The Earl and Countess of Hale have resigned themselves to the fact that their daughter Margaret will never marry. Using the Latin and Greek she learned from her father, she is determined to start a college for gentlewomen to give them the education gentlemen routinely receive. But then she meets Dominic de Chancy, a half-French, half-English nobleman. She tries to ignore him, with his flamboyant wardrobe and laughing attitude. Their courtship is more like a dance of scorpions, but as Pascal says, the heart has its reasons that reason cannot know. It is only once they are married that Margaret realises that Dominic's family has a a secret that will soon involve them both in grave danger. The House of Hale trilogy was GL Robinson's first foray into Historical Romance, and over the years, readers have wanted to know what happens next. Here is the answer, told with her usual attention to historical detail and characteristic wit. Although it is the last story in a saga, it can be read as a stand-alone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR GL Robinson is the godchild of Georgette Heyer. She writes Regency Romances in a very proper English style with a good dash of humor. As the product of a convent boarding school in the south of England in the 1950's and early 60's, she has a very proper English style herself, which you will be able to tell if you listen to the recordings of the first chapters of her novels on her website: https://romancenovelsbyglrobinson.com, where you can also sign up for a free short story.
She met her American husband in Brussels where she was working at the time the UK joined the European Union (or Common Market, as it was then called). After retiring from a career as a French professor in upstate New York, she happily swapped Existentialism for Romance and since 2018 has written 11 Regency novels. They all feature feisty heroines against a real historical background. She has also begun a contemporary crime trilogy featuring hunky ex-special forces Miles O'Malley. She's in love with him, but don't tell her husband!
I loved writing this book! I like to think I would have been just like Margaret if I had lived when she did. She is feisty but loving and bookish but funny. Dominique de Chancy just sprang from my pen in all his glory - and I mean glory, with pink lined coats, long tied-back hair and an earring. Not at all the typical Regency beau. I couldn't resist him, so it's no surprise that Margaret couldn't, even though she'd vowed never to marry. Then there are the other characters - her handsome brother who seriously disapproves of Dominique, an orphaned lad who whistles his way into the story and into our hearts, Dominique's French mother who shows Margaret how to make fruit liqueurs... with unexpected consequences. I also loved creating Paris in the 1830's. I am used to describing London of the same period, but this was a challenge. I hope you love it as much as I do! p.s By the way, it is Book 4 of the Hale series, but you ABSOLUTELY don't have to read any of the others to understand it. If you want to, though, the first book is FREE on Amazon: The Earl and the Mud-Covered Maiden: https://www.amazon.com/Earl-Mud-Cover...
A historical regency romance where the hero is called a “man milliner” and ridiculed for his shameless way of dressing yet is so self-assured of himself that the very instance he meets the bluestocking heroine he remarks to her “When a comely young woman leaves the ballroom to ask for the library, one knows one has found a pearl beyond price. I came immediately to ask you to marry me. Will you?” Dominique de Chancy, the fifteenth Baron of Keighley, saw Lady Margaret’ Meg’ Barrington, daughter of the Earl of Hale, and knew he was going to make her his bride and he knew how he was going to win her over even if she didn’t realize it yet. The games begin and this book takes on an interesting tit for tat for a bit but then Dominique decides it’s time to quit playing games. Oh, but then he must face Meg’s overprotective brother, Sylvester, the one who has ridiculed Dominique as a “man milliner” and told him in no uncertain terms to stay away from his sister. No worries! Unfortunately, Dominique has a bigger threat to his life and eventually Meg will find herself face-to-face with it. This book is full of wit to go along with the delightful romance of Dominique and Meg and a daring rescue. I think you will love the character of Dominique even though he’s a little more flashier than the average male among the English peerage. He’s a flashy bad boy in a sweet way. He knows what he wants, isn’t afraid to state it and is very confident in all of his abilities. Meg is a bluestocking having been taught at the knee of her father and has plans to teach but no plans to marry. She’s not only smart but witty and clever too. The charming Dominique will be challenged by her cleverness more than once…and will be very thankful for it when he most needs it. The book has three side characters that added to the book. Sylvester, Meg’s brother, as mentioned brings humor and an endearing big brother protectiveness to the book. Dominique’s frail grandfather is full of cheekiness, having Meg blushing more than once and little whistling Billy, an orphan adopted by Dominique’s household becomes Meg’s close comrade and he’s one of those characters who endear themselves to your heart and leave you with a smile.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
‘We Hales are as good as our word’ – Life and romance in Regency England
British born New York author GL Robinson continues her delightful survey of life – and mores – in Regency England. To date she has penned over twenty novels, including her sixteen Regency Romance series, of which THE EARL’S DAUGHTER is the fourth volume of The House of Hale family saga. Retired as a French professor, she now grows – and glows – in the literary world with each new novel.
Reading this captivating novel not only entertains, introducing a unique woman whose life span secures interest from page one, but it also is a fine survey of the history of feminism’s rise. A hint of Robinson’s wit is present in the opening pages, a response to a unique stranger’s arrival at a ball: ‘Sylvester was well known to be the most eligible bachelor in London: handsome, wealthy, heir to an earldom and unbeatable at most sports. But, though universally charming, he was not, as the saying went, in the petticoat line. He harrumphed. The stranger’s apparent success with women cut no ice with him…..”I think he must not be English,” said Margaret, in her calm way. “He looks Continental, probably French.”’
How that moment figures into this excellent tale is distilled by the author’s synopsis: ‘The Earl and Countess of Hale have resigned themselves to the fact that their daughter Margaret will never marry. Using the Latin and Greek she learned from her father, she is determined to start a college for gentlewomen to give them the education gentlemen routinely receive. But then she meets Dominique de Chancy, a half-French, half-English nobleman. She tries to ignore him, with his flamboyant wardrobe and laughing attitude. Their courtship is more like a dance of scorpions, but as Pascal says, the heart has its reasons that reason cannot know. It is only once they are married that Margaret realises that Dominique's family has a secret that will soon involve them both in grave danger.’
Successful on every level, this just may be Robinson’s finest novel to date. Enjoy!
Margaret has no intention of marrying because she's convinced no husband would let her live the life she wants - which includes plenty of books and educating women in the classics. But when she meets Dominique de Chancy, she finds someone who seems thrilled she's a bookworm rather than horrified. He wins her over and they marry, but a trip to France to visit his mother uncovers family secrets with consequences they may not be able to escape...
I'm not sure whether this should be classified as a romance or not. It starts off that way, but unlike most romances, it continues well after the wedding. We see Dom meeting his grandfather-in-law and Meg spending time with her mother-in-law - both of which are enjoyable but not necessarily overly romantic. Then a mystery/suspense thread comes into it and romance is definitely relegated to the background. Personally, I didn't find that a problem - in fact, it was a pleasant change getting to see a couple actually starting into their new life and working together as husband and wife. However, if you're only interested in romance, you might find this disappointing. 4 stars because I wasn't keen on the semi-occasional blasphemy, the sexual innuendo (admittedly pretty much only between Dom and Meg post-marriage), or the normalised (off-page) extra-marital sex - it might be realistic, I have no way of knowing, but in some things I definitely prefer a sanitised version. Otherwise, an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I suppose a marriage between Margaret, who is more interested in Latin than in lady-like pursuits, and Dominique, who is a beautiful and flamboyant man, is fated to be filled with interest and peril.
The times are perilous indeed. This is the 1830s and when the couple go to Paris to visit Dominique's mother that city is suffering from years of unrest, revolution and the regime of Napoleon. There are some who are full of hate and envy. This leads to the perilous part of the book, and Margaret shows that she meant it when she vowed to do whatever it took to protect Dominique.
The characters are delightful, from the Earl (Margaret's father) to Margaret herself, Dominique, Dominique's mother, Fanny, the delightful Billy, who was employed as a Page, and a full cast of other characters both in England and France. Indeed, I was as much enthralled the interplay of the characters as I was by the fine, rich story.
This is Book 4, the final book in the House of Hale series. It is completely stand alone. I had no problem even though I have not read the preceding three volumes. The story is Regency in style and feeling, even though it speaks of a period a little past actual Regency times. If you enjoy those books, you should love this one.
I received the book from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Margaret doesn't appear to be interested in marrying, being more into her Greek and Latin studies, much to her parent's dismay. Things change, however, when she meets the flamboyant Dominique de Chancellor who immediately declares that he wishes to marry her. This is the follow up to the House of Hale series that I have read and enjoyed, although it also works as a standalone. As usual the author invokes the period so well, the expectations of the upper classes against the more down to earth working classes and, unfortunately, I know which I'd belong to . This time the story also moves to Paris in the post Napoleonic era where Margaret and Dominique are exposed to danger from an old rival. A very enjoyable story for those who like Historical Romances. I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book and I have already pre-ordered it.
I'd Love a Spin-Off Series! There is something about the House of Hale series which resonates deep in my spirit and this story has done the same for me. I think it has something to do with the characters and how their story is told which pulls me in and I seem to be able to experience what they do. I really like Margaret. She is clever, bright, learned and willing to experience life. Dominic de Chancy, on the other hand, is flashy, has a great sense of humour, is caring and loving and it sounds like he is a delicious hunk of a man, who fell for Margaret and didn't stop letting her know it. Together they need to overcome a problematic and dangerous situation so this story isn't just a romance - its so much more and I've enjoyed every moment of it. I'm happy to recommend this book and leave my voluntary review having just finished reading an early copy.
A lively regency romp. A lady not interested in marriage, and a gentleman who is much too full of himself. At first I did not like Dominique, far too sure of himself. I also thought Margaret’s decision to accept his offer seemed a little quick. The other oddity to me was that Margaret launched the rescue bid for Dominique, why not involve the authorities? Her husband and his family are important, albeit English, but given he is held prisoner and injured I would have thought the authorities would have dealt with it, and de Vogues accordingly. However, I did enjoy the story and feel it deserves the 5 stars.
Margaret is very much her parent’s daughter and when Dominique sees her at a ball he instantly asks her to marry him while she in the library looking for a book. Of course between his outrageous instant proposal and her brother Sylvester busting in on them protesting it took a bit of time and situations before he and Meg truly get married. When they are visiting his mother in Paris more complications occur and need to be resolved before they finally get settled into their permanent state of happiness. This was a sweet read mixed with humor, intrigue and romance
It is love at first sight for Dominique de Chancy and he promptly proposes marriage to the startled Lady Margaret. From that day forth she looks for him but he is nowhere to be seen, until he returns and immediately pays attention to the accredited beauty of the season. To say Meg is not amused would be an understatement but she soon teaches him she is not to be trifled with. A delightful love story which includes poison, kidnapping and a madcap escape from France. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although this is the fourth book in a series, it's set some quarter of a century later than book three and the daughter of our Earl and his (originally mud-covered) maiden is now grown up and just as contrary as her mother had been about getting married ... until she meets an elegant Frenchman who immediately declares that that he and she will be married. As usual, a fun romp with engaging characters whose story you will love to live along with them!
As a big fan of the Hale Trilogy I was thrilled to read the fourth book in the series. This one features the Earl’s Daughter, who is not only beautiful but smart and brave and far from a simpering miss. The plot takes us from London to Buckinghamshire, to Paris, with daring masquerades and skullduggery. It was al fun to meet some old friends from the previous three books and see how they turned out. I recommend you read this book and in fact all four books in the series. I loved them all.
This book just made me smile and I found myself chuckling quite often. There was also thrilling adventure! What I especially love about the book are the colorful descriptions, and the amazing characters. Our hero, Dominique, is very colorful and I feel that I can picture him entirely. What a handsome man! And, our heroine Meg is amazing, clever, and industrious, and so fun to read about. I can’t recommend this book enough!
What an odd little book! I was sucked in by the "Best Seller on Amazon" label, but I can hardly believe that's true. I liked the pluck of the heroine and her half-French hero. But the storytelling felt like a translation somehow. Like the real story had been simplified and obscured. The romance happened quickly and there were some oddly suggestive conversations. I'm not sure I'll read another one.
As usual from this author an entertaining read. I love the characters and the romance between them. I have read all the Hale family novels and this is just as good as the others. The world building is based on historical facts with embellishments to make a great story. I believe this is the last in the series if so I’m sorry to see it end.
Even though the story starts when the main characters are both single, the story is more about their married life and how they deal with real danger. I enjoyed that the characters moved between London and Paris. I got a little French history while reading. It was an interesting read and even though it is in a series, it can stand alone.
What an enjoyable story! It is funny, sweet, suspenseful and so well written. Meg is such a delight. She is incredibly smart and quick witted. Nothing can stop her. Dom is funny and ridiculously loving. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. You won't go wrong by choosing to read this book!
Having read novels by the author for years, I found this one even more endearing. When you begin reading this sweet humorous piece, don't be fooled. The plot thickens and thickens.......
This is one of the gentelist and loving books I have read. The love and trust between two people was refreshing and the ensuing story was surprising and very well written. This is a must read!
It is a very enjoyable read. It's very much a DOT to dot book. The dots line up very nicely. There are no huge surprises, but it's fun to see how the conflicts are resolved. Some really fun marital banter.
Really liked the author gave us a glimpse into the Hale family 20 plus years after book 3. Margaret was a joy and a very resourceful lady who took matters into her own hands when needed. Her husband Dominique is a perfect match who lets her spread her wings and fly.
This book was very humorous and I found myself laughing out loud a lot. Ms. Robinson's books always have a way of pulling me into the story. I really love her colorful and detailed descriptions of places and people. She always has amazing characters whether they be the main characters or a side character. I was glad to dive back into the world of the House of Hale and get an update on how the characters were doing since the last book.
I enjoyed seeing how the characters find their way to each other through the difficulties that are in their path. This book takes you on a journey from London to the countryside to Paris and back. We meet some interesting side characters along the way. It is filled with humor, romance and some intrigue involving someone from the MMC family's past.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author.