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julieclair's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An absolute delight! This was my first Joan Aiken novel, but it won’t be my last.
ssejig's review against another edition
4.0
Delphie Cateret is barely making ends meet teaching music. Her mother is incredibly sick and doesn't seem to fully understand why Delphie's situation is so different from her own (having married someone deemed "unsuitable," Delphie's mother came down in the world.)
Delphie finally works up the courage to go ask her mother's family for some mother so they can live more comfortable (very unselfish request, it's so her mother can get better). Through a series of mishaps, she ends up "married" to her cousin. It's a ruse so that their mutual, very rich relative will leave his money to the man getting the title.
In true fashion for historicals of this time, there's a lot more going on with an evil cousin and an impostor.
Delphie finally works up the courage to go ask her mother's family for some mother so they can live more comfortable (very unselfish request, it's so her mother can get better). Through a series of mishaps, she ends up "married" to her cousin. It's a ruse so that their mutual, very rich relative will leave his money to the man getting the title.
In true fashion for historicals of this time, there's a lot more going on with an evil cousin and an impostor.
holtfan's review against another edition
3.0
A sort of Georgette Heyer's [b:The Reluctant Widow|311096|The Reluctant Widow|Georgette Heyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327943029l/311096._SY75_.jpg|1435688] meets the Gothic meets Charles Dicken's Micawbers while remaining very distinctly Joan Aiken. I found it surprisingly delightful. Maybe I need to pay more attention when Goodreads recommends a book based on my reading.
It took me a bit to get into the story but I knew I was well in once I felt actual concern for the heroine. With a very scandalizing family tree and undercurrent of mystery, this is a light, enjoyable Regency read.
It took me a bit to get into the story but I knew I was well in once I felt actual concern for the heroine. With a very scandalizing family tree and undercurrent of mystery, this is a light, enjoyable Regency read.
librarianliz's review
The sentences were SO drawn out and wordy (and not in a good way). Conversations dragged on unnecessarily. I just wasn’t enjoying it.
lovelylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful!
Fans of Jane Austin will enjoy this plot involving mystery, intrigue, and romance. It kept me engaged and awake well into the night trying to discover the answers to the mysteries presented.
Fans of Jane Austin will enjoy this plot involving mystery, intrigue, and romance. It kept me engaged and awake well into the night trying to discover the answers to the mysteries presented.
muninnherself's review
3.0
This is quite silly. It weirdly didn't feel much like a Joan Aiken but I've never read any of her other adult books. Amusing but slight, and, once again, no one can do this stuff even vaguely as well as Heyer.
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