Mira Stables

A post-Regency romance by an author I remember from the 70s (I still have a couple of her books). This one I don't remember reading. Mr Develyn inherits an estate from his uncle, the Earl of Finemore. After an adventurous life, he is ready to settle in England and raise his daughter. However, when he arrives to take possession, he finds instead of the lodge he remembers at one of the gate a comfortable house occupied by a young woman who had been under his uncle's protection for many years show more although they were never lovers. Under the terms of the will, Miss Thornish has the right to occupy the house for her lifetime unless she marries when the house reverts to the estate and she is granted a generous dowry instead.

Unlike many of the genre, this is not set in the glittering balls of The Season, but rather the action takes place within the confines of a rural estate with occasional trips to London. Light and enjoyable.

Recommended. show less

A light Regency romance with echoes of Heyer’s A Civil Contract.

Katherine Martenhays is the daughter of a wealthy merchant and a gentlewoman. She has been raised by a maternal relation and has enjoyed three Seasons. However, she has not cared to accept any offer judging that it’s her father’s wealth that has prompted them.

Returning to her father, she renews her acquaintance with a neighbour’s poor relation, who has taken over the mismanaged estate. Mostly set in the country, the show more story is of their growing attraction and the barrier of her father’s wealth.

Light-hearted and a tolerable read, but not much meat to the story. show less

A very light post-Regency romance. The Longden sisters are dirt-poor following their mother's disappearance and their father loosing his fortune in mining shares. Clemency (the eldest) goes to ask advice from a neighbour about getting a job as a companion (in order that her father is not put to the expense of keeping her). They get off on the wrong foot, but his aunt takes her on as a companion/housekeeper following a fall and the arrival of her sister with her family.

There's a truly nasty show more villain - a highwayman with a taste for veal, who turns out to be behind Mrs Longden's disappearance. He kidnaps Clemency and holds her to ransom.

I didn't like this one very much - I thought the villain was rather OTT. Given when the book was originally published (1973), he was distinctly close to the knuckle.

OK, but probably not a re-reader. show less

A light Regency romance by an author I enjoy. Lord Julian Wellasford is trying to recover his ancestral home, which was sold by his gamester father. However, the current owner, a Mr Morley, does not wish to sell. Mr Morley suggests a compromise instead; his adoptive daughter is of an age to marry, so he suggests that the two youngsters see if they suit, and if they do, the estate will be settled on their children.

Light, but recommended.