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The School For Manners #3
Enlightening Delilah
The School for Manners
If only Sir Charles Digby hadn't kissed her, perhaps Delilah Wraxall would not be in the spiteful habit of declining so many marriage proposals. In that one impassioned kiss, she had learned the enchantment of true love--and the fury of a woman scorned when Sir Charles vanished without an explanation. Now she breaks hearts with glee, wreaking havoc amongst the surplus of suitors vying for her hand--and driving her father to desperate measures. The only hope for his flirtatious daughter rests in the capable hands of Amy and Effy Tribble and their reputable School for Manners.
But subduing Delilah proves a monumental challenge. For as she steps into London's social limelight, she's concocted a plan to pique Sir Charles' jealousy. And she's already got the Season's most roguish bachelor wrapped around her little finger....
If only Sir Charles Digby hadn't kissed her, perhaps Delilah Wraxall would not be in the spiteful habit of declining so many marriage proposals. In that one impassioned kiss, she had learned the enchantment of true love--and the fury of a woman scorned when Sir Charles vanished without an explanation. Now she breaks hearts with glee, wreaking havoc amongst the surplus of suitors vying for her hand--and driving her father to desperate measures. The only hope for his flirtatious daughter rests in the capable hands of Amy and Effy Tribble and their reputable School for Manners.
But subduing Delilah proves a monumental challenge. For as she steps into London's social limelight, she's concocted a plan to pique Sir Charles' jealousy. And she's already got the Season's most roguish bachelor wrapped around her little finger....
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
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About the author
Marion Chesney
139 books750 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 81 reviews
January 29, 2024
A Fun Historical Romance!
The regency period in London was a time of great happenings. The British capital was filled with the richest people in the world and filled with the poorest people in the world.
The period is one of my favorites in history and I love reading about the history behind the romances.
The Tribble sisters are the best in their respective career. They change young women, who are problematic, into paragons and get them married. Which is the fashion for this period.
Delilah is their latest project. She is very beautiful and very wealthy, so she should be married ages ago, but at three and twenty she is still unmarried. What is wrong with her?
The Tribble sisters must find out what is wrong with her and see if they can fix it for her. They aim to please.
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
The regency period in London was a time of great happenings. The British capital was filled with the richest people in the world and filled with the poorest people in the world.
The period is one of my favorites in history and I love reading about the history behind the romances.
The Tribble sisters are the best in their respective career. They change young women, who are problematic, into paragons and get them married. Which is the fashion for this period.
Delilah is their latest project. She is very beautiful and very wealthy, so she should be married ages ago, but at three and twenty she is still unmarried. What is wrong with her?
The Tribble sisters must find out what is wrong with her and see if they can fix it for her. They aim to please.
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
April 18, 2019
.
M. C. Beaton weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and some humorous experiences, 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.
"There is great happiness in the country, but it requires a visit to London every year to reassure yourself of this truth." Sydney Smith
Each unique storyline introduces you to delightful, likable, and colorful characters that enter the lives of the two eccentric ladies known as Amy and Effie Tribble, that are tasked with finding husbands for girls that are 'difficult' to deal with. They each have quirky and distinct personalities.
Delilah is tricked into joining the Misses Tribbles to be schooled on London rules for the short season, in order to find a husband. Her shortcoming is that she is a relentless flirt, stemmed from a relationship that ended abruptly when she was only 17 years old. Inevitably, the party that broke her heart enters the scene as well. In the end, they are tricked again.
This tale is clean and wholesome, able to keep your attention and entertain with escapades from historical London. It concludes with a H.E.A. and sets the series up for the next installment in the series.
M. C. Beaton weaves tales of the era that are able to deliver a quick and some humorous experiences, 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.
"There is great happiness in the country, but it requires a visit to London every year to reassure yourself of this truth." Sydney Smith
Each unique storyline introduces you to delightful, likable, and colorful characters that enter the lives of the two eccentric ladies known as Amy and Effie Tribble, that are tasked with finding husbands for girls that are 'difficult' to deal with. They each have quirky and distinct personalities.
Delilah is tricked into joining the Misses Tribbles to be schooled on London rules for the short season, in order to find a husband. Her shortcoming is that she is a relentless flirt, stemmed from a relationship that ended abruptly when she was only 17 years old. Inevitably, the party that broke her heart enters the scene as well. In the end, they are tricked again.
This tale is clean and wholesome, able to keep your attention and entertain with escapades from historical London. It concludes with a H.E.A. and sets the series up for the next installment in the series.
February 13, 2017
My last time reading Marion Chesney. How can it be, when I liked the first 2 books so much? I guess she lost her charm (on me). The two spinster sisters, who I found so entertaining and funny in the first 2 books, were annoying in this one. Even more ridiculous and sadly, less funny than before. Effy still behaves like a teenager (she is older than 50) and Amy has wild ideas of the squire wanting to marry her.
Delilah starts like a spoilt brat and ends like a spoilt brat. I didn't see much maturity in her. She is sent to the sisters because she is a flirt, and does she get better? No, but she gets a husband. And the husband is a chauvinist, rigid guy who can fool around and have hundreds of mistresses while, oh, the girls have to stay pure and untouched until they marry and if any girl gets pregnant, well, is her fault.
(Ok, he doesn't have hundreds of mistresses. But he has that chauvinistic mentality of "girls must be pure". And I get that this is period era, where women had to remain virgins until marriage, but this is the first time that I got into rage by such idea. Poor Delilah has her first impure thoughts when it comes to Charles, and she has to get married to experience these pleasures. Married to the first guy that makes her feel hot. And said guy is such a jerk, not likeable at all, and she has to be tied to him for the rest of her life! And the other girls' fate... the ones who succumb... they get pregnant and marked for life as Scarlet Woman. Unless they commit suicide. Or marry any man that wants her, and she can't be picky. Who cares if the pregnant woman doesn't like the guy? At least she got married. And oh, it was her fault. Makes me so mad! And this scenario happens with the "help" of Charles, the "hero". Charming... NOT)
Also, this book wasn't as light as the other two. There is an attempt of rape. The guy almost rape her. Almost. It was so close, and it was so scary. Rapist gets what he deserves and then? Not a mention of the outcome. Poor Delilah is shocked, but the only thing that Charles gets about all this is that she wants to call their marriage off. He is angry, while HELLO! Delilah went thru a traumatic experience. A page later, she realizes she likes him and ok, let's get married. Bleh.
So this is it. I am done with books (for a week) Bye.
Delilah starts like a spoilt brat and ends like a spoilt brat. I didn't see much maturity in her. She is sent to the sisters because she is a flirt, and does she get better? No, but she gets a husband. And the husband is a chauvinist, rigid guy who can fool around and have hundreds of mistresses while, oh, the girls have to stay pure and untouched until they marry and if any girl gets pregnant, well, is her fault.
(Ok, he doesn't have hundreds of mistresses. But he has that chauvinistic mentality of "girls must be pure". And I get that this is period era, where women had to remain virgins until marriage, but this is the first time that I got into rage by such idea. Poor Delilah has her first impure thoughts when it comes to Charles, and she has to get married to experience these pleasures. Married to the first guy that makes her feel hot. And said guy is such a jerk, not likeable at all, and she has to be tied to him for the rest of her life! And the other girls' fate... the ones who succumb... they get pregnant and marked for life as Scarlet Woman. Unless they commit suicide. Or marry any man that wants her, and she can't be picky. Who cares if the pregnant woman doesn't like the guy? At least she got married. And oh, it was her fault. Makes me so mad! And this scenario happens with the "help" of Charles, the "hero". Charming... NOT)
Also, this book wasn't as light as the other two. There is an attempt of rape. The guy almost rape her. Almost. It was so close, and it was so scary. Rapist gets what he deserves and then? Not a mention of the outcome. Poor Delilah is shocked, but the only thing that Charles gets about all this is that she wants to call their marriage off. He is angry, while HELLO! Delilah went thru a traumatic experience. A page later, she realizes she likes him and ok, let's get married. Bleh.
So this is it. I am done with books (for a week) Bye.
October 6, 2021
Charming (like previous ones).
Although the romance was better than in Perfecting Fiona, it wasn't as lovely as the best written by Chesney.
Moreover, on the one hand, it deserved more points for e.g. duel scene, on the other hand, I didn't like the speed of coping with the last Delilah's traumatic scene (I am not sure if writing what happened would have been spam so I am just calling it "a traumatic scene").
As always in the series - The Tribble sisters made it a more enjoyable read.
Although the romance was better than in Perfecting Fiona, it wasn't as lovely as the best written by Chesney.
Moreover, on the one hand, it deserved more points for e.g. duel scene, on the other hand, I didn't like the speed of coping with the last Delilah's traumatic scene (I am not sure if writing what happened would have been spam so I am just calling it "a traumatic scene").
As always in the series - The Tribble sisters made it a more enjoyable read.
October 17, 2018
*sigh*
*drags out soapbox*
*climbs up*
Ahem.
How do I say this...
I don't care how much the otherwise chivalrous lord wants the young lady in his bed. I don't care if this is pseudo-Regency and special licences are apparently available at the drop of a hat. Just don't do it.
And I know in this book the heroine supposedly knew the hero five years earlier or some such thing. But for all intents and purposes, they are strangers.
22 or 23 or however old Delilah is supposed to be, she is far too young to get rushed into such a ridiculous marriage like this.
And it some how feels worse here because the book almost seems to agree. Everything is not settled with a kiss and promise to wed. We've got a young lady who maybe thinks better of it and wonders about who she will become if a husband always bosses her around and demands she do as he pleases. And let's be real, the "hero" of this book definitely feels...more rough draft. His will comes before hers, no question asked.
But no. It is that...*tries to think of non-swear word* ahem masculinity of his that brings her back in the end. Because sex appeal solves everything.
Far from winning me over, the "romance" (I use the word loosely) in this book hard-core alienated me. I would have bumped this story up to 4 stars if the heroine had walked away.
So 1 star for the romance and the plot in general.
Adding a star, however, for the Tribble sisters, and here is why: Yes, they are annoying. Yes, I think they put their charges in questionable romantic situations. But this is only book 3 and I feel like I've been friends with them forever. They're quite old acquaintances by this point. And I think that says something. I could take or leave the young ladies in their charge, but I like these two eccentric, middle aged women. And I want to give proper credit when characters take my fancy. Because honestly, at this point, I am reading for them.
*drags out soapbox*
*climbs up*
Ahem.
How do I say this...
I don't care how much the otherwise chivalrous lord wants the young lady in his bed. I don't care if this is pseudo-Regency and special licences are apparently available at the drop of a hat. Just don't do it.
And I know in this book the heroine supposedly knew the hero five years earlier or some such thing. But for all intents and purposes, they are strangers.
22 or 23 or however old Delilah is supposed to be, she is far too young to get rushed into such a ridiculous marriage like this.
And it some how feels worse here because the book almost seems to agree. Everything is not settled with a kiss and promise to wed. We've got a young lady who maybe thinks better of it and wonders about who she will become if a husband always bosses her around and demands she do as he pleases. And let's be real, the "hero" of this book definitely feels...more rough draft. His will comes before hers, no question asked.
But no. It is that...*tries to think of non-swear word* ahem masculinity of his that brings her back in the end. Because sex appeal solves everything.
Far from winning me over, the "romance" (I use the word loosely) in this book hard-core alienated me. I would have bumped this story up to 4 stars if the heroine had walked away.
So 1 star for the romance and the plot in general.
Adding a star, however, for the Tribble sisters, and here is why: Yes, they are annoying. Yes, I think they put their charges in questionable romantic situations. But this is only book 3 and I feel like I've been friends with them forever. They're quite old acquaintances by this point. And I think that says something. I could take or leave the young ladies in their charge, but I like these two eccentric, middle aged women. And I want to give proper credit when characters take my fancy. Because honestly, at this point, I am reading for them.
October 26, 2013
"There has been enough whoopsadaisy in this house already" p 130. Murder, mayhem, giggles and guffaws more than a frivolous Regency romance. Senior lead roles are plain-faced and plain-spoken Amy, twittery tiny fan-flourisher Effie, Tribble twins, their wrinkled bodies still surge with yearning hormones, compete for nabob Mr Haddon.
Delectable deep-chested Delilah 23, flirted since 17, older neighbor Sir Charles Digby then 28 kissed her and life goodbye for the Napoleonic wars. Her father, squire Wraxall, is released from shyness by manninsh Amy. .
Serious issues skirt on sidelines: ignored wounded-out Redcoats (tavern sign forbids), despoiled servant put out or suicide, duel, rape.
Delectable deep-chested Delilah 23, flirted since 17, older neighbor Sir Charles Digby then 28 kissed her and life goodbye for the Napoleonic wars. Her father, squire Wraxall, is released from shyness by manninsh Amy. .
Serious issues skirt on sidelines: ignored wounded-out Redcoats (tavern sign forbids), despoiled servant put out or suicide, duel, rape.
February 7, 2014
I read this after the first in the series but I didn't seem to miss anything that I didn't already know by skipping the second. Once again the Tribbles must come to the rescue of an exasperated parent. Squire Wraxall's daughter Delilah, still unmarried at the advanced age of three and twenty, has become a hardened flirt after being disappointed by Sir Charles Digby when she was 17. The Squire hires Miss Amy and Miss Effy to help give Diana some "town bronze" and cure her of her habit of breaking hearts. Sir Charles Digby has returned from the wars and decided to have some fun in London and hunt for a wife. The romance happens too quickly and unbelieavably. It's predicatble but there's more of a plot than the romance and more mature than the first book. There is an amusing subplot involving Miss Amy Tribble and her desire for a husband and the outcome of the story had me laughing out loud. More Tribbles waiting for me on my nightstand and in the library! I am hooked on them.
August 14, 2017
This book was definitely the best of the series so far. Featuring main characters who are actually concerned about the needs of people and the world around them, along with the silly recurring characters of the previous books, it was a much more satisfying romance. Not to mention, these characters have known each other for many years and spend time speaking with each other before they begin falling in love (and of course, playing with each other's hearts because it's a ridiculous romance). While I generally have a soft spot for this author's silly characters and they make me smile and roll my eyes regularly, this is the first book in this series that made me giggle aloud. And even more luckily, that giggle occurred during the introduction of the main character of the next book (the practice of which, I ought to mention, I really enjoy because you're already slightly invested in the new character when beginning the new story). Looking forward to the next book much more now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2015
Review - I loved both Delilah and Charles, and the way that they constantly argued, but it was obvious that they were attracted to each other. The Tribble sisters did begin to annoy me, with their constant arguments over love and, in particular, Benjamin Haddon. I preferred this one to Perfecting Fiona but not as much as Refining Felicity. I also loved the general storyline, with the background of Delilah's flirting.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Amy Tribble / Effy Tribble / Benjamin Haddon / Delilah Wraxall / Charles Digby
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - School for Manners #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Amy Tribble / Effy Tribble / Benjamin Haddon / Delilah Wraxall / Charles Digby
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - School for Manners #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
June 20, 2013
School for Manners #3. Still loving the Tribble sisters. Things turn up a notch in this one, with a disaffected suitor turning ugly to the flirt Delilah. But everything turns out all right in the end, thanks to the down to earth wisdom - and a little bit of trickery - of Amy Tribble.
I guess this is the summer of light reading for me. With hubby's health problems, etc. I can't seem to keep my mind on anything deep or challenging. So thank heavens for Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton) and her fluffy romances!
I guess this is the summer of light reading for me. With hubby's health problems, etc. I can't seem to keep my mind on anything deep or challenging. So thank heavens for Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton) and her fluffy romances!
April 25, 2019
Delilah’s heart was broken years ago by Sir Charles Digby, and ever since then she has gone about breaking the hearts of other men. Can the Tribble sisters cure this incurable flirt?
This book goes in some rather dark directions for an otherwise lighthearted Regency series (). Once again, I found the male lead not very likable, and the sisters’ antics are starting to feel a bit one-note. I’ll listen to the next book in the series, but if I don’t care for that one, I may give it a rest.
This book goes in some rather dark directions for an otherwise lighthearted Regency series (). Once again, I found the male lead not very likable, and the sisters’ antics are starting to feel a bit one-note. I’ll listen to the next book in the series, but if I don’t care for that one, I may give it a rest.
October 1, 2014
Hilarious. M.C. Beaton is the author to turn to when you need cheering up. Delihal and Sir Charles are made for each other and the two lovely ladies Effy and Amy do everything they can to promote the match. The School for Manners is a marvellous series. I thought the Travelling Matchmaker was class, but this is just as good.
August 1, 2022
"Do not sound so distressed, my sweet. Every beautiful lady should have a duel fought over her."
I swear this series keeps getting better and better omg! I loved this one a lot. I will do a full review of all the books in the series at the end once I've read them all (which I don't think will be far off since they're easy and quick reads).
March 13, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs 44 mins.
Bennet Sisters Scale: Lydia 🌹🌹🌹 - Frivolous but delightful, this series is filled with women who are improper and incorrigible but they will all make you smile.
Tropes: #Finishing School, #Second Chance, #Enemies To Lovers.
Enlightening Delilah, School for Manners, Book 3 by M. C. Beaton is the third lightweight Regency-set tale in this series of finishing school romances.
Audible summary: "Stunningly beautiful, the dazzling Delilah has had plenty of marriage proposals but having once been spurned by Sir Charles Digby, the only man she has ever loved, she is now a hardened heartbreaker who toys with all her suitors. And so it is up to the eccentric Tribble sisters to teach her the meaning of true love again.
©2012 M. C. Beaton (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK.
Delilah Wraxall is a flirt. She wasn't always, but heartbreak hardened her to male attention, and she is content to run her father's country house and not look for a husband. Before she scandalises the family name in every household in the County, her father seeks the aid of the Tribbles to try and reform her.
Also in Town is Sir Charles Digby, recently returned from War and very surprised to find that the immature schoolroom chit he left behind has blossomed into a diamond of the first water. Delilah cannot forgive him for discarding her affections so cruelly, and the better he comes to know her the more he regrets the hastiness of his actions. But Delilah's own mistakes are not easily forgotten, and one of them - in particular - does more harm than the others.
I especially loved the quote from Rev. Sydney Smith at the start of this book, "There is great happiness in the country, but it requires a visit to London every year to reassure yourself of this truth."
Enlightening Delilah is a colourful and engaging romance, and another great addition to a fun series. As well as Delilah's story, the Tribbles' characters have developed nicely throughout the series, with matronly Amy taking an especially prominent role this time around.
Enlightening Delilah is available to pre-order on Audible, releasing on 21st May 2020, and on CD from The Reading House, now.
You can read the full review on my blog.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
Bennet Sisters Scale: Lydia 🌹🌹🌹 - Frivolous but delightful, this series is filled with women who are improper and incorrigible but they will all make you smile.
Tropes: #Finishing School, #Second Chance, #Enemies To Lovers.
Enlightening Delilah, School for Manners, Book 3 by M. C. Beaton is the third lightweight Regency-set tale in this series of finishing school romances.
Audible summary: "Stunningly beautiful, the dazzling Delilah has had plenty of marriage proposals but having once been spurned by Sir Charles Digby, the only man she has ever loved, she is now a hardened heartbreaker who toys with all her suitors. And so it is up to the eccentric Tribble sisters to teach her the meaning of true love again.
©2012 M. C. Beaton (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK.
Delilah Wraxall is a flirt. She wasn't always, but heartbreak hardened her to male attention, and she is content to run her father's country house and not look for a husband. Before she scandalises the family name in every household in the County, her father seeks the aid of the Tribbles to try and reform her.
Also in Town is Sir Charles Digby, recently returned from War and very surprised to find that the immature schoolroom chit he left behind has blossomed into a diamond of the first water. Delilah cannot forgive him for discarding her affections so cruelly, and the better he comes to know her the more he regrets the hastiness of his actions. But Delilah's own mistakes are not easily forgotten, and one of them - in particular - does more harm than the others.
I especially loved the quote from Rev. Sydney Smith at the start of this book, "There is great happiness in the country, but it requires a visit to London every year to reassure yourself of this truth."
Enlightening Delilah is a colourful and engaging romance, and another great addition to a fun series. As well as Delilah's story, the Tribbles' characters have developed nicely throughout the series, with matronly Amy taking an especially prominent role this time around.
Enlightening Delilah is available to pre-order on Audible, releasing on 21st May 2020, and on CD from The Reading House, now.
You can read the full review on my blog.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
October 17, 2017
After finding that Book 2 in the School of Manners series had some redeeming qualities, I decided to move on to Book 3 in the series. I fear that I'm rotting my sense of what constitutes a "good" Regency romance by reading such rubbish, but anyway, on to the review...!
While still a great improvement over the absolutely painful Book 1, Enlightening Delilah wasn't nearly as enjoyable a read as the charming Perfecting Fiona. I found the initial tension and rekindled romance between Charles and Delilah quite compelling, but the many hurdles thrown between them and the final resolution were ultimately anti-climatic. The book peaked for me somewhere around halfway through and looking at the remaining number of pages, I wondered what else there was to write about.(Apparently, nothing.)
Charles, unfortunately, is an extremely unlikable hero despite having great potential as a flawed and layered romantic hero. Again, Beaton (Marion Chesney) demonstrates her great weakness in terms of character development here.
He is quite arrogant towards the young Delilah, who was not very worldly and simply content to gossip about their village, and only her blossoming into a great exotic beauty could attract his attention years later.
The book touches on how Charles has a habit of romancing genteel women and going beyond the bounds of propriety when he believes he is going off to war and may die. He does this with both Delilah and a widow in Spain, as recounted in conversation with a close friend from the military, rather than reserving his romantic attentions for situations where it's mutually understood to be merely a dalliance. What a sense of entitlement Charles has towards women just because he is "sacrificing" himself "for his country"!
It would have improved the book greatly for Charles to experience remorse and attempt to genuinely make amends with Delilah for his past behavior. The author could have built the romance even more by having a confrontational scene where Delilah calls Charles out for his shabby treatment of her in the past, rather than Delilah simply pretending that it didn't faze her just to lose her wits to Charles's kisses when he can't resist her now simply for her looks.
And of course, there was this quote that sealed the deal for me:
“You will marry me. If I thought for a moment you would ever kiss any other man in the way you kiss me, then I would kill you.”
—What a charmer!
Also, one last minor qualm, but much is made of Delilah's name at the beginning of the book, and I'm surprised that no one ever referred back to it once she went to town. Surely society would find her biblical name quaint and parochial or something of the sort. And her being a sort of aptly-named “man eater” was a fun detail that I would have liked to see played up more than it was.
While still a great improvement over the absolutely painful Book 1, Enlightening Delilah wasn't nearly as enjoyable a read as the charming Perfecting Fiona. I found the initial tension and rekindled romance between Charles and Delilah quite compelling, but the many hurdles thrown between them and the final resolution were ultimately anti-climatic. The book peaked for me somewhere around halfway through and looking at the remaining number of pages, I wondered what else there was to write about.(Apparently, nothing.)
Charles, unfortunately, is an extremely unlikable hero despite having great potential as a flawed and layered romantic hero. Again, Beaton (Marion Chesney) demonstrates her great weakness in terms of character development here.
He is quite arrogant towards the young Delilah, who was not very worldly and simply content to gossip about their village, and only her blossoming into a great exotic beauty could attract his attention years later.
The book touches on how Charles has a habit of romancing genteel women and going beyond the bounds of propriety when he believes he is going off to war and may die. He does this with both Delilah and a widow in Spain, as recounted in conversation with a close friend from the military, rather than reserving his romantic attentions for situations where it's mutually understood to be merely a dalliance. What a sense of entitlement Charles has towards women just because he is "sacrificing" himself "for his country"!
It would have improved the book greatly for Charles to experience remorse and attempt to genuinely make amends with Delilah for his past behavior. The author could have built the romance even more by having a confrontational scene where Delilah calls Charles out for his shabby treatment of her in the past, rather than Delilah simply pretending that it didn't faze her just to lose her wits to Charles's kisses when he can't resist her now simply for her looks.
And of course, there was this quote that sealed the deal for me:
“You will marry me. If I thought for a moment you would ever kiss any other man in the way you kiss me, then I would kill you.”
—What a charmer!
Also, one last minor qualm, but much is made of Delilah's name at the beginning of the book, and I'm surprised that no one ever referred back to it once she went to town. Surely society would find her biblical name quaint and parochial or something of the sort. And her being a sort of aptly-named “man eater” was a fun detail that I would have liked to see played up more than it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2016
This series keeps on surprising me. There are some shockingly high stakes in the denouement. If you only read one book in this series, so far I would say that this should be the one.
As was dropped in the last book, the difficult girl who is entrusted to the Tribbles is Delilah Wraxall. Her trouble is that she is a terrible flirt and a serial heartbreaker. Supposedly she does it because she was jilted by Sir Charles Digby when she was young. Sir Charles is kind of a jerk. His excuse for what happened is poor, and sometimes he acts a like a self-absorbed, controlling git. That part made me cringe a little.
There are a number of little stories going on in this book, not so much revolving around that of Delilah and Sir Charles, as they are simply happening at the same time. My favourite story was honestly little to do with the main one.
The two best subplots are when Amy believes herself to be seriously courted--for real this time--by Delilah's father, and what happens with Yvette, the Tribbles' French dressmaker. I have always liked Yvette, in a quiet sort of way. The last book implied that she might strike out on her own in future, and possibly even end up leaving the Tribbles in the lurch. Now... most likely not.
And again, THE ENDING. As Hubby likes to say, "Shit gets real!" I want to lay it all out, but it must be experienced, especially if one has also read other of Chesney's regency books. Best part of the book.
As was dropped in the last book, the difficult girl who is entrusted to the Tribbles is Delilah Wraxall. Her trouble is that she is a terrible flirt and a serial heartbreaker. Supposedly she does it because she was jilted by Sir Charles Digby when she was young. Sir Charles is kind of a jerk. His excuse for what happened is poor, and sometimes he acts a like a self-absorbed, controlling git. That part made me cringe a little.
There are a number of little stories going on in this book, not so much revolving around that of Delilah and Sir Charles, as they are simply happening at the same time. My favourite story was honestly little to do with the main one.
The two best subplots are when Amy believes herself to be seriously courted--for real this time--by Delilah's father, and what happens with Yvette, the Tribbles' French dressmaker. I have always liked Yvette, in a quiet sort of way. The last book implied that she might strike out on her own in future, and possibly even end up leaving the Tribbles in the lurch. Now... most likely not.
And again, THE ENDING. As Hubby likes to say, "Shit gets real!" I want to lay it all out, but it must be experienced, especially if one has also read other of Chesney's regency books. Best part of the book.
February 8, 2024
This might deserve 5 stars for the humor I find in Amy and Effy Tribble, spinsters in their 50's. The Tribble sisters are very funny in the way they relate to each other. As characters they almost steal the show from Delilah's romantic escapades.
Of course there are also some serious happenings as part of the plot but Marion Chesney (aka MC Beaton) can be a bit outrageous in her sense of humor,which is what I like about her novels. This is from her School for Manners series where Amy and Effy Tribble take on preparing young women to behave appropriate in order to find a husband during the social season of many balls and social events for the wealthy upper class in London.
The sisters own farcical behavior at times contradicts their expertise at teaching manners.And yet they seem to achieve results for the young ladies they groom for acceptance by snobby society. At the end we are introduced to Clarissa, who will be their next client. I'm looking forward to reading it. Another of Chesney's regency series I really like is The Poor Relations.
Of course there are also some serious happenings as part of the plot but Marion Chesney (aka MC Beaton) can be a bit outrageous in her sense of humor,which is what I like about her novels. This is from her School for Manners series where Amy and Effy Tribble take on preparing young women to behave appropriate in order to find a husband during the social season of many balls and social events for the wealthy upper class in London.
The sisters own farcical behavior at times contradicts their expertise at teaching manners.And yet they seem to achieve results for the young ladies they groom for acceptance by snobby society. At the end we are introduced to Clarissa, who will be their next client. I'm looking forward to reading it. Another of Chesney's regency series I really like is The Poor Relations.
June 9, 2017
Blech. Skip this one. I usually enjoy Chesney and this series in particular. I love the Tribble sisters' quirks and fidgets, but they were not enough to save this book in the series! The main characters were just too unlikeable. At least Delilah grew and changed from a spoiled brat to a caring human being over the course of the book, but she still ended up with an insufferable, arrogant, MISOGYNISTIC man. At one point she decided to not marry and set up her own household, and I was cheering for that over the alternative, sure that with her new outlook on life she could find someone lovely to settle down with but no. To my disgust she ended up with the misogynist - yuck. I love a happily ever after, everyone's together at the end - obviously, I'm reading a romance novel - but this "hero" despite his good looks and charm was repugnant. The really sad part is that he was probably extremely progressive for his time but I don't want that much reality in my light reads! >:(
September 11, 2021
ENLIGHTENING DELILAH introduces an Emma Woodhouse-ish noblewoman, who is still irked by her neighbour’s rebuff seven years earlier. Her heartache turned her into a terrible flirt and her distressed father eventually sends her off to the School of Manners, hosted by the eccentric Tribble sisters.
It’s 1814 and teasing all the eligible bachelor is sniffed upon. 😤 What can the sisters do to talk some sense into Delilah? And could it be, just maybeee, that there’s a little spark between Delilah and that heart-breaking neighbour?!
Soapy, drama-packed and just a hint of Agatha-Raisinesque mystery: the third book of the series was another winner for me.
It’s 1814 and teasing all the eligible bachelor is sniffed upon. 😤 What can the sisters do to talk some sense into Delilah? And could it be, just maybeee, that there’s a little spark between Delilah and that heart-breaking neighbour?!
Soapy, drama-packed and just a hint of Agatha-Raisinesque mystery: the third book of the series was another winner for me.
March 9, 2020
Enlightening is entertaining!
Yet another Triumph by the great m c Beaton. I only started reading her Regency novels in The Last 5 Years, having only known the Sookie Stackhouse books, which I love to pieces. It's been a thrill to find so many other wonderful novels by this great author!
Yet another Triumph by the great m c Beaton. I only started reading her Regency novels in The Last 5 Years, having only known the Sookie Stackhouse books, which I love to pieces. It's been a thrill to find so many other wonderful novels by this great author!
August 26, 2017
I find there's story funny both are loud mouth and wicked like if they were not brought up into high society..glad the couple married
February 15, 2018
Fun. Wonderful series.
May 6, 2018
Very funny
Laugh out loud at the antics of the Tribble sisters, pure genius from Beaton. Can’t wait to read number 4
Laugh out loud at the antics of the Tribble sisters, pure genius from Beaton. Can’t wait to read number 4
March 28, 2025
C'est avec plaisir que j'ai retrouvé Amy et Effy, les soeurs Tribble excentriques, décidées une nouvelle fois à éduquer une jeune fille difficile pour qu'elle trouve un mari convenable.
Cette fois, c'est au tour de Delilah Wraxall d'être confiée aux mains des deux soeurs, une jeune fille absolument charmante mais qui badine beaucoup trop avec ses prétendants pour ensuite les éconduire les uns après les autres depuis que son voisin, Lord Charles Digby, l'a éconduite quelques années auparavant avant que ce dernier ne parte à la guerre.
Encore une fois, j'ai retrouvé les mêmes ingrédients que dans les 2 tomes précédents : une romance sans aucune surprise vu que l'on sait dès le départ qui sera le futur époux de Delilah, de l'humour avec les situation rocambolesques dans lesquelles se retrouvent souvent les deux soeurs.
L'histoire reste plaisante mais trop en surface : il n'y a pas de développement des personnages ni au niveau de la romance si bien que le lecteur reste étranger à la relation qui se met en place. Les deux protagonistes se retrouvent quelques fois ensemble, souvent agacé par l'attitude de l'autre, et puis d'un coup d'un seul, ils tombent amoureux et décident de se marier. Quand un obstacle se glisse entre eux compromettant le mariage, là encore il suffit d'une ou deux phrases par ci par là pour que ce soit arrangé.
Cela reste sympa à lire entre deux plus grosses lectures mais ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
Note : 3,5 ⭐ / 5 (vraiment parce que j'adore les deux soeurs et que c'est un plaisir de les lire se disputer!)
Cette fois, c'est au tour de Delilah Wraxall d'être confiée aux mains des deux soeurs, une jeune fille absolument charmante mais qui badine beaucoup trop avec ses prétendants pour ensuite les éconduire les uns après les autres depuis que son voisin, Lord Charles Digby, l'a éconduite quelques années auparavant avant que ce dernier ne parte à la guerre.
Encore une fois, j'ai retrouvé les mêmes ingrédients que dans les 2 tomes précédents : une romance sans aucune surprise vu que l'on sait dès le départ qui sera le futur époux de Delilah, de l'humour avec les situation rocambolesques dans lesquelles se retrouvent souvent les deux soeurs.
L'histoire reste plaisante mais trop en surface : il n'y a pas de développement des personnages ni au niveau de la romance si bien que le lecteur reste étranger à la relation qui se met en place. Les deux protagonistes se retrouvent quelques fois ensemble, souvent agacé par l'attitude de l'autre, et puis d'un coup d'un seul, ils tombent amoureux et décident de se marier. Quand un obstacle se glisse entre eux compromettant le mariage, là encore il suffit d'une ou deux phrases par ci par là pour que ce soit arrangé.
Cela reste sympa à lire entre deux plus grosses lectures mais ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
Note : 3,5 ⭐ / 5 (vraiment parce que j'adore les deux soeurs et que c'est un plaisir de les lire se disputer!)
March 31, 2024
Fun like the previous ones. However, this volume is more realistic, as it shows violence against women and the consequences of pregnancy without being married. The pregnancy is not the heroine's. Regarding the novel, I liked it much more than Fiona's Perfection. I think Delilah and Charles would continue to fight and make up. He was sexist and at the end of the book he made an effort to evolve. The Tribble sisters provide a great time, as always. There should be more funny historical romances like this. // Divertido como os anteriores. Porém este volume é mais realista pois mostra a violência contra a mulher e as consequências de uma gravidez sem casamento. A gravidez não é da heroína. Sobre o romance eu gostei bem mais do que A Perfeição de Fiona. Acho que Delilah e Charles continuariam brigando e fazendo as pazes. Ele foi machista e no fim do livro fez um esforço pra evoluir. As irmãs Tribble rendem ótimos momentos como sempre. Devia ter mais romances históricos engraçados como esse.
December 3, 2020
PG
This story is not as memorable as the others of this series. What keeps me reading is the drama of Amy and Effy Tribble, the two sisters and spinsters running the school for Manners. Those two love each other, but carry all the sibling rivalry at the same time, especially when it comes to Mr. Haddon and any possible bachelor or widower who could potentially end Amy’s or Effy’s Spinsterhood.
In this particular novella, Delilah becomes their next project and Delilah’s father, widower Simon Wraxall, misleads Poor Amy into thinking he will ask for her hand in marriage and ends up asking someone else. It was most amusing for Delilah to finally bond with Amy over a bottle of scotch. My heart breaks for Amy and sometimes Effy. I keep reading the series to see if they both get hitched. I pray Chesney does not disappoint in the last installment!
This story is not as memorable as the others of this series. What keeps me reading is the drama of Amy and Effy Tribble, the two sisters and spinsters running the school for Manners. Those two love each other, but carry all the sibling rivalry at the same time, especially when it comes to Mr. Haddon and any possible bachelor or widower who could potentially end Amy’s or Effy’s Spinsterhood.
In this particular novella, Delilah becomes their next project and Delilah’s father, widower Simon Wraxall, misleads Poor Amy into thinking he will ask for her hand in marriage and ends up asking someone else. It was most amusing for Delilah to finally bond with Amy over a bottle of scotch. My heart breaks for Amy and sometimes Effy. I keep reading the series to see if they both get hitched. I pray Chesney does not disappoint in the last installment!
January 29, 2024
Une petite romance de la Régence qui se lit comme un roman Harlequin sans prétention, sans ambition autre que de divertir. Un autre succès de M.C. Beaton qui ne révolutionne pas la roue, mais qui laisse un petit baume au cœur. L'effet burlesque fourni par les sœurs amène une dimension rigolote à l'ensemble ce qui vient masquer la romance à l'eau de rose soutenant le récit. Dans ce tome, Delilah est une coquette qui, suite à une humiliation, attire les hommes pour mieux les rejeter. En fait, Delilah n'a pas vraiment de substance. On ne compatit pas vraiment avec les tourments de son petit cœur brisé. Que dire de l'homme dans cette histoire sinon son inconsistance : je ne t'aime pas, mais, oups tu es devenue belle, donc là je t'aime? Bref, il y a des messieurs (et des dames) qui mériteraient des claques. Un petit vaudeville sympathique qui sera vite oublié.
August 6, 2021
So I apparently bought this in 2015 - started it in 2015 and for some reason didn't read it or finish it or something
This is the third installment in the formulaic School for Manners series. This time it is Delilah. a 23 YO hardened flirt who was jilted by her first love; even though he seems unaware of her expectations. Her reclusive father, who seems to be fashioned a bit on Emma's father, sans the hypochondria, sends her to the Tribbles for a bit of town polish.
It's cute I enjoyed it. Trigger warning there is a bit of a violent sexual attack toward the end (Just to be clear that wasn't cute or enjoyable)
This is the third installment in the formulaic School for Manners series. This time it is Delilah. a 23 YO hardened flirt who was jilted by her first love; even though he seems unaware of her expectations. Her reclusive father, who seems to be fashioned a bit on Emma's father, sans the hypochondria, sends her to the Tribbles for a bit of town polish.
It's cute I enjoyed it. Trigger warning there is a bit of a violent sexual attack toward the end (Just to be clear that wasn't cute or enjoyable)
May 12, 2025
This series of Regency era romps are fun and entertaining and somewhat in the style of Georgette Heyer. The Tribble sisters are a one of a kind pair whose characters are quite priceless. As they launch their “difficult charges” into high society the adventures are quite hilarious and the elderly suitors for their own hands never cease to entertain. Perhaps not completely historical in every detail but certainly a wonderful escape into the balls and routs and card parties of the ton. Thoroughly enjoyed each one of the series of six.
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