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The Country Gentleman
"...considerably more wit and pizazz than the legendary Georgette [Heyer] herself.” —Kirkus Reviews
At twenty-eight, Anne Guilfoyle is happily established as a spinster and a bluestocking, delighting her London friends with witticisms and intelligent observations on the political goings-on of the day. But when she is suddenly bereft of her fortune, she is forced to take up residence at Fevermere, the Cheshire farmhouse willed her by her great uncle. Isolated from London society and surrounded by farmland, with only her friend Maria for companionship, Anne finds her intelligence put to the test. She rapidly overcomes the shock brought about by the move and sets herself the task of learning everything she can about farming. Evenings prove rather dull, however, and Anne is obliged to invite some of her neighbors to dine—the most notable guest being Mr. Henry Highet, who Anne quickly decides is a thick-witted country type, though admittedly rather handsome. But Anne's estimations of both country life and Henry Highet are about to undergo a dramatic change...
At twenty-eight, Anne Guilfoyle is happily established as a spinster and a bluestocking, delighting her London friends with witticisms and intelligent observations on the political goings-on of the day. But when she is suddenly bereft of her fortune, she is forced to take up residence at Fevermere, the Cheshire farmhouse willed her by her great uncle. Isolated from London society and surrounded by farmland, with only her friend Maria for companionship, Anne finds her intelligence put to the test. She rapidly overcomes the shock brought about by the move and sets herself the task of learning everything she can about farming. Evenings prove rather dull, however, and Anne is obliged to invite some of her neighbors to dine—the most notable guest being Mr. Henry Highet, who Anne quickly decides is a thick-witted country type, though admittedly rather handsome. But Anne's estimations of both country life and Henry Highet are about to undergo a dramatic change...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 1987
49 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Hill
34 books24 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This name is a pseudonym for Ellen Pall (also known as Ellen Jane Pall).
She chose Fiona Hill when she wrote Regency romance novels. She has since published mysteries and literary novels under her own name.
This name is a pseudonym for Ellen Pall (also known as Ellen Jane Pall).
She chose Fiona Hill when she wrote Regency romance novels. She has since published mysteries and literary novels under her own name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 16, 2025
Enjoyable fun story written in the style of Heyer. This is a clean book. I did not connect with the Anne and found the premise of the 10 yearlong platonic relationship with her gentleman friend a plot point I never got past. Henry was a gem, and it made the book. I read this for my book club humor.
August 15, 2025
Henry Highet, the unpretentious country gentleman (with the unique and hilarious laugh), is a likeable hero, a man of intelligence, integrity and kindness. It's pretty clear he's fallen for Anne, although he knows she's still pining for someone back in London. (Lord Ensley). But even so, Anne is still attracted to Henry. Over time, they become good friends. It takes quite a while for the scales to fall from Anne's eyes and for her to realise how worthy and wonderful Henry is, and that Ensley is actually not the man she once thought he was.
There is also a sweet little secondary romance between Anne's dear friend Maria with the local country schoolmaster. The other secondary characters are well-drawn too, including Henry's humorously overbearing mother.
This is a clean novel and there's no sex and almost no kissing, but the characters are appealing and the ending is satisfying. The romance takes its time to come to a head, but the storyline carries you along. These days I'm used to HRs with a much hotter heat level, but you don't miss it here. It's well-told and witty, with a lovely HEA. You know Anne and Henry will be happy together.
I like the writing style. Although it's kind of reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, Ms Hill definitely does have her own style. The book is full of very funny descriptions and moments throughout. A couple of times the author breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly, but it works well with the author's tongue-in-cheek style, and doesn't intrude on the reading experience.
I've read this book several times over the years now, and always enjoyed it. Well worth reading.
This book was an August 2025 BOTM for Historical Romance Book Club, 'Humorous' theme.
There is also a sweet little secondary romance between Anne's dear friend Maria with the local country schoolmaster. The other secondary characters are well-drawn too, including Henry's humorously overbearing mother.
This is a clean novel and there's no sex and almost no kissing, but the characters are appealing and the ending is satisfying. The romance takes its time to come to a head, but the storyline carries you along. These days I'm used to HRs with a much hotter heat level, but you don't miss it here. It's well-told and witty, with a lovely HEA. You know Anne and Henry will be happy together.
I like the writing style. Although it's kind of reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, Ms Hill definitely does have her own style. The book is full of very funny descriptions and moments throughout. A couple of times the author breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly, but it works well with the author's tongue-in-cheek style, and doesn't intrude on the reading experience.
I've read this book several times over the years now, and always enjoyed it. Well worth reading.
This book was an August 2025 BOTM for Historical Romance Book Club, 'Humorous' theme.
August 24, 2025
3.5⭐️ In the style of Georgette Heyer. A very restrained yet charming romance with limited period lingo. Clunch and nuncheon are bandied about, but they’re like old friends.
I’m interested in reading Ms Hill’s backlist.
🌹My thanks to Merry & Jan for bringing this to my attention. 🌹
I’m interested in reading Ms Hill’s backlist.
🌹My thanks to Merry & Jan for bringing this to my attention. 🌹
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November 20, 2018A 1989 Regency romance. Kirkus, with their usual unerring ability to be wrong, describes the author as wittier than Heyer, which no but it's still a very cleverly written book with good dialogue, if rather arch (direct addresses to the reader commenting on character behaviour, very Austen).
I thoroughly enjoyed it, sort of. The premise is good--sophisticated lady has to move to the countryside and be a farmer for Reasons, her bumpkin neighbour turns out to be cleverer and subtler than he lets on--but it's one of those books that the more you think about it, the less you like it. viz: this is a "hero hiding in plain sight" book but he's staggeringly goodlooking and everyone who isn't the heroine finds him intelligent and charming, which rather undercuts the sense of her dawning realisation of his merits. Plus his marriage of convenience scheme feels pretty manipulative. And the whole book has a feel of teaching the heroine a lesson: she's the flawed one (too much opinion of herself, too rude about people, doesn't appreciate the moral superiority of farming over politics and honest country gentlemen over corrupt effete city types). The hero is of course perfect and doesn't need to change. Sweet Home Cheshire.
I did enjoy it, and it is a book of its time, but...eh. Annoying to reflect how many romances over the years have swallowed the Emma structure: a woman has things wrong with her and must learn to think and behave the way the man likes because he is wise and will teach her. Bah.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, sort of. The premise is good--sophisticated lady has to move to the countryside and be a farmer for Reasons, her bumpkin neighbour turns out to be cleverer and subtler than he lets on--but it's one of those books that the more you think about it, the less you like it. viz: this is a "hero hiding in plain sight" book but he's staggeringly goodlooking and everyone who isn't the heroine finds him intelligent and charming, which rather undercuts the sense of her dawning realisation of his merits. Plus his marriage of convenience scheme feels pretty manipulative. And the whole book has a feel of teaching the heroine a lesson: she's the flawed one (too much opinion of herself, too rude about people, doesn't appreciate the moral superiority of farming over politics and honest country gentlemen over corrupt effete city types). The hero is of course perfect and doesn't need to change. Sweet Home Cheshire.
I did enjoy it, and it is a book of its time, but...eh. Annoying to reflect how many romances over the years have swallowed the Emma structure: a woman has things wrong with her and must learn to think and behave the way the man likes because he is wise and will teach her. Bah.
August 20, 2016
Other reviewers have explained the gist of the story....sweet awakening love. You won't find delirous passion, sex or heart-stopping, page-turning suspense. Ann Guilfoyle is clueless with her naivety. She thinks she knows what she wants and, because of this, is set in her ways.
Content with her friendships, she has very little room for anyone else. Even worse, she makes her opinions known and expects others to agree. Until she meets Mr. Highet, a farmer, and her world slowly starts to topple. Her views of others differ now; not everything is so black and white anymore. With his loud laughter and sleepy-eyed looks, Mr. Highet unsettles her.
I am not sure if people really behaved this way in 19th century England. Some areas were a little slow and Anne irked me with her actions after awhile. I gave it two stars because it was okay.
Content with her friendships, she has very little room for anyone else. Even worse, she makes her opinions known and expects others to agree. Until she meets Mr. Highet, a farmer, and her world slowly starts to topple. Her views of others differ now; not everything is so black and white anymore. With his loud laughter and sleepy-eyed looks, Mr. Highet unsettles her.
I am not sure if people really behaved this way in 19th century England. Some areas were a little slow and Anne irked me with her actions after awhile. I gave it two stars because it was okay.
August 3, 2013
This is a delightful book, and Henry Highet is a dreamy, wonderful hero. The book has a true Regency feel - partly because the author deliberately wrote the book in the style of Jane Austen and other authors of that time, even using archaic spellings for some words ('chuse' instead of 'choose'). I'm astonished that Fiona Hill is practically unknown as a writer of Regency romance. I would recommend this book to any lover of Regency romance.
(My initial rating for this book back in 2010 was 4 stars, but after a second reading where I enjoyed the book even more than the first time, I increased that to 5 stars.)
(My initial rating for this book back in 2010 was 4 stars, but after a second reading where I enjoyed the book even more than the first time, I increased that to 5 stars.)
April 24, 2015
This one was solid (and even though I can usually spot an 80s romance within a page or two, I read the whole thing without twigging that it was published in '89, so good on it for aging well) but it is NOT as good as Heyer and even owes her a debt, I believe. So take that, cover blurb.
May 14, 2022
5 out of 5 stars, hands down! Slow start, and I didn’t know if I’d really like the story because Anne started to grate on me pretty quickly with her superiority complex and criticalness of everything that wasn’t related to London.
But then I knew I was in for a good book when, upon meeting Highet and thinking he is a complete country buffoon and being pretty insulting about it, she turned her head to look away and he SMIRKED. So you knew he’s absolutely playing her with the country act and you spend the rest of the story trying to work out his mind since it’s not really in his POV.
Last I really really really don’t like Ensley. He’s pretty terrible. Ensley selfishly kept her from living a life apart from him for years because he loved her but couldn’t have her, and Highet loved her and gave her absolute freedom to live how she wanted by letting her leave. I thought that was a great contrast.
But then I knew I was in for a good book when, upon meeting Highet and thinking he is a complete country buffoon and being pretty insulting about it, she turned her head to look away and he SMIRKED. So you knew he’s absolutely playing her with the country act and you spend the rest of the story trying to work out his mind since it’s not really in his POV.
Last I really really really don’t like Ensley. He’s pretty terrible. Ensley selfishly kept her from living a life apart from him for years because he loved her but couldn’t have her, and Highet loved her and gave her absolute freedom to live how she wanted by letting her leave. I thought that was a great contrast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2015
I was so enthralled to have come across this book. Though not strictly Georgette Heyer-esque, It was still a clean classic regency. What I particularly liked about this book was that though the heroine (Anne Guilfoyle) was not strictly a damsel in distress, she wasn't a daft stubborn chit either. I also liked that the hero (Henry Highet) was not a dashing dandy, as most regency heroes are bound to be, but rather a simple countryman. Not only did I find the characters appealing, but I also loved the plot. It was a story that I simply lost myself in.
May 9, 2024
This is an odd sort of book, one where I hated the heroine for most of it, found the hero incomprehensible and thought many of the events implausible, yet I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Partly, that’s because of its age; it doesn’t conform to modern standards and so I found it surprising in a multitude of ways, and that’s far better than being predictable. There are some spoilers below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know.
Here’s the premise: Anne Guilfoyle is a spinster of twenty-eight, living happily in London surrounded by friends, especially her admirer and the man she has loved for ten years, Lord Ensley. Unfortunately, she has only a very small portion and he needs to marry wealth, so he can’t marry her, but they’ve drifted merrily through the years so far, so why should that change? But change it does, for three things happen more or less simultaneously. Firstly, Lord Ensley is about to marry a suitable (and rich) young lady. Secondly, Anne’s lawyer, who has been managing her funds, has lost the lot. And thirdly, she has been left a small estate in Cheshire. You see what I mean about implausible? Two of those things I might accept, but three? No.
Be that as it may, it forces Anne to leave her beloved London (or civilisation, as she sees it) and her equally beloved Lord Ensley, and decamp with her widowed companion, Maria, to Cheshire. Here she finds the house provincial and the nearest neighbour, one Mr Henry Highet, a country bumpkin. He is single and lives with his very managing mother.
It should be noted at this point that Anne is a raging snob. She lives for sophisticated society, of which she is a leading light on account of her incisive wit, and that kind of frivolous banter is sadly lacking in Cheshire. She despises Mr Highet, although when it comes to learning how to manage her newly acquired estate, she finds that he’s both knowledgeable and willing to help her. Thus she discovers that there’s more to him than she’d originally suspected.
Into this bucolic existence comes the aforementioned Lord Ensley, who’s exerting all his persuasive powers to drag Anne back to London. He misses her, you see, and he’ll quite happily fund her. Some of her other London friends arrive for a visit, and decamp after a couple of days, finding it too dull for words. But she’s beginning to find sources of pleasure, even so far from London, so she sends Lord Ensley away with a flea in his ear.
So now we come to the spoiler. On the precise day that Lord Ensley is due to marry his heiress, Mr Highet makes a proposition to Anne. If they marry, he will make a settlement on her which will allow her to return to her life in London, and in exchange, he gets her estate. It will be a marriage of convenience only, since he’s perfectly content with his mother for company. For Anne, it’s perfect. She gets her life back, and also the company of her beloved Lord Ensley, who seems prepared to continue indefinitely with their cosy companionship, despite his marriage.
But why does Henry suggest such a thing? It’s fairly obvious to the reader that he’s in love with Anne, but if so, it’s a huge risk he’s taking. I’m not sure I believe in a man who’s so selfless that he’d sacrifice his own happiness entirely for the woman he loves. After all, once she’s settled in London, she might never come back at all, and his mother certainly doesn’t want her to.
Of course, once back in town, Anne discovers that Lord Ensley is a shallow, strutting coxcomb, whom she doesn’t even like very much, and this sudden revelation is perhaps the most implausible part of the whole book. She’s been in love with him for ten years, for heaven’s sake, and now she isn’t? Usually when ‘the scales fall from the eyes’ in that dramatic way, it’s because the object of affection has done something unspeakable, a betrayal of some sort. But no, Ensley’s the same as he’s always been, and we’re supposed to believe that a few months of Henry’s simple country goodness has been enough to effect this transformation? Well, whatever, and it has the desired effect because Anne hotfoots it back to Cheshire for the romantic reconciliation.
And despite all my grumbles about plausibility, I still enjoyed this enormously. I do like these older books that surprise my twenty-first century self at every turn. So four stars, and I recommend it on the grounds that these issues won’t bother most people in the slightest.
Here’s the premise: Anne Guilfoyle is a spinster of twenty-eight, living happily in London surrounded by friends, especially her admirer and the man she has loved for ten years, Lord Ensley. Unfortunately, she has only a very small portion and he needs to marry wealth, so he can’t marry her, but they’ve drifted merrily through the years so far, so why should that change? But change it does, for three things happen more or less simultaneously. Firstly, Lord Ensley is about to marry a suitable (and rich) young lady. Secondly, Anne’s lawyer, who has been managing her funds, has lost the lot. And thirdly, she has been left a small estate in Cheshire. You see what I mean about implausible? Two of those things I might accept, but three? No.
Be that as it may, it forces Anne to leave her beloved London (or civilisation, as she sees it) and her equally beloved Lord Ensley, and decamp with her widowed companion, Maria, to Cheshire. Here she finds the house provincial and the nearest neighbour, one Mr Henry Highet, a country bumpkin. He is single and lives with his very managing mother.
It should be noted at this point that Anne is a raging snob. She lives for sophisticated society, of which she is a leading light on account of her incisive wit, and that kind of frivolous banter is sadly lacking in Cheshire. She despises Mr Highet, although when it comes to learning how to manage her newly acquired estate, she finds that he’s both knowledgeable and willing to help her. Thus she discovers that there’s more to him than she’d originally suspected.
Into this bucolic existence comes the aforementioned Lord Ensley, who’s exerting all his persuasive powers to drag Anne back to London. He misses her, you see, and he’ll quite happily fund her. Some of her other London friends arrive for a visit, and decamp after a couple of days, finding it too dull for words. But she’s beginning to find sources of pleasure, even so far from London, so she sends Lord Ensley away with a flea in his ear.
So now we come to the spoiler. On the precise day that Lord Ensley is due to marry his heiress, Mr Highet makes a proposition to Anne. If they marry, he will make a settlement on her which will allow her to return to her life in London, and in exchange, he gets her estate. It will be a marriage of convenience only, since he’s perfectly content with his mother for company. For Anne, it’s perfect. She gets her life back, and also the company of her beloved Lord Ensley, who seems prepared to continue indefinitely with their cosy companionship, despite his marriage.
But why does Henry suggest such a thing? It’s fairly obvious to the reader that he’s in love with Anne, but if so, it’s a huge risk he’s taking. I’m not sure I believe in a man who’s so selfless that he’d sacrifice his own happiness entirely for the woman he loves. After all, once she’s settled in London, she might never come back at all, and his mother certainly doesn’t want her to.
Of course, once back in town, Anne discovers that Lord Ensley is a shallow, strutting coxcomb, whom she doesn’t even like very much, and this sudden revelation is perhaps the most implausible part of the whole book. She’s been in love with him for ten years, for heaven’s sake, and now she isn’t? Usually when ‘the scales fall from the eyes’ in that dramatic way, it’s because the object of affection has done something unspeakable, a betrayal of some sort. But no, Ensley’s the same as he’s always been, and we’re supposed to believe that a few months of Henry’s simple country goodness has been enough to effect this transformation? Well, whatever, and it has the desired effect because Anne hotfoots it back to Cheshire for the romantic reconciliation.
And despite all my grumbles about plausibility, I still enjoyed this enormously. I do like these older books that surprise my twenty-first century self at every turn. So four stars, and I recommend it on the grounds that these issues won’t bother most people in the slightest.
March 5, 2024
I laughed more during the reading of this book than at any other book I have ever read. Just flat-out belly laughs. So funny, beginning to end. My only quibble is that when the end arrived it was much too brief. i would have loved to read an epilogue at least. Five stars.
March 3, 2022
Slow start...took me a few times to get into the story. The explanations and such while two people were having breakfast. But the moment the easy-does-it of these two women (who I love for being older protagonists) was interrupted by shocking news, forcing their hand into the country, was fantastic! Because just by the little hints of knowing little about Mr. Highet, I knew excitement came! (I try sometimes not to read too much of a synopsis of a recommended book). I love the misunderstandings and the Scarlet Pimpernel manner of Mr. Highet. Appears a "simple country gentleman" but secretly very smart and perceptive and dare I say emotionally intelligent while Anne is boisterous and loud and opinionated and strong so she's a great match of passions and wits to Highet, but their balance is fantastic. This was a good book, I love stories about husbands and wives who fall in love (Ahem, Blue Castle) so I'm adding this to my treasure trove.
P.S. Anne annoyed me to no end in the beginning, which made her redemption arch all the more sweeter. And I enjoyed the Ensley angle a lot but feel horrible for his wife. That is all.
P.S. Anne annoyed me to no end in the beginning, which made her redemption arch all the more sweeter. And I enjoyed the Ensley angle a lot but feel horrible for his wife. That is all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
This was such an enjoyable read and made me laugh out loud. Wonderful witty writer and character. Love!
January 30, 2021
Me ha faltado más historia de la pareja.
September 11, 2023
Were there some conflicting descriptions of this era?
Yes.
Did it detract that much from the book?
No, unless you're a high stickler for very accurate history in a romance book. (Like, even other highly popular regency authors push around Jane Austen's books' publication dates and the fact that she wrote incognito, yet not many allow that to detract from whatever book)
In this book, there is the fact that the main character and some other guy had a close relationship (whether it was just friendship or affection or not), and in true 1800s society, her reputation would have been ruined. Him offering to install her in a home would have portrayed her as a "bit of muslin" and also ruin her relationship, and the fact that not many people gossiped about it was unrealistic. But, at the same time, there was no mention (I believe) about Almack's or the patronesses, so maybe Anne just went to the great parties of her fellow intellectuals.
On the other hand, the relationships and romance were so very subtle over a period of time (not the deemed 2 weeks of "falling in love" that other books employ, but quite well-written. Granted, they could have showed their feelings a little more without even stepping near the line of vulgarity, but the humor more than made up for anything else.
These characters were real and oh so very funny!
I loved the interaction of the author with the reader (which did remind me of Austen!) that was so very humorous. I would recommend to those who aren't complete sticklers to some of the unsavory parts of London society (the Gossip, infidelity, etc), but enjoy laughing and Austen:)
*************
REREAD REVIEW
Still as awesome as ever.
*************
REREREAD REVIEW 2022
This reminded me of The Blue Castle, so different in terms of setting and plot, but the emotion and feeling and love of nature or preference for it give me the same feel as I read them. My acknowledgement of certain cultural inaccuracies of the time period did not concern me as much this time around. In fact, I was glad, and recommend it even more for it's obvious naivety, for no serious concern can there be in subject matter.
**************
Reread
Still amazing
Yes.
Did it detract that much from the book?
No, unless you're a high stickler for very accurate history in a romance book. (Like, even other highly popular regency authors push around Jane Austen's books' publication dates and the fact that she wrote incognito, yet not many allow that to detract from whatever book)
In this book, there is the fact that the main character and some other guy had a close relationship (whether it was just friendship or affection or not), and in true 1800s society, her reputation would have been ruined. Him offering to install her in a home would have portrayed her as a "bit of muslin" and also ruin her relationship, and the fact that not many people gossiped about it was unrealistic. But, at the same time, there was no mention (I believe) about Almack's or the patronesses, so maybe Anne just went to the great parties of her fellow intellectuals.
On the other hand, the relationships and romance were so very subtle over a period of time (not the deemed 2 weeks of "falling in love" that other books employ, but quite well-written. Granted, they could have showed their feelings a little more without even stepping near the line of vulgarity, but the humor more than made up for anything else.
These characters were real and oh so very funny!
I loved the interaction of the author with the reader (which did remind me of Austen!) that was so very humorous. I would recommend to those who aren't complete sticklers to some of the unsavory parts of London society (the Gossip, infidelity, etc), but enjoy laughing and Austen:)
*************
REREAD REVIEW
Still as awesome as ever.
*************
REREREAD REVIEW 2022
This reminded me of The Blue Castle, so different in terms of setting and plot, but the emotion and feeling and love of nature or preference for it give me the same feel as I read them. My acknowledgement of certain cultural inaccuracies of the time period did not concern me as much this time around. In fact, I was glad, and recommend it even more for it's obvious naivety, for no serious concern can there be in subject matter.
**************
Reread
Still amazing
August 29, 2011
I found this book on a list of books to read when you've read all of Austen and all of Heyer. It is out of print, I believe, but available used from a number of online booksellers.
I'm now nearing the end of the story. All in all, it's been a pleasant read. A very pleasant read. I wouldn't say it's as laugh aloud funny as Heyer at her best, but I certainly want to know what happens (even though I know where it's going--the pleasure isn't all in the destination, right? It's in the getting there...). One thing that I found interesting--which is generally lacking in Regencies-- was the use of historical fact (the corn laws, for example) in the story. This was a turbulent time and it's easy to gloss over these things in a Romance. Clearly, however, they can be utilized without destroying the story.
The paperback I purchased has far fewer typos/grammatical errors than most books (spell/grammar checkers just cannot compare with the human brain). The language is not as catchy as that of Heyer but it strikes me as being as appropriate to the time as anything written today is likely to be (just recently I ret'd a mystery to the library because it takes place during WWII and not only was some of the language "off" for that period, but I was irritated no end by every household in a small town having a telephone--according to family elders, that just wasn't how it was at that time in history).
I've given The Country Gentleman four stars. I'd give it three and a half if I could, for a certain lack of sparkle. However, having said that, the fact remains: it was a pleasant read which I zipped through in a couple of days and yes, I will look for more of Ms Hill's work.
Would I recommend to a friend? Most definitely.
I'm now nearing the end of the story. All in all, it's been a pleasant read. A very pleasant read. I wouldn't say it's as laugh aloud funny as Heyer at her best, but I certainly want to know what happens (even though I know where it's going--the pleasure isn't all in the destination, right? It's in the getting there...). One thing that I found interesting--which is generally lacking in Regencies-- was the use of historical fact (the corn laws, for example) in the story. This was a turbulent time and it's easy to gloss over these things in a Romance. Clearly, however, they can be utilized without destroying the story.
The paperback I purchased has far fewer typos/grammatical errors than most books (spell/grammar checkers just cannot compare with the human brain). The language is not as catchy as that of Heyer but it strikes me as being as appropriate to the time as anything written today is likely to be (just recently I ret'd a mystery to the library because it takes place during WWII and not only was some of the language "off" for that period, but I was irritated no end by every household in a small town having a telephone--according to family elders, that just wasn't how it was at that time in history).
I've given The Country Gentleman four stars. I'd give it three and a half if I could, for a certain lack of sparkle. However, having said that, the fact remains: it was a pleasant read which I zipped through in a couple of days and yes, I will look for more of Ms Hill's work.
Would I recommend to a friend? Most definitely.
May 8, 2012
One of THE best regencies I've read, and I've read SO many.
Of course: you can't compare this to Austen, if that's your idea of a good regency. (I think Heyer's my queen, and Austen's the princess, but anyway) The Country Gentleman is more Heyer-like, if anything.
Gosh, I could rave about this book forever, but I'll try to contain myself.
First off - the leads. The heroine is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. She's so endearing because of how realistic she is, really. She isn't a paragon of virtues or ridiculously shrewish, and its so refreshing to have a heroine who struggles with pride and temper and feelings in a believable way. The hero is just as wonderful. He's a character study of his own, and just like the heroine, it was fantastic to have such a real, believable, imperfect hero. Their developing relationship was a great read, nicely paced, and had a satisfying, sweet conclusion. The side characters are just as cute a read, and don't detract from the main romance in any way. The plot is paced very well and has an interesting setting (the countryside) for a regency, when one is so used to reading about the ton.
One great thing about the book is the writing style. Fiona Hill writes the story with a dry humorous quality that will leave you smiling through the whole book. Some of her sentences actually inspire full out giggles, trust me.
If I could give this six stars, I totally would, its so worth a re-read (and more). I can't wait to read more Fiona Hill books, based on this one!
Of course: you can't compare this to Austen, if that's your idea of a good regency. (I think Heyer's my queen, and Austen's the princess, but anyway) The Country Gentleman is more Heyer-like, if anything.
Gosh, I could rave about this book forever, but I'll try to contain myself.
First off - the leads. The heroine is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. She's so endearing because of how realistic she is, really. She isn't a paragon of virtues or ridiculously shrewish, and its so refreshing to have a heroine who struggles with pride and temper and feelings in a believable way. The hero is just as wonderful. He's a character study of his own, and just like the heroine, it was fantastic to have such a real, believable, imperfect hero. Their developing relationship was a great read, nicely paced, and had a satisfying, sweet conclusion. The side characters are just as cute a read, and don't detract from the main romance in any way. The plot is paced very well and has an interesting setting (the countryside) for a regency, when one is so used to reading about the ton.
One great thing about the book is the writing style. Fiona Hill writes the story with a dry humorous quality that will leave you smiling through the whole book. Some of her sentences actually inspire full out giggles, trust me.
If I could give this six stars, I totally would, its so worth a re-read (and more). I can't wait to read more Fiona Hill books, based on this one!
January 5, 2009
Randomly picked this book up off the shelf when I was a teenager and loved it. I purchased it a year ago on-line and loved it all over again. Regency Romances...gotta love 'em.
January 19, 2018
Kindle unlimited.
Good read if you don’t mind inaccuracies of regency period.
Good read if you don’t mind inaccuracies of regency period.
April 26, 2020
What a beautifully written romance! Our heroine lives in London with her friend/companion Maria and has a long term understanding with Lord Ensley.
One day she loses almost all her money and lord Ensley gets engaged to a richer and more affluent Lady.
Well, Anne packs her house and moves to Cheshire where our hero Henry Highate is her neighbor.
Anne is a sophisticated London woman and is bored in Cheshire. Ensley comes over with an offer to make her his mistress after he’s married. And then things get interesting
This is a first HR where the author describes narcissistic character ( Ensley) thoroughly. The manipulating, gaslighting and future- faking he tries to pull off on his “victims” ( Anne and then his wife)
Anne is a flawed character and I disliked her in the beginning. She is rude to her servants and somewhat arrogant but I like seeing her change and revaluate her life.
Henry is a quite type of hero, I wouldn’t call him a beta though. He’s one of those “manage behind the scenes”kind of guy.
Maria is shy and timid but a strong character and a good friend. I love the scene where Anne contemplates relationship with Ensley and Maria basically tells her off for wasting ten years on this undeserving man. Love that scene!
What I missed in this book was flirting or funny banter going on. I also missed the hero POV because I could see Anne falling for Henry but I missed his feelings in this regard. The ending was somewhat abrupt.
The writing is Heyer-esque though I dislike the constant use of parentheses.
One day she loses almost all her money and lord Ensley gets engaged to a richer and more affluent Lady.
Well, Anne packs her house and moves to Cheshire where our hero Henry Highate is her neighbor.
Anne is a sophisticated London woman and is bored in Cheshire. Ensley comes over with an offer to make her his mistress after he’s married. And then things get interesting
This is a first HR where the author describes narcissistic character ( Ensley) thoroughly. The manipulating, gaslighting and future- faking he tries to pull off on his “victims” ( Anne and then his wife)
Anne is a flawed character and I disliked her in the beginning. She is rude to her servants and somewhat arrogant but I like seeing her change and revaluate her life.
Henry is a quite type of hero, I wouldn’t call him a beta though. He’s one of those “manage behind the scenes”kind of guy.
Maria is shy and timid but a strong character and a good friend. I love the scene where Anne contemplates relationship with Ensley and Maria basically tells her off for wasting ten years on this undeserving man. Love that scene!
What I missed in this book was flirting or funny banter going on. I also missed the hero POV because I could see Anne falling for Henry but I missed his feelings in this regard. The ending was somewhat abrupt.
The writing is Heyer-esque though I dislike the constant use of parentheses.
August 27, 2021
Almost twenty-nine years old, witty and wealthy Anne Guilfoyle gets three shocks in quick succession. The man who's been friend and sort-of lover (platonic, the novel seems to suggest) these past ten years, is marrying another. Anne's entire fortune has sunk along with an ill-fated ship. And a great-uncle she barely knew has left her an estate in Cheshire, farm and all, on the condition that she spend ten months a year in residence. With no option but to leave her beloved, happening London and move to the dreariness of the backwaters of England, Anne moves, along with best friend and companion, Maria... and ends up receiving a very businesslike proposal of marriage from her stolid new neighbour.
I thought Fiona Hill's language mostly very evocative of (say) Austen or Heyer. She is witty, too, in places, though the wit is definitely not anywhere on the same level as Heyer. While Henry was an endearing hero for me, I felt myself losing patience with Anne every now and then. She is obtuse at times, especially in realizing what everybody around her seems to know: how her husband feels about her. Her inability to let go of Ensley, even when she knows how self-centred he is, is frustrating, and her moral standards could do with some examining if she thought she and Ensley could go on as before even after his wedding (that said, how come they seem to be accepted as a couple by the ton, and nobody censures them for it? In Regency England, such behaviour would have got both Ensley and Anne ostracised).
Some problems, yes, but overall, still fairly enjoyable.
I thought Fiona Hill's language mostly very evocative of (say) Austen or Heyer. She is witty, too, in places, though the wit is definitely not anywhere on the same level as Heyer. While Henry was an endearing hero for me, I felt myself losing patience with Anne every now and then. She is obtuse at times, especially in realizing what everybody around her seems to know: how her husband feels about her. Her inability to let go of Ensley, even when she knows how self-centred he is, is frustrating, and her moral standards could do with some examining if she thought she and Ensley could go on as before even after his wedding (that said, how come they seem to be accepted as a couple by the ton, and nobody censures them for it? In Regency England, such behaviour would have got both Ensley and Anne ostracised).
Some problems, yes, but overall, still fairly enjoyable.
September 4, 2022
What a perfect gentle romance for all ages. Ms. Hill has come the closest to Austen of any modern, 21st century writer I have read. I had to go back and look at the copyright to see when the book was actually written to convince myself it wasn't written in the 19th century. Actually 1987. The story captures Anne's story so believably, so earnestly that it is captivating. I love that it made her and her companion Maria imperfect, intelligent, and forthright without over modernizing them like some contemporary authors do when they write historical fiction. The parts that spoke directly to the reader were unnecessary, but didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Great read that I couldn't put down.
May 30, 2024
3-3.5 Stars
Not your usual Regency.
I liked the atypical storyline, but this book is slow-going. I read the first half with mild amusement, but at various points I felt I was plodding through and might readily have tossed the book aside. I’m glad I stuck with it after all, but it wasn’t until well past the halfway mark that I really became interested in the outcome. And though the characterizations were interesting, it took a while for me to warm to the h/H. (At times, there was an element of smug superiority to Mr. Highet that I found almost as off-putting as Anne’s blatant condescension.)
Not your usual Regency.
I liked the atypical storyline, but this book is slow-going. I read the first half with mild amusement, but at various points I felt I was plodding through and might readily have tossed the book aside. I’m glad I stuck with it after all, but it wasn’t until well past the halfway mark that I really became interested in the outcome. And though the characterizations were interesting, it took a while for me to warm to the h/H. (At times, there was an element of smug superiority to Mr. Highet that I found almost as off-putting as Anne’s blatant condescension.)
August 11, 2020
I recently discovered Fiona Hill’s Regency romance, The Country Gentleman (originally published in 1987). Fans of Georgette Heyer and of Jane Austen will probably enjoy it as much as I did. The heroine, Anne Guilfoyle, even reminds me of Austen’s Emma. It’s witty, well-written, and the characters are believable. Those who simply like romances free of obligatory sex scenes should also enjoy it.
July 27, 2022
Loved it. It is a drawing room romance, that is, there is more drawing room than romance. Nonetheless it is engaging, characters were believable and loveable, and I enjoyed it big time. The ending was not to my liking exactly and though I understood its logic I wish it was less logical and more romantic, especially as the feelings were supressed for the most part of the story.
July 14, 2019
This was such a dull read. I wanted to like it, but I just didnt. The writing was slow and the characters were almost all unlikable. I own it, but have already donated it. Hopefully someone else will enjoy it. But I did not.
October 22, 2019
Different, witty, slow on the uptake but definitely worth the read. Do not be discouraged if the beginning is a bit slow. One of the most real, identifiable female protagonists I have read in the romance genre since she has real flaws.
October 27, 2019
4.5 stars
June 15, 2020
Initially-hateable female grows in classic style (think 18th-19th century literature); grew on me
January 30, 2021
Read this as a teenager. Sweet and funny.
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