Tag: Celebrating Georgette Heyer

Sprig Muslin, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Laura Gerold of Laura’s Reviews

Sprig Muslin is a light and funny Regency novel that showcases Georgette Heyer’s wit. I really enjoyed it and it made me laugh out loud several times!  Sprig Muslin was first published in 1956, but the novel is set in 1813.  The main action of the novel takes place in London, Chatteris (in the Fenland District of Cambridgeshire, England) and the roads in between.

This novel tells the tale of Sir Gareth Ludlow. His high spirited fiancée died in an accident many years previous to the start of the novel. Gary has decided he will never find love again and to just marry a friend, Lady Hester Theale, for convenience. Lady Hester is 29 and labeled an old maid – she also has ideas of her own about getting married!

On the way to propose to Lady Hester, Gary meets up with a young girl, Miss Amanda “Smith.” Miss Smith is in a local inn scandalously without a chaperone. Gary decides to chaperone her until he can find out her true identity and family. Hilarity ensues, especially with all of Amanda’s tales and adventures. The scrapes and misunderstandings were fantastic!

The version of Sprig Muslin that I read contained a forward from bestselling author Linda Lael Miller. I’d recommend skipping the foreword until you’ve read the novel. Miller basically tells the entire plot before you start the novel without giving any insight. Continue reading “Sprig Muslin, by Georgette Heyer – A Review” →

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The Reluctant Widow, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Jane Greensmith of Reading, Writing, Working, Playing

The Reluctant Widow, first published in 1946, was Heyer’s 32nd novel and her 17th Regency.  It was my first Heyer, and it hooked me completely.  I confess that I sometimes find it hard to differentiate one Heyer story from the next.  The headstrong heiresses and their plights tend to merge in my mind over time, but the heroine of The Reluctant Widow is different.  She’s still plucky and headstrong, but Elinor Rochdale has an appeal that transcends the other Heyer girls.  Maybe it’s the fact that she is a working girl, albeit one with pedigree; maybe it’s her inherent honesty.  You get the feeling that she simply couldn’t lie, however much she wanted to.  Unlike so many other Heyer heroines, Elinor is not a schemer.  She doesn’t have an agenda, other than to live decently and without a lot of fuss. She’s not out to hoodwink, bedevil, dazzle, or charm anyone, and this makes her so very appealing as a heroine.

Plus the story is first rate.  The plot is awfully convoluted, but the upside is that this means you can read it a few times and it still feels fresh. To begin with the beginning, we first meet Elinor when she is on her way to a new governess post—her aristocratic father died after losing all his money and she is determined not to live off her relatives. She accidently gets into the wrong carriage when the coach drops her off at her stop, and she ends up being talked into marrying an absolute scumbag of a man, who is dying and must marry so that he can leave his estate to a wife instead of the cousin he abhors. Turns out the cousin is a hero of the first order, Lord Carlyon, but Elinor finds him “odious,” which is actually Heyerian code for “simply irresistible.”

The mystery of the novel involves Elinor, Carlyon, and his flighty, tonnish brother Nicky figuring out what the heck is going on in the ramshackle house, Highnoons, which Elinor inherited when her husband died but a few hours after marrying her. Catherine Morland types will be delighted to know that the house comes complete with hidden staircases, secret entrances, and other wonderfully “horrid” attributes. Continue reading “The Reluctant Widow, by Georgette Heyer – A Review” →

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The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Helen of She Reads Novels

The Masqueraders, originally published in 1928, is one of Georgette Heyer’s earlier novels. It’s only the second Heyer book I’ve read and I found it very different to my first, The Talisman Ring, in setting, language and plot.

Set just after the Jacobite Rising of 1745, it follows the adventures of Prudence and her brother Robin. Along with their father (referred to by his children as ‘the old gentleman’) Robin had been involved in the failed Jacobite rebellion and is now in danger of being hanged. To prevent him being captured, the brother and sister have created new roles for themselves – Robin has disguised himself as the beautiful ‘Miss Merriot’ and Prudence has become the handsome young ‘Peter’. All very Shakespearean! Not surprisingly, this leads to a number of misunderstandings and narrow escapes.

Things get even more interesting when Prudence, still posing as Peter Merriot, begins to fall in love with Sir Anthony Fanshawe – and then ‘the old gentleman’ arrives on the scene, claiming to be the lost heir to the Barham fortune.

I found the story confusing and difficult to follow at first. I spent several chapters trying to work out exactly why Prudence and Robin had found it necessary to masquerade as people of the opposite sex and what they were hoping to achieve. It also took me a while to get used to the Georgian-style dialogue, with all the egads, alacks and other slang terms of the period.

Robin made a face at his sister. “The creature must needs play the mother to me, madam.”
“Madam, behold my little mentor!” Prudence retorted. “Give you my word I have my scoldings from him, and not the old gentleman. ‘Tis a waspish tongue, egad.”

After a few chapters, however, various parts of the story started to fall into place and then I had no problem understanding what was happening. I ended up enjoying this book more than The Talisman Ring, which surprised me as a lot of people have told me that The Talisman Ring is their favourite Heyer, so I wasn’t expecting this one to be as good.

There were many things that made this book such a success for me. I thought the Georgian setting, with its powdered wigs, card games, sword fights and duels, was perfectly portrayed. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept my interest right to the end. And I loved the characters. The calm and cool-headed Prudence was the perfect balance for the more impetuous Robin – and both were fun and likeable. Watching Prudence’s relationship with Sir Anthony develop was one of my highlights of the book. Robin’s romance with Letty Grayson, who knew him only as a masked man known as the Black Domino, was equally well written.

Most of all, I loved the ‘old gentleman’. He was conceited, arrogant and a scheming rogue – but he was also hilarious and capable of coming up with such ingenious schemes that maybe his arrogance was justified.

“Have you limitations, my lord?” asked Sir Anthony.
My lord looked at him seriously. “I do not know,” he said, with a revealing simplicity. “I have never yet discovered them.”

I may have only read two of Georgette Heyer’s books so far, but I’ve enjoyed both of them – particularly this one – and can’t wait to read more of her work!

Helen is a 29 year old book lover from the North East of England. She particularly enjoys discovering 19th century classics and immersing herself in long historical fiction novels, but also reads other genres too. Her blog, She Reads Novels, is a place for her to post reviews of all the books she reads and to share her thoughts on reading in general. The title of her blog is inspired by a line from Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s 1864 classic The Doctor’s Wife – “She had read novels while other people perused the Sunday papers”. This isn’t completely true, as she does sometimes read the Sunday papers – but has to admit she would rather be reading a novel! Follow Helen on Twitter as shereadsnovels.

The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks (2009)
Trade paperback (352) pages
ISBN: 978-1402219504

Celebrating Georgette Heyer – Day 03 Giveaway

Enter a chance to win one copy of The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer (Sourcebooks, 2009) by leaving a comment stating what intrigues you about the plot or characters, or if you have read it, which is your favorite character or scene by midnight Pacific time, Monday, September 6th, 2010. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010. Shipment to continental US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck!

Upcoming event posts

Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: Devil’s Cub
Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: The Convenient Marriage
Day 05   Aug 08 – Review: Regency Buck
Day 05   Aug 08 – Review: The Talisman Ring

Celebrating Georgette Heyer   •   August 1st – 31st, 2010

The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Helen of She Reads Novels

The Masqueraders, originally published in 1928, is one of Georgette Heyer’s earlier novels. It’s only the second Heyer book I’ve read and I found it very different to my first, The Talisman Ring, in setting, language and plot.

Set just after the Jacobite Rising of 1745, it follows the adventures of Prudence and her brother Robin. Along with their father (referred to by his children as ‘the old gentleman’) Robin had been involved in the failed Jacobite rebellion and is now in danger of being hanged. To prevent him being captured, the brother and sister have created new roles for themselves – Robin has disguised himself as the beautiful ‘Miss Merriot’ and Prudence has become the handsome young ‘Peter’. All very Shakespearean! Not surprisingly, this leads to a number of misunderstandings and narrow escapes.

Things get even more interesting when Prudence, still posing as Peter Merriot, begins to fall in love with Sir Anthony Fanshawe – and then ‘the old gentleman’ arrives on the scene, claiming to be the lost heir to the Barham fortune.

I found the story confusing and difficult to follow at first. I spent several chapters trying to work out exactly why Prudence and Robin had found it necessary to masquerade as people of the opposite sex and what they were hoping to achieve. It also took me a while to get used to the Georgian-style dialogue, with all the egads, alacks and other slang terms of the period.

Robin made a face at his sister. “The creature must needs play the mother to me, madam.”
“Madam, behold my little mentor!” Prudence retorted. “Give you my word I have my scoldings from him, and not the old gentleman. ‘Tis a waspish tongue, egad.”

After a few chapters, however, various parts of the story started to fall into place and then I had no problem understanding what was happening. I ended up enjoying this book more than The Talisman Ring, which surprised me as a lot of people have told me that The Talisman Ring is their favourite Heyer, so I wasn’t expecting this one to be as good.

There were many things that made this book such a success for me. I thought the Georgian setting, with its powdered wigs, card games, sword fights and duels, was perfectly portrayed. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept my interest right to the end. And I loved the characters. The calm and cool-headed Prudence was the perfect balance for the more impetuous Robin – and both were fun and likeable. Watching Prudence’s relationship with Sir Anthony develop was one of my highlights of the book. Robin’s romance with Letty Grayson, who knew him only as a masked man known as the Black Domino, was equally well written.

Most of all, I loved the ‘old gentleman’. He was conceited, arrogant and a scheming rogue – but he was also hilarious and capable of coming up with such ingenious schemes that maybe his arrogance was justified.

“Have you limitations, my lord?” asked Sir Anthony.
My lord looked at him seriously. “I do not know,” he said, with a revealing simplicity. “I have never yet discovered them.”

I may have only read two of Georgette Heyer’s books so far, but I’ve enjoyed both of them – particularly this one – and can’t wait to read more of her work!

Helen is a 29 year old book lover from the North East of England. She particularly enjoys discovering 19th century classics and immersing herself in long historical fiction novels, but also reads other genres too. Her blog, She Reads Novels, is a place for her to post reviews of all the books she reads and to share her thoughts on reading in general. The title of her blog is inspired by a line from Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s 1864 classic The Doctor’s Wife – “She had read novels while other people perused the Sunday papers”. This isn’t completely true, as she does sometimes read the Sunday papers – but has to admit she would rather be reading a novel!

The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer

Sourcebooks (2009)

Trade paperback (352) pages

ISBN: 978-1402219504

Celebrating Georgette Heyer – Day 03 Giveaway

Enter a chance to win one copy of The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer (Sourcebooks, 2009) by leaving a comment stating what intrigues you about the plot or characters, or if you have read it, which is your favorite character or scene by midnight Pacific time, Friday, September 6th, 2010. Winners will be announced on Saturday, September 7th, 2010. Shipment to continental US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck!

Upcoming event posts

Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: Devil’s Cub

Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: The Convenient Marriage

Day 05   Aug 08 – Review: Regency Buck

Day 05   Aug 08 – Review: The Talisman Ring

Celebrating Georgette Heyer August 1 – 31, 2010

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These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Keira of Love Romance Passion

For a truly exceptional read, Regency or otherwise, that makes you giddy with glee you need to pick up These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer. It’s a delightful story about a cross-dressing female who goes from rags to riches and from unloved to abundantly loved. It’s even a guardian/ward romance! Not to mention the kidnapping sequence and the revenge plot! It’s positively action packed.

The hero is a cross between a dandy-like Corinthian, with his scented handkerchief, heeled shoes, and fan — and — the veriest devil of a man with fierce eyes, keen intelligence, and a merciless thirst for revenge. The heroine is a Nonpareil who can sword fight, capture princes with a flutter of eyelashes, and shock matrons with her language!

What really pleased me is the slightly different formatting. There seemed to be much more dialogue in this novel than in others also by Heyer. In addition, every chapter has a little summary-like heading telling you what you’ll find in the upcoming section. It was very nice and a source of amusement with titles such as ‘Lady Fanny’s Virtue is Outraged’ and ‘Mr. Marling Allows Himself to be Persuaded.’

One of my absolute favorite parts is a reflection of what’s going on between some side characters:

‘I don’t trust him.’

‘Why, I think I do for once.’ Hugh laughed a little. ‘When last I saw Léonie – Léon she was then – it was “Yes, Monseigneur” and “No, Monseigneur.” Now it is “Monseigneur, you must do this,” and “Monseigneur, I want that!” She twists him round her little finger, and, by Gad, he likes it!’

‘Oh, but there’s naught of the lover in his manner, Hugh! You have heard him with her, scolding, correcting.’

‘Ay, and I have heard the note in his voice of – faith, of tenderness! This wooing will be no ordinary one, methinks, but there is a bridal in the air.’

‘She is twenty years behind him!’

‘Do you think it signifies? I would not give Justin a bride his own age. I’d give him a babe who must be cherished and guarded. And I’ll swear he’d guard her well!’

‘It must be. I do not know. She looks up to him, Davenant! She worships him!’

‘Therein I see his salvation,’ Hugh said.

These Old Shades, pp 274

I hardly have the words to describe how awesome that last line is and indeed this whole section. The only thing that could make this story better is more of it! I did not want it to end!

These Old Shades is a must read for Heyer fans and one I would very much recommend for new comers to try first. You will not be disappointed.

Read an excerpt on Scribd

Keira is the webmistress of LoveRomancePassion, a website featuring the latest news, reviews and interviews in the romance world. She’s a longtime romance reader, a new Kindle owner, and a junkie for USA TV shows. She loves marriage of convenience plots and angst ridden breakups that ultimately end up in gooey happily ever afters. You can follow Keira on Twitter as ReviewRomance.

These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks (2009)
Trade paperback (384) pages
ISBN: 978-1402219474

Celebrating Georgette Heyer – Day 03 Giveaway

Enter a chance to win one copy of These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer (Sourcebooks, 2009) by leaving a comment stating what intrigues you about the plot or characters, or if you have read it, which is your favorite character or scene by midnight Pacific time, Monday, September 6th, 2010. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010. Shipment to continental US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck!

Upcoming event posts

Day 03   Aug 04 – Review: The Masqueraders
Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: Devil’s Cub
Day 04   Aug 06 – Review: The Convenient Marriage
Day 05   Aug 08 – Review: Regency Buck

Celebrating Georgette Heyer   •   August 1st – 31st, 2010

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Powder and Patch, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

From the desk of Lucy Bertoldi:

I’ve only begun reading Heyer’s books as of late last year and can honestly say that so far every single one has been a source of pure delight.  No surprise – Powder and Patch followed suit in keeping me well entertained.  This book, sweet, short, hilarious, with its oh-so-French flair was completed in one sitting.

The book is about Philip Jettan, son to the extravagant Maurice and nephew of Tom.  The latter are both highly fashionable men, who are well known in high society; whereas the good-natured, but somewhat simpleton and rough-on-the-edges Philip, leaves much to be desired.

Philip is, however, the loving flame of Cleone, a neighborhood friend and great beauty.  Cleone, along with the rest of Philip’s small family, all agree that the young man should get a make-over to improve his style, fashion sense, etiquette and social skills. Philip is not too keen on this and believes Continue reading “Powder and Patch, by Georgette Heyer – A Review” →

37

The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer – A Review

Guest review by Aarti of Book Lust

The Black Moth was Georgette Heyer’s first novel, written while she was a teenager.  She uses updated versions of some of the characters in her more popular novel These Old Shades. Set in mid-1700’s England, an earl has passed away, and his eldest son must be found to impart the news.  The son, Jack Carstares, however, was disgraced six years ago when he accepted blame that should have been his younger brother’s for cheating at cards.  After years abroad, John is now “working” as a highwayman in Surrey.  His younger brother Richard has aged unnaturally since the cheating incident and is married to a temperamental beauty who is likely to bankrupt him and possibly leave him for another man.

And then there is the dangerous and enigmatic Duke of Andover (known as “the Devil”) who is pulling all the strings (particularly those attached to the purse).  He falls so deeply in love with the lovely young Diana Beauleigh that he attempts a kidnapping, only to be foiled by Jack Carstares.  This sets off a chain of events that changes everyone’s lives in dramatic (and thoroughly entertaining) ways until everyone is sorted out and settled to live happily ever after. Continue reading “The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer – A Review” →

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Welcome to ‘Celebrating Georgette Heyer’ at Austenprose

“No one could have called Mr. Standen quick-witted, but the possession of three sisters had considerably sharpened his instinct of self-preservation.” Georgette Heyer, Cotillion

Please join us August 1 -31, 2010 for a month long celebration of historical fiction novelist Georgette Heyer. Included will be 34 book reviews of her romance novels, interviews of Heyer experts, publishers and academia. TONS of great giveaways including a chance to win 1 or all 34 Heyer romance novels being reviewed here during August. Just leave a comment to qualify and check back on September 7th. Good luck!

Event schedule • Event introduction • Heyer resources

‘Celebrating Georgette Heyer’ at Austenprose – August 1st – 31st, 2010

Stylish, witty and historically accurate, novelist Georgette Heyer has been delighting readers with her romantic comedies for eighty-nine years. In honor of her birthday on August 16th, Austenprose.com will feature a month long event ‘Celebrating Georgette Heyer’ featuring thirty-four book reviews of her romance novels, guest blogs, interviews of Heyer enthusiast from the blog-o-sphere, academia and publishing and tons of great giveaways.

Our very special guests will be Heyer expert Vic Sanborn of Jane Austen’s World and Deb Werksman, acquiring editor of Sourcebook Casablanca and the catalyst in re-introducing Heyer to a new generation of readers.

Thirty fellow Heyer enthusiasts will be joining in the festivities graciously contributing book reviews of all her romance novels.

Georgette Heyer Event Schedule

Sun      Aug 01

Event intro

Deb Werksman Interview

Review of Georgette Heyer’s Regency World, Laurel Ann – Austenprose

Mon    Aug 02

The Black Moth, Aarti – Book Lust

Powder and Patch, Lucy – Enchanted by Josephine

Wed    Aug 04

These Old Shades, Keira – Love Romance Passion

The Masqueraders, Helen – She Reads Novels

Fri       Aug 06

Devil’s Cub, Meredith – Austenesque Reviews

The Convenient Marriage – Austenprose

Sun      Aug 08

Regency Buck, Susan Holloway Scott – Two Nerdy History Girls

The Talisman Ring, Ana – An Evening at Almack’s

Mon    Aug 09

An Infamous Army, Elaine Simpson Long – Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover

The Spanish Bride, Kelly – Jane Austen Sequel Examiner

Wed    Aug 11

The Corinthian, Danielle – A Work in Progress

Faro’s Daughter, Joanna – Regency Romantic

Fri       Aug 13

The Reluctant Widow, Jane Greensmith – Reading, Writing, Working, Playing

The Foundling, Claire – The Captive Reader

Sun      Aug 15

Arabella, Kara Louise – Delightful Diversions

The Grand Sophy, Meg – Write Meg

Mon    Aug 16

Interview with Vic – Jane Austen’s World

Friday’s Child, Vic – Jane Austen’s World

Wed    Aug 18

The Quiet Gentleman – Jane Austen in Vermont

Cotillion – First Impressions

Fri       Aug 20

The Toll-Gate – Laura’s Reviews

Bath Tangle – Jane Austen in Vermont

Sun      Aug 22

Sprig Muslin – Laura’s Reviews

April Lady – Becky’s Book Reviews

Mon    Aug 23

Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle – Austenprose

Venetia – Austenprose

Wed    Aug 25

The Unknown Ajax – The Bluestocking Guide

A Civil Contract – Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover

Fri       Aug 27

The Nonesuch – Burton Review

False Colours – Austenprose

Sun      Aug 29

Frederica – Linus’ Blanket

Black Sheep – November’s Autumn

Mon    Aug 30

Cousin Kate – Book-A-Rama

Charity Girl – Much Madness is Divinest Sense

Tues    Aug 31

Lady of Quality – Elizabeth Hanbury Blog

Event wrap-up

Sat       Sep 07

Giveaway winners announced

The festivities start August first with a review of the newly re-issued Georgette Heyer’s Regency World, by Jennifer Kloester. Don’t be a wet goose. Chase away that fit of the blue-devils by attending this bon ton affair.

Cheers,

Laurel Ann

Graphic’s by Katherine of November’s Autumn & Kali of Strangegirl Designs!

Celebrating Georgette Heyer   •   August 1st – 31st, 2010

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