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The School For Manners #4
Finessing Clarissa
The matchmaking Tribble sisters, Amy and Effy, have their hands full with Clarissa Vevian, a lovely lummox whose ungainliness may lose her the hand of the Earl of Greystone
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1989
57 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
139 books747 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews
April 25, 2019
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The Misses Tribble had been hired to reform the remarkably clumsy Clarissa Vevian. The Misses Amy and Effy Tribble wonder why Miss Clarissa Vevian needs their London society School for Manners until they come face to face with her Junoesque proportions and flame-colored hair make her a daunting prospect for marriage-minded dandies.
Each unique book includes a storyline that introduces you to delightful, likable, and colorful characters that enter the lives of the two eccentric older ladies, known as the Misses Amy and Effie Tribble, who advertised themselves to chaperone and sponsor 'difficult' young ladies. They each have quirky and distinct personalities.
M. C. Beaton weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and humorous experience, focusing on the essence of the era, grabbing the reader's attention, and entertains with escapades from historical London. The audible edition was provided through Hoopla.
M. C. Beaton is the pen name of bestselling novelist Marion Chesney. The author has written under various names, most notably as M. C. Beaton for her Hamish Macbeth, Agatha Raisin, and The Poor Relations series. This author weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and humorous experience, focusing on the essence of the era, grabbing the reader's attention, and entertains with escapades from historical London.
The Misses Tribble had been hired to reform the remarkably clumsy Clarissa Vevian. The Misses Amy and Effy Tribble wonder why Miss Clarissa Vevian needs their London society School for Manners until they come face to face with her Junoesque proportions and flame-colored hair make her a daunting prospect for marriage-minded dandies.
Each unique book includes a storyline that introduces you to delightful, likable, and colorful characters that enter the lives of the two eccentric older ladies, known as the Misses Amy and Effie Tribble, who advertised themselves to chaperone and sponsor 'difficult' young ladies. They each have quirky and distinct personalities.
M. C. Beaton weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and humorous experience, focusing on the essence of the era, grabbing the reader's attention, and entertains with escapades from historical London. The audible edition was provided through Hoopla.
M. C. Beaton is the pen name of bestselling novelist Marion Chesney. The author has written under various names, most notably as M. C. Beaton for her Hamish Macbeth, Agatha Raisin, and The Poor Relations series. This author weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and humorous experience, focusing on the essence of the era, grabbing the reader's attention, and entertains with escapades from historical London.
June 21, 2015
The hilarious cat fighting chaperones (the Tribble sisters) may be secondary characters but they steal the show in this over the top regency romantic comedy.
October 7, 2021
I adored Clarissa. This book had a few scenes that were created for a movie. Simply, I had again a wonderful time.
Side thought: Chesney's romances are very fast. When you go with this pace hoping for another one and then another scene, you could be disappointed that you got so fast to the end. The best way is to savour those short, witty moments.
Side thought: Chesney's romances are very fast. When you go with this pace hoping for another one and then another scene, you could be disappointed that you got so fast to the end. The best way is to savour those short, witty moments.
February 7, 2014
The Honorable Clarissa Vevian is the Tribbles latest charge, and most challenging! Clarissa is tall, awkward and clumsy - a walking disaster! Before she even arrives at the Tribbles, she manages to set fire to her last suitor, be held up by a (wannabe) highwayman, injure the highwayman and set fire to her traveling coach, plus a few other mishaps along the way! She is befriended by the Earl of Greystone who at first feels sorry for her. Clarissa and the Earl become friends after she helps him out with difficult family members. His stepmother and half-sister loathe Clarissa and the attention the Earl gives her and are determined to ruin Clarissa. There is also a mystery plot involving French spies and a packet of missing papers As usual, the Tribbles still dream of marrying and see any man who comes their way as a potential suitor! Like the previous books, the romance happens too quickly and too improbably but the Tribbles come to the rescue with their hilarious hijinks!
October 23, 2018
Possibly I'm allowing my frustration with Marion Chesney to bubble to the surface and cause me to rate this book lower than it deserves, but I'm not sure. I'm just so tired of these males. Clarissa was great. I liked her as a heroine. I liked her red hair and clumsiness. This book easily got 2 stars from me up until the last quarter. Then the hero goes from "she's like a sister to me!" to making out on her bed. I am just so done with 180s, lust-filled heroes, and relationships that make no sense.
A pity, this one had potential. But Amy and Effy cannot save this storyline any more. It just isn't worth the awfulness for the occasional funny or developed moment.
A pity, this one had potential. But Amy and Effy cannot save this storyline any more. It just isn't worth the awfulness for the occasional funny or developed moment.
August 3, 2021
I love these easy to read charming Regency treats. In this version the Tribble sisters, Amy and Effie, are more interested in men than really guiding their new student, Clarissa Vevian. Luckily she already encountered the Earl Of Graystone and he makes sure they get her to the balls and parties. His evil step-mother and step-sister have other plans for Miss Vevian. But as in all of these books true love triumphs.
A pleasant easy read
A pleasant easy read
June 9, 2015
Finessing Clarissa..
This was one of the cutest, sweetest books I have ever read!
When I picked up this book to read, I had absolutely no idea what it was about, and zero expectations, I also didn't really have any hopes of loving it or even enjoying it.. the only reason I picked it up was because of its very small size (its a little bigger than palm size, with only 186 pages), and I wasn't in the mood for anything longer than that.
I am so very glad I read this, it was really one of the sweetest love stories I have ever read!
I loved all the characters, I loved how there was enough descriptions and action in the story, without being too long, it felt like a classical Disney princess movie.. I loved the simple, yet beautiful writing.
I really enjoyed it, and am planning on reading the rest of books in this series.
I recommend this for everyone, very short, sweet, and will put you in a good mood..
Happy Reading. :)
This was one of the cutest, sweetest books I have ever read!
When I picked up this book to read, I had absolutely no idea what it was about, and zero expectations, I also didn't really have any hopes of loving it or even enjoying it.. the only reason I picked it up was because of its very small size (its a little bigger than palm size, with only 186 pages), and I wasn't in the mood for anything longer than that.
I am so very glad I read this, it was really one of the sweetest love stories I have ever read!
I loved all the characters, I loved how there was enough descriptions and action in the story, without being too long, it felt like a classical Disney princess movie.. I loved the simple, yet beautiful writing.
I really enjoyed it, and am planning on reading the rest of books in this series.
I recommend this for everyone, very short, sweet, and will put you in a good mood..
Happy Reading. :)
April 29, 2019
Tall, red-haired Clarissa Vevian is inordinately clumsy, especially when she is feeling nervous or upset. After their recent mishaps, the Tribble sisters are glad to have any clients at all, but can them make a match for Clarissa? Fortunately for all concerned, the Earl of Greystone has already met Clarissa and has taken an interest in her situation. Now, if the Tribbles can just encourage that interest to become something more than brotherly...
I liked this book much better than the previous one. There was a sub-plot that involved some intrigue and violence, but it wasn't as dark as the previous book, so it just added some spice to the main romantic plot. I think Clarissa is my favorite heroine of the series so far. I'll no doubt continue listening to the final two books before long.
I liked this book much better than the previous one. There was a sub-plot that involved some intrigue and violence, but it wasn't as dark as the previous book, so it just added some spice to the main romantic plot. I think Clarissa is my favorite heroine of the series so far. I'll no doubt continue listening to the final two books before long.
April 23, 2020
This was SO fun, with laugh-out-loud ridiculousness and dramatic adventures. This series just keeps getting better and better!
March 5, 2016
Things get even more exciting! There's a little formula, yeah, but holy crap do some crazy things happen in this book. I love it. It's marked in that the romance is not slap-slap-kiss. The two actually get on well from the word go. You might think that would be boring, but it was quite charming.
Clarissa Vevian is a statuesque woman who seems to be plagued by lethal clumsiness. She has caused fires. And she is far from reluctant to go to the Tribbles and receive the same treatment as other girls. Clarissa is repressed and hounded by her mother, and more than anything wants to just get out of her childhood home (and circumstances) to be an adult.
And she is very good at being an adult. One of her defining traits is that she doesn't get caught in a bad situation, even when her clumsiness or bad luck do their damnedest to put her in up to her neck. When she first meets the Earl of Greystone, his spoiled half brother has tried to hold up her carriage, which resulted in her burning his horse with a cheroot, rubbing sewage on the boy's face, and lighting her carriage on fire.
This meeting was decidedly cordial. I loved the way that Greystone and Clarissa talked to each other. It was very even and relaxed. Even when Greystone tells Clarissa that he's only being nice because he feels sorry for her, she does what she always does: she rallies and does something sensible. Clarissa is one of my favourite heroines from Chesney/Beaton's immense body of work.
Also there are spies! That's just... The central plot is not really about Clarissa and Greystone at all. There is a body count in this book, for one thing. Clarissa gets herself entangled with spies who are trying to get some sensitive papers to France, and just sort of keeps coming out ahead of them, even when she has no idea what is going on. There may be more characters involved in the whole spy plot than there generally are in the main cast.
This is one case of a book being WTFcrazysauce without also being kind of horrifying.
Clarissa Vevian is a statuesque woman who seems to be plagued by lethal clumsiness. She has caused fires. And she is far from reluctant to go to the Tribbles and receive the same treatment as other girls. Clarissa is repressed and hounded by her mother, and more than anything wants to just get out of her childhood home (and circumstances) to be an adult.
And she is very good at being an adult. One of her defining traits is that she doesn't get caught in a bad situation, even when her clumsiness or bad luck do their damnedest to put her in up to her neck. When she first meets the Earl of Greystone, his spoiled half brother has tried to hold up her carriage, which resulted in her burning his horse with a cheroot, rubbing sewage on the boy's face, and lighting her carriage on fire.
This meeting was decidedly cordial. I loved the way that Greystone and Clarissa talked to each other. It was very even and relaxed. Even when Greystone tells Clarissa that he's only being nice because he feels sorry for her, she does what she always does: she rallies and does something sensible. Clarissa is one of my favourite heroines from Chesney/Beaton's immense body of work.
Also there are spies! That's just... The central plot is not really about Clarissa and Greystone at all. There is a body count in this book, for one thing. Clarissa gets herself entangled with spies who are trying to get some sensitive papers to France, and just sort of keeps coming out ahead of them, even when she has no idea what is going on. There may be more characters involved in the whole spy plot than there generally are in the main cast.
This is one case of a book being WTFcrazysauce without also being kind of horrifying.
October 23, 2013
Disasters come not singly,
But as if they wathed and waited,
Scanning one another's motions,
When the first descends, the others
Follow, follow, gathering flock-wise
Round their victim sick and wounded --
First a shadow, then a sorrow,
Till the air is dark with anguish.
- Longfellow
Spinster Tribble sisters, dainty Effie and horsey Amy, are hired by the tiny Viscount Clarendon and critical wife Georgina to school tall daughter Clarissa Vevian, clumsy from her lack of confidence, into marriage material for the small Season. Enroute to London, the handsome, even taller Crispin, Earl of Graystone falls for the glorious slim sweet freckled grey-eyed "with thick masses of fiery-red hair" p 15 beauty, and an aristocratic spy hides secret paper about Britain's defence for Napoleon in her jewel case. Multiple murders later, evil Sir Jason Pym holds the household hostage at gunpoint.
Espionage and social mores challenge a happy ending. Setting tea-times afire, Clarissa is better than Chaplin for comic slapstick. Her thoughtful advice rids Crispin of spoiled step-brothers, but vulgar step-mother Angela and step-sister Bella, small in mind and stature, remain to plot her downfall. Meanwhile, the Tribble twins compete for the attentions of tall thin Mr Haddon, nabob newly returned from India, until his friend, little Exquisite Mr Randolph "firmly attached himself .. and considered hiimself one of the family" p 160. Effy has the last word "For any woman of any age, there is always hope" p 168.
October 30, 2014
M C Beaton's regency adventures include the highly entertaining A School for Manners series, which is based on the exploits on two unlikely twin spinster sisters, Effi and Amy Tribble, who make a living by puffing out and bringing out difficult debutants whose parents are at their wits' end.
As in all of M C Beaton's romances, the first titled bloke who comes along is the one the heroine falls in love (or sometimes just in lust) with. That hasn't changed here, but her heroine, the Honourable Miss Clarissa Vevian, giantess daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Clarendon, is such a delightful departure from M C Beaton's usually irritating and simpering women, that this romance is a delightful read.
Genuinely funny and far more insightful in the psychology of the individual, this novel charts the success, or lack thereof, of the Tribble sisters' attempts at brining out into society a girl who is so clumsy and so lacks in self-confidence that being just near Miss Vevian is risking one's life. Miss Vevian is a wonderfully rounded character, far superior to M C Beaton's other offerings in the same series.
Curl up with lashings of Earl Grey or fine China tea steaming in a pot; reach for the cup cakes and cream-filled Victoria sponge in front of you and before you'll know it, you'll be knee-deep in catty stepmothers, evil step-sisters and scheming villainous spies. Add to that a smidgeon of Amy Tribble's curses and it's a perfect Sunday afternoon's read. Great stuff and heartily recommended even to those who scoff at the romance genre.
As in all of M C Beaton's romances, the first titled bloke who comes along is the one the heroine falls in love (or sometimes just in lust) with. That hasn't changed here, but her heroine, the Honourable Miss Clarissa Vevian, giantess daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Clarendon, is such a delightful departure from M C Beaton's usually irritating and simpering women, that this romance is a delightful read.
Genuinely funny and far more insightful in the psychology of the individual, this novel charts the success, or lack thereof, of the Tribble sisters' attempts at brining out into society a girl who is so clumsy and so lacks in self-confidence that being just near Miss Vevian is risking one's life. Miss Vevian is a wonderfully rounded character, far superior to M C Beaton's other offerings in the same series.
Curl up with lashings of Earl Grey or fine China tea steaming in a pot; reach for the cup cakes and cream-filled Victoria sponge in front of you and before you'll know it, you'll be knee-deep in catty stepmothers, evil step-sisters and scheming villainous spies. Add to that a smidgeon of Amy Tribble's curses and it's a perfect Sunday afternoon's read. Great stuff and heartily recommended even to those who scoff at the romance genre.
September 10, 2012
Clarissa is tall – much taller than her mother – and she is prone to clumsiness. A quick gesture sends tea cups flying and people are knocked over when she bumps into them without meaning to. Her parents despair of ever finding a husband for her but the Tribble sister’s success with unmanageable girls comes to their notice and they decide to send Clarissa to London for the season. Clarissa is not keen on the idea and a chapter of accidents on the journey results in a burnt-out coach among other things.
Amy and Effy are not sure at first whether they will be able to do anything with Clarissa until they realise she is only clumsy when she is upset, worried or nervous. When she is happy and relaxed she is the nicest girl imaginable. The challenge is to make sure Clarissa always feels relaxed and happy so that she does not create havoc wherever she goes.
I like the Tribble sisters and Clarissa is perhaps their most engaging protégée of the four books I have read in this entertaining series so far. The story is entertaining with some laugh out loud incidents and it gives the reader that feel good factor. Georgette Heyer it isn’t but it is an entertaining Regency romance which doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Amy and Effy are not sure at first whether they will be able to do anything with Clarissa until they realise she is only clumsy when she is upset, worried or nervous. When she is happy and relaxed she is the nicest girl imaginable. The challenge is to make sure Clarissa always feels relaxed and happy so that she does not create havoc wherever she goes.
I like the Tribble sisters and Clarissa is perhaps their most engaging protégée of the four books I have read in this entertaining series so far. The story is entertaining with some laugh out loud incidents and it gives the reader that feel good factor. Georgette Heyer it isn’t but it is an entertaining Regency romance which doesn’t take itself too seriously.
September 12, 2021
If you're looking for some fast-paced entertainment, you can do no wrong with M. C. Beaton’s books. I binge-read the Agatha Raisin series a couple of years ago and am now ~slowly~ making my way through her many, many period romances.
FINESSING CLARISSA is the fourth book in the School for Manners series and while there are two more, I would be surprised if it could get any funnier. Clarissa is a wonderful, loveable klutz! ❤ The novel is packed with action and charms with a great cast: two eccentric spinsters trying to marry off a giant red-haired woman, who’s so clumsy that she nearly kills a highwayman by accident, sets her own carriage aflame etc. etc. 😂
As always with Beaton’s writing, the plot is insanely fast-moving and adventurous, giving us spies, murderers and highwaymen as well as a sweet romance – and all that on 180 pages!! Might be my favourite one of the Manners-Sextet so far!
—
“I did not take to Bath,” said Clarissa, blushing painfully. “I am a trifle awkward.”
“You mean you usually set fires to carriages and bathe foreheads with handkerchiefs dipped in the sewer?”
“Something like that,” said Clarissa wretchedly.
FINESSING CLARISSA is the fourth book in the School for Manners series and while there are two more, I would be surprised if it could get any funnier. Clarissa is a wonderful, loveable klutz! ❤ The novel is packed with action and charms with a great cast: two eccentric spinsters trying to marry off a giant red-haired woman, who’s so clumsy that she nearly kills a highwayman by accident, sets her own carriage aflame etc. etc. 😂
As always with Beaton’s writing, the plot is insanely fast-moving and adventurous, giving us spies, murderers and highwaymen as well as a sweet romance – and all that on 180 pages!! Might be my favourite one of the Manners-Sextet so far!
—
“I did not take to Bath,” said Clarissa, blushing painfully. “I am a trifle awkward.”
“You mean you usually set fires to carriages and bathe foreheads with handkerchiefs dipped in the sewer?”
“Something like that,” said Clarissa wretchedly.
October 26, 2014
This is a series of six books and my review for all six of them is the same. It is an enjoyable series about two twin sisters in their 50s who are part of the poor gentry in London. To be able to survive, they start a School for Manners, in which they take young women who are not yet married and try to get them married in a successful manner. The girls have many reasons for not being married: tomboy, clumsy, unrefined, too independent, etc.
It is fun following the sisters (who long to be married themselves) as they undertake the teaching of each client. They are generally successful but often, it is in spite of themselves, rather than because of them.
There is humor, great lessons for living and just plain fun. Easy but enjoyable reads.
It is fun following the sisters (who long to be married themselves) as they undertake the teaching of each client. They are generally successful but often, it is in spite of themselves, rather than because of them.
There is humor, great lessons for living and just plain fun. Easy but enjoyable reads.
July 17, 2015
Review - It's by far the funniest of the ones I've read as Clarissa's clumsiness and accidents make you laugh at loud. My mum actually came in and asked what I was laughing at! Clarissa is a person you can really connect to; she's clumsy and uncomfortable in a world full of perfect women who know how to look and act. I think Finessing Clarissa is my favourite of the School for Manners series so far. Definitely worth reading!
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Effy Tribble / Amy Tribble / Benjamin Haddon / Clarissa Vevian
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - School for Manners #4
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Effy Tribble / Amy Tribble / Benjamin Haddon / Clarissa Vevian
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - School for Manners #4
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
October 20, 2017
This little book is fast and fun to read . It's set in Regency times with a lot of wonderful and entertaining characters . The Tribble Sisters, Effie and Amy who run The School For Manners are very funny . The main character for this book is Clarissa who is sent to The Tribbles by her parents because she is incredibly clumsy and causes a lot of accidental mishaps !
Which all of course make this book a comical read from first page to last . It is only 186 pages and I loved every one !
I was sent this copy by a friend and i'm glad I got to read it, I will certainly be looking for more in this series .
Which all of course make this book a comical read from first page to last . It is only 186 pages and I loved every one !
I was sent this copy by a friend and i'm glad I got to read it, I will certainly be looking for more in this series .
October 20, 2012
The fourth in the series of 'School for Manners'. Here the heroine is on the clumsy side, somehow she reminds me of Miss Amy or better said of what she looked like when she was younger. Miss Amy also shows us a softer side. The adventure begins in a hilarious manner the heroine unwantedly trying to kill the hero's half brother. We can see from the first that they're struck by love at the first sight, at least on Clarissa's side. The hero realizes it thanks to the cunning remarks of Miss Amy, a real matchmaking mamma.
Go for it! It's a treat as always with MC Beaton.
Go for it! It's a treat as always with MC Beaton.
February 3, 2013
Joined my local library and picked a couple of books to start me off. Read most of this over lunch and it turns out to be book four of six in a series of slightly unusual regency romances. Amy and Effie Tribble set up in business to polish and chaperone difficult girls. In this case, clumsy Clarissa Vevian who gets held up by an incompetent highwayman and mixed up in a spy ring before she even arrives at their house. Another light, fun read, and i'll definitely look out for the other books.
NB - reprint under the author's other identity, M C Beaton.
NB - reprint under the author's other identity, M C Beaton.
February 7, 2014
M C Beaton's books are a curious mixture of realism and fantasy. Her characters are quirky individuals, going after their goals single-mindedly and not above pushing people into goldfish ponds if necessary. The Misses Tribble make a living puffing off unmarriageable young girls, and somehow everything always comes out right. As Oscar Wilde said, the good end well and the bad end badly, and that is what fiction is all about. And yet the plot involves spies, murder and deceit as well, and still manages to be funny.
August 16, 2018
I would truly recommend this book to anyone who likes regency romance or books based around the 1800's. This book really shows the fashions of the 1800's for ladies that are into regency dresses and manners. I loved how Clarissa acted with Effy and Amy Tribble when they were going through different parts of this story, but especially during the robbery. The event really brought out Clarissa's true colors. She handled herself like a women of 2018 even though this novel was based in the earlier centuries.
February 10, 2024
Clarissa was a great heroine. The hero was kind hearted, intelligent and courageous. The Tribble sisters were hilarious in their bickering with each other, Effie, especially acting jealous and childish, poor example for teachers of manners and refinement of young women seeking husbands among the upperclass during the London season. I liked this one the best out of the 4 I've read in The School for Manners Series. (There are six in the series). Not a dull moment. All of them are entertaining and well written. There's even a spy in this one.
July 11, 2014
There's not much romance here per se, so if you would like to vicariously live through our heroine, then this book really does not give much to go on.
Still it is a pleasant read and pages go by quickly, so if you want to rest your brain for a bit, this will not do any harm...
Still it is a pleasant read and pages go by quickly, so if you want to rest your brain for a bit, this will not do any harm...
February 2, 2016
This is my new favorite in this series. I laughed aloud, and loved the main characters and the development of their romance. The preview of the next installment didn't excite me, but if it's anywhere close to the amusement of this one, I'll be happy anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2017
This is hilarious, and a just for fun read. The characters are wild, and I love them.
August 27, 2017
I loved the story glad the evil villain died and young standford lived..Clarissa got an Earl Greystome wow that would be nice to have a man like that
February 15, 2018
Fun. Wonderful series.
May 1, 2018
Fun and light
You know almost from the beginning that the heroine will end up with the hero, but it doesn't matter....The fun is in the journey to the happy ending!
You know almost from the beginning that the heroine will end up with the hero, but it doesn't matter....The fun is in the journey to the happy ending!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews