ve read that is fairly accepting of abortion-although somebody does die of a botched abortion, so if that’s something you find really upsetting you might want to give this one a pass-within the historical context. Often HRs use pregnancy out of wedlock as a springboard for shenanigans, and while I do love me a good ‘whoops a baby’ story, I also appreciate Miss Chance’s acknowledgement of the risks women were willing to take to end an unwanted pregnancy. (In this house we respect a woman’s right to choose. Do not @ me.)
Ultimately the three main characters, especially the two female leads, Rosalie and Corinne, just didn’t ever quite pull together for me and I never felt fully invested in them.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent, heartbreaking, inspiring, bittersweet goodread from the amazing talented author, Megan Chance.

[Robin L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everybody in this book was so trifling. I had to tap out. I couldn’t even skim it. I just didn’t care what happened.

[S franke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I have really enjoyed Megan Chance books but there are massive graphic errors on this electronic version that steal concentration.
I like the plot opened up a new world to me-New Orleans of old,
and the characters, Jack and Rosa are believable. Guilt drives this plot-it’s believable but better resolved without the family death.

[Angela]

Beautiful story of hope

This book will make you feel. Megan capture old New Orleans beautifully and you feel as if you've stepped into the past.

[Sharon Holford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Megan Chance's books but this one is told from the man's point of view. I always wonder just how accurate - or real - he is. Knowing some history and having lived in Louisiana I do know that women had no rights, so the father choosing husbands and heirs is real. But can a woman really write from a male perspective?

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Megan Chance book and I am struck with the cinematic quality of her writing. There is such a strong sense of place and the way place plays on the senses. The characters were all compelling although the heroine was much less so than the other characters. In Chance's defense the evasive quality of the heroine was actually important to the story.

[Belmanoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Megan Chance and I will be reading her entire backlist as soon as I can get my hands on it. I found the ending of the book anti-climactic which is why only three stars, but the tension between the characters was amazingly strong and the angst was first class.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! Another gem writing at it's finest

[A.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time I read rated: 5 stars
Second time I read rated: 3 stars

[ANGELINA · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never in my life read a more idiotic book, and considering the very many books I've read, that says it all!