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39th out of 113 books
—
102 voters
Danse de la Folie
by
Sherwood Smith (Goodreads Author)
A light-hearted Regency folly, starring Miss Clarissa Harlowe who
wants a quiet life-but falls in love with a smuggler, the marquess of St. Tarval. Tarval’s sister, Lady Kitty, is determined to write a dramatic Gothic to save her brother’s mortgaged estate-if she can reach London. Clarissa’s much-pursued cousin, Mr. Philip Devereaux, is inexplicably intrigued by Lady Kitty,...more
wants a quiet life-but falls in love with a smuggler, the marquess of St. Tarval. Tarval’s sister, Lady Kitty, is determined to write a dramatic Gothic to save her brother’s mortgaged estate-if she can reach London. Clarissa’s much-pursued cousin, Mr. Philip Devereaux, is inexplicably intrigued by Lady Kitty,...more
ebook, first, 300 pages
Published
August 21st 2012
by Book View Cafe
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Back in the seventies, I wrote a Georgette Heyer pastiche, but by the time I got it typed up to send around, the second wave of Regency romances had pretty much taken over, at least in the USA: spicy, the heroines hopping into the sack with the heroes. Along with the sex came the modernization of the heroines--they were often on a first name basis with everyone by page ten, they went off alone through London without a thought, etc. Readers seemed to want that, though I didn't, so I pretty much s...more
Regular Goodreads followers know that I rarely give new books 5 stars – that’s for classics, and books I still love after several years. But this one was so much fun, it’s joining my five star moderns club.
Sherwood Smith has delivered a delightful “sweet Regency” novel for fans of the genre. I’d have to say that for both historical accuracy and adapting the “silver fork” genre for modern readers, Smith did a wonderful job. She has a discerning eye, allowing her characters to grow and change thro...more
Sherwood Smith has delivered a delightful “sweet Regency” novel for fans of the genre. I’d have to say that for both historical accuracy and adapting the “silver fork” genre for modern readers, Smith did a wonderful job. She has a discerning eye, allowing her characters to grow and change thro...more
Sherwood Smith is a chameleon! She so easily adapts to all manner of stories and genres. Danse de la Folie is no different. It is a typical Regency-style romance with four main players: Clarissa, Kitty, Carlisle, and Philip. True to form there are hijinks and misunderstandings and marriage swapping along with a couple of spoiled girls doing their best to get their own way. But also true are the proprieties of the time, which is nice. No first names and heaving bosoms (which always drove me nuts)...more
Oh, this was simply lovely. A silver-fork Regency with a real eye for period detail and a warm beating heart. It's the sort of book with lots of twists and turns and at every turn it chooses happiness. I dithered a lot about whether I should add this one to my fluff shelf, because although it made me feel all fluffy and cozy inside it has a refreshing solidity, grounded as it is in such a goodhearted, clear eyed view of humanity. Our four heroes are well-balanced, thoughtful individuals who are...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book (with one caveat). One of the things that has prevented me from enjoying a good many of the historical romances inundating the genre these days is that most authors seem to have no familiarity with the era and no desire to learn. Not so Sherwood Smith. Her regency depiction feels real and detailed with just enough explanation that anybody can feel comfortable with the motivations and reactions of the people in it. The main characters are engaging and their relation...more
A regency romance somewhere between Austen and Heyer with a likeable heroine (or two). It's genteel, of the period and doesn't make the mistake of modernising the heroines. They stay striuctly within the period. It's Clarissa's story with Kitty as a strong secondary character. Expect the usual Regency fare of unrequited love, misunderstandings, engagements to the Wrong Man and fortune hunters slightly spiced up by the fact that Clarissa falls for a smuggler - but no ordinary smuggler, a marquis,...more
I was initially thrown off a bit by the Heyer-like (or Austen-like?) language and the occasional usage of the author's omnipresent voice, but I actually ended up loving this frothy Regency-set romance and I have to say that I'm impressed by my first non-fantasy Sherwood Smith.
Yes, the plot wasn't exactly ground-breakingly original, but the way we got to the ending was immensely enjoyable(view spoiler)...more
Yes, the plot wasn't exactly ground-breakingly original, but the way we got to the ending was immensely enjoyable(view spoiler)...more
This is a rich, very Austinian Regency romance with lots of characters, lots of texture, and the perfect Austen voice. I loved the ill-matched betrotheds you love to hate! The whole tangled mess of relationships starts slowly and then rolls toward one disaster after another...I didn't know if the author would ever unscramble these poor lovers! A great ride!
This is a rare find. Here is a regency novel, well-written by a current author, who has done her homework in regards to early 19th century culture and morals and which depicts some intelligent, honorable and generally rational protagonists in an enjoyable storyline. Brava. I enjoyed it.
Rock-solid romp of a Regency romance with a great nod to the Georgian era built right in for depth and extra flavor. Clearly Smith can write a Regency and nail the historical details without feeling stiff or fussy. She's got the right stuff!
This was a pleasant, fun read. Very like Georgette Heyer, and I enjoy her work. I really liked the two main characters--especially Kitty. I did wish for a little more at the end, as I thought it ended a bit abruptly. Still satisfying, though.
I enjoyed this book a lot :-). Set in the regency era, very similar to a Heyer book but definitely not a copycat. I hope Smith does more like this.
I adore this book. So subtle and sweet! This author is crazy talented, writing amazing books in different genres. I'm impressed!
3.5 stars. A nice old-fashioned regency romance. Lucretia reminded me of The Grand Sophy. Interesting to see so much of the story from the 'villain's' pov.
This is the first time I have read this author. I was very impressed! Very good story - and very good writing style.
A different "style" from this author's usual book. More in line with the traditional Regency storyline. I loved some of the characters & really, REALLY hated others!
Love it. Written to read like a classic. Super cute and sugar sweet romance.
Obviously I was on a kick here, but I really enjoyed this one.
I enjoyed this story very much. It was clean - so so pleased to find no heaving bosoms,etc. I also loved how the author had the characters call each other Miss so and so or Lord whatever; they didn't meet and automatically call each other by their first names.
The viewpoint switched between characters. It threw me a little at first but I came to appreciate being able to know what each one was thinking and how they were viewing each other's actions.
Very enjoyable read - I will be recommending it...more
The viewpoint switched between characters. It threw me a little at first but I came to appreciate being able to know what each one was thinking and how they were viewing each other's actions.
Very enjoyable read - I will be recommending it...more
A great read!
delightful, not my usual kind of thing but lovely.
I adore this book. It is very fitting to the time period and has a good mix of humor, romance, and adventure. It's one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. I plan on reading it over and over again.
All the romance without the smut and language. It could have gone on forever. I loved it.
A well written book, but I spent the majority of the book being frustrated, which took away some of my ability to thoroughly enjoy it.
I liked it ok but wanted more interaction between the love interests.
May 15, 2013
Meredith
marked it as to-read
May 14, 2013
Nancy
marked it as to-read
May 14, 2013
Heather
marked it as to-read
May 13, 2013
Lisa
marked it as to-read
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I am a writer, but I'm here on Goodreads to talk about books, as I've been a passionate reader as long as I've been a writer--since early childhood.
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
More about Sherwood Smith...
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
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Oct 20, 2012 07:07pm
Oct 20, 2012 07:08pm