Library's review
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.
Collections
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..." â??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 â?? and altogether entertaining â??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."â??Love Romance Passion "This is a great book that explores both the relationships of the characters, and the Regency era itself. Fun, entertaining, enthralling!"â??Wendi's Book Corner "[A] fun, charming book... Frederica is a keeper, going on my bookshelf."â??Lesa's Book Critiques "There was a playful, light-hearted feel to this book that, along with the engaging characters, totally charmed me."â??Genre Reviews "The novel ends on a most satisfying note, and I can think of no better way of spending a chilly winter evening â?? wrapped in a down comforter with my pooch sleeping by my sideâ?? than reading this gem of a book."â??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)