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Fairweather Sisters #2
Seeking Philbert Woodbead
Miss Celine Fairweather is summoned by her sister Duchess of Blackthorne Penelope to find her lost love Philbert Woodbead. The search is dull for a week until ex-pirate flirt Lord Elmer helps. Love suddenly bites her on the buttocks.
237 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2013
338 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Anya Wylde
68 books304 followersAnya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 1, 2019
With all its positive features, I didn't enjoy Seeking Philbert Woodbead as much as I enjoyed Anya Wylde's first historical romance, Penelope. While Penelope is highly amusing from the very beginning, I found that quality only in the last quarter of Seeking Philbert Woodbead. From the episode where Celine finds Philbert (which is pretty surprising turn by the way), the book is hilarious!
I can't help but compare... I didn't find Celine as much likeable as I did Penelope, and sadly I didn't feel the sparks between her and George until their fight in the carriage. I loved the secondary characters though: Dorothy, Penelope and Charles, and Philbert's character is nicely created too. The ball for Penelope was lovely.
Although there are many comical situations, such as the episode with the fake mustaches, I found their depictions lifeless. More dialogues would not go amiss.
Overall, despite its flaws, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a pretty enjoyable regency romance. If you are in the mood of something light and funny, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is for you!
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
I can't help but compare... I didn't find Celine as much likeable as I did Penelope, and sadly I didn't feel the sparks between her and George until their fight in the carriage. I loved the secondary characters though: Dorothy, Penelope and Charles, and Philbert's character is nicely created too. The ball for Penelope was lovely.
Although there are many comical situations, such as the episode with the fake mustaches, I found their depictions lifeless. More dialogues would not go amiss.
Overall, despite its flaws, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a pretty enjoyable regency romance. If you are in the mood of something light and funny, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is for you!
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
October 20, 2013
Synopsis
Proper young lady, Celine Fairweather is summoned to stay with her pregnant sister, Penelope, Duchess of Blackthorne, keep her company, and help run her household through her final month of pregnancy. Shortly after her arrival, the dashing Lord Adair asks the ducal couple if his second cousin, the roguish George Rodrick Irvin, Viscount Elmer, who is apparently hiding from pirates can stay with them since he's going out of the country. Celine is nursing an affection for a very bad poet by the name of Philbert Woodbead, and the bored Viscount is eager to help her reconnect with him to keep his mind off his own situation of being Public Enemy Number One with a vicious group of pirates. With his checkered past and happy-go-lucky personality, Viscount Elmer brings life and chaos into Celine's ordered existence. He makes her realize the difference between a temporary affection and true love, but is Viscount Elmer here to stay or is this just a temporary diversion while he's in hiding from his enemies?
Review
Seeking Philbert Woodbead has the slapstick humor tone of its predecessor, Penelope, but unfortunately, it lacks its charm and the cohesiveness. Celine doesn't have the presence and doesn't captivate (and bewilder) the reader as thoroughly as her sister Penelope. That was a shame, since I really loved Penelope, her personality and her antics. I perceive that the author wanted to flip the page with this book, and have a serious heroine with a silly hero, but George isn't as funny or as lively a main character as this book needed.
While there are some humorous moments, they didn't feel organic. The silly tone felt contrived, as if the author was trying a little too hard. The biggest issue was this book doesn't have the energy and spirit a story of this kind needs. When a story is played for laughs, it needs to own its absurdity, and I didn't feel that needed sense of abandon to silliness that makes Penelope such a delightful read.
Overall, Celine is likable, although a bit bland. I didn't connect with her as much as I liked, and I hardly felt any connection with George. For a hero who supposedly had his sense of joie de vivre, I didn't feel it. The pirate storyline could have been a bit more prominent and better integrated into the storyline, because a lot of the humorous potential within this plot was left undeveloped.
It was great to catch up with Penelope and her duke again, and their scenes were some of my favorite parts. Penelope is now a married woman who is heavily pregnant, and seeing her and the duke deal with some of the aspects of pregnancy and marriage was a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with Seeking Philbert Woodbead after being so captivated with Penelope. This is a decent book, and if I hadn't loved the first Fairweather series book so much, I would have enjoyed it more than I did. It just doesn't hold up as well in comparison. I'm still looking forward to continuing this series, because I do enjoy Anya Wylde's writing and her desire to make the reader laugh with sweet, fun Regency romance.
Reviewed for The Hope Chest Reviews:
http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts...
Proper young lady, Celine Fairweather is summoned to stay with her pregnant sister, Penelope, Duchess of Blackthorne, keep her company, and help run her household through her final month of pregnancy. Shortly after her arrival, the dashing Lord Adair asks the ducal couple if his second cousin, the roguish George Rodrick Irvin, Viscount Elmer, who is apparently hiding from pirates can stay with them since he's going out of the country. Celine is nursing an affection for a very bad poet by the name of Philbert Woodbead, and the bored Viscount is eager to help her reconnect with him to keep his mind off his own situation of being Public Enemy Number One with a vicious group of pirates. With his checkered past and happy-go-lucky personality, Viscount Elmer brings life and chaos into Celine's ordered existence. He makes her realize the difference between a temporary affection and true love, but is Viscount Elmer here to stay or is this just a temporary diversion while he's in hiding from his enemies?
Review
Seeking Philbert Woodbead has the slapstick humor tone of its predecessor, Penelope, but unfortunately, it lacks its charm and the cohesiveness. Celine doesn't have the presence and doesn't captivate (and bewilder) the reader as thoroughly as her sister Penelope. That was a shame, since I really loved Penelope, her personality and her antics. I perceive that the author wanted to flip the page with this book, and have a serious heroine with a silly hero, but George isn't as funny or as lively a main character as this book needed.
While there are some humorous moments, they didn't feel organic. The silly tone felt contrived, as if the author was trying a little too hard. The biggest issue was this book doesn't have the energy and spirit a story of this kind needs. When a story is played for laughs, it needs to own its absurdity, and I didn't feel that needed sense of abandon to silliness that makes Penelope such a delightful read.
Overall, Celine is likable, although a bit bland. I didn't connect with her as much as I liked, and I hardly felt any connection with George. For a hero who supposedly had his sense of joie de vivre, I didn't feel it. The pirate storyline could have been a bit more prominent and better integrated into the storyline, because a lot of the humorous potential within this plot was left undeveloped.
It was great to catch up with Penelope and her duke again, and their scenes were some of my favorite parts. Penelope is now a married woman who is heavily pregnant, and seeing her and the duke deal with some of the aspects of pregnancy and marriage was a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with Seeking Philbert Woodbead after being so captivated with Penelope. This is a decent book, and if I hadn't loved the first Fairweather series book so much, I would have enjoyed it more than I did. It just doesn't hold up as well in comparison. I'm still looking forward to continuing this series, because I do enjoy Anya Wylde's writing and her desire to make the reader laugh with sweet, fun Regency romance.
Reviewed for The Hope Chest Reviews:
http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts...
September 2, 2013
Review for SEEKING PHILBERT WOODBEAD by Anya Wylde
Yesterday, as I was reading, I laughed so hard, and for so long, and snorted like a pig (don't tell anyone), that my dog Lucy was concerned enough to stare at me as though I were having some sort of debilitating fit.
I laughed so hard I got tears in my eyes.
I laughed so hard I started mumbling to myself ("Oh dear Lord, this is funny!") under my breath.
I laughed so hard I stopped reading to post about it on Goodreads.
I laughed so hard I sent Penny Reid a tweet because I KNEW she would love the over-the-top, ridiculous farcical sense of humor in this book. And I told her so. And then she bought it, too.
In a sea of boring-ass, cookie-cutter, no imagination-whatsoever romance novels, SEEKING PHILBERT WOODBEAD is a huge, honkin' breath of fresh air.
Does it have handcuffs?
No.
Does it have a billionaire?
No.
Does it have teenage angst, a motorcycle gang, kinky sex, or vampires?
No, thank the good God, it does not.
What is has is irony, farce, charm, and so much humor you might start wheezing and need an inhaler. (I have one for emergency purposes).
Anya Wylde may write books, but in her heart, she is a comedian. She has perfect, spot-on timing with her comedy. One sentence, perfectly placed, and you burst out laughing uncontrollably.
This is a gift. And it's brilliant, sweet, adorable and super super fun.
In fact, as summer comes to a very sad close, I would go out on a limb and say this is the PERFECT way to wrap it up. Get that final pink cocktail with the little umbrella and read this story until you snort like a pig.
Then, take the kids back-to-school shopping and cry a little bit.
If you are looking for a hilarious, ridiculous, sweet (no sex), ironic, farcical, well-written wallpaper historical romantic comedy, then SEEKING PHILBERT WOODBEAD is just what Miss Penelope recommends.
Grade: A-
P.S. The scene that made me laugh the hardest involves a senile uncle, his beard, and a candle.
Happy Reading!
Penelope
Yesterday, as I was reading, I laughed so hard, and for so long, and snorted like a pig (don't tell anyone), that my dog Lucy was concerned enough to stare at me as though I were having some sort of debilitating fit.
I laughed so hard I got tears in my eyes.
I laughed so hard I started mumbling to myself ("Oh dear Lord, this is funny!") under my breath.
I laughed so hard I stopped reading to post about it on Goodreads.
I laughed so hard I sent Penny Reid a tweet because I KNEW she would love the over-the-top, ridiculous farcical sense of humor in this book. And I told her so. And then she bought it, too.
In a sea of boring-ass, cookie-cutter, no imagination-whatsoever romance novels, SEEKING PHILBERT WOODBEAD is a huge, honkin' breath of fresh air.
Does it have handcuffs?
No.
Does it have a billionaire?
No.
Does it have teenage angst, a motorcycle gang, kinky sex, or vampires?
No, thank the good God, it does not.
What is has is irony, farce, charm, and so much humor you might start wheezing and need an inhaler. (I have one for emergency purposes).
Anya Wylde may write books, but in her heart, she is a comedian. She has perfect, spot-on timing with her comedy. One sentence, perfectly placed, and you burst out laughing uncontrollably.
This is a gift. And it's brilliant, sweet, adorable and super super fun.
In fact, as summer comes to a very sad close, I would go out on a limb and say this is the PERFECT way to wrap it up. Get that final pink cocktail with the little umbrella and read this story until you snort like a pig.
Then, take the kids back-to-school shopping and cry a little bit.
If you are looking for a hilarious, ridiculous, sweet (no sex), ironic, farcical, well-written wallpaper historical romantic comedy, then SEEKING PHILBERT WOODBEAD is just what Miss Penelope recommends.
Grade: A-
P.S. The scene that made me laugh the hardest involves a senile uncle, his beard, and a candle.
Happy Reading!
Penelope
August 24, 2013
This is the first book I've accepted from an author. I admire you people who do this all the time. I was terrified I wouldn't like it. I loved the first book in the series (Penelope) because of its craziness.
I should have known better than to freak out.
The prologue
It starts with the pirates. Bad ones, not romantic.
Next we get to see Celine Fairweather, Penelope's stepsister. I already liked her from the first book even though she wasn't in it. Celine isn't a stepsister from Cinderella. She loves Penelope. That's why she hurried to help her pregnant stepsister when she got her message. And that's why she lied Penelope wanted her to bring a thirteen year old Dorothy, not greedy and jealous Lily.
Celine meets Lord Elmer when Lord Adair brought him passed out to Blackthorn Manor. He has been hiding from his father (and a few other characters) who wants him to become a proper heir.
Or perhaps your pink lips or the small brown hairs on your arms on closer inspection?"
At the same time someone is kidnapping cooks all over England, returning them after a few days with stories of torture ... and pigeon feathers.
There are so many silly and crazy things that happen in this book, too many to list. I love the exaggerations and the humour in Fairweather Sisters. I think they are its strongest points. It is a different kind of humour than Miranda Davis's Horsemen of the Apocalypse, much lighter and situations are more exaggerated here.
Don't take my word for it. First, go and read Penelope. It will make you happy. Promise. Then read this one and see for yourself. The secret is: don't treat these books as just another historical romance. They are not. Just make sure you are in a mood for this kind of story.
One thing is for sure. I am not the kind of person who should accept books from authors. I would feel really bad if I didn't like this.
I should have known better than to freak out.
The prologue
It starts with the pirates. Bad ones, not romantic.
"They were all pirates. Each one of them was a pirate. The whole blasted lot of them were pirates. In fact, they couldn’t be more piratical if they tried. And they tried. Oh, how they tried to be more devilish than the devil himself.
Someone had the nerve to steal from them. Someone being the hero of this book.Next we get to see Celine Fairweather, Penelope's stepsister. I already liked her from the first book even though she wasn't in it. Celine isn't a stepsister from Cinderella. She loves Penelope. That's why she hurried to help her pregnant stepsister when she got her message. And that's why she lied Penelope wanted her to bring a thirteen year old Dorothy, not greedy and jealous Lily.
Celine meets Lord Elmer when Lord Adair brought him passed out to Blackthorn Manor. He has been hiding from his father (and a few other characters) who wants him to become a proper heir.
“I cannot keep him. He steals my tobacco and then dares to puff away in my face. He wears my dressing gown, wakes me up at odd hours, he has people chasing him, I cannot venture out of doors with him. He flirts with my cook, he has charmed my valet—”
How can you not like this guy? He is a complete disaster. A male Penelope. Celine, on the other hand, "was dry, dull and dusty, and something needed to be done urgently before she progressed from being mildly pedestrian to excruciatingly proper. Penelope is as crazy as she was in her own story and Dorothy is a welcome addition to this crazy family. I loved her.
"“How long are you staying here?”
“I am not sure, but after meeting you, I hope I can stay for at least a few days.”
Dorothy giggled, “Are you flirting with me?”
“Yes, do you mind?”
“I like you,”
“And I,” he said soulfully, “like you too.”
“Let’s get married,” Dorothy suggested shrewdly.
George straightened and eyed her with respect,” How old did you say you were?”
Or perhaps your pink lips or the small brown hairs on your arms on closer inspection?"
At the same time someone is kidnapping cooks all over England, returning them after a few days with stories of torture ... and pigeon feathers.
There are so many silly and crazy things that happen in this book, too many to list. I love the exaggerations and the humour in Fairweather Sisters. I think they are its strongest points. It is a different kind of humour than Miranda Davis's Horsemen of the Apocalypse, much lighter and situations are more exaggerated here.
Don't take my word for it. First, go and read Penelope. It will make you happy. Promise. Then read this one and see for yourself. The secret is: don't treat these books as just another historical romance. They are not. Just make sure you are in a mood for this kind of story.
One thing is for sure. I am not the kind of person who should accept books from authors. I would feel really bad if I didn't like this.
April 13, 2016
4.658 Stars
Cantik. Manis. Penuh pengembaraan...
~~~~
Full Review:
I hate the name Philbert Woodbead! His name doesn't deserve to be engraved on this book cover.
~
This is a story of Penelope's stepsister, Celine. Looking for her dear lover, Philbert Woodbead or so his name, a poetic dreamer to the fact he's truly a loser and idiot guy. SHAME. The fact that Celine love this idiotic guy and not our charming an-Earl-to-be is so frustrating me. Anyone but Celine can identify how stupido that Philbert is from his so-called poem. Well, a story is about a journey not about the beginning or the ending (but I truly amaze with the ending, funny though).
Celine was invited to help the pregnant Penelope to take care Blackthorne Mansion because the dowager on a trip to her daughter who is also in pregnancy. Celine is a sensible lady unlike Penelope (from first 'Penelope'). Until the arrival of our witty, funny and tricky but loveable hero . Lord Elmer first came to Blackthorne Mansion and Celine has already called him, 'a handsome dead-man'. (How in the world all heroes not suppose to be handsome, eh?).
He came to hide himself from his father because he didn't want to be an earl. After his dimissal as an heir, as second son, also because after he was kicked out of Oxford. Adding to his problematic life, he's a charmer and dangerous pirates are on his tail.
To past his time in Blackthorne mansion , he offer himself to find Woodbead for amusement (I suspect that he's already in love with Celine the moment he awake from drunk). Celine was reluctant at his offer but no one can escape from the lord tricky scheme. He sort of blackmailed her, using our lovable Penelope (who also defines craziness in here).
They both experience various danger just to find this Philbert Woodbead. Along the way, they both find the meaning of love themselves. (eh, not really! They both dumb-dumber about this. Luckily we have Penelope and others)
And then there are Duke and Duchess of Blackthorne. I love those two characters. They spice up this book even more. Can you imagine, how Penelope quarrel with Charles just because he had an affair in her dream? Absurdly cute argument. Penelope just hilariously crazy.
Absolutely must read on your boring time. You'll get quite abundance of funny comical gesture from our characters here.
Cantik. Manis. Penuh pengembaraan...
~~~~
Full Review:
I hate the name Philbert Woodbead! His name doesn't deserve to be engraved on this book cover.
~
This is a story of Penelope's stepsister, Celine. Looking for her dear lover, Philbert Woodbead or so his name, a poetic dreamer to the fact he's truly a loser and idiot guy. SHAME. The fact that Celine love this idiotic guy and not our charming an-Earl-to-be is so frustrating me. Anyone but Celine can identify how stupido that Philbert is from his so-called poem. Well, a story is about a journey not about the beginning or the ending (but I truly amaze with the ending, funny though).
Celine was invited to help the pregnant Penelope to take care Blackthorne Mansion because the dowager on a trip to her daughter who is also in pregnancy. Celine is a sensible lady unlike Penelope (from first 'Penelope'). Until the arrival of our witty, funny and tricky but loveable hero . Lord Elmer first came to Blackthorne Mansion and Celine has already called him, 'a handsome dead-man'. (How in the world all heroes not suppose to be handsome, eh?).
He came to hide himself from his father because he didn't want to be an earl. After his dimissal as an heir, as second son, also because after he was kicked out of Oxford. Adding to his problematic life, he's a charmer and dangerous pirates are on his tail.
To past his time in Blackthorne mansion , he offer himself to find Woodbead for amusement (I suspect that he's already in love with Celine the moment he awake from drunk). Celine was reluctant at his offer but no one can escape from the lord tricky scheme. He sort of blackmailed her, using our lovable Penelope (who also defines craziness in here).
They both experience various danger just to find this Philbert Woodbead. Along the way, they both find the meaning of love themselves. (eh, not really! They both dumb-dumber about this. Luckily we have Penelope and others)
And then there are Duke and Duchess of Blackthorne. I love those two characters. They spice up this book even more. Can you imagine, how Penelope quarrel with Charles just because he had an affair in her dream? Absurdly cute argument. Penelope just hilariously crazy.
Absolutely must read on your boring time. You'll get quite abundance of funny comical gesture from our characters here.
August 28, 2013
4.5 I Love The Mustache Stars
Anya Wylde did it again..!!
Oh My God..
❤❤ I Loved It ❤❤
It was a funny, romantic, beautiful, entertaining story.
I loved it from the very first page.
Both Anya Wylde's books I've read (Penelope & Seeking Philbert Woodbead) made me laughed like an idiot..
"Seeking Philbert Woodbead" tells about Celine Fairweather, Penelope's (the duchess of Blackthorne) stepsister who came to London to help the duchess run the mansion while Penelope is eight months pregnant.
While Celine is in London, she has another mission, to seek Philbert Woodbead, a poet she loves, who dissapeared and left her his poems & a painting, which contain the clue where Celine could find him in London..
With the help of Lord Elmer, the Duke's second cousin, she looks for her Philbert.
There, suddenly her life turned upside down. She now has to deal with pirates, muderous pirate, and spy..
The story was full of silly & hilarious scenes. I loved the humor within, it made me laughed a lot..
I loved the characters, each of them.
I loved the duke who's deeply in love with his wife..
I loved Penelope's "craziness"..
I loved Celine's sensibility
And I loved ALL ABOUT Lord Elmer.
This copy of was provided to me by the author herself, Anya Wylde, but there was NO obligation that I do a review. Still, I’d like to thank her for it."
Anya Wylde did it again..!!
Oh My God..
❤❤ I Loved It ❤❤
It was a funny, romantic, beautiful, entertaining story.
I loved it from the very first page.
Both Anya Wylde's books I've read (Penelope & Seeking Philbert Woodbead) made me laughed like an idiot..
"Seeking Philbert Woodbead" tells about Celine Fairweather, Penelope's (the duchess of Blackthorne) stepsister who came to London to help the duchess run the mansion while Penelope is eight months pregnant.
While Celine is in London, she has another mission, to seek Philbert Woodbead, a poet she loves, who dissapeared and left her his poems & a painting, which contain the clue where Celine could find him in London..
With the help of Lord Elmer, the Duke's second cousin, she looks for her Philbert.
There, suddenly her life turned upside down. She now has to deal with pirates, muderous pirate, and spy..
The story was full of silly & hilarious scenes. I loved the humor within, it made me laughed a lot..
I loved the characters, each of them.
I loved the duke who's deeply in love with his wife..
I loved Penelope's "craziness"..
I loved Celine's sensibility
And I loved ALL ABOUT Lord Elmer.
This copy of was provided to me by the author herself, Anya Wylde, but there was NO obligation that I do a review. Still, I’d like to thank her for it."
March 23, 2014
This one is even funnier than the first!
Celine Fairweather is summoned to Blackthorne Manor to help her stepsister, Penelope (now the Duchess of Blackthorne) run her household as she is in the later months of her pregnancy. Practical Celine is the perfect choice (or the only choice left) for the role. But Celine's smoothly run life was turned upside down when the roguish Lord Elmer was deposited to the care of Duke of Blackthorne as he was supposedly the duke's second cousin.
Hilarious adventures ensured and to be sure, way over the top! But the author's witty descriptions just make them seem funnier, even if the situation was unbelievable.
I love this book so much. Since I read and loved Penelope, I tried another one from Ms Wylde to cheer up myself during my melancholic and gloomy mood. Trust me, this tale would make you laughing out loud all the way. I find myself laughing, even when there are tears streaming down my face...
Celine Fairweather is summoned to Blackthorne Manor to help her stepsister, Penelope (now the Duchess of Blackthorne) run her household as she is in the later months of her pregnancy. Practical Celine is the perfect choice (or the only choice left) for the role. But Celine's smoothly run life was turned upside down when the roguish Lord Elmer was deposited to the care of Duke of Blackthorne as he was supposedly the duke's second cousin.
Hilarious adventures ensured and to be sure, way over the top! But the author's witty descriptions just make them seem funnier, even if the situation was unbelievable.
I love this book so much. Since I read and loved Penelope, I tried another one from Ms Wylde to cheer up myself during my melancholic and gloomy mood. Trust me, this tale would make you laughing out loud all the way. I find myself laughing, even when there are tears streaming down my face...
February 28, 2015
I LOVED THIS! When I read the first book, Penelope, I don't think I even recalled there being sisters or the author had planned this to be a series. I had finished the first just as Seeking Philbert Woodbead was released so I was pleasantly surprised!
Celine Fairweather is Penelope's younger sister and is brought to the Radclyff household to manage affairs while Penelope is pregnant and ready to blow her chute any minute. Being that they're step-sisters, Celine shows all the sensible traits of being an eldest child (I'm an eldest child too so I know what that's like!). Chaos comes to the household when Lord Adair dumps a very drunk and knocked out rascaly ex-pirate Lord George Elmer (future Earl of Devon) on the sitting room floor and tells the duke he's his problem now since the Duke is more related to George in the big aristocratic forest of inbreeding.
Celine (real name Amy) is a stickler for order, propriety and manners but underneath is secretly and a little reluctantly itching for some adventure and disorder in her life. Cue Lord Elmer who pull her pigtails incessantly like a schoolboy who teases and annoys the girl he's interested in. So he irritates her no end...when she's not being lured by his flirty and utterly charming ways. I know I was!
I love this book more than Penelope just for the fact I prefer this combo of personalities more. A flirty hero? Mmmm yes please! A heroine that is embroiled in scrapes but doesn't create them? Me likey. A heroine who calmly knits while being shot at but in the next second uses them as a weapon? Totally my kinda girl!
Penelope and her Duke are not back-seat characters in this book but are also heavily featured in Finding Philbert Woodbead which should please Penelope fans. So what of the namesake character, this missing Philbert Woodbead fellow, poet extraordinaire? Celine seems to be in love with the idea of being in love (ie. she's thoroughly delusional) but who can stay in love with Philbert when Elmer is so tantalisingly close? Also, I misread and actually thought his name was Philbert Woodbeard right up until starting this review...woops! Elmer would be proud hahah.
I will end on the most important point of all, chemistry. Did Amy and George woo me as he did her? Was I carried along in their adventure, invested and cheering them on? ...let's just say I got the Tingles of Cute and I only get those in books I really love. Praise can't get any higher than when you've got the tingles ;)
Rating: 5 shish kebabed eyeballs
Rereadability: Yes and yes! Dorothy the handful looks to be next.
PS. As a sidenote, holy crap the Epilogue. She's popping them out like crazy. Give her a break George!
Complimentary copy received from the author.
Celine Fairweather is Penelope's younger sister and is brought to the Radclyff household to manage affairs while Penelope is pregnant and ready to blow her chute any minute. Being that they're step-sisters, Celine shows all the sensible traits of being an eldest child (I'm an eldest child too so I know what that's like!). Chaos comes to the household when Lord Adair dumps a very drunk and knocked out rascaly ex-pirate Lord George Elmer (future Earl of Devon) on the sitting room floor and tells the duke he's his problem now since the Duke is more related to George in the big aristocratic forest of inbreeding.
Celine (real name Amy) is a stickler for order, propriety and manners but underneath is secretly and a little reluctantly itching for some adventure and disorder in her life. Cue Lord Elmer who pull her pigtails incessantly like a schoolboy who teases and annoys the girl he's interested in. So he irritates her no end...when she's not being lured by his flirty and utterly charming ways. I know I was!
I love this book more than Penelope just for the fact I prefer this combo of personalities more. A flirty hero? Mmmm yes please! A heroine that is embroiled in scrapes but doesn't create them? Me likey. A heroine who calmly knits while being shot at but in the next second uses them as a weapon? Totally my kinda girl!
Penelope and her Duke are not back-seat characters in this book but are also heavily featured in Finding Philbert Woodbead which should please Penelope fans. So what of the namesake character, this missing Philbert Woodbead fellow, poet extraordinaire? Celine seems to be in love with the idea of being in love (ie. she's thoroughly delusional) but who can stay in love with Philbert when Elmer is so tantalisingly close? Also, I misread and actually thought his name was Philbert Woodbeard right up until starting this review...woops! Elmer would be proud hahah.
I will end on the most important point of all, chemistry. Did Amy and George woo me as he did her? Was I carried along in their adventure, invested and cheering them on? ...let's just say I got the Tingles of Cute and I only get those in books I really love. Praise can't get any higher than when you've got the tingles ;)
Rating: 5 shish kebabed eyeballs
Rereadability: Yes and yes! Dorothy the handful looks to be next.
PS. As a sidenote, holy crap the Epilogue. She's popping them out like crazy. Give her a break George!
Complimentary copy received from the author.
August 7, 2022
When I pick up an Anya Wylde title, I know I am in for a madcap adventure leading to the most unexpected of outcomes and filled with fun and frivolity the entire way. Seeking Philbert Woodbead does not disappoint. Reuniting with characters from Penelope, Philbert introduces us to another Fairweather sister, Celine, who comes to Blackthorne Manor to assist Penelope, who is very pregnant and has been put on limited activities. Unbeknownst to all in residence at the Manor, Celine is on a mission of her own; to locate her true love, a poet named Philbert Woodbead who has left her with god-awful poetry and vague clues as to his whereabouts. To assist her in her endeavors, Celine enlists help from Lord Elmer, another guest at the Manor and with a reputation that Celine would do well to avoid being connected with.
First of all, I admired Celine’s spirit and her dedication to finding her poet, though I had to question her taste as well as her sanity as Philbert does not sound at all like someone she is suited for. Secondly, I found Lord Elmer a delight. His deliberate mispronunciations of Philbert’s name and his loony plans for finding him had me laughing aloud numerous times. I enjoyed spending time with Penelope and Charles again and found them to be wonderful additions to this story.
This story is silly, cheeky and oh so much fun! There are nasty villains afoot looking for Lord Elmer, daring rescues from pirates, horrible poetry that incites a gag reflex instead of hearts aflutter. There are fake moustaches, dinner parties and a ball. I could go on and on about all of the fun Celine and Lord Elmer have while trying to ignore the fact they are perfectly suited for one another, but you should really read the book and enjoy seeing it happen for yourself.
My Final Verdict: If you haven’t read Penelope’s story first, I recommend you start there, just to get a feel of the characters and to understand the background. As of this review, there are four books in this series, and I expect Dorothy’s story will be just as much fun as the first two.
First of all, I admired Celine’s spirit and her dedication to finding her poet, though I had to question her taste as well as her sanity as Philbert does not sound at all like someone she is suited for. Secondly, I found Lord Elmer a delight. His deliberate mispronunciations of Philbert’s name and his loony plans for finding him had me laughing aloud numerous times. I enjoyed spending time with Penelope and Charles again and found them to be wonderful additions to this story.
This story is silly, cheeky and oh so much fun! There are nasty villains afoot looking for Lord Elmer, daring rescues from pirates, horrible poetry that incites a gag reflex instead of hearts aflutter. There are fake moustaches, dinner parties and a ball. I could go on and on about all of the fun Celine and Lord Elmer have while trying to ignore the fact they are perfectly suited for one another, but you should really read the book and enjoy seeing it happen for yourself.
My Final Verdict: If you haven’t read Penelope’s story first, I recommend you start there, just to get a feel of the characters and to understand the background. As of this review, there are four books in this series, and I expect Dorothy’s story will be just as much fun as the first two.
May 3, 2022
Celine è il secondo volume della serie dedicata alle sorelle Fairweather. Anche se il libro è dedicato a un’altra sorella, in realtà, ritroveremo in questo volume anche la protagonista del volume precedente e stavolta alle prese con la sua nuova condizione.
Celine Fairweather, è stata chiamata da sua sorella Penelope ad aiutarla nella conduzione della casa perché per qualche mese non potrà occuparsene. Celine, affezionata a Penelope accetta ma in realtà ha anche un altro motivo, ovvero ritrovare il suo amore Philbert Woodbead. Ad aiutarla nella sua impresa, ci sarà George, lord Elmer che sta cercando, a sua volta, di risolvere una questione alquanto spinosa.
Se decidete di approcciarvi a questo libro, dimenticatevi il classico romance storico o la semplice commedia romantica. Potreste rimanere spiazzati perché non sono frequenti in Italia romanzi di questo tipo. Si tratta di uno slapstick intrecciato a una storia d’amore. Tutto quello che viene raccontato ha un che di surreale ed esagerato. L’intento è quello di creare qualcosa di buffo ed esilarante.
Se lo confronto con il precedente, ho sicuramente apprezzato di più il primo questo perché in alcuni punti ho avuto la sensazione che l’autrice si fosse lasciata prendere un po’ troppo la mano nel volere a tutti i costi inserire scene divertenti.
I due protagonisti non mi sono dispiaciuti (anche stavolta abbiamo due personalità assolutamente diverse): Celine è pragmatica e responsabile mentre lord Elmer è un tipo scanzonato, superficiale e sa come sfruttare il suo fascino. Ho davvero apprezzato come la loro improbabile amicizia si sia trasformata in amore ma non è tra le mie coppie preferite della serie.
È stato un piacere ritrovare Penelope e suo marito ma anche nuovi personaggi.
Lo stile è scorrevole e brioso, la storia è raccontata dal punto di vista di Celine ed è un libro che riesce a intrattenerti piacevolmente. Sono curiosa di leggere il successivo.
Celine Fairweather, è stata chiamata da sua sorella Penelope ad aiutarla nella conduzione della casa perché per qualche mese non potrà occuparsene. Celine, affezionata a Penelope accetta ma in realtà ha anche un altro motivo, ovvero ritrovare il suo amore Philbert Woodbead. Ad aiutarla nella sua impresa, ci sarà George, lord Elmer che sta cercando, a sua volta, di risolvere una questione alquanto spinosa.
Se decidete di approcciarvi a questo libro, dimenticatevi il classico romance storico o la semplice commedia romantica. Potreste rimanere spiazzati perché non sono frequenti in Italia romanzi di questo tipo. Si tratta di uno slapstick intrecciato a una storia d’amore. Tutto quello che viene raccontato ha un che di surreale ed esagerato. L’intento è quello di creare qualcosa di buffo ed esilarante.
Se lo confronto con il precedente, ho sicuramente apprezzato di più il primo questo perché in alcuni punti ho avuto la sensazione che l’autrice si fosse lasciata prendere un po’ troppo la mano nel volere a tutti i costi inserire scene divertenti.
I due protagonisti non mi sono dispiaciuti (anche stavolta abbiamo due personalità assolutamente diverse): Celine è pragmatica e responsabile mentre lord Elmer è un tipo scanzonato, superficiale e sa come sfruttare il suo fascino. Ho davvero apprezzato come la loro improbabile amicizia si sia trasformata in amore ma non è tra le mie coppie preferite della serie.
È stato un piacere ritrovare Penelope e suo marito ma anche nuovi personaggi.
Lo stile è scorrevole e brioso, la storia è raccontata dal punto di vista di Celine ed è un libro che riesce a intrattenerti piacevolmente. Sono curiosa di leggere il successivo.
October 15, 2013
This sequel to the wild and zany Penelope took the zaniness to a whole new level. This goes beyond normal levels of historic romantic comedy to slapstick funny. Fair warning, right? I happen to enjoy this brand of crazy when in the right mood. It's a fun blend of regency romance, intrigue and a monstrous dose of comedy. There were times I groaned over the too over the top stuff and other times I was snickering and then snorting. Through it all, there was still a clear story line of a young girl in love with being in love who thought herself very sensible and had to learn that being sensible wasn't all that it was cracked up to be when it came to love.
The story focuses on one of Penelope's younger half-sisters, Celine. Getting Penelope's story first is best so that the characters and the situation makes sense. Celine has been invited up to Town to take care of Penelope and her household during the last weeks of her lying in. Celine has her own reasons for jumping at the opportunity and dragging her younger sister Dorothy and her governess along for the ride. Celine plans to hunt down her less than dashing in appearance and less than stellar poet lover who has left the area and asked her to come and find him if she loves him.
Celine's personal quest gets hijacked when the mischievous and dashing Lord Elmer is dropped in front of her on the Duke's carpet where the Duke's friend plans to leave the insensible man since he has to leave town and can no longer house him. George, Lord Elmer, has lived an exciting life all in pursuit of his own pleasure and fun. He now proposes to help Celine find her poet lover if she'll persuade her sister and the duke to let him stay since he's hiding from someone. Celine isn't impressed with George's talents in stretching the truth, turning every female head, shirking responsibility and getting her into mischief, but more and more he is pushing her poor Philly out of her thoughts and replacing him with thoughts of George. It's Philly she loves, right? Between all the chicanery George and her relations kicks up, it takes her some time to arrive at her true wants.
This one was so full of silliness that I wasn't sure if I'd find it the delight that Penelope was for me, but then I grew more engaged in the story when George and Celine began working together and something began between them. The story is told third person all from Celine's point of view. It was neat seeing how Celine's experiences grew her and changed her thinking. I also enjoyed the pop-in with Penelope and her duke though she was totally nuts because of her pregnancy and the intro to the younger sister Dorothy.
As to recommendations...This is not a story or series for everyone. One has to truly appreciate slap-stick blended with historical romance to enjoy this story. For those who do, it is a fun reading experience that I heartily recommend. Warning, you will laugh out loud so reading in public might not be a good idea if you're self-conscious about your laugh.
My thanks to the author for providing my copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.
The story focuses on one of Penelope's younger half-sisters, Celine. Getting Penelope's story first is best so that the characters and the situation makes sense. Celine has been invited up to Town to take care of Penelope and her household during the last weeks of her lying in. Celine has her own reasons for jumping at the opportunity and dragging her younger sister Dorothy and her governess along for the ride. Celine plans to hunt down her less than dashing in appearance and less than stellar poet lover who has left the area and asked her to come and find him if she loves him.
Celine's personal quest gets hijacked when the mischievous and dashing Lord Elmer is dropped in front of her on the Duke's carpet where the Duke's friend plans to leave the insensible man since he has to leave town and can no longer house him. George, Lord Elmer, has lived an exciting life all in pursuit of his own pleasure and fun. He now proposes to help Celine find her poet lover if she'll persuade her sister and the duke to let him stay since he's hiding from someone. Celine isn't impressed with George's talents in stretching the truth, turning every female head, shirking responsibility and getting her into mischief, but more and more he is pushing her poor Philly out of her thoughts and replacing him with thoughts of George. It's Philly she loves, right? Between all the chicanery George and her relations kicks up, it takes her some time to arrive at her true wants.
This one was so full of silliness that I wasn't sure if I'd find it the delight that Penelope was for me, but then I grew more engaged in the story when George and Celine began working together and something began between them. The story is told third person all from Celine's point of view. It was neat seeing how Celine's experiences grew her and changed her thinking. I also enjoyed the pop-in with Penelope and her duke though she was totally nuts because of her pregnancy and the intro to the younger sister Dorothy.
As to recommendations...This is not a story or series for everyone. One has to truly appreciate slap-stick blended with historical romance to enjoy this story. For those who do, it is a fun reading experience that I heartily recommend. Warning, you will laugh out loud so reading in public might not be a good idea if you're self-conscious about your laugh.
My thanks to the author for providing my copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2013
When Miss Celine Fairweather received a letter from her step-sister Penelope Radclyff, recently married and now the Duchess of Blackthorne, requesting her presence in London to help her with household and other duties, she made great haste. Along with her younger sister Dorothy they arrived at Blackthorne Mansion prepared to greet Penelope and Charles, the Duke.
A week into their visit, and life was mundane and predictable. That is, until Lord Adair arrived with what appeared to be a dead body; it turned out to be a very drunk and loudly snoring Lord George Elmer, rogue and brigand, but cousin to the Duke. After Penelope dowsed him with a vase of water (flowers removed) he spluttered to life, gasping and yelling for brandy! But after being told he was to remain only that night (against the wishes of Lord Adair) Celine was persuaded to request his company for some weeks – he needed to hide out, or he would be killed….
Meanwhile, Celine was searching for the love of her life - Philbert Woodbead had fled to London twelve months previously and Celine hadn’t heard from him in six months. She was determined to find him, and grudgingly allowed Lord Elmer to assist her in her search. With letters and poetry their only clues, the searches of creaky old inns and smelly but busy streets had them risking life and limb many times over. But Celine was finding herself confused; her heart wasn’t following her head – what was happening to her?
This light, madcap adventure hurtles through the streets of London at a crazy pace, with the characters full of fun and frivolity. The grumpy Penelope (over being pregnant), the kind hearted Duke, the mischievous Lord Elmer and of course old Sir Henry, the stalwart of the household are all capped off by the sensible yet totally flappable Celine, who is finally having the time of her life!
This is the second in the Fairweather Sisters series, with Penelope being the first. If you enjoy romantic historical fiction with a load of madcap humour, this is the series for you.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
A week into their visit, and life was mundane and predictable. That is, until Lord Adair arrived with what appeared to be a dead body; it turned out to be a very drunk and loudly snoring Lord George Elmer, rogue and brigand, but cousin to the Duke. After Penelope dowsed him with a vase of water (flowers removed) he spluttered to life, gasping and yelling for brandy! But after being told he was to remain only that night (against the wishes of Lord Adair) Celine was persuaded to request his company for some weeks – he needed to hide out, or he would be killed….
Meanwhile, Celine was searching for the love of her life - Philbert Woodbead had fled to London twelve months previously and Celine hadn’t heard from him in six months. She was determined to find him, and grudgingly allowed Lord Elmer to assist her in her search. With letters and poetry their only clues, the searches of creaky old inns and smelly but busy streets had them risking life and limb many times over. But Celine was finding herself confused; her heart wasn’t following her head – what was happening to her?
This light, madcap adventure hurtles through the streets of London at a crazy pace, with the characters full of fun and frivolity. The grumpy Penelope (over being pregnant), the kind hearted Duke, the mischievous Lord Elmer and of course old Sir Henry, the stalwart of the household are all capped off by the sensible yet totally flappable Celine, who is finally having the time of her life!
This is the second in the Fairweather Sisters series, with Penelope being the first. If you enjoy romantic historical fiction with a load of madcap humour, this is the series for you.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
September 28, 2013
Another utterly silly and cheekily irreverent madcap regency romance from Anya Wylde!
If you have read Penelope, you will know what to expect for this book.
As I chuckle through the book, I am reminded of those classic British comedies that I loved so much. Ridiculous scenarios, over-the-top dialogue and a great deal of cheek. I had so much fun reading this.
As always, there a large cast of quirky characters surrounding the couple adding that extra sparkle to the story. Some old, familiar faces return and are all the more welcome because of it. One of my most favorite side characters, Lord Adair, is woefully underutilised but that may be a good thing since he's such a scene stealer.
The romance suffers here a little for me. I didn't quite get the connection between Celine and George. The ongoing madness around them took center stage, making the couple's growing relationship pale in comparison. Penelope has the better romance, but this has a better overall story.
For those who are tired of the angst and drama and are looking for some lighthearted fun, this cheeky regency romance will be up your alley.
Note: This was given to me as a complimentary e-book by the author.
If you have read Penelope, you will know what to expect for this book.
As I chuckle through the book, I am reminded of those classic British comedies that I loved so much. Ridiculous scenarios, over-the-top dialogue and a great deal of cheek. I had so much fun reading this.
As always, there a large cast of quirky characters surrounding the couple adding that extra sparkle to the story. Some old, familiar faces return and are all the more welcome because of it. One of my most favorite side characters, Lord Adair, is woefully underutilised but that may be a good thing since he's such a scene stealer.
The romance suffers here a little for me. I didn't quite get the connection between Celine and George. The ongoing madness around them took center stage, making the couple's growing relationship pale in comparison. Penelope has the better romance, but this has a better overall story.
For those who are tired of the angst and drama and are looking for some lighthearted fun, this cheeky regency romance will be up your alley.
Note: This was given to me as a complimentary e-book by the author.
August 23, 2013
I must admit that I just love these books by Anya Wylde. They make me smile, they make me laugh out loud and they divert me. They are fun, frothy, silly and completely absurd. Absolutely nothing about them makes sense and yet Ms. Wylde manages to make them make sense. I look forward to each new one she brings to me to review because I know that I am in for a fun read.
Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a sequel of sorts to Penelope and in this tale Penelope, the new duchess of Blacthorne is very pregnant and in need of some help around the manor so she sends for her stepsister, Celine. Celine obliges of course, bringing along another sister who is a busy body with a penchant for pets. \
Celine is veddy, veddy proper - or likes to think she is. When she meets a very un-proper friend of the family her life turns upside down as she encounters spys, pirates and other disreputable sorts with hearts of gold.
If you want a delightful break from the ordinary, a quick read full of quirky and lovable characters you can't go wrong with Seeking Philbert Woodbead. Or any of Ms. Wylde's charming regency novels.
4.5
Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a sequel of sorts to Penelope and in this tale Penelope, the new duchess of Blacthorne is very pregnant and in need of some help around the manor so she sends for her stepsister, Celine. Celine obliges of course, bringing along another sister who is a busy body with a penchant for pets. \
Celine is veddy, veddy proper - or likes to think she is. When she meets a very un-proper friend of the family her life turns upside down as she encounters spys, pirates and other disreputable sorts with hearts of gold.
If you want a delightful break from the ordinary, a quick read full of quirky and lovable characters you can't go wrong with Seeking Philbert Woodbead. Or any of Ms. Wylde's charming regency novels.
4.5
September 6, 2013
Another fun read from Anya Wylde!! Again I couldn't put this book down either! Book 2 in the Fairweather Sisters series... it continues with the Fun!
Celine, Penelope's sister, comes to London to help look after things for Penelope who is expecting. Celine is very proper, very sensible except for 2 things; Her sneezes and her name. According to Mrs Beatle’s book for Accomplished English Ladies, every minute is precious and women should be prepared for everything. Celine lives by her words.
George, Lord Elmer, is the most insensible, improper gentleman there is. He is a Rake, an adventurer, and the second cousin of Penelope’s husband the Duke. He has decided to help Celine with her quest of finding Philbert Woodbead the poet, all while being chased by Pirates. Oh My!!
Again, this is a comical, dramatic, heartfelt romance!! I love the writing style... I feel like I am in the story. Note: This is a G rated Romance. But it doesn't need it... it is very entertaining, fast paced and still has a very sweet romance to it. I fell in love too. I highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading
-Frankie
Celine, Penelope's sister, comes to London to help look after things for Penelope who is expecting. Celine is very proper, very sensible except for 2 things; Her sneezes and her name. According to Mrs Beatle’s book for Accomplished English Ladies, every minute is precious and women should be prepared for everything. Celine lives by her words.
George, Lord Elmer, is the most insensible, improper gentleman there is. He is a Rake, an adventurer, and the second cousin of Penelope’s husband the Duke. He has decided to help Celine with her quest of finding Philbert Woodbead the poet, all while being chased by Pirates. Oh My!!
Again, this is a comical, dramatic, heartfelt romance!! I love the writing style... I feel like I am in the story. Note: This is a G rated Romance. But it doesn't need it... it is very entertaining, fast paced and still has a very sweet romance to it. I fell in love too. I highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading
-Frankie
October 13, 2013
When last we left the Fairweather family their eldest daughter Penelope had been summoned away to London and managed to fall head over heels in love with the Duke of Blackthorne. Now, one year later it’s Penelope herself summoning her younger sister to come to town.
Celine Fairweather is not quite ready for her official debut but is ready to travel and help her sister manage her household while being in the last month of a very turbulent pregnancy. Being the opposite of her older sibling, Celine is much more level headed, practical and keeps a fairly close reign on her emotions. The only time she has ever allowed herself to be swept up in her feelings was in meeting a young traveling poet Philbert Woodbead who courted her with words of love and then left after giving Celine her first kiss. With a note telling her to find him and a cryptic drawing in hand, Celine is ready to use her time in London to track down her lost love and try to capture some of the same happiness she has seen in Penelope since her marriage.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
Celine Fairweather is not quite ready for her official debut but is ready to travel and help her sister manage her household while being in the last month of a very turbulent pregnancy. Being the opposite of her older sibling, Celine is much more level headed, practical and keeps a fairly close reign on her emotions. The only time she has ever allowed herself to be swept up in her feelings was in meeting a young traveling poet Philbert Woodbead who courted her with words of love and then left after giving Celine her first kiss. With a note telling her to find him and a cryptic drawing in hand, Celine is ready to use her time in London to track down her lost love and try to capture some of the same happiness she has seen in Penelope since her marriage.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
September 10, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. (It's awesome!) The thing I love about Anya Wylde's books is that they are chock full of mischief & fun. So, of course, I laughed & snickered my way through this book too. I mean, how can you NOT laugh at the image of a proper English butler announcing, "Lord Adair, his servants, and a dead gentleman here to see you, your grace." I liked how this time it is the heroine who (on the surface) seems the perfect, starchy, proper English miss & in need of 'livening up' and it's the utterly charming, silly, romantic hero who comes to her rescue. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the chance to see Penelope (Fairweather Sister #1) in action again & under the influence of pregnancy hormones! Ms. Wylde writes characters that are so funny & delightful & entertaining that they are like people I would really like to hang out with so the chance to visit with them again is irresistible.
August 23, 2013
Ms Wylde does it again in this second installment of the Fairweather Sisters. I enjoyed reading it especially George (Lord Elmer's) antics.
I like how the author laces humor in this genre and manages to explain the difference between true love and infatuation.
Celine/Amy has her head over the clouds blinded by love when she loved those hideous poems. When she and George fought both of them made sense and I liked how they improved for each other.
Of all the places a duchess could give birth to, only Penelope could pull it off. Both Celine/Amy and George had brushes with danger and they always manage to get out unscathed.
I'd highly recommend this novel to those of you looking for a fun and light reading. Some scenes were hilarious I literally laughed out loud. More power Ms Wylde!
I like how the author laces humor in this genre and manages to explain the difference between true love and infatuation.
Celine/Amy has her head over the clouds blinded by love when she loved those hideous poems. When she and George fought both of them made sense and I liked how they improved for each other.
Of all the places a duchess could give birth to, only Penelope could pull it off. Both Celine/Amy and George had brushes with danger and they always manage to get out unscathed.
I'd highly recommend this novel to those of you looking for a fun and light reading. Some scenes were hilarious I literally laughed out loud. More power Ms Wylde!
September 9, 2013
Anya Wylde, you are a literary gem!
I absolutely loved Seeking Philbert Woodbead. It was such a fun, enjoyable read. I have grown tired of novels that swarm with heavy drama, forbidden love, hidden secrets, all those annoying little things that are made such a big deal when in reality love is love and that is that. Love doesn't have to mean someone dies at the end.(heeey, I just realized no one did die in this book). It can mean fun and adventure with a healthy dose of action. And this is what this book actually delivers plus a lot of witty dialogues.
At times, the situations are pretty exaggerated but i think that's what makes it so entertaining. My sense of humor is delighted and I have you, Ms. Wylde to thank for it.
I absolutely loved Seeking Philbert Woodbead. It was such a fun, enjoyable read. I have grown tired of novels that swarm with heavy drama, forbidden love, hidden secrets, all those annoying little things that are made such a big deal when in reality love is love and that is that. Love doesn't have to mean someone dies at the end.(heeey, I just realized no one did die in this book). It can mean fun and adventure with a healthy dose of action. And this is what this book actually delivers plus a lot of witty dialogues.
At times, the situations are pretty exaggerated but i think that's what makes it so entertaining. My sense of humor is delighted and I have you, Ms. Wylde to thank for it.
June 17, 2017
When I started out in this book, I think I expected Penelope to continue a fairly dominant role as in the first book. But this book centers more on Celine, Penelope's step-sister. Celine is her own woman--not nearly as funny as Penelope, but that changes as the story continues. In the first several chapters--or first half of the book--Celine strikes me as prim and proper. After meeting Lord Elmer, she begins to lose interest in the search for her fat poet, Philbert Woodbead. As their friendship grows to something more, she begins to let down her hair. Her feelings for Philbert are gradually transferred to Lord Elmer.
And can I just say that "Philbert Woodbead" is an AWFUL name for a potential love interest!! I loved how Lord Elmer constantly butchered his name.
Love is not always rosy. Celine eventually learns that what she thought she had with Philbert was nothing but infatuation. Philbert only showed interest in her when he learned of her family ties with the Duke and Duchess. Philbert was madly in love, all right...with the family name, prestige, and potential dowry. But he had no heart at all for Celine. She was much better off without him.
Back to Lor Elmer--who had always been interested in her from the very beginning---even though she had nothing really to offer in a marriage. Nothing but herself. And he was more than okay with that. That, my friends, is love.
And can I just say that "Philbert Woodbead" is an AWFUL name for a potential love interest!! I loved how Lord Elmer constantly butchered his name.
Love is not always rosy. Celine eventually learns that what she thought she had with Philbert was nothing but infatuation. Philbert only showed interest in her when he learned of her family ties with the Duke and Duchess. Philbert was madly in love, all right...with the family name, prestige, and potential dowry. But he had no heart at all for Celine. She was much better off without him.
Back to Lor Elmer--who had always been interested in her from the very beginning---even though she had nothing really to offer in a marriage. Nothing but herself. And he was more than okay with that. That, my friends, is love.
April 15, 2020
Enjoyable, but has flaws.
Having read the first book I knew that this was going to be another lighthearted read, full of silly and impossible, and I was not let down. It's the sort of story you want to read when dealing with hard things, like self-isolating during covid-19, or dealing with a stressful workday.
Celine, Amy, is a young sensible woman who sometimes does insensible things. George is a flirt and a rake and is in hiding, mostly from responsibility. There are characters from the first book, and new ones to enjoy. This is definitely not a book that will tax your mind, but it is imaginative and clean.
However, there are two issues I had with the book. One, there is some subtle and not so subtle fatphobia. One of the secondary characters is fat, and the fatness is used as a source of humor and mockery. Granted, by the rival, but it can be a little unsettling. Second, Celine is far to sensible to fall for Mr. Liar Liarton (not the characters real name) and the fact that she does in a split second is disappointing. I guarantee you he will remind you of an ex. Now if it was meant to show her country naivete, it could have been done better. I took a star off for these issues but they did not stop me from enjoying the book overall. I would recommend if you just want an amusing romp.
Having read the first book I knew that this was going to be another lighthearted read, full of silly and impossible, and I was not let down. It's the sort of story you want to read when dealing with hard things, like self-isolating during covid-19, or dealing with a stressful workday.
Celine, Amy, is a young sensible woman who sometimes does insensible things. George is a flirt and a rake and is in hiding, mostly from responsibility. There are characters from the first book, and new ones to enjoy. This is definitely not a book that will tax your mind, but it is imaginative and clean.
However, there are two issues I had with the book. One, there is some subtle and not so subtle fatphobia. One of the secondary characters is fat, and the fatness is used as a source of humor and mockery. Granted, by the rival, but it can be a little unsettling. Second, Celine is far to sensible to fall for Mr. Liar Liarton (not the characters real name) and the fact that she does in a split second is disappointing. I guarantee you he will remind you of an ex. Now if it was meant to show her country naivete, it could have been done better. I took a star off for these issues but they did not stop me from enjoying the book overall. I would recommend if you just want an amusing romp.
September 30, 2020
And I who thought Penelope was over the top... This is downright silly. The humour is not my style but there were some scenes I enjoyed. Lord Adair is the main reason I continued with the series but he only showed up briefly. Rounding up the rating as I got it as a freebie (part of The Fairweather Sisters Series: Books 1-3).
BTW, whoever wrote the blurb on GR didn't read the book: "Miss Celine Fairweather is summoned by her sister Duchess of Blackthorne Penelope to find her lost love Philbert Woodbead."
???
BTW, whoever wrote the blurb on GR didn't read the book: "Miss Celine Fairweather is summoned by her sister Duchess of Blackthorne Penelope to find her lost love Philbert Woodbead."
???
July 28, 2021
I simply love madcap regency books and this one is just a "give me more please" one. The craziness and humor just has you turning page for page because its just so hilarious.
The romance is a slow-build up with EXCELLENT witty back-and-forth remarks (I love the bickering between the couples to be). The crazy situations that Celine and George (aka Lord Wicked) find themselves in is so totally out there and hilarious.
Celine is a sensible women that always follows the rules of society and George is the exact opposite. Celine is driven to witts-end due to George's antics but she needs his help in finding her beloved poet Philbert Woodbead.
The outcome of these two working together is so funny and the romance is wow!
The romance is a slow-build up with EXCELLENT witty back-and-forth remarks (I love the bickering between the couples to be). The crazy situations that Celine and George (aka Lord Wicked) find themselves in is so totally out there and hilarious.
Celine is a sensible women that always follows the rules of society and George is the exact opposite. Celine is driven to witts-end due to George's antics but she needs his help in finding her beloved poet Philbert Woodbead.
The outcome of these two working together is so funny and the romance is wow!
February 14, 2023
Not sure if this book is brilliant or just utterly weird. My first book by this author and not quite decided if I'll read more.
Without all the shenanigans it's quite a decent plot and an enjoyable read. With them it's not the easiest book to read, it's just odd.
Having said that I really loved some of the shenanigans, the poet's names, the knitting needles and the dinner of many moustaches. Particularly enjoyed this excerpt from Mrs Beatle's book 'Never, she had written, depend on a man. Men, she wrote, were ornaments that one pulled out on special occasions or while spring cleaning. The rest of the time, they should be safely stored away in either the library or the study, depending on where they looked best.'
Without all the shenanigans it's quite a decent plot and an enjoyable read. With them it's not the easiest book to read, it's just odd.
Having said that I really loved some of the shenanigans, the poet's names, the knitting needles and the dinner of many moustaches. Particularly enjoyed this excerpt from Mrs Beatle's book 'Never, she had written, depend on a man. Men, she wrote, were ornaments that one pulled out on special occasions or while spring cleaning. The rest of the time, they should be safely stored away in either the library or the study, depending on where they looked best.'
February 14, 2017
In some parts the book was trying to be too silly and slapstick. I found some of the ludicrous situations lost their humour because the author overexplained, rather than trusting in her readers' ability to visualize and understand the absurdity for themselves. But I enjoyed the novelty of reading a madcap Regency romance with over the top situations; some of the exchanges between the leads were very funny and I loved making fun of Philbert Woodbead alongside George and Celine. I also liked both George and Celine too- they set off each other pretty well and I liked how an unlikely friendship developed first before it became love.
March 12, 2018
A quirky, fun, clean romance.
This was a fun book, like the first one (Penelope), but not quite as good in my opinion.
I really didn't like the hero at first. He was a manipulative liar and the heroine was naive. He seemed to have a history or flirted with every girl that came in contact with him. You couldn't quite tell if he actually liked the heroine, or just wanted her because she was a woman. BUT, it did get better in the end. He showed interest and I liked him better as the book went on, but it took awhile.
And some of the storyline was a little too quirky for me... bordering on just silly.
I loved revisiting Penelope and the duke, but they were kind of weird...her hormones were everywhere and their relationship was very interesting. But what can you expect from them, they were a unique couple.
This was a fun book, like the first one (Penelope), but not quite as good in my opinion.
I really didn't like the hero at first. He was a manipulative liar and the heroine was naive. He seemed to have a history or flirted with every girl that came in contact with him. You couldn't quite tell if he actually liked the heroine, or just wanted her because she was a woman. BUT, it did get better in the end. He showed interest and I liked him better as the book went on, but it took awhile.
And some of the storyline was a little too quirky for me... bordering on just silly.
I loved revisiting Penelope and the duke, but they were kind of weird...her hormones were everywhere and their relationship was very interesting. But what can you expect from them, they were a unique couple.
July 2, 2020
This is an enjoyable little romance that makes you laugh in some places, and feel a bit silly yourself at others - the writing is fantastic and so is the storyline - there's so much to enjoy here, whatever your age, and it's a great way to spend a rainy morning/afternoon! There's a line from a song that this reminds of: "outside are the prisoners, inside the free", and this book reminded me of that! Inside our heads, we can be and think whatever we want, and any silliness, if shown, is often castigated, making us a prisoner... love when I see a set of characters who can put that to the test and show how we don't need to conform to be loved xx
April 8, 2020
6 kids!?!
Ok I just finished and I'm still shocked by that.
Anyway, there is a difference in the humor between The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in tights. The same could be said for the books Penelope and Seeking Philbert Woodbead. While I laughed along with Penelope, I found myself shaking my head at this one.
It was trying so hard to be funny that it never got me attached to the characters. I already knew who would end up with whom, I needed to be excited for the journey. It was more of a meh, with a "could we be a little less silly please".
Ok I just finished and I'm still shocked by that.
Anyway, there is a difference in the humor between The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in tights. The same could be said for the books Penelope and Seeking Philbert Woodbead. While I laughed along with Penelope, I found myself shaking my head at this one.
It was trying so hard to be funny that it never got me attached to the characters. I already knew who would end up with whom, I needed to be excited for the journey. It was more of a meh, with a "could we be a little less silly please".
November 21, 2016
There be pirates here
Celine Fairweather has been summoned to London to help her sister Penelope during her confinement. It will also give her opportunity to search for her poet, Philbert Woodbead who promised to love her forever.
During her stay, the Duke's cousin, George, Lord Elmer, is foisted upon them. He is in hiding because his life is in danger from vengeful pirates and jealous husbands.
While Penelope was a comedy, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a farce. It leans more toward slapstick than humor.
If I had proofread this book, I would have made 22 corrections.
Celine Fairweather has been summoned to London to help her sister Penelope during her confinement. It will also give her opportunity to search for her poet, Philbert Woodbead who promised to love her forever.
During her stay, the Duke's cousin, George, Lord Elmer, is foisted upon them. He is in hiding because his life is in danger from vengeful pirates and jealous husbands.
While Penelope was a comedy, Seeking Philbert Woodbead is a farce. It leans more toward slapstick than humor.
If I had proofread this book, I would have made 22 corrections.
February 20, 2018
Average
There were parts where the story was trying too hard. It's not as romantic or funny as the first book, Penelope. Celine and Lord Elmer were not that interesting. My favorite parts of this book were scenes with the Duke and Penelope and it was like an extended epilogue of the first book.
I wish the author would write a book featuring Lord Adair. Now that would be an awesome one.
There were parts where the story was trying too hard. It's not as romantic or funny as the first book, Penelope. Celine and Lord Elmer were not that interesting. My favorite parts of this book were scenes with the Duke and Penelope and it was like an extended epilogue of the first book.
I wish the author would write a book featuring Lord Adair. Now that would be an awesome one.
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