Frederica

Heyer is an author I enjoy even more when read aloud. This was delightfully entertaining. The Marquis of Alverstoke has no trouble refusing appeals from his widowed relatives to do things like host balls for their daughters. But when he is approached by Miss Frederica Merriville, whose late father was some sort of distant cousin-by-marriage, and asked if he could sponsor her beautiful younger sister into society, he gives quite a different answer.

Frederica does not intend to ask for more from Alverstoke than a simple introduction, but when she, her younger siblings and their dog get into various scrapes, they keep turning to Alverstoke for help.

Heyer does a good job of establishing that Alverstoke’s behaviour towards the Merrivilles show more seems out of character to those who know him but isn’t unbelievably so. Because the Merrivilles are not boring! I particularly enjoyed the way Frederica, with her composure and practical common-sense, keeps saying and doing things which surprise him, and the way he makes her laugh. The Merriville sibling dynamics are also very lively and believable.

“[...] I daresay you are old enough to be of use.”
“I am seven-and-thirty,” said Alverstoke, somewhat acidly, “and I should perhaps inform you that I am never of use to anyone!”
She gazed at him in astonishment. “Never? But why not?”
He shrugged. “Pure selfishness, ma’am, coupled with a dislike of being bored.”

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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 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 show more 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. show less

Top-notch Heyer.

I particularly enjoyed the gap between self-perception and reality in the supposedly uncaring and self-centered main lead, and the ways in which realizing that gap (and his own humanity and embeddedness in other people's needs and joys) are NOT wholly about the heroine. There's a scene at one point where this character thinks, essentially, "isn't it weird that I'm helping this hurt kid because of my affection for Frederica ... oh, wait, no, it's weirder, because I would be helping him even without the Frederica thing, as I actually care about him." Turns out he also has a sister who cares about him and is great, and friends and relations who know him a lot better than he would have suspected, I think.

This gradual reveal show more (for readers and for the character throughout the book) is *so much* more interesting to me than some angsty conflict between the two characters we all know will end up together. For their part, they like and are respectful toward each other the whole time, a fact I also find refreshing.

The very end felt a little blah to me, but not terrible, and otherwise I was pretty much enchanted throughout. show less

The Marquis of Alverstoke was a man of fashion, wealth, and indifferent morals. Impatient of the constant demands made upon him by his various relatives, he was not in the habit of putting himself out for anyone. Until, that is, the redoubtable Frederica Merriville and her younger siblings entered his life, bringing with them all the chaos attendant upon a large family of children. Whether he was sponsoring the radiantly beautiful Charis Merriville in society, rescuing the family dog from the consequences of his cow-chasing delinquency, or helping to nurse young Felix Meriville back to health after a disastrous balloon-ride, the selfish aristocrat soon found himself caring about someone other than himself.

One of Heyer's most charming show more stories of romantic redemption, Frederica unfolds a tale of broadening horizons and growing affection that is as satisfying as it is natural. Although not hilarious, in the style of The Talisman Ring, the narrative has a gentle humor that is appealing. As is so often the case with Ms. Heyer's work, the cast of secondary characters is well-drawn, from Alverstoke's maliciously jealous sisters, to Frederica's spirited younger brothers. An entertaining love story, that ably underscores its heroine's contention that the man who has no real affection for others is the most to be pitied, Frederica will appeal to any reader with a taste for light-hearted romance... show less

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 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, show more it may not suite the bill.

advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss show less

I love Georgette Heyer; she’s a cup of hot cocoa when needed and the reason that Regency romance books are here for us. Frederica is part of my triumvirate of favorites (along with Venetia and The Grand Sophy), and this was my seventh time reading it. You can’t go wrong with fun moppets, wonderful secretaries, and a hero who falls in love first. My one Heyer complaint is the extended beginnings before reaching our leads, but she does give such good overviews that the prosiness can (sometimes) be forgiven.

Frederica by Georgette Heyer is a 2009 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. (Originally published in 1965)

Utterly charming!

The Marquis of Alverstoke, a confirmed bachelor, generously becomes the sponsor for his cousin, Frederica, who seeks his help in presenting her beautiful sister, Charis, into society. Once he lays eyes on the beauty, he goes out of his way to help her, but soon finds himself embroiled in Federica’s dramas, while becoming an unwitting father figure to her young brothers, who are currently in her charge.

Although Lord Alverstoke is easily bored, he is puzzled by his fondness for his delightful cousin and the pleasure he finds in spending time with her brothers.

Frederica’s concerns are always centered on her show more siblings and doing right by them, completely disregarding the prospect of finding a husband of her own. Yet, she occasionally finds herself shaking off stray thoughts of Lord Alverstoke.

When a shocking development commands Frederica’s attention, Charis is planning to marry a man her sister does not approve of….

I have been a very long break from Regency period historical romance. Recently, I’ve found myself in the mood to bring historical romance back into my reading rotation, while also working through some titles on my TBR list. I have read a few of Georgette Heyer’s novels in the past- mostly her mystery novels- but if one is looking for a nice, clean, polite regency romance, Heyer is certainly a ‘go-to’ author.

One knows what to expect from a regency romance- so of course, there’s a great deal of fluff here, but there are some moments of suspense and concern, and Lord Alverstoke’s character takes great stride, redeeming him of his shallow self-absorptions. Frederica is a lovely, vibrant character, and I really enjoyed her dialogue and spirit.

Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me. Heyer’s books are what I refer to as ‘pure’ regency romance. These are so fun to read from time to time- and are good for my mental state, as well! Yes, I think it is time to start adding more of these lovely stories back into my regular reading routine!

4 stars show less