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Arabella
To Arabella Tallant, the eldest daughter of a penniless country clergyman, the invitation to stay with her London godmother was like the key to heaven, for in addition to living in the glamorous city, Arabella might even find a suitable husband there. Armed with beauty, virtue and a benevolent godmother, the impetuous but impoverished Arabella embarked on her first London season with her mother's wish in mind: snare a rich husband.
On her way to London Arabella's carriage breaks down outside the hunting lodge of the wealthy and socially prominent Robert Beaumaris, fate cast her in his path. Arabella's only fault is impetuosity, and her pride stung when she overhears a remark of her path of arrogant host, who accused her of being another petty female after his wealth, the proud, headstrong ingenue made a most startling claim -- she was an heiress! A pretense that deeply amuses the jaded Beau. To counter her white lie, Beaumaris launches her into high society and thereby subjects her to all kinds of amorous fortune hunters in London and other embarrassments.
Suddenly Arabella found herself the talk of the ton and pursued by some of the most eligible young men of the day. But only one caught Arabella's fancy: Beaumaris, the handsome and dedicated bachelor. She should know better than to allow herself to be provoked by nonpareil Beau. But would her deceitful charade destroy her one chance for true love...?
Beaumaris, however, although a most artful matrimonial dodger, badly underestimated his seemingly naive adversary... When compassionate Arabella rescues such unfortunate creatures as a mistreated chimney sweep and a mixed-breed mongrel, she foists them upon Beaumaris, who finds he rather enjoys the role of rescuer and is soon given the opportunity to prove his worth in the person of Bertram Tallant, the also impetuous young brother of Arabella....
On her way to London Arabella's carriage breaks down outside the hunting lodge of the wealthy and socially prominent Robert Beaumaris, fate cast her in his path. Arabella's only fault is impetuosity, and her pride stung when she overhears a remark of her path of arrogant host, who accused her of being another petty female after his wealth, the proud, headstrong ingenue made a most startling claim -- she was an heiress! A pretense that deeply amuses the jaded Beau. To counter her white lie, Beaumaris launches her into high society and thereby subjects her to all kinds of amorous fortune hunters in London and other embarrassments.
Suddenly Arabella found herself the talk of the ton and pursued by some of the most eligible young men of the day. But only one caught Arabella's fancy: Beaumaris, the handsome and dedicated bachelor. She should know better than to allow herself to be provoked by nonpareil Beau. But would her deceitful charade destroy her one chance for true love...?
Beaumaris, however, although a most artful matrimonial dodger, badly underestimated his seemingly naive adversary... When compassionate Arabella rescues such unfortunate creatures as a mistreated chimney sweep and a mixed-breed mongrel, she foists them upon Beaumaris, who finds he rather enjoys the role of rescuer and is soon given the opportunity to prove his worth in the person of Bertram Tallant, the also impetuous young brother of Arabella....
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First published January 1, 1949
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About the author
Georgette Heyer
245 books5,501 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,226 reviews
August 6, 2019
Arabella is one of the more charming and funny Georgette Heyer books that I've read, with a major plus in the form of one of my favorite Heyer book boyfriends, Mr. Robert Beaumaris. Arabella Tallant is a lovely, unspoiled girl, but certain to be hampered in the eyes of London society by the fact that she's a poor country vicar's daughter from Yorkshire. Nevertheless, her optimistic mother prevails on Arabella's high society godmother to sponsor her in making her debut into society. So despite Arabella's (and her father's) misgivings, off she goes, with strict instructions to find a rich husband so she can help bring out her younger sisters later.
On the road to London, there's an accident with Arabella's carriage, and she and her companion ask for shelter in a nearby hunting box owned by one of the leading lights of London society, Robert Beaumaris, a handsome and extremely wealthy man. Arabella overhears the rather arrogant Beaumaris tell his friend that he's certain Arabella has pursued him from London and has made up the carriage accident as an excuse. She's so incensed by this accusation that she immediately launches into a series of reckless lies, telling Beaumaris and his friend that she's a wealthy heiress who is unutterably weary of all the fuss people make over her. Beaumaris realizes she's making this all up and is vastly amused, but his more gullible friend believes the story, especially after Beaumaris (tongue firmly in cheek) confirms that of course he knows of the Tallant fortune.
A few days later Arabella is horrified, as she begins to go about in society, to find that word has spread and everyone in London society now believes she's an heiress. To seal the deal, Beaumaris whimsically begins to pay her particular attention, just to make certain that her Season is a success. As they get to know each other better their attraction grows, and Beaumaris, a confirmed bachelor, starts to reconsider his status. But Arabella feels caught by the web her lie has created and doesn't know who she can trust, or who will still care about her when her poverty becomes known.
Arabella is a sympathetic heroine, naive but also self-aware, and determinedly resistant of the natural inclination to fall head over heels in love with Robert Beaumaris, convinced that he'll only hurt her in the end. Robert finds Arabella refreshing as he gets to know her better, despite - or more accurately, because of - her charitable impulses, which land him with a mongrel dog and worse. It's great fun to watch these two try to come to an understanding in spite of the lie that is still pushing them apart.
Minus a star for a subplot about Arabella's brother getting into some severe gambling trouble, which I thought was predictable and almost painfully embarrassing to read (I skimmed that part on reread), and for Arabella's overdone silliness and naivete at the very end, combined with a dollop of paternalistic attitude from Beaumaris that I'm sure read better back in 1949 when this book was first published. But other than that, Heyer's wit shines in this book, and it's a delicious Regency romp.
On the road to London, there's an accident with Arabella's carriage, and she and her companion ask for shelter in a nearby hunting box owned by one of the leading lights of London society, Robert Beaumaris, a handsome and extremely wealthy man. Arabella overhears the rather arrogant Beaumaris tell his friend that he's certain Arabella has pursued him from London and has made up the carriage accident as an excuse. She's so incensed by this accusation that she immediately launches into a series of reckless lies, telling Beaumaris and his friend that she's a wealthy heiress who is unutterably weary of all the fuss people make over her. Beaumaris realizes she's making this all up and is vastly amused, but his more gullible friend believes the story, especially after Beaumaris (tongue firmly in cheek) confirms that of course he knows of the Tallant fortune.
A few days later Arabella is horrified, as she begins to go about in society, to find that word has spread and everyone in London society now believes she's an heiress. To seal the deal, Beaumaris whimsically begins to pay her particular attention, just to make certain that her Season is a success. As they get to know each other better their attraction grows, and Beaumaris, a confirmed bachelor, starts to reconsider his status. But Arabella feels caught by the web her lie has created and doesn't know who she can trust, or who will still care about her when her poverty becomes known.
Arabella is a sympathetic heroine, naive but also self-aware, and determinedly resistant of the natural inclination to fall head over heels in love with Robert Beaumaris, convinced that he'll only hurt her in the end. Robert finds Arabella refreshing as he gets to know her better, despite - or more accurately, because of - her charitable impulses, which land him with a mongrel dog and worse. It's great fun to watch these two try to come to an understanding in spite of the lie that is still pushing them apart.
Minus a star for a subplot about Arabella's brother getting into some severe gambling trouble, which I thought was predictable and almost painfully embarrassing to read (I skimmed that part on reread), and for Arabella's overdone silliness and naivete at the very end, combined with a dollop of paternalistic attitude from Beaumaris that I'm sure read better back in 1949 when this book was first published. But other than that, Heyer's wit shines in this book, and it's a delicious Regency romp.
June 26, 2025
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
Arabella is the beautiful eldest daughter of a respectable country vicar. Her mother has moved heaven and earth to get her an invitation to her godmother's house in order to find her a wealthy husband. This will mean that she will hopefully be able to help her younger siblings make eligible matches, as well.
But it doesn't mean that Arabella is mercenary, or that her mother expects her to marry someone horrible.
She gets her feelings hurt when her carriage breaks down, and she and her chaperone have to seek shelter in the home of a rich hottie named Mr. Beaumaris, who thinks the whole thing is a ruse to get an introduction and wangle a bit of alone time with him.
She overhears him telling his friend that she smells of desperation.
So she gets pissed and decides to tell Beaumaris and his friend Mr. Fleetwood that she's an heiress. And that's she's SICK AND TIRED of all the sycophants chasing her for her big bags of money.
Then she hops into her (now fixed) carriage and heads to London, never to see the a-hole again.
She thinks.
Mr. Beaumaris is intrigued.
Now, he doesn't believe for a minute she's got a penny to her name, but he's rich as hell and couldn't care less. He hops in his carriage and heads to London, as well.
Arabella, having grown up in a home that prized being kind above all else can't help but be completely herself in London. And if that means rescuing a dirty, troublesome, chimney boy from the cruel man who owns him, and then foisting him on Mr. Beaumaris - she will.
And if that means rescuing a half-starved mongrel dog, who is being tortured by cruel teenagers, and then foisting him on Mr. Beaumaris - she will.
And if that means...well, you get the picture.
Unfortunately, Mr. Fleetwood doesn't realize Arabella is fibbing and goes around town telling everyone that she is a "secret heiress", so now she's got to fight off not only fortune hunters, but her conscience.
Because as it turns out, she is starting to fall in love with the prickly Robert Beaumaris and doesn't know how to tell him she's as poor as the proverbial church mouse.
What ensues is a Regency Rom Com that should have fans of the genre grinning while they read. It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but I honestly smiled a lot while I was listening to this one.
The story is adorable, and I loved all the characters.
10/10
Recommended for fans of Regency Romance.
Arabella is the beautiful eldest daughter of a respectable country vicar. Her mother has moved heaven and earth to get her an invitation to her godmother's house in order to find her a wealthy husband. This will mean that she will hopefully be able to help her younger siblings make eligible matches, as well.
But it doesn't mean that Arabella is mercenary, or that her mother expects her to marry someone horrible.
She gets her feelings hurt when her carriage breaks down, and she and her chaperone have to seek shelter in the home of a rich hottie named Mr. Beaumaris, who thinks the whole thing is a ruse to get an introduction and wangle a bit of alone time with him.
She overhears him telling his friend that she smells of desperation.
So she gets pissed and decides to tell Beaumaris and his friend Mr. Fleetwood that she's an heiress. And that's she's SICK AND TIRED of all the sycophants chasing her for her big bags of money.
Then she hops into her (now fixed) carriage and heads to London, never to see the a-hole again.
She thinks.
Mr. Beaumaris is intrigued.
Now, he doesn't believe for a minute she's got a penny to her name, but he's rich as hell and couldn't care less. He hops in his carriage and heads to London, as well.
Arabella, having grown up in a home that prized being kind above all else can't help but be completely herself in London. And if that means rescuing a dirty, troublesome, chimney boy from the cruel man who owns him, and then foisting him on Mr. Beaumaris - she will.
And if that means rescuing a half-starved mongrel dog, who is being tortured by cruel teenagers, and then foisting him on Mr. Beaumaris - she will.
And if that means...well, you get the picture.
Unfortunately, Mr. Fleetwood doesn't realize Arabella is fibbing and goes around town telling everyone that she is a "secret heiress", so now she's got to fight off not only fortune hunters, but her conscience.
Because as it turns out, she is starting to fall in love with the prickly Robert Beaumaris and doesn't know how to tell him she's as poor as the proverbial church mouse.
What ensues is a Regency Rom Com that should have fans of the genre grinning while they read. It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but I honestly smiled a lot while I was listening to this one.
The story is adorable, and I loved all the characters.
10/10
Recommended for fans of Regency Romance.
December 8, 2014
WOW, what an absolutely fantastic read Arabella was.
This Heyer combines all that's best about regency romances, starting with a well crafted hero. 'Cause let's face it ladies, we all like a swoon-worthy book man. And I'm here to tell you that Robert Beaumaris has got "it" in spades:
He's charming (but not overbearing). He's slightly jaded (but not an out-an-out rake), he's a bit world weary (but not cynical), and most important of all, he's got a dry sense of humor, especially when it comes to his fashion sense in dandelion boutineers and conversations with canine mutts (just read the book and you'll see what I mean about the last two!). He channels a little Mr. Darcy, a little Captain Wentworth and, surprisingly enough to me, a little Rory Frost from my favorite book of all time, Trade Wind. Not many readers are going to understand that last reference at all, because these two books have absolutely nothing in common in style, content or plotline. However, one of the best moments in both these books comes when the jaded hero steps up and takes on a problem because he knows it will help the heroine yet cause countless difficulties for himself. The best part about this plot device is that no one is more surprised then the hero himself that he makes this offer. It's as if he can't help himself, and it's at that moment he knows his heart is irrevocably lost to the heroine. I.MELT.EVERY.TIME.
The heroine Arabella is also a good character. She's young and naive, but she's not overtly silly and helpless (although Heyer overdoes it with all her blushing). She cares for defenseless things, is willing to fight for what she believes in, and plays the older, worldly-wise Beaumaris with a surprisingly deft hand in the game of love. These two, you feel, will have a very good life together, because they bring out the better elements in each other's character. In a word, they are believable.
It goes without saying that this is a clean read, but it's not an easy one with all the cant-speak and idioms Heyer uses. It gives the novel a very authentic voice, but it's not always easy for modern readers to follow. Heyer was a prodigious researcher, and I'd be willing to bet there's not many people who have or had a better grasp of Regency England then she did. It shows, and it makes for a rich and detailed read that goes beyond the romance.
Until a future Heyer read challenges my vote, Arabella is now my favorite Heyer romance. If another can top it, then I'm excited to find it, since I faced the exquisite quandry of wanting to find out what happened at the end, and conversely never wanting it to end.
Well done, Georgette. Well done.
This Heyer combines all that's best about regency romances, starting with a well crafted hero. 'Cause let's face it ladies, we all like a swoon-worthy book man. And I'm here to tell you that Robert Beaumaris has got "it" in spades:
He's charming (but not overbearing). He's slightly jaded (but not an out-an-out rake), he's a bit world weary (but not cynical), and most important of all, he's got a dry sense of humor, especially when it comes to his fashion sense in dandelion boutineers and conversations with canine mutts (just read the book and you'll see what I mean about the last two!). He channels a little Mr. Darcy, a little Captain Wentworth and, surprisingly enough to me, a little Rory Frost from my favorite book of all time, Trade Wind. Not many readers are going to understand that last reference at all, because these two books have absolutely nothing in common in style, content or plotline. However, one of the best moments in both these books comes when the jaded hero steps up and takes on a problem because he knows it will help the heroine yet cause countless difficulties for himself. The best part about this plot device is that no one is more surprised then the hero himself that he makes this offer. It's as if he can't help himself, and it's at that moment he knows his heart is irrevocably lost to the heroine. I.MELT.EVERY.TIME.
The heroine Arabella is also a good character. She's young and naive, but she's not overtly silly and helpless (although Heyer overdoes it with all her blushing). She cares for defenseless things, is willing to fight for what she believes in, and plays the older, worldly-wise Beaumaris with a surprisingly deft hand in the game of love. These two, you feel, will have a very good life together, because they bring out the better elements in each other's character. In a word, they are believable.
It goes without saying that this is a clean read, but it's not an easy one with all the cant-speak and idioms Heyer uses. It gives the novel a very authentic voice, but it's not always easy for modern readers to follow. Heyer was a prodigious researcher, and I'd be willing to bet there's not many people who have or had a better grasp of Regency England then she did. It shows, and it makes for a rich and detailed read that goes beyond the romance.
Until a future Heyer read challenges my vote, Arabella is now my favorite Heyer romance. If another can top it, then I'm excited to find it, since I faced the exquisite quandry of wanting to find out what happened at the end, and conversely never wanting it to end.
Well done, Georgette. Well done.
December 31, 2021
This isn't the book cover I have (the copy I read was by Mandarin Publishing in the 1990s & Arabella looks nothing like I envisage her) but this is my favourite Heyer cover ever. so I'm using this one.
In spite of some stiff competition from Fridays Child & Cotillion, this is my favourite Heyer Regency. I am still a little in love with Robert Beaumaris & Ulysses is my favourite minor GH character! ;) I love the way that Arabella has other motivations & character in her life other than finding a rich husband. & the book does contain many insights into what life was like for the less fortunate in Regency times.
Edit; 2/7/18. This time this is the edition I read! I still love this cover, even though Arabella is a brunette.
This is still a 5★ read for me, but it is no longer my favourite Heyer Regency. In fact, it may have slipped out of my top 5 of Heyer's romances. The main reason is the amount of time Arabella's tiresome brother Bertram receives. I appreciate GH's realistic portrayal of I am sure the number of unsatisfactory brothers in GH novels is due to her financially supporting her own brothers for most of their lives. but Bertram pushes Arabella & Robert's romance off centre stage.
As above, I still love Robert & Ulysses. Arabella is one of GH's best heroines & with GH (as usual) handling all the strands in her novel so well, Arabella's social conscience doesn't mean she behaves like a 20th century heroine transplanted to the Regency era.
Just bear in mind I have probably read this title over 50 times. Things that niggle at me, may not strike you at all.
But Bertram. Ugh.
My final read for 2021! I must be turning into a Moody Reader, because this time I'm feeling far more tolerant of Bertram & see his difficulties as very necessary to the plot! Arabella is one of GH's most unconventional heroines, & the scenes where she is Papa's daughter are some of the most entertaining scenes in the book!
In spite of some stiff competition from Fridays Child & Cotillion, this is my favourite Heyer Regency. I am still a little in love with Robert Beaumaris & Ulysses is my favourite minor GH character! ;) I love the way that Arabella has other motivations & character in her life other than finding a rich husband. & the book does contain many insights into what life was like for the less fortunate in Regency times.
Edit; 2/7/18. This time this is the edition I read! I still love this cover, even though Arabella is a brunette.
This is still a 5★ read for me, but it is no longer my favourite Heyer Regency. In fact, it may have slipped out of my top 5 of Heyer's romances. The main reason is the amount of time Arabella's tiresome brother Bertram receives. I appreciate GH's realistic portrayal of I am sure the number of unsatisfactory brothers in GH novels is due to her financially supporting her own brothers for most of their lives. but Bertram pushes Arabella & Robert's romance off centre stage.
As above, I still love Robert & Ulysses. Arabella is one of GH's best heroines & with GH (as usual) handling all the strands in her novel so well, Arabella's social conscience doesn't mean she behaves like a 20th century heroine transplanted to the Regency era.
Just bear in mind I have probably read this title over 50 times. Things that niggle at me, may not strike you at all.
But Bertram. Ugh.
My final read for 2021! I must be turning into a Moody Reader, because this time I'm feeling far more tolerant of Bertram & see his difficulties as very necessary to the plot! Arabella is one of GH's most unconventional heroines, & the scenes where she is Papa's daughter are some of the most entertaining scenes in the book!
February 8, 2023
this is a pleasant, satisfying, perfectly accomplished tale. I smiled, my heart was warmed, I enjoyed the elegant prose and wry dialogue and brisk narrative, the comic bits landed, the characters were amusing and endearing. all the good things. the father who is such a kind, well-meaning fellow that he inspires instantaneous guilt & self-loathing in his children at even the idea that he may be disappointed with them - well, that is a great superpower and he was a treat to read about. and best of all: Ulysses! Heyer often shows a soft spot for animals, but this was my first experience with one being so completely central to the story. what a great dog!
another thing I enjoyed that is often a part of her stories but which is centralized here: the importance of charity and altruism. sweet, slightly daffy Arabella is characterized almost entirely by her insistence on doing the right thing for any child, animal, or down on their luck adult who crosses her path. for a while I didn't have a precise grasp on who she really was, other than a pleasant and forthright person who sometimes doesn't deal too well with condescension. Arabella's specific personality was rather fuzzy to me. but that eventually changed: in time, the novel shows that this is her most important attribute, it's key to who she is. the author is playful with this trait but she doesn't portray it as remotely negative. the characters that surround Arabella find it amusing as well (or rather irritating), while also recognizing that this virtue is exactly why she is so different from everyone else. all of that really charmed me. I love that scene where Beaumaris just stares at Arabella, fascinated and impressed, as she goes off on a monologue regarding how far she'll go to make sure a child is well taken care of.
I thought Beaumaris' personality was a bit fuzzy too, at first. mainly he reminded me of a low-key version of other detached but essentially kind-hearted style gods that inhabit what sounds like a high number of Heyer novels. still, I really enjoyed him. and perhaps because his characterization is softly rather than very sharply etched - lightly sardonic but never vindictive, always properly outfitted but not fashion-obsessed, etc. - it was actually easier for me to relate to him. and I certainly related to his cheerful but fortunately not mean-spirited sadism! many of myvictims family & friends & colleagues don't seem to get that this is a positive attribute in a person.
it's interesting for me to read Heyer novels that are all about the romance while reflecting on my own gender, as a reader... i.e. reading a book that is designed so that its female readers relate to and identify with its protagonist while seeing its male lead as an object of desire. the book is quite literally not written for people like me. as a queer man (bi, to be specific), it's not exactly heavy lifting for me to find a male character appealing or not. I also have no problem with seeing myself in female characters in books that aren't Heyer romances. I can usually empathize with most anyone. and yet, despite always sympathizing with Heyer's female characters, it is the male characters that I tend to identify with. maybe I am just being an old-fashioned gender essentialist (I hope not!) but it is her female characters that enchant me and it is her male characters that I actually try to relate to on a personal level. I'm rambling here, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was great to eventually see myself in Beaumaris and it was even better seeing him fully appreciate how wonderful Arabella is as a person.
this was a perfect read for a Christmas season spent on my own this year, which was a first for me. the novel was a real spirit-lifter. Thank you Carol for recommending it!
another thing I enjoyed that is often a part of her stories but which is centralized here: the importance of charity and altruism. sweet, slightly daffy Arabella is characterized almost entirely by her insistence on doing the right thing for any child, animal, or down on their luck adult who crosses her path. for a while I didn't have a precise grasp on who she really was, other than a pleasant and forthright person who sometimes doesn't deal too well with condescension. Arabella's specific personality was rather fuzzy to me. but that eventually changed: in time, the novel shows that this is her most important attribute, it's key to who she is. the author is playful with this trait but she doesn't portray it as remotely negative. the characters that surround Arabella find it amusing as well (or rather irritating), while also recognizing that this virtue is exactly why she is so different from everyone else. all of that really charmed me. I love that scene where Beaumaris just stares at Arabella, fascinated and impressed, as she goes off on a monologue regarding how far she'll go to make sure a child is well taken care of.
I thought Beaumaris' personality was a bit fuzzy too, at first. mainly he reminded me of a low-key version of other detached but essentially kind-hearted style gods that inhabit what sounds like a high number of Heyer novels. still, I really enjoyed him. and perhaps because his characterization is softly rather than very sharply etched - lightly sardonic but never vindictive, always properly outfitted but not fashion-obsessed, etc. - it was actually easier for me to relate to him. and I certainly related to his cheerful but fortunately not mean-spirited sadism! many of my
it's interesting for me to read Heyer novels that are all about the romance while reflecting on my own gender, as a reader... i.e. reading a book that is designed so that its female readers relate to and identify with its protagonist while seeing its male lead as an object of desire. the book is quite literally not written for people like me. as a queer man (bi, to be specific), it's not exactly heavy lifting for me to find a male character appealing or not. I also have no problem with seeing myself in female characters in books that aren't Heyer romances. I can usually empathize with most anyone. and yet, despite always sympathizing with Heyer's female characters, it is the male characters that I tend to identify with. maybe I am just being an old-fashioned gender essentialist (I hope not!) but it is her female characters that enchant me and it is her male characters that I actually try to relate to on a personal level. I'm rambling here, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was great to eventually see myself in Beaumaris and it was even better seeing him fully appreciate how wonderful Arabella is as a person.
this was a perfect read for a Christmas season spent on my own this year, which was a first for me. the novel was a real spirit-lifter. Thank you Carol for recommending it!
August 13, 2021
A sweet, little romance, Arabella is a spunky, smart heroine, who lets her anger at a snobbish fop, goad her into telling a lie. The falsehood is that she is a rich debutante, when in reality her parents are middle class and have a superfluity of daughters to marry and sons to get into various careers. Taking place in the Regency period, the story uses Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as its model.
July 9, 2024
I haven't read this in years and I absolutely loved it! The Tallant family are a delight. It was chapter three before Arabella left for London and I must confess I would have liked it to be a couple of more. I loved the family dynamic here and would have liked to have spent more time with them.
It is definitely one of her more witty books. I laughed out loud more than once. The cant in this is brilliant and some of the names that Heyer comes up with are priceless. Leaky Peg and Quartern Sue are inspired. We have some wonderful fops and dandies in this book.
One thought though, if people did carry on this way in the Regency period then the arrogance and snobbery is breathtaking. Even, in the beginning, Beaumaris is unbearable but the love of a good woman conquers all.
A wonderful read that I'd highly recommend.
Still enjoyed this as much as the first time. The witty banter and laugh out loud moments were great and I needed them having just read Cousin Kate. Ulysses the dog is a wonderful addition and Heyer's descriptions of him and his behavior was laugh out loud funny. To me this one of her best.
It is definitely one of her more witty books. I laughed out loud more than once. The cant in this is brilliant and some of the names that Heyer comes up with are priceless. Leaky Peg and Quartern Sue are inspired. We have some wonderful fops and dandies in this book.
One thought though, if people did carry on this way in the Regency period then the arrogance and snobbery is breathtaking. Even, in the beginning, Beaumaris is unbearable but the love of a good woman conquers all.
A wonderful read that I'd highly recommend.
Still enjoyed this as much as the first time. The witty banter and laugh out loud moments were great and I needed them having just read Cousin Kate. Ulysses the dog is a wonderful addition and Heyer's descriptions of him and his behavior was laugh out loud funny. To me this one of her best.
February 15, 2019
What can I say about this wonderful little darling book that hasn't already been said?
Arabella is charming. It's a true Regency romance classic, the epitome of the perfect comedy of manners set in London, and features all your favourite Regency quirks, mannerisms, glittering balls and shocking crushes. And naturally, there is an enterprising heroine and a dashing hero, who meet quite by chance and fall quite madly in love amidst a set of funny and delightful adventures. Ah, to have a London Season and go shopping in Bond Street, entertain callers all morning and be sought-after by all the gazetted fortune hunters for miles around! Such is the lot of our dear heroine Arabella in this story, but mind you, she brought it all upon herself (because of Mr. Beaumaris, of course), as you will see.
Once upon a time, in a sheltered and remote Yorkshire village, there lived the Tallant family, of which Arabella was the eldest and prettiest daughter. The Tallants lived a quiet and peaceful existence until the day Arabella’s godmother, Lady Bridlington, had the brilliant idea (aided with a few not-so-subtle-hints from Mrs. Tallant) to invite her to London for the upcoming social season. Arabella, who had been poring over fashion magazines with her sisters and dazed by the prevailing fashion of satin bodices and diamond fastenings, was naturally delighted and looked upon the season as her Only Hope to form an eligible connection to aid her family and bring her sisters in the way of meeting other eligible young men. If she were to make a splendid match, how beneficial it would be for everyone!
After many preparations, most of which included exclaiming over Mama’s old clothes from the old trunk, the making of new gowns by the nearest town’s modiste and shopping for such indispensible accessories as hats, bonnets, gloves, fans and silk stockings, Arabella was finally ready to depart, and after tearful goodbyes, she got into her uncle’s old carriage and left for London.
Meanwhile, enjoying a respite from the humdrum of the metropolis and the conniving schemes of unscrupulous females too numerous to number, Mr. Robert Beaumaris was intending to spend a very relaxing evening in his Leicestershire hunting-box with his dear friend Lord Fleetwood (who was definitely hoping for more than good food and wine as his only distractions of the evening). Alas, that his peace should be shattered!
Lord Fleetwood: So, Rob, what are we doing tonight?
Mr. Beaumaris: I told you. Eat. Drink. Relax.
Fleetwood: Yeah, but what else?? Seriously, what are we going to DO?
Beaumaris: I just told you. EAT AND DRINK AND RELAX. You will not be disappointed in my cook, let me tell you!!
Fleetwood: Look, I realize than anyone else would be happy just being invited to your hunting-box, but I AM NOT ANYONE ELSE. Now seriously Rob, entertainment??! Don’t you have a few pretty women hidden somewhere??
Beaumaris: Yeahhhhhh. Because I just casually have women hiding around in my houses in the hope of pleasing you!
Fleetwood: Come on man, I was expecting some wild orgies and drinking wine out of skulls!! (Guys, ^^ that’s actually in the book!)
Beaumaris: GTFO Lord Byron! Because IF, and I say IF, I had any, do you imagine I would just show you them and run the risk that they would prefer you to me?!
Fleetwood: Oh stop that BS! If there are to be no women -
Beaumaris: No clue why you would THINK there would be!
Brough enters: Excuse me sir, a couple of women have had a carriage accident right outside your door and are asking if they can wait here until it the damage is fixed?
Beaumaris: Meh. Bring them to the salon.
Fleetwood: Wait, whoa, waiiiiiit!! Are they young, old, pretty, what?!
Brough: Uuuhh…one of them is young and –I think- very pretty!
Fleetwood: Then what the hell, Robert?! Bring them here Brough! Ahhh women after all!!
Beaumaris: *facepalm* FML.
And so it is that the beautiful Miss Tallant and her traveling companion Miss Blackburn are ushered into the presence of the two aforementioned gentlemen. It should also be said, in favour of the gentlemen (Mr. Beaumaris in particular) that they appeared rather to advantage in their state of ease and good-humour, and that Mr. Beaumaris just happened to be charmingly smiling as Miss Tallant entered the room. Naturally, sparks fly and the electricity will remain in the air between them for the rest of the story, even though the majority of them are fuelled by anger and provocation on Arabella’s part.
While ascending the stairs, she overhears with dreadful clarity Mr. Beaumaris telling Lord Fleetwood that she has set up the carriage accident on purpose to throw herself at him. Our dear heroine becomes so incensed that she decides then and there to embark on a dangerous game. She will prove to that arrogant, no-doubt-good-for-nothing darling of society that she can have no use at all for his money and position. Behold, the Miss Arabella Tallant, heiress to a vast fortune, and travelling incognito to London!
Yay! Brilliant! Of course this is going to work!
Except about the part where that snarky Mr. Beaumaris sees right through the charade and decides to play fire with fire…
Like, “you want to be an heiress?” OK FINE. HEIRESS IT IS. But don’t come cryin’ to me later!
Unfortunately for him, he has no idea what kind of “heiress” he’s just agreed to launch into society. Arabella is, first and foremost, a country clergyman’s daughter bent on helping others in need whether she’s a lady of quality or not. Before long, she has foisted a dirty climbing-boy and an abused mongrel dog onto poor unsuspecting Mr. Beaumaris, and has him completely twisted round her little finger whether he wants to or not. Dang it, she wasn’t supposed to be that charming! And while he tries in vain to capture her attention, he manages to win the complete and utter adoration of a totally unexpected party: the mongrel dog (which he names Ulysses).
This book is FAMOUS for the conversations Mr. Beaumaris entertains with his dog. Seriously. It is too good.
Ulysses just freakin’ LOOOOVES Mr. Beaumaris and can’t bear to be away from him.
And he knows that Mr. Beaumaris knows that Arabella loves him too.
Even though his manners leave a lot to be desired (as Beaumaris reminds him continuously).
And his eating habits are questionable.
Honestly, that dog is just priceless whether Beaumaris agrees or not. It was a really unique element to an otherwise slightly déjà-vu story, and it was really fun.
Next, throw in Arabella’s young hothead brother Bertram bent on having a taste of Town and running into one scrape after another, a merry chase about the place with everyone trying to rescue each other, and a very wise Dowager Duchess Highly Advising Matrimony for her favourite grandson, and you have yourself a delightful classic comedy of manners, full of laughs and mishaps.
And another one of those hilarious-but-completely-random valet scenes stopping all action at a very crucial point, because we need to know what will happen to Mr. Beaumaris’ clothes while he travels.
Beaumaris : Alright Painswick, I need to leave and it’s pretty urgent, so just pack up shirts and neckcloths and, you know, simple sutff, because you’re not coming with me.
Painswick : *so shocked he remains speechless for a full minute*
Beaumaris : Yeah, and tell them to have the carriage ready for six, and –
Painswick : B-but, d-d-did you s-say I wasn’t going with you????
Beaumaris : Yeah I did, I’m going alone, dude HURRY UP, I NEED TO GO!
Painswick : But sir! Who is going to dress you? Wait upon you? Take care of you??? YOU NEED ME!
Beaumaris : I’ll be fine, I can dress myself!
Painswick : But your coat, sir! WHO WILL PRESS YOUR COAT??
Beaumaris : Sigh. I’m sure they can do that at the posting-house!
Painswick : NO THEY CAN’T. THEY’LL RUIN IT!
Beaumaris : I honestly don’t really care about my coat right now.
Painswick : *alright, that settles it, he’s nuts!* SIR. *gulps* Please let me come with you!!!
Beaumaris : Ugh, I’ll be fine I tell you! Take a holiday, go have fun!
Painswick : Take A HOLIDAY when I know you’ll be all alone having to dress yourself???
Beaumaris : I CAN dress myself!!
Painswick : And what about your boots? Will they be nicely polished?? Shirt collars starched enough? WHAT IF YOU GET MUD ON YOUR BREECHES??!?! I NEED TO COME WITH YOU!
Beaumaris : I already told you I WILL NOT BE REQUIRING YOUR SERVICES FOR THIS JOURNEY.
Painswick : I…I think I’m going to die.
***
Funny, witty, charming and wholly entertaining, Arabella is a wonderful Heyer romance you don’t want to miss. I was tempted to lower my rating a bit because at times the story seemed to drag, and I wasn’t that interested in Bertram’s antics which took up quite a lot of the last half of the book, but it’s just such a brilliant classic and so very Heyer that I can’t bring myself to give it less than a 5. I would strongly recommend starting with this one as a first Heyer read, especially as I had the feeling I’d already met a few of the characters in some other of her novels, and that feeling of déjà-vu sometimes slightly spoiled the fun I would otherwise have had meeting them for the first time.
Also, I was disappointed that, although Arabella’s family is strongly featured in the first few chapters, we never see them again after she leaves for London. I was really hoping for a reunion scene with them and Mr. Beaumaris!
But anyways, those are only slight complaints, I really did love this novel and would definitely read it again. And this is a Heyer Regency romance, so you know that…
…they lived happily after after <3
Buddy-read with Lori :D I apologize for the SUPER LATE, COMPLETELY OVERDUE REVIEW!! We read it AGES ago!!!
Arabella is charming. It's a true Regency romance classic, the epitome of the perfect comedy of manners set in London, and features all your favourite Regency quirks, mannerisms, glittering balls and shocking crushes. And naturally, there is an enterprising heroine and a dashing hero, who meet quite by chance and fall quite madly in love amidst a set of funny and delightful adventures. Ah, to have a London Season and go shopping in Bond Street, entertain callers all morning and be sought-after by all the gazetted fortune hunters for miles around! Such is the lot of our dear heroine Arabella in this story, but mind you, she brought it all upon herself (because of Mr. Beaumaris, of course), as you will see.
Once upon a time, in a sheltered and remote Yorkshire village, there lived the Tallant family, of which Arabella was the eldest and prettiest daughter. The Tallants lived a quiet and peaceful existence until the day Arabella’s godmother, Lady Bridlington, had the brilliant idea (aided with a few not-so-subtle-hints from Mrs. Tallant) to invite her to London for the upcoming social season. Arabella, who had been poring over fashion magazines with her sisters and dazed by the prevailing fashion of satin bodices and diamond fastenings, was naturally delighted and looked upon the season as her Only Hope to form an eligible connection to aid her family and bring her sisters in the way of meeting other eligible young men. If she were to make a splendid match, how beneficial it would be for everyone!
After many preparations, most of which included exclaiming over Mama’s old clothes from the old trunk, the making of new gowns by the nearest town’s modiste and shopping for such indispensible accessories as hats, bonnets, gloves, fans and silk stockings, Arabella was finally ready to depart, and after tearful goodbyes, she got into her uncle’s old carriage and left for London.
Meanwhile, enjoying a respite from the humdrum of the metropolis and the conniving schemes of unscrupulous females too numerous to number, Mr. Robert Beaumaris was intending to spend a very relaxing evening in his Leicestershire hunting-box with his dear friend Lord Fleetwood (who was definitely hoping for more than good food and wine as his only distractions of the evening). Alas, that his peace should be shattered!
Lord Fleetwood: So, Rob, what are we doing tonight?
Mr. Beaumaris: I told you. Eat. Drink. Relax.
Fleetwood: Yeah, but what else?? Seriously, what are we going to DO?
Beaumaris: I just told you. EAT AND DRINK AND RELAX. You will not be disappointed in my cook, let me tell you!!
Fleetwood: Look, I realize than anyone else would be happy just being invited to your hunting-box, but I AM NOT ANYONE ELSE. Now seriously Rob, entertainment??! Don’t you have a few pretty women hidden somewhere??
Beaumaris: Yeahhhhhh. Because I just casually have women hiding around in my houses in the hope of pleasing you!
Fleetwood: Come on man, I was expecting some wild orgies and drinking wine out of skulls!! (Guys, ^^ that’s actually in the book!)
Beaumaris: GTFO Lord Byron! Because IF, and I say IF, I had any, do you imagine I would just show you them and run the risk that they would prefer you to me?!
Fleetwood: Oh stop that BS! If there are to be no women -
Beaumaris: No clue why you would THINK there would be!
Brough enters: Excuse me sir, a couple of women have had a carriage accident right outside your door and are asking if they can wait here until it the damage is fixed?
Beaumaris: Meh. Bring them to the salon.
Fleetwood: Wait, whoa, waiiiiiit!! Are they young, old, pretty, what?!
Brough: Uuuhh…one of them is young and –I think- very pretty!
Fleetwood: Then what the hell, Robert?! Bring them here Brough! Ahhh women after all!!
Beaumaris: *facepalm* FML.
And so it is that the beautiful Miss Tallant and her traveling companion Miss Blackburn are ushered into the presence of the two aforementioned gentlemen. It should also be said, in favour of the gentlemen (Mr. Beaumaris in particular) that they appeared rather to advantage in their state of ease and good-humour, and that Mr. Beaumaris just happened to be charmingly smiling as Miss Tallant entered the room. Naturally, sparks fly and the electricity will remain in the air between them for the rest of the story, even though the majority of them are fuelled by anger and provocation on Arabella’s part.
While ascending the stairs, she overhears with dreadful clarity Mr. Beaumaris telling Lord Fleetwood that she has set up the carriage accident on purpose to throw herself at him. Our dear heroine becomes so incensed that she decides then and there to embark on a dangerous game. She will prove to that arrogant, no-doubt-good-for-nothing darling of society that she can have no use at all for his money and position. Behold, the Miss Arabella Tallant, heiress to a vast fortune, and travelling incognito to London!
Yay! Brilliant! Of course this is going to work!
Except about the part where that snarky Mr. Beaumaris sees right through the charade and decides to play fire with fire…
Like, “you want to be an heiress?” OK FINE. HEIRESS IT IS. But don’t come cryin’ to me later!
Unfortunately for him, he has no idea what kind of “heiress” he’s just agreed to launch into society. Arabella is, first and foremost, a country clergyman’s daughter bent on helping others in need whether she’s a lady of quality or not. Before long, she has foisted a dirty climbing-boy and an abused mongrel dog onto poor unsuspecting Mr. Beaumaris, and has him completely twisted round her little finger whether he wants to or not. Dang it, she wasn’t supposed to be that charming! And while he tries in vain to capture her attention, he manages to win the complete and utter adoration of a totally unexpected party: the mongrel dog (which he names Ulysses).
This book is FAMOUS for the conversations Mr. Beaumaris entertains with his dog. Seriously. It is too good.
Ulysses just freakin’ LOOOOVES Mr. Beaumaris and can’t bear to be away from him.
And he knows that Mr. Beaumaris knows that Arabella loves him too.
Even though his manners leave a lot to be desired (as Beaumaris reminds him continuously).
And his eating habits are questionable.
Honestly, that dog is just priceless whether Beaumaris agrees or not. It was a really unique element to an otherwise slightly déjà-vu story, and it was really fun.
Next, throw in Arabella’s young hothead brother Bertram bent on having a taste of Town and running into one scrape after another, a merry chase about the place with everyone trying to rescue each other, and a very wise Dowager Duchess Highly Advising Matrimony for her favourite grandson, and you have yourself a delightful classic comedy of manners, full of laughs and mishaps.
And another one of those hilarious-but-completely-random valet scenes stopping all action at a very crucial point, because we need to know what will happen to Mr. Beaumaris’ clothes while he travels.
Beaumaris : Alright Painswick, I need to leave and it’s pretty urgent, so just pack up shirts and neckcloths and, you know, simple sutff, because you’re not coming with me.
Painswick : *so shocked he remains speechless for a full minute*
Beaumaris : Yeah, and tell them to have the carriage ready for six, and –
Painswick : B-but, d-d-did you s-say I wasn’t going with you????
Beaumaris : Yeah I did, I’m going alone, dude HURRY UP, I NEED TO GO!
Painswick : But sir! Who is going to dress you? Wait upon you? Take care of you??? YOU NEED ME!
Beaumaris : I’ll be fine, I can dress myself!
Painswick : But your coat, sir! WHO WILL PRESS YOUR COAT??
Beaumaris : Sigh. I’m sure they can do that at the posting-house!
Painswick : NO THEY CAN’T. THEY’LL RUIN IT!
Beaumaris : I honestly don’t really care about my coat right now.
Painswick : *alright, that settles it, he’s nuts!* SIR. *gulps* Please let me come with you!!!
Beaumaris : Ugh, I’ll be fine I tell you! Take a holiday, go have fun!
Painswick : Take A HOLIDAY when I know you’ll be all alone having to dress yourself???
Beaumaris : I CAN dress myself!!
Painswick : And what about your boots? Will they be nicely polished?? Shirt collars starched enough? WHAT IF YOU GET MUD ON YOUR BREECHES??!?! I NEED TO COME WITH YOU!
Beaumaris : I already told you I WILL NOT BE REQUIRING YOUR SERVICES FOR THIS JOURNEY.
Painswick : I…I think I’m going to die.
***
Funny, witty, charming and wholly entertaining, Arabella is a wonderful Heyer romance you don’t want to miss. I was tempted to lower my rating a bit because at times the story seemed to drag, and I wasn’t that interested in Bertram’s antics which took up quite a lot of the last half of the book, but it’s just such a brilliant classic and so very Heyer that I can’t bring myself to give it less than a 5. I would strongly recommend starting with this one as a first Heyer read, especially as I had the feeling I’d already met a few of the characters in some other of her novels, and that feeling of déjà-vu sometimes slightly spoiled the fun I would otherwise have had meeting them for the first time.
Also, I was disappointed that, although Arabella’s family is strongly featured in the first few chapters, we never see them again after she leaves for London. I was really hoping for a reunion scene with them and Mr. Beaumaris!
But anyways, those are only slight complaints, I really did love this novel and would definitely read it again. And this is a Heyer Regency romance, so you know that…
…they lived happily after after <3
Buddy-read with Lori :D I apologize for the SUPER LATE, COMPLETELY OVERDUE REVIEW!! We read it AGES ago!!!
August 1, 2023
Oh wow, I've never reviewed this one?!? Well crap. I was just going to update with a tiny "skimmed some Bertram bits but still love it" kind of thing. Sigh.
This is one of my favorites, but don't ask more than that. It's stupidly hard to rank Heyer romances because I love almost all of them so much. I often get this one confused with Sylvester because both have a young woman entering London for the first time but have sabotaged their happiness in advance. I like this one for the chapters at the beginning that establish Arabella's home so vividly. Her family is completely encapturing and I am particularly fond of her father and mother and their marital dynamic of love, understanding, and manipulation.
Once in "Town", I love how Bella's strong family support makes her a little fearless and a lot composed for someone who should be completely intimidated. She weathers her new situation with aplomb and the help of an indulgent godmother; and I'm all-in for her societal success. And I love seeing Beaumaris dancing attendance on her, getting to know her, and falling for her at the same time as he takes up one burden after another on her behalf.
And I'll say that Heyer has some brilliant moments in giving Beaumaris his herculean tasks. I love that Jemmy is a fairly unrepentant reprobate, insusceptible to the nonpareil's charm and/or firm hand. And that Ulysses is an unruly mutt first to last, but that Beaumaris becomes attached to him anyway. Some of my favorite dialogue is Beaumaris arguing with his pup about what to do with/for/to Arabella.
As I mentioned, some of the disaster wrought by Bella's idiot brother becomes a bit too well-detailed for my taste and I ended up skimming a page or two in this section. I really don't care about his dissolution and guilt, nor do I have a fondness for the lovingly detailed descriptions of the dirtier parts of London.
But that's a very small part of this very smart romance. I love everything else about it, from the characters to the plot to the story and the pace. It's great every time I reread it and well worth the five stars I've given.
A note about Chaste: As with all of Heyer's romances, there's zero steam. This one has three(!!!) kisses, which I think may be a high water mark, but I don't count that against it.
This is one of my favorites, but don't ask more than that. It's stupidly hard to rank Heyer romances because I love almost all of them so much. I often get this one confused with Sylvester because both have a young woman entering London for the first time but have sabotaged their happiness in advance. I like this one for the chapters at the beginning that establish Arabella's home so vividly. Her family is completely encapturing and I am particularly fond of her father and mother and their marital dynamic of love, understanding, and manipulation.
Once in "Town", I love how Bella's strong family support makes her a little fearless and a lot composed for someone who should be completely intimidated. She weathers her new situation with aplomb and the help of an indulgent godmother; and I'm all-in for her societal success. And I love seeing Beaumaris dancing attendance on her, getting to know her, and falling for her at the same time as he takes up one burden after another on her behalf.
And I'll say that Heyer has some brilliant moments in giving Beaumaris his herculean tasks. I love that Jemmy is a fairly unrepentant reprobate, insusceptible to the nonpareil's charm and/or firm hand. And that Ulysses is an unruly mutt first to last, but that Beaumaris becomes attached to him anyway. Some of my favorite dialogue is Beaumaris arguing with his pup about what to do with/for/to Arabella.
As I mentioned, some of the disaster wrought by Bella's idiot brother becomes a bit too well-detailed for my taste and I ended up skimming a page or two in this section. I really don't care about his dissolution and guilt, nor do I have a fondness for the lovingly detailed descriptions of the dirtier parts of London.
But that's a very small part of this very smart romance. I love everything else about it, from the characters to the plot to the story and the pace. It's great every time I reread it and well worth the five stars I've given.
A note about Chaste: As with all of Heyer's romances, there's zero steam. This one has three(!!!) kisses, which I think may be a high water mark, but I don't count that against it.
July 2, 2022
There is no need to review this decades-old delight. If you have read it, you know; if you have not, I urge you to the deed, and with all possible haste; and now I address those whose lips curl at such pedestrian, nay plebeian, entertainments:
The more fool you.
The more fool you.
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June 7, 2025
For my last review of 2020, I've chosen not to catch up on the backlog of the many books I have left to review from this year. Instead, I'm returning to something that's very near and dear to me: a Georgette Heyer, from when I was deep in my late-2018 Heyer phase.
Somehow this has gone unreviewed for the last two years. (Exactly two years, as it happens). Unfortunate, as it's one of my all-time favourites. We have the irrepressible, quick-witted Arabella, a heroine who manages to be a bleeding heart without any of the accompanying cringiness; and with her is Robert Beaumaris, who's smooth and snarky in the style of the best Heyer heroes.
I LOVE the underlying plot. Arabella pretends to be rich to rub it into Robert, who really is rich. He knows the truth, but she doesn't know he knows. None of the ton know the truth, so they swamp her. It's perfectly delightful.
[Blog]
Somehow this has gone unreviewed for the last two years. (Exactly two years, as it happens). Unfortunate, as it's one of my all-time favourites. We have the irrepressible, quick-witted Arabella, a heroine who manages to be a bleeding heart without any of the accompanying cringiness; and with her is Robert Beaumaris, who's smooth and snarky in the style of the best Heyer heroes.
I LOVE the underlying plot. Arabella pretends to be rich to rub it into Robert, who really is rich. He knows the truth, but she doesn't know he knows. None of the ton know the truth, so they swamp her. It's perfectly delightful.
[Blog]
September 5, 2014
Until the ending sequence, the book was 4 stars for me. So many bits and pieces of the book reminded me of Pride and Prejudice in a good way. I was delighted to relive the joy of reading P&P. I love a damsel that's not easily taken in by the hero or faints at the first sight of him. Arabella, though inexperienced and quite innocent, had a sharp mind and acute self-awareness. She guarded her heart well (for good reasons) against the hero's advances. On the other hand, the hero, Mr. Beaumaris, was the most swoon-worthy character I've read in a long time. He had first rate mind and taste, a sharp tongue and elegant address, and superior ability to manipulate the fashionable crowd. Of course his prominent family and wealth also helped to sustain his healthy ego. He's like a more playful version of Mr. Darcy, smoother and a little less responsible, but underneath the proud person was the same heart of gold. He and Arabella made a good match in the game of courtship. Watching them out maneuver and second guess each other was the most entertaining part of the book.
Then came the event toward the end. It totally ruined it for me. Arabella, collected and sensible throughout the whole book, suddenly became silly beyond measure. The scheme she cooked up in her head was so against commonsense and inconsistent with her intellectual level, that I found the whole thing quite idiotic. I can't help but feeling disappointed since there are Georgette Heyer books with much better crafted ending, like The Grand Sophy, Venetia, and Frederica.
3.5 stars.
Then came the event toward the end. It totally ruined it for me. Arabella, collected and sensible throughout the whole book, suddenly became silly beyond measure. The scheme she cooked up in her head was so against commonsense and inconsistent with her intellectual level, that I found the whole thing quite idiotic. I can't help but feeling disappointed since there are Georgette Heyer books with much better crafted ending, like The Grand Sophy, Venetia, and Frederica.
3.5 stars.
June 30, 2016
Enjoyed this book so much I read it again. It think I enjoyed it more the second time around. Great ending! Seriously swoon worthy. And read it a 3rd time.
Content: Clean
Source: Audible
Originally read in October 2015 - Reread in March 2016 & again in June 2016
Content: Clean
Source: Audible
Originally read in October 2015 - Reread in March 2016 & again in June 2016
June 1, 2022
3.5 ☆
My first novel by Georgette Heyer was The Grand Sophy, which aside for a regrettable anti-Semitic component was a great deal of fun because of the irrepressible Sophy. I picked up Arabella wondering whether Heyer had created another memorably intrepid female protagonist.
About 19 or 20 years old, Arabella is the eldest daughter in Reverend Tallant's family, which numbers a staggering ten in total. As the second son of a low-ranked aristocratic family, the vicar is not wealthy and the size of his brood calls for daring efforts to secure their futures. Mrs. Tallant has contrived for her dear friend Lady Arabella Bridlington to sponsor her god-daughter and namesake in a season at London. Beautiful Arabella knows the prospects of her three younger sisters depend on her securing an eligible marital match.
The Tallant family resides in Yorkshire, far enough from London's news and attractions, that the young Tallants are essentially babes in the woods compared with the sophisticates who set the style. But courtesy of a broken carriage, Arabella meets one such trendsetter before she arrives at her godmother's door. Robert Beaumaris is wealthy, handsome, and widely acknowledged as the "Nonpareil" of the ton. He's eligible and he knows it. Despite her remote country origins, Arabella is no fool however for she knows he's out of her league.
But after she overhears him insult her, Arabella's prime character fault - her impetuousity - emboldens her to lie that she's an heiress in hiding. His character flaw, tinged with malice, surfaces in response. Thankfully, the ensuing events are played for gentle comedy instead of melodrama
The two protagonists in Arabella are very different from the counterparts in The Grand Sophy. Provincial Arabella Tallant doesn't have the fierceness of cosmopolitan Sophia Stanton-Lacy unless she comes face to face with someone in dire need; and then her compassion gives her all the zeal of a social reformer. Arabella takes notice of those whom others blatantly ignore in the name of "good manners."
Robert Beaumaris slowly evolves over the course of this novel into someone of more substance. Many of the best speeches arise from his entanglement with of one of Arabella's rescues - a mongrel with "one ear disreputably flying." I was charmed but at the same time I had hoped that the wittiest banter would flow between the two main characters.
One of Arabella's siblings plays truant by arriving in London ready to experience all that the great glittering metropolis offers. He took over a couple of chapters; I had preferred less. And as Heyer demonstrated her command of young males' patois, the dialogue was incomprehensible.
The ending was happy and yet a wee bit disappointing as well . This makes for a very old-school romance between an ingénue and an outwardly perfect hero. I should have expected this from a novel published in 1949, but my expectations had been surpassed by The Grand Sophy. Overall, Arabella is an amusing historical romance but not as hilarious and as gratifying as The Grand Sophy, which had set a high bar.
My first novel by Georgette Heyer was The Grand Sophy, which aside for a regrettable anti-Semitic component was a great deal of fun because of the irrepressible Sophy. I picked up Arabella wondering whether Heyer had created another memorably intrepid female protagonist.
About 19 or 20 years old, Arabella is the eldest daughter in Reverend Tallant's family, which numbers a staggering ten in total. As the second son of a low-ranked aristocratic family, the vicar is not wealthy and the size of his brood calls for daring efforts to secure their futures. Mrs. Tallant has contrived for her dear friend Lady Arabella Bridlington to sponsor her god-daughter and namesake in a season at London. Beautiful Arabella knows the prospects of her three younger sisters depend on her securing an eligible marital match.
The Tallant family resides in Yorkshire, far enough from London's news and attractions, that the young Tallants are essentially babes in the woods compared with the sophisticates who set the style. But courtesy of a broken carriage, Arabella meets one such trendsetter before she arrives at her godmother's door. Robert Beaumaris is wealthy, handsome, and widely acknowledged as the "Nonpareil" of the ton. He's eligible and he knows it. Despite her remote country origins, Arabella is no fool however for she knows he's out of her league.
It was not to be supposed that the haughty Mr. Beaumaris, related as he was to so many noble homes, so distinguished in his bearing, so much courted, and so much pursued, would ever have looked twice at a girl from a country vicarage, with neither fortune nor connections to recommend her to his notice.
But after she overhears him insult her, Arabella's prime character fault - her impetuousity - emboldens her to lie that she's an heiress in hiding. His character flaw, tinged with malice, surfaces in response. Thankfully, the ensuing events are played for gentle comedy instead of melodrama
Mr. Beaumaris, whose besetting sin was thought by many to be his exquisite enjoyment of the ridiculous...
The same delight in the ridiculous which had made him wear a dandelion in his buttonhole for three consecutive days for no better purpose than to enjoy the discomfiture of his misguided friends and copyists made him deeply appreciative of the situation which he now found himself in ...
The two protagonists in Arabella are very different from the counterparts in The Grand Sophy. Provincial Arabella Tallant doesn't have the fierceness of cosmopolitan Sophia Stanton-Lacy unless she comes face to face with someone in dire need; and then her compassion gives her all the zeal of a social reformer. Arabella takes notice of those whom others blatantly ignore in the name of "good manners."
It was fast being borne in upon Last Bridlington that the Reverend Henry Tallant was not only a grave handicap to his daughter's social advancement but a growing menace to her own comfort.
Robert Beaumaris slowly evolves over the course of this novel into someone of more substance. Many of the best speeches arise from his entanglement with of one of Arabella's rescues - a mongrel with "one ear disreputably flying." I was charmed but at the same time I had hoped that the wittiest banter would flow between the two main characters.
One of Arabella's siblings plays truant by arriving in London ready to experience all that the great glittering metropolis offers. He took over a couple of chapters; I had preferred less. And as Heyer demonstrated her command of young males' patois, the dialogue was incomprehensible.
"Felt desperate - shot the cat - felt better - kept on swallowing balls of fire - result, looking as queer as Dick's hatband when I saw him."
The ending was happy and yet a wee bit disappointing as well . This makes for a very old-school romance between an ingénue and an outwardly perfect hero. I should have expected this from a novel published in 1949, but my expectations had been surpassed by The Grand Sophy. Overall, Arabella is an amusing historical romance but not as hilarious and as gratifying as The Grand Sophy, which had set a high bar.
September 2, 2023
2021 Review
TEN YEARS, Y'ALL.
Ten years ago today I finished my first Georgette Heyer novel (aka, this one.) I wish I could say I fell utterly, completely, and totally under her spell from page 1. In reality, as you can see from my first review written with all the pretention of a 17-year-old:
"Though I struggled with giving it two or three stars, I think I will try and find more by this author."
And I did. You might say I never stopped. Though I started a skeptic, once I started reading Heyer I never went back. Little did I guess ten years ago that I was selling my soul to the Queen of Regency. But truly, I did and I have no regrets. Heyer's characters have been my friends, role-models, and obsession ever since.
Arabella fills a weird role in that obsession. I still enjoy the story. And of course, it was my First which gives it some particular status. But I'm not enamored with Mr. Beaumaris the same way I am with say, Alverstoke in Frederica. Beaumaris is alright. Arabella leads him on a merry chase. And at different periods I've liked him more or less. But I do think the star of this novel is Arabella.
And the thing is, she shouldn't be. I mean, she should be because she is the main character. But on paper, talk about an annoying character! She's beautiful, good-hearted, and cares for climbing boys and suffering servants and beaten dogs. Yes, she's impulsive, but since when is impulsiveness a real flaw in these type of books?
Except despite all that: she's not annoying. She's likable. She feels real. She's a young woman thoroughly enjoying her amazing success even while fully conscience that she shouldn't be in the position she is. Perhaps her very youthfulness works as a charm because she doesn't wallow in angst. She might feel self-recriminations and sorrow, but it usually passes after a good night's sleep.
Whatever the reason, I do love Arabella. Not as much as other Heyer heroines. I don't care as much for the younger type. But the fact that I can talk aobut "the younger types," the fact that I can spend hours analyzing the various good and bad points of Heyer heroes and heroines, the fact that some of these books I've got all but memorized, that all started here. A happy anniversary, indeed!
2017 Review - 5 Stars
Breaking from my usual method of leaving reviews and stars untouched and bumping this up to 5 stars because I absolutely love this book. I've worn out my copy re-reading it. It is comfortable and lovely and I still swoon happily over Arabella and Mr. Beaumaris. Never mind this book's imperfections, it is lovely. 17-year-old Amy just wasn't ready for the genius that is Heyer.
2011 Review - 3 Stars
standard Heyer Younger Brother, and he's great, Before going into detail about Arabella , I really should mention the book's author, because it was seeing her picture that first intrigued me into picking up the book. The black and white picture provided by goodreads represents a pretty woman of undeterminable age, unremarkable. Fashionable, maybe of the thirties, wearing a funky WW hat with a feather and fur coat, almost post-flapper. I pictured a character more dramatic and romantic, probably single. Her name seemed to be popping up everywhere, though, so with a bored burst of desperation, I got it from the library.
Arabella is the eldest daughter of a genteel parson and his wife. When a wealthy godmother offers to chaperone her for a season in London, it seems like the perfect opportunity for her to make an advantageous marriage that will make the fortunes of her eight siblings. A carriage accident throws her in the path of the extremely wealthy and arrogant Robert Beaumaris, most sought-after marriage catch in society. After accidently overhearing his disgusted opinion that she is nothing more than a fortune hunter who had contrived a way to find him even in the country, "Bella" impetuously decided to put him in his place by pretending to be an heiress of immense wealth. Things don't go quite as planned....suddenly almost all of fashionable London believes her to be a fabulously wealthy young woman, with fops and rakes, and fortune hunters alike begging for her hand, Bella starts to wonder if she has lost her only chance of happiness in one impetuous moment....
My thoughts went something like that.....
delightfully amusing
a good romp
WHAT THE HECK???
really, quite amusing...
And all that by page 70!
I struggled through most of the book with a mixture of incredulity and intense amusment. The plot was forseeable and was so much like Pride and Prejudice, I kept thinking of my brother's comment after watching the P and P movie:
"Clearly, she didn't have much interation with guys."
In Heyer's defense, though, the characters were the best part of the book. In fact, they were really well done. Arabella could be sickeningly perfect at times, and utterly ridiculous by the end, but you loved her anyway. In fact, she reminded me of Bella from Our Mutual Friend. I espeically liked how she took the information about a season in London. It was believable. She wasn't perfect; she didn't take the information like a little saint, but was believably excited. And conscientious about her attire. She didn't fret over being the belle of the Season, but neither did she sucumb to some horrible evil of society. It was a good balance.
Her part of the romance, though, was slightly unlikely. While I could believe that Mr. Beaumaris fell in love with her for her character, she is repeatedly struck my how handsome he is....and little else. Her opinion of his character doesn't seem to improve much until maybe the very end, and I mean the very end. His actions pretty much saved her from going down in literature as eternally stupid, though I think she was made to sensible at the beginning to find her actions completely believable.
Robert Beaumaris was....amusing. In fact, I think I could have grown attached to his character if it weren't for two hints that he might have kept a mistress at some point. That alone ruined him for me. He was overly rich, spoiled and petted by society, and a great, great deal like Mr. Darcy. But not quite enough. I found his exploits amusing, though the author comparing his falling in love to a hunter stalking his prey was somewhat....disturbing. But over all, he was good enough, though perhaps a little romanticized.
Ms. Heyer, especially at the beginning, seems very fond of....adorning adjetives. There aren't hands, they're "graceful hands". The flowerly language seems to taper off by the end.
I liked Arabella's brother Bertram, who really was well done. It would have been quite easy to dislike his character, but Ms. Heyer does him just enough justice to make enjoyable.
Perhaps the best character, though, is Beaumaris's grandmother. What a character! Really, it is a pity she only got one scene. Between scorning female company, declaring her numerous children to be idiots, and startling even her grandson with her language, she was pretty much the best character xD
Like I said before, my two words for this book are incredulous and amused. Far fetched plot? Yeah. But it was kind of cute too xD Though I struggled with giving it two or three stars, I think I will try and find more by this author.
TEN YEARS, Y'ALL.
Ten years ago today I finished my first Georgette Heyer novel (aka, this one.) I wish I could say I fell utterly, completely, and totally under her spell from page 1. In reality, as you can see from my first review written with all the pretention of a 17-year-old:
"Though I struggled with giving it two or three stars, I think I will try and find more by this author."
And I did. You might say I never stopped. Though I started a skeptic, once I started reading Heyer I never went back. Little did I guess ten years ago that I was selling my soul to the Queen of Regency. But truly, I did and I have no regrets. Heyer's characters have been my friends, role-models, and obsession ever since.
Arabella fills a weird role in that obsession. I still enjoy the story. And of course, it was my First which gives it some particular status. But I'm not enamored with Mr. Beaumaris the same way I am with say, Alverstoke in Frederica. Beaumaris is alright. Arabella leads him on a merry chase. And at different periods I've liked him more or less. But I do think the star of this novel is Arabella.
And the thing is, she shouldn't be. I mean, she should be because she is the main character. But on paper, talk about an annoying character! She's beautiful, good-hearted, and cares for climbing boys and suffering servants and beaten dogs. Yes, she's impulsive, but since when is impulsiveness a real flaw in these type of books?
Except despite all that: she's not annoying. She's likable. She feels real. She's a young woman thoroughly enjoying her amazing success even while fully conscience that she shouldn't be in the position she is. Perhaps her very youthfulness works as a charm because she doesn't wallow in angst. She might feel self-recriminations and sorrow, but it usually passes after a good night's sleep.
Whatever the reason, I do love Arabella. Not as much as other Heyer heroines. I don't care as much for the younger type. But the fact that I can talk aobut "the younger types," the fact that I can spend hours analyzing the various good and bad points of Heyer heroes and heroines, the fact that some of these books I've got all but memorized, that all started here. A happy anniversary, indeed!
2017 Review - 5 Stars
Breaking from my usual method of leaving reviews and stars untouched and bumping this up to 5 stars because I absolutely love this book. I've worn out my copy re-reading it. It is comfortable and lovely and I still swoon happily over Arabella and Mr. Beaumaris. Never mind this book's imperfections, it is lovely. 17-year-old Amy just wasn't ready for the genius that is Heyer.
2011 Review - 3 Stars
standard Heyer Younger Brother, and he's great, Before going into detail about Arabella , I really should mention the book's author, because it was seeing her picture that first intrigued me into picking up the book. The black and white picture provided by goodreads represents a pretty woman of undeterminable age, unremarkable. Fashionable, maybe of the thirties, wearing a funky WW hat with a feather and fur coat, almost post-flapper. I pictured a character more dramatic and romantic, probably single. Her name seemed to be popping up everywhere, though, so with a bored burst of desperation, I got it from the library.
Arabella is the eldest daughter of a genteel parson and his wife. When a wealthy godmother offers to chaperone her for a season in London, it seems like the perfect opportunity for her to make an advantageous marriage that will make the fortunes of her eight siblings. A carriage accident throws her in the path of the extremely wealthy and arrogant Robert Beaumaris, most sought-after marriage catch in society. After accidently overhearing his disgusted opinion that she is nothing more than a fortune hunter who had contrived a way to find him even in the country, "Bella" impetuously decided to put him in his place by pretending to be an heiress of immense wealth. Things don't go quite as planned....suddenly almost all of fashionable London believes her to be a fabulously wealthy young woman, with fops and rakes, and fortune hunters alike begging for her hand, Bella starts to wonder if she has lost her only chance of happiness in one impetuous moment....
My thoughts went something like that.....
delightfully amusing
a good romp
WHAT THE HECK???
really, quite amusing...
And all that by page 70!
I struggled through most of the book with a mixture of incredulity and intense amusment. The plot was forseeable and was so much like Pride and Prejudice, I kept thinking of my brother's comment after watching the P and P movie:
"Clearly, she didn't have much interation with guys."
In Heyer's defense, though, the characters were the best part of the book. In fact, they were really well done. Arabella could be sickeningly perfect at times, and utterly ridiculous by the end, but you loved her anyway. In fact, she reminded me of Bella from Our Mutual Friend. I espeically liked how she took the information about a season in London. It was believable. She wasn't perfect; she didn't take the information like a little saint, but was believably excited. And conscientious about her attire. She didn't fret over being the belle of the Season, but neither did she sucumb to some horrible evil of society. It was a good balance.
Her part of the romance, though, was slightly unlikely. While I could believe that Mr. Beaumaris fell in love with her for her character, she is repeatedly struck my how handsome he is....and little else. Her opinion of his character doesn't seem to improve much until maybe the very end, and I mean the very end. His actions pretty much saved her from going down in literature as eternally stupid, though I think she was made to sensible at the beginning to find her actions completely believable.
Robert Beaumaris was....amusing. In fact, I think I could have grown attached to his character if it weren't for two hints that he might have kept a mistress at some point. That alone ruined him for me. He was overly rich, spoiled and petted by society, and a great, great deal like Mr. Darcy. But not quite enough. I found his exploits amusing, though the author comparing his falling in love to a hunter stalking his prey was somewhat....disturbing. But over all, he was good enough, though perhaps a little romanticized.
Ms. Heyer, especially at the beginning, seems very fond of....adorning adjetives. There aren't hands, they're "graceful hands". The flowerly language seems to taper off by the end.
I liked Arabella's brother Bertram, who really was well done. It would have been quite easy to dislike his character, but Ms. Heyer does him just enough justice to make enjoyable.
Perhaps the best character, though, is Beaumaris's grandmother. What a character! Really, it is a pity she only got one scene. Between scorning female company, declaring her numerous children to be idiots, and startling even her grandson with her language, she was pretty much the best character xD
Like I said before, my two words for this book are incredulous and amused. Far fetched plot? Yeah. But it was kind of cute too xD Though I struggled with giving it two or three stars, I think I will try and find more by this author.
March 3, 2021
Reread March 2021 (4 stars)
Lovely story with some minor issues, but overall well worth the reread!
Read July 2019 (4 stars)
"Arabella" follows a heroine of the same name who is essentially a country bumpkin who grew up in a Vicarage among many brothers and sisters with a moderate fortune. Only when her rich godmother invites her to come stay with her in London does she first venture beyond the bounds of Yorkshire.
On her way there, however, he carriage breaks down outside the hunting lodge of London's best catch and favourite quarry of Society's ladies of marriageable age Mr Beaumaris, who assumes her plight of want of a means of transportation is simply a ruse to get near him. When Arabella overhears this, she contrives to tell him she is an heiress and quite sympathetic to his particular plight. Despite not believing her story for a minute, he finds her amusing and proceeds to spread this ruse around London, thereby - and by repeatedly bestowing his attentions upon her - making her the most sought after lady in London...
Arabella so far has been my least favorite Heyer heroine, simply because her main quality (in her love interest's eyes) seems to be her naiveté and country-bred ignorance of the big city and its customs. While I enjoyed that Arabella often flew in the face of propriety and followed her good heart to save an orphan or a stray dog, I cannot claim to be a fan of a relationship dynamic that is mainly characterized by one partner finding the other adorable beyond belief.
This also leads to me not really liking Beaumaris as a love interest. While Heyer's heroines almost always distinguish themselves by not entirely following the rules of society, in this particular case it seemed almost the entire reason for Beaumaris' regard for her, which I felt was quite unjust. Even when she fights tooth and nail to save an orphan boy, he seems more impressed with her doing so to flaunt societal norms rather than linger on her charitable nature and fundamentally good character that must have been the whole reason for her actions in the first place. Additionally, he plays some very unkind games with her at the end that - while she apparently found them charming - I honestly can't get behind. If you claim to love someone you shouldn't desire them to be in any state of prolonged distress, particularly if you know exactly how to relieve them of it, instead of using it to prove a point.
However, I must say I did quite enjoy the various charitable acts she forced Beaumaris to perform. Especially since this led to his relationship with Ulysses and the conversations between them I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss.
Regardless of the main characters not always being my favourites, I still really enjoyed this novel and laughed out loud several times - which has now brought me firmly to the conclusion that I definitely should remain indoors anytime I pick up a Heyer novel so as not to entirely embarrass myself.
I love the adventures the characters get up to, the witty banter and dialogue and the dry humour all around. As I said, not my favourite, but the bar for Heyer is understandably fairly high after all.
Lovely story with some minor issues, but overall well worth the reread!
Read July 2019 (4 stars)
"Arabella" follows a heroine of the same name who is essentially a country bumpkin who grew up in a Vicarage among many brothers and sisters with a moderate fortune. Only when her rich godmother invites her to come stay with her in London does she first venture beyond the bounds of Yorkshire.
On her way there, however, he carriage breaks down outside the hunting lodge of London's best catch and favourite quarry of Society's ladies of marriageable age Mr Beaumaris, who assumes her plight of want of a means of transportation is simply a ruse to get near him. When Arabella overhears this, she contrives to tell him she is an heiress and quite sympathetic to his particular plight. Despite not believing her story for a minute, he finds her amusing and proceeds to spread this ruse around London, thereby - and by repeatedly bestowing his attentions upon her - making her the most sought after lady in London...
Arabella so far has been my least favorite Heyer heroine, simply because her main quality (in her love interest's eyes) seems to be her naiveté and country-bred ignorance of the big city and its customs. While I enjoyed that Arabella often flew in the face of propriety and followed her good heart to save an orphan or a stray dog, I cannot claim to be a fan of a relationship dynamic that is mainly characterized by one partner finding the other adorable beyond belief.
This also leads to me not really liking Beaumaris as a love interest. While Heyer's heroines almost always distinguish themselves by not entirely following the rules of society, in this particular case it seemed almost the entire reason for Beaumaris' regard for her, which I felt was quite unjust. Even when she fights tooth and nail to save an orphan boy, he seems more impressed with her doing so to flaunt societal norms rather than linger on her charitable nature and fundamentally good character that must have been the whole reason for her actions in the first place. Additionally, he plays some very unkind games with her at the end that - while she apparently found them charming - I honestly can't get behind. If you claim to love someone you shouldn't desire them to be in any state of prolonged distress, particularly if you know exactly how to relieve them of it, instead of using it to prove a point.
However, I must say I did quite enjoy the various charitable acts she forced Beaumaris to perform. Especially since this led to his relationship with Ulysses and the conversations between them I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss.
Regardless of the main characters not always being my favourites, I still really enjoyed this novel and laughed out loud several times - which has now brought me firmly to the conclusion that I definitely should remain indoors anytime I pick up a Heyer novel so as not to entirely embarrass myself.
I love the adventures the characters get up to, the witty banter and dialogue and the dry humour all around. As I said, not my favourite, but the bar for Heyer is understandably fairly high after all.
November 28, 2015
There was a big joke played on me by the powers above, I think, because I picked up this novel without having the slightest of clues that this was Heyer's homage to "Pride and Prejudice." And it wasn't until I was about 70% into the story that I stopped giggling at Beaumaris' amusing conversations with the mongrel Ulysses long enough for the déjà vu to sink in. Wait a tad! I have read this before, haven't I? But by then it was too late: I had already been rereading Austen P&P in parallel for days.
I liked the calm, very simple plotline at the start of the book that brought in the small-town atmosphere of Austen's plots, away from the ton setting that seems like a rule for Regencies. I liked how the Tallant family had a "we're a clan and we support each other even if one amongst us isn't especially sharp" mentality, and act like a real family that's not either dysfunctional or comically messed up for the sake of the leading member, who then gets to be the sensible head amongst them. For Arabella Tallant, our heroine, is not exactly like that.
It's when the plot moved to London that I started to lose interest, at first because of the implausibilities Heyer uses to cause the hero and heroine to meet, and later because of the turns towards the silly that the plot took. Like when Beaumaris and she meet, it's in a circumstance that, frankly, is way too convenient and so contrived that one is tempted to excuse Beaumaris' conviction that the "accident" was staged outside his door in order for the hopeful chit to ensnare him for a husband. Yes, in short, the man is justified in his belief seeing how the accident's circumstances are too convenient to have been a product of chance, and is therefore justified in thinking her a gold-digger. And she makes things worse by lying that no, she isn't one, au contraire, m'sieur, it is she the one sought after by fortune hunters. I can understand she did it out of pride, but it was nonetheless immensurably stupid, for she didn't even stop to think she was going to be presented in society, so whatever false image she created of herself was bound to explode in her face, and besides, if she was wounded by such a remark, could she not have explained her circumstances and even called the man out on his poor manners? That's what Lizzy did with Darcy, who wasn't remotely as justified in his prejudiced first assessment of her like Beaumaris was in his of Arabella. Instead, she has to complicate things by becoming a fraud, and it's only because Beaumaris finds it amusing and decides to play the Big Joke of the Decade on the foolish aristocrats and fops of the ton by lending credibility to her lies, thus protecting her with his reputation, that she's not exposed or ridiculed or humiliated. She got off easy, if you ask me. And her brother as well, thanks to Beaumaris acting the chevalier and paying off the boy's gambling debts and rescuing the silly chit.
I realise this was meant as a comedy, but the easy way all is solved, the lack of consequences, and his flippant attitude about the situation weren't making a positive impression on me. And I'm starting to suspect that such immature lassies appear with frequency in Heyer's novels, particularly because she seems to repeat the formula of sensible and hot older male + silly chit = Regency romance plot a time too many. I barely read 4 or 5 of her novels, and the pattern is already very evident.
The subplot with the stray dog was a funny addition, but I am not sure it was enough to compensate for the plot's deficiencies. With this novel, I came to the conclusion that Heyer's greatest weakness is in characterisation, which is shallow in general but is more keenly noticeable in her women. She also plays fast and loose with plausibility and believability, but that doesn't always bother me because by the very nature and style of her writing, that is: comedic, generally, the story depends on those twists and turns and coincidences at precise points to work and move forward.
I liked the calm, very simple plotline at the start of the book that brought in the small-town atmosphere of Austen's plots, away from the ton setting that seems like a rule for Regencies. I liked how the Tallant family had a "we're a clan and we support each other even if one amongst us isn't especially sharp" mentality, and act like a real family that's not either dysfunctional or comically messed up for the sake of the leading member, who then gets to be the sensible head amongst them. For Arabella Tallant, our heroine, is not exactly like that.
It's when the plot moved to London that I started to lose interest, at first because of the implausibilities Heyer uses to cause the hero and heroine to meet, and later because of the turns towards the silly that the plot took. Like when Beaumaris and she meet, it's in a circumstance that, frankly, is way too convenient and so contrived that one is tempted to excuse Beaumaris' conviction that the "accident" was staged outside his door in order for the hopeful chit to ensnare him for a husband. Yes, in short, the man is justified in his belief seeing how the accident's circumstances are too convenient to have been a product of chance, and is therefore justified in thinking her a gold-digger. And she makes things worse by lying that no, she isn't one, au contraire, m'sieur, it is she the one sought after by fortune hunters. I can understand she did it out of pride, but it was nonetheless immensurably stupid, for she didn't even stop to think she was going to be presented in society, so whatever false image she created of herself was bound to explode in her face, and besides, if she was wounded by such a remark, could she not have explained her circumstances and even called the man out on his poor manners? That's what Lizzy did with Darcy, who wasn't remotely as justified in his prejudiced first assessment of her like Beaumaris was in his of Arabella. Instead, she has to complicate things by becoming a fraud, and it's only because Beaumaris finds it amusing and decides to play the Big Joke of the Decade on the foolish aristocrats and fops of the ton by lending credibility to her lies, thus protecting her with his reputation, that she's not exposed or ridiculed or humiliated. She got off easy, if you ask me. And her brother as well, thanks to Beaumaris acting the chevalier and paying off the boy's gambling debts and rescuing the silly chit.
I realise this was meant as a comedy, but the easy way all is solved, the lack of consequences, and his flippant attitude about the situation weren't making a positive impression on me. And I'm starting to suspect that such immature lassies appear with frequency in Heyer's novels, particularly because she seems to repeat the formula of sensible and hot older male + silly chit = Regency romance plot a time too many. I barely read 4 or 5 of her novels, and the pattern is already very evident.
The subplot with the stray dog was a funny addition, but I am not sure it was enough to compensate for the plot's deficiencies. With this novel, I came to the conclusion that Heyer's greatest weakness is in characterisation, which is shallow in general but is more keenly noticeable in her women. She also plays fast and loose with plausibility and believability, but that doesn't always bother me because by the very nature and style of her writing, that is: comedic, generally, the story depends on those twists and turns and coincidences at precise points to work and move forward.
January 13, 2025
4.5 to 5 stars. A book I first read and loved as a teen, and it's never really gotten old. Amazing. Ms Heyer has such a deft, light touch. Her characterisations are brilliant, including the secondary characters. Bertram's friend Felix, for example, the loyal but inarticulate friend, is hilarious. And you just fall in love with Arabella's whole family, the Tallants. Both parents and children are all so realistically drawn, and so likeable. Even though they only appear directly in the first section of the book, (except for Bertram), you feel like you know them. The scene with Robert's crusty old grandmother is also so well done.
Robert and Arabella are well-suited, and it's a lovely romance, with a funny meet-cute. Robert is a mature man who has never yet met the woman he wants to marry. It's not insta-love by any means. They are both attracted, but it takes a while for them to really 'see' each other, and Robert then falls deeply in love, something he recognises and fully accepts once it's happened. Arabella is a woman of some personal strength and integrity, but she is very young and somewhat naive and impulsive. Robert's patience with her as he woos her is charming.
There are only a few instances in the book where we see (or are given hints of) the deep feelings Arabella is developing for Robert, which is unlike the more recent style of romance writing. However the final scenes, when they finally kiss (!) are very sweet and well worth the wait. The book does end quite suddenly though, which seems to be a common thing in Heyer's books. I would love an epilogue!
As well as the lovely romance, in the book, Heyer also shows her sympathetic awareness of social issues of the Regency period, and the hypocrisy of many in society who chose to close their eyes to the problems, such as the cruel plight of chimney sweep boys.
Overall a wonderful book. Quick and easy to read, and, to use a Heyeresque term, just delightful. One of her best books IMO.
I reread this book for January 2025 HRBC BOTM, 'Age Gap' trope.
Robert and Arabella are well-suited, and it's a lovely romance, with a funny meet-cute. Robert is a mature man who has never yet met the woman he wants to marry. It's not insta-love by any means. They are both attracted, but it takes a while for them to really 'see' each other, and Robert then falls deeply in love, something he recognises and fully accepts once it's happened. Arabella is a woman of some personal strength and integrity, but she is very young and somewhat naive and impulsive. Robert's patience with her as he woos her is charming.
There are only a few instances in the book where we see (or are given hints of) the deep feelings Arabella is developing for Robert, which is unlike the more recent style of romance writing. However the final scenes, when they finally kiss (!) are very sweet and well worth the wait. The book does end quite suddenly though, which seems to be a common thing in Heyer's books. I would love an epilogue!
As well as the lovely romance, in the book, Heyer also shows her sympathetic awareness of social issues of the Regency period, and the hypocrisy of many in society who chose to close their eyes to the problems, such as the cruel plight of chimney sweep boys.
Overall a wonderful book. Quick and easy to read, and, to use a Heyeresque term, just delightful. One of her best books IMO.
I reread this book for January 2025 HRBC BOTM, 'Age Gap' trope.
February 14, 2017
Arabella has been waiting for me to get to it for quite some time. I don’t know if I should be kicking myself for not reading it earlier or be happy for enjoying it this much now. If there ever was a book whose blurb doesn’t do its job then Arabella is that book.
I loved the way Heyer introduced Arabella Tallant’s lovely family, the way they live, how much her parents love each other and their children, the way the impoverished Vicar educated his sons and daughters and so much more, but I didn’t like knowing that she will do something 'impetuos'. The moment she says she is an heiress she knows she made a mistake, but the story went too fast for her to do anything about it.
It is hilarious to see how all those fortune-hunting families are devastated when the Nonpareil gives all his attention to Arabella.
I loved both protagonists. Robert Beaumaris’s way of dealing with Arabella is lovely. The flow of the story is perfect. When the realization hits, you are neither surprised nor angry for waiting too long. It is simply perfect. They actually spend enough time together, getting to know each other better, with a lot of surprises along the way.
I was afraid her brother will hijack the story at one point, but although he did get more than enough pages of his own, in the end it all flawlessly connected with the main story and made sense.
There are so many things I loved in this book.
Arabella is even comforted by an urchin. Now, that encounter is one of the best moments in the story. Up until that moment Robert Beaumaris was amusing himself and falling in love without noticing, but this gave him the perfect opportunity to really see how extraordinarily unbent Arabella is when it comes to justice.
And to make it even better there is Ulysses. The way the dog and Robert Beaumaris adopted each other and the way Robert consulted the animal was beyond lovely.
I loved the way Heyer introduced Arabella Tallant’s lovely family, the way they live, how much her parents love each other and their children, the way the impoverished Vicar educated his sons and daughters and so much more, but I didn’t like knowing that she will do something 'impetuos'. The moment she says she is an heiress she knows she made a mistake, but the story went too fast for her to do anything about it.
It is hilarious to see how all those fortune-hunting families are devastated when the Nonpareil gives all his attention to Arabella.
I loved both protagonists. Robert Beaumaris’s way of dealing with Arabella is lovely. The flow of the story is perfect. When the realization hits, you are neither surprised nor angry for waiting too long. It is simply perfect. They actually spend enough time together, getting to know each other better, with a lot of surprises along the way.
I was afraid her brother will hijack the story at one point, but although he did get more than enough pages of his own, in the end it all flawlessly connected with the main story and made sense.
There are so many things I loved in this book.
Arabella is even comforted by an urchin. Now, that encounter is one of the best moments in the story. Up until that moment Robert Beaumaris was amusing himself and falling in love without noticing, but this gave him the perfect opportunity to really see how extraordinarily unbent Arabella is when it comes to justice.
And to make it even better there is Ulysses. The way the dog and Robert Beaumaris adopted each other and the way Robert consulted the animal was beyond lovely.
June 21, 2025
For some reason the original book didn't come up for me here. I loved this as much as ever and there were some laugh out loud moments for me!
This is my original review,
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is my original review,
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 24, 2020
It was nice to read about Arabella after reading about Judith Taverner in The Regency Buck. I could not help contrasting the two heroines, especially since they were both country bred and were off to London for the first time to make a splash. But whereas Judith comes off as childish and impetuous, Arabella has a more mature personality. Mr. Beaumaris is also a much more pleasant hero than the Earl of Worth.
So the story goes like this: Arabella is the daughter of a country vicar and brought up to be more interested in erudition and kindness than in gossip or fashion. When the time came for her to marry, she was sent off to London to a rich godmother to net a rich man so she could help her brothers and sisters. En route, she is forced to take refuge at a house when her carriage breaks down, and she meets two men, one of them Mr. Beaumaris, who was convinced that Arabella is pursuing him for his wealth. She overhears him saying so to his friend and immediately convinces them that she is wealthy beyond belief. This quickly spreads all over London, and our heroine has to face the repercussions while falling in love with Beaumaris for real.
I really enjoyed this novel. Arabella is innocent but no fool. She refuses to take advantage of her pretensions. Beaumaris is not the 'bored of life' man that is such a cliché in these novels. He is a trendsetter and is enchanted by Arabella's kindness to everyone, irrespective of their circumstances. The two become friends and gradually fall in love with each other. It was very believable too. The supporting characters were interesting as well. Overall, a great fun read!
So the story goes like this: Arabella is the daughter of a country vicar and brought up to be more interested in erudition and kindness than in gossip or fashion. When the time came for her to marry, she was sent off to London to a rich godmother to net a rich man so she could help her brothers and sisters. En route, she is forced to take refuge at a house when her carriage breaks down, and she meets two men, one of them Mr. Beaumaris, who was convinced that Arabella is pursuing him for his wealth. She overhears him saying so to his friend and immediately convinces them that she is wealthy beyond belief. This quickly spreads all over London, and our heroine has to face the repercussions while falling in love with Beaumaris for real.
I really enjoyed this novel. Arabella is innocent but no fool. She refuses to take advantage of her pretensions. Beaumaris is not the 'bored of life' man that is such a cliché in these novels. He is a trendsetter and is enchanted by Arabella's kindness to everyone, irrespective of their circumstances. The two become friends and gradually fall in love with each other. It was very believable too. The supporting characters were interesting as well. Overall, a great fun read!
June 16, 2025
I have been listening to an audiobook read by Gemma Whelan this time. She did it well; her voice and interpretation were very Heyer-ish.
---- My review after the second read: ----
First of all, I think it is the best GH novel (or one of the best) to start an adventure with her books. There were all characteristics:
--> the wit
--> splendid dialogues
--> delicious language (probably incorrect expression but it is how I always feel with GH)
--> thought through characters (it was one of the strongest features of GH stories, she first created characters, then the stories - it is why her books are so brilliant)
--> interesting historical background (some very interesting facts from those times)
--> and questions about more serious issues that often during first reading one doesn't see because one is so strongly gripped by other things.
Why it is a recommended first GH novel to read is a bit hard to explain. I would say it was a lighter version of GH, a bit shorter, but still at her best, purely classic Heyer.
Some specifics I liked the most:
--> the family atmosphere - I only regret that there weren't more scenes like those that were at the beginning
--> how Heyer captured the relationship between highly good and moral father and his children that were also good and wanted to behave so but they also felt overwhelming desire to rebel a little; it was really splendidly captured
--> how she showed the other London - dirty, poor, and often forgotten, she did it without drama (so the reader wasn't wake up from the general atmosphere of the story) but in a way that didn't allow pretend that the other side of London didn't exist or that it wasn't so bad (it was much worse)
--> that she described (through Bertram's story) how some of the young privilege men lived in London and how some of them ended up.
My general outline/summarize:
* Arabella Tallant (17/18) - beautiful, a bit silly/temperamental sometimes but with a big heart
* Robert Beaumaris (30) - handsome, sensible, intelligent, calm, and let's face it - he could be cruel if he wanted, he played with Arabella's lot, he could have ruined her chances if he didn't fell in love with her eventually
--> It was first of all a romance (although the love scenes weren't as great as Heyer was capable to write).
--> The first meeting of the main characters was memorable.
--> Words that I will associate with this novel: 'heiress' and 'Ulysses'.
--> Some other characters (besides two main) really well written: Bertram, Mr Tallant, Lady and Lord Bridlington.
One of the funniest dialogues (although probably a bit rude, politically incorrect):
[By the way, it was my third GH book that I re-read and I fear that all her novels end up with 5-stars on my shelf. I wanted to stay with 4 stars but I simply can't. The longer I think about 'Arabella' the stronger I feel it deserve 5 stars]
---- My review after the second read: ----
First of all, I think it is the best GH novel (or one of the best) to start an adventure with her books. There were all characteristics:
--> the wit
--> splendid dialogues
--> delicious language (probably incorrect expression but it is how I always feel with GH)
--> thought through characters (it was one of the strongest features of GH stories, she first created characters, then the stories - it is why her books are so brilliant)
--> interesting historical background (some very interesting facts from those times)
--> and questions about more serious issues that often during first reading one doesn't see because one is so strongly gripped by other things.
Why it is a recommended first GH novel to read is a bit hard to explain. I would say it was a lighter version of GH, a bit shorter, but still at her best, purely classic Heyer.
Some specifics I liked the most:
--> the family atmosphere - I only regret that there weren't more scenes like those that were at the beginning
--> how Heyer captured the relationship between highly good and moral father and his children that were also good and wanted to behave so but they also felt overwhelming desire to rebel a little; it was really splendidly captured
--> how she showed the other London - dirty, poor, and often forgotten, she did it without drama (so the reader wasn't wake up from the general atmosphere of the story) but in a way that didn't allow pretend that the other side of London didn't exist or that it wasn't so bad (it was much worse)
--> that she described (through Bertram's story) how some of the young privilege men lived in London and how some of them ended up.
My general outline/summarize:
* Arabella Tallant (17/18) - beautiful, a bit silly/temperamental sometimes but with a big heart
* Robert Beaumaris (30) - handsome, sensible, intelligent, calm, and let's face it - he could be cruel if he wanted, he played with Arabella's lot, he could have ruined her chances if he didn't fell in love with her eventually
--> It was first of all a romance (although the love scenes weren't as great as Heyer was capable to write).
--> The first meeting of the main characters was memorable.
--> Words that I will associate with this novel: 'heiress' and 'Ulysses'.
--> Some other characters (besides two main) really well written: Bertram, Mr Tallant, Lady and Lord Bridlington.
One of the funniest dialogues (although probably a bit rude, politically incorrect):
'Have you any brothers?' demanded Mr Beaumaris.
'No,' said Mr Scounthorpe, blinking at him. 'Only child.'
'You relieve my mind. Offer my congratulations to your parents!'
Mr Scunthorpe thought this over, with knit brow, but could make nothing of it. He put Mr Beaumaris right on one point. 'Only one parent,' he said. 'Father died three months after I was born.'
'Very understandable,' said Mr Beaumaris. 'I am astonished the he lingered on for so long....
[By the way, it was my third GH book that I re-read and I fear that all her novels end up with 5-stars on my shelf. I wanted to stay with 4 stars but I simply can't. The longer I think about 'Arabella' the stronger I feel it deserve 5 stars]
December 30, 2024
3.75⭐️ It’s always fun to crack open a Georgette Heyer book. While her stories aren’t as old as Austin’s, there’s a vintage feel to them, like visiting grandma’s house. I can’t help but wonder how many HR authors read her books before writing their own. It’s a master class on the genre.
Anyway, I enjoyed “Arabella” when the story centered around the MFC and not her brother, Bertram. Twenty or so pages were devoted exclusively to his adventures which involved gambling and falling into debt, yada yada. From the first paragraph I knew where his arc was going and how it would resolve.
Arabella, the character, was relatable with a strong moral compass. Robert Beaumaris, who was a shade on the all-knowing, paternalistic side, loved and accepted her for exactly who she was.
Trademark Heyer—the growing attraction was very low key. There were only glimpses into what they felt for each other, which added to the sexual tension. What a pleasure not to be bombarded with He’s/She’s so hot! in every chapter.
I left the best couple for last. Beaumaris and Ulysses!They had off the charts chemistry!
🐾 Who was Robert’s trusted confidant?
🐾 Who lavished Robert with kisses?
🐾 Who slavishly followed Robert wherever he went?
🐾 Who pined and stopped eating for six days when Robert went out of town?
I rest my case. 🥰
Anyway, I enjoyed “Arabella” when the story centered around the MFC and not her brother, Bertram. Twenty or so pages were devoted exclusively to his adventures which involved gambling and falling into debt, yada yada. From the first paragraph I knew where his arc was going and how it would resolve.
Arabella, the character, was relatable with a strong moral compass. Robert Beaumaris, who was a shade on the all-knowing, paternalistic side, loved and accepted her for exactly who she was.
Trademark Heyer—the growing attraction was very low key. There were only glimpses into what they felt for each other, which added to the sexual tension. What a pleasure not to be bombarded with He’s/She’s so hot! in every chapter.
I left the best couple for last. Beaumaris and Ulysses!They had off the charts chemistry!
🐾 Who was Robert’s trusted confidant?
🐾 Who lavished Robert with kisses?
🐾 Who slavishly followed Robert wherever he went?
🐾 Who pined and stopped eating for six days when Robert went out of town?
I rest my case. 🥰
August 9, 2013
I'm on a spree when it comes to Heyer: I went by the library today and picked up five new-to-me Heyer novels. Happyfuntimes. I particularly needed something light yesterday, so Arabella was perfect. I'll confess I wasn't too impressed by the start, and there was a whiff of Pride and Prejudice-ness about it that put me off a bit, but both protagonists grew on me.
I had major embarrassment squick at first, with the silly trick Arabella pulls, but as the novel developed and her kindly nature became clearer, I was ready to forgive her -- and her silly mistake was, of course, pretty justified. I took an instant dislike to Robert Beaumaris, but his behaviour over Jemmy and especially Ulysses won me over. Some of the best giggly bits were Robert's 'conversations' with Ulysses.
In the end, having fallen for both protagonists, I was more than satisfied by the end. Especially because Robert doesn't quite melt into a puddle of goo! I'm a little disappointed Arabella doesn't convince him to do something about Leaky Peg, though... That would make for an amusing scene.
Why I ever disdained reading Georgette Heyer's work, I don't know.
I had major embarrassment squick at first, with the silly trick Arabella pulls, but as the novel developed and her kindly nature became clearer, I was ready to forgive her -- and her silly mistake was, of course, pretty justified. I took an instant dislike to Robert Beaumaris, but his behaviour over Jemmy and especially Ulysses won me over. Some of the best giggly bits were Robert's 'conversations' with Ulysses.
In the end, having fallen for both protagonists, I was more than satisfied by the end. Especially because Robert doesn't quite melt into a puddle of goo! I'm a little disappointed Arabella doesn't convince him to do something about Leaky Peg, though... That would make for an amusing scene.
Why I ever disdained reading Georgette Heyer's work, I don't know.
August 24, 2024
A for narration / A- for content.
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of the large family of a country vicar. When her Godmother offers to bring her out and give her a London season, Arabella’s mother is delighted, and hopeful that Arabella’s beauty will attract a wealthy suitor. The young lady in question is naturally excited at the prospect, and determined to fulfil her mother’s wishes by finding a husband of means who will be able to offer financial assistance to her family.
On the journey from Yorkshire to London, her travelling coach is damaged, and rather than have to sit in the freezing cold while the coachman fetches help, Arabella decides to seek shelter for herself and her companion at the nearest house.
Robert Beaumaris and his friend, Lord Fleetwood, are settling in for a quiet evening when Arabella arrives on the doorstep, and Beaumaris is instantly suspicious. Arabella senses that her host is far from pleased at her sudden appearance, and that it’s only his gentlemanly good manners that are preventing him from sending her about her way. His friend, however is a different matter, and makes her feel welcome.
After freshening up, Arabella is about to re-join the gentlemen when she overhears Beaumaris complain to Fleetwood that he is tired of every single eligible female he encounters setting her cap at him, simply because he’s incredibly wealthy. He explains some of the subterfuges to which some of them have resorted and says he believes Arabella’s arrival to have been no accident, but a carefully planned attempt by yet another gold-digger to entrap him into marriage.
Naturally, Arabella is roused to indignation by such an idea – but instead of berating Beaumaris for entertaining such an insulting supposition, she instead decides to play him at his own game and tells him and Fleetwood how troublesome it is to be a great heiress, and have to bear with the machinations of all the men who are after her vast fortune.
Supposing Beaumaris a mere country gentleman she’s unlikely to meet again, Arabella thinks her little ruse will do no harm. But she hasn’t been in London long before she discovers that her story about her being rich has spread and she really is besieged by suitors keen on availing themselves of her non-existent wealth.
Arabella is horrified at the thought of being assumed to be something she is not. And her mortification is only increased when Beaumaris arrives in London and takes a decided interest in her. At first, he does it in order to cement her position as one of the reigning beauties of the ton – after all, for a young woman to have attracted the notice of one of the leaders of London society, she must be something special – but very soon, he finds himself utterly captivated by her freshness and is paying court to her in earnest. For her part, Arabella is quick to see that he is not at all the haughty, arrogant man she had first believed him to be, and realises she is falling for the funny, kind and generous man she is coming to know. But she can’t possibly allow herself to fall in love with him, because how can she tell him the truth? If she confesses to being penniless, he will think she’s just as bad as all those other women who set their caps at him and will reject her – and that she will not be able to bear.
Arabella is a thoroughly engaging story, full of witty dialogue, colourful secondary characters, and is definitely one of Ms Heyer’s most “romantic” romances. It’s a book I particularly enjoy because of the insight afforded into the development of the central relationship from the hero’s perspective, which isn’t something that occurs very often in her books.
Robert Beaumaris is one of Heyer’s most swoonworthy heroes. He’s somewhat arrogant to start with it’s true, but otherwise, he’s pretty much the perfect romantic hero. Handsome, charming and rich (of course!), he’s also got a very dry sense of humour and an air of confidence and capability about him that is incredibly attractive. Even more adorable is his forbearance with Arabella’s preponderance for picking up strays – whether people or animals. His one-sided and very insightful conversations with the rescued mongrel he names Ulysses are among the high points of the book.
Arabella is young and perhaps a little naïve, but she’s not silly or helpless. She’s willing to stand up for those that are weaker and less fortunate and to fight for what she believes in – and the way she plays Beaumaris at the start of their relationship displays a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humour and a sense of self-awareness that immediately alerts the listener to the fact that in spite of the hero’s greater experience, Arabella is more than capable of holding her own against him. Immediately, we’re shown that in spite of the Beaumaris’ wealth and his greater experience of life, theirs will not be a completely unequal match.
Phyllida Nash really excels in this sort of material, and I enjoyed her performance enormously. She differentiates between the various characters very effectively, and all her characterisations are carefully and appropriately observed. Her melodious speaking voice is naturally deep, so adopting and sustaining a lower pitch for the male characters is absolutely no problem for her, and she also has no trouble going in the opposite direction, and using lighter tones to portray the women. As with any romance, the narrator’s interpretation of the central couple is key, and I found her portrayal of Beaumaris to be particularly satisfying. She skilfully conveys the dry wit and kindness of heart that lurks beneath his aura of world-weariness, his willingness to laugh at himself and the depth of his affection for Arabella. I’ve seen concerns expressed that she sounds too old to be narrating a story with such a young heroine, but I disagree. Ms Nash is an incredibly accomplished actress, and perfectly able to – and does – perform characters of any age convincingly. Moreover, she delivers the narrative stylishly and with an impressive command of the language and sense of period.
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of the large family of a country vicar. When her Godmother offers to bring her out and give her a London season, Arabella’s mother is delighted, and hopeful that Arabella’s beauty will attract a wealthy suitor. The young lady in question is naturally excited at the prospect, and determined to fulfil her mother’s wishes by finding a husband of means who will be able to offer financial assistance to her family.
On the journey from Yorkshire to London, her travelling coach is damaged, and rather than have to sit in the freezing cold while the coachman fetches help, Arabella decides to seek shelter for herself and her companion at the nearest house.
Robert Beaumaris and his friend, Lord Fleetwood, are settling in for a quiet evening when Arabella arrives on the doorstep, and Beaumaris is instantly suspicious. Arabella senses that her host is far from pleased at her sudden appearance, and that it’s only his gentlemanly good manners that are preventing him from sending her about her way. His friend, however is a different matter, and makes her feel welcome.
After freshening up, Arabella is about to re-join the gentlemen when she overhears Beaumaris complain to Fleetwood that he is tired of every single eligible female he encounters setting her cap at him, simply because he’s incredibly wealthy. He explains some of the subterfuges to which some of them have resorted and says he believes Arabella’s arrival to have been no accident, but a carefully planned attempt by yet another gold-digger to entrap him into marriage.
Naturally, Arabella is roused to indignation by such an idea – but instead of berating Beaumaris for entertaining such an insulting supposition, she instead decides to play him at his own game and tells him and Fleetwood how troublesome it is to be a great heiress, and have to bear with the machinations of all the men who are after her vast fortune.
Supposing Beaumaris a mere country gentleman she’s unlikely to meet again, Arabella thinks her little ruse will do no harm. But she hasn’t been in London long before she discovers that her story about her being rich has spread and she really is besieged by suitors keen on availing themselves of her non-existent wealth.
Arabella is horrified at the thought of being assumed to be something she is not. And her mortification is only increased when Beaumaris arrives in London and takes a decided interest in her. At first, he does it in order to cement her position as one of the reigning beauties of the ton – after all, for a young woman to have attracted the notice of one of the leaders of London society, she must be something special – but very soon, he finds himself utterly captivated by her freshness and is paying court to her in earnest. For her part, Arabella is quick to see that he is not at all the haughty, arrogant man she had first believed him to be, and realises she is falling for the funny, kind and generous man she is coming to know. But she can’t possibly allow herself to fall in love with him, because how can she tell him the truth? If she confesses to being penniless, he will think she’s just as bad as all those other women who set their caps at him and will reject her – and that she will not be able to bear.
Arabella is a thoroughly engaging story, full of witty dialogue, colourful secondary characters, and is definitely one of Ms Heyer’s most “romantic” romances. It’s a book I particularly enjoy because of the insight afforded into the development of the central relationship from the hero’s perspective, which isn’t something that occurs very often in her books.
Robert Beaumaris is one of Heyer’s most swoonworthy heroes. He’s somewhat arrogant to start with it’s true, but otherwise, he’s pretty much the perfect romantic hero. Handsome, charming and rich (of course!), he’s also got a very dry sense of humour and an air of confidence and capability about him that is incredibly attractive. Even more adorable is his forbearance with Arabella’s preponderance for picking up strays – whether people or animals. His one-sided and very insightful conversations with the rescued mongrel he names Ulysses are among the high points of the book.
Arabella is young and perhaps a little naïve, but she’s not silly or helpless. She’s willing to stand up for those that are weaker and less fortunate and to fight for what she believes in – and the way she plays Beaumaris at the start of their relationship displays a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humour and a sense of self-awareness that immediately alerts the listener to the fact that in spite of the hero’s greater experience, Arabella is more than capable of holding her own against him. Immediately, we’re shown that in spite of the Beaumaris’ wealth and his greater experience of life, theirs will not be a completely unequal match.
Phyllida Nash really excels in this sort of material, and I enjoyed her performance enormously. She differentiates between the various characters very effectively, and all her characterisations are carefully and appropriately observed. Her melodious speaking voice is naturally deep, so adopting and sustaining a lower pitch for the male characters is absolutely no problem for her, and she also has no trouble going in the opposite direction, and using lighter tones to portray the women. As with any romance, the narrator’s interpretation of the central couple is key, and I found her portrayal of Beaumaris to be particularly satisfying. She skilfully conveys the dry wit and kindness of heart that lurks beneath his aura of world-weariness, his willingness to laugh at himself and the depth of his affection for Arabella. I’ve seen concerns expressed that she sounds too old to be narrating a story with such a young heroine, but I disagree. Ms Nash is an incredibly accomplished actress, and perfectly able to – and does – perform characters of any age convincingly. Moreover, she delivers the narrative stylishly and with an impressive command of the language and sense of period.
April 1, 2016
Well, this book was just so much fun to read!! I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It is well paced and ridiculously diverting. Of course, it has a lot of the ingredients found in Georgette Heyer's (brain candy) regencies, such as a debutante seeking an advantageous marriage, a swoon-worthy hero, trials and tribulations, and a misguided sibling. Blend well and you have a very appealing regency novel. Arabella Tallant arrives in London, fresh from a country vicarage and is shocked by the selfishness of the rich and fashionable. Arabella, also referred to as the "little Tallant", draws our swoon-worthy hero into the rescue of more than one unfortunate creature and this is exactly what makes her so engaging. Mr. Beaumaris, the devilishly handsome Nonpareil, agrees to assist her and bears the resulting disruptions in his life very well. (May I just say here, that should a film adaptation of Arabella be in the works, Richard Armitage would make an excellent Robert Beaumaris!!) Having said that, I adored Arabella, who is not a milksop but rather a kindhearted soul with enough gumption to tackle any injustice she might encounter. Mr. Beaumaris is a trendsetter with pleasing address who I believe loved the ethereal Arabella from the start. Yes, this novel has a hint of Austen's Pride and Prejudice but not enough to diminish my pleasure in reading it. It will be difficult to find a hero I can like better than Robert Beaumaris in Georgette Heyer's novels but I will keep reading them to find out. This story captured my heart because I really liked both hero and heroine for their abundant redeeming qualities. A very worthwhile read!!!
March 31, 2016 reread
Georgette Heyer's wit is dazzling! This is just as yummy the second time around!
Buddy read with my friend, Anne!
March 31, 2016 reread
Georgette Heyer's wit is dazzling! This is just as yummy the second time around!
Buddy read with my friend, Anne!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
This was perfect.❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve only read a few of Heyer’s novels, but I can safely say she’s one of my FAVOURITE authors 🤩🤩🤩
December 10, 2025
The perfect mood for this one~~~~
I don't think this story is objectively 5 stars and it isn't as good ♡ THE MASTERPIECE ♡ but I was in the perfect mood for it~
I devoured this book in almost one sitting and the only reason I had to (very very grudgingly and irritatingly) put it down was because life and stuff.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I don't think this story is objectively 5 stars and it isn't as good ♡ THE MASTERPIECE ♡ but I was in the perfect mood for it~
I devoured this book in almost one sitting and the only reason I had to (very very grudgingly and irritatingly) put it down was because life and stuff.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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March 23, 2024
What a joy after recent reads to fall back on an old favorite that has one of the most lovable and admirable heroines of all of the great Georgette Heyer’s works. Not to mention one of my favorite heroes. I listened to this on Audible and the narration by Gemma Whelan was excellent. When I am asked what my favorite GH regency is, without thinking twice I usually point to this one. Sometimes another, but most likely this one. I believe it may be the first one I ever read back when I was probably 12 or 13. I am proud of my tween self, too used to the obvious romance and strict formula of gothic romance, for pushing through the strange words and mannered sentence structure and so much else, to recognize the sheer brilliance and entertainment value of Georgette Heyer. I became a lifelong devotee and gobbled up the rest of her books like candy.
I won’t go into the plot too much because it’s really not all that important. Heyer’s genius is the world she builds, her wit, her comedy, and her characters. Particularly her secondary characters. The setting is my favorite of the several that GH usually uses. It’s not a road trip, in an Inn, or at a country estate. It is set in the glittery world of London at the height of the season where the elite of society engage in all manner of entertainments and activities with an eye to marrying off their daughters to eligible bachelors who, in turn, need an heir to carry on their line.
Our heroine, Arabella, a country vicar’s daughter, is sent to London to be brought out by her society matron Godmother. On her way to that great city, she meets Robert Beaumaris when she is forced to ask for shelter at his hunting box due to a carriage breakdown. Mr. Beaumaris is the richest, most admired, and feted Corinthian in the land and is constantly being pursued by hopeful young females. He assumes that Arabella is one of their ilk and she overhears him explaining this to his guest Lord Fleetwood. Being a girl of spirit, she is mightily offended and is goaded to portray herself as a fabulously wealthy heiress to disabuse him of his false assumption and to teach him a lesson.
Of course, he sees right through her and it amuses him to make her the belle of the season which he can do by merely not looking bored in her presence.
Because of Mr. Beaumaris's flattering attentions, Arabella’s season fast becomes a success beyond her wildest dreams. When she and her Godmother become aware that the whole of London believes her to be fabulously wealthy, it certainly explains why gazetted fortune hunters are hanging around a poor vicar’s daughter. Arabella, whose conscience is finely honed thanks to her upbringing, feels terribly guilty and to make matters more awkward, she is falling for the sophisticated Mr. Beaumaris. She can’t bear to tell him what a lying silly fool she was. Not to mention his power, with a glance, to squash all of her popularity and her mother's hopes of her attracting an eligible suitor. As for Mr. Beaumaris, much to his bemusement, he unexpectedly finds himself wound around her little finger. He has grown to realize that not only is Arabella beautiful and unspoiled, but she is a person of great moral and physical courage. In short, the girl he has been looking for all of his life. The scenes where Arabella, in his presence, rescues a chimney sweep from his cruel master and routs a gang of boys torturing a dirty mongrel, are two of the most entertaining and heartwarming scenes in all of Heyer. The scenes in which the cool and sophisticated Mr. Beaumaris agrees to provide each of these unattractive unfortunates with safe havens and their subsequent effect on his formerly peaceful home (and him) follow close behind.
The delights of this book are many. Some of my favorites other than those mentioned above, are:
The scenes with Arabella’s large and loving family at the beginning and Mr. Beaumaris’ description of his visit to her family to ask permission for her hand at the end.
Arabella, her sister, and her mother’s preparations to ensure Arabella is not viewed as a country bumpkin when she is introduced to society. And Arabella’s astonishment and secret amusement at the irony when Mr. Beaumaris compliments her on setting an example of taste and modesty in her jewelry and attire that her fellow debutantes are trying to copy.
Mr. Beaumaris's conversations with Ulysses, the rescued mutt that immediately becomes slavishly devoted to him. Heyer’s detailed descriptions of Ulysses’s behavior make him one of the most entertaining characters in the book. The author’s lifelong love and knowledge of dogs shines through.
When the book takes a long side trip to deal with the cautionary tale of Arabella’s brother Bertram’s arrival in London, I resented, in the past, the time away from Arabella’s adventures and romance. But this time, thanks to the narration, many of the scenes of Bertram’s descent into danger and probable disgrace were highlights. His desperation in trying to gamble his way out of debt in an exclusive gaming house playing at a table banked by none other than "The Nonpareil" himself. And Beaumaris’s dilemma as to how to handle the situation. And Arabella braving the squalor and danger of the most poverty-stricken area of London to rescue him. Leaky Peg! Quattern Sue! (and her gin-drinking baby!)
In thinking about Arabella, I wonder whom of Georgette Heyer's many wonderful heroines would take on the salvation of dirty climbing boys, abused horses, mangy curs, sick parlor maids, or slatternly prostitutes. That is, should they be so unhappy as to come across them, as Arabella does, of course. At the end of the book, I took a minute to envision Arabella’s and Robert’s future life beyond the pages of the book. As well as a devoted society wife and mother, I am convinced she will become a famous philanthropist and a great lady responsible for the betterment of the unfortunates of society. But in large ways as well as small. In this, she will be ably assisted by her husband who, though not getting his hands dirty, will unfailingly support and defend her against the disapproval of their peers with his great wealth and influence. Perhaps he will even run for office with Arabella’s persistent encouragement?
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
I won’t go into the plot too much because it’s really not all that important. Heyer’s genius is the world she builds, her wit, her comedy, and her characters. Particularly her secondary characters. The setting is my favorite of the several that GH usually uses. It’s not a road trip, in an Inn, or at a country estate. It is set in the glittery world of London at the height of the season where the elite of society engage in all manner of entertainments and activities with an eye to marrying off their daughters to eligible bachelors who, in turn, need an heir to carry on their line.
Our heroine, Arabella, a country vicar’s daughter, is sent to London to be brought out by her society matron Godmother. On her way to that great city, she meets Robert Beaumaris when she is forced to ask for shelter at his hunting box due to a carriage breakdown. Mr. Beaumaris is the richest, most admired, and feted Corinthian in the land and is constantly being pursued by hopeful young females. He assumes that Arabella is one of their ilk and she overhears him explaining this to his guest Lord Fleetwood. Being a girl of spirit, she is mightily offended and is goaded to portray herself as a fabulously wealthy heiress to disabuse him of his false assumption and to teach him a lesson.
She contrived, without precisely making so vulgar a boast, to convey the impression that she was escaping from courtships so persistent as to amount to persecution; and Mr Beaumaris, listening with intense pleasure, said that London was the very place for anyone desirous of escaping attention.
Of course, he sees right through her and it amuses him to make her the belle of the season which he can do by merely not looking bored in her presence.
Because of Mr. Beaumaris's flattering attentions, Arabella’s season fast becomes a success beyond her wildest dreams. When she and her Godmother become aware that the whole of London believes her to be fabulously wealthy, it certainly explains why gazetted fortune hunters are hanging around a poor vicar’s daughter. Arabella, whose conscience is finely honed thanks to her upbringing, feels terribly guilty and to make matters more awkward, she is falling for the sophisticated Mr. Beaumaris. She can’t bear to tell him what a lying silly fool she was. Not to mention his power, with a glance, to squash all of her popularity and her mother's hopes of her attracting an eligible suitor. As for Mr. Beaumaris, much to his bemusement, he unexpectedly finds himself wound around her little finger. He has grown to realize that not only is Arabella beautiful and unspoiled, but she is a person of great moral and physical courage. In short, the girl he has been looking for all of his life. The scenes where Arabella, in his presence, rescues a chimney sweep from his cruel master and routs a gang of boys torturing a dirty mongrel, are two of the most entertaining and heartwarming scenes in all of Heyer. The scenes in which the cool and sophisticated Mr. Beaumaris agrees to provide each of these unattractive unfortunates with safe havens and their subsequent effect on his formerly peaceful home (and him) follow close behind.
The delights of this book are many. Some of my favorites other than those mentioned above, are:
The scenes with Arabella’s large and loving family at the beginning and Mr. Beaumaris’ description of his visit to her family to ask permission for her hand at the end.
Arabella, her sister, and her mother’s preparations to ensure Arabella is not viewed as a country bumpkin when she is introduced to society. And Arabella’s astonishment and secret amusement at the irony when Mr. Beaumaris compliments her on setting an example of taste and modesty in her jewelry and attire that her fellow debutantes are trying to copy.
Mr. Beaumaris's conversations with Ulysses, the rescued mutt that immediately becomes slavishly devoted to him. Heyer’s detailed descriptions of Ulysses’s behavior make him one of the most entertaining characters in the book. The author’s lifelong love and knowledge of dogs shines through.
Chase that cur out of here, Joe! …‘Do nothing of the sort, Joe!’ interrupted Mr Beaumaris.
‘Is he yours sir?’ gasped the landlord.
‘Certainly he is mine. A rare specimen: his family tree would surprise you!’
When the book takes a long side trip to deal with the cautionary tale of Arabella’s brother Bertram’s arrival in London, I resented, in the past, the time away from Arabella’s adventures and romance. But this time, thanks to the narration, many of the scenes of Bertram’s descent into danger and probable disgrace were highlights. His desperation in trying to gamble his way out of debt in an exclusive gaming house playing at a table banked by none other than "The Nonpareil" himself. And Beaumaris’s dilemma as to how to handle the situation. And Arabella braving the squalor and danger of the most poverty-stricken area of London to rescue him. Leaky Peg! Quattern Sue! (and her gin-drinking baby!)
In thinking about Arabella, I wonder whom of Georgette Heyer's many wonderful heroines would take on the salvation of dirty climbing boys, abused horses, mangy curs, sick parlor maids, or slatternly prostitutes. That is, should they be so unhappy as to come across them, as Arabella does, of course. At the end of the book, I took a minute to envision Arabella’s and Robert’s future life beyond the pages of the book. As well as a devoted society wife and mother, I am convinced she will become a famous philanthropist and a great lady responsible for the betterment of the unfortunates of society. But in large ways as well as small. In this, she will be ably assisted by her husband who, though not getting his hands dirty, will unfailingly support and defend her against the disapproval of their peers with his great wealth and influence. Perhaps he will even run for office with Arabella’s persistent encouragement?
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
November 30, 2009
The only parts I really liked were where the hero has very involved talks with his ugly dog.
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