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The Vintage Girl
When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.
But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the Kettlesheer silver...
But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the Kettlesheer silver...
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2011
152 people are currently reading
2940 people want to read
About the author
Hester Browne
16 books814 followersHester Browne was born in England's Lake District, read English at Trinity College, Cambridge, and worked as a fiction editor before leaving publishing to write full time. She enjoys Scottish reeling, driving, baking, and trawling eBay for estate sale bargains. She doesn't enjoy hot weather, tax returns, or any talent programme where people have to plead to be allowed to juggle flaming chainsaws on national television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
May 10, 2011
This book centers around Evie, a late-twenties single Londoner who has an affinity for anything old that has a story (especially old photograph frames - with the photographs, and worn and loved teddy bears). Good thing she works for an antique shop!
So, when Evie's clutter-free sister Alice asks Evie to help a friend of a friend who's drowning in debt in their newly inherited Scottish castle, by going up to the castle and assessing the Scottish antiques, Evie finds herself living a dream. Add to this preparations for a true Scottish ball, complete with kilts and reels and Evie easily daydreams as she wanders the old castle's halls.
(I love that Evie is nearly thirty and still pretending she's descending the stairs at an Austen ball as she walks through the castle!)
Hester Browne is quickly gaining a status of "go-to author-ness" on my book shelf! This is the third book I've read by her and the third that I've totally enjoyed! (The other two being "The Little Lady Agency" and "Finishing Touches"). I love her leading ladies, they are always strong and smart, but still real and warm. They have foibles, but they try to be good people and a better people. I also thoroughly enjoy the leading men in her books, whether they are the best-friend or the boy-friend, I really like them and their relationships with the leading ladies. I love that Browne's books are quite clean and really about love and romance and falling in love.
There is so much more to this book and the characters therein, but half the delight is discovering it yourself.
Definitely Recommended!
So, when Evie's clutter-free sister Alice asks Evie to help a friend of a friend who's drowning in debt in their newly inherited Scottish castle, by going up to the castle and assessing the Scottish antiques, Evie finds herself living a dream. Add to this preparations for a true Scottish ball, complete with kilts and reels and Evie easily daydreams as she wanders the old castle's halls.
(I love that Evie is nearly thirty and still pretending she's descending the stairs at an Austen ball as she walks through the castle!)
Hester Browne is quickly gaining a status of "go-to author-ness" on my book shelf! This is the third book I've read by her and the third that I've totally enjoyed! (The other two being "The Little Lady Agency" and "Finishing Touches"). I love her leading ladies, they are always strong and smart, but still real and warm. They have foibles, but they try to be good people and a better people. I also thoroughly enjoy the leading men in her books, whether they are the best-friend or the boy-friend, I really like them and their relationships with the leading ladies. I love that Browne's books are quite clean and really about love and romance and falling in love.
There is so much more to this book and the characters therein, but half the delight is discovering it yourself.
Definitely Recommended!
June 19, 2015
Forši!
May 13, 2011
This was a fun quick read with great characters who think and change during the book, always a plus to me. I loved that Evie was always dreaming of how a man would look in breeches or a top hat or with mutton chop whiskers or driving a carriage. She somewhat lives in a fantasy world and only gets crushes on men who are unattainable for whatever reason. I guess you'd say she has an overactive imagination, but it's fun reading her thoughts. I never felt like telling her to knock it off and I could see where her habits had developed from her upbringing.
Interestingly, her sister, Alice, is her opposite. She's an organizer and very structured as her reaction to their childhood. I could feel Evie's frustration with her sister's behavior and vice versa and I was also really angry when Alice wants to simply brush her aside after she's worked so hard at something that she's come to enjoy.
I have to say that the reels, the dances, are so well described that you'll feel like you're there. I understood what was going on and how it looked and describing a dance isn't easy to do, like trying to use words to describe how music feels. What could have been boring or slowed the book down instead adding to the overall enjoyment. I felt breathless when Evie was finished dancing. Not an easy accomplishment for any author.
All the dialogue in Hester Browne's books works for me, feels very natural and it moves the story along well.
Many would simply put this down as chick-lit but there really is more depth to the story than that and I was very caught up with the characters, shedding a few tears with events along the way.
I've read Hester Browne's books before and I'd definitely read anything new she writes. They are always a good time with some surprised along the way.
Interestingly, her sister, Alice, is her opposite. She's an organizer and very structured as her reaction to their childhood. I could feel Evie's frustration with her sister's behavior and vice versa and I was also really angry when Alice wants to simply brush her aside after she's worked so hard at something that she's come to enjoy.
I have to say that the reels, the dances, are so well described that you'll feel like you're there. I understood what was going on and how it looked and describing a dance isn't easy to do, like trying to use words to describe how music feels. What could have been boring or slowed the book down instead adding to the overall enjoyment. I felt breathless when Evie was finished dancing. Not an easy accomplishment for any author.
All the dialogue in Hester Browne's books works for me, feels very natural and it moves the story along well.
Many would simply put this down as chick-lit but there really is more depth to the story than that and I was very caught up with the characters, shedding a few tears with events along the way.
I've read Hester Browne's books before and I'd definitely read anything new she writes. They are always a good time with some surprised along the way.
March 14, 2014
Hester Browne is one of my favorite authors whose books I purchase without reading the synopsis. Her writing never disappoints.
Evie is a light-hearted, lovable character with a heart of gold. Her goofy mother (Carol) and sister (Alice) stereotypically try to put the effervescent Evie in her place. While Evie is the collector of anything old, her family are professional purgers. Evie is very definitely a Vintage Girl—both in terms of her love of antiques as well as her romantic notions of love.
The story is well-written and flows nicely. The character dialogue is witty. The characters are charming and the romantic chemistry is just right. I loved the snippets of humor throughout the book—especially Evie’s tendency toward self-deprecation.
You will fall in love with Robert along with Evie, and you’ll be rooting for serendipity to deliver a happily-ever-after ending. This is solid-gold chick-lit. An engrossing good read that I highly recommend.
Evie is a light-hearted, lovable character with a heart of gold. Her goofy mother (Carol) and sister (Alice) stereotypically try to put the effervescent Evie in her place. While Evie is the collector of anything old, her family are professional purgers. Evie is very definitely a Vintage Girl—both in terms of her love of antiques as well as her romantic notions of love.
The story is well-written and flows nicely. The character dialogue is witty. The characters are charming and the romantic chemistry is just right. I loved the snippets of humor throughout the book—especially Evie’s tendency toward self-deprecation.
You will fall in love with Robert along with Evie, and you’ll be rooting for serendipity to deliver a happily-ever-after ending. This is solid-gold chick-lit. An engrossing good read that I highly recommend.
February 10, 2014
I thought this was a very charming book. Evie was a girl I could relate to, with her love of vintage and the stories behind them. The love story was cute, nothing grand or over the top but just sweet.
May 19, 2021
This is a very cute book. The heroine, an antiques appraiser is wonderful, although far too sentimental for her job -- she buys one-eyed tattered Steiff bears because she knows they were once well-loved -- and the author has done a fantastic job of fleshing out her character. The H is appealing and masculine, and this is a book that would have been a very charming romcom back in the day.
There are a lot of characters in this book, so it needs an attentive reader. If this had been pared down by about 40 pages, it would be a solid 4 stars rather than 3.5.
There are a lot of characters in this book, so it needs an attentive reader. If this had been pared down by about 40 pages, it would be a solid 4 stars rather than 3.5.
April 18, 2014
I fell in love with this book. Evie works for an antiques dealer - but she falls in love with the history of each item that comes under auction. Her sister finds an estate in Scotland that needs to sell some of their precious items to keep the house in the family.
She sets off to catalogue the items- but again finds personal journals and falls in love with the love story surrounding the house. She stays for a Scottish reel and I loved the parts where she rehearses the dances.
I will definately look for more books by this author.
She sets off to catalogue the items- but again finds personal journals and falls in love with the love story surrounding the house. She stays for a Scottish reel and I loved the parts where she rehearses the dances.
I will definately look for more books by this author.
August 11, 2018
This was a really cute story! I love reading all of the wonderful English lingo and turns-of-phrases. The heroine was quirky and likeable, the hero a true Darcy-like standoffish. Browne adds a cast of nearly-eccentric characters to make a fun read.
May 17, 2020
Heartwarming and romantic! I loved the setting and the ball was my favorite part!
March 3, 2011
Aaaahhhh! Prepare yourselves for a squee-fest! I could not put Swept Off Her Feet down...
Evie Nicholson is an antiques "finder", she actually works for the dealer. Her problem is that she when she sees an item, she sees not the potential buyer, but the past, imagining who used the item or places it's been. She's in trouble with her boss, Max, for buying a bunch of stuff that he doesn't think will sell. Evie's sister, Alice, and her mother are both minimalistic - they actually make a living doing a "clean sweep" type of thing where they de-clutter people's homes. They're always calling Evie out for getting lost in the past.
Evie's sister has a favor to ask - her boyfriend's family friend has inherited Castle Kettlesheer in Scotland and they are having financial trouble keeping it up. They'd like to sell off a few key pieces, quietly, and Alice told them Evie would be happy to do it. Max is thrilled, he's always wanted to get inside Castle Kettlesheer, but he's not invited. Evie must do it alone, and be discreet about it. She's in for a few days, then is supposed to leave before the annual ball, held in the castle on Valentine's Day. Traditionally, if the first dance (a Scottish Reel) is perfect, it's considered a lucky omen and many marriage proposals are made.
Evie meets Robert, son of the current owner, on her first night there. He wants to sell the castle but his father is completely against it. Robert is more realistic and doesn't want to be burdened with inheriting the castle (it must go to the next family member who is married, Robert is not married but is getting pressured to propose to his girlfriend at the ball).
As Evie goes through the home, looking for pieces to sell, she learns a lot about the ancestors of the current owners. Every piece of furniture has a story, and Evie wants to know them all. At Kettlesheer Castle, however, the furniture may have more of a story than she realized...
As Evie works, she also spends time with the owners' son, Robert. As the days go by and they get to know each other, Evie realizes she might be attracted to Robert - who she assumes is going to propose to his girlfriend at the ball. But he's not acting like he's interested in marrying his girlfriend, and Evie has mixed thoughts about that. When Evie's sister Alice calls and says she can't come to the ball, leaving Evie to fill in, Evie wonders if this is Robert's way to get out of proposing - if the first dance isn't perfect, he doesn't have to propose. But maybe, just maybe, that's not the reason he wants her to stay...
My thoughts: Oh wow - I loved this book. Swept Off Her Feet is going on the "keeper" shelf. I love Evie - I easily identified with her character, kind of quiet, unassuming, tender-hearted. She loves looking at old things and imagining the past - a beloved teddy bear, an antique china set, a stately old home. I must confess, that's one of the things I love about living in New Orleans, is the old homes and antiques - I too like to daydream about the people who lived/loved/used them. The relationship between Evie and Robert meanders along, friendly and then maybe more. I really, really liked Robert. His attentions to Evie were swoon-worthy, and that he was conflicted made for some seriously sexy tension.
The Scottish Reel dancing - Evie's lessons were hysterical. The way Ms. Browne wrote the story, the dancing, and the customs surrounding the dance, was riveting. I was so enamored with that part of the story I actually looked up some videos of Scottish Reel Dancing!
Swept Off Her Feet is old-time romance in a modern-day setting - between the romance of Robert's ancestors, continuing through time in family stories, tradition, and the pages of a long-forgotten journal, the romance of the dance, and Evie's romantic outlook on life in general, I sighed and swooned through every page.
Swept Off Her Feet is the kind of book that, when you finish, you don't want to pick up another book because you're not ready to leave the story behind; you just want to stay a little bit longer.
Evie Nicholson is an antiques "finder", she actually works for the dealer. Her problem is that she when she sees an item, she sees not the potential buyer, but the past, imagining who used the item or places it's been. She's in trouble with her boss, Max, for buying a bunch of stuff that he doesn't think will sell. Evie's sister, Alice, and her mother are both minimalistic - they actually make a living doing a "clean sweep" type of thing where they de-clutter people's homes. They're always calling Evie out for getting lost in the past.
Evie's sister has a favor to ask - her boyfriend's family friend has inherited Castle Kettlesheer in Scotland and they are having financial trouble keeping it up. They'd like to sell off a few key pieces, quietly, and Alice told them Evie would be happy to do it. Max is thrilled, he's always wanted to get inside Castle Kettlesheer, but he's not invited. Evie must do it alone, and be discreet about it. She's in for a few days, then is supposed to leave before the annual ball, held in the castle on Valentine's Day. Traditionally, if the first dance (a Scottish Reel) is perfect, it's considered a lucky omen and many marriage proposals are made.
Evie meets Robert, son of the current owner, on her first night there. He wants to sell the castle but his father is completely against it. Robert is more realistic and doesn't want to be burdened with inheriting the castle (it must go to the next family member who is married, Robert is not married but is getting pressured to propose to his girlfriend at the ball).
As Evie goes through the home, looking for pieces to sell, she learns a lot about the ancestors of the current owners. Every piece of furniture has a story, and Evie wants to know them all. At Kettlesheer Castle, however, the furniture may have more of a story than she realized...
As Evie works, she also spends time with the owners' son, Robert. As the days go by and they get to know each other, Evie realizes she might be attracted to Robert - who she assumes is going to propose to his girlfriend at the ball. But he's not acting like he's interested in marrying his girlfriend, and Evie has mixed thoughts about that. When Evie's sister Alice calls and says she can't come to the ball, leaving Evie to fill in, Evie wonders if this is Robert's way to get out of proposing - if the first dance isn't perfect, he doesn't have to propose. But maybe, just maybe, that's not the reason he wants her to stay...
My thoughts: Oh wow - I loved this book. Swept Off Her Feet is going on the "keeper" shelf. I love Evie - I easily identified with her character, kind of quiet, unassuming, tender-hearted. She loves looking at old things and imagining the past - a beloved teddy bear, an antique china set, a stately old home. I must confess, that's one of the things I love about living in New Orleans, is the old homes and antiques - I too like to daydream about the people who lived/loved/used them. The relationship between Evie and Robert meanders along, friendly and then maybe more. I really, really liked Robert. His attentions to Evie were swoon-worthy, and that he was conflicted made for some seriously sexy tension.
The Scottish Reel dancing - Evie's lessons were hysterical. The way Ms. Browne wrote the story, the dancing, and the customs surrounding the dance, was riveting. I was so enamored with that part of the story I actually looked up some videos of Scottish Reel Dancing!
Swept Off Her Feet is old-time romance in a modern-day setting - between the romance of Robert's ancestors, continuing through time in family stories, tradition, and the pages of a long-forgotten journal, the romance of the dance, and Evie's romantic outlook on life in general, I sighed and swooned through every page.
Swept Off Her Feet is the kind of book that, when you finish, you don't want to pick up another book because you're not ready to leave the story behind; you just want to stay a little bit longer.
August 21, 2018
Antiques, a Lovejoy-esque dealer and the Scottish Highlands - realoly what isn't to love about this book. Admittedly I am rather biased having been in the antiques trade myself (yes, the character of Evie's boss is sadly realistic) and being married to a Scot (albeit a Lowlander) but I really did enjoy this book.
Hester Browne's young ladies are all of a certain ilk - upper middle class and not very good with relationships - often, just not very good with people as a whole. Somehow, she manages to make these characters eminently likeable for this reader, even if their life situations and experiences are ones I only know about from books. Usually having little to hang your hat on in the way of commonality with the heroine can be disastrous for a book but that simply does not apply to this book. Evie may have had some privileges in her upbringing but she is a struggling working girl with a hoarding habit for the kitsch and the unloved and that definitely endears her to us.
Unfortunately, the romance is flagged early on and you know how that is going to work out from almost the moment she arrives at the ancestral home. The search for "treasure" within the walls is also a little over-telegraphed and before the finding of certain documentary evidence you know how that is going to work out. There is a nice little twist on the treasure side of things at the end of the book but I won't spoil it for you.
The enjoyability of this book comes from the characters and the setting. A Valentine's Ball with years of tradition in a Castle is certainly not to be sniffed at - even if it is snowing outside and the heating bills are astronomical so you are usually at the mercy of the draughts and wrapped up like Bibendum. The plot jogs along at a wonderfully relaxed pace, allowing you to savour the setting and enjy the character interactions on the page.
Bright, fresh and breezy it is not great literature. However, it is an incredibly fun way to pass a few hours which is sure to put a smile on your face from time to time. Everyone lives and breathes on the page and you do get quite swept up in their individual lives.
Hester Browne's young ladies are all of a certain ilk - upper middle class and not very good with relationships - often, just not very good with people as a whole. Somehow, she manages to make these characters eminently likeable for this reader, even if their life situations and experiences are ones I only know about from books. Usually having little to hang your hat on in the way of commonality with the heroine can be disastrous for a book but that simply does not apply to this book. Evie may have had some privileges in her upbringing but she is a struggling working girl with a hoarding habit for the kitsch and the unloved and that definitely endears her to us.
Unfortunately, the romance is flagged early on and you know how that is going to work out from almost the moment she arrives at the ancestral home. The search for "treasure" within the walls is also a little over-telegraphed and before the finding of certain documentary evidence you know how that is going to work out. There is a nice little twist on the treasure side of things at the end of the book but I won't spoil it for you.
The enjoyability of this book comes from the characters and the setting. A Valentine's Ball with years of tradition in a Castle is certainly not to be sniffed at - even if it is snowing outside and the heating bills are astronomical so you are usually at the mercy of the draughts and wrapped up like Bibendum. The plot jogs along at a wonderfully relaxed pace, allowing you to savour the setting and enjy the character interactions on the page.
Bright, fresh and breezy it is not great literature. However, it is an incredibly fun way to pass a few hours which is sure to put a smile on your face from time to time. Everyone lives and breathes on the page and you do get quite swept up in their individual lives.
May 11, 2011
4.5 STARS. Evie loves old wedding photographs, tattered teddy bears, and dreaming of an old-fashioned life far beyond the hustle and bustle of modern-day London and the prosaic demands of her antique dealing boss. Through a connection of her sister's, Evie is swept off to Kettlesheer, a glorious but economically deprived estate in Scotland, to do some antique appraising. Best of all, Evie's sister's boyfriend is the one driving Evie up to Kettlesheer--and Evie has just the teensiest crush on him. After all, he is so full of gentlemanly good manners and pleasantness and he would look so good in muttonchops and breeches. But when Evie arrives at Kettlesheer, she finds the family's begrudging heir Robert to the estate rather intriguing--and completely attractive. As Evie is swept into the beauty of the old estate and the sweet and fascinating romance between Violet and Ranald (Robert's great-grandparents) left behind in letters and photographs and family stories--not to mention the preparations for the upcoming Kettlesheer Ball she wishes desperately to attend--it is all too easy to be swept off her feet. But who will do the sweeping? And will she be able to convince Robert that Kettlesheer is worth saving?
Really, this is probably only a four star story but I loved every minute of it! It's so delicious to float into Evie's world. Kettlesheer is wonderful, the ball is gorgeous, the men are equally pleasant, and as with all of Hester Browne's books, I deeply appreciate that the romance is sweet and sexy without bringing in anything more than a passionate kiss and a lot of good conversations. (And there are no F-bombs here to spoil the old-time decorum and warmth of Kettlesheer! Happy day!) My only complaint is that I wish there had been a little less pining for her sister's boyfriend, but it all ended in a satisfactory manner. And, well, it would be awfully nice if we could all go to the Kettlesheer ball, but I suppose some of us will just have to keep dreaming...! ;-)
Really, this is probably only a four star story but I loved every minute of it! It's so delicious to float into Evie's world. Kettlesheer is wonderful, the ball is gorgeous, the men are equally pleasant, and as with all of Hester Browne's books, I deeply appreciate that the romance is sweet and sexy without bringing in anything more than a passionate kiss and a lot of good conversations. (And there are no F-bombs here to spoil the old-time decorum and warmth of Kettlesheer! Happy day!) My only complaint is that I wish there had been a little less pining for her sister's boyfriend, but it all ended in a satisfactory manner. And, well, it would be awfully nice if we could all go to the Kettlesheer ball, but I suppose some of us will just have to keep dreaming...! ;-)
March 22, 2011
I am a big fan of Hester Brown. Her books are frothy, light, escapist, fun, and charming. This British author likes to take a real woman who harkens back to "long-ago" manners and style, and sets her in a modern era. This sweet, innocent book was a warm blanket and mug of cocoa all wrapped in one. I Anyone looking for some lighter fare should give this book a try.
March 2, 2020
A fun read! I enjoyed learning about Scotland and reeling, and it is a sweet romance. The main character, Evie, reminds me a lot of the main character in Austenland, obsessed with the past and men that don’t exist in the 21st century.
October 13, 2024
I love Hester Browne. I love how cozy and cute her stories are. I’ve not met a book of hers that did not make me smile. And Swept Off Her Feet has to be my favorite of all Hester Browne books.
I have read this story 4 times now and every reread still has me squeeing in delight. The learning to reel scene still makes me cackle. Evie and Robert still make me cheese. The Ball? Oh my goodness, still one of the most magical scenes I’ve ever read.
This book may only be a 3-3.5 star read, but it’s a four- even 5 in my heart because it never fails to take me to my happy place. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read this story 4 times now and every reread still has me squeeing in delight. The learning to reel scene still makes me cackle. Evie and Robert still make me cheese. The Ball? Oh my goodness, still one of the most magical scenes I’ve ever read.
This book may only be a 3-3.5 star read, but it’s a four- even 5 in my heart because it never fails to take me to my happy place. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 22, 2019
é uma historia muito boa, no entanto no sou muito dos contos-de-fadas tipo de leitora. achei muito chato e interminável Evie olhando as antiguidades na casa, a historio passa basicamente toda dentro do antiquário e 90% dentro do castelo.... gostaria de ter lido um pouco a mais de EVIE pelas ruas da linda Escocia.
August 22, 2023
A lovely light read with likable characters and an entertaining storyline. Really enjoyable.
May 22, 2021
i want to live in a castle ://
February 13, 2014
I had previously read and enjoyed Hester Browne’s novels when I picked up her book The Runaway Princess last year. Knowing how I had enjoyed reading that, I was looking forward to reading The Vintage Girl. The cover is SO gorgeous, I just wanted to stare at it all day, but I had to cut that short in my eagerness to read it!
Evie Nicholson is a lover of antiques, and she has so much passion for them and for the stories behind them. So when she is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive heirlooms for a family, she can’t wait and jumps at the chance. But each heirloom uncovers a story, and soon Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. In a castle with heir Robert McAndrew, Evie’s heart is sent reeling with enthusiasm that isn’t all about the antiques…
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Once I picked it up, it was SUCH a lovely story that I didn’t want to put it back down again!
I loved reading about all of the antiques, and even though I do not have much experience with antiques, I could feel Evie’s enthusiasm and absolute love and care for antiques radiating from the pages. As a result I was so excited for her to be going to Kettlesheer Castle and I was intrigued about what she might find. I loved the descriptions of the treasures at the Castle, from furniture to very old letters, and I was truly swept up in a world of old treasures and the stories and memories that came with them. Evie so obviously cared about each and every item, and I feel she was the perfect character, her warmth and love for the objects shone out and I found myself smiling and thoroughly enjoying my time with her. I really liked Robert too, and I wanted to read on because I loved his interactions with Evie and I always looked forward to their parts together with a sense of hope and love in my heart!
I particularly liked the setting of Scotland and Kettlesheer Castle, the descriptions of the castle and the surrounding area was both beautiful and vivid – I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and it felt as though I was there at the castle with Evie.
The story is so easy to follow and before I knew it I had spent a wonderful afternoon in the company of Evie. The Vintage Girl is a delightful and romantic story full of warmth, so make sure you buy a copy and enjoy curling up and getting lost in this brilliant book.
Evie Nicholson is a lover of antiques, and she has so much passion for them and for the stories behind them. So when she is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive heirlooms for a family, she can’t wait and jumps at the chance. But each heirloom uncovers a story, and soon Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. In a castle with heir Robert McAndrew, Evie’s heart is sent reeling with enthusiasm that isn’t all about the antiques…
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Once I picked it up, it was SUCH a lovely story that I didn’t want to put it back down again!
I loved reading about all of the antiques, and even though I do not have much experience with antiques, I could feel Evie’s enthusiasm and absolute love and care for antiques radiating from the pages. As a result I was so excited for her to be going to Kettlesheer Castle and I was intrigued about what she might find. I loved the descriptions of the treasures at the Castle, from furniture to very old letters, and I was truly swept up in a world of old treasures and the stories and memories that came with them. Evie so obviously cared about each and every item, and I feel she was the perfect character, her warmth and love for the objects shone out and I found myself smiling and thoroughly enjoying my time with her. I really liked Robert too, and I wanted to read on because I loved his interactions with Evie and I always looked forward to their parts together with a sense of hope and love in my heart!
I particularly liked the setting of Scotland and Kettlesheer Castle, the descriptions of the castle and the surrounding area was both beautiful and vivid – I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and it felt as though I was there at the castle with Evie.
The story is so easy to follow and before I knew it I had spent a wonderful afternoon in the company of Evie. The Vintage Girl is a delightful and romantic story full of warmth, so make sure you buy a copy and enjoy curling up and getting lost in this brilliant book.
October 8, 2012
Evie Nicholson, an antiques dealers' assistant, just knows she was born in the wrong time and place. She belongs in an age where crinoline was the material of choice, gallantry was the rule of thumb and balls were commonplace occurrences. Disappointed with her own family's sad lack of history and romance, she populates her days with fantasies of knightly gentlemen who will sweep her off her feet and indulges her passion for history and romance by hoarding antique treasures that carry their own special stories which she uses to fuel her daydreams. Imagine her delight, then, when she's invited to a Scottish castle to do a valuation for its owners and has the once-in-a-lifetime chance to live for a week in the freezing but beautifully majestic home nestled at the base of the Cheviot Hills. When she arrives, Evie finds the inhabitants in the midst of preparations for the season's biggest ball - which carries heavy implications for the futures of its participants - and is drawn into the romance and beauty of it all, fueling her search for remnants of ages past. Will Evie find the priceless treasures its owner needs to save the castle from ruin…and maybe stumble upon her own Prince Charming in the process? Or will her penchant for fantasy get her into trouble when she begins seeing things that aren't there…in the home and in the heart of its heir?
I really enjoyed this author's Little Lady series as well as Finishing Touches, so I snapped this book up the moment I learned it was available. I wasn't nearly as enthralled with it as I was with the previous books, however. Evie, though lovable because of her addiction to history and other people's stories, seems just a bit too naive for belief and some of her internal dialogue is almost adolescent, despite the fact that she's in her thirties. I found myself struggling through the middle of the book (especially during the tedious passages on dancing the reel which were too detailed for my taste) and nearly gave up, but kept on and was glad that I had at the end. So, though it certainly isn't one of her best, I suppose it was still worth the entertainment value it provided. It just could have been so much better.
I really enjoyed this author's Little Lady series as well as Finishing Touches, so I snapped this book up the moment I learned it was available. I wasn't nearly as enthralled with it as I was with the previous books, however. Evie, though lovable because of her addiction to history and other people's stories, seems just a bit too naive for belief and some of her internal dialogue is almost adolescent, despite the fact that she's in her thirties. I found myself struggling through the middle of the book (especially during the tedious passages on dancing the reel which were too detailed for my taste) and nearly gave up, but kept on and was glad that I had at the end. So, though it certainly isn't one of her best, I suppose it was still worth the entertainment value it provided. It just could have been so much better.
July 27, 2018
Gleich vorweg: für einen Euro hab ich das Buch für meinen Kindle gekauft und dafür ist es wirklich in Ordnung.
Zum Inhalt:
Evie arbeitet in einem Antiquitäten Laden und wird aufgrund ihrer familiären Bande gebeten, in einem Schloß in Schottland nach wertvollen Antiquitäten zu suchen, welche die Familienkasse der Schlossinhaber aufbessern sollen. Ihr Chef kann es gar nicht erwarten, weil er glaubt, dass dort eine Art Schatz zu finden ist, von dem er sich ungeahnten Ruhm und Reichtum verspricht.
Begleitet wird Evie vom Freund ihrer Schwester, in welchen sie heimlich verliebt ist.
Auf dem Schloß angekommen, ergeben sich lauter lustige Situationen, und soviel sei verraten, ihren Traumprinzen findet sie dort ganz selbstverständlich auch.
Die Geschichte an sich ist unzählige Male erzählt worden, aber Hester Browne schreibt gut, locker flüssig, und mit sehr viel Humor.
Eine nette Liebesgeschichte, und über alte Möbel lernt man ein paar Dinge nebenher.
Nur die Beschreibungen der schottischen Nationaltänze waren mir zu lang.
Fazit: ein nettes kleines Büchlein für zwischendurch. Mit Happy End, und ganz vanilla, keine Sexszenen. Es schwingt ein bissi Bridget Jones mit.
Zum Inhalt:
Evie arbeitet in einem Antiquitäten Laden und wird aufgrund ihrer familiären Bande gebeten, in einem Schloß in Schottland nach wertvollen Antiquitäten zu suchen, welche die Familienkasse der Schlossinhaber aufbessern sollen. Ihr Chef kann es gar nicht erwarten, weil er glaubt, dass dort eine Art Schatz zu finden ist, von dem er sich ungeahnten Ruhm und Reichtum verspricht.
Begleitet wird Evie vom Freund ihrer Schwester, in welchen sie heimlich verliebt ist.
Auf dem Schloß angekommen, ergeben sich lauter lustige Situationen, und soviel sei verraten, ihren Traumprinzen findet sie dort ganz selbstverständlich auch.
Die Geschichte an sich ist unzählige Male erzählt worden, aber Hester Browne schreibt gut, locker flüssig, und mit sehr viel Humor.
Eine nette Liebesgeschichte, und über alte Möbel lernt man ein paar Dinge nebenher.
Nur die Beschreibungen der schottischen Nationaltänze waren mir zu lang.
Fazit: ein nettes kleines Büchlein für zwischendurch. Mit Happy End, und ganz vanilla, keine Sexszenen. Es schwingt ein bissi Bridget Jones mit.
October 1, 2023
I. Love. This.! Like soooo muchhh!! Everything is perfect!
Evie, our main character has a love for vintage things, especially wedding photos. She also can feel~ the radiance from a vintage object and everything it has witnessed. So, when she is invited to this literal palace of her dreams. She can't say no, can she? She's there for a mission, to make her annoying boss happy and live the time of her life, but on the way, falls for the heir (who, may I mention, has NO interest in the house and thinks it's annoying) who also has a gf.. How will it turn out? Will she get to spend the rest of her life with him? Can she convince him to keep the house? Will she be living her long awaited dream? Well, only one way to find out!
I hated Janet and Catriona (seriously, who names their daughter that?), who are the mother and gf of our prince charming..
And the ball!!! OMGGG! It was so perfectly described! I could not help but stand up and twirl around with her, feeling it! Everything is so goodd!
When I tell you, it has every thing your hopeless romantic self would love, I. Mean. It!
Just go read it! I beg youu
Evie, our main character has a love for vintage things, especially wedding photos. She also can feel~ the radiance from a vintage object and everything it has witnessed. So, when she is invited to this literal palace of her dreams. She can't say no, can she? She's there for a mission, to make her annoying boss happy and live the time of her life, but on the way, falls for the heir (who, may I mention, has NO interest in the house and thinks it's annoying) who also has a gf.. How will it turn out? Will she get to spend the rest of her life with him? Can she convince him to keep the house? Will she be living her long awaited dream? Well, only one way to find out!
I hated Janet and Catriona (seriously, who names their daughter that?), who are the mother and gf of our prince charming..
And the ball!!! OMGGG! It was so perfectly described! I could not help but stand up and twirl around with her, feeling it! Everything is so goodd!
When I tell you, it has every thing your hopeless romantic self would love, I. Mean. It!
Just go read it! I beg youu
April 3, 2011
I had high expectations for this book, having LOVED The Little Lady Agency series, and it did not disappoint. Ms. Browne had me smiling at page three, and I never stopped. She has such a lovely way with words and can have you feeling sentimental at the same time you're giggling over some hilarious character hijinks. I loved all the characters, but particularly Evie, with Robert running a close second. Evie had this charming little quirk of imagining herself in different periods of history depending on what sort of antique happened to turn up. Those bits always had me smiling.
A few favorite quotes:
"Antiques for me were all about the lives they'd once been part of. I loved the whispers of the past they carried, the proof that those period films had once been real."
"Try as I might, I couldn't make Robert's face go historical; it stayed sharp-cheekboned and wry. Too modern.
Helpfully, imaginary Fraser appeared behind him, resplendent in muttonchop whiskers. Fraser through the ages was much easier to conjure."
A few favorite quotes:
"Antiques for me were all about the lives they'd once been part of. I loved the whispers of the past they carried, the proof that those period films had once been real."
"Try as I might, I couldn't make Robert's face go historical; it stayed sharp-cheekboned and wry. Too modern.
Helpfully, imaginary Fraser appeared behind him, resplendent in muttonchop whiskers. Fraser through the ages was much easier to conjure."
June 23, 2015
First of all, antiques are not my thing so any cultural value was put in this novel was lost to me even if fictional LOL!
The only part of this romance story I loved was the Evie and Robert parts.. The two of them were just so unresistable.. I think if this was all Evie and Robert scenes I would get bored at all.
Loved their conversations especially when they're arguing about his family's heritage which he doesn't believe in its value. And Evie kept pressuring him to think differently. I just loved their talks and easy chemistry. I'd love a man like Robert *daydreams* no need for Kilts xD
I didn't expect to love this romantic story as much as I did but notice that 4 stars is actually for Robert and Evie exclusively. Plot be damned xD
Just kidding. I looooved how after all the time Evie spent looking for collectables and valuable items i did not expect that.. Well done!
The only part of this romance story I loved was the Evie and Robert parts.. The two of them were just so unresistable.. I think if this was all Evie and Robert scenes I would get bored at all.
Loved their conversations especially when they're arguing about his family's heritage which he doesn't believe in its value. And Evie kept pressuring him to think differently. I just loved their talks and easy chemistry. I'd love a man like Robert *daydreams* no need for Kilts xD
I didn't expect to love this romantic story as much as I did but notice that 4 stars is actually for Robert and Evie exclusively. Plot be damned xD
Just kidding. I looooved how after all the time Evie spent looking for collectables and valuable items i did not expect that.. Well done!
August 8, 2012
What girl doesn't enjoy thinking of fancy balls and dresses? I loved Evie and her fanciful nature. Her perspective and descriptions of the castle, relationships, and antiques were delightful to read. I felt as though I was learning Scottish reels as I was taken through her world. I loved getting to know Violet through her letters, journals, and furniture. It truly connected and centered the reader in the here and now. While there was no true antagonist, there was enough bickering to keep things lively. I was quite happy that we didn't hear as much of Alice's story because she seemed quite boring and structured. All-in-all I would recommend the book to someone looking for a light read, with a touch of romance, and the magic that castles and antiques bring. I'd like to pick up another book from this author in the future.
November 9, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be
What a wonderful book. Everything from the blurb to the title and cover screamed "read me", and I loved every page of it. Evie is a wonderful, hopeless romantic who dreams her way through life. Until she ends up in this gorgeous Scottish castle where all her dreams and fantasies come to life.
I liked Evie from the very beginning. Hester Browne sketched some beautiful characters and I really enjoyed that she gave her readers the time to get to know all of them, and most importantly, to get to know Kettlesheer; I loved how nothing in the story-line or descriptions felt rushed.
The Vintage Girl is a charmingly romantic novel I couldn't recommend more! I'm already looking forward to reading more books by Hester Browne!
What a wonderful book. Everything from the blurb to the title and cover screamed "read me", and I loved every page of it. Evie is a wonderful, hopeless romantic who dreams her way through life. Until she ends up in this gorgeous Scottish castle where all her dreams and fantasies come to life.
I liked Evie from the very beginning. Hester Browne sketched some beautiful characters and I really enjoyed that she gave her readers the time to get to know all of them, and most importantly, to get to know Kettlesheer; I loved how nothing in the story-line or descriptions felt rushed.
The Vintage Girl is a charmingly romantic novel I couldn't recommend more! I'm already looking forward to reading more books by Hester Browne!
June 3, 2022
I love Hester Browne and have read all her books. I have also loved all her books. Just beware before you get this that it is shorter than Hester Browne's other novels (272 pages - I paid over £5 for mine but Amazon.co.uk has dropped the price to £2.09 now [early March 2013]) and that the cover with the two doggies on the front (Amazon Kindle) is completely misleading - unlike Ms Browne's other books, there are no canine main characters in this one, and the dogs (a Scottie and a Westie) are merely there to indicate that the book is set in the Scottish Borders. It is a wonderful romantic novel, but you may be disappointed if you pay too much for it and find that it only entertains you for 24 hours.
March 31, 2015
Mi primer libro de Hester Browne y la verdad es que me ha gustado, aunque no es de los que te enganchan y no puedas dejar de leerlos.
Me debato entre las 3-4 estrellas porque me parece que el libro empieza un poco lento, y aunque Evie es un personaje que me gusto, al igual que Robert, parece que la primera parte del libro se centra demasiado en la casa y en lo que ella tiene que hacer alli ( que sí, es su trabajo y parte de la trama, pero me esperaba alguna historia mas de los personajes secundarios ) aun asi, le doy 4 estrellas porque transcurre en Escocia, por algunos personajes como Fraser y por la ambientación de la historia. Me apunto la autora para ver si encuentro algun libro mas suyo.
Me debato entre las 3-4 estrellas porque me parece que el libro empieza un poco lento, y aunque Evie es un personaje que me gusto, al igual que Robert, parece que la primera parte del libro se centra demasiado en la casa y en lo que ella tiene que hacer alli ( que sí, es su trabajo y parte de la trama, pero me esperaba alguna historia mas de los personajes secundarios ) aun asi, le doy 4 estrellas porque transcurre en Escocia, por algunos personajes como Fraser y por la ambientación de la historia. Me apunto la autora para ver si encuentro algun libro mas suyo.
July 27, 2016
I loved it. The Little Lady series and The Finishing Touches were overall better books but this one was still great and it was fun to read Browne's style flavored with a Jane Austin element. The Scottish setting and influence was also an interesting and fun twist. I was especially able to identity with the main character in this book even more so than in her other novels. Browne is a master at making her readers feel like the characters are their real life friends and that they've all been transported to a rich new romantic world. Hester Browne creates the kind of magic for her readers in Chick-Lit that JK Rowling created in juvenile fantasy.
December 16, 2014
The story held within the pages of this book was vastly entertaining and even a bit "magical." It took me a while to get around the "why do I care about antiques?" stance, but my original disinterest put me almost exactly in line with one of the characters other than the heroin (the main perspective) which admittedly pulled me into the story more than anything else. I feel the book was artfully written and I ended up enjoying every moment, even if I didn't realize it until afterwards. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who wants a sweet and more laid-back romance, especially around the holidays. Wonderful story and I genuinely loved it!
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