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Dame Constance de Clair #1
Having the Builders in
Dame Constance de Clair has a remarkable talent for getting what she wants. And, at this precise moment, she wants to transform her overly square castle, Vine Regis, by adding an extension. But all is not going according to plan...
Quite apart from the fact that Constance's builders seem more intent on demolishing the existing castle than building the extension; her son's wife-to-be is determined to dislodge her as Lady of the Castle; her son appears more interested in going hunting than getting married; the French are threatening to invade; and to top it all off, there appears to be thievery afoot.
Something is going to have to be done before the estate begins to crumble (quite literally, at this rate) but the question is what...?
Quite apart from the fact that Constance's builders seem more intent on demolishing the existing castle than building the extension; her son's wife-to-be is determined to dislodge her as Lady of the Castle; her son appears more interested in going hunting than getting married; the French are threatening to invade; and to top it all off, there appears to be thievery afoot.
Something is going to have to be done before the estate begins to crumble (quite literally, at this rate) but the question is what...?
Paperback
First published November 6, 2006
60 people want to read
About the author
Reay Tannahill
27 books63 followersReay Tannahill was born on December 9, 1929 in Glasgow, Scotland, where she brought up. Her forename was the maiden name of her mother, Olive Reay. She was educated at Shawlands Academy, and obtained an MA in History and a postgraduate certificate in Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow. In 1958, she married Michael Edwardes but the marriage ended in divorce in 1983, he died in 1990. Until her death on November 2, 2007, she lived in a smart terrace house in London near Tate Britain.
Before started to write, she worked as a probation officer, advertising copywriter, newspaper reporter, historical researcher and graphic designer. She published her first non-fiction book in 1964. The international success came with the novel Food in History, her publisher suggested a companion volume on the second great human imperative, Sex in History. For her 2002 revised edition of 'Food in History, she won the Premio Letterario Internazionale Chianti Ruffino Antico Fattore. She also wrote historical romance novels, and in 1990, her novel Passing Glory won in 1990 the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She belonged to the Arts Club and the Authors' Club, and was chairman of the latter from 1997 to 2000.
Before started to write, she worked as a probation officer, advertising copywriter, newspaper reporter, historical researcher and graphic designer. She published her first non-fiction book in 1964. The international success came with the novel Food in History, her publisher suggested a companion volume on the second great human imperative, Sex in History. For her 2002 revised edition of 'Food in History, she won the Premio Letterario Internazionale Chianti Ruffino Antico Fattore. She also wrote historical romance novels, and in 1990, her novel Passing Glory won in 1990 the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She belonged to the Arts Club and the Authors' Club, and was chairman of the latter from 1997 to 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 23, 2009
Another great book. hard to categorise - sort of a 14th century chick-lit, but without the shopping for handbags. But also a really nice study of castle life without being dull or lecturing.
February 14, 2015
I had rather hoped this would be an amusing tale of castle renovation in the Middle Ages. It is much more than that - a coming of age story, a murder mystery, a theft mystery, and a story of family dynamics. The renovation gets a bit lost in all of this. It's a side story and not the main event. Which is frustrating.
On the other hand, the awkward relationship between the current lady of the house -who is sharp as a tack and thoroughly in control - and her son's 15 year old fiancé, who is naive, ambitious and not as bright - is beautifully and amusingly written.
Plus, the history is absolutely on target. How I loathe romance novels where they get historic daily life entirely wrong! This book is a total relief in that regard.
It's just not the book I was expecting, hence the moderate stars.
On the other hand, the awkward relationship between the current lady of the house -who is sharp as a tack and thoroughly in control - and her son's 15 year old fiancé, who is naive, ambitious and not as bright - is beautifully and amusingly written.
Plus, the history is absolutely on target. How I loathe romance novels where they get historic daily life entirely wrong! This book is a total relief in that regard.
It's just not the book I was expecting, hence the moderate stars.
May 28, 2009
I have been waiting for some months to read this book (and its companion - Having the Decorators In) and finally both books appeared on the library shelves.
The words on the front of the book say
"a delicious novel of medieval rivalry, chivalry and masonry".
The lead character is really Dame Constance de Claire, who wants to transfer her castle, Vine Regis by adding an extension.
That;s when her troubles start, with the builders.
Add to that her eldest son Gervase's wife-to-be Susanne, who arrives at the castle thinking that she will be in charge - plus there is thievery.
All rolled into an enjoyable tale.
The words on the front of the book say
"a delicious novel of medieval rivalry, chivalry and masonry".
The lead character is really Dame Constance de Claire, who wants to transfer her castle, Vine Regis by adding an extension.
That;s when her troubles start, with the builders.
Add to that her eldest son Gervase's wife-to-be Susanne, who arrives at the castle thinking that she will be in charge - plus there is thievery.
All rolled into an enjoyable tale.
January 24, 2016
I made it about halfway through. I was barely coping with the pedestrian prose and the lacklustre characters, and Dame Constance was increasingly reminding me of some of the less pleasant managers I've encountered, and then there was this weird insistence on Susanna's cleavage leading - obviously - to the desire of every male in the castle to have his brutish way with her. Yes, we are in Historical Times, but if this is supposed to be chick-lit, I don't see why we couldn't have a bit of feminist enlightenment too.
March 17, 2010
Not for sticklers for historical accuracy,great character development, or subtle plots but it does not take itself too seriously.
Though I have just noticed the same author has written a book about the history of cannibalism which might be a bit more interesting..
Though I have just noticed the same author has written a book about the history of cannibalism which might be a bit more interesting..
August 5, 2010
Vaguely enjoyable...great historical detail!
August 19, 2011
Cute chick-lit set in medieval times. A great summer read to just sit back and enjoy.
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December 27, 2011Christmas gift from Kieran
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews