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Nancy's Theory of Style
She's the girl you love to hate because she has it all--looks, wealth, status, and far too much self-confidence. So when snooty young Nancy Carrington-Chambers flees her hardworking, but "not fabulous enough" husband for a chic San Francisco apartment and starts an event planning company, Froth, everyone is hoping for her to fall on her face and finally learn a lesson.
She hires the perfect assistant--Derek is gorgeous, British, and gay. He listens attentively to her opinions on fashion and people. Together they know they can turn society's dreariest gala into the most exciting party of the year. Nancy's quest for a perfectly stylish life is derailed by her growing attraction to Derek and the arrival of her irresponsible cousin's child on her doorstep. The child insists on wearing capes and can't understand basic fashion rules such as "Less is more."
Nancy's life begins to change in ways she'd never imagined. But she discovers too late that her husband isn't as complacent as he seemed and her carefully constructed world crashes down all at once. Nancy learns that real style takes risks, but is she willing to give up everything she values for those she's come to love?
She hires the perfect assistant--Derek is gorgeous, British, and gay. He listens attentively to her opinions on fashion and people. Together they know they can turn society's dreariest gala into the most exciting party of the year. Nancy's quest for a perfectly stylish life is derailed by her growing attraction to Derek and the arrival of her irresponsible cousin's child on her doorstep. The child insists on wearing capes and can't understand basic fashion rules such as "Less is more."
Nancy's life begins to change in ways she'd never imagined. But she discovers too late that her husband isn't as complacent as he seemed and her carefully constructed world crashes down all at once. Nancy learns that real style takes risks, but is she willing to give up everything she values for those she's come to love?
362 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2010
239 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Marta Acosta
22 books568 followersMarta Acosta lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a feral reader, roaming the stacks of the public library.
She received a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Stanford University and has written for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, and Spaces Magazine.
Marta lives with her husband, spawn, and their crazy dogs. An avid gardener, she likes independent films, funny novels, loud music and lively conversations.
She’s always happy to hear from readers, even the ones who point out typos.
She received a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Stanford University and has written for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, and Spaces Magazine.
Marta lives with her husband, spawn, and their crazy dogs. An avid gardener, she likes independent films, funny novels, loud music and lively conversations.
She’s always happy to hear from readers, even the ones who point out typos.
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March 25, 2016I'm at 10% in this book, it has been torture to read. The verbal snobbery, weird phrases, waste of money, the desperate attempt by the author to make this character seem so upper class is ridiculous. I've known old money people and they were never so outlandish. Cripey, I haven't even seen bad soap TV stars act this idiotic.
I read the reviews, most say if you can make it through the first 50% the second half is pretty good ? I am debating on reading one more paragraph. Is the second half good enough to read this this muck ? I just answered my own question. Thank you inner dialog !
I am quitting this before I waste anymore precious time. Good bye Nancy, and your over stated excellent sense of style. Time to put my comfy pants on and get real with some lower class characters.
I read the reviews, most say if you can make it through the first 50% the second half is pretty good ? I am debating on reading one more paragraph. Is the second half good enough to read this this muck ? I just answered my own question. Thank you inner dialog !
I am quitting this before I waste anymore precious time. Good bye Nancy, and your over stated excellent sense of style. Time to put my comfy pants on and get real with some lower class characters.
June 17, 2010
What a wonderful summer read! This is smart chic lit with twists, turns and strange discoveries. While the people and situations may seem far fetched or those of a class few actually belong to, it is very relatable and touching to all.
When we meet Nancy Carrington-Chambers she is spoiled, picky, rich and hard to like. She lives to control those around her and, when she can't, runs away to something safer and easy to manage. When she leaves her husband for a break and to help launch her party planning company, Froth, her husband agrees to hire her an assistant. This assistant ends up being exactly what she has always wanted: a classy, suave, handsome gay Englishman. They work wonderfully together and, when Nancy's flighty, selfish cousin Birdie drops her daughter off with Nancy, they adapt to this new creature. In no time, Nancy, Derek (the gay English assistant) and Eugenia (the four year old creature now inhabiting Nancy's walk in closet)are forming a strong, if strange family. But what happens when everything is turned on its head and secrets are reveled that will change this happy existence? Can Nancy survive in a new, less-than-fabulous world?
Anyone who enjoys chic lit or fun fiction will love this book.
When we meet Nancy Carrington-Chambers she is spoiled, picky, rich and hard to like. She lives to control those around her and, when she can't, runs away to something safer and easy to manage. When she leaves her husband for a break and to help launch her party planning company, Froth, her husband agrees to hire her an assistant. This assistant ends up being exactly what she has always wanted: a classy, suave, handsome gay Englishman. They work wonderfully together and, when Nancy's flighty, selfish cousin Birdie drops her daughter off with Nancy, they adapt to this new creature. In no time, Nancy, Derek (the gay English assistant) and Eugenia (the four year old creature now inhabiting Nancy's walk in closet)are forming a strong, if strange family. But what happens when everything is turned on its head and secrets are reveled that will change this happy existence? Can Nancy survive in a new, less-than-fabulous world?
Anyone who enjoys chic lit or fun fiction will love this book.
July 5, 2019
Kindle edition.
I expected this to be more 'comical' than it actually was. In fact its not very 'funny ha-ha' at all. Instead I found it thought-provoking and somehow rather sad at times.
It was the cover that drew me to this novel - simple and elegant and very 'perfect' (and it was free to download at the time.) At first I was a little unsure about the writing. It seemed very 'distant' but then it all made sense and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and eager to find out how it ended.
A lovely, somewhat sad tale, about 'how the other half' live. Yes, some of it was a tad overdone but this was enjoyable and readable and I finished it with a sense of having read something just that little bit special.
I expected this to be more 'comical' than it actually was. In fact its not very 'funny ha-ha' at all. Instead I found it thought-provoking and somehow rather sad at times.
It was the cover that drew me to this novel - simple and elegant and very 'perfect' (and it was free to download at the time.) At first I was a little unsure about the writing. It seemed very 'distant' but then it all made sense and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and eager to find out how it ended.
A lovely, somewhat sad tale, about 'how the other half' live. Yes, some of it was a tad overdone but this was enjoyable and readable and I finished it with a sense of having read something just that little bit special.
May 17, 2010
Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith
Contemporary Romance- Chick Lit- May 18th, 2010
5 stars
Nancy's Theory of Style is a must read! This is the perfect feel good book for the summer. It is certainly one destined for my keeper shelf. If I could grade it more than 5 stars I would!
Usually contemporary or chick lit books are not my 1st choice. This is because the relationship and the dialogue have to be strong or I quickly lose interest. In paranormal or suspense romances at least there is the mystery or `magic' to keep me intrigued even if the main characters do not. But Grace Coopersmith has succeeded in writing a book that has a surprisingly poignant romance and witty dialogue that kept me in eager anticipation of what funny thing the main character would say or do next!
Nancy has the perfect life. She looks good, has money and a husband most women would envy. So why does she feel her perfect life is draining her? She decides to take a `break' from her husband. Now she can finally start the event business she always wanted. Unfortunately, her father and husband never felt she was serious. Her first step is to find an impeccable assistant. When she giddily hires the urbane Derek she knows she will be a success. As Nancy stumbles through each zany adventure she finds a strength and sense of purpose that she didn't know she had.
The wonderful thing about this book is how it slowly grows on you. Nancy is a rich socialite. And at first glance she seems like the typical blonde who is more concerned about her looks and status than other people and their misfortune. But as I grew to know Nancy, I grew to love her and so did her love interest. Nancy's personality is effervescent. She is like champagne, but instead of tickling your nose she tickles your funny bone and keeps you happily drunk on her view of life! (It reminded me of a modern day Georgette Heyer novel.)
On the surface this story is a funny, lighthearted and frothy read. As I mentioned earlier, Nancy does have rare style and grace. Her entertaining and outrageous personality carry this book! But Nancy also has unplumbed depths. I was surprised how invested I became in Nancy's struggles. Her growing pains as she realized who her real friends are and what really counts in life were very emotional. Although Grace Coopersmith cleverly disguises this story as a light chick lit, I found it a far deeper story. I was enthralled at Nancy's fortitude and courage as she finds both real love and herself. This book was empowering and uplifting. It kept a smile on my face long after I finished it. I can only hope Nancy's adventures continue!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
November 5, 2010
The Good Stuff
* absolutely positively delightful and fun
* Great dialogue
* Wacky characters
* You wont want to put it down you will be having so much fun
* Nancy comes across at first as a total flake, but she is a flake with heart and compassion and knows when to do the right thing
* Milagro is in it briefly -- I love that quirky lady
* Grace Coopersmith is the pen name for Marta Acosta who writes the Casa Dracula books and owner of the fabulous blog Vampirewire -- and she really is cool for an American (said in the voice of Bruce the Shark from Finding Nemo) - this is also a joke since I love American's (and cuz I know you are going to save our ass' in case of killer meteors, aliens, ice age, etc)
* Fluff but with intelligence and humour
The Not so Good Stuff
* Nancy is so rich, annoying and clueless at first, its hard to like her -- but don't let that get you, you will end of liking her despite yourself
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Oh, that naive American dream that a house can bring happiness and fulfillment."
"Continue to hope. I always thought you should be with someone who got your humour and realized that when you seem to be joking, you're serious, and when you seem to be serious, you're joking."
"Nancy preferred children in magazines to the tantrum-throwing, nose-picking, noisome three-dimensional versions."
"Will your heart break when he realizes that no matter how assiduously he tends the garden, a penis will not sprout from your nether regions."
What I Learned
* I soo want a hot "gay" assistant
* That I must stop reading funny books on the bus, because when I snort with laughter, people stop and stare
* Nancy would have a lot of work to do on me in terms of fashion and well pretty much everything else, but I woud still love her
Who should/shouldn't read
* Those who enjoy chick-lit
* Smart women who already read and love Marta Acosta
* I'm thinking Natasha will not like
* I really think fans of Bridget Jones and Sophie Kinsella will also like
4 Dewey's
I received this book from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review
* absolutely positively delightful and fun
* Great dialogue
* Wacky characters
* You wont want to put it down you will be having so much fun
* Nancy comes across at first as a total flake, but she is a flake with heart and compassion and knows when to do the right thing
* Milagro is in it briefly -- I love that quirky lady
* Grace Coopersmith is the pen name for Marta Acosta who writes the Casa Dracula books and owner of the fabulous blog Vampirewire -- and she really is cool for an American (said in the voice of Bruce the Shark from Finding Nemo) - this is also a joke since I love American's (and cuz I know you are going to save our ass' in case of killer meteors, aliens, ice age, etc)
* Fluff but with intelligence and humour
The Not so Good Stuff
* Nancy is so rich, annoying and clueless at first, its hard to like her -- but don't let that get you, you will end of liking her despite yourself
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Oh, that naive American dream that a house can bring happiness and fulfillment."
"Continue to hope. I always thought you should be with someone who got your humour and realized that when you seem to be joking, you're serious, and when you seem to be serious, you're joking."
"Nancy preferred children in magazines to the tantrum-throwing, nose-picking, noisome three-dimensional versions."
"Will your heart break when he realizes that no matter how assiduously he tends the garden, a penis will not sprout from your nether regions."
What I Learned
* I soo want a hot "gay" assistant
* That I must stop reading funny books on the bus, because when I snort with laughter, people stop and stare
* Nancy would have a lot of work to do on me in terms of fashion and well pretty much everything else, but I woud still love her
Who should/shouldn't read
* Those who enjoy chick-lit
* Smart women who already read and love Marta Acosta
* I'm thinking Natasha will not like
* I really think fans of Bridget Jones and Sophie Kinsella will also like
4 Dewey's
I received this book from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review
May 18, 2010
I heart Nancy.
I was sitting here wondering when I could get my hands on the next book in the Casa Dracula series and here it was on my nightstand for a week! I started reading Nancy's Theory of Style and by the fourth chapter when a certain character named Milagro appeared and I knew I had heard Nancy's name before, except I remember her as "Fancy Nancy". Nancy is of course Milagro's former roommate from college in the Casa Dracula series and her one liners are so snarky and special you will want to claim them as your own. Heck, half of the lines in this book would make witty comebacks that you should file away in your little black book of quotes. Of course, the book should be from Prada and in subtle carmel shade according to Nancy. The writing just sparkles and the humor jumps off the page.
This is THE book for summer! The plot has enough twists and turns to keep it from being typical chick lit, yet still leaves you feeling good. Even though you should probably hate Nancy for being so superficial, you have to love the fact that she grows and becomes someone that is responsible when all of those around her seem to fail at that quality. There are so many little plot details in this book that elevate it from the usual summer fare.
Stop by my blog to read the interview with "Grace" and enter to win a copy!
I was sitting here wondering when I could get my hands on the next book in the Casa Dracula series and here it was on my nightstand for a week! I started reading Nancy's Theory of Style and by the fourth chapter when a certain character named Milagro appeared and I knew I had heard Nancy's name before, except I remember her as "Fancy Nancy". Nancy is of course Milagro's former roommate from college in the Casa Dracula series and her one liners are so snarky and special you will want to claim them as your own. Heck, half of the lines in this book would make witty comebacks that you should file away in your little black book of quotes. Of course, the book should be from Prada and in subtle carmel shade according to Nancy. The writing just sparkles and the humor jumps off the page.
This is THE book for summer! The plot has enough twists and turns to keep it from being typical chick lit, yet still leaves you feeling good. Even though you should probably hate Nancy for being so superficial, you have to love the fact that she grows and becomes someone that is responsible when all of those around her seem to fail at that quality. There are so many little plot details in this book that elevate it from the usual summer fare.
Stop by my blog to read the interview with "Grace" and enter to win a copy!
May 14, 2010
Nancy Carrington-Chambers had everything a woman could dream of…the perfect life and rich husband. So then, why is Nancy leaving her life behind? Nancy packs up her things and moves into her San Francisco apartment to focus on her event planning business, Froth.
Nancy can’t run her business successfully without an assistant. She hires Derek Catheart. Derek is British and gay. Which is such a bummer as Nancy feels an attraction to Derek. As if Nancy needs any more upheavals in her life, her cousin leaves her daughter, Eugenia at Nancy’s doorstep. Can Nancy, Derek and Eugenia make a family together?
If you think the book cover for this book is good, then you have will be in for a treat. Nancy’s Theory of Style is a laugh out loud read! You don’t want to miss this book…whether you are commuting to work, taking a road trip or heading to the beach. Nancy is a hoot. If she was real, I would be friends with her. At first I thought that Nancy was going to be spoiled and one dimensional but instead Nancy turned out to be very smart, savvy, and funny and had a nice heart. Derek is a girl’s best friend. It was too bad he was gay. He and Nancy worked well together. Eugenia was much wiser beyond her years. I can’t wait to see what Grace Coppersmith had in store next. Whatever it is you can bet I will be checking it out.
Nancy can’t run her business successfully without an assistant. She hires Derek Catheart. Derek is British and gay. Which is such a bummer as Nancy feels an attraction to Derek. As if Nancy needs any more upheavals in her life, her cousin leaves her daughter, Eugenia at Nancy’s doorstep. Can Nancy, Derek and Eugenia make a family together?
If you think the book cover for this book is good, then you have will be in for a treat. Nancy’s Theory of Style is a laugh out loud read! You don’t want to miss this book…whether you are commuting to work, taking a road trip or heading to the beach. Nancy is a hoot. If she was real, I would be friends with her. At first I thought that Nancy was going to be spoiled and one dimensional but instead Nancy turned out to be very smart, savvy, and funny and had a nice heart. Derek is a girl’s best friend. It was too bad he was gay. He and Nancy worked well together. Eugenia was much wiser beyond her years. I can’t wait to see what Grace Coppersmith had in store next. Whatever it is you can bet I will be checking it out.
November 19, 2024
Never having read anything by author Marta Acosta, and this being her first foray under the pseudonym Grace Coopersmith, I had no idea what to expect from Nancy's Theory of Style. Since humor is a common hallmark of chick lit novels it wasn't the abundance of it here that caught me by surprise. What did, however, was the brand of funny put forth by the novel.
Nancy is an utterly unique and delightfully refreshing character. Her behavior and speech is often ridiculous and, the majority of the time, she's fully aware of that fact. Her way of viewing the world may be flawed as her story begins, but it's so much fun to watch her take on life. The development of her new relationships with her niece/cousin Eugenia and her new assistant/love interest Derek add touching notes to this captivating story of a women in transition...
To continue reading this review visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
Nancy is an utterly unique and delightfully refreshing character. Her behavior and speech is often ridiculous and, the majority of the time, she's fully aware of that fact. Her way of viewing the world may be flawed as her story begins, but it's so much fun to watch her take on life. The development of her new relationships with her niece/cousin Eugenia and her new assistant/love interest Derek add touching notes to this captivating story of a women in transition...
To continue reading this review visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
August 23, 2010
Small trivia: Grace Coopermsith is the pen name of Marta Acosta.
If you are a fan of her Casa Dracula books then you are familiar with Nancy. Let's just say that she is someone I avoid because of all the perfection and rules about social etiquette and what-not. But I love this girl, despite her high standards, use of fancy words, and elaborate ridiculousness about flowers and stuff; I can actually relate to her. She's hilarious and has a strong personality. So imagine her with a gay English assistant and baby sitting her irresponsible cousin's 4 year old daughter. The ideas are endless, I tell you.
If you are a fan of her Casa Dracula books then you are familiar with Nancy. Let's just say that she is someone I avoid because of all the perfection and rules about social etiquette and what-not. But I love this girl, despite her high standards, use of fancy words, and elaborate ridiculousness about flowers and stuff; I can actually relate to her. She's hilarious and has a strong personality. So imagine her with a gay English assistant and baby sitting her irresponsible cousin's 4 year old daughter. The ideas are endless, I tell you.
August 27, 2010
This book is a must read, I found myself laughing out loud at the situations Nancy (the main character) found herself in. The book also touches on real scenarios that we all at one point have encountered that leads us to personal growth. It's touching, funny, witty with elements of style weaved into the story. The author is a master of creating a great story with a message. I found myself rooting for Nancy and I was left with wanting to read more about this character when the book ended...Hope fully there will be a part two!!
January 16, 2022
I read the Kindle ebook with the updated cover and thought it was a relatively new book. I'm surprised that it was written much earlier with a different title. I thorough enjoyed this book after progressing 15% into it and then I stayed up until 4 am to finish it. At first, I disliked the vapid main character, but the writing style drew me. The dialogue is funny with a farcical, fast clip that reminded me of P.G. Wodehouse. The story is ludicrous and heartwarming at the same time. A good lighthearted romantic comedy.
December 4, 2012
This is one of those one dimensional books where the good characters are sickeningly good and the bad characters are all horrible. The writing is poor and the depth of the characters thus far is about as deep as a coat of paint. The transition from one chapter to the next makes no sense--several years have actually passed by from the previous chapter but there is no indication of time passing until midway through the second chapter. I'm on about page 30 and have thrown in the towel.
August 18, 2023
Ending was terrific
The book started well. Nancy is a flawed but lovable heroine with an obsession for style. I was getting little sick of the dumb moves she kept making regarding her personal life. But there are reasons for her skewed values based in her dysfunctional family (and alcoholic mother). The author is a good enough writer that she kept me reading and I was happy I did when I got to the ending. She wrapped everything up beautifully.
The book started well. Nancy is a flawed but lovable heroine with an obsession for style. I was getting little sick of the dumb moves she kept making regarding her personal life. But there are reasons for her skewed values based in her dysfunctional family (and alcoholic mother). The author is a good enough writer that she kept me reading and I was happy I did when I got to the ending. She wrapped everything up beautifully.
August 12, 2016
Enjoyable! I became frustrated with the main character somewhere around the middle, but then I realized she was a perfectly normal, flawed individual, and I saw her through clearer eyes. It is always fun to live in a different lifestyle for a few hours, and I found the plot delightful. Full of anticipation and flirty fun moments.
October 19, 2019
A simple romance
Loved having a book go in depth into the life of Millagro’s best friend Nancy from Acosta’s other series. Fancy Nancy planned the perfect life for herself until she realized perfect was unattainable. Love is messy and real. And most definitely not what Nancy expected, but was absolutely perfect in the end.
Loved having a book go in depth into the life of Millagro’s best friend Nancy from Acosta’s other series. Fancy Nancy planned the perfect life for herself until she realized perfect was unattainable. Love is messy and real. And most definitely not what Nancy expected, but was absolutely perfect in the end.
October 26, 2024
Another shocking knockout
from Marta Acosta! After stumbling on her stunning Temple-Grandin-finds-love Dog Thief series, and lacking the heart to cheat on Buffy with other vampire lovers, I took a shot with Fancy That and got my socks summarily knocked off! Style hasn't been this fun since Elsa Perretti posed for Helmut Newton! Wow, Marta!
from Marta Acosta! After stumbling on her stunning Temple-Grandin-finds-love Dog Thief series, and lacking the heart to cheat on Buffy with other vampire lovers, I took a shot with Fancy That and got my socks summarily knocked off! Style hasn't been this fun since Elsa Perretti posed for Helmut Newton! Wow, Marta!
September 27, 2011
Tissue thin and told in the POV of a very dumb woman. Who does not become smarter. The romance was obvious and hackneyed. And yet somehow I read through all of it. It was one of those weekends I guess...
May 7, 2010
I didn't like Nancy at first and wasn't sure if I'd like the book, but then came Eugenia. Nancy revealed herself and I loved her and the book!
July 10, 2010
The book is enchanting and has alot of good humor... it is not as sappy as some are nor as funny but it has some really good qualities, and I have not been able to put it down.
September 5, 2010
Another great book by Marta Acosta (aka Grace Coopersmith). A fun quick book to read with lots of laugh out loud bits...
February 12, 2011
Love, love, love!!! Nancy’s interactions with Eugenia (her cousin’s daughter) and Derek (her longed for gay British assistant) made this book.
February 6, 2013
Just hard to get into. All of the puns she did on grammer or phrases seemed confusing.
October 29, 2014
I really tried to like this book but I just couldn't. I got over 70 pages into the book and could not force myself to continue reading!
March 17, 2024
Just Wonderful
Fancy That is a great follow up to Marta’s Vampire series. Read all her stories. They are delicious and great fun! Highly recommended
Fancy That is a great follow up to Marta’s Vampire series. Read all her stories. They are delicious and great fun! Highly recommended
February 23, 2011
We first meet Nancy Carrington when reading Marta Acosta's wonderful Casa Dracula series, she's one of Milagro's best friends, so she couldn't be all bad, could she? She's one of those socialite girls who went to FU (Fancy University) with Milagro and ever since, they had become fast friends. No one understand Nancy Fancy like Milagro does.
By the time we find Nancy in Nancy's Theory of Style, she has married her one time boyfriend, Todd Chambers. Nancy knows they'll look fabulous together, have a fabulous life, and live in a fabulous house. But, maybe fabulous isn't all it's cracked up to be, and maybe life isn't meant to be fabulous. Nancy comes to realize that living with Todd isn't what she thought it would be, it's isn't her fairytale life that she thinks it's going to be, but then life isn't usually a fairytale unless you ignore reality, something Nancy comes to discover quickly enough.
Deciding she needs time away from her life and Todd, Nancy starts an events planning business, everyone is always so taken with her weddings, parties, and other affairs she has planned. She knows this will be just the thing for her, she's the best and it will give her life new meaning, she'll be seen as successful, Toddless. So, she moves back to her small apartment in Chateau Winkles, and starts setting up her business. Todd, on a rare generous note, offers to pay for an assistant to help Nancy, to make her life easier. Nancy is grateful for Todd's help, but is it really help or something else?
To add to her wrong choices in life, Birdie, her flighty cousins stops to visit Nancy, and leaves without taking one of her most important possessions with her, her daughter, Eugenia. Nancy calls everyone she can think of, but Birdie has done a complete disappearing act, not to be found, and no one will take Eugenia either. Having had Eugenia foisted upon her, Nancy has to learn how to care for a child, she's only ever had to care for herself. Eugenia is a sweet kid who refers to Nancy as Auntie Nanny, much to Nancy's embarrassment, but she lets it go, to please Eugenia.
Into the picture strolls her fabulous assistant arranged for by Todd. Derek Cathcart is everything Nancy has pictured the perfect assistant could be; British, gay, good-looking, and completely stylish, so fitting for her Theory of Style. Things blossom for Nancy, in many ways, her business, her assistant, and her niece. But, you know, just when you think you have it all, know it all.... that's when things start to come apart, a lesson Nancy has yet to learn.
Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith isn't your typical contemporary romance, nor is it Marta Acosta's typical paranormal romance. It's the story of Fancypants Nancy and how she learns to grow up, that does eventually include romance, and it's a tasty little romance, between Nancy and her fabulously gay assistant, Derek. But what Todd has paid for isn't only assistant services for Nancy, and it may cost her more than her heart. Then there's Bailey Whiteside, and he's not what he appears either, he has all these investment ideas, and even starts to fill Nancy's head with thoughts of a socially acceptable match, but what he really finds socially acceptable is Nancy's trust fund. Another issue for Nancy to deal with are her mother and father, they want life to appear happy, the perfect couple, but it's another fabrication in Nancy's life.
Nancy's Theory of Style is a humorous take on the lives of the rich and famous, and it isn't all fairytales and flowers. Nancy Fancypants has some serious growing up to do, and as yet, hasn't be forced to do so. She's made bad life choices too, including marrying the wrong man, and then almost making the same mistake twice. Of all her society friends, it turns out only a handful are truly her friends. Sloane, a friend from college, Milagro, GP, and Mrs. Winkles are the only ones besides her assistant, Derek, who we found out is Rick, really cares about Nancy. All those hoity toity society type friends are just waiting for her to fall on her face, especially Junie. I don't read many romances that aren't paranormals, because, let's face, I adore supernatural creatures! But, as far as a funny, fast, quirky, quick read goes, Nancy's Theory of Style is it. Milagro makes a few quick appears and never fails to make me laugh. Nancy's so involved in her life, she can't really see what's happening all around her. There are some laugh out loud ridiculous moments, some moments when you wish Nancy didn't have to learn things the hard way, and moments when you wanted to kick Nancy in the Fancypants. If you haven't read Grace Coopersmith (aka Marta Acosta), I would definitely start here. Then, rush out and buy her Casa Dracula series because you'll find you can't get enough. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers, you'll find yourself rooting for Nancy, after you get over the idea of kicking her in her Fancypants. Nancy's Theory of Style is about life and growing up, learning to really live. If you like to try this wonderful book, you can do it for free. For a limited time (and I don't know how long that will be), you can read the Draft of Nancy's Theory of Style at Scribd. It's a little rough and it doesn't have current cover art, but still so enjoyable. Marta Acosta also has out a new YA paranormal, The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove (only her publisher things the title is too long... I'm rooting for Shadow Girl), if you want to try this book for free, click here.
By the time we find Nancy in Nancy's Theory of Style, she has married her one time boyfriend, Todd Chambers. Nancy knows they'll look fabulous together, have a fabulous life, and live in a fabulous house. But, maybe fabulous isn't all it's cracked up to be, and maybe life isn't meant to be fabulous. Nancy comes to realize that living with Todd isn't what she thought it would be, it's isn't her fairytale life that she thinks it's going to be, but then life isn't usually a fairytale unless you ignore reality, something Nancy comes to discover quickly enough.
Deciding she needs time away from her life and Todd, Nancy starts an events planning business, everyone is always so taken with her weddings, parties, and other affairs she has planned. She knows this will be just the thing for her, she's the best and it will give her life new meaning, she'll be seen as successful, Toddless. So, she moves back to her small apartment in Chateau Winkles, and starts setting up her business. Todd, on a rare generous note, offers to pay for an assistant to help Nancy, to make her life easier. Nancy is grateful for Todd's help, but is it really help or something else?
To add to her wrong choices in life, Birdie, her flighty cousins stops to visit Nancy, and leaves without taking one of her most important possessions with her, her daughter, Eugenia. Nancy calls everyone she can think of, but Birdie has done a complete disappearing act, not to be found, and no one will take Eugenia either. Having had Eugenia foisted upon her, Nancy has to learn how to care for a child, she's only ever had to care for herself. Eugenia is a sweet kid who refers to Nancy as Auntie Nanny, much to Nancy's embarrassment, but she lets it go, to please Eugenia.
Into the picture strolls her fabulous assistant arranged for by Todd. Derek Cathcart is everything Nancy has pictured the perfect assistant could be; British, gay, good-looking, and completely stylish, so fitting for her Theory of Style. Things blossom for Nancy, in many ways, her business, her assistant, and her niece. But, you know, just when you think you have it all, know it all.... that's when things start to come apart, a lesson Nancy has yet to learn.
Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith isn't your typical contemporary romance, nor is it Marta Acosta's typical paranormal romance. It's the story of Fancypants Nancy and how she learns to grow up, that does eventually include romance, and it's a tasty little romance, between Nancy and her fabulously gay assistant, Derek. But what Todd has paid for isn't only assistant services for Nancy, and it may cost her more than her heart. Then there's Bailey Whiteside, and he's not what he appears either, he has all these investment ideas, and even starts to fill Nancy's head with thoughts of a socially acceptable match, but what he really finds socially acceptable is Nancy's trust fund. Another issue for Nancy to deal with are her mother and father, they want life to appear happy, the perfect couple, but it's another fabrication in Nancy's life.
Nancy's Theory of Style is a humorous take on the lives of the rich and famous, and it isn't all fairytales and flowers. Nancy Fancypants has some serious growing up to do, and as yet, hasn't be forced to do so. She's made bad life choices too, including marrying the wrong man, and then almost making the same mistake twice. Of all her society friends, it turns out only a handful are truly her friends. Sloane, a friend from college, Milagro, GP, and Mrs. Winkles are the only ones besides her assistant, Derek, who we found out is Rick, really cares about Nancy. All those hoity toity society type friends are just waiting for her to fall on her face, especially Junie. I don't read many romances that aren't paranormals, because, let's face, I adore supernatural creatures! But, as far as a funny, fast, quirky, quick read goes, Nancy's Theory of Style is it. Milagro makes a few quick appears and never fails to make me laugh. Nancy's so involved in her life, she can't really see what's happening all around her. There are some laugh out loud ridiculous moments, some moments when you wish Nancy didn't have to learn things the hard way, and moments when you wanted to kick Nancy in the Fancypants. If you haven't read Grace Coopersmith (aka Marta Acosta), I would definitely start here. Then, rush out and buy her Casa Dracula series because you'll find you can't get enough. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers, you'll find yourself rooting for Nancy, after you get over the idea of kicking her in her Fancypants. Nancy's Theory of Style is about life and growing up, learning to really live. If you like to try this wonderful book, you can do it for free. For a limited time (and I don't know how long that will be), you can read the Draft of Nancy's Theory of Style at Scribd. It's a little rough and it doesn't have current cover art, but still so enjoyable. Marta Acosta also has out a new YA paranormal, The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove (only her publisher things the title is too long... I'm rooting for Shadow Girl), if you want to try this book for free, click here.
November 15, 2018
Unexpected Treasure
This book did not start well for me but there were enough moments early on to keep me turning the pages.
There were a few issues with the writing that made it difficult to follow conversations but all in all the story was entertaining and I couldn’t put it down after a while.
Nancy, Derek (Rick) and Eugenia make a great family and it was fun to follow along and find out how they finally all come together.
This book did not start well for me but there were enough moments early on to keep me turning the pages.
There were a few issues with the writing that made it difficult to follow conversations but all in all the story was entertaining and I couldn’t put it down after a while.
Nancy, Derek (Rick) and Eugenia make a great family and it was fun to follow along and find out how they finally all come together.
October 12, 2018
Nancy is a spoiled little brat who shocker marries for the pretty sounding name. Everybody is really surprised when her marriage doesn't work out, I'm saying this very sarcastically. Needless to say she is entitled spoiled and is slowly being faced with learning how to be a human. Interesting read although everybody but the character could see what was going on 400 miles away.
February 9, 2018
Couldn’t put it down
I can’t say enough about this book. I consider myself a voracious reader of romantic comedies but rarely do I feel strongly enough to leave a review. I loved every fabulous moment of this book filled with self discovery.
I can’t say enough about this book. I consider myself a voracious reader of romantic comedies but rarely do I feel strongly enough to leave a review. I loved every fabulous moment of this book filled with self discovery.
December 1, 2023
meant to be snarky
The only thing I can think of is that the author meant to be a truly snarky story, and a main character, so there were some laugh out loud moments. But there were not enough real moments, either soon enough, nor enough of them, to enjoy.
The only thing I can think of is that the author meant to be a truly snarky story, and a main character, so there were some laugh out loud moments. But there were not enough real moments, either soon enough, nor enough of them, to enjoy.
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