A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Civil Contract
Book Review: Hope for 5 Stars
This is a wonderful story that makes us all thank God we did not marry our first infatuations. Contrary to what the first reviewer here says, the heroine is not fat, as her mother-in-law states however "she will run to fat" in her future.Heyer has again done a fabulous job with her charactors. I happen to love the the girls dad. He is an overly generous man who loves his daughter and will do whatever he has to see she is given the best his money can buy. Once his deals are done he does not throw himself onto the family that she is now married into and can't understand the families great love of Fontley-the family estate.(Neither of us understand loving something that is old damp falling to pieces, drafty and inconvenient with complaining servants).
The family has issues, besides being top lofty, stuck on the family name, broke, having a mother who likes to complain and make all feel guilty, a daughter who married beneath her station but is trying for piety, the younger sister who has more of her dead father's lively disposition, and who loves "Papa Chawliegh even though he is a funny one" and Lynton himself married to a woman who is rather plain-not ugly, but no where near the beautiful but terribly spoiled girl of his infatuation.
While reading this you will wonder at the patience of one and the gall of others.......lol The aunt is fun, dad has a good recipe or two, and this is a fab read.
Book Review: It is more about ordinary people
Summary: 5 Stars
I read a few reviews from people who said this whas their favorite Georgette Heyer book, and that is true for me. This is the only Georgette Heyer I remember whose heroine is ordinary. Although the story is primarily told from the hero's point of view, my heart really goes out to the heroine. SLIGHT SPOILER: Before the book opens, she falls in love with someone she believes she cannot possibly get to even notice her. She has a chance to marry him and save him from finacial ruin, so she takes it. END OF SPOILER.
There are many ideas in the book. At least one other reviewer suggested that it was a good thing we don't marry our first love. That is true, but the book is also about making the best of what one has. The heroine is shy and average looking, but uses good sense to make the best possible life for herself and her husband. She succeeds, not to the levels of exalted love, but of caring and comfort. It is a book for realists, and Georgette Heyer succeeds with this story better than she ever has.
There are also a number of enjoyable characters, especially the heroine's father. There are also a couple of side stories that could make novels, if we saw more than glimpses of them.
As is often the case, Georgette Heyer gives the book historical context. As is a bit unusual for her, a plot twist revolves around a historical event.
Book Review: Married for Her Money
Summary: 5 Stars
Lord Adam Lynton, faces ruin and the loss of his family home. He must raise the funds to recoup his family honor and has no other assets than himself and his title.
A wealthy nob has plans to secure his daughter's future and strikes a bargain with the destitute young man for her hand in marriage. But Jenny Chawleigh's heart is entangled in the loveless marriage and the sight of her beloved's interest in an old love.
A well written novel that will keep you reading and smiling.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and HAINTS.
Book Review: My new favorite Heyer!
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh, this book! Wonderfully drawn characters, terrific research and a lushly romantic story...this book drew me in last evening and I couldn't sleep until I'd read it all. I was completely and fully immersed in this wonderful, sad, compassionate, funny, and incredibly generous novel. It stayed with me all day, and tonight, I start re-reading it! I can't get enough of Jenny or Adam and their families, friends and foibles.Book Review: Not what I was expecting, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
I liked this book, but can't say a I loved it. I was expecting a passionate romance and got frustrated halfway through when I realised I wasn't getting it. Only later found out that Heyer's goal was to make it different from the historical romance formula and write a more realistic love story of a couple trying to make the most of a less than ideal situation, and learning that a relationship based on friendship and loyalty is more valuable than being head over heels in love.
When you put it in that light, you see that Heyer was successful in her intent and you will enjoy reading about a tender and mature love story and its three dimensional characters, specially Jenny.