Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
New York : Avon, 1966, c1965
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: "Heyer was one of the great protagonists of the historical novel in the post-war golden age..." �??Philippa Gregory A reader favorite from the Queen of Regency Romance, Frederica is a charming story of a woman seeking security for her family, but finding love where and when she least expected it. Determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, Frederica seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society. Normally wary of his family, which includes two overbearing sisters and innumerable favor-seekers, Lord Alverstoke does his best to keep his distance. But with his enterprising �?? and altogether entertaining �??country cousins getting into one scrape after another right on his doorstep, before he knows it the Marquis finds himself dangerously embroiled. What reviewers are saying about Frederica "Humorous, light-hearted...a nice, comfortable way to get your Austen-fix."�??Love Romance Passion "This is a great book that explores both the relationships of the characters, and the Regency era itself. Fun, entertaining, enthralling!"�??Wendi's Book Corner "[A] fun, charming book... Frederica is a keeper, going on my bookshelf."�??Lesa's Book Critiques "There was a playful, light-hearted feel to this book that, along with the engaging characters, totally charmed me."�??Genre Reviews "The novel ends on a most satisfying note, and I can think of no better way of spending a chilly winter evening �?? wrapped in a down comforter with my pooch sleeping by my side�?? than reading this gem of a book."�??Jane Austen's World "Overflowing with fun and family, this warm, joyful 1965 Regency is one of Heyer's later novels and another popular… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member exlibrisbitsy
Frederica is a story about a woman who is the eldest daughter in her family, and has taken charge in the wake of her parents’ death. Her brother is off at university and this leaves her and her younger sister and brothers to fend for themselves more or less. Frederica takes the entire brood to
I loved this novel, I could barely put the book down! The characters were colorful, the dialog witty, the repartee was very entertaining, and the story line pulled me in and didn't let me go until the last page was turned. The heroine was engaging, intelligent and had a great sense of humor. I loved how much she worked in the background for others and seemed to honestly believe that nothing should be done for herself. I also enjoyed her counterpart the Marquis, and loved watching both characters grow and change throughout the book, and in a very endearing and believable way. The secondary characters were wonderful too and also offered their own brand of humor and believability to the story, whether it was the youngest brothers, the passersby in the park or even the family dog.
It is so rare that I find a book that I enjoy so much, find so easy to get into and not only that, but also am looking forward to reading again very soon! This was my first Georgette Heyer novel and I am already looking forward to my next one. Modern romance novels have nothing on the tasteful romantic tension, well researched historical content, and the complete and believable characters written by Georgette Heyer.
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London determined to give her sister a proper London Season, knowing that her sister’s extreme beauty will be more than enough to garner her proper suitors and have her situated happily soon enough. While there she calls upon the only relative that she knows of in London. A distant cousin, a bachelor and a Marquis, is surprised by Frederica and her pluck and determination to do for herself with little or no help for anyone and takes them under his wing. Doing so starts a chain of events that finds him in way over his head.I loved this novel, I could barely put the book down! The characters were colorful, the dialog witty, the repartee was very entertaining, and the story line pulled me in and didn't let me go until the last page was turned. The heroine was engaging, intelligent and had a great sense of humor. I loved how much she worked in the background for others and seemed to honestly believe that nothing should be done for herself. I also enjoyed her counterpart the Marquis, and loved watching both characters grow and change throughout the book, and in a very endearing and believable way. The secondary characters were wonderful too and also offered their own brand of humor and believability to the story, whether it was the youngest brothers, the passersby in the park or even the family dog.
It is so rare that I find a book that I enjoy so much, find so easy to get into and not only that, but also am looking forward to reading again very soon! This was my first Georgette Heyer novel and I am already looking forward to my next one. Modern romance novels have nothing on the tasteful romantic tension, well researched historical content, and the complete and believable characters written by Georgette Heyer.
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LibraryThing member rosalita
This is only my second Regency romance from Heyer, but it won't be the last. I'm a little surprised at how much I enjoyed rubbing shoulders with the high-flying ladies and gentlemen of the ton, London's high society crowd of the early 19th century.
As protagonist we have Alverstoke, a handsome,
Unlike modern romances, Heyer doesn't mess about with the whole "hate at first sight so of course they fall in love" trope. Alverstoke and Frederica have a healthy liking and appreciation for each other from the beginning, though neither is quite prepared to admit to feeling any more than that until a series of family crises forces them to confront their feelings. If I need to tell you that everyone lives happily ever after, you're clearly not cut out to read romances.
Some of my favorite bits were the astonishing variety of ways people of that age had for insulting each other — ninnyhammer, pea-goose, and slow-top were among my favorite variations on "dumb as a box of rocks". A little Googling now and then helped me figure out just what everybody was wearing, riding in, and doing. I now know far more than I should about carriage types and male fashions of the early 1800s but all that knowledge will stand me in good stead when I tackle the next Regency romance by Heyer, which I most surely will.
As protagonist we have Alverstoke, a handsome,
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well-dressed, wealthy Marquess who does not suffer fools or flirts gladly. He is selfish in all the ways that only rich titled gentlemen can be in that era. Or at least he is until he meets our heroine, Frederica, the eldest daughter of a respectable but not aristocratic family from the country. Frederica brings her younger siblings to London determined to launch her beautiful 19-year-old sister into society and thus into a good marriage — a "comfortable" marriage, not a "brilliant" one, as she takes pains to tell Alverstoke, for she needs his connections to smooth the way for them. At first, he does so simply to annoy his (extremely annoying) sister, but he soon comes to appreciate Frederica's bright mind, unaffected manner, and witty repartee. She herself, being all of four-and-twenty years of age, is of course well into her spinsterhood and thus hardly in the market for a husband for herself. Add in two impetuous younger brothers who continually get into scrapes and need rescuing by Alverstoke and you have the setting for a charming romance.Unlike modern romances, Heyer doesn't mess about with the whole "hate at first sight so of course they fall in love" trope. Alverstoke and Frederica have a healthy liking and appreciation for each other from the beginning, though neither is quite prepared to admit to feeling any more than that until a series of family crises forces them to confront their feelings. If I need to tell you that everyone lives happily ever after, you're clearly not cut out to read romances.
Some of my favorite bits were the astonishing variety of ways people of that age had for insulting each other — ninnyhammer, pea-goose, and slow-top were among my favorite variations on "dumb as a box of rocks". A little Googling now and then helped me figure out just what everybody was wearing, riding in, and doing. I now know far more than I should about carriage types and male fashions of the early 1800s but all that knowledge will stand me in good stead when I tackle the next Regency romance by Heyer, which I most surely will.
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LibraryThing member alana_leigh
First off, let me say that this four-star rating is for the story of Frederica itself as written by Georgette Heyer... not the ebook publication -- if I were just rating the ebook edition, I'd be forced to give it two stars for the simple fact that chapters nine and ten were not formatted
Now, on to the much more pleasing subject of Frederica, which is by far the most delightful Georgette Heyer novel that I've read to date. Quite honestly, I look to Heyer as a novelist whose Regency works all have much the same ring to them but I take some comfort in the predictability. A certain Regency time period (to which I am partial) will be depicted... similarly, there will be at least one couple who achieves a happy end by the time the book closes, usually with the requisite amount of worry that all will come to naught. Such is the case in this novel, but it's not the storyline that makes this such a singularly delightful book; it's the fantastic humor that glitters from most every page.
Indeed, Frederica is a terribly funny novel that follows the plight of one Marquis, Lord Alverstoke, a thirty-seven year old bachelor known for being one of the most elegantly dressed men in London... and quite a rake. He evidently cares for no one and takes pleasure in frustrating his others' plans to either have him matched or somehow make him pay for things that he knows they can quite well afford on their own. One of these sisters is quite determined that Alverstoke should hold a ball at his home to launch her daughter into the ton, but Alverstoke sees no reason on earth why he should saddle himself with such responsibility... not until a distant cousin turns up, asking a small favor that he can quite easily turn into some amusement. Since he's used to being asked for favors and money, it's a bit of a surprise when this cousin only wants a trifling thing and then she and her family spend the rest of the book decidedly trying to not inconvenience him... which only makes him want to offer them everything! Frederica Merriville wants Alverstoke's help in introducing her younger sister, Charis, to London society. A beautiful girl with grace and a sweet temper, Charis should not be allowed to languish in the country and be wasted... or so Frederica quite insists. Normally Alverstoke would not put himself out for anyone, but he finds himself liking Frederica's charming chatter and frank manner, so he agrees to not only own them as family, but stand in as a fake guardian so that they might easily pass in the first circles of society. Alverstoke agrees to host his niece's party... but only if his sister acts as the appropriate woman to sponsor the introduction of both Miss Merrivilles, gaining them access to parties and Almack's. It should be a simple duty discharged, but what Alverstoke doesn't count on is the fact that he becomes quite wrapped up with the Merriville family, including the young brothers Jessamy and Felix who are both unique and interesting boys that could really use a guiding male influence.
Having never really known the warm embrace of a loving family, Alverstoke falls in love with them all... but none so particularly as the smart and clear-headed Frederica, who might not hold a candle to Charis's looks, but he feels Frederica is worth a dozen of her sister. Smart, composed, and charming in her own right, Frederica seems to honestly believe that she's as good as an old maid. She's been running the household for so long that she's long given up any ideas on her own future so she can be mother hen to Charis, Jessamy and Felix... with some mild thought spared for Harry, the eldest boy who's up at Oxford and serves as the titular head of the family now that their parents have died. When problems turn up, though, Frederica finds herself relying more and more on the advice of their dear Cousin Alverstoke and Alverstoke is only too willing to put himself to great trouble for others for the first time in his life. And as another first, Alverstoke now faces a dilemma he's never before encountered: he might realize that he wants her, but what if Frederica does not want him?
It's hard to not fall for the Merriville family, they're such a large, loving and bumbling brood. They all have such good intentions and most of them are smart enough to be interesting conversationalists and characters. Felix is ridiculously intelligent and Jessamy is a bit of an old soul, struggling with moral issues without realizing he should be a boy while he still can. Charis is supposed to be the astonishing beauty, only made more attractive by her sweet disposition and genuine lack of pretension. Of course she's quite dim-witted, which means the reader will find her to be a rather negligible character; it's really Frederica and her brothers that delight. Then there's the wonderful Lufra, the family dog, who drags everyone into some scrape or another. (A particularly ridiculous and wonderful event involves Lufra chasing after cows in a London park and Frederica has to claim that the dog is a rare and expensive Barcelona collie that belongs to the Marquis. The Marquis then finds several disgruntled persons upon his doorstep and he has to snap into gear to catch up with Frederica's tale and insert his own humor -- "not Barcelona, Baluchistan! Baluchistan, Frederica!" -- to save Lufra from being seized by the authorities.)
Alverstoke is a wonderful character... thirty-seven and practically set against marriage, though not quite a confirmed bachelor. His rakish ways mostly occur in the past, so we have to take society's word for it, as he quite quickly begins to fall for Frederica. We at least see ample evidence of him being a selfish fellow without a wish to lift a finger for others in the beginning, but his change happens rather quickly, with occasional moments where you can see his old habits flashing up before his new self triumphs. Particularly charming was his interactions with the two schoolboys; he barks orders and calls them names, but it's all in good fun, so as a result, the boys adore him and obey his every command. Alverstoke himself experiencing for the first time the utter power held by an adoring young boy that might make one "[perjure one's] soul without hesitation" for the sake of that boy's peace of mind and do any number of unpleasant things, like tour a foundry or watch the launching of a balloon. His dry wit makes everything endurable and the boundless energy and antics of the Merriville family are made charming as he comes to think of them as quite his own.
I frequently laughed aloud, quite smitten with the ridiculous prattling of Frederica and the dry barbs of Alverstoke. Indeed, his reactions to tense situations are wonderful and I could quite easily see the dialogue (once the story was sufficiently trimmed and streamlined) being turned into a film. A bit of a comedy of errors, perhaps, even though everything is rather predictable, which isn't always a bad thing. The length of the novel could certainly have been trimmed -- somewhere over halfway through, I found myself wishing that we could get on with things. The names are all ridiculous, to be sure... but still, one endures for the sake of light comedy.
I certainly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a light Regency read, and I challenge you to not find yourself laughing out loud at some point as rakish and selfish Alverstoke transforms into a family man quite by accident. You might want to hit each of the Merrivilles at some point, but in the end, it's all quite worth the read.
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correctly, requiring the long and rather laborious persistence on the part of the reader as one is forced to translate every ",Äò" or "Äô,"into quotation marks... not to mention every dash, umlaut, or accented letter. And Heyer novels are filled with dashes and dialogue. It was terribly frustrating, particularly as the book was just settling into its delightful rhythm. Really, the publishers ought to be ashamed for such a shoddy publication.Now, on to the much more pleasing subject of Frederica, which is by far the most delightful Georgette Heyer novel that I've read to date. Quite honestly, I look to Heyer as a novelist whose Regency works all have much the same ring to them but I take some comfort in the predictability. A certain Regency time period (to which I am partial) will be depicted... similarly, there will be at least one couple who achieves a happy end by the time the book closes, usually with the requisite amount of worry that all will come to naught. Such is the case in this novel, but it's not the storyline that makes this such a singularly delightful book; it's the fantastic humor that glitters from most every page.
Indeed, Frederica is a terribly funny novel that follows the plight of one Marquis, Lord Alverstoke, a thirty-seven year old bachelor known for being one of the most elegantly dressed men in London... and quite a rake. He evidently cares for no one and takes pleasure in frustrating his others' plans to either have him matched or somehow make him pay for things that he knows they can quite well afford on their own. One of these sisters is quite determined that Alverstoke should hold a ball at his home to launch her daughter into the ton, but Alverstoke sees no reason on earth why he should saddle himself with such responsibility... not until a distant cousin turns up, asking a small favor that he can quite easily turn into some amusement. Since he's used to being asked for favors and money, it's a bit of a surprise when this cousin only wants a trifling thing and then she and her family spend the rest of the book decidedly trying to not inconvenience him... which only makes him want to offer them everything! Frederica Merriville wants Alverstoke's help in introducing her younger sister, Charis, to London society. A beautiful girl with grace and a sweet temper, Charis should not be allowed to languish in the country and be wasted... or so Frederica quite insists. Normally Alverstoke would not put himself out for anyone, but he finds himself liking Frederica's charming chatter and frank manner, so he agrees to not only own them as family, but stand in as a fake guardian so that they might easily pass in the first circles of society. Alverstoke agrees to host his niece's party... but only if his sister acts as the appropriate woman to sponsor the introduction of both Miss Merrivilles, gaining them access to parties and Almack's. It should be a simple duty discharged, but what Alverstoke doesn't count on is the fact that he becomes quite wrapped up with the Merriville family, including the young brothers Jessamy and Felix who are both unique and interesting boys that could really use a guiding male influence.
Having never really known the warm embrace of a loving family, Alverstoke falls in love with them all... but none so particularly as the smart and clear-headed Frederica, who might not hold a candle to Charis's looks, but he feels Frederica is worth a dozen of her sister. Smart, composed, and charming in her own right, Frederica seems to honestly believe that she's as good as an old maid. She's been running the household for so long that she's long given up any ideas on her own future so she can be mother hen to Charis, Jessamy and Felix... with some mild thought spared for Harry, the eldest boy who's up at Oxford and serves as the titular head of the family now that their parents have died. When problems turn up, though, Frederica finds herself relying more and more on the advice of their dear Cousin Alverstoke and Alverstoke is only too willing to put himself to great trouble for others for the first time in his life. And as another first, Alverstoke now faces a dilemma he's never before encountered: he might realize that he wants her, but what if Frederica does not want him?
It's hard to not fall for the Merriville family, they're such a large, loving and bumbling brood. They all have such good intentions and most of them are smart enough to be interesting conversationalists and characters. Felix is ridiculously intelligent and Jessamy is a bit of an old soul, struggling with moral issues without realizing he should be a boy while he still can. Charis is supposed to be the astonishing beauty, only made more attractive by her sweet disposition and genuine lack of pretension. Of course she's quite dim-witted, which means the reader will find her to be a rather negligible character; it's really Frederica and her brothers that delight. Then there's the wonderful Lufra, the family dog, who drags everyone into some scrape or another. (A particularly ridiculous and wonderful event involves Lufra chasing after cows in a London park and Frederica has to claim that the dog is a rare and expensive Barcelona collie that belongs to the Marquis. The Marquis then finds several disgruntled persons upon his doorstep and he has to snap into gear to catch up with Frederica's tale and insert his own humor -- "not Barcelona, Baluchistan! Baluchistan, Frederica!" -- to save Lufra from being seized by the authorities.)
Alverstoke is a wonderful character... thirty-seven and practically set against marriage, though not quite a confirmed bachelor. His rakish ways mostly occur in the past, so we have to take society's word for it, as he quite quickly begins to fall for Frederica. We at least see ample evidence of him being a selfish fellow without a wish to lift a finger for others in the beginning, but his change happens rather quickly, with occasional moments where you can see his old habits flashing up before his new self triumphs. Particularly charming was his interactions with the two schoolboys; he barks orders and calls them names, but it's all in good fun, so as a result, the boys adore him and obey his every command. Alverstoke himself experiencing for the first time the utter power held by an adoring young boy that might make one "[perjure one's] soul without hesitation" for the sake of that boy's peace of mind and do any number of unpleasant things, like tour a foundry or watch the launching of a balloon. His dry wit makes everything endurable and the boundless energy and antics of the Merriville family are made charming as he comes to think of them as quite his own.
I frequently laughed aloud, quite smitten with the ridiculous prattling of Frederica and the dry barbs of Alverstoke. Indeed, his reactions to tense situations are wonderful and I could quite easily see the dialogue (once the story was sufficiently trimmed and streamlined) being turned into a film. A bit of a comedy of errors, perhaps, even though everything is rather predictable, which isn't always a bad thing. The length of the novel could certainly have been trimmed -- somewhere over halfway through, I found myself wishing that we could get on with things. The names are all ridiculous, to be sure... but still, one endures for the sake of light comedy.
I certainly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a light Regency read, and I challenge you to not find yourself laughing out loud at some point as rakish and selfish Alverstoke transforms into a family man quite by accident. You might want to hit each of the Merrivilles at some point, but in the end, it's all quite worth the read.
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LibraryThing member fuzzi
Frederica is the eldest of five siblings, filling in as their parent as best as she can. She is determined to give her stunningly beautiful younger sister, Charis, the opportunity to have "a season" in London, in order to find a good husband to provide for Charis "comfortably".
But Frederica's
Frederica was an engaging story, in a spirit and genre somewhat between Jane Austen and Marion Chesney. It never felt like formula writing, and I was pleased at the lack of cliches. I also enjoyed the character development, which is sadly often lacking in Regency novels. It was recommended to me, and I recommend it to others.
But Frederica's
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family assets are modest, and she needs a patron for introduction into the stylish rich society of Regency London. So Frederica calls upon Lord Alverstoke, a very distant cousin, and he agrees to assist Charis' introduction to society, if only to tease and annoy his own sisters.Frederica was an engaging story, in a spirit and genre somewhat between Jane Austen and Marion Chesney. It never felt like formula writing, and I was pleased at the lack of cliches. I also enjoyed the character development, which is sadly often lacking in Regency novels. It was recommended to me, and I recommend it to others.
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LibraryThing member millhold
One of my favorites. Characters are very well drawn, especially Felix and Jessamy. The "Baluchistan hound" always has me laughing out loud. This is a good book to get you out of a blue funk.
LibraryThing member SylviaC
Still excellent. The dialogue between Frederica and Alverstoke is always fun to read, and the boys are well developed characters. It has one of Heyer's funniest chaotic climaxes, even if it is told second-hand. This is the book that I always recommend as a good starting point for anyone who wants
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to try out Georgette Heyer's books. Show Less
LibraryThing member PhilSyphe
I find Heyer novels to be hit or miss – this is one of her greatest hits. It’s pure comic genius.
The plot is basic, though this hardly matters, as the character interaction makes it a great read. In fact, I don’t think there’s a weak character in the whole book. Nearly all – or perhaps
Alverstoke is technically the “straight man”, but it's his reactions to others’ behaviour that's funny, particularly his responses to antics by the Merriville family.
The youngest Merrivilles Jessamy and (especially) Felix are hilarious. I love their beautiful sister Charis for all her naivety and sensitivity, which also makes for some good comedy moments.
The title character, Frederica Merriville, is a quality heroine. Her nature is in complete contrast to Charis and she’s just as appealing in her own way. No wonder Alverstoke wants to continue his acquaintance with her!
Not sure who to rate as my favourite cast member. They’re all brilliant. Guess it’s a three-horse race between Frederica, Charis, and Felix.
Being a reader who prefers character-driven stories, this suited me to the ground. There are too many quality scenarios to pick a favourite, or even name five of the best. Although some serious scenes do occur, these still have a light edge, with subtle humour never far away.
A wonderful and funny read.
The plot is basic, though this hardly matters, as the character interaction makes it a great read. In fact, I don’t think there’s a weak character in the whole book. Nearly all – or perhaps
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*all* - are humourous in one way or another.Alverstoke is technically the “straight man”, but it's his reactions to others’ behaviour that's funny, particularly his responses to antics by the Merriville family.
The youngest Merrivilles Jessamy and (especially) Felix are hilarious. I love their beautiful sister Charis for all her naivety and sensitivity, which also makes for some good comedy moments.
The title character, Frederica Merriville, is a quality heroine. Her nature is in complete contrast to Charis and she’s just as appealing in her own way. No wonder Alverstoke wants to continue his acquaintance with her!
Not sure who to rate as my favourite cast member. They’re all brilliant. Guess it’s a three-horse race between Frederica, Charis, and Felix.
Being a reader who prefers character-driven stories, this suited me to the ground. There are too many quality scenarios to pick a favourite, or even name five of the best. Although some serious scenes do occur, these still have a light edge, with subtle humour never far away.
A wonderful and funny read.
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LibraryThing member mmyoung
Reread - IMO one of the better Heyers. As is true of all of her books it opens up a window of the views of society and gender relations that were dominant among / acceptable to her reading public as, or more, than than it illuminates social and gender relations in Regency England. Mercifully the
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plot does not require the reader to buy into the idea that bullying from the right man is the key to winning a woman's heart. Show Less
LibraryThing member abruno
Lord Alverstoke is bored. Bored with mother's parading their daughters in front of him, hoping he'll bite and bored with the constant demands of his sisters to assist with his neice's coming out ball. Being a wealthy bachelor is not only a blessing, it can be a curse.
Enter Frederica. Frederica and
"Eccentrics are all the rage"
~ Lord Alverstoke
One of the reasons I like Heyer is that she writes such fantastic characters! Frederica and Lord Alverstoke were very funny, but the younger brothers, Jessamy & Felix, stole the show for me. They were adorable with all of their crazy antics!
This one starts off a bit slow, but don't worry you'll be hooked soon. It's a nice paced read and if you're like me, you'll have a silly grin on your face the whole time!
Enter Frederica. Frederica and
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her siblings travel to London with the hopes of applying to Lord Alverstoke, their father's cousin, for help to introduce her sister to the ton. Charis, is a natural beauty and Frederica is sure she could make a much better match in London than the country. Lord Alverstoke is not sure what to think at first - he's never met these people and although their father is his cousin, it's a distant relation. But, he is very amused by Frederica and sees an excellent opportunity to royally piss off his sisters, so he agrees and let the drama begin! "Eccentrics are all the rage"
~ Lord Alverstoke
One of the reasons I like Heyer is that she writes such fantastic characters! Frederica and Lord Alverstoke were very funny, but the younger brothers, Jessamy & Felix, stole the show for me. They were adorable with all of their crazy antics!
This one starts off a bit slow, but don't worry you'll be hooked soon. It's a nice paced read and if you're like me, you'll have a silly grin on your face the whole time!
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
On the one hand, absolutely stellar family relationships — Frederica and her siblings are charming and lively and hilarious, and Alverstoke is rightly won over by them. Also, huge points for the male love interest who is cautious and thoughtful and observant about how the object of his affections
I think that readers who are looking for a thoroughly period experience will be very happy with this book. If you’re looking for fast paced, it may not suite the bill.
advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss
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may receive him — not manipulative. On the other hand, it’s a bit slow going, with so much period language as to occasionally render entire pages into ruffling nonsense. Also, yes, we get that neither Charis nor Endymion is bright, but did there have to be quite so much dismissive ninnyhammering? I think that readers who are looking for a thoroughly period experience will be very happy with this book. If you’re looking for fast paced, it may not suite the bill.
advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss
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LibraryThing member RubyScarlett
Not as fun and light as The Grand Sophy but really good too. Quite a lot of the plot has to do with child rearing which I had zero interest in but Felix managed to keep me somewhat interested, which is a testament to Heyer's characterization. A lot of the introspection was verging on the
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sentimental and it did feel a bit too melodramatic for my taste at times but I've nonetheless enjoyed this a lot. Frederica's a very interesting character, I would have liked a prequel (just like reading about Sophy's adventures outside of the romance plot would have been such a treat!) Show Less
LibraryThing member LesaHolstine
Frederica is a fun, charming book. What's more fun than two interesting people sparring verbally with the wit so common in Heyer's books? Heyer's books may have a common theme of romance, but this one, with a man falling for a strong woman with a family to care for, will undoubtedly remain one of
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my favorites. Frederica is a keeper, going on my bookshelf. It's my favorite, so far, although I have high hopes for The Grand Sophy, due out in a few months Show Less
LibraryThing member theepicrat
Frederica was a pretty charming read, though I sometimes got bogged down by all the historical details that Georgette Heyer throws in. Not only are there balls and gowns, but she includes tidbits on foundries, hot air balloon exhibitions, and rheumatic fever. All very interesting, don't get me
The characters were fun, especially Frederica's younger brothers who wormed their way into the Marquis's hearts and twisted his arm to their whims. It was really fun to see the Marquis's defenses melt as he boyishly joined them in their scholarly but mischievous pursuits. And Frederica was quite the chatterbox and got herself into the silliest scrapes, almost reminescent of I Love Lucy mishaps. The dialogue between characters - especially the women - were hilarious to behold when they spoke of each other in brutally honest but polite words.
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wrong, but covered in great detail that I found myself impatiently waiting for things to keep going.The characters were fun, especially Frederica's younger brothers who wormed their way into the Marquis's hearts and twisted his arm to their whims. It was really fun to see the Marquis's defenses melt as he boyishly joined them in their scholarly but mischievous pursuits. And Frederica was quite the chatterbox and got herself into the silliest scrapes, almost reminescent of I Love Lucy mishaps. The dialogue between characters - especially the women - were hilarious to behold when they spoke of each other in brutally honest but polite words.
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LibraryThing member MargaSE
Witty and amusing,whenever i'm down I find it makes me laugh and escape, no matter how many times I reread it
LibraryThing member dolcejen
The one adjective that comes to mind when describing this book is "rollicking." A tale of a kind, yet spunky, older sister Frederica seeking a good match for her gorgeous sister, Charis, among the London high society, this is a fun, action-packed, humorous read full of many twists and turns.
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Georgette Heyer writes with energy, wit, and creativity and shows that love can blossom in some of the most unusual places and in people you'd least expect. The negatives in this book were the improper use of God's name at times and turning a somewhat blind eye to matrimonial unfaithfulness in a couple of instances. Show Less
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
Delightful, and my current favourite literary dog - the Baluchistan hound. A love me, love my family, love their dog story. Frederica approached a distant relative and demands he sponsor her sister's coming out.
LibraryThing member jmaloney17
Good sweet fun. It reminded me of Cousin Kate a bit.
LibraryThing member Stacey42
the story of Frederica a distant connection of Lord Alverstoke who asks him to help her introduce her sister into Society. Just perhaps invite them to a party at his house, one he was asked to have for his nieces anyway. But soon she & her siblings end up involving him in all sorts of mishaps. Very
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funny & entertaining. Both hero & heroine and assorted secondary characters are very likeable people. Recommended Show Less
LibraryThing member bacillicide
This is my fourth or fifth Heyer and I must say it's my absolute favorite! Perhaps because I identify with Frederica more than I identify with the majority of Heyer's heroines. Frederica struck a cord with me and I didn't look back!
Alverstoke was a brilliant match for her as well, and I feel like
I highly recommend it Heyer fans, Austen fans, and fans of historical romance! It definitely will not disappoint.
Alverstoke was a brilliant match for her as well, and I feel like
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their romance is far more... complete than I'm used to seeing in historical romances of this nature, it has a lot more evolution an detail in periods of hints and then repulsions, and Frederica's charming denials and argh I can't express how much I find their romance adorable and perfect, sincerely. Alverstoke is far from the perfect guy, in fact, I'd say most people would find him intolerable, but the mere fact that he made himself particularly useful and tolerable to Frederica and exerted himself on her behalf was pretty much his charm, and of the best kind.I highly recommend it Heyer fans, Austen fans, and fans of historical romance! It definitely will not disappoint.
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LibraryThing member veracite
There might almost be a tiny bit of modern thought in this one, the merest sliver of a suggestion of a breath of a hint of feminism.
Also, I love Felix and Jessamy to pieces. Of course.
Also, I love Felix and Jessamy to pieces. Of course.
LibraryThing member Bookbets50
Lovely slow read..cleverly written, great characters, good depiction of the Regency time period from the view of the upper classes.
LibraryThing member JenJ.
Frederica and her siblings have come to London for the season in the hopes that incomparably beautiful Charis, a none too bright nineteen-year-old, will make an eligible connection. Frederica is twenty-four and considers herself to be quite on the shelf, but when she turns to the Marquis of
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Alverstoke, a distant relation, for help in entering society he insists that both sisters be involved if he's to sponsor their comeout. Soon Heyer's typical hijinks start - helped along by the presence of two younger brothers and one irrepressible mutt (or is that a Baluchistan hound?) - as we watch Frederica and the Marquis realize they are falling for one another. Before they get their happily ever after though, we're treated to a dazzling ball, an ill-fated balloon ascension and plenty of sparkling dialogue. I always enjoy Heyer, but this is truly one of her best. Show Less
LibraryThing member AB_Gayle
I love this book. The alpha male who gradualy learns to think of others. The great secondary characters whose exploits keep the plot ticking along.
LibraryThing member BooksOverTv
The book was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed all the Characters from the Merrivales, Alverstokes, Dauntrys and etc. The banter was nothing slight of witty. The sentences were flooded with great vocabulary. She doesn't lack for wording. I enjoyed the language in the novel, the romance of it.
The
Again, I loved this gem and will reread, read and read it again, I'm sure!
Examples of the wonderful language/wording;
"It was nothing – just fun and gig! But the Bag-wig was feeling out of curl, and he chose to cut up stiff."
"She don’t come the ugly with the girls, and they must have somebody to play gooseberry, I suppose."
"I have cut my eye-teeth, you know, and I’m not wholly paper-skulled!"
"Musn’t drive one’s mother to pop off the hooks: shocking thing to do!"
The
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Marquis, his three sisters, his heir Endymion, his neices (which he refuses to remember)and his secretary Trevor all lend a hand to aid the reader in understanding the nature of Vernon and how the love and admiration of Frederica changed him round. Frederica, her sister Charis, her brothers Harry, Jessamy and Felix paint a potrait of her character quite well. In never thinking of herself she doesn't see what is transpiring in her own life.Again, I loved this gem and will reread, read and read it again, I'm sure!
Examples of the wonderful language/wording;
"It was nothing – just fun and gig! But the Bag-wig was feeling out of curl, and he chose to cut up stiff."
"She don’t come the ugly with the girls, and they must have somebody to play gooseberry, I suppose."
"I have cut my eye-teeth, you know, and I’m not wholly paper-skulled!"
"Musn’t drive one’s mother to pop off the hooks: shocking thing to do!"
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LibraryThing member Anniik
"Frederica" is the story of Frederica Merriville, the eldest sister in a family who has lost both of their parents, and Vernon, the Marquis of Alverstoke, a selfish, hedonistic man who does everything he can to vex his family. Twenty-four year old Frederica has used a great deal of her savings to
This is a charming book! Alverstoke is a brilliant and amusing character, and it is very amusing to see the change in him from the beginning to when he falls in love with Frederica. Felix is a charming child, and his near-tragedy at the end had me riveted and worried (I had to read ahead!). But most of all, the reader has to love Frederica, the selfless girl who thinks more of family than herself, and who doesn't realize she's in love until the very last moment...
A wonderful story!
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come to London in order to present her lovely yet vapid sister, Charis, to society, in the hopes of her making a good marriage. In order to do this, she enlists the help of Alverstoke, who is a distant relative. He agrees to do it in order to vex his sisters who have been begging him to put on a ball for their daughters, thinking that his connection with the Merivilles will be severed after the ball. But it is not so easy! Felix Merriville, the youngest and a merry and inquisitive child, begins to see Alverstoke as a sort of father-figure, and much to Alverstoke's suprise, has Alverstoke agree to escort him to all sorts of places around London. Alverstoke also finds himself involved in the life of sixteen-year-old Jessamy, who he also saves from trouble. Always having seen himself as not caring about other people, Alverstoke is shocked as he begins to realize how much he cares for the younger Merrivilles, but even more, for their eldest sister, Frederica...This is a charming book! Alverstoke is a brilliant and amusing character, and it is very amusing to see the change in him from the beginning to when he falls in love with Frederica. Felix is a charming child, and his near-tragedy at the end had me riveted and worried (I had to read ahead!). But most of all, the reader has to love Frederica, the selfless girl who thinks more of family than herself, and who doesn't realize she's in love until the very last moment...
A wonderful story!
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Awards
AAR Top 100 Romances (77 — [Previously 2004-17] Most Recent Rank - 2007)
Language
Original publication date
1965
Physical description
329 p.; 18 cm
DDC/MDS
| Fic Romance Heyer |