Two Corinthians

by Carola Dunn

Lord Pomeroy's sister plays the matchmaker when she pairs her brother up with the spinsterish horticulturist Claire, who is herself Cupid for her sister, Lizzie, and the charming George Winterbourne, who, in turn, has designs on Claire

Genres: Romance, Regency, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Traditional Regency

216 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1989

About the author

Carola Dunn is the author of more than 30 Regency romances, as well as 16 mysteries (the Daisy Dalrymple mystery series is set in England in the 1920s). Ms. Dunn was born and grew up in England, where she got a B.A. in Russian and French from Manchester University. She travelled as far as Fiji before returning to settle in California. After 30 years in the US, she says she still sounds as if she arrived a month ago.

Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.

Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com)

Reviews

[Emmy B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The issue for me was that this story is just not massively engaging, and if you have a scatterbrain like I do at the moment, the characters just seem to pile on and after a while I forgot who is who. There's a broken engagement and a new engagement and what feels like half a dozen men after half a dozen women. The characterisation isn't very strong, and tends towards two-dimensionality. The banter is not particularly witty, and the world-building a little same-old-same-old. It's like a third-rate Heyer, I'd say, which... well, if you're in the mood and have more attention span to give than me, you might enjoy.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good Regency romance, but I find it difficult to find any that aren’t dreadfully silly, and historically inaccurate to boot. I don’t expect every last detail to be perfect, but some things are terribly easy to check, like correct forms of address for the aristocracy, and it’s a great irritant when the author hasn’t even bothered. However, I have no such complaints here. There is a great deal of detail of clothing, and the language is riddled with contemporary cant, but it all felt very authentic. And while there is an outbreak of silliness at the end, it was forgivable.

The two Corinthians (men about town) of the title are George Winterbourne and Bertram Pomeroy. Bertram having lost the love of his life to George’s brother, is urged by his ailing father to marry soon. The suggestion is the elder Miss Sutton, Claire, eccentric and spinsterish at twenty eight, but suitable. George, meanwhile, becomes entangled with Claire and her lively younger sister, Lizzie, by chance, and enters into a pact with Lizzie: he will pretend to woo her to stop her dragonish mother from berating her.

So George is pretending to court Lizzie and Bertram is reluctantly courting Claire, and… well, we can see where this is going, can’t we? But even if the resolution is predictable, that’s not a fault in a book like this. It’s more about the journey than the destination, and here the journey is entertaining and unfolds gently and rather sweetly, with good behaviour on all sides.

There’s not much action, so those looking for highwaymen or pirates or spies should move swiftly on. Nor are there any outbreaks of uncontrollable lust. If you like Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, then this book is just the ticket. A pleasant, gentle read. Four stars.

A footnote: I didn’t realise it, but this book is actually a sequel to Miss Hartwell’s Dilemma. It made things a little confusing early on as the author skated rapidly over the backstory, but I soon got the hang of it. However, it’s probably a more enjoyable read if approached in the correct order.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Sutton has spent her entire 28 years being belittled by her mother and protecting her sister Lizzie from the same fate. Claire prefers cultivating roses in her greenhouse to society, but she is determined to find a husband for Lizzie so they can escape their awful family. When Claire falls and sprains her ankle, a handsome stranger rescues her and she thinks he will make the perfect husband for Lizzie. Lord George Winterborne is finally ready to seek a wife now that his brother's happiness has been restored. He enjoys Lizzie's open manner and cheerful flirtation but she isn't the wife for him. Claire may be just the wife he's looking for, however, he has competition from Lord Bertram Pomeroy. Bertram is nursing a broken heart now that Amaryllis has been lost to him and has promised his ill father that he would marry soon. Bertram seeks a quiet, comfortable woman to be his wife. When introduced to the Sutton sisters, Claire finds him reserved and too concerned with appearances, but the outspoken, high-spirited Lizzie is able to bring out Bertram's true personality. Bertram and Lizzie are continually clashing and the sooner she finds a husband to take her in hand the better, in Bertram's opinion. Claire also has another suitor, Bertram's dandy cousin Harrison, who is seeking a rich wife. When the Sutton sisters head to London for Lizzie's come-out, the gentlemen do all that is necessary to help them feel welcome. As the King's coronation date approaches, signaling the end of the Season, neither sister has found a husband, so Lizzie decides to take matters into her own hands.

The plot is well-paced and ends in a madcap comedic adventure almost worthy of Georgette Heyer. The characters all develop nicely and are mostly likable. I half fell in love with George myself. Bertram still comes across as stuffy and self-centered but he is a great foil for Lizzie and I love their witty exchanges. Though Claire is rather meek, it's easy to feel sorry for her and cheer for her when she finds happiness. She manages to stand up for herself when it counts, too. There is one character labeled an "idiot" but mainly the characters are kind to him. This isn't in my top ten Regencies, but it's a fun and fast tale that's perfect for fans of sweet Regencies.

[Bunnyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fairly good. And *didn't* have sex in it. Hurrah!! Regency romances should not have sex! It's just... wrong.

If I want porn, to quote a friend, I can get it for free on t'internet. I _don't_ want porn. What I want is a well-written novel, along the lines of Heyer. Sadly, I'm disappointed a lot of the time.

[Claire S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't know this was the second book of a series before I started reading but could tell that was the case once I started and was able to understand it well enough. I agree with other reviewers that the highlight of the story was Claire and, especially, George. Claire could have come across as weak and annoying but she had a strength of character that shone throughout the story. She kept herself in an uncomfortable situation in order to protect her sister and was able to find a way out of her predicament. It was nice to see her growing into a more confident woman without losing her poise and kindness. Even though I don't care for heroes who are rakes, George was amazing. It's well known that he had several affairs before the story starts but, once he meets Claire, he's done with it and we don't get to hear about his previous affairs, which worked very well for this reader. He's very kind to Claire and knows his heart very early on. What didn't work for me was Bertram's story. I could sympathize with what he went through but he always seemed pretty cold and calculating and too concerned about other people's opinion. I would have preferred to see more of George with Claire. I saw no growth for Bertram and didn't feel that there were any particular feelings between him and Lizzy. Lizzy was also a little problematic. At first, I liked her and the fact that she championed her sister but then she seemed to become more self-absorbed and spoiled. Even though her little scheme at the end worked okay for everyone, it actually made me dislike her even more, since it was incredibly selfish and dangerous to all involved. That said, this was an entertaining book and I would read it again just for the sweet romance between Claire and George.

[Mary - Buried Under Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read with few, weak villains (mostly the mother who is cruel to her older daughter in favor of the younger) and very obvious pairings.

I like Claire (older sister) and Winterborne's story much better than that of Lizzie and Bertram, for that Bertram kept waiting and didn't even know his own heart until one of Lizzie's plans had gone awry and landed him in a muddle, so to speak. Winterborne, on the other hand, knew whom he loved and was prepared to offer for Claire as soon as Bertram made up his mind - this ninny held up most of the story - so I enjoyed his resoluteness more.

Overall, a light read which is good for rainy afternoons.

[Anne Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great funny moments packed into a sweet, traditional romance that clean Reg Rom readers will enjoy.

For my full review: http://www.regrom.com/2015/05/25/caro...

[A.J.]

Full review to come.

Notes on last chapter:

Ch20: Claire gets her man.

But I must admit the ending leaves me wanting. I adored Claire & George, yet their ending just DIDN’T for me--not the RIGHT way. I mean, yes, all was well, but I don't know. It just didn't ring true for me, I guess.

There was more romance in Lizzie's ending, & that doesn't seem fair. Just because Claire's older & more sensible doesn't mean she should be denied a more romantic end. 🙄😒

[Marilyn Kavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A traditional Regency

in the best sense of the term, with a wonderful depiction of the regional accents of minor characters, and a typical confusion of the majors.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise to discover a sequel to the book I just finished and enjoyed so much. And a well done sequel at that. Carola Dunn never disappoints.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two romances nicely done

The relationship between the sisters is caring, two couples build their romance and sort it all out in the end.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns. Loved it. The humor snuck up on me, Lizzie and the sheep or Claire and Horace. I would be hard pressed to choose between George and Bertram. Highly recommended.

[HistoricalHussy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Simon Mcleish · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Carola Dunn Regency romances, as the entanglement of the four protagonists makes for more plot opportunities.

[Linda Hendry]

I had not realised that this is a sequel to Miss Hartwell's Dilemma. So I had to read it again.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Corinthian :
A most desirable parti, a veritable top-of-the-trees. He was a leader of fashion, a superb driver (of carriages, etc) and probably very well connected and rich. He was also adept at several sporting activities and probably boxed with Gentleman Jackson at Jackson's Saloon (Bond Street). He was muscular and very fit.


This was a fairly predictable story, but that’s okay… it was pretty much what I expected and wanted. I was a captive audience (laid up on my couch with a pulled thigh muscle) and I just wanted an easy, pleasant way to while away the hours. That’s exactly what I got!

It was nice to read an old fashioned regency romance. This was nothing special, but there was nothing objectionable either.

NOTE: There are several references in this book to things that occurred in ‘Miss Hartwell’s Dilemma’. I recommend that if you want to read it, read it before ‘Two Corinthians’. I am very surprised that MHD is not labeled #1 in the Walker Regency Duet series (at least it’s not on GoodReads). It should be.

[May Grider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t be very objective about this book because I’m just so gosh-darn happy to see it in print and available on OverDrive and Libby library apps. I devoured everything I could find by Carola Dunn in the 90’s, and upon re-reading this one, I am just as charmed. The same publisher Belgrave House has also made some of Joan Smith available, another favorite from long ago. See www.RegencyReads.com. Ooh, I see Barbara Metzger in the author list as well — another favorite.
This is a “traditional” Regency, meaning that it doesn’t go beyond kisses. The books are also quite short, so the obvious happy ending is not tortuously drawn out with padding to make up today’s expectations of length.
Also, although Ms. Dunn had obviously done her research (not limited merely to reading Georgette Heyer, as I can’t help but think about some authors who set their work in the Regency period), it doesn’t feel to me that the results are forced in to the book. Hmm, well, perhaps I can see that some could disagree with me there. But I for one don’t mind it in Ms. Dunn’s deft hands.

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plain Claire Sutton never expected to marry (and now that she's in her twenties, she almost certainly won't), but she intends to give her younger, prettier sister Lizzie every opportunity to. She arranges to give her a Season in London. While there, the girls are pursued by Bertram (from Miss Hartwell's Dilemma and George, both eligible bachelors with considerable fortunes and charm. But each man is courting the wrong sister--when will they all realize who they truly love?

By the end of this story, I was pretty tired of the misunderstandings and repression that comprise much of the plot. Nevertheless, it was a sweet little regency romance. Even better (and unlike many romances, particularly ones written by Heyer), there was no weird sexist, racist, etc. undertone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a sequel to Miss Hartwell's Dilemma. It was fun.

I have enjoyed all of Carola Dunn’s regency books I have read so far. They are a nice, quick, easy read and they have a Jane Austen feel to them. Each book is different enough from the others to feel fresh and her enjoyable writing style is consistent.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm. Could have been better. I led the characters, but I hated that everyone was working at cross-purposes because they would not talk frankly with each other about what was important, when they had no trouble doing so about everything else. I also hated that the only thing that prevented a horrible outcome was blind luck.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first and only foray into the realm of romance. Oops.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read of a few of these regencies in November. Perfectly cute, perfectly clean, not as memorable as Georgette Heyer.

[☆Ruth☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

..... everyone lives happily ever after. Which is why I keep on coming back for more of these simple romances - I just love happy endings!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Nice to know Heyer isn't the only one who can write a Regency era novel.