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Danse de la Folie
A light-hearted Regency folly, starring Miss Clarissa Harlowe who wants a quiet life-but falls in love with a smuggler, the Marquess of St. Tarval. Tarval’s sister, Lady Kitty, is determined to write a dramatic Gothic to save her brother’s mortgaged estate-if she can reach London. Clarissa’s much-pursued cousin, Mr. Philip Devereaux, is inexplicably intrigued by Lady Kitty, who is doing her best to encourage the match between him and Clarissa, except that Clarissa is now betrothed to . . . Lord Wilburfolde.
And so the madness of changing partners begins in the dance of love.
And so the madness of changing partners begins in the dance of love.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2012
32 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Sherwood Smith
168 books37.5k followersI am a writer,( Patreon here) but I'm on Goodreads to talk about books, as I've been a passionate reader as long as I've been a writer--since early childhood.
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
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August 21, 2012Back in the seventies, I wrote a Georgette Heyer pastiche, but by the time I got it typed up to send around, the second wave of Regency romances had pretty much taken over, at least in the USA: spicy, the heroines hopping into the sack with the heroes. Along with the sex came the modernization of the heroines--they were often on a first name basis with everyone by page ten, they went off alone through London without a thought, etc. Readers seemed to want that, though I didn't, so I pretty much stopped reading them, and parked the ms.
Well, a few years back I took it out again, reread it, liked the plot though the Heyer pastiche made me wince, so I began the slow process of rewriting it, but this time, for fun, I'd stick with vocabulary and interactions from Jane Austen's time. But that would mean I'd have to drop the more lively portions of the plot (Austen makes fun of the action of Gothicks in Northanger but never indulges them), and she uses aristocrats only to satirize, so I amended my goal to more of a silver fork feel, because let's face it, readers don't pick up a Regency romance in order to exercise their solidarity with the proletariat.
So here it is, an old-fashioned Regency romance. (Connected, because I can't help thinking that way, to REVENANT EVE, the third Dobrenica book.)
Well, a few years back I took it out again, reread it, liked the plot though the Heyer pastiche made me wince, so I began the slow process of rewriting it, but this time, for fun, I'd stick with vocabulary and interactions from Jane Austen's time. But that would mean I'd have to drop the more lively portions of the plot (Austen makes fun of the action of Gothicks in Northanger but never indulges them), and she uses aristocrats only to satirize, so I amended my goal to more of a silver fork feel, because let's face it, readers don't pick up a Regency romance in order to exercise their solidarity with the proletariat.
So here it is, an old-fashioned Regency romance. (Connected, because I can't help thinking that way, to REVENANT EVE, the third Dobrenica book.)
September 15, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book (with one caveat). One of the things that has prevented me from enjoying a good many of the historical romances inundating the genre these days is that most authors seem to have no familiarity with the era and no desire to learn. Not so Sherwood Smith. Her regency depiction feels real and detailed with just enough explanation that anybody can feel comfortable with the motivations and reactions of the people in it. The main characters are engaging and their relationships and struggles drew me in from the start.
The one discordant note was Lucretia. She starts off well-enough as a nasty piece of work subtly undermining Kitty for her own benefit and stringing Tarval along until something better comes into view. So far, so good. As the book progresses, however, she continues with her destructive behavior beyond the point I find believable. She becomes a storybook villain with motivations that make less and less sense as her plot becomes more and more twisty.
Still and all, that's a very minor quibble and didn't truly disrupt my enjoyment of the novel. Danse de la Folie is a solid romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer but with Smith's distinctive touch. Well done and may I have another?
The one discordant note was Lucretia. She starts off well-enough as a nasty piece of work subtly undermining Kitty for her own benefit and stringing Tarval along until something better comes into view. So far, so good. As the book progresses, however, she continues with her destructive behavior beyond the point I find believable. She becomes a storybook villain with motivations that make less and less sense as her plot becomes more and more twisty.
Still and all, that's a very minor quibble and didn't truly disrupt my enjoyment of the novel. Danse de la Folie is a solid romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer but with Smith's distinctive touch. Well done and may I have another?
September 24, 2015
I admit it, this wasn't a five-star rating until about halfway through, when I realized I'd become extremely attached to the characters without noticing. Danse de la Folie has a wonderful sensibility of the age and feels very authentic in the speech and manners of the characters, and I loved the romances--all of them, not just the main two. If the ending feels a little abrupt, I didn't mind so much because it felt like the right kind of comeuppance for our villain. Excellent story, and so satisfying.
December 18, 2017
This is a solid and entertaining regency romance. The dialogue is sharp and very funny, and the two heroines - who are much older than the normal regency debutantes - are good foils for each other. This is also a book that is firmly set in the regency era, with all of the strictures that entails, and fun details that show the research the author put into the book. In fact, the only thing that hindered my enjoyment of this otherwise excellent book was the villain, who was a bit too cartoonish and one-note to be quite real. But that's a minor complaint, and if you like Heyer, you will like this book too.
Interesting side note: it always strikes me how highly prized kindness is in these books. Our heroines are kind, and do not gossip, and their manners are the result of inner virtues shining through. It's an underrated virtue in 2017, to be sure, which is probably why I notice it.
Interesting side note: it always strikes me how highly prized kindness is in these books. Our heroines are kind, and do not gossip, and their manners are the result of inner virtues shining through. It's an underrated virtue in 2017, to be sure, which is probably why I notice it.
May 23, 2020
For once I don't need to inwardly cringe as I tag this novel regency!
I can't tell you how nice it feels to read about characters who behave with decorum and don't go around waltzing or making love in uncomfortable places. This is an author who did her research, and while the strains of Austen and Heyer poke through, it never distracts. This is Smith's regency world, not theirs.
The story follows two heroines: the mature and steady Miss Clarissa Harlowe and her guest, vivacious wannabe-novelist Lady Kitty. Two charming gentleman appear, along with a host of delightful side characters (including the prerequisite younger siblings) and villainous villains. Of course, the path of true love never did run smooth, so plenty of impediments keep our couples apart. (And none of those impediments include stupid misunderstandings, another reason to give this book 5 stars.)
It is not always the most polished novel (I ran across one passage referring to Kitty as Katie, a name she is never referred to before or after) but I was still quite pleasantly surprised with how skillfully the author handled several scenes (In particular, the soiree from the Lucretia's POV, as it reveals the growing affections of the characters without bashing the reader over the head with it. Subtle but brilliant.)
If looking for something romantic and clean with enough absurd antics to keep things entertaining, I highly recommend checking this delightful novel out! It is definitely one I am glad I purchased because I think it is going to get an annual re-read...
I can't tell you how nice it feels to read about characters who behave with decorum and don't go around waltzing or making love in uncomfortable places. This is an author who did her research, and while the strains of Austen and Heyer poke through, it never distracts. This is Smith's regency world, not theirs.
The story follows two heroines: the mature and steady Miss Clarissa Harlowe and her guest, vivacious wannabe-novelist Lady Kitty. Two charming gentleman appear, along with a host of delightful side characters (including the prerequisite younger siblings) and villainous villains. Of course, the path of true love never did run smooth, so plenty of impediments keep our couples apart. (And none of those impediments include stupid misunderstandings, another reason to give this book 5 stars.)
It is not always the most polished novel (I ran across one passage referring to Kitty as Katie, a name she is never referred to before or after) but I was still quite pleasantly surprised with how skillfully the author handled several scenes (In particular, the soiree from the Lucretia's POV, as it reveals the growing affections of the characters without bashing the reader over the head with it. Subtle but brilliant.)
If looking for something romantic and clean with enough absurd antics to keep things entertaining, I highly recommend checking this delightful novel out! It is definitely one I am glad I purchased because I think it is going to get an annual re-read...
September 2, 2012
Oh, this was simply lovely. A silver-fork Regency with a real eye for period detail and a warm beating heart. It's the sort of book with lots of twists and turns and at every turn it chooses happiness. I dithered a lot about whether I should add this one to my fluff shelf, because although it made me feel all fluffy and cozy inside it has a refreshing solidity, grounded as it is in such a goodhearted, clear eyed view of humanity. Our four heroes are well-balanced, thoughtful individuals who are capable of forming deep friendships and of falling in love with people who are good for them, the couples we wind up with on the last page are couples it is easy to imagine enjoying each other's company, even after many years of marriage.
After having a fairly bruising day dealing with some people who are decidedly unpleasant, I stayed up late to finish this novel as balm, spending time in this world just made me feel better about my own world. I love the developing friendship between Clarissa, a wealthy heiress looking forward to a happy spinsterhood, & Kitty, an impoverished, adventurous noblewoman with a bent towards romance and novel-writing. And it tickles me no end that this romance-centred novel actually passes the Bechdel test. Our heroes are good fun as well: St Tarvel, Kitty's brother, a responsible man who has taken to smuggling to maintain his estate, and Mr Devereaux, Clarissa's wealthy cousin, a society man in line to inherit a Duchy, pursued by everyone and rather jaded and aloof. He doesn't get to stay jaded for long though, because as soon as this novel begins we are plunged into adventures from shipwrecks to the London Season, and a sprightly pace is maintained throughout such as would cheer up even the most aloof ducal heir.
After having a fairly bruising day dealing with some people who are decidedly unpleasant, I stayed up late to finish this novel as balm, spending time in this world just made me feel better about my own world. I love the developing friendship between Clarissa, a wealthy heiress looking forward to a happy spinsterhood, & Kitty, an impoverished, adventurous noblewoman with a bent towards romance and novel-writing. And it tickles me no end that this romance-centred novel actually passes the Bechdel test. Our heroes are good fun as well: St Tarvel, Kitty's brother, a responsible man who has taken to smuggling to maintain his estate, and Mr Devereaux, Clarissa's wealthy cousin, a society man in line to inherit a Duchy, pursued by everyone and rather jaded and aloof. He doesn't get to stay jaded for long though, because as soon as this novel begins we are plunged into adventures from shipwrecks to the London Season, and a sprightly pace is maintained throughout such as would cheer up even the most aloof ducal heir.
August 28, 2012
Regular Goodreads followers know that I rarely give new books 5 stars – that’s for classics, and books I still love after several years. But this one was so much fun, it’s joining my five star moderns club.
Sherwood Smith has delivered a delightful “sweet Regency” novel for fans of the genre. I’d have to say that for both historical accuracy and adapting the “silver fork” genre for modern readers, Smith did a wonderful job. She has a discerning eye, allowing her characters to grow and change through the period of time covered in the story.
Clarissa Harlowe is 24, practically on the shelf but resisting marrying anyone she cannot picture herself conversing with for the rest of her life. Her latest refusal has her aristocratic father shaking his head. Napoleon’s first romp through Europe about over, she is sent off across the Channel to Holland to an aunt – a trip derailed by a shipwreck!
Suddenly Clarissa is falling in love with her rescuer (the smuggler) the Marquess of St. Tarval, and taking his irrepressible sister, Lady Kitty, under her wing. We have persistent suitors, unknown relatives, beloved half-siblings, meddling aunts, mean girls with agendas, grandmothers who pull rank – in short, we have a delightful swirl of regency romance.
Smith plays fair for the times, and shows her deep knowledge of the period by bringing earlier periods and clothing styles into the plot in a very real way. Her characters’ conversations and inner thoughts not only move the plot but flesh the protagonists out into people you can believe in and root for.
Recommended! I hope she does another one! (And I now have a regency tag.)
Sherwood Smith has delivered a delightful “sweet Regency” novel for fans of the genre. I’d have to say that for both historical accuracy and adapting the “silver fork” genre for modern readers, Smith did a wonderful job. She has a discerning eye, allowing her characters to grow and change through the period of time covered in the story.
Clarissa Harlowe is 24, practically on the shelf but resisting marrying anyone she cannot picture herself conversing with for the rest of her life. Her latest refusal has her aristocratic father shaking his head. Napoleon’s first romp through Europe about over, she is sent off across the Channel to Holland to an aunt – a trip derailed by a shipwreck!
Suddenly Clarissa is falling in love with her rescuer (the smuggler) the Marquess of St. Tarval, and taking his irrepressible sister, Lady Kitty, under her wing. We have persistent suitors, unknown relatives, beloved half-siblings, meddling aunts, mean girls with agendas, grandmothers who pull rank – in short, we have a delightful swirl of regency romance.
Smith plays fair for the times, and shows her deep knowledge of the period by bringing earlier periods and clothing styles into the plot in a very real way. Her characters’ conversations and inner thoughts not only move the plot but flesh the protagonists out into people you can believe in and root for.
Recommended! I hope she does another one! (And I now have a regency tag.)
July 18, 2016
I thought this was going to be a bit better than it was. I was delighted by some of the Thackeray-esque tones that I thought I was encountering when I first entered the book, the wry omniscient narrator. But that disappeared quickly. After the initial establishing plot involving smuggling and rakish doings, I thought that the whole thing went downhill rather quickly. And even that plot was got rid of with a flick of the hand later when the time needed to be spent with the romances rather than with any sort of extraneous adventures. There were some isolated sentences that I remember making me smile. But really the characters were flat, the dialogue was rather stilted and careful, and the conclusion, as ever with a romance, foregone. I finished it and it was fine. But it turned out more forgettable than I thought it would be. Like a first draft outline, I thought. And a perfectly good one too. Needed the details sketched in, that's all.
October 15, 2013
A lovely Regency romance. Clarissa is a conflict-averse heiress trying to avoid a boring suitor. By chance, Clarissa makes the acquaintance of the poor and infamous Decourcey family and rapidly becomes fast friends with Lady Kitty. Together, the two young ladies embark upon a Season in London, each with their own romantic entanglements. I loved the friendship between them, and the slow realizations each of them have about the other's character. But what I most enjoyed was the light, effortless feel of the writing and dialog. The dialog always felt natural, both to the period and to the characters. My only quibble with this story was that the pov switched a little randomly, often from one paragraph to the next.
May 9, 2014
I just noticed that I'd never written anything about this - not an unusual occurrence, admittedly, but one I regret all the same. Autumn 2012 was one of the more hellish times around here, but still. To make up for it, I'm doing star rating, which I don't do for friends' books normally.
Also I'm repeating the pleas a lot of us sent out at the time for more.
Also I'm repeating the pleas a lot of us sent out at the time for more.
June 11, 2023
Clarissa is wealthy, plain, and unengaged after seven seasons on the London marriage mart. When an unfortunate marriage proposal arrives, without a valid reason for rejection, she . . . heads off on a yacht in the midst of war in order to avoid acceptance.
Unfortunately her yacht is not long for the world & sinks shortly after her departure.
Fortunately, she is rescued by a group of amateur smugglers. One of whom turns out to be Kate, a poverty-stricken member of the gentry who is desperately trying to write a novel in order to help her brother pay the bills. Another is said brother, who—along with being broke and an unsuccessful smuggler—is everything Clarissa didn’t know she needed. He is also unfortunately engaged.
Danse de la Folie is a light-hearted, entertaining romp through the ballrooms, parlors, and picnics of London society; but what makes it sing are the joyous characters and tongue-in-cheek narration, the latter reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson. Quite fun.
Unfortunately her yacht is not long for the world & sinks shortly after her departure.
Fortunately, she is rescued by a group of amateur smugglers. One of whom turns out to be Kate, a poverty-stricken member of the gentry who is desperately trying to write a novel in order to help her brother pay the bills. Another is said brother, who—along with being broke and an unsuccessful smuggler—is everything Clarissa didn’t know she needed. He is also unfortunately engaged.
Danse de la Folie is a light-hearted, entertaining romp through the ballrooms, parlors, and picnics of London society; but what makes it sing are the joyous characters and tongue-in-cheek narration, the latter reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson. Quite fun.
August 14, 2021
3.5ish
I generally enjoyed this, but just needed to be more into the two romances. I was willing to like them! There just wasn't enough there for me.
Owned ebook 1/2 for the month
Overall owned book 1/5 for the month
I generally enjoyed this, but just needed to be more into the two romances. I was willing to like them! There just wasn't enough there for me.
Owned ebook 1/2 for the month
Overall owned book 1/5 for the month
March 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed that haha. How addicting! All the mixed up and misplaced loves and cartoonish villain!
Highly amusing I definitely recommend.
Highly amusing I definitely recommend.
February 3, 2013
I was initially thrown off a bit by the Heyer-like (or Austen-like?) language and the occasional usage of the author's omnipresent voice, but I actually ended up loving this frothy Regency-set romance and I have to say that I'm impressed by my first non-fantasy Sherwood Smith.
Yes, the plot wasn't exactly ground-breakingly original, but the way we got to the ending was immensely enjoyable. Apart from the romances (and bonus points for avoiding the insta-love trope), I also loved the other relationships in this book - between Kitty and her brothers, and between Clarissa and Kitty. Minor niggles include the sheer predictability of the plot as mentioned and also my occasional confusion between the characters, but overall, this was an engrossing and fun read.
Yes, the plot wasn't exactly ground-breakingly original, but the way we got to the ending was immensely enjoyable. Apart from the romances (and bonus points for avoiding the insta-love trope), I also loved the other relationships in this book - between Kitty and her brothers, and between Clarissa and Kitty. Minor niggles include the sheer predictability of the plot as mentioned and also my occasional confusion between the characters, but overall, this was an engrossing and fun read.
August 22, 2012
Sherwood Smith is a chameleon! She so easily adapts to all manner of stories and genres. Danse de la Folie is no different. It is a typical Regency-style romance with four main players: Clarissa, Kitty, Carlisle, and Philip. True to form there are hijinks and misunderstandings and marriage swapping along with a couple of spoiled girls doing their best to get their own way. But also true are the proprieties of the time, which is nice. No first names and heaving bosoms (which always drove me nuts) so I was quite pleased knowing that this would not be the case when I bought it.
I won't delve into the plot but I can say that like all of Ms. Smith's books it is well written and I found myself engaged the entire way through.
My only regret is that I bought it for my Kindle through Amazon.com and not through Book View Cafe as I assume more money would get to Ms. Smith that way. Ah well. Next time!
August 28, 2012
A regency romance somewhere between Austen and Heyer with a likeable heroine (or two). It's genteel, of the period and doesn't make the mistake of modernising the heroines. They stay striuctly within the period. It's Clarissa's story with Kitty as a strong secondary character. Expect the usual Regency fare of unrequited love, misunderstandings, engagements to the Wrong Man and fortune hunters slightly spiced up by the fact that Clarissa falls for a smuggler - but no ordinary smuggler, a marquis, no less. (That's revealed early - it's not a major spoiler.) Naturally the course of true love does not run smooth but all ends happily. You kinda knew that was going to happen but it's how that's the interesting bit.
December 29, 2015
My best Boxing Day ever was spent curled up with this delightful story. Thank you, Ms. Smith, for writing a Regency Era novel with characters who act and talk and think like Regency Era people. Thank you for writing men who think and act like men. Thank you for a beautiful love story that didn't depend on heart-flutterings and skin-tinglings. Thank you for never describing anyone's lips or breathing speed.
And thank you for Clarissa. She was so wonderfully normal yet truly good. I loved Kitty, too, but Clarissa was perfect for those of us who can't always relate to the belle of the ball.
And thank you for Clarissa. She was so wonderfully normal yet truly good. I loved Kitty, too, but Clarissa was perfect for those of us who can't always relate to the belle of the ball.
January 2, 2013
This was a pleasant, fun read. Very like Georgette Heyer, and I enjoy her work. I really liked the two main characters--especially Kitty. I did wish for a little more at the end, as I thought it ended a bit abruptly. Still satisfying, though.
February 4, 2013
This is a rare find. Here is a regency novel, well-written by a current author, who has done her homework in regards to early 19th century culture and morals and which depicts some intelligent, honorable and generally rational protagonists in an enjoyable storyline. Brava. I enjoyed it.
March 6, 2013
Rock-solid romp of a Regency romance with a great nod to the Georgian era built right in for depth and extra flavor. Clearly Smith can write a Regency and nail the historical details without feeling stiff or fussy. She's got the right stuff!
May 15, 2020
I enjoyed the danse immensely. Very well written, characters, setting and descriptions. It was almost as if I was also there, chatting with the girls and joining all those balls and soiree. I can honestly say that the quadrille wasn't as interesting as the danse itself. In fact, if there wasn't a quadrille at all I would still have enjoyed this book. Girls are all friendly and behave properly, that girls of the era and siblings care for each other. Even parents are not absent in the story. A proper Regency book O_O
Of the quadrille, I liked Kitty's and Philip's story much more than Clarissa's and Carlisle. Kitty was a sweetheart, naive and honest, an open book. Philip, the typical dashing hero, but I loved how he avoided that horrible Lucretia and what he did at the end :D As for Clarissa and Carlisle, they were much too reserved to be as likeable as the other 2, and their unwanted betrothment were too much too handle.
On the other hand, while Lucretia was the most insufferable character, she was also a fun to read. Detestable girl, but her schemes and jealousy made me laugh a couple of times. She may have been the 5th main character, the book even
I am adding more books from this author to my shelf.
Folie: madness, insanity.
Of the quadrille, I liked Kitty's and Philip's story much more than Clarissa's and Carlisle. Kitty was a sweetheart, naive and honest, an open book. Philip, the typical dashing hero, but I loved how he avoided that horrible Lucretia and what he did at the end :D As for Clarissa and Carlisle, they were much too reserved to be as likeable as the other 2, and their unwanted betrothment were too much too handle.
On the other hand, while Lucretia was the most insufferable character, she was also a fun to read. Detestable girl, but her schemes and jealousy made me laugh a couple of times. She may have been the 5th main character, the book even
I am adding more books from this author to my shelf.
Folie: madness, insanity.
May 19, 2017
I sorely needed a comfort read yesterday, but since most of my books are packed for a move, I turned to this one on my e-reader. Sherwood Smith is one of my favorite authors, and Danse de la Folie is a delightful regency romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. Two young ladies meet when a yacht on its way to Holland is in an accident off the coast of England, and they become fast friends. The inexperienced, romantic Kitty is darling, but I identified with the sensible Clarissa the most. In a social set where every young lady in search of either a fortune or a title is scheming for a husband, will either Clarissa or Kitty get a happy ending? What follows is no surprise, but the ride is what we read these tales for, right? Also, I LOVED Lucretia's fate--how fitting.
August 22, 2021
A very satisfying historical romance, with authentic language and enjoyable characters. I liked ALL the various couples; I loved to hate the villain, and I was engrossed enough to finish the book in one sitting. Georgette Heyer fans will love this, although it's distinct enough in style. There were no uncomfortable classist plot points (sadly a mainstay of many historical novels of this type), which added to my enjoyment.
March 22, 2018
Mesmerizing
I have to admit that the first couple of attempts to read this book did not go so well. I got bored and quickly sought out other reads. Being broke, I have had to try going through books I previously had put aside. I am so glad I gave this another try.
Once I really put my mind into this book, I was completely entranced. The characters and the plot had me absorbed and I found myself unable to pull away. I couldn’t wait to discover what was going to happen next and how our author was going to pull it all together.
The book revolves around Clarissa, who on her way to Holland is shipwrecked and is saved by a handsome (but broke) Marquis. She ends up staying at his home and becoming fast friends with his younger sister, Kit. The Marquis, unfortunately is already taken - or almost. He and Lucretia have had an understanding for several years. Lucretia is definitely our villain of the story.
Lucretia is definitely what you would define as a social climber. She isn’t quite content with the Marquis and spends every season in London in hopes of securing a higher match all the while enjoying having the marquis as a backup plan. She throughly abuses and minimizes poor Kit at every turn, when she discovers Clarissa, who is from the highest circles of the ton, at Kits Home, she encroaches at every opportunity hoping to try to advance her own social status.
Clarissa invited Kit to spend the season with her in London as Kit has never had the opportunity. Clarissa’s family is so war, and welcoming and it helps Kit to flower and come into her own. In London the girls find themselves at cross purposes in love.
I could go on and on. Truly this book is one of my top regency era books I’ve ever read. It isn’t in the Georgette Heyer style, it’s more of a novel type read, but it’s truly captivating. Don’t let the first chapter or so deter you from an excellent read.
I have to admit that the first couple of attempts to read this book did not go so well. I got bored and quickly sought out other reads. Being broke, I have had to try going through books I previously had put aside. I am so glad I gave this another try.
Once I really put my mind into this book, I was completely entranced. The characters and the plot had me absorbed and I found myself unable to pull away. I couldn’t wait to discover what was going to happen next and how our author was going to pull it all together.
The book revolves around Clarissa, who on her way to Holland is shipwrecked and is saved by a handsome (but broke) Marquis. She ends up staying at his home and becoming fast friends with his younger sister, Kit. The Marquis, unfortunately is already taken - or almost. He and Lucretia have had an understanding for several years. Lucretia is definitely our villain of the story.
Lucretia is definitely what you would define as a social climber. She isn’t quite content with the Marquis and spends every season in London in hopes of securing a higher match all the while enjoying having the marquis as a backup plan. She throughly abuses and minimizes poor Kit at every turn, when she discovers Clarissa, who is from the highest circles of the ton, at Kits Home, she encroaches at every opportunity hoping to try to advance her own social status.
Clarissa invited Kit to spend the season with her in London as Kit has never had the opportunity. Clarissa’s family is so war, and welcoming and it helps Kit to flower and come into her own. In London the girls find themselves at cross purposes in love.
I could go on and on. Truly this book is one of my top regency era books I’ve ever read. It isn’t in the Georgette Heyer style, it’s more of a novel type read, but it’s truly captivating. Don’t let the first chapter or so deter you from an excellent read.
January 23, 2018
I'm a little appalled to see that I haven't actually reviewed this. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if maybe Goodreads went through and deleted a bunch of my reviews at some point...?
Either way, this one deserves at least a small write-up, especially considering it has become my number one comfort read, with probably five re-reads since my first read date, if not more.
This novel is very much an ode to the clean & sweet romances of Georgette Heyer, but with perhaps a more intentionally feminist-angle. Don't come here if you're looking for a bodice ripper filled with rakes and sex. Our leading men aren't aggressively pursuing "their" women. Our starring ladies aren't wilting wallflowers magically transforming into sex goddesses. That's not this book. If you want that book, check out Courtney Milan, or Elisabeth Essex.
Instead, this is a nice little story about discovering what love really is. It's not fireworks and fanfare. It's finding the person you're most comfortable with, who will let you be yourself.
This is a quick & easy read, with a perfect HEA. There isn't anything hugely complex going on, and the drama is kept to a minimum. It's peaceful, and the message is one I embrace on every level. A nice rainy-day read.
Either way, this one deserves at least a small write-up, especially considering it has become my number one comfort read, with probably five re-reads since my first read date, if not more.
This novel is very much an ode to the clean & sweet romances of Georgette Heyer, but with perhaps a more intentionally feminist-angle. Don't come here if you're looking for a bodice ripper filled with rakes and sex. Our leading men aren't aggressively pursuing "their" women. Our starring ladies aren't wilting wallflowers magically transforming into sex goddesses. That's not this book. If you want that book, check out Courtney Milan, or Elisabeth Essex.
Instead, this is a nice little story about discovering what love really is. It's not fireworks and fanfare. It's finding the person you're most comfortable with, who will let you be yourself.
This is a quick & easy read, with a perfect HEA. There isn't anything hugely complex going on, and the drama is kept to a minimum. It's peaceful, and the message is one I embrace on every level. A nice rainy-day read.
May 28, 2017
2017 reread - Enjoyed this even more the third time around. The writing is so so good and the secondary characters filled out. Ms. Smith can write a great 'selfish and bossy but trying to make everyone think she is helping' villain in the vein of Austen (compare Mrs. Latchmore to Aunt Norris of Mansfield Park).
The audio version is very well done. Heather Wilds' reading makes it clear which character is speaking and that is hard to do when there are so many different ones (think of the many sisters and cousins involved in this story and they're often in the same room).
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I enjoyed this story very much. It was clean - so so pleased to find no heaving bosoms,etc. I also loved how the author had the characters call each other Miss so and so or Lord whatever; they didn't meet and automatically call each other by their first names.
The viewpoint switched between characters. ( 2017-not sure why this was a problem for me back then?) It threw me a little at first but I came to appreciate being able to know what each one was thinking and how they were viewing each other's actions.
Very enjoyable read - I will be recommending it to my friends.
The audio version is very well done. Heather Wilds' reading makes it clear which character is speaking and that is hard to do when there are so many different ones (think of the many sisters and cousins involved in this story and they're often in the same room).
~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this story very much. It was clean - so so pleased to find no heaving bosoms,etc. I also loved how the author had the characters call each other Miss so and so or Lord whatever; they didn't meet and automatically call each other by their first names.
The viewpoint switched between characters. ( 2017-not sure why this was a problem for me back then?) It threw me a little at first but I came to appreciate being able to know what each one was thinking and how they were viewing each other's actions.
Very enjoyable read - I will be recommending it to my friends.
August 10, 2013
Sherwood Smith has a rare talent hardly found in these days' other authors. She can create a lively cast of multiple characters with unique interests and traits and can handle the juggling superbly. The plot, although loosely centered around the two main couples, is well distributed to encompass other characters' plights and situations also. All in all, this book is a very refreshing read. All four leads are immensely easy to root for. On the other hand, the villain is very deliciously sketched and portrayed, so much so that at the end I almost felt this person was the actual leading character of the story. Or how could I explain why by the end I didn't care one bit for what would become of the protogonists but only wanted to satisfy myself of seeing this person punished? The answer could only be that other characters pale in comparison to such vivid colorfulness of this character. 4 stars.
January 11, 2015
I'm a fan of this author's fantasy novels which always have a whiff of the Heyers about them so when I found she'd written a straight regency novel I was quite excited to read it.
I found her less sure-footed here, her powers of characterization had not deserted her, though I found myself sometimes more interested in the Becky Sharp type anti heroine than in the pretty behaved girl I was supposed to root for.
It was largely free from the American type usages that upset British readers but night seemed to fall unnaturally early in summer on a plot-turning day and there were a lot of minor typos (kindle version). I gather this was originally written as a Heyer type book and later converted to be more along Austen lines and this shows with elements of the earlier style remaining and jarring in what is often an excellent Austen pastiche.
None of this prevented me from enjoying and finishing the book but a little bit more effort could have made it so much better.
I found her less sure-footed here, her powers of characterization had not deserted her, though I found myself sometimes more interested in the Becky Sharp type anti heroine than in the pretty behaved girl I was supposed to root for.
It was largely free from the American type usages that upset British readers but night seemed to fall unnaturally early in summer on a plot-turning day and there were a lot of minor typos (kindle version). I gather this was originally written as a Heyer type book and later converted to be more along Austen lines and this shows with elements of the earlier style remaining and jarring in what is often an excellent Austen pastiche.
None of this prevented me from enjoying and finishing the book but a little bit more effort could have made it so much better.
June 20, 2022
2022- Enchanting writing and characterization. Applause. I'm very glad Smith fought the modernization of the times and held on to this.
2016- Wonderful!
And clean!
(cleanness counts a lot in my ratings...)
I would definitely recommend to everyone I think would be interested in this kind of book.
I especially enjoyed the growing relationships between the players (though I wished they spent more time together "on camera" as it is, just to see the dialogue) and the realness that was so evident. I felt like... I was aggravated at Lucasta and her superficiality, but she proved to be humorous at times as the antagonist. Her ending was hilarious, and entirely fitting. It was a well written, intricately webbed book, and I really wish this author wrote more of these:):):):):)
2016- Wonderful!
And clean!
(cleanness counts a lot in my ratings...)
I would definitely recommend to everyone I think would be interested in this kind of book.
I especially enjoyed the growing relationships between the players (though I wished they spent more time together "on camera" as it is, just to see the dialogue) and the realness that was so evident. I felt like... I was aggravated at Lucasta and her superficiality, but she proved to be humorous at times as the antagonist. Her ending was hilarious, and entirely fitting. It was a well written, intricately webbed book, and I really wish this author wrote more of these:):):):):)
June 22, 2020
Three and a half stars. Not quite as charming or readable as Georgette Heyer, and I didn't actually identify with any of the protagonists, but I still wanted to know how it would all come together, and it kept me reading all the way through.
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