Monday, August 20, 2007

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Frederica is my favorite Georgette Heyer book so far - and I love Georgette Heyer's novels! If you are a Jane Austen fan searching for unique regency romance novels to read in the vain of Austen, Georgette Heyer is your woman. While nothing truely compares to Austen, they are very entertaining and much better than run of the mill regency novels.

Frederica is the story of the Merriville family. The oldest of the clan, Frederica, considers herself at 24 as quite on the shelf. She is in charge of the family after her parents' untimely demise. She brings the family to London to give her sister, Charis, a season on the town to attract a wealthy suitor. Charis is a great beauty and Frederica has great hope for her. Frederica also brings her young brothers Jessamy, a studious 16-year old, and Felix, a rambuctious 12-year old who is very interested in mechanics. Once in town, Frederica discovers that her Aunt who always wanted them to come to town to visit, was merely saying that to be nice in her letters and has no way to launch them into society.

Frederica then decides to meet with her distant relative, the Marquis of Alverstoke, Vernon, to convince him to help the family out. Vernon is completely bored by society and the demands by his relatives for material assistance. To annoy his sister, Vernon agrees to help out Frederica and Charis by blackmailing his sister to take them to balls and introduce them if he will foot the bill of his niece's season. Vernon finds that the rambunctious family makes him appreciate the fun of life in a way he never has before.

I can't do this novel justice in a brief description. Read it and enjoy it for yourself! Heyer's characters have depth and are very enjoyable. I especially loved Felix!

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