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15th out of 89 books
—
36 voters
A Matter of Class
by
Mary Balogh
Just in time for Valentine's Day, from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh comes yet another classic historical tale that sizzles with romance and unforgettable drama. Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by title, a factor that pains him and his father within the Regency society that upholds statio...more
Hardcover, 208 pages
Published
December 29th 2009
by Vanguard Press
(first published December 8th 2009)
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Aug 23, 2010
Sherri *Mistress of Laundry*
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of Regency romance
Listening to this on Audio CD is not quite as good. The narrator leaves much to be desires on such a great story. 8/2010
Original review:
This is my first Mary Balogh and it will not be my last! I simply loved this book! I really cannot review the story because I don't want to give even a HINT of the plot.
If you've ever read a book that just drew you in from page 1, that made you tingly all over, that made you laugh, cry and smile and that had an HEA that was deliciously smart yet so satisfying...more
Original review:
This is my first Mary Balogh and it will not be my last! I simply loved this book! I really cannot review the story because I don't want to give even a HINT of the plot.
If you've ever read a book that just drew you in from page 1, that made you tingly all over, that made you laugh, cry and smile and that had an HEA that was deliciously smart yet so satisfying...more
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Shorter than Balogh's typical novel, but every bit as good. Even better than some! Poignant, sweet, sexy, and surprising. Be prepared for a twist or two. I agree with Lady Wesley, who remarked that it has an O'Henry feel.
Edit: Came across this novella today and re-read it. Lovely story.
This was the most lovely, heartfelt, romantic short story I've read in a long time. Absolutely beautiful, classic Balogh regency. While I agree with others that it was too short for the price; DO get your hands on this story, it is that good. Yes, the ending is meant to be figured out by the reader long before it comes; it doesn't make one brilliant to have done so, or the story any less captivating. It is a great little story, an...more
This was the most lovely, heartfelt, romantic short story I've read in a long time. Absolutely beautiful, classic Balogh regency. While I agree with others that it was too short for the price; DO get your hands on this story, it is that good. Yes, the ending is meant to be figured out by the reader long before it comes; it doesn't make one brilliant to have done so, or the story any less captivating. It is a great little story, an...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I do not want to say too much because it would give away the plot, but I will give this a good try.
Annabelle is the daughter of an Earl. She has led a protected life of privilege. Reginald is the son of an extremely wealthy coal magnate. He too has led a life of privilege.
Due to an extreme situation, the two of them are betrothed. It is in spite of the disregard the two fathers have for one another. The story, though a short one, is of the two children growing up in their different worlds and si...more
Annabelle is the daughter of an Earl. She has led a protected life of privilege. Reginald is the son of an extremely wealthy coal magnate. He too has led a life of privilege.
Due to an extreme situation, the two of them are betrothed. It is in spite of the disregard the two fathers have for one another. The story, though a short one, is of the two children growing up in their different worlds and si...more
Oh wow..the flashbacks alone in this book is worth 5 stars! Which makes the “present” story and the HEA ending feel like icing on an already delicious cake!
I have not read a childhood friendship turned HEA story in a long time and I don’t know if I’ve read one quite like this because usually the childhood friendship theme start out with the H/h being rambunctious children with their other siblings or the H is the h’s brother’s friend or some other similar connection. In this story, their friends...more
I have not read a childhood friendship turned HEA story in a long time and I don’t know if I’ve read one quite like this because usually the childhood friendship theme start out with the H/h being rambunctious children with their other siblings or the H is the h’s brother’s friend or some other similar connection. In this story, their friends...more
A novella but choice. The author unspools a charming romance between mismatched people: he is the scion of a wealthy if vulgar coal magnate from northern England and his reckless spending has forced his father to take him in hand; she is a cash-strapped earl’s beautiful daughter recently ruined in a failed attempt to run off with the handsome coachman. Their families have ignored each other for decades though their properties share a common border. But the two have a history we learn about inter...more
Mary Balogh's A MATTER OF CLASS is a Regency romance about two people who haven't a prayer for a happy ending. Reginald Mason is the product of a happy marriage with a working class father who made a fortune. Unfortunately he wagered at the gaming tables and spent monies to improve his wardrobe but his father controls the purse. And his 'da' has had enough.
Annabelle Ashton is the daughter of a cold Earl who had lost a good portion of his fortune. His estate will suffer unless he finds a way of...more
Annabelle Ashton is the daughter of a cold Earl who had lost a good portion of his fortune. His estate will suffer unless he finds a way of...more
In this charming short novel by Mary Balogh, the children of two rival neighbors are forced into an arranged marriage. Reggie Mason, the son of the wealthy but untitled Bernard Mason, is an extravagant young man who has spent more than his fair share of time gambling and shopping. His father, in an attempt to rein in his heir, has decided that Reggie must marry into nobility. However, the only noblewoman who is even a remote possibility is Lady Annabelle Ashton, who recently disgraced her family...more
This is a delightful historical romance that reminds me of Jane Austen's books though it is much shorter and more light-hearted. Lady Annabelle Ashton has disgraced her family and forfeited a probable marriage to a marquis by running off with her father's coachman. The elopement is unsuccessful and she is back home, secluded in her room. In the meantime Mr. Mason, a wealthy neighbor who aspires to become part of the gentry, has had it with his son's philandering, wild ways. He mandates that Regi...more
Social stratification in England is a frequent subject of historical romances, but rarely have I seen a book handle the topic in such a entertaining manner. This tale of an Earl's daughter and the son of a coal merchant is concise and fun. I don't usually give romance novels four stars but it was that fun.
At the beginning of the story our heroine had just attempted to elope with a servant just as she had been poised to become engaged to a boring Marquess. Her father, a proud earl who can't stan...more
At the beginning of the story our heroine had just attempted to elope with a servant just as she had been poised to become engaged to a boring Marquess. Her father, a proud earl who can't stan...more
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh immediately caught my eye when I saw the above blurb. There's something about the story and the characters' actions that seemed different from other Balogh stories I've read.
We begin with Reginald Mason, a young man who is the epitome of the dissipated ton buck. He is more concerned with fashion and his matched pair of grays than he is with paying gambling debts or responsibilities. He is not Balogh's usual hero -- the man of honor whose family is most important...more
We begin with Reginald Mason, a young man who is the epitome of the dissipated ton buck. He is more concerned with fashion and his matched pair of grays than he is with paying gambling debts or responsibilities. He is not Balogh's usual hero -- the man of honor whose family is most important...more
Don't ever let it be said that all authors who have written many novels run out of new ideas. While it may be true of some, A Matter of Class proves it isn't true about Mary Balogh.
What can I say about this short story other than it was a delight, especially as an audio book. There are certain writer/narrator teams that bring out the best in each other and a Balogh novel narrated by Anne Flosnik is just about as good as it gets. From the very beginning I was captivated by this story as it was im...more
What can I say about this short story other than it was a delight, especially as an audio book. There are certain writer/narrator teams that bring out the best in each other and a Balogh novel narrated by Anne Flosnik is just about as good as it gets. From the very beginning I was captivated by this story as it was im...more
At first I was not very happy I chose to listen to this on audio, the narrator Anne Flosnik is not a particular favorite of mine. For the most part she does an acceptable job, but certain words she accents too heavily, her voice is slightly nasal and she just doesn't excite me. On the other hand, I have heard a lot worse, so while at work, with only this audio book to listen too, I stuck it out.
I really didn't like the story itself in the beginning either. First, the hero is only 25, and the her...more
I really didn't like the story itself in the beginning either. First, the hero is only 25, and the her...more
Reginald Mason is not a gentleman by birth but is wealthy due to his father’s success in the coal mining business. Reginald has been educated in the best schools, has all of the manners of a gentleman and is very handsome. He does not plan on marrying until he is thirty-five.
His father’s arch enemy the Earl of Havercroft has a daughter named Lady Annabelle who has disgraced her family by running off with their coachman to stop her father from marrying her off to a balding rich man with very bad...more
His father’s arch enemy the Earl of Havercroft has a daughter named Lady Annabelle who has disgraced her family by running off with their coachman to stop her father from marrying her off to a balding rich man with very bad...more
This was a great story, though I can't really say anything about the plot because I will spoil it. I really liked it very much. From the beginning you get the feeling that you're missing something, but you don't quite expect what happens, at least not until later that is.
However, I can't call this one a novel. It was really short. More like a short story or a novela. I can't understand why. I honestly believe this book had great potential. I can see how Balogh could have added many more details...more
However, I can't call this one a novel. It was really short. More like a short story or a novela. I can't understand why. I honestly believe this book had great potential. I can see how Balogh could have added many more details...more
This is a charming but slight novella about an appealing couple separated by class: he the handsome son of a self-made man whose merchant status has prevented him from being accepted socially, and she the daughter of an arrogant but impoverished titled member of the ton. When Annabelle's reputation is destroyed, Reginald Mason is bullied by his father into proposing to her. In this way, he will gain entry to the social milieu sought but never achieved by his father, and Annabelle is saved from s...more
Feb 22, 2010
Linda G
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
1
Recommended to Linda G by:
myself
Shelves:
historical-romance
**spoiler** Generally, Mary Balogh's novels are much longer but this is a short sweet read. Reginald Mason (not born within ranks of the gentry, his father is a self made man and earned his wealth thru coal) and Lady Annabelle Ashton (is the daughter of the Earl of Havercroft). Reggie and Anna both father's estates are adjacent and their parks are partially separated by a small river. Their fathers hate each other and the Earl has forbidden his wife and Annabelle to acknowledge any members of th...more
As usual, I loved this book by Mary Balogh. She is one of my favorite authors for a reason.
“A Matter of Class” features Mr. Reginald Mason and Lady Annabelle Ashford. Reggie is the son of a man who made his money in coal. Annabelle is the daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, who owns the estate next to Reggie’s fathers. The two fathers despise one another and forbid their families to intermingle in any manner. However, when Havercroft suffers a financial setback and Lady Annabelle is compromised...more
“A Matter of Class” features Mr. Reginald Mason and Lady Annabelle Ashford. Reggie is the son of a man who made his money in coal. Annabelle is the daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, who owns the estate next to Reggie’s fathers. The two fathers despise one another and forbid their families to intermingle in any manner. However, when Havercroft suffers a financial setback and Lady Annabelle is compromised...more
This one starts off a bit slow, but quickly develops into a delightful, fun little novella. I can see now that the first chapter was needed to set up the plot.
Reggie Mason's father made all his money in coal. Their estate neighbor, Earl Somethingorotherford, despises the Masons since they are not "gentlemen." The Earl's daughter, Annabelle, disgraces herself by attempting to elope with the coachman. There's nothing else for it but for these two to get married!!! But they have secrets! oooh ......more
Reggie Mason's father made all his money in coal. Their estate neighbor, Earl Somethingorotherford, despises the Masons since they are not "gentlemen." The Earl's daughter, Annabelle, disgraces herself by attempting to elope with the coachman. There's nothing else for it but for these two to get married!!! But they have secrets! oooh ......more
Lady Annabelle Ashton has done the unthinkable… she ran off with her father, the Earl of Havercroft’s, coachman and was brought back to the family in disgrace. Luckily, they had not made it as far as Gretna Green and actually tied the knot. Now, her intended, the Marquess of Illingsworth, a man quite older than her, has called of the betrothal. The Earl of Havercroft had been counting on the marriage to help bail him out of some financial difficulties.
Mr. Bernard Mason, entrepreneur, and neighbo...more
Mr. Bernard Mason, entrepreneur, and neighbo...more
Mar 24, 2011
Mti Librarian
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
2011,
adult,
emily-s-2011-reading-challenge,
historical,
marriage,
misbehave,
regency,
romance,
stolen-kiss,
river,
trickery,
teen
This is not fluff. It seems like fluff and I have read lots of fluff by this author, but this particular book is not. I feel like this book will appeal to a wider audience of teen and adult readers than Regency Romance usually does. And it helps that it is only 190 pages and has an absolutely fabulous and fearless main female character with a backbone on steel. (That's as much of a spoiler as you are going to get from me.)
Lord Havercroft and Mr Mason have been neighbors for more than thirty year...more
Lord Havercroft and Mr Mason have been neighbors for more than thirty year...more
This was a surprisingly wonderful book. I'd never read a Mary Balogh book before and now think I may have to.
Reginald Mason "Reggie" is the son of a middle class family. He is a gentleman but not a gentleman by birth in Regency England. Finally an opportunity hits his family when he is offered into an arranged marriage to Lady Annabelle Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, who has always been a neighbor and enemy to the Mason family. She has disgraced her family by almost running off wit...more
Reginald Mason "Reggie" is the son of a middle class family. He is a gentleman but not a gentleman by birth in Regency England. Finally an opportunity hits his family when he is offered into an arranged marriage to Lady Annabelle Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, who has always been a neighbor and enemy to the Mason family. She has disgraced her family by almost running off wit...more
Reginald Mason is, by all accounts, a gentleman - he is well-educated, courteous, handsome and very wealthy. However, the ton doesn’t see it that way, much to his and his father’s dismay. For Reginald Senior was not born a gentleman. He worked hard for this station even if it is said that their money is tarnished by coal. When the opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, he finds the op...more
In Regency England, the upper echelons of society thrive on outward appearances and intrigue. Reginald Mason has the look of a gentleman, but his recent behavior of "sowing his wild oats" and accruing massive gambling debts is making it more difficult for his "new money" family to fit into wealthy society. As it stands, Reginald's father is in the midst of a feud with the Earl of Havercroft, whose estate abuts his lands. Gambling debts and less than appropriate behavior is only giving the Earl m...more
The families of Bernard Mason and the Earl of Havercroft have lived in neighbouring estates for decades, ever since Mr. Mason bought his property, after making enough money to leave behind his early life. Mr. Mason started out in life as a coal miner, and the Earl was shocked that such a man would dare to buy the property next door to his. He forbid his family to ever speak to anyone in the Mason household, and for over 20 years, the families have completely ignored each other.
At 24, Reggie Maso...more
At 24, Reggie Maso...more
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Smmary:
Library Journal
Her scandalous near elopement with a coachman and his habitually drunken and spendthrift ways have brought Lady Annabelle Ashton and Mr. Reginald Mason to a pretty pass. Their families have had nothing to do with each other for 30 years, ever since the coal merchant Masons moved next door to the Earl of Havercroft's estate. But the highly successful Mr. Mason would like nothing better than to bring his aristocratic neighbor low by res...more
Smmary:
Library Journal
Her scandalous near elopement with a coachman and his habitually drunken and spendthrift ways have brought Lady Annabelle Ashton and Mr. Reginald Mason to a pretty pass. Their families have had nothing to do with each other for 30 years, ever since the coal merchant Masons moved next door to the Earl of Havercroft's estate. But the highly successful Mr. Mason would like nothing better than to bring his aristocratic neighbor low by res...more
I'm not a big Mary Balogh fan. At all.
I read Lord Carew's Bride and was left feeling very.. meh.
But, I've had friends on my back to give her a second chance, and since this was short (it really felt like a novella not a novel), I figured I'd give it a go.
It was short and sweet. No villain or anything trite like that -- just a very straight forward, mildly angsty love story.
There's a distinct "twist" but I had it figured out in the first third of the book, so no real surprises, though it did make...more
I read Lord Carew's Bride and was left feeling very.. meh.
But, I've had friends on my back to give her a second chance, and since this was short (it really felt like a novella not a novel), I figured I'd give it a go.
It was short and sweet. No villain or anything trite like that -- just a very straight forward, mildly angsty love story.
There's a distinct "twist" but I had it figured out in the first third of the book, so no real surprises, though it did make...more
Ms Balogh is one of my favourite writers. Lately I have enjoyed some of her books more than others and while I was curious about this one it was only when a friend mentioned having loved it that I decided to pick it up.
At first glance the story deals with one of the regency romance genre favourite themes, the marriage of convenience. And in this case a marriage of convenience between two people with different status, Annabelle is an Earl's daughter and Reginald the son of a man who made is fortu...more
At first glance the story deals with one of the regency romance genre favourite themes, the marriage of convenience. And in this case a marriage of convenience between two people with different status, Annabelle is an Earl's daughter and Reginald the son of a man who made is fortu...more
This slim little novel is not what it seems. Usually, thinner means less depth, more fluff, and a pretty generic plot. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so all I'll say is that as soon as I finished, I turned around and started re-reading all the "present-day" parts. (The chapters alternate between the past and present, both of which take place in England's Regency period.)
The story begins with Reggie Mason enduring a lecture from his father who is furious about Reggie's extravagant lifestyle...more
The story begins with Reggie Mason enduring a lecture from his father who is furious about Reggie's extravagant lifestyle...more
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Mary Balogh has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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“You are my flesh and blood and I have always doted on you, but right now I would have to say you deserve a haughty, ruined chit for your own and she deserves you.”
—
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